Schinus Terebinthifolia Raddi Research Articles

Physical and physiological pathways of off-target triclopyr movement and associated non-target injury following basal bark application

AbstractBasal bark treatment with triclopyr butoxyethyl ester is used to control woody invasive plants, including Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi). However, the ester formulation cannot be applied where standing water is present, which includes wetlands where S. terebinthifolia is found. In 2009, a low-volatile acid formulation of triclopyr was labeled for use in aquatic sites, which allows for basal bark applications when standing water is present. This formulation may have utility for controlling woody plants in standing water. However, anecdotal observations of injury to non-target plants following applications during periods of inundation have been reported. To address this, mesocosm studies were conducted to assess non-target injury through triclopyr root exudation or release from the surface of treated stems via flooding. Mesocosms contained S. terebinthifolia as the treated target, while sugarberry (Celtis laevigata Willd.), buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis L.), and red maple (Acer rubrum L.) were included as non-targets. In the first study, the pathway of root exudation for non-target injury following triclopyr (34 g L−1) basal bark application was isolated with activated charcoal placed at the soil surface. In the second study, mesocosms were flooded to assess triclopyr release from the surface of treated stems and subsequent non-target injury. Defoliation of non-target species posttreatment was ≤8%, and triclopyr was detected at ≤5 µg L−1 in mesocosm wells when activated charcoal was present. Posttreatment non-target defoliation up to 92%, coupled with triclopyr concentrations in surface waters and wells as high as 4,637 µg L−1, indicated triclopyr movement as a result of flooding. Additionally, triclopyr non-target injury from soil activity independent of flooding was observed. These findings provide limited evidence of triclopyr root exudation but considerable evidence of triclopyr release during flooding following basal bark treatment and support a cautionary approach to basal bark application when standing water is present.

A contractor comparison of novel IPT tools and techniques for Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia) management

AbstractBrazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi) is a multistemmed shrub or small tree from South America that is invasive in Florida, Texas, Hawaii, and Australia. It forms multistemmed trunks with spreading branches that create dense thickets. State agencies in Florida manage it at annual costs of over $3 million, and individual plant treatment (IPT) techniques are widely used for control. Recent research testing novel hack and squirt approaches with aminopyralid and aminocyclopyrachlor and basal bark treatment with a new triclopyr formulation has shown these treatments are highly effective. However, they have not been evaluated at larger scales, which would be useful to land managers. Therefore, our objective was to compare the reduced hack and squirt technique using aminopyralid and aminocyclopyrachlor herbicides to basal bark treatment with triclopyr on a field scale. We used two contractor crews to apply treatments to twenty-four 0.2-ha plots. Treatments included aminocyclopyrachlor (120 g L−1) or aminopyralid (120 g L−1) applied with the reduced hack and squirt technique and triclopyr ester (108 g L−1) and triclopyr acid (34 g L−1) formulations applied with two basal bark treatment techniques. We confirmed that reduced hack and squirt significantly reduced the amount of herbicide and carrier applied compared with the basal bark treatments. By 540 d after treatment, aminocyclopyrachlor more effectively controlled S. terebinthifolia than aminopyralid with reduced hack and squirt and resulted in control comparable to that seen with either triclopyr basal bark treatment. These results verify reduced hack and squirt treatment with aminocyclopyrachlor and basal bark treatment with triclopyr acid as alternatives to basal bark treatment with triclopyr ester. Both resulted in significantly less herbicide use with comparable efficacy. This operational research approach has accelerated our understanding of novel IPT strategies and their implementation in the field.

Seasonality, Composition, and Antioxidant Capacity of Limonene/δ-3-Carene/(E)-Caryophyllene Schinus terebinthifolia Essential Oil Chemotype from the Brazilian Amazon: A Chemometric Approach.

Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi is widely used in traditional Brazilian medicine to treat respiratory diseases, as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and hemostatic agent. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of climatic parameters on the yield, antioxidative capacity, and chemical composition of the S. terebinthifolia leaf essential oil. The specimen was collected monthly from October 2021 to September 2022. Leaf essential oils (EOs) were obtained by hydrodistillation, and their chemical compositions were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Statistical analyses were performed to verify the climatic influences on the yields, chemical composition, and antioxidative capacity. The DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical-scavenging and inhibition of β-carotene/linoleic acid oxidation assays were performed to assess the antioxidant activity. The leaf essential oil yields ranged from 0.1% (July) to 0.7% (May and September), averaging 0.5 ± 0.2%. There was no significant difference in essential oil production during the dry (0.4 ± 0.2%) and rainy (0.6 ± 0.1%) seasons. The main chemical constituents identified in essential oils were limonene (11.42-56.24%), δ-3-carene (8.70-33.16%) and (E)-caryophyllene (4.10-24.98%). The limonene annual average was 43.57 ± 12.74% and showed no statistical difference during the dry (40.53 ± 13.38%) and rainy (52.68 ± 3.27%) seasons. Likewise, the annual average of δ-3-carene was 22.55 ± 7.11%, displaying no statistical difference between dry (26.35 ± 7.90%) and rainy (31.14 ± 1.63%) seasons. The annual average of (E)-caryophyllene was 11.07 ± 7.15% and this constituent did not show a statistical difference in Tukey's test (p > 0.05) during the dry (12.72 ± 7.56%) and rainy (6.10 ± 1.78%) season. Limonene showed a moderate positive and significant correlation (p < 0.05) with precipitation (r = 0.56) and a weak correlation with temperature (r = -0.40), humidity (r = 0.40), and insolation (r = -0.44). All samples inhibited the oxidation in the β-carotene/linoleic acid system (22.78-44.15%) but displayed no activity in the DPPH method.

First outdoor records in the Old World of the invasive drywood termite, Cryptotermes brevis (Walker, 1853) (Kalotermitidae)

AbstractCryptotermes brevis (Walker, 1853) (Kalotermitidae), commonly called the West Indian drywood termite, is an important structural pest in many parts of the world. Almost all records of C. brevis come from timber or furniture inside human structures. Although originally described for Jamaica, this species appears to be native to the coastal desert area of Peru and Chile, where it commonly occurs outdoors in the dead wood of both living and dead trees in riparian habitats and irrigated agricultural areas. Here, we report outdoor records of C. brevis from an agricultural habitat at the western edge of the Sahara Desert, an area climatically similar to their native range in South America. This constitutes the first outdoor report of the invasive termite in the Old World. In Dakhla, Moroccan Sahara, we found these termites living in the dead wood of a Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi) and the hollow stems of giant reeds (Arundo donax L.). In North Africa, C. brevis is otherwise known only from structural timbers in northern Egypt. Whether this termite become a significant pest in North Africa remains to be seen.

The influence of agent density for biological control of young Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia) with the Brazilian peppertree thrips (Pseudophilothrips ichini)

ABSTRACT Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae), is an invasive tree in the Southeastern United States, Texas, California, and Hawaii. The Brazilian peppertree thrips, Pseudophilothrips ichini Hood (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae), is a recently approved biological control agent for use within the US. The thrips have since been released in the field and are expected to reduce Brazilian peppertree performance. Pseudophilothrips ichini is likely to impact young trees but the impacts may vary based on thrips population size and tree age. To better understand the factors contributing to agent impact on young trees and P. ichini population growth, we measured the effect of P. ichini density (0, 4, 10, and 20 thrips) and tree age (3-, 4-, and 6-month-old plants), on tree performance and P. ichini productivity in the laboratory. Brazilian peppertree height and the number of growing tips were reduced across all age groups. However, the negative impact was more pronounced on the youngest trees, which had a reduction in the relative change in height of 171% and a 100% reduction in the number of growing tips. Pseudophilothrips ichini production was positively correlated with tree height (r = 0.44) and biomass (r = 0.56), but thrips relative production was similar across tree age. Results indicate that P. ichini have a great capacity for population increase regardless of starting density. Field studies are needed to corroborate these findings and identify barriers to agent success. This work aims to refine expectations of the impacts to Brazilian peppertree caused by P. ichini.

Chemical and cytotoxicity profiles of 11 pink pepper (Schinus spp.) samples via non-targeted hyphenated high-performance thin-layer chromatography

IntroductionPink pepper is a worldwide used spice that corresponds to the berries of two species, Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi or S. molle L. (Anacardiaceae). Toxic and allergic reactions by ingestion or contact with these plants were reported, and classical in vitro studies have highlighted the cytotoxic properties of apolar extracts from the fruits.ObjectivesPerform a non-targeted screening of 11 pink pepper samples for the detection and identification of individual cytotoxic substances.MethodsAfter reversed-phase high-performance thin-layer chromatography (RP-HPTLC) separation of the extracts and multi-imaging (UV/Vis/FLD), cytotoxic compounds were detected by bioluminescence reduction from luciferase reporter cells (HEK 293 T-CMV-ELuc) applied directly on the adsorbent surface, followed by elution of detected cytotoxic substance into atmospheric-pressure chemical ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry (APCI-HRMS).ResultsSeparations for mid-polar and non-polar fruit extracts demonstrated the selectivity of the method to different substance classes. One cytotoxic substance zone was tentatively assigned as moronic acid, a pentacyclic triterpenoid acid.ConclusionThe developed non-targeted hyphenated RP-HPTLC–UV/Vis/FLD–bioluminescent cytotoxicity bioassay–FIA–APCI-HRMS method was successfully demonstrated for cytotoxicity screening (bioprofiling) and respective cytotoxin assignment.

The effects of soil type and moisture on the survival of Pseudophilothrips ichini (Hood)

ABSTRACT Pseudophilothrips ichini (Hood) (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) is a classical biological control agent used to control Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi, in Florida, USA. Brazilian peppertree is an invasive weed that threatens natural and agricultural environments, including sensitive habitats such as mangrove swamps. As P. ichini generally pupates in the soil and its host plant can occur in wet areas, it is important to investigate the effects of soil type, moisture, salinity, and immersion survival time on adult emergence. Five moisture contents (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) were used in factorial combination with three soil types (fine sand, sand, and muck) using fresh or brackish water. To simulate sporadic flooding, we also assessed larval and pupal survival after being immersed in fresh and brackish water for 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 16, and 32 h. A generalised mixed model logistic regression was used to analyse the data in both experiments. As soil moisture content increased, the proportion of P. ichini emerging as adults decreased across all soil types and water types. The survival of larvae and pupae immersed in either brackish or fresh water declined over time, with no survival at 32 h. There was a significant difference between water types for the survival of pupae and adult emergence of pupae and larvae, with higher survival in brackish water. The outcome of this study contributes to our understanding of P. ichini ecology and the estimation of thrips establishment success in a variety of habitats infested by Brazilian peppertree.

Distribution and impact of the native South African wasp, Megastigmus transvaalensis (Hussey, 1956) (Hymenoptera: Torymidae) on the invasive Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Anacardiaceae) in South Africa

Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Anacardiaceae) (Brazilian pepper tree) is a tree native to subtropical South America that was introduced into South Africa as an ornamental plant. Globally, it is regarded as one of the world’s worst invasive trees. In South Africa the tree has acquired a native seed-feeding wasp, Megastigmus transvaalensis (Hussey, 1956) (Hymenoptera: Torymidae). The wasp’s native hosts are from the Searsia F.A. Barkley genus (Anacardiaceae), but it has expanded its host range to form a new association with both S. terebinthifolia and its close relative Schinus molle L. (Anacardiaceae). In order to quantify the seed predation by M. transvaalensis on S. terebinthifolia seeds, tree populations were surveyed across the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. The wasp was present at 99% of the S. terebinthifolia populations with an average of 22% of the seeds being destroyed. In the Eastern Cape province, the highest seed damage occurred at the start of the winter months, when about 35% of seeds were damaged. This fell to less than 12% in spring and summer when the plants were flowering. Megastigmus transvaalensis was found at nearly all the S. terebinthifolia populations in South Africa, but due to the limited number of predated seeds it is unlikely to reduce population sizes or curb the spread of the invasive alien tree in South Africa.

DIRECT SEEDING FOR FOREST RESTORATION IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL: INFLUENCE OF SOIL CONDITIONS AND SUBTROPICAL CLIMATE

In this study, we evaluated the direct seeding of tree Atlantic Forest species for ecological restoration under subtropical climate. We aimed to answer: Are the seedling survival and development influenced by the low temperatures in the winter or soil conditions? Which species have the best development and are most suitable for restoration projects in the subtropical region? The study was carried out in a degraded riparian forest in the center of the Rio Grande do Sul state, southern Brazil. The seeded species were Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi, Psidium cattleyanum Sabine, Eugenia uniflora L., Cupania vernalis Cambess., Prunus myrtifolia L. (Urb.), Zanthoxylum rhoifolium Lam. Evaluations were performed monthly for 12 months. Generalized linear models (GLM) were evaluated using emergence, survival and seedling height as response variables, also species and time as explanatory variables with the Gamma distribution. The species that germinated were P. cattleyanum, E. uniflora and C. vernalis. Eugenia uniflora presented a higher germination rate (83.33%) and survival (80.00%) at 360 days after sowing. The species did not differ in height growth. We noted differences in height development over time caused by winter conditions. Cupania vernalis and E. uniflora may be considered as potential species for direct seeding in their natural occurrence areas in southern Brazil. Our study highlights the importance of enhancing ecological aspects of direct seeding.

Sewage sludge as substrate in Schinus terebinthifolia raddi seedlings commercial production

Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi is a species with several potential uses; selecting the proper substrate and fertilizer rate can be vital for seedling production in a nursery environment. This study aims to evaluate two substrates, namely: (i) sewage sludge (SS) from Ilha WWTP; (ii) a commercial substrate (CS) made of organic materials (mainly sphagnum peat). Increasing rates of controlled-release fertilizer – CRF (0, 3, 6, and 12 kg m−3) were applied. The experiment was completely randomized with a factorial 2 × 4 scheme (substrates × rates). The seedlings’ growth, biomass, and quality were evaluated. The treatments were compared by Tukey test and regression analysis, where linear, quadratic, and cubic models were considered. Principal components analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis were performed. The CRF rates showed non-significant effects for most of the investigated variables in the SS substrate. In the CS, a 7.8 kg m−3 rate of CRF showed the best growth performance. The multivariate analysis of the morphological parameters proved suitable as a complementary approach to evaluate the seedlings’ quality. Seedlings reached recommended values for height, diameter, and quality in the 100% SS substrate without chemical fertilizers; thus, Schinus terebinthifolia production in the SS from Ilha is recommended. Besides the growth advantage, the SS can promote nursery cost savings with commercial substrates and chemical fertilizers.

In vitro effects of European and Latin-American medicinal plants in CYP3A4 gene expression, glutathione levels, and P-glycoprotein activity.

Many medicinal plants species from European -such as Artemisia absinthium, Equisetum arvense, Lamium album, Malva sylvestris, Morus nigra, Passiflora incarnata, Frangula purshiana, and Salix alba- as well as Latin American traditions -such as Libidibia ferrea, Bidens pilosa, Casearia sylvestris, Costus spicatus, Monteverdia ilicifolia, Persea americana, Schinus terebinthifolia, Solidago chilensis, Syzygium cumini, Handroanthus impetiginosus, and Vernonanthura phosphorica- are shortlisted by the Brazilian National Health System for future clinical use. However, they lack many data on their action upon some key ADME targets. In this study, we assess non-toxic concentrations (up to100 μg/ml) of their infusions for in vitro ability to modulate CYP3A4 mRNA gene expression and intracellular glutathione levels in HepG2 cells, as well as P-glycoprotein (P-gp) activity in vincristine-resistant Caco-2 cells (Caco-2 VCR). We further investigated the activation of human pregnane X receptor (hPXR) in transiently co-transfected HeLa cells and the inhibition of Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in HepG2 cells. Our results demonstrate L. ferrea, C. sylvestris , M. ilicifolia, P. americana, S. terebinthifolia, S. cumini, V. phosphorica, E. arvense, P. incarnata, F. purshiana, and S. alba can significantly increase CYP3A4 mRNA gene expression in HepG2 cells. Only F. purshiana shown to do so likely via hPXR activation. P-gp activity was affected by L. ferrea, F. purshiana, S. terebinthifolia, and S. cumini. Total intracellular glutathione levels were significantly depleted by exposure to all extracts except S. alba and S. cumini This was accompanied by a lower GGT activity in the case of C. spicatus, P. americana, S. alba, and S. terebinthifolia, whilst L. ferrea, P. incarnata and F. purshiana increased it. Surprisingly, S. cumini aqueous extract drastically decreased GGT activity (−48%, p < 0.01). In conclusion, this preclinical study shows that the administration of some of these herbal medicines causes in vitro disturbances to key drug metabolism mechanisms. We recommend active pharmacovigilance for Libidibia ferrea (Mart.) L. P. Queiroz, Frangula purshiana Cooper, Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi, and Salix alba L. which were able to alter all targets in our preclinical study.

Natural History and Spread of Brazilian Peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia; Anacardiaceae) in Florida and Its Role in Range Expansion by Tetyra antillarum Kirkaldy (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae)

Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi), a native South American tree, has invaded disturbed sites and natural areas in peninsular Florida. We report Brazilian peppertree as a new host for a little-known heteropteran, the Neotropical scutellerid, Tetyra antillarum (Kirkaldy), whose U.S. distribution is restricted to Florida. In 2016 to 2019 and 2021, we collected a total of 10 nymphs (all instars except IV) and 56 adults by beating fruit-laden branches in mid-February, early March, and early April. Multiple introductions of Brazilian peppertree in south Florida and eventual intraspecific hybridization of two haplotypes (Miami area and Gulf Coast) created genotypes more suited to Florida's climate, which fueled aggressive northward expansion in the peninsula. We review the history of Brazilian peppertree's planting in Florida and its northward expansion in the interior of the peninsula. As a corollary, we propose that Brazilian peppertree's northern spread in the peninsula triggered subsequent range expansion by T. antillarum. Our supposition is based on fruit of the novel host being available in fall and winter when fruits of most other woody plants are lacking, coupled with absence of the bug's other known host, gumbo limbo (Bursera simaruba [L.] Sarg.); this tropical tree is not hardy in the Lake Wales Ridge where T. antillarum was most numerous. First collected at Key West in 1887, the scutellerid now is known from the peninsula's northeasternmost county, Nassau, which borders on Georgia. We present new records of T. antillarum from Florida and countries in Central America and the West Indies, and new state records for Mexico. Certain U.S records of T. antillarum posted on the internet are referred to T. bipunctata (Herrich-Schaeffer).

First record of the bow-legged bug, Hyalymenus subinermis Van Duzee, 1923 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Alydidae), in California, with description of the mimetic immature stages

The bow-legged bug genus Hyalymenus Amyot & Serville, 1843 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Coreoidea: Alydidae) includes 20 New World species. Of these, nymphs of only one species, H. tarsatus (Fabricius, 1803), have been described, and the description was restricted to the fifth instar. Nine specimens of H. subinermis Van Duzee, 1923, representing the first through the fifth instars, were collected on two Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Anacardiaceae) shrubs from a residential neighborhood (approximately 177,828 m2 surveyed) in Long Beach, California, U.S.A. in June 2021. Several other locations within the city were surveyed (i.e., parks, residential areas, and riparian habitats; approximately 109,177 m2 surveyed, collectively), but this species was not observed on other S. terebinthifolia plants or other plant species in these areas. Here, we give the first California record for H. subinermis, describe the five nymphal instars, provide habitus images of each instar, and discuss the distribution of the species in California, known host plants, and putative ant models that nymphs may mimic.

Ecological host range of Pseudophilothrips ichini (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae), a biological control agent of Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia

Ecological host range testing complements pre-release fundamental host range testing by offering a more realistic picture of insect host plant use in the field, including spillover risk. The biological control program targeting the weed Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Anacardiaceae) first released the flush-feeding thrips Pseudophilothrips ichini (Hood) (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) in Florida in 2019. Pre-release quarantine testing indicated that P. ichini could oviposit and develop on ten host plant species, two of which (Rhus sandwicensis and Dodonaea viscosa) are culturally and ecologically important in Hawaii, where S. terebinthifolia is also a serious weed. We performed two open field experiments, one to simulate temporary spillover and one to simulate continuous spillover and determine if P. ichini could damage non-target plants under natural conditions. In the first experiment, P. ichini thrips dispersed from most non-targets within 24 h, did not move onto non-target plants following the cutting of adjacent S. terebinthifolia plants at soil level, and produced larvae only on R. sandwicensis. In the second experiment, S. terebinthifolia plant quality declined from P. ichini feeding damage, the thrips dispersed more quickly from non-target plants than S. terebinthifolia, produced larvae only on the weed S. terebinthifolia, and did not damage apical meristems of non-target plants. These results indicated that P. ichini has a narrow ecological host range and poses minimal risk to non-target species in Florida and Hawaii.

Temporal optimisation of abamectin use on Schinus terebinthifolia used to rear the biological control agent Pseudophilothrips ichini (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae)

ABSTRACT Mass rearing herbivorous insects used as biological control agents requires a steady supply of optimal host plant material. This often necessitates the use of pesticides to minimise infestations and damage from generalist herbivores. Knowing the efficacy persistence of the pesticide is critical to prevent non-target effects on reared agent populations. We determined the amount of time for an abamectin foliar spray to degrade such that there were minimal impacts on the mass rearing of Pseudophilothrips ichini (Hood), a biological control agent for Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi) in Florida. Abamectin was applied to plants at the label concentration (0.31 ml/L) for controlling mites. Groups of three plants were brought into our quarantine facility 1, 3, 7, 10, and 14 d after application and were then each infested with 40 founding adult thrips. Founding adult survival was not impacted by the delay, i.e. interval between application and thrips infestation, with at least 75% recovered alive regardless of the delay. However, delaying infestation had a significant effect on the number of offspring produced, with, on average, only 50 produced when waiting 1 d, between 250 and 364 for the intermediate wait times, and 688 produced when waiting 14 d. Waiting 14 d after treatment before infesting new plants would achieve optimal colony yields but waiting as little as 7 d may still be a reasonable balance between timely production operations and colony yields. Those developing insect mass rearing programmes should consider all variables specific to their procedures that may impact pesticide persistence.

Can mulch be effective in controlling exotic grasses and promoting natural regeneration in ecological restoration?

Mulching use in agriculture has been known since 1802 as the practice of spreading dry leaves and straw on the soil to prevent erosion and water loss. Our study evaluated the mulch effectiveness in the establishment of regenerating seedlings and its contribution to the control of exotic grasses. The studies were carried out in an ecological restoration area in the municipality of Itapira-SP. The treatment with mulching consisted in chemical desiccation with glyphosate herbicide application, keeping the dry grass on the ground. In the control treatment, after chemical weeding, the grass was removed with manual mowing, exposing the soil. Eight months after implantation, we sampled all regenerating seedlings in 100 plots of 50 x 50 cm in each treatment. We considered as seedlings all individuals of tree species less than 100 cm tall. We calculated richness, abundance, similarity, and the relationship of the frequency of seedlings to the height of the mulch. We sampled eight species with 42 seedlings, with only one not identified. The highest abundance and species richness were found in the treatment with mulch (n = 34 individuals; eight species), the most abundant being Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (14 individuals) followed by Solanum mauritianum Scop. (11 individuals), and Platypodium elegans Vog. (three individuals). The presence of exotic grasses was lower in the plots of the mulching (13%) compared to the control treatment (67%). The highest frequency of seedlings was obtained with mulch height from 21 to 37 cm. We suggest that adaptive management practices, such as the use of the mulching technique, can be implemented in ecological restoration areas, because they favor the natural regeneration of native seedlings and can contribute to the control of exotic grasses, but the height of the layer must be controlled.

Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi: a comparative framework on population genetic structure in a restored area after 12 years

The success of restoration projects depends on the genetic diversity of the implanted species. It is a limiting factor, often because the seed sources are immersed in highly fragmented landscapes. In this work, we compare the genetic diversity of the juveniles, and the adult trees of Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi in a native mixed-species planting, both in the restoration process and in the remaining natural vegetation Atlantic Forest Biome. Polymorphic DNA fragments using five SSR primers were used to estimate the restored population that showed a higher genetic diversity index (He) (0.553 adults and 0.505 juveniles) compared to the wild population (0.487 adults and 0.483 juveniles). The forested area was established with individuals of high genetic diversity. There is a reduced genetic diversity for juveniles, with the loss of exclusive alleles and maintenance of endogamy and coancestry in reforested populations, and we can infer that there was a low gene flow inter fragments. The effective population size in both (adults and juveniles) was lower than the value recommended for the sustainability of populations in the short and long term. The results indicated that continuous monitoring of this particular area is of absolute necessity and should use techniques that promote the connectivity of the fragments. It would allow for a more significant reduction of genetic drift and the persistence of the planted populations.

Biological properties of Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi essential oil

Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi green fruits essential oil (EO) was evaluated regarding its phytochemical profile, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities, and toxicity. Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry was applied to identify its constituents, thereafter the minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal and fungicidal concentrations, and its antibiofilm activity were evaluated. The EO cytotoxicity was assessed in tumor and non-tumor human cells, and in vivo toxicity was evaluated in a Galleria mellonella model. The major constituents of S. terebinthifolia EO were alpha-phellandrene and beta-phellandrene. The EO had a weak activity against all strains of Candida albicans (MIC 1000μg/mL) and had no activity against non-albicans strains, bacteria, and C. albicans biofilm. Cytostatic activity against all tumor cell lines was shown. Additionally, cell viability remained at EO concentrations up to 62.5 μg/mL. At 16 mg/mL, 50% hemolysis was observed, and it had low toxicity in vivo. Overall, the S. terebinthifolia EO was characterized by low antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities, with no evidence of toxicity to human tumor and non-tumor cells.

Native range efficacy assessment of Calophya terebinthifolii , a candidate biological control agent of Schinus terebinthifolia in Florida, USA

Background Aroeira or Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Anacardiaceae: Rhoeae), is one of the worst invasive plants in California, Florida, and Hawaii, USA because of its wide distribution, adaptation to various habitats, toxicity, and demonstrated negative impacts on biodiversity. Chemical and mechanical methods provide only temporary control, are expensive, may damage native plants, and often create disturbance conducive to reinvasion by Brazilian peppertree and other invasive weeds. The leaflet galling psyllid Calophya terebinthifolii Burckhardt & Basset (Calophyidae: Calophyinae) is [...]

338 Scalp disorders when the head is covered most of the day: An upcycled pink berry extract to the rescue

The skin of the scalp has several unique features. Amongst them, the follicular density is very high, creating a dark, warm, and moist environment which could lead to hyperkeratosis (scaling), pruritus, alopecia, and signs of inflammation (erythema, purulence). It is known that the regular wearing of helmets in tropical environments and polluted cities or when practicing intense sports, as well as the daily wearing of scarves (Hijab, Burqa..) increase moisture and friction on the scalp. These two categories of population are thus prone to more frequent scalp disorders (itching, scales, and erythema) and may require specific treatment to soothe irritation. In this context, Lucas Meyer Cosmetics developed a pink berry (Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi) extract from a by-product of the fragrance industry, with strong anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities assessed on human hair follicle dermal papilla cells. Moreover, it is known that keratinocytes can be considered as itch generator cells and TRPV4 (Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 4) channels in these cells play a significant signaling role in mediating the histaminergic itch. In human hair follicular keratinocyte cultures, the pink berry extract was evaluated on histamine-induced interleukin 8 production, showing a clear and significant reduction (by 146%**). An antagonist of TRPV4 was also used as a control. These effects were confirmed in vivo, on 31 volunteers with sensitive scalp and wearing helmets or burqas most of the day, in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. The effect of pink berry at 1% in a leave-on lotion was assessed with significant results on erythema, pruritus, and scalp flakes. The self-assessment confirmed these data attesting to a healthier scalp in comparison to the placebo. This clinical study highlighted the scalp disorders encountered by this specific population. The pink berry extract, thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-itching activity, is an innovative solution to alleviate their symptoms.