Sorbus Domestica Research Articles

Preliminary phenotypic characterization of Sorbus domestica and S. torminalis under selection for timber production

The current timber production in Italy covers only 20 % of the national demand. The national timber industry has been trying to increase the domestic production of sliced veneer logs from indigenous broadleaved species, which are largely employed by the furniture and interior design industry. The present work shows for the first time the results concerning the phenotypic characterizations of Sorbus domestica and Sorbus torminalis accessions under selection in the Po Valley (Northern Italy) for timber production: thirty-one S. domestica seedlings from three provenances—Toscanella (Northern Apennines, Italy), Serbia (from a research Institute), and Oxford (United Kingdom) botanical garden—and one hundred and twenty-five S. torminalis seedlings from a single mother tree, from the Northern Apennines (Italy), were classified for annual diameter and height increase into three groups. S. domestica seedlings were also evaluated according to ‘superior phenotypes’ scoring method. Six S. domestica ‘high-value’ ideotypes, scoring 20–42 % with respect to the comparison trees, were selected.

Introducing resprouters to enhance Mediterranean forest resilience: importance of functional traits to select species according to a gradient of pine density

Summary Resprouter species are important for Mediterranean ecosystem resilience, but they are scarce in landscapes dominated by pioneer pines. Sound knowledge of resprouter seedling functional responses and establishment success across different pine habitats would help guide forest restoration efforts. Four broadleaved resprouter species, that is two shrubs – Arbutus unedo and Pistacia terebinthus – and two trees – Fraxinus ornus and Sorbus domestica – were planted under an experimentally created gradient of pine cover from totally open conditions to dense pine cover. Seedling survival and growth were monitored for 5 years. Phenological, physiological and morphological traits were measured to gain insight into the mechanisms of pine–seedling interaction. Interaction outcomes varied according to species identity, pine cover treatment and time. Light‐to‐moderate pine cover induced greater height growth and little or no effects on diameter and survival of the two trees. Competition was always detected for shrubs, whereas competition and facilitation were noted for trees. Within pine stands, negative interactions increased with tree cover, making dense stands the most limiting. Interactions were only detectable after 2–3 years, but increased in intensity with time. Functional responses to increasing pine cover indicated a seedling strategy of carbon gain optimization in the shade (increased specific leaf area and leaf area, decreased leaf dry matter content), particularly in tree species seedlings. Increasing pine cover induced higher water stress, but lower photochemical stress. The deciduous species had a longer vegetation season under pine canopies, whereas the evergreen shrub Arbutus unedo showed a lower polycyclism rate and flower production. Synthesis and applications. Moderate pine cover facilitates the establishment of deciduous trees at the expense of shrubs. This pattern can be attributed to a higher shade tolerance of the trees than the shrubs combined with a low tolerance of trees to photoinhibition. We therefore recommend using evergreen shrubs for the restoration of open land and high‐specific‐leaf‐area deciduous trees for pine stand diversification. However, in dense forests, thinning is needed to increase light availability prior to seedling introduction.

Bernasso, a paleoforest from the early Pleistocene: New input from plant–insect interactions (Hérault, France)

Plants and insects have interacted for millions of years in terrestrial ecosystems and are essential to the function of the food web. These interactions can be classified based on different functional feeding groups and damage types, and provide information about the relationship between plants and insects. We focused this study on the Pleistocene deposit of Bernasso (Hérault, southern France). The Bernasso fossil leaf assemblage has been dated from 2.16–1.96Ma and corresponds to a deciduous forest comprising both continental and Mediterranean species such as Carpinus orientalis Mill., Parrotia persica C. A. Mey. and Acer monspessulanum L., Sorbus domestica L., respectively. Twenty different plant species are represented by 590 fossil leaves among which more than 36% present insect damage. Thirty-nine different damage types were found with galling being the most prominent. These types of interactions enable discussion about the ecological settings that prevailed at this epoch (forest age, precipitation, temperature). For instance, the mean annual precipitation was certainly higher than today in the region. Moreover, the results of this study offer the possibility to get new insights into the ecological paleoforest community.

True Service-tree (Sorbus domestica, Rosaceae) in the British Isles: Rare but diverse

True Service-tree (Sorbus domestica L.) is an extremely rare and only spontaneously occurring tree species in the British Isles. Its populations are characterised by low census size and strong fragmentation. Uni- and bi-parentally inherited markers were used to study the regional genetic make-up of the species. We analysed 31 samples from six different sites across south Wales and south-west England, spanning the whole putative natural occurrence in Britain. Genetic diversity in the entire British population (all six sites) was unexpectedly high, with 2.912 alleles per locus (nuclear DNA) and three different maternal lines (chloroplast DNA). In contrast, diversity within sites was low as we found identical multilocus microsatellite genotypes in five out of the six sampled locations. Finally, comparison with a pan-European dataset of S. domestica revealed a close association between British and French populations rather than with populations from the Mediterranean area or Balkan Peninsula. The putative nat...

Effects of agroforestry on Phytoseiidae communities (Acari: Mesostigmata) in vineyards. A synthesis of a 10-year period of observations

Several species of the predatory mite family Phytoseiidae are of major economic importance for biological pest control in crops, including grapevines. Plant diversification in agrosystems is reported to enhance useful biodiversity and provide ecosystem services. Thus, agroforestry, which consists in co-planting trees and crops, is assumed to be a possible way to ensure regulation of pest outbreaks by phytoseiid mites. This paper investigates the effect of trees (Pinus pinea and Sorbus domestica) within vineyards on Phytoseiidae communities. Five experimental plots were considered, two where vines were co-planted with P. pinea and S. domestica, and three monoculture plots: vines, P. pinea and S. domestica. Sampling was carried out on vines and trees in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2010 and 2012. A higher Phytoseiidae diversity was observed in agroforestry plots than in monoculture plots. Kampimodromus aberrans (replacing T. [ T.] exhilaratus) seemed to colonize these plots 15 years after its plantation, especially when vines were co-planted with P. pinea. Factors affecting these faunistical changes are discussed. Effects on Phytoseiidae densities differed depending on grape cultivartree species associations. Factors affecting these interactions are discussed; plant diversity does not simply lead to a higher density and diversity of natural enemies.

Effects of agroforestry on Phytoseiidae communities (Acari: Mesostigmata) in vineyards. A synthesis of a 10-year period of observations

Several species of the predatory mite family Phytoseiidae are of major economic importance for biological pest control in crops, including grapevines. Plant diversification in agrosystems is reported to enhance useful biodiversity and provide ecosystem services. Thus, agroforestry, which consists in co-planting trees and crops, is assumed to be a possible way to ensure regulation of pest outbreaks by phytoseiid mites. This paper investigates the effect of trees (Pinus pinea and Sorbus domestica) within vineyards on Phytoseiidae communities. Five experimental plots were considered, two where vines were co-planted with P. pinea and S. domestica, and three monoculture plots: vines, P. pinea and S. domestica. Sampling was carried out on vines and trees in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2010 and 2012. A higher Phytoseiidae diversity was observed in agroforestry plots than in monoculture plots. Kampimodromus aberrans (replacing <I>T.</I> [ <I>T.</I>] exhilaratus) seemed to colonize these plots 15 years after its plantation, especially when vines were co-planted with P. pinea. Factors affecting these faunistical changes are discussed. Effects on Phytoseiidae densities differed depending on grape cultivartree species associations. Factors affecting these interactions are discussed; plant diversity does not simply lead to a higher density and diversity of natural enemies.

Long-term storage of service tree (Sorbus domestica L.) seeds and induction of their germination

Long-term storage of service tree (Sorbus domestica L.) seeds and induction of their germination

The Impact of Different Water Regime on Chlorophyll Fluorescence of Pyrus pyraster L. and Sorbus domestica L.

The water deficit is considered to be significant cause of photosynthesis defects. Measuring of chlorophyll fluorescence is one of the methods revealing defects in the photosynthetic apparatus. The experiment was established with two woody plant (Pyrus pyraster L. and Sorbus domestica L.) cultivated in two different regimes of the substrate saturation. The measurement of the modulated fluorescence of chlorophyll a was done by FMS1 fluorometer during three-week period between June and September (2012 and 2013). There were analysed selected parameters of chlorophyll fluorescence: Fv/Fm – maximum quantum efficiency of PSII, ΦPSII – effective quantum yield of PSII and RFD – chlorophyll fluorescence decrease ratio. According to the obtained results, Pyrus pyraster has probably higher potential for adaptation to water deficiency. There were recorded the significant decreases mainly in the values of parameter RFD and ΦPSII for Sorbus domestica within duration of experiment with different water regime in both growing seasons 2012 and 2013. The results document a weak sensitivity of the parameter Fv/Fm on changes in the amount of available water in the substrate in both taxa.

Convective and Microwave Drying Characteristics of Sorbus Fruits (Sorbus domestica L.)

In this research, convective and microwave drying characteristics, energy requirement and color changes of sorbus fruits (Sorbus domestica L.) were reported. Sorbus fruits were dehydrated in a computer connected parallel air flow type dryer and in a microwave oven dryer. Samples of freshly harvested sorbus fruits were dehydrated under two air temperatures of 50° and 70°C and at three microwave power levels of PL-1, PL-2 and PL-3. Selected drying air velocity was 0.30 m/s for both temperatures. Sorbus fruits were dehydrated from the initial moisture content of 300 (percentage dry basis) to a final moisture content of 8...10%. During convective drying experiments, product were weighted automatically by the balance per 5...10minutes. Data were transferred to the computer and processed by a software. During microwave drying, the product were weighted and data recorded manually per 15...60minutes. The influence of drying method, drying air temperature and microwave power level have also been studied. Hunter L, a, b values system was also used to evaluate changes in total color difference (ΔE) on dried products. The results showed that convective drying air temperature and microwave oven power levels influenced the total drying time, total energy requirement, specific energy requirement and color difference for sorbus fruits. The minimum specific energy requirement were determined as 0.69 kWh/kg and 37.07 kWh/kg for 70°C and PL-3 respectively. 50° C drying air temperature and PL-1 was found to yield better quality product in terms of color retention of Hunter L, a, b and ΔE. As a result, to reduce drying energy consumption and to keep better color retention, convective drying can be recommended for this application.

Concordance between vascular plant and macrofungal community composition in broadleaf deciduous forests in central Italy

Abstract: We examined the concordance between vascular plants and macrofungi (grouped into trophic groups) in Mediterranean forest habitats (central Italy). Our goal was to test how consistently plant and fungi groups classify plots in a broadleaf deciduous forest dominated by Quercus cerris. Our hypothesis was that groups of plants can be used as surrogates for the classification of macrofungal communities. The test of concordance comprised two steps: 1) the plant species data sets were subjected to cluster analysis, to obtain three classifications based on presence of all plants, presence and frequency of only woody species; 2) Multiple Response Permutation Procedures (MRPP) was used to test the performance of each plant classification applied to the fungi data sets. The sample scores along the first PCA axis was used to investigate the relationships between compositional patterns. In the concordance analysis, the classification of only woody plants provided better results than the classification obtained with herbaceous and woody plants together. Cross-tests gave the best results when the “woody plants” classification was applied to ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) and, to a certain extent, to humicolous saprotrophs (Sh). The ordination analysis indicated that the frequency of woody plants follows a similar spatial distribution to EMF and Sh fungal groups and is therefore expected to discriminate the same environmental gradients. Many EMF exhibit preferences for few (one or two) hosts. Significant associations were found among a greater number of EMF and woody plant species. Woody plants such as Sorbus domestica and Prunus spinosa appear to be associated with many EMF. The combination of a high frequency of Fraxinus oxycarpa and Quercus petraea seems to promote distinct assemblages of EMF and Sh fungi. Then, characteristic assemblages of fungi were found in association with certain tree and shrub combinations.

High molecular diversity in the true service tree (Sorbus domestica) despite rareness: data from Europe with special reference to the Austrian occurrence.

Sorbus domestica (Rosaceae) is one of the rarest deciduous tree species in Europe and is characterized by a scattered distribution. To date, no large-scale geographic studies on population genetics have been carried out. Therefore, the aims of this study were to infer levels of molecular diversity across the major part of the European distribution of S. domestica and to determine its population differentiation and structure. In addition, spatial genetic structure was examined together with the patterns of historic and recent gene flow between two adjacent populations. Leaf or cambium samples were collected from 17 populations covering major parts of the European native range from north-west France to south-east Bulgaria. Seven nuclear microsatellites and one chloroplast minisatellite were examined and analysed using a variety of methods. Allelic richness was unexpectedly high for both markers within populations (mean per locus: 3·868 for nSSR and 1·647 for chloroplast minisatellite). Moreover, there was no evidence of inbreeding (mean Fis = -0·047). The Italian Peninsula was characterized as a geographic region with comparatively high genetic diversity for both genomes. Overall population differentiation was moderate (FST = 0·138) and it was clear that populations formed three groups in Europe, namely France, Mediterranean/Balkan and Austria. Historic gene flow between two local Austrian populations was high and asymmetric, while recent gene flow seemed to be disrupted. It is concluded that molecular mechanisms such as self-incompatibility and high gene flow distances are responsible for the observed level of allelic richness as well as for population differentiation. However, human influence could have contributed to the present genetic pattern, especially in the Mediterranean region. Comparison of historic and recent gene flow may mirror the progress of habitat fragmentation in eastern Austria.

(1S,3R,4S,5R)5-O-Caffeoylquinic acid: Isolation, stereo-structure characterization and biological activity

Sorbus domestica fruits (sorbs) are commonly harvested and consumed for their nutritious qualities and have long been used as natural remedy against diabetes in the popular medicine. Recently, sorbs have been described as sources of antioxidant compounds including polyphenols. Chemical analyses carried out on sorbs collected in Southern Italy have led to the isolation of a chlorogenic acid isomer as the main antioxidant compound contained in the fruit butanol extract. NMR studies have identified the isolated compound as (1S,3R,4S,5R)5-O-Caffeoylquinic acid. In comparison to chlorogenic acid, the isolated isomer features an inverted configuration at C4. Such configurational inversion causes the chlorogenic acid stereoisomer acid to assume a preferential conformation remarkably different from that of chlorogenic acid. This seems to account for the enhanced potency of (1S,3R,4S,5R)5-O-Caffeoylquinic acid to reduce both the glucose and cholesterol uptakes by the cell line HepG2 when compared to chlorogenic acid.

A quantitative analysis of dendrometric data on Sorbus domestica L. phenotypes for urban greenery

• The crown architecture of Sorbus domestica is less influenced by environmental conditions than diameter increment. • The crown diameter has the highest impact on differentiation of the crown architecture. • The crown volume is significantly correlated with diameter at breast height. • The values of crown volume above 1300 m 3 were recorded for each type of crown. The quantitative parameters characterizing the esthetic and spatial characteristics of the tree species Sorbus domestica L., including the architecture and the crown size, were evaluated in order to assess the qualified sources of planting material for the urban environment. Five types of crown shape (spherical, hemispherical, umbrella-shaped, ovate, and conical) were identified during field assessment of trees growing in the open landscape. Conformity of the classification under specific phenotypes within field studies and classification of trees based on quantitative parameters were evaluated using discriminant analysis. The variables included in the discriminant analysis model (crown diameter, crown length, and stem girth) were obtained from direct measurement in the field. A statistically significant relationship was found between crown volume and diameter at breast height. Under the specific environmental conditions of an open landscape, high values of crown volume were recorded not only for the thickest trees but also for trees with diameters oscillating around the mean values of this parameter. Our results indicate that the environment has a greater effect on the stem diameter increment of trees, than on the crown size and crown architecture of S. domestica .

Characterisation of Sorbus domestica L. Bark, Fruits and Seeds: Nutrient Composition and Antioxidant Activity.

The aim of this work is to assess the nutritional value of service tree (Sorbus domestica L.) bark, fruit exocarp and mesocarp, and seeds by establishing the levels of macro- and microelements, total phenolics, flavonoids and tannins. Our results revealed that all of the tested service tree samples were rich in potassium. Bark was the best source of calcium and zinc, while seeds were the best source of magnesium. Compared to the bark and seeds, fruit exocarp and mesocarp contained significantly lower amounts of these three elements. Immature exocarp and bark contained the highest amounts of total phenolics and showed the highest antioxidant activity. Maturation significantly decreased the amount of total phenolics in fruits, as well as the antioxidant activity of total phenolics and total tannins from exocarp, but not from mesocarp. Exocarp was the richest in total flavonoids. Based on the obtained data, we have concluded that the under-utilised species S. domestica L. could serve as an important source of mineral elements and antioxidants in the human diet.

Morphological variability of leaves of Sorbus domestica L. in Croatia

The paper studies the morphological variability of the service tree populations in the continental and Mediterranean regions of Croatia. The inter- and intra-population variability, as well as eco-geographic population differentiation, was established on the basis of eight measured morphological characteristics of two types of leaflets (lateral and terminal) and two derived ratios, using descriptive and multivariate statistical methods. The conducted research established a high variability of morphological characteristics. In comparison with lateral leaflets, terminal leaflets showed a higher degree of variability for the majority of the studied variables. The differences between the trees within populations, as well as the differences between populations, were confirmed for all studied characteristics. The study also confirmed a trend of population variations according to the eco-geographic principle. Populations from climatically different and geographically distant habitats, in other words from the Mediterranean and the continental region, differed in the majority of studied characteristics. In addition to the established pattern of ecotypical variability between the continental and the Mediterranean regions, the clinal variability with regard to altitude and mean annual temperature was also confirmed. Small, although statistically significant clinal variability with regard to the longitude was recorded for two measured characteristics. The conducted study provided insights into the variability of the service tree populations in Croatia, which is a basis for further research that should be implemented in order to produce guidelines for the breeding and conservation of genetic resources of this rare and endangered noble hardwood species.

In vitro pollen viability and pollen germination of service tree (Sorbus domestica L.)

We investigated the pollen viability and germination of naturally grown service tree (Sorbus domestica L.). This is the first study on the pollen germination of service tree. Two staining tests, TTC (2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride) and IKI (Iodine potassium iodide) were used. There were clear differences among the staining tests and IKI gave the highest viability percentages. In the initial studies, different sucrose concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15 or 20%) were added into the media and 15% sucrose gave the highest pollen germination. In the next study, 0, 25, 50, 75 or 100 mg/l boric acid added into media together with 1% agar and 15% sucrose to determine the effects of boric acid concentrations. The highest pollen germination has occurred in boric acid-free media. Pollen germination was inhibited in the higher boric acid concentrations and pollen tube development has continued until 75 mg/l concentration.

Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatographic analysis of volatile organic compounds in distillate of fermented Sorbus domestica fruit

Abstract The Slovak-Czech spirit distilled from Sorbus domestica was analyzed by GCxGC with headspace solid phase microextraction and liquid-liquid extraction. Two column combinations, nonpolar × medium-polar and polar × medium-polar were tested. The second column setup provided more exploited 2D separation space with better distribution of peaks in chromatogram. Effects of the first column on the elution order of γ-lactones, benzyl esters, and unsaturated aldehydes in the second separation were observed. More than 500 compounds were detected; nearly 100 were confirmed with standards.

Relative ecological indicator values of the registered and old historical fruit cultivars in Hungary

Borhidi’s system of natural values for species was developed and implemented for the historically grown fruit cultivars and the most important generative and vegetative rootstocks. A total of 865 types were considered and evaluated, and a more suitable ecological method was defined for each type. Further refinement was suggested for the relative ecological values of salt tolerance (SB). The methodology and definitions published in Kanitzia were completed by other species and a graphically expressed comparison on the number of species. The published illustrations on the fruit varieties and the cultivation itself confirm that some specific features should be changed concerning the Raunkiaer’s life-form categories. Relative ecological indicator values for the clones could be further refined, and the values are very different in case of rootstock-scion combinations. Those fruit-growing species not present in the cultural flora, are not considered here (Berberis vulgaris, Sorbus domestica, Trapa natans, Viburn...

Lithuanian forests and climate change: possible effects on tree species composition

Outputs from the HadCM3 Global Climate Circulation Model according to scenarios A2 and B1 were used for climate change predictions in Lithuania. According to scenario A2, the annual temperature will increase by approximately 4.0 °C from 2061 to 2090, while scenario B1 predicts an increase of 2.0 °C. In contrast to scenario B1, scenario A2 predicts an annual increase in precipitation of 15–20 % at the end of the century. Based on the predicted climatic data for the two scenarios and climate maps by European Food Safety Authority for the EU, we created climate analogues for Lithuania for 2031–2060 and 2061–2090. These areas were overlain by the digital map of native tree species distributions in Europe, which was created from the European Forest Genetic Resources Programme database. If climate changes occur according to scenario B1, in 2031–2060, Lithuania’s climate will become suitable for approximately five to six alien species, such as Acer campestre, Acer pseudoplatanus, Fagus sylvatica, Populus nigra, and Prunus avium. In 2061–2090, these species will be joined by Sorbus domestica and Tilia platyphyllos. If climate changes occur according to scenario A2, at the end of the twenty-first century, Castanea sativa, Quercus pubescens, and Sorbus torminalis could expand this list. With respect to species dispersal rates, there is a high probability that the species A. campestre, A. pseudoplatanus, P. nigra, and P. avium will become immigrants to Lithuanian forests at the end of the twenty-first century. Approximately 20 new species native to Europe will be suitable for cultivation (scenario A2). Climate change will affect the distributions of native species too. An increase in the proportion of deciduous tree species (except Alnus incana) and some reduction in the proportion of conifers, Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), are expected in Lithuanian forests.

Efficiency of Real-Time PCR for 18s rRNA amplification of Sorbus domestica L.

Nowadays, the awareness is given more and more to underutilized and unusual fruits. One of them is Sorbus domestica, L. not only as an endangered species, but as well as a promising and economically usable crop. The work was aimed for finding a total genomic DNA isolating methods from fresh plant material and confirmation of the optimized method by the detection of 18S rRNA gene using real-time PCR. Two commercial isolation kits were tested - Invisorb® Spin Plant Mini Kit and Wizard ® Genomic DNA. Higher purity and yield of DNA isolation kit showed Invisorb kit. The effective and pure PCR amplification was confirmed for Invisorb, too when 20 ng undiluted DNA at annealing temperature of 64.5 °C.