Spiny Shrub Research Articles

Adoption of a sustainable land management practice for invasive Prosopis juliflora in East Africa

BackgroundWoody invasive alien species are among the world’s worst invaders, significantly affecting ecosystem services, increasing the cost of farming and reducing access to land. Prosopis juliflora (“prosopis”), a spiny shrub or tree, was introduced from its native Latin America into Eastern Africa to reduce dust and sandstorms and provide wood and fodder for livestock, but it has spread from the original areas of introduction and invaded large areas of land, thereby replacing grazing and arable land with impenetrable thickets. Stakeholders in two invaded regions of Kenya and Tanzania selected and tested, through an inclusive and participatory process guided by the Woody Weeds project, one sustainable land management (SLM) practice to manage prosopis through uprooting and subsequent use of the cleared land for continuous crop and fodder production. The practice was successful and was adopted by stakeholders in the communities where it was tested.MethodsWe assessed reasons why people adopted the practice or not, as well as whether there was an effect of the Woody Weeds project on the adoption, through in-person interviews with 154 household heads in Baringo, Kenya, and 148 in Kahe, Tanzania.ResultsAbout 75% of the respondents implemented the practice, 76 didn’t implement the practice and ten respondents no longer implemented the practice. We found that the likelihood of people adopting was higher for male than female respondents and was positively related to farm size. Results of a choice experiment revealed that almost all respondents prefer the SLM over a situation where their land is invaded by prosopis, even if the investment is high, which confirms that people prefer farming over prosopis, and that their perception of the SLM became more positive over time. Altogether, our results illustrate the beneficial effects of the SLM practice, despite high initial investment and risk of injury while uprooting prosopis. The results further indicate the value of communal meetings for dissemination, as many people learn about new practices through observation of their neighbours’ activities and during public barazas and village meetings.ConclusionsWe recommend awareness raising about these SLM practices and their benefits and upscaling of the practices to other areas infested by prosopis.

Chemical Analysis of Pomegranate Flower Essential Oil in Türkiye

Punica granatum L. (Pomegranate) grows naturally in a wide area from northwest Türkiye to western and northern Pakistan and is also cultivated throughout subtropical and tropical regions of the world. Pomegranate is in the form of a spiny shrub or a small tree. The barks, fruit peels, flowers, and seeds of the plant are used in traditional medicine due to their ellagitannin and polyphenol content and are used to treat circulatory system disorders. In this study, essential oil (EO) of P. granatum flowers was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. As a result, the chemical composition of the essential oil obtained was elucidated. As a result, nine compounds representing 99.9% of the essential oil of P. granatum flowers were characterized, with hexadecanoic acid (52.4%), linoleic acid (15.2%), heptacosane (10.1%), and pentacosane (10.1%) as the major components. Notably, this research marks the first comprehensive examination of the essential oil of pomegranate flowers in Türkiye.

European Atlantic deciduous forests are more resilient to fires than Pinus and Eucalyptus plantations

In this study, we assess how ecosystem type affects the short-term post-fire resilience of fire-prone forests, which are the predominant ecosystems in South West (SW) Europe. For this purpose, we focused on three forest systems, widespread across the European Atlantic coast, which are highly susceptible to fires at their SW distribution boundary, namely the European thermophilous Atlantic deciduous forests, dominated by Quercus robur L., and two types of forest plantations widespread globally, Eucalyptus globulus Labill. and Pinus pinaster Aiton plantations. At the community structure level, resilience to fire was measured based on changes in cover of each vertical stratum. At the functional level, resilience to fire was measured based on replacements of (both morphological and regenerative) plant functional types in the overstory and understory layers. The study variables were vertical structure and abundance of plant functional types in both overstory and understory layers. Vertical structure was assessed by defining nine vertical strata and estimating the cover in each vegetation stratum. All species identified in the overstory and understory layers were functionally classified according to their morphological attributes and regenerative traits pertaining to fire. One year after fire, we observed considerable differences in the structure between the three forest communities studied, particularly in the overstory layer, because most of the vertical strata were well recovered in the oak forest, partially recovered in the E. globulus plantation, and completely lost in the P. pinaster plantation. In contrast to the Atlantic deciduous forest and eucalyptus plantation, the pine plantation displayed distinct changes in its distribution of plant functional types. The pine plantation showed extremely low resilience to fire because the overstory layer decreased considerably, and the understory layer experienced substantial changes in the distribution of morphological and regenerative plant functional types. Fire favoured certain species which prevailed over others and, while grasses, herbaceous and spiny shrubs increased, the abundance of most morphologically functional plant types disappeared or decreased. These changes in the structure of forest communities and in the distribution of plant functional types have important implications for ecosystem functioning and services provision. Therefore, this study may serve as a foundation for devising forest management measures aimed at increasing ecosystem resilience to fire.

Astragalus pseudoanisacanthus, a new species of section Poterion from northern Balochistan (Pakistan)

Astragalus pseudoanisacanthus, a new species from northern Balochistan (Pakistan), is described and illustrated. The new species is a perennial, loosely branched, slender spiny shrub characterized by whitish corolla and broadly ellipsoid standard limb. The legume is semi-bilocular, 2‒4-seeded and sparsely pilose with white hairs. The morphological, anatomical, pollen and seed morphological features of A. pseudoanisacanthus are compared with its closely related species, i.e. A. anisacanthus.

Exploring the potentials of Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. seed kernel oil as pharmaceutical oil base: Physicochemical characterization and ketoconazole soap formulation

Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. (Rhamnaceae) is a large spiny shrub or small tree, native to the Indian subcontinent that can reach a maximum height of 9–15 m. This plant stands as a renowned tropical fruit variety, commonly recognized as the Indian plum, Desert apple, or Indian Jujube. The objective of this study was to examine the standard physicochemical parameters of Z. mauritiana seed kernel oil and to formulate the ketoconazole soap (2 % w/w), using the obtained oil, as a base. The oil was obtained through hexane extraction from the seed kernels. To formulate pharmaceutical ketoconazole soap, Z. mauritiana seed kernel oil was subjected to a basic saponification reaction using potassium hydroxide. All the examined physicochemical parameters, namely acid value (4.71 mg KOH/g), saponification value (229.18 mg KOH/g), peroxide value (4.15 milliequivalents KOH/g), ester value (224.47 mg KOH/g), iodine value (11.19 mg KOH/g), refractive index (1.448), pH (5.93), viscosity (89 cP), and specific gravity (0.912 g/mL) were within the acceptable range for industrial purposes. The examination of quality control parameters, namely drug content (99.49 %), total fatty matter (71.13 %), foam retention time (17.21 min), foam height (18.56 cm), moisture content (9.14 %), and pH (7.16) indicated that the newly formulated ketoconazole soap complied with the acceptable limits. In summary, our research demonstrated the excellent physicochemical stability of Z. mauritiana seed kernel oil and its suitability as a soap base, supporting its promising prospects for cost-effective production of cosmetics, soaps, and shampoos in the pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industries, reducing reliance on synthetic bases.

In vitro Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibitory Properties and Phenolic Contents of Crude Extracts and Fractions from Different Organs of the HalophyteLycium europaeum L

Background: Lycium europaeum L. is a medicinal and edible Mediterranean halophyte spiny shrub. However, studies regarding its biological properties focused mainly on its aerial organs. Objective: The objective of the present work was to make a comparative evaluation of the in vitro antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities of ethanol extracts and fractions (chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous) from roots and leaves of L. europaeum, along with its total phenolic, flavonoid and tannin contents. Methods: The antioxidant activity was evaluated by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2’-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), superoxide radical, β-carotene bleaching, cupric reducing and ferric reducing activity methods Results: The n-butanol fraction from roots had the highest antioxidant activity in all the assays, and was also the most active against acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase and urease (IC50 values of 92.63, 118.26 and 135.60 μgmL-1, respectively). This fraction showed a high level of total phenolic, flavonoid and tannin contents. Conclusion: The results suggest L. europaeum, especially its roots, as a candidate to be further explored as a source of bioactive products.

Microwave Assisted Extraction of Berberine and Preparation of Berberine Hydrochloride from Berberis Aristata Variety of Nepal, and Quantification using RP-HPLC and HPTLC Methods

Berberis aristata a Himalayan woody spiny shrub with yellow flowers and red berries commonly called as Daruharidra in Sanskrit and locally in Nepal is called as Chutro or Chitra. The root and stem are the two parts widely used in traditional medicines of India and China. Berberine is the key active ingredient present in stem and root parts. Berberine hydrochloride is the derivative of berberine. The present study aimed to study the microwave assisted extraction of berberine and its conversion into berberine hydrochloride and quantifying by RP-HPLC and HPTLC methods.In the present paper we have mentioned microwave assisted extraction of berberine and preparation of berberine hydrochloride in detail. Berberine extracted from roots of Berberis aristata using microwave assisted extraction in 80% ethanol to obtain 20% pure berberine crude by HPTLC densitometry at 350 nm absorption. The crude berberine was further purified to berberine hydrochloride by adding 10% Hcl in aqueous solution of berberine and allowed to crystallize at 5 0C over 24 hours. The crystals were further purified and recrystallized in ethanol and subjected to RP-HPLC. Reverse phase HPLC was carried out on Shimadzu UV detector at wave length of 265 nm using Acetonitrile-0.1% phosphoric acid solution (50:50) (add 0.1g sodium dodecyl sulfonate per 100ml) as the mobile phase; Phenomenex RP-column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm), With flow rate 1.0 mL/minute, 5 µL injection volume, column temperature 25 0C for run time of 35 minutes, and retention time of berberine hydrochloride was 12.008 minutes with purity of 82% and recovery of 90% yield obtained.

Association between native tree sapling and spiny shrub mitigates browsing damage produced by large herbivores in fire-degraded forests

Spiny shrubs can generate positive interactions with palatable trees in sites affected by abiotic and biotic stress (e.g. fire, and consumption by herbivores). The objective of this study was to assess the role of native shrubs (Berberis microphylla) in mitigating large herbivore browsing on tree saplings (Nothofagus antarctica) in degraded (burnt) forests of the central area of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. For that, we assessed, in 16 forest sites, the browsing intensity and the browsing height in N. antarctica saplings that were alone (n = 10 per site), and in saplings that were spatially associated with B. microphylla shrubs (n = 10 per site). The tree and shrub height were also measured. The results indicated that browsing damage on ñire trees occurred at a higher height and with lower intensity in the tree-shrub association than in trees that were alone. Furthermore, the browsing height was positively related with the shrub height and with the tree height. The shorter trees with greater shrub cover were more protected. Our results indicate that the presence of spiny shrubs decreases the damage caused by browsing, and protects trees during the early regeneration stage. However, the structural characteristics of shrubs are determinant of the protecting effect in these Patagonian forests. This tree-shrub interaction is highly relevant in the dynamics of degraded forests to ensure the system continuity in ecological and productivity terms.

Climate change pushes an economic insect to the brink of extinction: A case study for Cyamophila astragalicola in Iran

Climate change is one of the main drivers of biodiversity decline worldwide, through shifting or shrinking habitats of species. Predicting the distribution of suitable habitats for species under climate change is essential for conservation planning. Cyamophila astragalicola is a specialist psyllid dependent on a spiny shrub, endemic to Zagros Mountains of Iran. The current study represents a modeling approach for lesser-known small invertebrates to assess their threat status. Ecological niche modeling was used to assess current suitable habitats of C. astragalicola, to develop model-based predictions of its habitat suitability under different climatic scenarios, and to assess the extinction risk of the species based on IUCN Red List criteria. Results revealed a sharp decline in suitable habitats (97.26% and 99.8% for the years 2050 and 2070, respectively) under the scenario of RCP 8.5. Further, under the two RCP scenarios, C. astragalicola was classified as IUCN Threat 2. A shift toward higher altitudes with lower temperature and higher precipitation was predicted. Results of modeling are based on abiotic factors only. Human interactions are not modeled; hence, the status of the species may be even more dramatic than the models may reveal. Generally, the results of this study indicate the high sensitivity of C. astragalicola to global warming. The narrow distribution range of the species coupled with the low dispersal ability can increase the risk of extinction. Ecological, economic, and social risks associated with the extinction need to be further evaluated to formulate future management policies.

Using Shrubs as Nurse-plants to Reduce Browsing and Rubbing Damage by Roe Deer: An Experimental Approach

ABSTRACT We conducted a field experiment to evaluate the effectiveness of neighboring vegetation to protect cherry-wood (Prunus avium) saplings against roe deer browsing and rubbing, and determine whether this protection varies according to the attractiveness of – and the physical barrier provided by – a variety of nurse shrubs. Our results show that nurse shrubs may delay roe deer browsing and rubbing on highly attractive cherry-wood saplings, even in a situation of high deer density. The most obstructing shrubs at roe deer knee to shoulder height (Populus x canescens and Cytisus scoparius) appeared to be efficient barriers, whereas the spiny shrub (Elaeagnus angustifolia) did not protect saplings more efficiently than thornless species. Yet, obstruction appeared to be less effective against browsing when the nurse species was itself browsed (Cornus sanguinea and Alnus cordata). Since roe deer may help to reduce plantation cleaning through the control of the shrub layer, especially brambles, we argue that natural methods of protection using surrounding vegetation should represent an economic and sustainable alternative to artificial protection of saplings.

Effects of forest preservation, livestock exclusion, and use of shrubs as potential nurses on planting success of an endangered tree

Domestic livestock are widespread in seasonally dry forests, likely causing forest degradation and limiting tree seedling establishment. Shrubs can play an important role in facilitating tree regeneration, by protecting trees from livestock damage and ameliorating unfavorable abiotic conditions. We aimed at disentangling the relative contribution of grazing exclusion, long‐term forest conservation, and the potential facilitation effect of shrubs on the performance of saplings of the native tree Kageneckia lanceolata. We planted 400 saplings in grazed and ungrazed areas situated both in a preserved and a degraded forest. In each situation, we established planting plots in three accompanying vegetation treatments: herbs, a nonleguminous spiny shrub and a leguminous spiny shrub. Survival of 3‐year‐old saplings was 10‐fold higher in the preserved than in the degraded forest and 2‐fold higher in the ungrazed than in the grazed site. Differences in survival among accompanying vegetation treatments were much smaller than between grazing treatments. Survival significantly increased with increasing protection by shrubs only in the degraded site. Sapling growth patterns were fairly similar to survival patterns, with no growth in the degraded forest, except for limited growth under both shrubs in the ungrazed site. We conclude that, in selecting plantation sites for the study species, forest condition and grazing exclusion should be prioritized over microsite selection based on neighboring vegetation.

Adaptive foraging tactics of greater short-nosed fruit bats on a spiny shrub and its effect on seed dispersal

Adaptive foraging tactics of greater short-nosed fruit bats on a spiny shrub and its effect on seed dispersal

Biology of Invasive Plants 2.Lycium ferocissimumMiers

The name of the genusLyciumoriginates from the Greek namelykionfor a thorny shrub, derived fromLycia, the name of an ancient country in Asia Minor where a similar spiny shrub was found. The specific epithetferocissimumcomes from the Latinferox,meaning “bold” or “fearless,” referring to the very spiny nature of the shrub (Green 1994; Parsons and Cuthbertson 2001).

A New Species of Scrobipalpomima Povolný (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) Reared from Stem Galls of Adesmia spinosissima Meyen (Fabaceae) in the Andes of Northern Chile

The micromoth genus ScrobipalpomimaPovolný, 1985, mainly distributed in southern South America, is one of the more diverse Neotropical genera of Gonorimoschemini (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae: Gelechiinae). The adult stage of Scrobipalpomima agustini sp. nov. is described and illustrated from the Andes of northern Chile. Larval feeding and pupation of S. agustini occur inside fusiform stem galls on the native spiny shrub Adesmia spinosissima Meyen (Fabaceae). The larva and pupa of S. agustini are illustrated and briefly described. This discovery expands the northern limit of Scrobipalpomima and represents the first record of immature stages and host plant for this genus of micromoths

Evolutionary and phylogenetic aspects of the chloroplast genome of Chaenomeles species

Chaenomeles (family Rosaceae) is a genus of five diploid species of deciduous spiny shrubs that are native to Central Asia and Japan. It is an important horticultural crop (commonly known as flowering quinces) in Europe and Asia for its high yield in fruits that are rich in juice, aroma, and dietary fiber. Therefore, the development of effective genetic markers of Chaenomeles species is advantageous for crop improvement through breeding and selection. In this study, we successfully assembled and analyzed the chloroplast genome of five Chaenomeles species. The chloroplast genomes of the five Chaenomeles species were very similar with no structural or content rearrangements among them. The chloroplast genomes ranged from 159,436 to 160,040 bp in length and contained a total of 112 unique genes, including 78 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNAs, and 4 rRNAs. Three highly variable regions, including trnR-atpA, trnL-F, and rpl32-ccsA, were identified. Phylogenetic analysis based on the complete chloroplast genome showed that Chaenomeles forms a monophyletic clade and had a close relationship with the genera Docynia and Malus. Analyses for phylogenetic relationships and the development of available genetic markers in future could provide valuable information regarding genetics and breeding mechanisms of the Chaenomeles species.

Conversion of abandoned paddy fields to productive land through mangrove restoration in Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady Delta

In Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady Delta, mangrove forests were widely converted to paddy fields, then abandoned. However, the mangrove ecosystems often fail to recover. To identify the mangrove restoration options in these fields, we conducted the current study in Pyindaye Forest Reserve, Pyapon Township of the Delta by examining the structural and functional responses to restoration for two common mangrove species (Avicennia officinalis and Bruguiera sexangula) after three post-abandonment periods (4, 8, and > 10 years), the natural recovery after these periods, and management to improve degraded forests dominated by the two species. Without replanting, we observed no mangrove cover or regeneration more than 10 years after abandonment. The sites were dominated by a perennial grass (Paspalum vaginatum), sparse climber, herbs, and spiny shrubs. With increasing the abandoned period, we observed decreasing soil quality and increasing vegetation cover by the grass, herbs, and spiny shrubs in response to increasingly harsh micro-environmental conditions for natural recovery of mangrove. Without human assistance, the abandoned paddy fields will not recover their productivity after more than 10 years. However, with increasing the period of establishing mangrove plantations in the abandoned fields, the ecosystem showed improved vegetation structure and regeneration of both planted and non-planted species. The soil conditions improved during mangrove recovery, and a well-developed canopy and aerial root system developed. By 8 years after mangrove establishment, the land could be used again as paddy fields due to suppression of P. vaginatum and the improved micro-environment. The managed forests showed the best structural attributes, conditions for regeneration, and micro-environmental conditions for plant growth and regeneration. Our results suggest three options for managing the abandoned paddy fields: paddy cultivation based on fallow periods with mangrove establishment, mangrove planting for wood production, and mangrove planting for environmental restoration.

Competition and Seasonal Co-Existence of Coprophagous Scarabaeoidea (Coleoptera) in Differently Managed Habitat Patches of Sub-Mediterranean Grasslands in Slovenia

We studied species composition and seasonal co-existence of coprophagous Scarabaeoidea from two study sites in karst meadows in sub-Mediterranean Slovenia. Each site consisted of three habitat patches with different impact of grazing (S1, the active part of the pasture; S2, the overgrown part of the pasture, mainly spiny shrubs; S3, a meadow with some overgrown patches of shrubs outside the fenced pasture). Four pitfall trapping events per month were conducted from March until November to test for temporal, spatial and habitat-related segregation of species. Primary results show a high level of temporal segregation of species within and between the guilds (Aphodiidae – dwellers, Geotrupidae – tunnelers, Scarabaeidae – tunnelers, Scarabaeidae – rollers). Temporal segregation of monthly samples was evident between Aphodiidae – dwellers (most active at the beginning and end of the season, with a month of complete inactivity during hot summer) and Scarabaeidae – tunnelers (present all the time, but with least species and specimens at the beginning and end of season). Intra-guild competition was most prominent for Aphodiidae – dwellers and Geotrupidae – tunnelers, where species show high rate of temporal avoidance to minimize interspecies competition for the same food source. Finally, geographical (site-related) and habitat-related (S1, S2, S3) differences were found in species composition, species richness and abundance, however for the latter two parameters only at habitat level (more species at S1, but higher abundances at S2 and S3). The results imply that the pronounced temporal and spatial segregation facilitate higher biodiversity in space and time, and allow more species to co-exist at the same sites over time.

Alkaloids and sesquiterpenes from roots and leaves of Lycium europaeum L. (Solanaceae) with antioxidant and anti-acetylcholinesterase activities

Lycium europaeum L. is a spiny shrub of the Solanaceae family, known in Algeria as ‘Awsaj’ and used as food and herbal remedy. The phytochemical investigation of the alkaloid extract of roots and leaves led to the isolation and characterisation of one alkaloid (harmine (3)) and four sesquiterpenes (C-1′ epimer of (2 R,5S,10R)-2-(1′,2′-dihydroxy-1′-methylethyl)-6,10-dimethylspiro[4,5]dec-6-en-8-one (1), C-1′ epimer of 2-(1′,2′-di-hydroxy-1′-methylethyl)-6,10-dimethylspiro[4,5]dec-6,9-dien-8-one (2), (+)-dehydrovomifoliol (4), vomifoliol (5)). Their structures were elucidated using NMR and MS spectroscopic data. The isolated compounds were characterised for the first time from the genus Lycium. All isolated compounds have shown antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities in the bioautography assays. The ethanolic and alkaloid extracts of roots and leaves were also tested, and, particularly, the alkaloid extracts were the most active ones as antioxidant and AChE inhibitors.

Japanese Rose (Rosa rugosa): its invasion and colonisation of the Sefton Coast, north Merseyside, UK

A spiny shrub native to north-west Pacific coasts, Rosa rugosa Thunb. (Japanese Rose) was introduced into Britain in the 19th century as a garden plant. It has since become a well-established and widespread naturalised alien, especially on sand-dunes, shingle beaches and other dry coastal habitats. The plant is also considered invasive on coasts of many other countries in Northwest Europe. Mounting concern about its recent spread on the internationally important sand-dune system of the Sefton Coast, north Merseyside, led to a volunteer survey being organised in 2014, involving 47 participants. They searched most of the 27 km-long coastal zone, recording almost 500 patches with a total area of nearly 6 ha. R. rugosa occurred especially on younger calcareous dunes (soil pH 5.6 – 8.2) near the sea and close to roads and human habitation. Few patches were found on older, more acidic duneland, or on a 5 km erosion front around Formby Point. This pattern of occurrence accords with that reported elsewhere for R. rugosa, indicating that the sea is implicated in the dispersion of propagules and that the species also establishes from anthropogenic sources, including ornamental plantings. It is concluded that the plant is a threat to dune habitats and species on the Sefton Coast. Control measures are discussed and the early stages of patch removal are described.

Conservation Strategy for protecting Crataegus x sinaica against climate change and anthropologic activities in South Sinai Mountains, Egypt

The genus name Crataegus, is derivative from a Greek word kratos meaning hardness of wood. Crataegus relates to family Rosaceae; it contains about 280 species of deciduous spiny shrubs and small trees where most of these species are grown as ornamentals and hedging plants, they are broadly distributed in Northern temperate zones of Asia, Europe and America. In Egypt, it is confined to mountainous South Sinai; it grows on the high elevated wadis in Saint Catherine area. Many Crataegus species have been traditional used in folk medicine since ancient time for the cure of heart problems such as hypertension, angina, arrhythmia, and congestive heart failure. Researches of Crataegus species usually concentrate on the identification and quantification of flavonoids and anthocyanin, which have been shown to have pharmacological activity. But there is a continuous reduction in habitat quality for this species through time. This reduction observed in Crataegus sinica is likely caused by climate changes in the past few decades and human activities (over cutting for fuel and food, unmanaged collection for scientific researches, uncontrolled tourism and establish of bedouin settlements). We aim to highlights these challenge threatening Crataegus population and suggest conservation plans to protect this species from extinction and finally make further studies about this important threatened species.