Economic analysis of cork oak woodland natural regeneration in the region of Ain Snoussi, Tunisia - Daly-Hassen, Hamed; Campos-palacín, Pablo; Ovando Pol, Paola (Cork Oak Woodlands and Cork Industry: Present, Past and Future.,)
Both the lack of natural regeneration and the depletion of cork oak trees have encouraged interest in cork oak conservation in Tunisia. The objective of this paper is to compare the economic results of sustainable natural regeneration and unsustainable management of the Ain Snoussi cork oak woodland. Two ma- nagement scenarios were simulated: under the first one, cork oaks naturally regenerate at infinite horizon whereas, in the second one, cork oak trees age until they eventually disappear and are replaced by scrubland. For this purpose, an economic analysis was conducted to indicate expenditures and revenues of the entire production cycle of cork oak forests under the two management sce- narios. The market results show that nowadays, compared to the unsustainable scenario, sustainable cork tree management has a higher total social income or discounted net value added (NVA) and a lower capital income (CIMP) at infinite horizon using a real social discount rate of 2%. The CIMP under sustainable management does remain high, however, at 8,449 Tunisian dinars (TND)/ha. In addition, the capital income distribution shows that sustainable management is more profitable for the government, with a gain of 981 TND/ha, and much less advantageous for families (a loss of 1,417 TND/ha). Therefore, a financial mecha- nism to compensate for income losses suffered by families under sustainable management is necessary.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: periodical: Cork Oak Woodlands and Cork Industry: Present, Past and Future.,
Keywords: Cork Oak Forest; cost-benefit analysis; forest income; income distribution; Tunisia

HYDROLOGICAL APPROACH FOR ASSESSING DESERTIFICATION PROCESSES IN THE - Pla Sentís, Ildefonso (Desertification in the Mediterranean Region a Security Issue)
Land degradation, which affects the conservation of soil and water in adequate places, amounts and qualities, is the main direct cause of desertification. It is related to climate and soil characteristics, but mainly to deforestation and inappropriate use and management of natural resources including soil and water. The main effects are a decrease in water supply, a non sustainable agricultural and food production, and increased risks of catastrophic flooding, sedimentation, landslides, etc. In the medium or long term, the previewed global climatic changes may contribute to accelerate the processes of desertification in the Mediterranean Region, but in the short term, land use practices leading to soil degradation processes would increase the negative influence of those changes. The processes of soil and water degradation, leading to desertification, are strongly linked to unfavourable changes in the hydrological processes responsible for the soil water balance and for the soil moisture regime. These are affected by the climate conditions and variations, and by the changes in the use and management of soil and water resources. In the arid and semiarid Mediterranean climates, the rainfall is highly variable among years and during the year, and usually occurs in erratic storms of short duration and high intensities. This factor increases the risks of land degradation leading to desertification processes. In N Mediterranean countries, agricultural production patterns and practices have been drastically changed in the last decades, emphasizing labour- substituting technologies in some cases, with abandon of traditional soil and water conservation practices, and leading to the abandonment of agricultural lands in others. By contrast, in most of the S Mediterranean countries, population growth and lack of resources have obliged to intensify the use of marginal lands without appropriate conservation practices. Both situations frequently lead to accelerated land degradation and desertification processes, although in N Mediterranean countries, if resources are available, these processes and effects are usually masked by technological external inputs of energy, irrigation water, nutrients, and other control measures. Any break in these artificial measures, generally causes a complete loss of productivity and leads to accelerated desertification processes. Hydrological approaches would be essential to identify and assess the causes and processes of desertification. The evaluation of the hydrological processes, under different scenarios of changing climate, soil properties, and land use and management, with flexible simulation models based on those processes, may help to predict and to identify the biophysical causes of desertification at local, national and regional levels. This is a required previous step for a rational land use planning, and for the selection and development of short and long term strategies and technologies to reduce or to control land degradation processes leading to desertification, and to the related social economic and security problems. There is proposed an integrated framework for the development of this kind of approach, with potential application under Mediterranean conditions.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: periodical: Desertification in the Mediterranean Region a Security Issue
Keywords: climate changes; desertification; hydrological processes; Land degradation; management (voyant); soil resources; water resources

Remote sensing-based soil water balance to estimate mediterranean holm oak savanna (dehesa) evapotranspiration under water stress conditions - Campos, Isidro; Villodre, Julio; Carrara, Arnaud; Calera, Alfonso (Journal of Hydrology)
Abstract This paper aims to present the use of a remote sensing-based soil water balance to estimate holm oak woodland evapotranspiration (ET). The model is based on the assimilation of MODIS reflectance-based vegetation indices in the dual crop coefficient methodology. A daily water balance was performed on the root zone soil to estimate plant water stress. The methodology was evaluated with respect to the actual ET measured by eddy covariance in Mediterranean holm oak savanna (dehesa) for five consecutive years (2004 to 2008). The model adequately reproduced the absolute values and tendencies measured at daily and weekly periods. Root mean square error (RMSE) was 0.50 mm/day for daily values and 2.70 mm/week for weekly accumulated values. The analysis demonstrated the presence of a long period of water stress during the summer and at the beginning of fall. Measured ET dropped during these periods, and the model replicated this tendency accurately, reaching a stress coefficient value close to 0.2. To be operative, the proposed method required low ground data (reference evapotranspiration and precipitation) and the results indicated a simple, robust method that can be used to map ET and water stress in the dehesa ecosystem.
Keywords: Dehesa; Dual crop coefficient; Evapotranspiration; Mediterranean holm oak savanna; MODIS NDVI; water stress

Influence of tree canopy on N2 fixation by pasture legumes and soil rhizobial abundance in Mediterranean oak woodlands. - Carranca, C.; Castro, I. V.; Figueiredo, N.; Redondo, R.; Rodrigues, a R. F.; Saraiva, I.; Maricato, R.; Madeira, M. a V. (The Science of the total environment, 2015)
Symbiotic N2 fixation is of primordial significance in sustainable agro-forestry management as it allows reducing the use of mineral N in the production of mixed stands and by protecting the soils from degradation. Thereby, on a 2-year basis, N2 fixation was evaluated in four oak woodlands under Mediterranean conditions using a split-plot design and three replicates. (15)N technique was used for determination of N2 fixation rate. Variations in environmental conditions (temperature, rainfall, radiation) by the cork tree canopy as well as the age of stands and pasture management can cause great differences in vegetation growth, legume N2 fixation, and soil rhizobial abundance. In the present study, non-legumes dominated the swards, in particular beneath the tree canopy, and legumes represented only 42% of total herbage. A 2-fold biomass reduction was observed in the oldest sown pasture in relation to the medium-age sward (6tDWha(-1)yr(-1)). Overall, competition of pasture growth for light was negligible, but soil rhizobial abundance and symbiotic N2 fixation capacity were highly favored by this environmental factor in the spring and outside the influence of tree canopy. Nitrogen derived from the atmosphere was moderate to high (54-72%) in unsown and sown swards. Inputs of fixed N2 increased from winter to spring due to more favorable climatic conditions (temperature and light intensity) for both rhizobia and vegetation growths. Assuming a constant fixation rate at each seasonal period, N2 fixation capacity increased from about 0.10kgNha(-1) per day in the autumn-winter period to 0.15kgNha(-1) per day in spring. Belowground plant material contributed to 11% of accumulated N in pasture legumes and was not affected by canopy. Size of soil fixing bacteria contributed little to explain pasture legumes N.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier B.V. accession-num: 25460942
Keywords: Above and belowground organ; Agro forestry system; Cutting frequency; light; Quercus Suber L

Air biomonitoring of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons near a cement plant - Baldantoni, Daniela; De Nicola, Flavia; Alfani, Anna (ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION RESEARCH, 2014)
Biomonitoring studies, based on pollutant accumulation analyses in tree leaves, allow evaluating the impact caused by air-dispersed pollutants on ecosystems, providing useful data, complementary to those obtained by instrumental monitoring. In particular, leaves of sclerophylls present morphological characteristics, such as the presence of hairs and of a tick cuticle, making them particularly useful in bioaccumulation studies. The first aim of this research was to compare heavy metal (HM) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) leaf accumulation capabilities of two Mediterranean tree species. The second aim was to evaluate the impact of a cement plant and/ or of other anthropogenic activities occurring in industrial and urban areas on HM and PAH depositions. For these purposes, holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) and olive (Olea europaea L.) leaves collected along a transect industrial-urban-remote sites in southern Italy were employed. A different accumulation degree was observed for the two species. For HMs, Q. ilex leaves had the highest concentrations. The results showed that the influence of the cement plant emissions on pollutant concentrations was substantial in the area closer to clinker production and storage with the highest Pb, Ni, V, Cr, Fe, indeno(1,2,3-c, d) pyrene, benzo(g, h, i) perylene and benzo(a) anthracene leaf concentrations. However, Q. ilex leaves showed high HM and PAH concentrations also in the urban site, in relation to vehicular traffic emissions and depositions. The comparison of the results of the present study with those from the literature indicates that the overall air quality of the studied sites is not particularly compromised, also in proximity of the cement production. The use of holm oak should be preferred in biomonitoring due to its wider distribution compared to O. europaea.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: DOKUZ EYLUL UNIV, DEPT ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING, TINAZTEPE CAMPUS, BUCA, IZMIR 35160, TURKEY publisher: TURKISH NATL COMMITTEE AIR POLLUTION RES & CONTROL-TUNCAP
Keywords: industrial-urban-remote areas; leaf accumulation; Olea europaea L.; Quercus ilex L.

Application of a kiln drying technique to Quercus suber L. cork planks - Carpintero, E.; Jurado, M.; Prades, C. (Food and Bioproducts Processing, 2014)
At present, all of the cork used to manufacture natural stoppers is air dried for a minimum of 6 months. This study evaluates the feasibility of applying a kiln drying technique to cork planks. We used a sample of 65 planks, each of which was divided into two pieces. One sub-set of planks was air dried for 6 months following the traditional procedure, while the other was kiln dried for 14 days. The evolution of moisture content was controlled, and both methods were compared by means of a statistical analysis of the thickness, quality, porosity coefficient, color and compressive properties of the cork. The reduction in moisture content was similar for both traditional air drying and kiln drying. At the end of the drying, cork thickness increased with both methods, although a larger increase was observed for the kiln drying method. Statistically significant differences were not found for the mean porosity coefficient or quality. Although statistically significant differences in the color of the cork were detected, it would be necessary to verify if such differences are detectable by the human eye. No differences were found in the compressive properties of the cork for a significance level of less than 1%. This feasibility study concludes that kiln drying is a suitable technique as it significantly reduces the drying time and holding costs of the raw material. The application of this technique would constitute an innovation in the transformation process by controlling the climatic variables that affect the drying process.
Keywords: Compressive properties; Kiln drying; Moisture content; Quality; Thickness; Traditional air drying

Assessment and Comparison of the Visual Survey Method for Estimating Acorn Production in Holm Oak (Quercus ilex ssp. ballota) Open Woodland of Southwestern Spain - Carevic, Felipe S.; Alejano, Reyes; FERNÁNDEZ, MANUEL; Martín, Daniel (Arid Land Research and Management, 2014)
We assessed the accuracy of a visual survey method for quantification of acorn production in Holm oak in two plots located in the Huelva province of southwestern Spain during three acorn dissemination periods from 2007 to 2010. At the end of September during each period, visual surveys were used to estimate acorn numbers. Four seed traps were placed beneath the crowns of the same trees at the north, south, east, and west positions to determine acorn weight and number on a fortnightly basis during the mast seeding period (October to January). The accuracy of the visual survey was assessed by linear regression and correlation analysis. The results indicated a significant positive correlation of the two methods during all the three time periods. The resulting regression equations allowed estimation of acorn production based on visual surveys. These results suggest that the visual survey method is a simple and precise method that can be used to predict acorn production in Holm oak landscapes.
Keywords: acorn production; mediterranean landscape; visual surveys

Assessment of Eco-Physiological Performance of Quercus ilex L. Leaves in Urban Area by an Integrated Approach - Arena, Carmen; De Maio, Anna; De Nicola, Flavia; Santorufo, Lucia; Vitale, Luca; Maisto, Giulia (WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION, 2014)
Plant physiological performance may be endangered in contaminated urban areas. Metal and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) content in Quercus ilex leaves mainly reflects air pollution, being for these pollutants traceable the translocation from soil. In this work, in a field study, the responses at structural and functional level of Q. ilex leaves to metal and PAH pollution were assessed by an integrated approach. At this purpose, morphological (functional traits), biochemical (pigment content, antioxidant capacity, and PARP activity), and physiological (partitioning of absorbed light in the photosynthetic process) analyses were performed in leaves collected at urban parks and roadsides. Compared to the leaves of the urban parks, those sampled at the roadsides showed higher metal and PAH accumulation. The most contaminated leaves showed smaller leaf sizes and lower relative water and pigment content, as well as a lower photochemistry. In this circumstance, the excess of absorbed light at PSII was mainly dissipated via non-regulated than heat processes. On the basis of the biochemical analyses, the occurrence of DNA damages in contaminated Q. ilex leaves may be hypothesized.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS publisher: SPRINGER
Keywords: PAH and metal contamination; PARP activity; Photochemistry; Q. ilex

Carbon dioxide emissions from semi-arid soils amended with biochar alone or combined with mineral and organic fertilizers. - Fernández, José M.; Nieto, M. Aurora; López-de-Sá, Esther G.; Gascó, Gabriel; Méndez, Ana; Plaza, César (The Science of the total environment, 2014)
Semi-arid soils cover a significant area of Earth's land surface and typically contain large amounts of inorganic C. Determining the effects of biochar additions on CO2 emissions from semi-arid soils is therefore essential for evaluating the potential of biochar as a climate change mitigation strategy. Here, we measured the CO2 that evolved from semi-arid calcareous soils amended with biochar at rates of 0 and 20tha(-1) in a full factorial combination with three different fertilizers (mineral fertilizer, municipal solid waste compost, and sewage sludge) applied at four rates (equivalent to 0, 75, 150, and 225kg potentially available Nha(-1)) during 182days of aerobic incubation. A double exponential model, which describes cumulative CO2 emissions from two active soil C compartments with different turnover rates (one relatively stable and the other more labile), was found to fit very well all the experimental datasets. In general, the organic fertilizers increased the size and decomposition rate of the stable and labile soil C pools. In contrast, biochar addition had no effects on any of the double exponential model parameters and did not interact with the effects ascribed to the type and rate of fertilizer. After 182days of incubation, soil organic and microbial biomass C contents tended to increase with increasing the application rates of organic fertilizer, especially of compost, whereas increasing the rate of mineral fertilizer tended to suppress microbial biomass. Biochar was found to increase both organic and inorganic C contents in soil and not to interact with the effects of type and rate of fertilizer on C fractions. As a whole, our results suggest that the use of biochar as enhancer of semi-arid soils, either alone or combined with mineral and organic fertilizers, is unlikely to increase abiotic and biotic soil CO2 emissions.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier B.V. accession-num: 24632059
Keywords: Biochar; Carbonates; Inorganic C; Mineral fertilizer; Organic amendment; Soil organic matter

The challenge of Mediterranean sclerophyllous vegetation under climate change: From acclimation to adaptation - Bussotti, Filippo; Ferrini, Francesco; Pollastrini, Martina; Fini, Alessio (Environmental and Experimental Botany, 2014)
Forecasting models for climate change in southern Europe differ from those proposed for central and northern regions mainly with regard to precipitation. In fact, a strong reduction in average rainfall, mainly caused by decrease frequency of rainy events, is believe to occur in the Mediterranean basin in the forthcoming hundred years. Increased frequency of drought events will be paralleled and exacerbated by warming. Differently from areas where plant growth is limited by sub-optimal temperature (i.e. boreal and most temperate forests) and where warming has been reported to increase carbon assimilation and growth, plants growing in the Mediterranean basin are currently near their temperature optimum, and warming may contribute (e.g. with drought) to impair photosynthesis and depress growth and survival. Rising atmospheric CO2 has been found to increase growth, photosynthesis water use efficiency, and may partially alleviate the deleterious effects of warming and drought. However, in areas where severe and prolonged drought episodes occur, severe photoinhibition and metabolic limitation to photosynthesis may prevent Mediterranean sclerophylls to take advantage of higher atmospheric CO2, and may slow down recovery after the end of the dry season. The most sensitive forest types consist in tree species which are, in the Mediterranean basin, at the southernmost limit of their distribution range. In contrast, thermophilous trees are expected to have a greater diffusion both in southern and central Europe, as winter cold stress will be reduced by warming. Yet due to great variability of ecological features, the alleged substitution of tree species can follow a natural pattern from south to north and from low to high altitudes, without considering obstacles deriving from urbanization. For these reasons, research on the performance and ecologic plasticity of different genotypes, on species selection, and on planting and management techniques can have strategic importance for adaptive forest management.
Keywords: Drought stress; Global warming; Ozone; photosynthesis; UV radiation; Vegetation shift

Comparative analysis of different methods for evaluating quality of Quercus ilex seedlings inoculated with Tuber melanosporum - Andres-Alpuente, Antonio; Sanchez, Sergio; Martin, Maria; Javier Aguirre, Angel; Barriuso, Juan J. (MYCORRHIZA, 2014)
The quality of seedlings colonized by Tuber melanosporum is one of the main factors that contributes to the success or failure of a truffle crop. Truffle cultivation has quickly grown in European countries and elsewhere, so a commonly shared seedling evaluation method is needed. Five evaluation methods are currently published in the literature: three are used in Spain and two in France and Italy. Although all estimate the percentage colonization by T. melanosporum mycorrhizae, they do it in different ways. Two methods also estimate total number of mycorrhizae per seedling. Most are destructive. In this work, ten batches of holm oak seedlings inoculated with T. melanosporum from two different nurseries were evaluated by means of the five methods noted above. Some similarity was detected between the percentages of T. melanosporum mycorrhizae estimated by each method but not in their ability to assess the suitability of each batch. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages for each method and suggest approaches to reach consensus within the truffle culture industry for certifying mycorrhizal colonization by T. melanosporum and seedling quality.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: 233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA publisher: SPRINGER
Keywords: Black truffle; Certification; Holm oak; Mycorrhization; Nurseries; Truffle culture

Contrasting land uses in Mediterranean agro-silvo-pastoral systems generated patchy diversity patterns of vascular plants and below-ground microorganisms. - Bagella, Simonetta; Filigheddu, Rossella; Caria, Maria Carmela; Girlanda, Mariangela; Roggero, Pier Paolo (Comptes rendus biologies, 2014)
The aims of this paper were (i) to define how contrasting land uses affected plant biodiversity in Mediterranean agro-silvo-pastoral-systems across a gradient of disturbance regimes: cork oak forests, secondary grasslands, hay crops, grass covered vineyards, tilled vineyards; (ii) to determine whether these patterns mirrored those of below-ground microorganisms and whether the components of γ-diversity followed a similar model. The disturbance regimes affected plant assemblage composition. Species richness decreased with increasing land use intensity, the Shannon index showed the highest values in grasslands and hay crops. Plant assemblage composition patterns mirrored those of Basidiomycota and Ascomycota. Richness in Basidiomycota, denitrifying bacteria and microbial biomass showed the same trend as that observed for vascular plant richness. The Shannon index pattern of below-ground microorganisms was different from that of plants. The plant γ-diversity component model weakly mirrored those of Ascomycota. Patchy diversity patterns suggest that the maintenance of contrasting land uses associated with different productions typical of agro-silvo-pastoral-systems can guarantee the conservation of biodiversity.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Academie des sciences accession-num: 25433564
Keywords: Cork oak forests; Grass covered vineyards; Grazing; Hay crops; Secondary grasslands; Tilled vineyards

Cork oak physiological responses to manipulated water availability in a Mediterranean woodland - Besson, Cathy Kurz; Lobo-do-Vale, Raquel; Rodrigues, Maria Lucília; Almeida, Pedro; Herd, Alastair; Grant, Olga Mary; David, Teresa Soares; Schmidt, Markus; Otieno, Denis; Keenan, Trevor F.; Gouveia, Célia; Mériaux, Catherine; et al. (Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, 2014)
This study details the physiological responses of cork oak (Quercus suber L.) to manipulated water inputs. Treatments named as dry, ambient and wet, which received 80, 100 and 120% of the annual precipitation, respectively, were applied to a Mediterranean woodland in southern Portugal. Tree ecophysiology and growth were monitored from 2003 to 2005. The impacts of the water manipulation were primarily observed in tree transpiration, especially dur- ing summer drought. Rainfall exclusion reduced the annual stand canopy transpiration by 10% over the 2-year study period, while irrigation increased it by 11%. The accumulated tree transpiration matched precipitation in spring 2004 and 2005 at the stand level, suggesting that cork oak trees rely on precip- itation water sources during the peak of the growing season. However, during the summer droughts, by trees appeared unaffected by the extreme drought of 2005. Our study shows that cork oak rapidly and completely recovered from the extreme dry year of 2005 or from rainfall exclusion. Our results support the eco-hydrological equilibrium theory by which plant acquire complementary protective mechanisms to buffer the large variability in water availability experienced in semi-arid ecosystems. In optimizing their structural biomass increase in response to increasing drought stress, cork oak trees succeeded in restricting water losses to maintain the minimum leaf water potential above the critical threshold of xylem embolism, though with narrower hydraulic safety margins in 2005. Our findings highlight cork oak’s sensitivity to the amount and timing of late spring precipitation. This could be critical as future climate scenarios predict a reduction of spring precipitation as well as enhanced severity of droughts in the Iberian Peninsula by the end of the 21st century. In inducing water stress before the onset of summer droughts, the predicted spring precipitation decline could drive the species closer to the threshold of catastrophic xylem embolism at the peak of the drought period. groundwater was the main water source for trees. Despite the significant differences in soil water content and tree transpiration, no treatment effects could be detected in leaf water potential and leaf gas exchange, except for a single event after spring irri- gations in the very dry year 2005. These irrigations were intentionally delayed to reduce dry spell duration during the peak of tree growing season. They resulted in an acute positive physiological response of trees from the wet treatment one week after the last irrigation event leading to a 32% raise of stem diame- ter increment the following months. Our results suggest that in a semi-arid environment precipitation changes in spring (amount and timing) have a stronger impact on cork oak physiology and growth than an overall change in the total annual precipitation. The extreme drought of 2005 had a negative impact on tree growth. The annual increment of tree trunk diameter in the ambient and dry treatments was reduced, while it increased for trees from the wet treatment. Water shortage also significantly reduced leaf area. The latter dropped by 10.4% in response to the extreme drought of 2005 in trees from the ambient treatment. The reduction was less pronounced in trees of the wet treatment (−7.6%), and more pronounced in trees of the dry treatment (−14.7%). Cork oak showed high resiliency to inter-annual precipitation variability. The annual accumulated tree transpiration, the minimum midday leaf water potential and the absolute amount of groundwater used
From Duplicate 1 ( Cork oak physiological responses to manipulated water availability in a Mediterranean woodland - Besson, Cathy Kurz; Lobo-do-Vale, Raquel; Rodrigues, Maria Lucília; Almeida, Pedro; Herd, Alastair; Grant, Olga Mary; David, Teresa Soares; Schmidt, Markus; Otieno, Denis; Keenan, Trevor F; Gouveia, Célia; Mériaux, Catherine; Chaves, Maria Manuela; Pereira, João S )From Duplicate 1 ( Cork oak physiological responses to manipulated water availability in a Mediterranean woodland - Besson, Cathy Kurz; Lobo-do-Vale, Raquel; Rodrigues, Maria Lucília; Almeida, Pedro; Herd, Alastair; Grant, Olga Mary; David, Teresa Soares; Schmidt, Markus; Otieno, Denis; Keenan, Trevor F; Gouveia, Célia; Mériaux, Catherine; Chaves, Maria Manuela; Pereira, João S )The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier B.V.
Keywords: Gas exchange; Precipitation change; Quercus suber; Soil moisture; Throughfall manipulation; Tree transpiration

Is cork oak (Quercus suber L.) woodland loss driven by eucalyptus plantation? A case-study in southwestern Portugal - Costa, a; Madeira, M.; Santos Lima, J.; Costa A, Madeira M.; J, Santos Lima (iForest - Biogeosciences and Forestry, 2014)
Mediterranean landscapes with open cork oak (Quercus suber L.) woodlands have recently experienced drastic changes in southwestern Portugal. Changes in agricultural activities, the traditional driver of the economy in this region, led to new land uses such as long-term set aside (shrublands) and eucalyptus plantations. A study was conducted on the oak woodland landscape dynamics over a 50-year period (from 1958 to 2007) in order to assess the effect of different biophysical conditions on landscape spatial changes, and to identify the resilience of lanscape composition to different disturbances (e.g., socio-economic changes and wildfires). Land use changes over two consecutive periods (1958-1995 and 1995-2007) were inferred by spatial analysis of land cover data (aerial photographs) and related to landscape physical attributes (slope and soil type). A transition matrix of four vegetation land-cover classes was obtained, allowing the assessment of the landscape composition changes bewteen the two above periods. Results showed that lansdcape in 1958 was largely occupied by open farmland, with large patches of open oak woodlands on steep slopes surrounding watercourses. Open farmland and shrubland drastically declined from 1958 to 1995, while eucalyptus plantation exhibited a dramatic expansion. Although large areas of cork oak forest turned into eucalyptus plantation, the net loss of oak forest was low and counterbalanced by its increment on former open farmland. The occurrence of a wildfire in 2003 promoted a dramatic decrease in cork oak woodlands, which mostly turned into shrubland. However, shrubland may be considered “safe sites” for ecological succession, ensuring natural cork oak regeneration and the colonization of neighboring areas.
Keywords: agroforestry systems; Eucalyptus Plantations; evergreen oak woodlands; Land Cover; Mediterranean Climate Region; Quercus suber L.

Cork oak woodlands patchiness: A signature of imminent deforestation? - Costa, Augusta; Madeira, Manuel; Plieninger, Tobias (Applied Geography, 2014)
The cork oak (Quercus suber L.) woodlands of the agroforestry landscapes of Southwestern Iberia are undergoing drastic change due to severe natural and anthropogenic disturbances. These may eventually result in woodland loss or deforestation, the final step of an ongoing process of woodland degradation. Monitoring changes in the spatial patterns of woodlands – especially fractional canopy cover of woodlands and/or their patchiness in the landscape mosaic – potentially enables forecasting of loss and responding to it at an early stage. We examine the degradation process in two cork oak woodlands, resulting from distinct disturbances, wildfire and oak mortality, aimed at evaluating the changes, trends and deviations of the spatial attributes of these woodlands as they move from an initial (less disturbed ecosystem) to a final state (more disturbed ecosystem). While undergoing disturbances, both woodlands exhibited similar trends of decreasing fractional canopy cover and decreasing number of larger patches. Patchiness rather than fractional canopy cover seems, however, to be potentially more useful as a signature of imminent oak woodlands deforestation, given that its contrast before and after disturbance was much higher. The structural dynamics of oak woodlands is a crucial but neglected issue that needs greater attention from policy forums working toward their conservation and restoration as well as from stakeholders and society as a whole.
Keywords: Forest degradation; Fractional canopy cover; mediterranean landscape; Patch size–frequency distribution; Power-law function; Quercus suber L.

Defoliation triggered by climate induced effects in Spanish ICP Forests monitoring plots - de la Cruz, Ana C.; Gil, Paula M.; Fernández-Cancio, Ángel; Minaya, Mayte; Navarro-Cerrillo, Rafael M.; Sánchez-salguero, Raúl; Grau, José Manuel; De, Ana C.; Gil, Paula M.; Fernández-Cancio, Ángel; Minaya, Mayte; Navarro-Cerrillo, Rafael M.; et al. (Forest Ecology and Management, 2014)
In a context of global change, climate impacts can trigger defoliation processes in different forest species. The ICP Forests network estimates the level of forest defoliation over time in different European countries. Those data are used to related defoliation with potential causal factors. In European Southwestern forests, climate change appears to be the detonating factor of generalized defoliation. The objectives of this study were: (i) identity defoliation trends in forest trees at network of Spanish ICP Forests monitoring plots and, (ii) find out if there are underlying climate factors that trigger defoliation process along the time. The spatiotemporal synchronization of the defoliation response was analyzed with cross-correlation using COFECHA software. The relationship between the 88 climatic variables proposed and defoliation was analyzed using Correlated Component Regression models (CCR models) and Discriminant Analysis (DA). The significance of the variables in each model was compared using contingency tables. A peak of defoliation was observed in the mid-1990s with no recovered to the initial values of the early 1990s. The behavior of the different tree species with respect to defoliation, synchronized both in time and space, involves one or several factors that have a general and similar effect on forests in Spain. The most significant factors related to defoliation were the thermal-related factors, particularly average temperatures in April and June and the thermal oscillation of both the current year and the previous year. Only one drought indicator as statistically significant was identified (A, duration of aridity in months) and suggests that it is of limited relevance in the Spanish forest defoliation conditions.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier B.V.
Keywords: climate change; Cross-correlation; crown condition; Forest decline; Mediterranean forests; Synchronization

Direct and indirect effects of tree canopy facilitation in the recruitment of Mediterranean oaks - Caldeira, Maria C.; Ibáñez, Inés; Nogueira, Carla; Bugalho, Miguel N.; Lecomte, Xavier; Moreira, Andreia; Pereira, João S. (Journal of Applied Ecology, 2014)
* Tree recruitment in Mediterranean ecosystems is strongly limited at the seedling stage by drought. Increasing evidence shows the critical positive role of the canopy nurse effect on seedling survival which results from direct and indirect, positive and negative interactions between species. * Most studies, however, have only focused on the effects of tree canopy on water and light, ignoring other critical factors affecting seedling regeneration, such as canopy effects on high temperatures and the competing herb biomass. * Here, we evaluate how tree canopy cover and removal of herbs affect the survival and growth of seedlings of two dominant Mediterranean Quercus species during a 3-year study. We use an integrated model that combines several data sets to quantify and predict regeneration dynamics along environmental gradients of soil moisture, temperature and light. * Low soil moisture, increased soil temperature and herb biomass negatively affected seedling survival of both Quercus species. Seedling growth was positively associated with increasing soil moisture and light. * Although tree canopy cover directly facilitated seedling survival in both Quercus species, it also negatively affected herb biomass and thus indirectly facilitated the survival of Quercus suber, but not of Quercus ilex seedlings at low levels of soil moisture. * Overall, tree canopies increased seedling survival but not growth during the establishment phase, mainly by ameliorating the effects of low soil moisture and high temperatures. Tree canopy indirectly facilitated survival of Q. suber seedlings by negatively affecting the competing herb layer. * Synthesis and applications. To improve tree recruitment and conserve Mediterranean Quercus woodlands, the removal of herbs should be integrated into management plans for dry habitats. Interactions between abiotic and biotic factors may also effect the regeneration of these tree species. In particular, a healthy tree canopy will become important for providing conditions to facilitate seedling establishment if these habitats become drier and warmer, as predicted by some climate change scenarios.
Keywords: climate change; herb management; high temperatures; positive interactions; Quercus ilex; Quercus suber; tree recruitment

Effects of forest certification on the ecological condition of Mediterranean streams - Dias, Filipe S.; Bugalho, Miguel N.; Rodríguez-González, Patricia M.; Albuquerque, António; Cerdeira, J. Orestes (Journal of Applied Ecology, 2014)
1. Forest certification, a proxy for sustainable forest management, covers more than 10% of the world’s forests. Under forest certification, forest managers and landowners must comply with environmental, economic and social management standards aiming to promote forest conservation. Despite an increasing area of certified forests, there is a dearth of data on how forest certification is affecting the conservation of forest ecosystems and associated habitats. 2. Here, we assess the effects of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, one of the largest certification schemes in the world, on the ecological condition of streams crossing Mediterranean evergreen oak woodlands. 3. We used the Stream Visual Assessment Protocol (SVAP) to compare the ecological condi- tion of streams located in areas with 3 and 5 years of certification, in non-certified areas and in least disturbed streams. 4. Forest certification positively affected the ecological condition of the surveyed streams, but its effects were only measurable after 5 years of certification. Streams with 5 years of certification had more continuous, dense and diverse riparian vegetation when compared to streams located in non-certified areas. Moreover, the condition of streams located in areas with 5 years of forest certification was similar to the condition of least disturbed streams. 5. Synthesis and applications. Forest certification promotes the ecological condition of streams occurring within Mediterranean evergreen oak woodlands. This mainly happens because in areas under forest certification, managers and landowners have to comply with management practices that require them to remove or reduce the main causes for stream deg- radation, allowing riparian habitats to recover. Within landscapes with large and increasing areas under forest certification, such as the Mediterranean cork oak woodlands, the positive effects of certification on the ecological condition of streams may spread across the hydro- graphic network in the medium to long term.
Keywords: Cork oak; Forest management; Forest Stewardship Council; freshwater habitats; rapid bio-assessment protocol; Riparian vegetation; Stream Visual Assessment Protocol

Evolution of forest cover in Portugal: A review of the 12th-20th centuries - Reboredo, Fernando; Pais, Joao (JOURNAL OF FORESTRY RESEARCH, 2014)
Portugal's forests in the 12th century were dominated by the Fagaceae represented by Quercus and Castanea, and several pine species. From the 12th century onwards, forests underwent changes in their management starting with protection and ultimately leading to intense exploitation. The massive naval construction during the maritime expansion (mainly in the 15th-16th centuries) involved felling of approximately 5 million trees mainly Quercus suber, Pious pinea and other Quercus species. Cumulative fuel-wood consumption of 959 Mm(3) during 1300-1854 was attributed to demographic expansion while the deforestation rate during 1636-1854 accounted for a minimum of 72.6% and a maximum of 96% of total forest cover. The volume of timber used in railway sleepers from 1856 onwards might have reached 0.5 Mm(3). The last quarter of the 20th century increased the forest cover of Portugal through the World Bank program of Eucalyptus globulus reforestation.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: NO 26 HEXING RD, XIANGFANG DISTRICT, HARBIN, 150040, PEOPLES R CHINA publisher: NORTHEAST FORESTRY UNIV
Keywords: forest cover change; forest economics; forest exploitation; Portugal

Field trapping of the flathead oak borer Coroebus undatus (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) with different traps and volatile lures - Fürstenau, Benjamin; Quero, Carmen; Riba, Josep Ma; Rosell, Gloria; Guerrero, Angel (Insect Science, 2014)
The flathead oak borer Coroebus undatus F. (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) is one of the primary pests of cork oak Quercus suber L. in the Mediterranean region causing great economic losses to the cork industry. Very little is known about its biology and behavior and, so far, no control measures have been established. We present the results of a pilot study aimed to develop an efficient trapping method for monitoring this harmful pest. In a 3-year field study, purple-colored prism traps baited with a mixture of green leaf volatiles (GLVs) from the host have been shown the most effective combination to catch C. undatus adults (solely females) compared to other trap and lure types tested. Wavelength and reflectance measurements revealed that purple traps exhibit reflectance peak values similar to those found in the abdominal and elytral cuticle of both sexes, suggesting the involvement of visual cues for mate location in this species. The data presented are the first to demonstrate captures of adults of the genus Coroebus by an attractant-based trapping method.
Keywords: attractants; Buprestidae; Coroebus undatus; Green leaf volatiles; monitoring; Quercus suber

Fragmentation patterns of evergreen oak woodlands in Southwestern Iberia: Identifying key spatial indicators - Costa, Augusta; Madeira, Manuel; Lima Santos, José; Plieninger, Tobias; Seixas, Júlia (Journal of Environmental Management, 2014)
Abstract Mediterranean evergreen oak woodlands (composed of Quercus suber L. and Quercus rotundifolia Lam.) are becoming increasingly fragmented in the human-modified landscapes of Southwestern Portugal and Spain. Previous studies have largely neglected to assess the spatial changes of oak woodlands in relation to their surrounding landscape matrix, and to characterize and quantify woodland boundaries and edges. The present study aims to fill this gap by analyzing fragmentation patterns of oak woodlands over a 50-year period (1958–2007) in three landscapes. Using archived aerial imagery from 1958, 1995 and 2007, for two consecutive periods (1958–1995 and 1995–2007), we calculated a set of landscape metrics to compare woodland fragmentation over time. Our results indicated a continuous woodland fragmentation characterized by their edge dynamics. From 1958 to 2007, the replacement of open farmland by shrubland and by new afforestation areas in the oak woodland landscape surrounding matrix, led to the highest values for edge contrast length trends of 5.0 and 12.3, respectively. Linear discriminant analysis was performed to delineate fragmented woodland structures and identify metric variables that characterize woodland spatial configuration. The edge contrast length with open farmland showed a strong correlation with F1 (correlations ranging between 0.55 and 0.98) and may be used as a proxy for oak woodland mixedness in landscape matrix. The edge dynamics of oak woodlands may result in different patterns of oak recruitment and therefore, its study may be helpful in highlighting future baselines for the sustainable management of oak woodlands.
Keywords: Forest change; Forest spatial pattern; mediterranean forest; Oak woodlands; Quercus rotundifolia; Quercus suber

Functional traits and adaptive capacity of European forests to climate change - Bussotti, Filippo; Pollastrini, Martina; Holland, Vera; Brüggemann, Wolfgang (Environmental and Experimental Botany, 2014)
Increasing temperatures and drought risks through climate change are expected to have several consequences for European forests. Adaptive strategies may include: (i) persistence of the current forest types, thanks to the acclimatization to local conditions and to phenotypic plasticity of the populations; (ii) evolution, or local adaptation, i.e., change in genotype (frequencies) within the same species due to environmental pressure. It is favored by large within population diversity and (when possible) gene flow among populations; (iii) migration and substitution of species; and (iv) extinction of populations with low ecological plasticity, especially at the edges of their distribution or in the case of isolated (relict) populations. Because of the economic and ecological relevance of forests, it is of fundamental importance to apply appropriate forest management to make forests able to cope with the new environmental conditions. This may include changes in the composition and structure of forest stands, selection of adapted provenances of the most important European tree species or, if this is regarded as insufficient, assisted migration (i.e., the use of species suitable for the future climatic conditions) and, alternatively, substitution of native with non native species. The intraspecific (genetic and phenotypic) variability at a given site has been proven to be often higher than the variability among sites. Species with a large distribution range are supposed to have a wide variety of genotypes, allowing them to be adapted to different environmental conditions. Genetic variability and phenotypic plasticity are the key factors for the identification of useful tree genotypes for future forestation programs. Adaptation to drought, i.e., the probably most important future abiotic risk factor for forestry, can be reflected in variation of key functional traits (FT), at morphological, physiological and phenological level. FT utilized to screen for adapted genotypes in common gardens and provenance trials include growth, survival, leaf flushing and senescence, foliar features as leaf mass per area and nitrogen content, water use efficiency (e.g., estimated by analysis of the stable carbon isotopes, d13C) chlorophyll content, photosystem II functioning, and photosynthetic capacity under water shortage. Current modeled simulation of future forest distribution suggests the expansion of forests at the highest latitudes and altitudes, alongside with a reduction in the hottest and driest Mediterranean regions of South Europe. The general expectations, however, may be disproved especially at a regional level, by factors unexpected or not well known, such as possible extreme climatic events and increased roles of parasites/diseases (with negative effects), or high capacity of forest persistence or adaptation (with positive effects). Natural migration and species substitution can be hampered by co-factors of climate change, such as forest fragmentation and increased frequency and intensity of forest fires.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier B.V.
Keywords: Adaptation; Extinction; functional traits; Local evolution; migration; Phenotypic plasticity; Phenotyping; provenances

Functionalized cork-polymer composites (CPC) by reactive extrusion using suberin and lignin from cork as coupling agents - Fernandes, Emanuel M.; Aroso, Ivo M.; Mano, João F.; Covas, José A.; Reis, Rui L. (Composites Part B: Engineering, 2014)
High density polyethylene (HDPE) and cork powder were compounded in a co-rotating twin-screw extruder to obtain cork-polymer composites (CPC) with improved properties. Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) was used as initiator agent, and suberin or lignin isolated from cork enhanced filler-matrix bonding and promoted mechanical reinforcement with environmental benefits. The novel composites were characterized in terms of dimensional stability, evolution of morphology, thermal and mechanical properties and their performance was compared with that of composites containing polyethylene-grafted maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA) as coupling agent. As expected, composites with coupling agent present higher mechanical properties, lower water uptake and thickness swelling variation. Suberin acts as plasticizer with antioxidant benefits, while lignin works as a coupling agent, improving tensile modulus and maximum strength. Increasing lignin content does not improve the mechanical properties but improves thermal stability.
Keywords: Coupling agent; Electron microscopy; Extrusion; Fibre/matrix bond; Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs)

Gas Exchange, Water Relations and their Relationships with Photochemical Reflectance Index in Quercus ilex Plants during Water Stress and Recovery - Tsonev, Tsonko; Wahbi, Said; Sun, Pengsen; Sorrentino, Giuseppe; Centritto, Mauro (INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE AND BIOLOGY, 2014)
Diffusional limitations to photosynthesis (A), relative water content (RWC) and their association with photochemical reflectance index (PRI) were studied in holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) saplings subjected to water stress and subsequent water stress relief. RWC decreased sharply as drought progressed. Following rewatering, RWC gradually increased to pre-stress values. A, stomatal conductance (g(s)), mesophyll conductance (g(m)), total conductance (g(t)), and PRI changed in parallel with RWC. A decrease in A resulted from coordinated suppression in leaf conductance. As water stress progressed, A measured in non-photorespiratory conditions (A(1%O2)) became more than 3 times higher compared to that recorded at 21% \{[\}O-2], indicating that photorespiration likely increased in response to water stress. A(1%O2) was significantly correlated with all leaf conductances. A(1%O2) was limited more by g(s) than by g(m), indicating that higher g(m) favors photosynthesis over photorespiration. There was a significant linear correlation between RWC and PRI. Significant non-linear relationships were also found both between PRI and A and PRI and g(t). These data imply that PRI may clearly detect normal and stressed status of holm oak, but it is not very informative when plants are severely stressed. Overall, our data indicate that: a) PRI is an important indicator of leaf water status as evident from RWC; b) because leaf conductance did not limit photosynthesis when photorespiration was suppressed, holm oak, and in general sclerophyllous species, will respond to future elevated \{[\}CO2] significantly more than mesophyllous plants; c) PRI can be used to predict changes in the performance of holm oak subjected to physiological water stress, whereas caution is needed under severe drought. (C) 2014 Friends Science Publishers
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: 399-B, PEOPLES COLONY NO 1, FAISALABAD, 38090, PAKISTAN publisher: FRIENDS SCIENCE PUBL
Keywords: CO2 transport conductance; Drought; leaf gas exchange; photorespiration; Relative water content; Spectral reflectance index

Genetic patterns, host use and larval morphology in Tunisian populations of Orgyia trigotephras - Ezzine, Olfa; Hausmann, Axel; Branco, Manuela; Mannai, Yaussra; Dhahri, Samir; Nouira, Said; Ben Jamaa, Mohamed Lahbib (BULLETIN OF INSECTOLOGY, 2014)
Orgyia trigotephras Boisduval 1829 (Erebidae Lymantriinae) is a polyphagous moth widely distributed across the Mediterranean Basin. Current taxonomy validates several taxa at subspecies level within this species. Two of them, Orgyia trigotephras anceps Oberthur 1884 and Orgyia trigotephras transiens Staudinger et Rebel 1901 were found to occur in Tunisia. Although considered a rare species in southern Europe, an extensive outbreak was observed in Tunisia in the last decade. In this paper we present details on genetic patterns (mitochondrial DNA marker CO1), on larval phenotypic traits and on host plant species of Tunisian populations of O. trigotephras. Tunisian specimens clearly differentiated into two lineages, restricted to western and eastern Tunisia respectively. Both Tunisian haplotype-lineages strongly diverge from southern Spanish and southern Italian `conspecifics', questioning current taxonomy. Furthermore, we describe four larval phenotypes occurring in Tunisia and register Quercus coccifera, Quercus suber, Erica multiflora and Pistacia lentiscus as the four main host plant species. There was no association of the two genetic lineages with larval phenotypic traits. However, host plant species differed significantly between the two lineages.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: DEPT AGROENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES & TECHNOLOGY, VIALE G FANIN, 42, BOLOGNA, 40127, ITALY publisher: ALMA MATER STUDIORUM, UNIV BOLOGNA
Keywords: CO1; host plants; larval phenotypes; Orgyia trigotephras; phylogeography

International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation Detecting leaf-water content in Mediterranean trees using high-resolution spectrometry - Jong, Steven M. De; Addink, Elisabeth A.; Doelman, Jonathan C. (International Journal of Applied Earth Observations and Geoinformation, 2014)
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier B.V.
Keywords: equivalent water thickness; ewt; spectral leaf-water indices

Is the QBS-ar index a good tool to detect the soil quality in Mediterranean areas? A cork tree Quercus suber L. (Fagaceae) wood as a case of study - Galli, L.; Capurro, M.; Menta, C.; Rellini, I. (Italian Journal of Zoology, 2014)
Abstract Cork oak (Quercus suber L., 1753) is a Mediterranean evergreen tree species with a thick and characteristic bark covering the trunk and branches. Despite the fact that cork oak is distributed over about 1.7 million hectares in the western Mediterranean Basin, information about soil biota in this particular habitat at present is scanty. This study was carried out in a cork tree wood in Bergeggi (Liguria, NW Italy), characterized by a Pluvioseasonal Oceanic Mediterranean bioclimate. The profile, texture, pH, total carbonate content, total organic carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) contents, soluble phosphorus (P) and cation exchange capacity were measured in order to characterize the soil. Soil biological quality was evaluated by studying microarthropod communities. Each month, from February 2007 to January 2008, 10 soil samples measuring 10 ? 10 ? 10 cm were collected from the wood being studied and arthropods were extracted using Berlese-Tullgren funnels. The biological quality of soil based on arthropods (QBS-ar) index, taxa abundance, Shannon diversity index (H?) and Pielou?s evenness index (J) were applied to assess soil biological quality in the cork oak being studied. A total of 29 taxonomic groups were identified. Some important groups, such as Pseudoscorpionida, Palpigradi, Miriapoda and Protura were detected every month, but only a few groups showed a clear abundance distribution trend throughout the year and globally it was impossible to define general trends. The results suggested that the condition of the soil was good, as generally observed in natural environments not subjected to significant impacts. It was also possible to demonstrate that the Mediterranean climate causes strong seasonal fluctuations in soil biota, resulting in corresponding differences in the QBS-ar index values. Therefore, the QBS-ar index could be considered to be a valid candidate for the biomonitoring of soil biodiversity in natural and anthropic soils, but in Mediterranean climates comparisons of different areas must be performed analyzing samples collected during the same period.
From Duplicate 2 (Is the QBS-ar index a good tool to detect the soil quality in Mediterranean areas? A cork tree Quercus suber L. (Fagaceae) wood as a case of study - Galli, L; Capurro, M; Menta, C; Rellini, I)From Duplicate 2 (Is the QBS-ar index a good tool to detect the soil quality in Mediterranean areas? A cork tree Quercus suber L. (Fagaceae) wood as a case of study - Galli, L; Capurro, M; Menta, C; Rellini, I)The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Taylor & Francis
Keywords: Biological index; Cork Oak Forest; microarthropods; QBS-ar; soil quality

Quantification of biomass and energetic value of young natural regenerated stands of Quercus ilex under Mediterranean conditions - Fernandez-Puratich, Harald; Vicente Oliver-Villanueva, Jose (BOSQUE, 2014)
Forest biomass is key to Spain's energy policy. National, regional and local strategies, development programs of management plans and biomass and quantification of the most important species are fundamental. The objective of this research was to quantify and to analyze the calorific value of biomass of holm oak (Quercus ilex subsp. ballota) under Mediterranean conditions. To do this, several natural regenerated plots were selected in the Valencian Community (Eastern Spain). The main obtained results show that the average volume and weight per tree are 0.045 m(3) tree(-1) and 0.033 Mg tree(-1) respectively. In addition, the form factor was determined (0.66). With an average stand density of 3,200 trees ha(-1), the total potential biomass is 105.4 Mg ha(-1). With the results obtained, a function of stem biomass related to the variables DBH (diameter at breast height) and Vf (volume of stem) has been adjusted with significantly high determination level and low estimation errors. This function can be used for the prediction of biomass quantification in natural regenerated holm oak pure stands in the Mediterranean area. Laboratory results show an energetic value of 17.0 MJ kg(-1) biomass. Therefore, the total potential energy is 513 MJ tree(-1) and 1.8 GJ ha(-1). Considering the large forest areas and the potential resources derived from clearings, thinning and fire prevention silvicultural treatments, the holm oak has the aptitude to be considered a valid raw material for energy use (mainly thermal) in Mediterranean rural areas.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: CASILLA 567, VALDIVIA, 00000, CHILE publisher: UNIV AUSTRAL CHILE, FAC CIENCIAS FORESTALES
Keywords: biomass; energetic value; quantification; Quercus ilex

Rapid climatic changes and resilient vegetation during the Lateglacial and Holocene in a continental region of south-western Europe - Aranbarri, Josu; González-Sampériz, Penélope; Valero-Garcés, Blas; Moreno, Ana; Gil-Romera, Graciela; Sevilla-Callejo, Miguel; García-Prieto, Eduardo; Di Rita, Federico; Mata, M. Pilar; Morellón, Mario; Magri, Donatella; Rodríguez-Lázaro, Julio; et al. (Global and Planetary Change, 2014)
Palynological, sedimentological and geochemical analyses performed on the Villarquemado paleolake sequence (987m a.s.l, 40°30′N; 1°18′W) reveal the vegetation dynamics and climate variability in continental Iberia over the last 13,500calyrBP. The Lateglacial and early Holocene periods are characterized by arid conditions with a stable landscape dominated by pinewoods and steppe until ca. 7780calyrBP, despite sedimentological evidence for large paleohydrological fluctuations in the paleolake. The most humid phase occurred between ca. 7780 and 5000calyrBP and was characterized by the maximum spread of mesophytes (e.g., Betula, Corylus, Quercus faginea type), the expansion of a mixed Mediterranean oak woodland with evergreen Quercus as dominant forest communities and more frequent higher lake level periods. The return of a dense pinewood synchronous with the depletion of mesophytes characterizes the mid-late Holocene transition (ca. 5000calyrBP) most likely as a consequence of an increasing aridity that coincides with the reappearance of a shallow, carbonate wetland environment. The paleohydrological and vegetation evolution shows similarities with other continental Mediterranean areas of Iberia and demonstrates a marked resilience of terrestrial vegetation and gradual responses to millennial-scale climate fluctuations. Human impact is negligible until the Ibero-Roman period (ca. 2500calyrBP) when a major deforestation occurred in the nearby pine forest. The last 1500years are characterized by increasing landscape management, mainly associated with grazing practices shaping the current landscape.
Keywords: aridity; Continental Iberia; Holocene; Multiproxy reconstructio; Pinewoods; Vegetation resilience

Saprotrophic litter fungi in a Mediterranean ecosystem: Behaviour on different substrata - Pasqualetti, M.; Mulas, B.; Rambelli, A.; Tempesta, S. (Plant Biosystems - An International Journal Dealing with all Aspects of Plant Biology, 2014)
Saprotrophic fungi sporulating on 17 types of leaf litter collected during the dry season in the Sardinian Mediterranean area were analysed. The fungal assemblages identified in each substratum showed an overlap value ranging from 5.9 to 46.7%. A consistent connection between certain fungal species and their substrata was detected; among the 168 fungal species identified, 104 (62%) may be regarded as specialised. Each fungal species was characterised according to morphological and ecological features. Multidimensional scaling (MDS) showed that ubiquitous and common species have morphological characters distinguishing them from specialised species.
doi: 10.1080/11263504.2013.877534doi: 10.1080/11263504.2013.877534The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Taylor & Francis
Keywords: litter decomposition; Mediterranean ecosystem; saprotrophic fungi

Soil Bradyrhizobium population response to invasion of a natural Quercus suber forest by the introduced nitrogen-fixing tree Acacia mearnsii in El Kala National Park, Algeria - Boudiaf, Imène; Le, Christine; Baudoin, Ezekiel; Galiana, Antoine; Beddiar, Arifa; Prin, Yves; Duponnois, Robin; Le Roux, Christine; Baudoin, Ezekiel; Galiana, Antoine; Beddiar, Arifa; Prin, Yves; et al. (Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 2014)
We analyzed the diversity and identity of the rhizobial populations nodulating an invasive Australian legume tree Acacia mearnsii in a natural Quercus suber forest in the El Kala National Park, Algeria. Soils from three different forest plots corresponding to non invaded original Q. suber stand, partially invaded by A. mearnsii, and totally invaded (monodominant) A. mearnsii stand were used to trap nodulating bacteria with the same tree species. Symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria were isolated from root nodules and characterized by sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region, then submitted to phylogenetic analyses. A total of 67 isolates was obtained, representing the 3 different forest plots, all renodulating A. mearnsii in monoxenic conditions. Phylogenetic analyses showed that all isolates belong to different Bradyrhizobium lineages, according to each of the three locations with little intermixing between forest plots. These results illustrate the adaptation of nodulating Bradyrhizobium populations to the new soil conditions induced by invasion. This symbiotic adaptability is presumed to be a key factor of the invasive character of this tree species.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier Ltd
Keywords: Cork oak; Exotic; Invasivity; Mimosoideae; Nodulation; North Africa; Rhizobia

Start of the dry season as a main determinant of inter-annual Mediterranean forest production variations - Maselli, Fabio; Cherubini, Paolo; Chiesi, Marta; Gilabert, María Amparo; Lombardi, Fabio; Moreno, Alvaro; Teobaldelli, Maurizio; Tognetti, Roberto (Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, 2014)
Recent investigations have highlighted the dependence of Mediterranean forest production on spring rainfall. The current work introduces the concept of the start of the dry season (SDS) and performs a three-step analysis to determine the effect of SDS on Mediterranean forest production. Seven forest zones of Tuscany (Central Italy), which present differently pronounced Mediterranean features, are considered. First, a statistical analysis investigates the influence of spring water budget on forest Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) inter-annual variations during July–August. The analysis is then extended to assess the impact of inter-annual SDS variability on forest gross primary production (GPP) simulated by a NDVI driven parametric model, modified C-Fix. These simulations lead to rank the considered forest types according to the relevance of SDS in regulating inter-annual GPP variations. The application of similar statistical analyses to detrended tree ring-width time series of typical Tuscany forests confirms the existence of an eco-climatic gradient in the functional relevance of SDS. The influence of SDS on tree growth is attenuated moving from Mediterranean arid to temperate humid environments. These findings are examined and interpreted from an eco-physiological viewpoint taking into consideration the peculiarity of Mediterranean forest ecosystems. Next, relevant implications are discussed in view of the possible consequences of ongoing climate change.
Keywords: Dry season; GPP; Mediterranean forests; Modified C-Fix; NDVI; Ring-widths

Thermal behaviour of cork and cork components - Şen, Ali; Van den Bulcke, Jan; Defoirdt, Nele; Van Acker, Joris; Pereira, Helena (Thermochimica Acta, 2014)
Thermal behaviour of cork and cork chemical components was studied with coupled differential scanning calorimetry-thermogravimetrical analysis (DSC-TGA) in order to gain insight into the role of the chemical components on the thermal degradation of cork. Cork samples of Turkey oak (Quercus cerris) and cork oak (Quercus suber) were chemically treated to selectively remove inorganic material, extractives and suberin, to allow characterization of klason lignin and methanolysis-depolymerized suberin. Since Q. cerris cork granulates contain phloemic impurities, phloem from Q. cerris bark was also subjected to the same treatments as cork. The thermal decomposition of both cork species is similar, starting above 200°C and increasing with increasing temperature until ashing at approximately 485°C. TGA curves of both corks are almost identical but a detailed view on the differential thermogravimetry (DTG) and DSC curves shows that the two materials differ from each other. Two exothermal devolatilization and char combustion reactions occur, peaking at approximately 313°C and 445°C. These peak temperatures shift to lower temperatures in suberin-free and extractive-free corks giving evidence of the heat retarding effect of suberin and extractives and possible catalytic effect of inorganics in desuberinised cork. Phloem thermal degradation is similar to that of cork although exothermal peak temperatures are higher. Phloem-containing Q. cerris cork granulates thus show clear potential for high temperature applications.
Keywords: Cork; DSC; Quercus cerris; Quercus suber; suberin; TGA

Tracing site-specific isotopic signatures along a Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus food chain - Charmantier, Anne; Blondel, Jacques; Perret, Philippe; Harmelin-Vivien, Mireille (IBIS, 2014)
Food chains culminating with temperate insectivorous passerines are well described, yet whether trophic webs can be site-specific remains a largely unexplored question. In the case of site- or habitat-specificity of food webs, stable isotope signatures of bird feathers may enable assignment of unmarked individuals to a site or a habitat of origin. We address this question in landscapes that include contrasting forest habitat patches with either deciduous Downy Oak Quercus humilis or evergreen Holm Oak Quercus ilex as dominant tree species. First, we examine the spatial variation across habitats and sites in the stable isotope ratios of carbon (C-13) and nitrogen (N-15) along the oak leaf-Tortrix moth Tortrix viridana caterpillar-Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus food chain. Secondly, we assess whether the isotopic signatures allow for correct assignment of individual birds to their site or habitat of origin. At the scale of the landscape, stable isotope values enabled identification of the different components of the Blue Tit food chain: from oak leaves to Blue Tit nestlings and yearling birds. However, isotopic signatures were site-specific (i.e. geographical) more than habitat-specific (i.e. deciduous vs. evergreen oaks). Discriminant analyses correctly assigned 85% of nestlings and 83% of resident yearling birds, indicating a pronounced effect of site on Blue Tit feather isotopic signatures. We thereby demonstrate that isotopes reflect a stronger association of locally born birds to the local features of their habitat than that of un-ringed yearling birds, whose plumage may have grown while in a wider geographical area. This study provides evidence of site-specific isotopic signatures from oak leaves to Blue Tit feathers at a fine spatial scale.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: 111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA publisher: WILEY-BLACKWELL
Keywords: environment heterogeneity; habitat-specific isotopic signature; natal dispersal; trophic ecology

1200 years of decadal-scale variability of Mediterranean vegetation and climate at Pantelleria Island, Italy - Calò, Camilla; Henne, Paul D.; Eugster, Patricia; van Leeuwen, Jacqueline; Gilli, Adrian; Hamann, Yvonne; La Mantia, Tommaso; Pasta, Salvatore; Vescovi, Elisa; Tinner, Willy (HOLOCENE, 2013)
A new sedimentary sequence from Lago di Venere on Pantelleria Island, located in the Strait of Sicily between Tunisia and Sicily was recovered. The lake is located in the coastal infra-Mediterranean vegetation belt at 2 m a.s.l. Pollen, charcoal and sedimentological analyses are used to explore linkages among vegetation, fire and climate at a decadal scale over the past 1200 years. A dry period from ad 800 to 1000 that corresponds to the Medieval Warm Period' (WMP) is inferred from sedimentological analysis. The high content of carbonate recorded in this period suggests a dry phase, when the ratio of evaporation/precipitation was high. During this period the island was dominated by thermophilous and drought-tolerant taxa, such as Quercus ilex, Olea, Pistacia and Juniperus. A marked shift in the sediment properties is recorded at ad 1000, when carbonate content became very low suggesting wetter conditions until ad 1850-1900. Broadly, this period coincides with the Little Ice Age' (LIA), which was characterized by wetter and colder conditions in Europe. During this time rather mesic conifers (i.e. Pinus pinaster), shrubs and herbs (e.g. Erica arborea and Selaginella denticulata) expanded, whereas more drought-adapted species (e.g. Q. ilex) declined. Charcoal data suggest enhanced fire activity during the LIA probably as a consequence of anthropogenic burning and/or more flammable fuel (e.g. resinous Pinus biomass). The last century was characterized by a shift to high carbonate content, indicating a change towards drier conditions, and re-expansion of Q. ilex and Olea. The post-LIA warming is in agreement with historical documents and meteorological time series. Vegetation dynamics were co-determined by agricultural activities on the island. Anthropogenic indicators (e.g. Cerealia-type, Sporormiella) reveal the importance of crops and grazing on the island. Our pollen data suggest that extensive logging caused the local extinction of deciduous Quercus pubescens around ad1750.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: 1 OLIVERS YARD, 55 CITY ROAD, LONDON EC1Y 1SP, ENGLAND publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD
Keywords: '"Little Ice Age' (LIA); 'Medieval Warm Period' (MWP); central Mediterranean; Fire history; Pinus pinaster; Quercus ilex; Quercus pubescens; vegetation history

Aboveground Biomass and Nutrient Pools in Two Evergreen Oak Stands of the Middle Moroccan Atlas Area - Boulmane, Mohamed; Santa-Regina, Ignacio; Khia, Abderrahim; Abbassi, Hassan; Halim, Mohamed (Arid Land Research and Management, 2013)
The aboveground tree biomass and nutrient pools, litterfall, and weight loss of litter due to decomposition have been measured in two permanent plots of evergreen oak forest (Quercus ilex L.) of the Middle Moroccan Atlas area (Tafachna and Reggada). The aboveground biomass was estimated by cutting and weighing twenty trees Y (biomass)¼aX (X¼(D2H)b, D and H are respectively the diameter at 1.30m and tree height. The aboveground biomass of the two studied stands was: 96.0 and 86.4 t ha1, respectively, for Tafachna and Reggada of which the woody part accounts for approximately 96%. The average productions of litter are, respectively, 3030 and 3560 kg ha1 yr1 for Tafachna and Reggada. The leaves account for approximately 70% of the total litterfall, restored to the soil 38.3 kg ha1 yr1 for Tafachana and 44.6 kg ha1 an1 for Reggada (approximately 74% of the total nutrient amount of the litterfall). The decomposition pattern of the leaves litter from each site according to diameter classes. In order to establish biomass regression equations the best fit was obtained by applying the allometric method: follows a negative exponential equation of form RF¼A þB exp (kt). The nitrogen was the bioelement that contributed the greatest amount to the bio- geochemical cycling between vegetation and soil. At the level of internal exchange to the trees, translocation, and transfer, the nitrogen was followed by phosphorus and potassium.
Keywords: aboveground biomass; allometric method; forest ecosystem; litter decomposition; nutrient storage; Quercus ilex

Acorn bread: A traditional food of the past in Sardinia (Italy) - Claudia, Pinna (Journal of Cultural Heritage, 2013)
Acorn bread, known as Pan’Ispeli in Sardinian, constituted a precious source of nutrition over the ages. Especially widespread in Ogliastra, it was made with somewhat unusual ingredients, including ash and clay, and is considered a unique food by many historians. So much so that the women of the town of Baunei took pride in their skill at making acorn bread and apparently sold it at a higher price than regular wheat flour bread. The laborious process of preparation of acorns for bread-making is said to have been a ceremony with religious connotations, to such an extent that the ingredients came only from plants and areas that were well known by the elders. It was a ritual passed down from generation to generation. Although acorn bread is no longer part of today's diet in Sardinia, it is still remembered by some of the elderly people of our island and is on occasion still made for village festivities.
Keywords: acorns; Bread; Clay; Coeliac disease sufferers; Quercus; Sardinia

Annual pollen spectrum in the air of Palma de Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Spain) - Boi, M.; Llorens, L. (AEROBIOLOGIA, 2013)
This aeropalynological study documented the pollen of 13 taxa with the highest concentration in the air of Palma de Mallorca during the years 2004-2010, using a Hirst-type volumetric spore trap. The taxa were Cupressaceae, Olea europaea, Platanus hispanica, Pinus spp., Parietaria judaica, Urtica membranacea, Quercus ilex, Poaceae, Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae, Plantago spp., Castanea sativa, Pistacia lentiscus and Betula spp. These taxa accounted for 91.85 % of the total annual pollen recorded during the period. The mean annual pollen index was 20,027. The highest pollen counts occurred in February-June, representing 88.74 % of the annual total collected. Every year, there was a substantial increase in the concentration and types of pollen from March to May, followed by a decrease from July to January. The maximum annual total pollen count was recorded in 2005 with 25,870 and the minimum in 2009 with 14,726. The mean daily average pollen concentration count showed a declining trend over the study period. With respect to seasonal phases analysed, the later phase of the pollen season is more variable than the beginning. To observe the overall dynamics of the different pollen types better, a pollen calendar was established for Palma de Mallorca. The pollen calendar had typical Mediterranean features and is a useful tool for allergological and botanical awareness.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS publisher: SPRINGER
Keywords: Aerobiology; Allergenic pollen; Palma de Mallorca; Pollen calendar

Assessing foraging strategies of herbivores in Mediterranean oak woodlands: a review of key issues and selected methodologies - Ferraz de Oliveira, Maria Isabel; Lamy, Elsa; Bugalho, Miguel N.; Vaz, Margarida; Pinheiro, Cristina; Cancela d’Abreu, Manuel; Capela e Silva, Fernando; Sales-Baptista, Elvira; Isabel, Maria; Oliveira, Ferraz De; Capela, Fernando (Agroforestry Systems, 2013)
Montados are agro-silvo-pastoral ecosys- tems, typical of the Southwest Iberian Peninsula, of high socio-economic and conservation importance, where grazing is a dominant activity. Montados are characterized by an open tree canopy of Quercus sp. and a diverse undercover of shrubs and grasslands that constitute the plant food resources for grazing animals. Plant food resources of Montados are highly variable, both spatially and seasonally, in quantity and quality. Reliable and easy to use methods to monitor grazing are necessary to allow proper understanding of foraging strategies of grazing animals and to set sustainable grazing management. We describe the main characteristics of the plant food resources available for grazing animals, striking its variability, and revise the potential of using N-alkanes and saliva proteome methods to assess foraging strategies in Montados. In a scenario of dynamic multiple choices, we discuss the use of n-alkane methodology for the simultaneous estimation of diet composition and voluntary intake and saliva proteome as a mean of increasing the knowledge on diet adjustments.
From Duplicate 2 (From Duplicate 2 (
Keywords: Agro-silvo- pastoral systems; foraging behavior; Grazing ecology; montado/dehesa; N-alkanes; Salivary proteins

Assessing ozone and nitrogen impact on net primary productivity with a Generalised non-Linear Model. - De Marco, Alessandra; Screpanti, Augusto; Attorre, Fabio; Proietti, Chiara; Vitale, Marcello (Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987), 2013)
Some studies suggest that in Europe the majority of forest growth increment can be accounted for N deposition and very little by elevated CO(2). High ozone (O(3)) concentrations cause reductions in carbon fixation in native plants by offsetting the effects of elevated CO(2) or N deposition. The cause-effect relationships between primary productivity (NPP) of Quercus cerris, Q. ilex and Fagus sylvatica plant species and climate and pollutants (O(3) and N deposition) in Italy have been investigated by application of Generalised Linear/non-Linear regression model (GLZ model). The GLZ model highlighted: i) cumulative O(3) concentration-based indicator (AOT40F) did not significantly affect NPP; ii) a differential action of oxidised and reduced nitrogen depositions to NPP was linked to the geographical location; iii) the species-specific variation of NPP caused by combination of pollutants and climatic variables could be a potentially important drive-factor for the plant species' shift as response to the future climate change.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier Ltd accession-num: 23078996
Keywords: Generalized Linear/non-Linear Model; Mediterranean climate; Net primary productivity; Nitrogen deposition; Ozone

Assessing regional species pools for restoration programs in Spain - del Barrio, Jose M.; Aunon, Francisco; de Ron, David; Alia, Ricardo (NEW FORESTS, 2013)
The relationship between current and potential distribution in 34 main Spanish forest tree species (data from the Third Spanish Forest Inventory) was determined using a Maximum Entropy functional approximation with climatic data as predictive variables. A method for detecting regional species pools at two different scales: biogeoclimatic classes (CLATERES classification), and forest landscape types (WWF classification) has been proposed. Then, the Absence percentage for a species (i.e. the proportion of landscapes types or biogeoclimatic classes in which the species is included in the regional species pool but is actually not present) was determined. Results show higher figures of Potential Species Richness in the Pyrenees and the Cantabrian Range, while inland or coastal Mediterranean semiarid landscapes have lower figures. Using a classification based on biogeoclimatic variables (CLATERES) improves precision when estimating Absent Species Richness. Absence percentage is zero or close to zero for five species (Pinus uncinata, Quercus robur, Quercus ilex, Quercus humilis and Juniperus communis), while for other six species (Acer pseudoplatanus, Fraxinus angustifolia, Alnus glutinosa, Populus alba, Sorbus aucuparia and Pinus pinea) the figures are higher than 0.6, which means the species is absent in more than 60 % of the landscapes or biogeoclimatic classes that it could inhabit. The relationships between tree life traits and the absence of species from the ecosystems studied is slight but non-dominant species, species not subjected to forest management, or zonal species are less widely distributed that their climatic potentiality indicates.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS publisher: SPRINGER
Keywords: Absent species; Biogeoclimatic classification of Spain; Regional restoration programs; Spanish forest landscapes types; Tree species richness

Assessing the effects of seasonal grazing on holm oak regeneration: Implications for the conservation of Mediterranean dehesas - Carmona, Carlos P.; Azcárate, Francisco M.; Oteros-Rozas, Elisa; González, José A.; Peco, Begoña (Biological Conservation, 2013)
Scattered trees in agricultural landscapes are globally declining due to the intensification of agricultural practices. Dehesas, highly species-diverse Mediterranean open woodlands, are seriously affected by this decline, because of a generalized regeneration failure of oak, which compromise their long-term stability. Traditionally, dehesas were the wintering areas for transhumant herds, but transhumance is disappearing in the Mediterranean, due to multiple causes. Reductions in grazing intensity or grazing abandonment have been proposed to improve oak regeneration in dehesas, but the effect of the recovery of non-continuous grazing practices such as transhumance has not been tested to date. We measured different indicators of holm oak regeneration and condition in dehesas under transhumant grazing and in dehesas under permanent grazing in southern Spain. Oak juveniles were remarkably less browsed and their canopies covered a much higher area in transhumant estates. As a consequence, the median density of saplings was more than four times higher in transhumant than in permanently-grazed estates. Although transhumant grazing is necessarily associated with a reduction in the stocking rate across the year, the timing of grazing was always included as a predictor in the best models to explain the condition and density of holm oak. Our results suggest that the lack of oak regeneration in dehesas can be caused not only by the increases in stocking rates, but also by the recent abandonment of traditional grazing practices like transhumance. We propose the recovery of seasonal grazing regimes based on transhumant pastoralism as a measure to improve the conservation status of dehesas.
Keywords: Agricultural intensification; Agroforestry; Browsing; Quercus ilex; Transhumance

Carbon sink strength of a Mediterranean cork oak understorey: how do semi-deciduous and evergreen shrubs face summer drought? - Correia, A. C.; Costa e Silva, F.; Correia, A. V.; Hussain, M. Z.; Rodrigues, A. D.; David, J. S.; Pereira, J. S. (Journal of Vegetation Science, 2013)
Questions How do semi-deciduous and evergreen shrubs exploit environmental resources during summer drought? What is the contribution of the understorey shrubby layer to ecosystem carbon assimilation? To what extent are carbon balance and transpiration impacted by a rain pulse? Location Cork oak open woodland in the Mediterranean region. Methods We used closed dynamic light and dark chambers to measure gas exchange (CO2 and H2O) in the dominant shrub understorey species Cistus salviifolius, Cistus crispus (semi-deciduous) and Ulex airensis (evergreen), together with plant physiological and morphological measurements during summer drought and autumn recovery. A hyperbolic light response model constrained by vapour pressure deficits was fitted for up-scaling shrub photosynthesis to the ecosystem level. The data were compared, on a daily and daytime basis, with gross primary productivity estimates from ecosystem eddy-covariance flux measurements. Results The onset of summer drought led to a significant leaf area reduction in semi-deciduous species. A general decrease in photosynthesis in all species was observed, while evapotranspiration and above-ground respiration fluxes contrasted among species during summer progression and autumn recovery. The shallow-rooted C. salviifolius was able to use light more efficiently than the other two species, although with poor stomatal control over water loss and consistently higher above-ground respiration rates, leading to lower water and carbon use efficiencies when compared with C. crispus. The deep-rooted shrub U. airensis maintained higher leaf water potentials and very low photosynthetic rates while decreasing transpiration rates throughout the summer drought. A summer rain pulse showed that shallow-rooted shrubs use water in an opportunistic way, with immediate leaf rehydration and concomitant photosynthesis increments. Conversely, deep-rooted shrubs (U. airensis) were unresponsive, only recovering photosynthesis with high soil water content. An opportunistic growth response may be disadvantageous to shallow-rooted shrubs in a future climate with extended dry summers and higher probability of rain pulse events. The prominent increase in transpiration rates and plant respiration costs observed during the dry conditions that followed the rain pulse, led to a reduced plant ability to recover after autumn rains. Conclusions The shrubs that naturaly colonized this montado understorey showed contrasting strategies to overcome summer drought, suggesting an efficient mosaic exploitation of seasonal environmental resources. The contribution of these shrubs to total ecosystem CO2 uptake during summer and autumn recovery was 17%. This high contribution implies that shrub density management decisions should consider a carbon balance perspective.
Keywords: Cistus sp; CO2; Eddy-covariance; H2O; Mediterranean; partitioning; Shrubs; Ulex sp; up-scaling

Chasing a moving target: projecting climate change-induced shifts in non-equilibrial tree species distributions - GARCÍA-VALDÉS, Raúl; Zavala, Miguel A.; Araújo, Miguel B.; Purves, Drew W. (Journal of Ecology, 2013)
* The geographic distributions of plant species show marked correlations with the current climate, suggesting that they are likely to shift if climate changes. However, before projecting any such shifts, it is important to establish whether distributions are at equilibrium with the current climate. If they are not, distributional shifts could occur even without climate change, making it difficult to tease apart climate-induced shifts from shifts occurring naturally without climate change. * We forecast the geographical distributions of the 10 most common trees occurring in the Iberian Peninsula using a new method that relaxes the species–climate equilibrium assumption implicit in most species distributions models. For each species, we developed a spatially explicit patch occupancy model (SPOM) with climate-dependent extinction rates and with colonization rates that depend on both climate and local seed dispersal. Bayesian methods were used to estimate the colonization, extinction and seed dispersal functions against observed colonization and extinction events recorded in repeat surveys of 46 596 forest plots in the Spanish Forest Inventories (1986–96 and 1997–2007). We then simulated distributional changes between the years 2000–2100. * Without climate change, 9 of the 10 species substantially increased in regional frequency. These increases occurred primarily within current ranges, although some species also expanded across their range edges. With climate change, one temperate conifer species and two sub-Mediterranean species would reduce their frequency of occurrence across the studied region, whereas temperate broad-leaved species were unaffected and Mediterranean species were either unaffected or increased their frequency of occurrence. * Synthesis. The analysis suggests that these species are substantially out of equilibrium, such that abundances and ranges would increase without climate change. Climate change may increase, decrease, stabilize or shift distributions, in a way that can only be understood by comparing predictions against baseline scenarios that account for these non-equilibrium range dynamics.
Keywords: Bayesian statistics; Iberian forests; local colonization and extinction rates; MCMC; metapopulation model; plant population and community dynamics; plant–climate interactions; seed dispersal; species distribution models; stochastic patch occupancy models

Combined effects of soil properties and Phytophthora cinnamomi infections on Quercus ilex decline - Corcobado, Tamara; Solla, Alejandro; Madeira, Manuel A.; Moreno, Gerardo (PLANT AND SOIL, 2013)
The importance of soil properties as determinants of tree vitality and Phytophthora cinnamomi root infections was analysed. The study comprised 96 declining stands in western Spain, where declining and non-declining holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) trees were sampled. Soil properties (soil depth, Ah horizon thickness, texture, pH, redox potential, soil bulk density and N-NH4 (+) and N-NO3 (-) concentrations) and P. cinnamomi infections were assessed. Tree mortality rates increased with low soil bulk densities, which were also associated with more P. cinnamomi-infected trees. Occurrence of infected trees was higher in fine textured soils and in thick Ah horizons. Fine textured soils favoured trees, but with the presence of P. cinnamomi their health status deteriorated. Soil under declining trees had higher N-NO3 (-)/N-NH4 (+) ratio values than under non-declining trees. Additional soil properties changes associated to grazing were not related to decline and P. cinnamomi infections. The implications of P. cinnamomi in holm oak decline and the influence of soil properties as contributors to pathogen activity were demonstrated. Fine soil textures and thick Ah horizons, usually favourable for vigour and vitality of trees growing in the Mediterranean climate, were shown to be disadvantageous soil properties if P. cinnamomi was present. Fine soil textures and thick Ah horizons are frequently related with higher levels of soil moisture, which increase the inoculum of the pathogen and favours root infection. Grazing does not seem to be directly linked to Q. ilex health status or P. cinnamomi root rot.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS publisher: SPRINGER
Keywords: Nitrogen deposition; Oak decline; Root-rot disease; Silvopastoral systems; Soil compaction; soil texture

Conservation of waterlogged archaeological corks using supercritical CO2 and treatment monitoring using structured-light 3D scanning - Cretté, Stéphanie A.; Näsänen, Liisa M.; González-Pereyra, Néstor G.; Rennison, Benjamin (The Journal of Supercritical Fluids, 2013)
Archaeological waterlogged cork is one the most unpredictable archaeological materials to conserve. Over the years, various techniques designed to conserve waterlogged wood have been applied to cork with less than satisfactory results. These techniques include freeze drying with or without consolidant, air-drying and silicone oil treatment. Alternatively, recent studies demonstrated that methanol exchange followed by supercritical CO2 drying can overcome most of the limitations of the latter techniques when applied to organic waterlogged materials. In 2005, a joint research project was initiated between the Warren Lasch Conservation Center (WLCC) and Parks Canada to evaluate the use of supercritical CO2 drying on significant archaeological corks and composite artifacts from several shipwrecks. This paper will discuss the drying process of the various corks and the techniques employed to monitor their appearance and dimensions, namely conventional measurement techniques and structured-light 3D scanning combined with three-dimensional inspection.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier B.V.
Keywords: Archaeological waterlogged cork; conservation; Methanol solvent exchange; Structured-light 3D scanning; Supercritical carbon dioxide drying; Three-dimensional inspection; Water exchange; White-light scanning

Cork as a new (green) coating for solid-phase microextraction: Determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water samples by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry - Dias, Adriana Neves; Simão, Vanessa; Merib, Josias; Carasek, Eduardo (Analytica Chimica Acta, 2013)
A new fiber for solid-phase microextraction (SPME) was prepared employing cork as a coating. The morphology and composition of the cork fiber was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), respectively. The proposed fiber was used for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in river water samples by gas chromatography–selected ion monitoring–mass spectrometry (GC–SIM–MS). A central composite design was used for optimization of the variables involved in the extraction of PAHs from water samples. The optimal extraction conditions were extraction time and temperature of 60 min and 80 °C, respectively. The detection and quantification limits were 0.03 and 0.1 μg L−1, respectively. The recovery values were between 70.2 and 103.2% and the RSD was ≤15.7 (n = 3). The linear range was 0.1–10 μg L−1 with r ≥ 0.96 and the fiber-to-fiber reproducibility showed RSD ≤ 18.6% (n = 5). The efficiency of the cork fiber was compared with commercially available fibers and good results were achieved, demonstrating the applicability and great potential of cork as a coating for SPME.
Keywords: Cork; GC–MS; PAHs; Solid-phase microextraction; Water samples

Cork composites for the absorption of impact energy - Alcântara, I.; Teixeira-Dias, F.; Paulino, M. (Composite Structures, 2013)
In this article the authors analyse the characteristics, properties and behaviour of a new composite material, called Core-Y, resulting from the combination of granular cork and an epoxy resin. This article comprises three main parts. The ﬁrst describes the manufacturing process of Core-Y. The second develops an experimental study of the material based on quasi-static axial compression test on cylindrical specimens of Core-Y. The results of the experimental tests are presented and analysed and the essential mechanical properties are determined. The third part presents a study of constitutive and numerical modelling, based on the experimental results. The main objective of this numerical study is to analyse the energy absorption capacity of metallic tubular structures incorporating Core-Y, aiming to study new applications for this composite material. A numerical model to simulate the tubular structures tested experimentally is developed, implemented and validated, using the ﬁnite element analysis software Abaqus. The overall results anticipate interesting expectations in terms of lightweight cork based composite materials and systems.
Keywords: Cellular materials; Composite materials; Cork; Energy absorption; Finite elements method; Numerical simulation

The cultural landscape near the ancient city of Tharros (central West Sardinia): vegetation changes and human impact - Di Rita, Federico; Melis, Rita Teresa (Journal of Archaeological Science, 2013)
The evolution of the cultural landscape in coastal western Sardinia is investigated by means of pollen analysis in the Mistras Lagoon sediments, near the ancient city of Tharros, with particular attention to changes in evergreen vegetation and the impact of human activity. The pollen diagram, spanning the time interval from 5300 to 1600 cal BP, documents the influence of man, climate, and geomorphic dynamics and on the evolution of a semi-open evergreen vegetation landscape and variations in extent of a salt-marsh environment. Anthropogenic indicators and microcharcoals concur in depicting increased land use coinciding with the Nuragic, Phoenician, Punic and Roman dominations. Pollen data, along with archaeobotanical evidence, suggest a prevailing arable farming economy, vocated to Vitis and cereals expoitation, during the Nuragic phase until 2400 cal BP, replaced since then by a prevailing stock rearing economy. Between 2050 and 1600 cal BP, a less intensive human impact on the landscape is profiled, consistently with the archaeologically documented abandonment of the rural villages in favour of a slow urbanization, experienced by the Sinis territory in Imperial times. The pollen record provides new insights into the history of important economic plants in the Mediterranean, such as Vitis, Olea and Quercus suber. The results of the pollen analysis reveal how the records of these taxa are primarily influenced by the cultural development of the Sinis region and secondarily by dynamics involving the natural companion vegetation.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier Ltd
Keywords: evergreen vegetation; Holocene; human impact; pollen; Sardinia

Cyclic behaviour of a lightweight mortar with cork granulate composite - De-Carvalho, R.; Teixeira-Dias, F.; Varum, H. (Composite Structures, 2013)
This paper presents an experimental analysis of the cyclical behaviour of a novel composite material made from a traditional mortar with incorporation of granulated cork. This material is hereby designated by CorBe. Specimens with 0%, 15% and 30% of cork addition, in volume of the mixture, were prepared and tested. Four types of cork with different cork grain sizes were used on each volume fraction. In order to characterise the cyclical behaviour of this composite material, cyclic uniaxial and diagonal compression tests were carried out. The energy dissipation capacity of these mortars was also studied. Obtained results evidenced that, for the whole set of mortars studied, there is a clear tendency for the improvement of performance when cork granulates are added, either for cyclic uniaxial or for diagonal compression loadings. The overall results prove the advantages of the application of CorBe in structural elements aimed for energy dissipation. Furthermore, the rupture mechanisms under cyclical loadings of this composite material were also analysed and discussed.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier Ltd
Keywords: Composite material; Cork; Cyclical tests; Energy dissipation; Mortar; Seismic protection

Decline of Mediterranean oak trees and its association with Phytophthora cinnamomi: a review - de Sampaio e Paiva Camilo-Alves, Constança; Clara, MariaIvoneEsteves; Almeida Ribeiro, NunoManuelCabral (European Journal of Forest Research, 2013)
Mortality events in cork and holm oaks have occurred in the Mediterranean basin since the beginning of the XX century, but severity of decline increased during the 1980s. By that time, the exotic soil borne pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi was often recovered from declining stands and since then it has been considered the main factor associated with decline. This work analyses data concerning P. cinnamomi surveys in cork and holm oaks trees, pathogenicity tests carried out in controlled experiments, studies about the influence of site characteristics in tree decline and approaches to control the disease. Results of field surveys showed that the pathogen is widespread and pathogenicity tests suggested that host susceptibility to the pathogen is moderate when seedlings are in appropriate watering conditions, particularly cork oaks. Occurrence of decline is also associated with soil characteristics that interfere with root expansion and water retention. We assessed the relative importance of each factor involved in decline and revised the role of P. cinnamomi in cork and holm oak decline.
APSAPSThe following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Springer-Verlag
Keywords: mortality; pathogenes; Quercus ilex L.; Quercus suber L.; tree decline

Determination of Fluidized Bed Combustion Kinetic and Diffusive Data of Four Wood Chars from the Central Region of Portugal - Pereira, Carlos C.; Pinho, Carlos (Energy & Fuels, 2013)
The fluidized bed reactor is suitable for the combustion of biomass solid fuels because of its advantages in terms of pollution control. At the same time it is a useful laboratory tool to determine kinetic and diffusive combustion data in operating conditions similar to those found in industrial systems. Because of the heterogeneous nature of biomass, available information on its combustion is still limited. During the combustion of ligneous biomass, the burning of the solid carbonaceous residues formed after the initial steps of drying and volatiles release is the time-consuming step. In the present work, kinetic and diffusive data from the fluidized bed combustion of chars produced from four Portuguese wood species?Quercus ilex (holm oak), Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus), Pinus pinaster (maritime pine), and Quercus suber (cork oak)?were obtained in the 750−900 °C temperature range. Subsequently, activation energies and pre-exponential factors were calculated from the Arrhenius plot of the kinetic data. The obtained activation energies from 38 to 121 kJ/mol are coherent with results obtained for other wood chars and demonstrate that the fluidized bed technology is a fruitful and reliable methodology to achieve a collection of results of real and industrial interest. The main goal of the present work is to widen the information on the kinetic and diffusive data of wood chars in order to better understand the mechanisms of ligneous biomass combustion, and the data now published increases the range of available kinetic data on wood char combustion.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: American Chemical Society
Keywords: ligneous biomass; Portuguese wood species; wood chars

Determining the long-term changes in biodiversity and provisioning services along a transect from Central Europe to the Mediterranean. - Colombaroli, Daniele; Tinner, Willy (Holocene, 2013)
Climate, land use and fire are strong determinants of plant diversity, potentially resulting in local extinctions, including rare endemic and economically valuable species. While climate and land use are decisive for vegetation composition and thus the species pool, fire disturbance can lead to landscape fragmentation, affecting the provisioning of important ecosystem services such as timber and raw natural resources. We use multi-proxy palaeoecological data with high taxonomic and temporal resolution across an environmental gradient to assess the long-term impact of major climate shifts, land use and fire disturbance on past vegetation openness and plant diversity (evenness and richness). Evenness of taxa is inferred by calculating the probability of interspecific encounter (PIE) of pollen and spores and species richness by palynological richness (PRI). To account for evenness distortions of PRI, we developed a new palaeodiversity measure, which is evenness-detrended palynological richness (DE-PRI). Reconstructed species richness increases from north to south regardless of time, mirroring the biodiversity increase across the gradient from temperate deciduous to subtropical evergreen vegetation. Climatic changes after the end of the last ice age contributed to biodiversity dynamics, usually by promoting species richness and evenness in response to warming. The data reveal that the promotion of diverse open-land ecosystems increased when human disturbance became determinant, while forests became less diverse. Our results imply that the today’s biodiversity has been shaped by anthropogenic forcing over the millennia. Future management strategies aiming at a successful conservation of biodiversity should therefore consider the millennia-lasting role of anthropogenic fire and human activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Sage Publications, Ltd.
Keywords: climate; ecosystem services; evenness-detrended palynological richness; fire; land use; plant diversity

Distribution of leaf characteristics in relation to orientation within the canopy of woody species - Escudero, Alfonso; Fernández, José; Cordero, Angel; Mediavilla, Sonia (Acta Oecologica, 2013)
Over the last few decades considerable effort has been devoted to research of leaf adaptations to environmental conditions. Many studies have reported strong differences in leaf mass per unit area (LMA) within a single tree depending on the photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) incident on different locations in the crown. There are fewer studies, however, of the effects of differences in the timing of light incidence during the day on different crown orientations. Leaves from isolated trees of Quercus suber and Quercus ilex in a cold Mediterranean climate were sampled to analyze differences in LMA and other leaf traits among different crown orientations. Gas-exchange rates, leaf water potentials, leaf temperatures and PPFD incident on leaf surfaces in different crown orientations were also measured throughout one entire summer day for each species. Mean daily PPFD values were similar for the leaves from the eastern and western sides of the canopy. On the western side, PPFD reached maximum values during the afternoon. Maximum leaf temperatures were approximately 10–20% higher on the west side, whereas minimum leaf water potentials were between 10 and 24% higher on the east side. Maximum transpiration rates were approximately 22% greater on the west, because of the greater leaf-to-air vapor pressure deficits (LAVPD). Mean individual leaf area was around 10% larger on the east than on the west side of the trees. In contrast, there were no significant differences in LMA between east and west sides of the crown. Contrary to our expectations, more severe water stress on the west side did not result in increases in LMA, although it was associated with lower individual leaf area. We conclude that increases in LMA measured by other authors along gradients of water stress would be due to differences in light intensity between dry and humid sites.
Keywords: Canopy orientation; leaf morphology; Leaf temperature; Quercus; water potential

Drawing together the knowledge of forestry and pastoralism experts in the construction of a technical support tool for silvopastoralism - Aubron, Claire; Guérin, Gérard; Gallion, Bruno; Moulin, Charles-Henri (Journal of Environmental Management, 2013)
A growing body of literature documents emphasizes the value of the hybridisation of different types of knowledge for environmental management. This is particularly true for silvopastoralism: although silvopastoralism appears to be a relevant way to manage large forests areas in the northern Mediterranean region, knowledge pertaining to silvopastoralism is distributed between foresters and pastoralists, with a lack of shared knowledge making joint action difficult. The consensus about the need of knowledge hybridisation, however, is not enough to make it happen and a whole field of research investigates the methods which can be used to create shared knowledge. This paper studies one of these methods – the participation of experts in modelling – used in a French research development program to design a technical support tool for silvopastoralism. After having described the modelling process conducted by forestry and pastoralists experts, it presents the conceptual silvopastoralism model they produced and analyses the shared knowledge – especially intermediary concepts and expert typologies – it contains. The paper finally outlines the conditions needed for the participation of experts in modelling to create shared knowledge, its limitations in generating quantitative expertise and discusses how the knowledge created can be shared with a wider audience.
Keywords: Experts participation in modelling; Knowledge hybridisation; Shared knowledge; Silvopastoralism; Technical support tool

Drought-induced tree species replacement is reflected in the spatial variability of soil respiration in a mixed Mediterranean forest - Barba, Josep; Yuste, Jorge Curiel; Martínez-Vilalta, Jordi; Lloret, Francisco (Forest Ecology and Management, 2013)
As episodes of drought-induced forest mortality are being increasingly reported worldwide and may become more frequent in the future as a result of climate change, it is essential to characterize their functional implications in terms of ecosystem carbon and water fluxes. We investigated the spatial variability of soil respiration in a mixed Mediterranean forest located on rugged terrain, where Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) is affected by drought-induced dieback and appears to have been replaced by Holm oak (Quercus ilex) as the dominant tree species. Soil respiration was measured in spring 2010 on two plots (16.2 × 16.2 m) using a static closed chamber method (soda lime technique) and a systematic sampling (1.8-m grid) including 100 points per plot. Biotic and abiotic variables, such as soil moisture, soil temperature, soil organic matter content, stoniness, pH, fine root C:N ratio and biomass, tree basal area and tree species and health condition of nearest neighbouring tree were also recorded. Our results showed that the spatial variability of soil respiration under optimal environmental conditions (spring) was high and showed no spatial autocorrelation on the scale studied (1–18 m). A mixed-effects model applied to explain the spatial variability of soil respiration indicated that only the variables related to forest structure (i.e., health condition and basal area) explained any of the observed variability of soil respiration (R2 = 0.45). Our model revealed that soil respiration was highest in soils close to dead pines and under Holm oak trees, suggesting that tree mortality and species replacement of pine trees by Holm oak may lead to higher soil respiration fluxes. The direct effect of tree mortality on soil respiration may be a transitory response caused by fine root mortality. Furthermore, the fact that tree species replacement as a result of drought-induced die-off is accompanied by concomitant changes in soil respiration has important implications for soil and ecosystem carbon balance
Keywords: Forest dieback; Mediterranean ecosystem; Pinus sylvestris; Quercus ilex; Soil CO2 efflux; Spatial variability

Drove roads: Keystone structures that promote ant diversity in Mediterranean forest landscapes - Azcárate, Francisco M.; Seoane, Javier; Castro, Sara; Peco, Begoña (Acta Oecologica, 2013)
Abstract Drove roads are the traditional corridors used by pastoralists for seasonal movements of livestock (transhumance). They cover a considerable land area in Mediterranean countries and, although they are an obvious source of landscape diversity, their influence on the diversity and composition of animal assemblages has not been documented. Ant communities were studied on four active drove roads, two in forests (submediterranean and conifer) and two in open environments (croplands and rangelands). They were compared with the respective matrix communities and their contribution to local species richness was evaluated. The effects were heavily dependent on the open or closed nature of the matrix. In forest environments, drove roads increased ant species richness at the local scale, acting as clear keystone structures. Their species richness and functional diversity were highest on the fine scale, species composition was different, and a slight edge effect in the matrix was detected. In contrast, drove roads had little or even a negative effect in open environment locations. We conclude that drove roads have a high conservation value for ants in Mediterranean forest environments, in addition to their importance as reservoirs of plant biodiversity and generators of ecological goods and services.
Keywords: Ant assemblages; functional diversity; Grasslands; spatial heterogeneity; Transhumance

Dynamics of non-structural carbohydrates in three Mediterranean woody species following long-term experimental drought - Rosas, Teresa; Galiano, Lucia Lucía; Ogaya, Roma Romà; Penuelas, Josep; Martínez-Vilalta, Jordi; Penuelas, Josep; Martínez-Vilalta, Jordi (FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE, 2013)
Stored non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) have been proposed as a key determinant of drought resistance in plants. However, the evidence for this role is controversial, as it comes mostly from observational, short-term studies. Here, we take advantage of a long-term experimental throughfall reduction to elucidate the response of NSC to increased drought 14 years after the beginning of the treatment in three Mediterranean resprouter trees (Quercus ilex L., Arbutus unedo L. and Phillyrea latifolia L.). In addition, we selected 20 Q. ilex individuals outside the experimental plots to directly assess the relationship between defoliation and NSC at the individual level. We measured the seasonal course of NSC concentrations in leaves, branches and lignotuber in late winter, late spring, summer, and autumn 2012. Total concentrations of NSC were highest in the lignotuber for all species. In the long-term drought experiment we found significant depletion in concentrations of total NSC in treatment plots only in the lignotuber of A. unedo. At the same time, A. unedo was the only species showing a significant reduction in BAI under the drought treatment during the 14 years of the experiment. By contrast, Q. ilex just reduced stem growth only during the first 4 years of treatment and P latifolia remained unaffected over the whole study period. However, we found a clear association between the concentrations of NSC and defoliation in Q. ilex individuals sampled outside the experimental plots, with lower total concentrations of NSC and lower proportion of starch in defoliated individuals. Taken together, our results suggest that stabilizing processes, probably at the stand level, may have been operating in the long-term to mitigate any impact of drought on NSC levels, and highlight the necessity to incorporate long-term experimental studies of plant responses to drought.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: PO BOX 110, LAUSANNE, 1015, SWITZERLAND publisher: FRONTIERS RESEARCH FOUNDATION accession-num: 24130568
Keywords: crown condition; Drought; Growth; long-term; non-s; non-structural carbohydrates; starch; throughfall; Throughfall manipulation

Eco-efficient value creation of Cork Products: an LCA-based method for Design Intervention - Mestre, Ana; Vogtlander, Joost (Journal of Cleaner Production, 2013)
Cork, a natural, recyclable, non-toxic and renewable resource, which stems from the bark of a cork oak in the Mediterranean cork forest (Montado), is an excellent material for Sustainable Product Design. This article describes a project, developed for the Portuguese Cork Industry, on the sustainable innovation of cork products, using the method of “Design Interventions” for new product development, combined with the method of “Eco-efficient Value Creation”. Design Intervention is a method to generate innovative products in a structured way with a team of designers, focussing on maximum customer perceived value. The method has four levels: project strategic level, concept development level, design implementation level and product diffusion level. It includes workshops, combined with work in the design studios of the individual designers. The design concepts are analysed with respect to sustainability, and the market value of the prototypes are tested. Eco-efficient value creation is LCA based method with a double objective: 1. reduce the eco-burden of a product (and/or service), and at the same time, 2. enhance the customer perceived value. In this method, the combination of customer perceived value and eco-burden of the product is optimised, aiming at a high level of eco-effectiveness. The eco-burden is determined by means of Life Cycle Assessment (according to ISO 14040/44). The customer perceived value is determined by the price of the product in the market. The project showed that this two dimensional approach, generated good results: 27 out of the 36 new designs ended up with better characteristics (lower eco-costs at a higher value) than their reference products. Products have been exhibited in several international cities, and are sold in design shops
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier Ltd
Keywords: Cork; eco-costs; eco-design; eco-efficiency; LCA; Sustainability

Efecto de los regimenes de perturbación en la regeneración de Quercus rotundifolia Lam. en el NE de Portugal - Castro, M.; MANUEL BEÇA, M.; FERNÁNDEZ-NÚÑEZ, E. (VI Congreso Forestal Español, 2013)
El “monte de Morais” (NE Portugal) es una de las mayores unidades continuas de serpentinas en Portugal, con un elevado interés geológico y botánico y que forma parte de la Red Natura 2000. Es el área más representativa de las rocas ultrabásicas lusitano-durienses, cubierta por diversas comunidades de especies endémicas. Su vegetación está dominada por Quercus rotundifolia Lam. siendo también importante la presencia de Quercus suber L., Juniperus oxycedrus Sibth. & Sm y Quercus faginea Lam. En los últimos años, el monte fue objeto de diferentes intervenciones consistentes en la aplicación de desbroces mecánicos (parcelas perturbadas) en determinadas áreas del monte y, otras zonas, donde no se aplicó desbroce, fueron destinadas a refugio de caza (parcelas no perturbadas). El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto del desbroce mecánico sobre la sustentabilidad del encinar. Se determinó la cobertura vegetal del sotobosque, la regeneración de la encina (número plántulas/m2) y su tipología en zonas perturbadas y no perturbadas. Los resultados muestran un incremento de la cubierta herbácea en las parcelas perturbadas mientras que las no perturbadas se favoreció la presencia de arbustos. La regeneración de la encina en las parcelas perturbadas se redujo drásticamente en comparación con las no perturbadas
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: periodical: VI Congreso Forestal Español pub-location: Vitoria
Keywords: desbroce; encina; mediterráneo; regeneración

Efectos a corto plazo de la poda en la producción de bellota en relación al contexto productivo en que se realiza - Carbonero Muñoz, M. D.; GARCÍA MORENO, A. M.; HIDALGO FERNÁNDEZ, M.; LEAL MURILLO, J. R.; Blázquez Carrasco, A.; Fernández Rebollo, P. (VI Congreso Forestal Español, 2013)
Este trabajo cuantifica el efecto de una poda liviana de mantenimiento sobre la producción y morfología de la bellota de la encina en la dehesa en dos años con niveles de cosecha muy diferentes: 2001 y 2006. Para ello se eligieron 10 árboles que habían sido podados en 2001 y otros 10 que lo fueron en 2006. La producción obtenida en ambos años se comparó otros 10 árboles que no se habían podado y que poseían una morfología similar. Los resultados indican que el año siguiente a la poda la producción tiende a disminuir y el tamaño y peso de la bellota a aumentar, aunque este aumento sólo es significativo cuando la poda se realiza en un año de altas producciones. El porcentaje en que la producción y morfología de la bellota varía tras la poda también difiere en función de las características del año, siendo mayor cuando se aplica en contextos productivos buenos. Tampoco la poda no modifica de manera significativa la distribución de la producción y la morfología del fruto dentro del árbol
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: periodical: VI Congreso Forestal Español pub-location: Vitoria
Keywords: Dehesa; encina; meteorología; Quercus ilex; sequía; vecería

Effect of Density on the Compression Behaviour of Cork - Anjos, Ofélia; Rodrigues, Cátia; Morais, José; Pereira, Helena (Materials & Design, 2013)
The compression properties of cork were studied for samples of different density. The densities were grouped into three classes: low density (0.13-0.15), mid density (0.15-0.19) and high density (0.19-0.25). The porosity of the cork samples increased from the low to the high density class, with porosity coefficients of 5.1%, 6.9% and 9.4% respectively. The difference in the porosity was associated with structural features, namely the presence of thick walled cork cells and the presence of lignified cells lining the pores. The stress-strain curves were similar for all cases, showing an elastic compression up to a yield point of about 5% strain, followed by a plateau with a small slope. The cork strength was higher in the radial direction than in the other directions. The density influenced the compression such that the corks with high density presented higher stiffness in compression in three directions: Young’s modulus was 17.4, 22.6 and 26.1 MPa for low, mid and high density corks respectively. This density effect was more evident in the plateau region of the progressive buckling of the cell walls (σ30 was respectively 1.07, 1.29 and 1.54 MPa for the three density classes). The recovery of dimensions after compression in each direction was also studied following compression to 50% strain. The recovery was on average 50% of the initial deformation on the first day, and almost total after 15 days. The recovery was higher for corks with low density and in non radial directions.
Keywords: Compression; Cork; Density; Dimensional recovery; Young’s modulus

The effect of starch isolation method on physical and functional properties of Portuguese nut starches. II. Q. rotundifolia Lam. and Q. suber Lam. acorns starches - Correia, Paula Reis; Nunes, Maria Cristiana; Beirão-da-Costa, Maria Luísa (Food Hydrocolloids, 2013)
A new starch was isolated from fruits of two acorn species, Quercus rotundifolia and Quercus suber by alkaline (A3S) and enzymatic (ENZ) methods and physical and functional properties were studied. The isolation method induced changes in most of those properties in the isolated starches, mainly in resistant starch content, syneresis, pasting, thermal and rheological properties. Isolated acorn starches presented high amylose content (53e59%) and resistant starch content (30.8e41.4%). Acorn starches showed limited and similar solubility values and swelling power values, showing a gradual increase from 60 C to 90 C. The pasting temperatures ranged from 67.5 to 72.0 C and pastes did not present breakdown, which is suggestive of a high paste stability of acorn starches during heating. At ambient temperature the turbidity and syneresis values were low, but when held at freezing temperatures the syneresis signiﬁ- cantly increased. Thermal analysis revealed that the acorn starches easily undergo transition phenomena as shown by the low To and enthalpy values (4.1e4.3 J/g), these effects were more evident in starches isolated by ENZ method. Pastes are more elastic than viscous and form strong gels after cooling. Q. suber starch was shown to be more sensitive to the effect of isolation method. Generally, starch isolated by enzymatic method presented less interesting functional properties, since this isolation procedure greater affected the raw structure of starches
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier Ltd
Keywords: acorns; Functional properties; isolation method; rheological properties; starch; thermal properties

Effectiveness of habitat management in the recovery of low-density populations of wild rabbit - Godinho, Sérgio; Mestre, Frederico; Ferreira, JoaquimP; Machado, Rui; Santos, Pedro (European Journal of Wildlife Research, 2013)
Understanding the relationship between spatial patterns of landscape attributes and population presence and abundance is essential for understanding population processes as well as supporting management and conservation strategies. This study evaluates the influence of three factors: environment, habitat management, and season on the presence and abundance of the wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), an important prey species for Mediterranean endangered predator species. To address this issue, we estimated wild rabbit presence and abundance by latrine counting in transects located in 45 plots within a 250 × 250 m grid from June 2007 until June 2009 in a 1,200 ha hunting area in southern Portugal. We then analyzed how wild rabbit presence and abundance correlate with the aforementioned factors. Our results showed that the main variable influencing wild rabbit presence and abundance was the distance to the artificial warrens. North and northeast slope directions were negatively related to wild rabbit presence. Conversely, rabbit presence was positively correlated with short distances to ecotone, artificial warrens, and spring. Regarding rabbit abundance, in addition to artificial warrens, soft soils, bushes, and season also had a positive effect. We found that environmental variables, management practices, and season each affect wild rabbit presence and abundance differently at a home range scale in low-density population. Thus, our major recommendations are reducing the distance to artificial warrens and ecotone, ideally to less than 100 m, and promoting habitat quality improvement on slopes with plenty of sun exposure.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Environmental factors; Habitat management; oryctolagus cuniculus; Portugal; Season

Effects of fire on cation content in water: a laboratory simulation study - Cancelo-González, J.; Rial-Rivas, M. E.; Díaz-Fierros, F. (2013)
Laboratory experiments were carried out to explore the effect of thermal shocks (as occur during fire) and simulated rainfall events on cation leaching dynamics in an organic rich Leptic Umbrisol soil. The soil samples were collected in the field using specially designed lysimeter boxes that allow sampling and application of thermal shock treatments and simulated rainfall while keeping the soil structure unaltered. The soil temperature during the thermal shocks and degree-hours of accumulated heat were determined, and cation (Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+) leaching was measured in surface runoff (0-cm depth) and subsurface flow (12-cm depth) samples collected from the lysimeter boxes. Important differences were found in cation leaching in relation to thermal shock: monovalent cation leaching from the soil above 200°C (68 degree-hours) and divalent cations leaching above 220°C (195 degree-hours) was higher than that seen in other treatments. In general, the amount of cations leached increased with the severity of the thermal shock; however, under moderate conditions, there was a decrease in cation leaching, mainly of monovalent ions. The exchangeable cation losses by leaching in the intense heat treatments were ~80%.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: secondary-title: International Journal of Wildland Fire periodical: International Journal of Wildland Fire pages: 667-680 volume: 22 issue: 5
Keywords: fire intensity; nutrient fluxes; rainfall simulation; water quality

Effects of long-term management practices on grassland plant assemblages in Mediterranean cork oak silvo-pastoral systems - Bagella, Simonetta; Salis, Lorenzo; Marrosu, Gian Marco; Rossetti, Ivo; Fanni, Stefania; Caria, Maria Carmela; Roggero, Pier Paolo (PLANT ECOLOGY, 2013)
The assessment of the effects of long-term management practices is relevant in understanding the current patterns of plant assemblages in semi-natural ecosystems. We hypothesized that the variety of management practices across different farming systems under the same ecological conditions directly and indirectly shapes these patterns via the long-term changes induced in soil features. The aims of this paper were to evaluate the influence of two sets of variables describing long-term management practices and soil features on plant assemblages and their importance in the context of Mediterranean silvo-pastoral systems. The analysis of variance revealed that richness and grazing value were not affected at all by grazing livestock species and soil tillage frequency and that they both showed relatively high absolute values for the specific context under study. Trifolium subterraneum was a key species in contributing to grassland grazing value and habitat biodiversity. The Canonical Correspondence Analysis highlighted the influence of management practices and soil features on plant assemblage composition, which was significantly affected by grazing livestock species and stocking rate and by soil pH and K content. The Redundancy Analysis showed that soil pH and related features were in turn affected by stocking rate, supporting our hypothesis that management practices influenced plant assemblage composition directly and indirectly via their long-term effects on soil features. The results also highlighted that a systemic analytical perspective applied at a grazing system scale can be effective in addressing sustainable grassland management issues in Mediterranean silvo-pastoral systems.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS publisher: SPRINGER
Keywords: grazing systems; soil features; Stocking rate; Tillage; Trifolium subterraneum

Effects of soil pollutants, biogeochemistry and microbiology on the distribution and composition of enchytraeid communities in urban and suburban holm oak stands - Rota, Emilia; Caruso, Tancredi; Monaci, Fabrizio; Baldantoni, Daniela; De Nicola, Flavia; Iovieno, Paola; Bargagli, Roberto (Environmental Pollution, 2013)
Holm oaks form typical urban woodlands in the Mediterranean region. We aimed at characterizing the enchytraeid communities in these environments and searching for possible correlations with soil pa- rameters, including the traffic contamination. Samples of litter and topsoil were collected at different spatial scales and seasons in Naples and Siena cities and in two suburban stands. Only the co-variation between pollution and other soil chemico-physical factors showed significant effects, whereas no direct effect of soil microbiology was detected. Some thermophilous Fridericia and Achaeta tolerate high con- centrations of heavy metals and PAHs and their abundance was mainly determined by Ca bioavailability. Central-European mesophilous species increased significantly under more temperate environmental conditions. Different combinations of soil cohesiveness, grain size composition and moisture regime seem to select species of certain body sizes. 
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier Ltd
Keywords: Enchytraeids; Mediterranean urban communities; Microbiology; Pollutants; Soil biogeochemistry; terrestrial annelids

Electron microscopy and composition of raw acorn starch in relation to in vivo starch digestibility - Cappai, Maria Grazia; Alesso, Giuseppe Andrea; Nieddu, Giuseppa; Sanna, Marina; Pinna, Walter (Food & Function, 2013)
The structure and composition of starch play an important role as co-factors affecting raw starch digestibility: such features were investigated in raw acorn starch from the most diffused oak trees in the Mediterranean basin. A total of 620 whole ripe acorns from Holm (Quercus ilex L., n = 198), Downy (Quercus pubescens Willd., n = 207) and Cork (Quercus suber L., n = 215) oaks sampled on the Sardinia Isle (40[degree] 56[prime or minute] 0[prime or minute][prime or minute] N; 9[degree] 4[prime or minute] 0[prime or minute][prime or minute] E; 545 m above the mean sea level) in the same geographical area, were analyzed for their chemical composition. The starch contents ranged between 51.2% and 53.5% of dry matter. The starch granules displayed a spheroid/ovoid and cylindrical shape; on scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analyses, a bimodal distribution of starch granule size was observed both for Holm and Cork oak acorns, whereas the starch granules of Downy oak acorns showed diameters between 10.2 and 13.8 [small mu ]m. The specific amylose to amylopectin ratio of acorn starch was 25.8%, 19.5% and 34.0% in the Holm, Downy and Cork oaks, respectively. The 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) signal analysis displayed a pivotal spectrum for the identification of the amylose peaks in raw acorn starch, as a basis for the amylose to amylopectin ratio determination.
Key words added by Adriana SilvaKey words added by Adriana SilvaThe following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: The Royal Society of Chemistry
Keywords: amilose; Mediterranean basin; Oak trees

Establecimiento de cultivos en suspensión para la producción en masa de embriones somáticos en alcornoque y pino piñonero - CELESTINO MUR, C.; RUIZ-GALEA, M.; ALONSO BLÁZQUEZ, N.; BARRA JIMÉNEZ, A.; ALEGRE ÁLVARO, J.; TORIBIO IGLESIAS, M. (VI Congreso Forestal Español, 2013)
La clonación mediante embriogénesis somática es hoy una biotecnología bien establecida en la industria forestal, posibilitando la regeneración de plantas a partir de individuos selectos y el establecimiento de plantaciones multivarietales de alto valor productivo. El potencial de esta biotecnología se ve condicionado por la recalcitrancia que muestran algunas especies, genotipos o explantos para responder a las condiciones de cultivo impuestas. La producción a gran escala de embriones somáticos requiere el establecimiento de cultivos en suspensión, los cuales proporcionan mayores tasas de producción y sincronización de los embriones somáticos que las obtenidas en medio semisólido, prerrequisito para la automatización de esta biotecnología. Hemos obtenido la regeneración de plantas por embriogénesis somática en medios semisólidos, usando brotes de hojas de alcornoque y a partir de semillas inmaduras en pino piñonero. También hemos establecido cultivos en suspensión en ambas especies. Se describe, entre otros factores, el efecto de la densidad de inoculación, el volumen del envase y la velocidad de agitación, en la proliferación de líneas embriogénicas y diferenciación de embriones somáticos para ambas especies. El tamaño y la densidad del inóculo determinaron fuertemente el crecimiento de los cultivos. La velocidad de agitación y las características del envase influyeron sobre todo en la organización de las estructuras embriogénicas.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: periodical: VI Congreso Forestal Español pub-location: Vitoria
Keywords: Biotecnología forestal; embriogénesis somática; Pinus pinea L.; Quercus suber L.

Estimación del estado hídrico de la encina mediante NIRS: índices espectrales y comparación de modelos con distintos equipos portátiles - GARCÍA MORENO, A. M.; Carbonero Muñoz, M. D.; MORENO ELCURE, F.; HIDALGO FERNÁNDEZ, M. T.; Fernández Rebollo, P. (VI Congreso Forestal Español, 2013)
El estado hídrico es uno de los indicadores más importantes del bienestar de las plantas en los montes y dehesas. El estrés hídrico provocado por la escasez de precipitaciones y altas temperaturas, es el principal factor que limita el establecimiento de plántulas y afecta al crecimiento y a la producción de árboles adultos. Diversos trabajos han puesto de manifiesto una fuerte relación entre el estado hídrico de las hojas y su huella espectral. En este trabajo hemos tratado de evaluar el contenido hídrico (CH) y el contenido hídrico relativo (CHR) de la encina a partir de espectros de hoja fresca obtenidos mediante espectrofotómetros portátiles. Para ello (i) hemos calculado modelos de predicción para el CH a partir de lecturas espectrales de 160 muestras de hoja fresca de encina con dos equipos NIRS portátiles, y (ii) hemos analizado la relación entre el estado hídrico de 20 muestras de hoja de encina en distintos estadíos, y los índices espectrales NDWI, WI y MDWI. Las ecuaciones de calibración obtenidas con ambos espectofotómetros tienen una buena capacidad de predicción del estado hídrico de la hoja de encina intacta. Existe una correlación significativa entre los índices espectrales calculados y el estado hídrico.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: periodical: VI Congreso Forestal Español pub-location: Vitoria
Keywords: espectrofotómetro portátil; espectroscopía en el infrarrojo cercano; hoja fresca; Quercus ilex

Estimating epiphytic lichen richness by single families in Mediterranean forests - Aragón, Gregorio; Belinchón, Rocío; Martínez, Isabel; Prieto, Maria (Forest Ecology and Management, 2013)
The current trend of declining epiphytic richness caused by human activities (forest fragmentation, log- ging, agriculture, and livestock grazing) and the greater efforts required to sample and identify the most inconspicuous species have necessitated the use of indicators of the species richness. In this study, we examined the potential of predicting epiphytic lichen richness based on the richness of a single taxon (fam- ily) of the most conspicuous lichens (macrolichens) in Mediterranean woodlands. Since our working hypothesis is that the richness of some conspicuous elements is tightly connected with the total richness, we expect this connection is maintained even after composition shifts (for instance composition changes between coniferous and oak forests). In order to control the large set of confounding factors at macro- and microclimate scales our present study was conducted in 504 forest stands, which represented awide range of Mediterranean climates, management intensity levels, canopy cover types, and tree sizes. The presence/ absence of epiphytic lichens were determined in 7560 trees, which were dominated by coniferous (Pinus nigra and P. sylvestris) and oak (Quercus ilex ssp. ballota, Q. faginea, and Q. pyrenaica) species. In oak forests, the increased richness of Collemataceae and the complex known as ‘‘rest of Peltigerales’’ was followed by an increase in the overall epiphytic richness, whereas there was a strong positive correlation between Par- meliaceae and total epiphytic richness in coniferous forests. In both cases, the richness of these predictors increased in well-preserved forest stands with dense canopies. Thus, we propose the potential use of Par- meliaceae (for coniferous forests) and the Collemataceae and the ‘‘rest of Peltigerales’’ (for oak forests) as indicators in the Mediterranean region because they have a cosmopolitan distribution, grow in a wide range of environmental conditions, and are correlated with changes in the epiphytic richness caused by for- est disturbances. ?
From Duplicate 2 ( Estimating epiphytic lichen richness by single families in Mediterranean forests - Aragón, Gregorio; Belinchón, Rocío; Martínez, Isabel; Prieto, Maria )From Duplicate 2 ( Estimating epiphytic lichen richness by single families in Mediterranean forests - Aragón, Gregorio; Belinchón, Rocío; Martínez, Isabel; Prieto, Maria )
Keywords: epiphytic lichens; Forest structure; Indicator species; Mediterranean; Species richness

EVIDENCE FROM CHARCOAL ANALYSIS FOR THE EXTENSIVE EXPLOITATION OF CORK-OAK (QUERCUS SUBER) FOREST IN THE ROMAN IMPERIAL PERIOD: THE VICUS OF THAMUSIDA (NW MOROCCO) - ALLEVATO, Emilia; PECCI, Alessandra; PAPI, Emanuele; Pasquale, Gaetano Di (Proceedings of the Fourth International Meeting of Anthracology, 2013)
This work shows the preliminary results of the study of charcoal collected in the vicus of Thamusida – Sidi Ali ben Ahmed (Morocco), in the Roman province of Mauretania Tingitana. The charcoal assemblage gives information on the woody flora and the wood usage during a period from the second half of the 1st cent. AD to the 3rd cent. AD, during the Roman occupation of the site. Data suggest the presence of a Quercus suber forest in the close surrounding of the site, with larger extension with respect to the present-day Mamora forest. The presence of Vitis vinifera and Olea europaea in the agrarian landscape was also detected. The presence within the charcoal assemblages of Castanea sativa it is worth to note since its presence in the wild vegetation in the surrounding of the site is rather improbable
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: periodical: Proceedings of the Fourth International Meeting of Anthracology issue: September 2008
Keywords: CHARCOAL ANALYSIS; Firewood; Mamora forest; Roman imperial period; Timber

Evolución estacional de la velocidad de flujo de savia en encinas de dehesas de la provincia de Huelva - Fernández, M.; Alejano, R.; Vázquez-Piqué, J.; ANDIVIA, E.; MARTÍN, D. (VI Congreso Forestal Español, 2013)
La encina es una de las especies más extendidas y emblemáticas de la cuenca mediterránea. La irregularidad interanual y la limitación hídrica estival son características comunes del Clima Mediterráneo que dificultan la gestión de los sistemas vegetales que ahí habitan. Sin embargo aún no se conoce en profundidad cuáles son las necesidades hídricas de esta especie y el consumo de agua en distintas épocas del año. Más aún cuando los escenarios climáticos predichos para esta región vaticinan un aumento de temperaturas y una reducción y mayor irregularidad de las precipitaciones. Por ello, puesto que la mayor parte del agua utilizada por las plantas es transportada por el xilema y transpirada en la parte aérea, se estudió la evolución estacional de la velocidad del flujo de savia en troncos de tres encinas, lo que nos daría una idea de las necesidades hídricas de la especie en función de las condiciones edafo- climáticas de cada momento del año. La velocidad máxima diaria del flujo de savia osciló entre 2 y 35 cm/h, con un consumo diario de agua que osciló entre 4 y 73 L día-1, ambas en función del individuo y de la época de medición, altamente relacionada con la radiación solar, la ETo y la humedad edáfica.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: periodical: VI Congreso Forestal Español pub-location: Vitoria
Keywords: cambio climático; factores ambientales; necesidades hídricas; Quercus ilex ssp. ballota

The exotic legume tree species, Acacia mearnsii, alters microbial soil functionalities and the early development of a native tree species, Quercus suber, in North Africa - Boudiaf, I.; Baudoin, E.; Sanguin, H.; Beddiar, A.; Thioulouse, J.; Galiana, A.; Prin, Y.; Le Roux, C.; Lebrun, M.; Duponnois, R. (Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 2013)
Acacia mearnsii is one of the most planted Australian Acacia around the world but is known to be highly invasive, threatening native habitats by competing with indigenous vegetation. The introduction of this species in the Algerian El Kala Biosphere reserve led to the invasion of natural formations to the detri- ment of Quercus suber, a native tree species.We hypothesized that shifts in soil microbial functions and ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungal community structure triggered by this exotic Acacia species might correlate with a decrease of the early growth of Q. suber. Soil samples were thus collected from 3 different sites where the exotic specieswas at different stages of invasion in the Algerian El Kala Biosphere reserve, (i) a Q. suber forest free of A. mearnsii (site S1), (ii) a Q. suber/A. mearnsii mixed forest where the Australian Acacia has been recently detected (site S2) and (iii) pure stands of A. mearnsii formed more than 20 years ago (site S3). Plant growth, EcM community structure associated with Q. suber roots and soil microbial functionalities were assessed for 6 month-old cultures of Q. suber in glasshouse conditions. The results clearly demonstrated a strong deleterious impact of A. mearnsii invasion level on soil chemical characteristics, microbial functions and EcM community structure and colonization, correlated to a decrease in the early growth of Q. suber seedlings. The current study gives new insights into both the negative impact of exotic species on soil functioning and their effect on indigenous vegetation growth. These results may be used as a basis for improving the conservation practices of native tree species in such degraded areas as a complement of ecological strategies using indigenous ectotrophic early- successional shrub species (eg. Cistus spp.) that our findings have shown to promote EcM multiplica- tion and the early growth of native tree species. 
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier Ltd
Keywords: Acacia mearnsii; ectomycorrhiza; exotic invasive plant; Soil microbial community

Extracts from Quercus sp. acorns exhibit in vitro neuroprotective features through inhibition of cholinesterase and protection of the human dopaminergic cell line SH-SY5Y from hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity - Custódio, Luísa; Patarra, João; Alberício, Fernando; Neng, Nuno Rosa; Nogueira, José Manuel Florêncio; Romano, Anabela (Industrial Crops and Products, 2013)
In this work non polar (hexane) and polar (methanol and hot water) extracts of cork oak (Quercus suber) and holm oak (Quercus ilex) acorns were evaluated for the first time for in vitro neuroprotective properties, by determining their in vitro inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and their capacity to attenuate hydrogen peroxide-induced injury in the human dopaminergic cell line SH-SY5Y. Total content of phenolics, tannins and flavonoids, HPLC profile of the main phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity were also determined. The methanol extracts showed inhibitory activities against AChE and BChE. The best results toward AChE were obtained with cork oak extract (69.4% inhibition at the concentration of 1 mg/ml), while for BChE the highest inhibition (46% inhibition at the concentration of 1 mg/ml) was obtained with holm oak. Moreover, methanol extracts were able to prevent oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity in SH-S5SY cells. The methanol extract of holm oak exhibited the highest RSA, with values of 63.8% and 49.7% on DPPH and ABTS radicals at the concentration of 1 mg/ml, respectively. In general the extracts exhibited no reducing potential. The methanol extract from cork oak acorns had the highest content in phenolic compounds (25.2 mg GAE/g, DW), while the water extracts had the maximum level of flavonoids (1.7 mg RE/g, DW). Tannins were present in higher amounts in the water extract of holm oak (91.6 CE/g, DW). The main compounds in the methanol extract from holm oak acorns were (−)-epicatechin and catechol, while gallic acid and (+)-catechin were the main constituents of the methanol extract from cork oak acorns. Our results indicate that cork and holm oak acorns provide a valuable source of biomolecules useful for alleviating symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative ailments.
Keywords: acorns; Alzheimer's; Cholinesterase; Dementia; Mediterranean trees; Neurological disorders

Field Evidence of Colonisation by Holm Oak, at the Northern Margin of Its Distribution Range, during the Anthropocene Period - Delzon, Sylvain; Urli, Morgane; Samalens, Jean-Charles; Lamy, Jean-Baptiste; Lischke, Heike; Sin, Fabrice; Zimmermann, Niklaus E.; Porte, Annabel J. (PLOS ONE, 2013)
A major unknown in the context of current climate change is the extent to which populations of slowly migrating species, such as trees, will track shifting climates. Niche modelling generally predicts substantial northward shifts of suitable habitats. There is therefore an urgent need for field-based forest observations to corroborate these extensive model simulations. We used forest inventory data providing presence/absence information from just over a century (1880-2010) for a Mediterranean species (Quercus ilex) in forests located at the northern edge of its distribution. The main goals of the study were (i) to investigate whether this species has actually spread into new areas during the Anthropocene period and (ii) to provide a direct estimation of tree migration rate. We show that Q. ilex has colonised substantial new areas over the last century. However, the maximum rate of colonisation by this species (22 to 57 m/year) was much slower than predicted by the models and necessary to follow changes in habitat suitability since 1880. Our results suggest that the rates of tree dispersion and establishment may also be too low to track shifts in bioclimatic envelopes in the future. The inclusion of contemporary, rather than historical, migration rates into models should improve our understanding of the response of species to climate change.
APSAPSThe following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: 1160 BATTERY STREET, STE 100, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111 USA publisher: PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE
Keywords: mediterranean species; niche modelling; Quercus ilex

First Report of Root Rot Caused by Pythium spiculum Affecting Cork Oaks at Donana Biological Reserve in Spain - De Vita, P.; Serrano, M. S.; Ramo, C.; Aponte, C.; Garcia, L. V.; Belbahri, L.; Sanchez, M. E. (PLANT DISEASE, 2013)
APSAPSThe following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: 3340 PILOT KNOB ROAD, ST PAUL, MN 55121 USA publisher: AMER PHYTOPATHOLOGICAL SOC
Keywords: Cork oak; Donana Biological Reserve; Pythium spiculum; Spain

Foliar Symptoms Triggered by Ozone Stress in Irrigated Holm Oaks from the City of Madrid, Spain - Calderon Guerrero, Carlos; Guenthardt-Goerg, Madeleine S.; Vollenweider, Pierre (PLOS ONE, 2013)
Background: Despite abatement programs of precursors implemented in many industrialized countries, ozone remains the principal air pollutant throughout the northern hemisphere with background concentrations increasing as a consequence of economic development in former or still emerging countries and present climate change. Some of the highest ozone concentrations are measured in regions with a Mediterranean climate but the effect on the natural vegetation is alleviated by low stomatal uptake and frequent leaf xeromorphy in response to summer drought episodes characteristic of this climate. However, there is a lack of understanding of the respective role of the foliage physiology and leaf xeromorphy on the mechanistic effects of ozone in Mediterranean species. Particularly, evidence about morphological and structural changes in evergreens in response to ozone stress is missing. Results: Our study was started after observing ozone -like injury in foliage of holm oak during the assessment of air pollution mitigation by urban trees throughout the Madrid conurbation. Our objectives were to confirm the diagnosis, investigate the extent of symptoms and analyze the ecological factors contributing to ozone injury, particularly, the site water supply. Symptoms consisted of adaxial and intercostal stippling increasing with leaf age. Underlying stippling, cells in the upper mesophyll showed HR-like reactions typical of ozone stress. The surrounding cells showed further oxidative stress markers. These morphological and micromorphological markers of ozone stress were similar to those recorded in deciduous broadleaved species. However, stippling became obvious already at an AOT40 of 21 ppm.h and was primarily found at irrigated sites. Subsequent analyses showed that irrigated trees had their stomatal conductance increased and leaf life -span reduced whereas the leaf xeromorphy remained unchanged. These findings suggest a central role of water availability versus leaf xeromorphy for ozone symptom expression by cell injury in holm oak.
APSAPSThe following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: 1160 BATTERY STREET, STE 100, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111 USA publisher: PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE
Keywords: Holm oak; Mediterranean climate; natural vegetation; Ozone; Stomatal uptake

Forest fire occurrence increases the distribution of a scarce forest type in the Mediterranean Basin - Arnan, Xavier; Quevedo, Lídia; Rodrigo, Anselm (Acta Oecologica, 2013)
Here we report how ﬁre recurrence increases the distribution of a scarce forest type in NE Spain that is dominated by the resprouter tree species Arbutus unedo. We used a combination of GIS and ﬁeld surveys to determine the effect of ﬁre and pre-ﬁre vegetation on the appearance of A. unedo forests. In the ﬁeld, we also analyzed the factors that promote ﬁre and lead to the appearance of A. unedo forests. Our results reveal an increased occurrence of A. unedo forests in NE Spain in recent years; this phenomenon was strongly related to ﬁre recurrence and the vegetation type present prior to ﬁre. Most Pinus halepensis forests that burned more than once gave rise to A. unedo forests. Our results indicate that these conversions were related to a reduction in pine density coupled with increases in the density and size of A. unedo trees due to recurrent ﬁres. Given that ﬁres are increasing in number and magnitude in the Mediterranean, we predict a major change in landscape structure and composition at the regional scale
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier Masson SAS
Keywords: Arbutus unedo; Forest dominance; GIS analysis; Mediterranean; Pinus halepensis; Wildﬁres

Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde emissions from residential wood combustion in Portugal - Cerqueira, Mário; Gomes, Luís; Tarelho, Luís; Pio, Casimiro (Atmospheric Environment, 2013)
A series of experiments were conducted to characterize formaldehyde and acetaldehyde emissions from residential combustion of common wood species growing in Portugal. Five types of wood were investigated: maritime pine (Pinus pinaster), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), cork oak (Quercus suber), holm oak (Quercus rotundifolia) and pyrenean oak (Quercus pyrenaica). Laboratory experiments were performed with a typical wood stove used for domestic heating in Portugal and operating under realistic home conditions. Aldehydes were sampled from diluted combustion flue gas using silica cartridges coated with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine and analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection. The average formaldehyde to acetaldehyde concentration ratio (molar basis) in the stove flue gas was in the range of 2.1–2.9. Among the tested wood types, pyrenean oak produced the highest emissions for both formaldehyde and acetaldehyde: 1772 ± 649 and 1110 ± 454 mg kg−1 biomass burned (dry basis), respectively. By contrast, maritime pine produced the lowest emissions: 653 ± 151 and 371 ± 162 mg kg−1 biomass (dry basis) burned, respectively. Aldehydes were sampled separately during distinct periods of the holm oak wood combustion cycles. Significant variations in the flue gas concentrations were found, with higher values measured during the devolatilization stage than in the flaming and smoldering stages.
Keywords: Acetaldehyde; Biomass combustion; Emissions; Formaldehyde; Wood stove

Gas transport through cork: Modelling gas permeation based on the morphology of a natural polymer material - Brazinha, Carla; Fonseca, Ana P.; Pereira, Helena; Teodoro, Orlando M. N. D.; Crespo, João G. (Journal of Membrane Science, 2013)
Natural polymers have been studied during the last years for the transport and separation of liquid and gas mixtures, in terms of solubility and permeability data, and their structure and mechanical properties have been characterised. However, no transport models have been reported, relating transport with the material morphology. Cork is a natural cellular material containing three structural polymers (suberin, lignin and polysaccharides). Cork is considered a natural polymer, with economic relevance due to its sealing, non-toxic, stable and low-density properties. Cork was characterised in this work in terms of its solubility and permeability data in relation to various gases with different molecular mass: He, O2, N2, CO2 and 1,1,1,2-tetraﬂuoroethane (R134a). A morphological analysis of the structure of the cork sample chosen in this work was also performed using SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and TEM (transmission electron microscope) image analysis, which took into account the variation of each relevant structural parameter. A transport model was developed supported on the morphology of cork characterised in this work. The transport model developed considers that gas permeation occurs through the plasmodesmata, which are channels with approximately 100 nm of diameter that cross the cell walls of the cork cells. It was found that gas transport follows a Knudsen mechanism, as proved by the gas permeability behaviour with increasing gas molecular mass, with a negligible contribution of viscous transport to the total ﬂux.
Keywords: Cork; Gas permeation; Knudsen transport; Natural polymers; solubility; Solution–diffusion model

Germination and seedling growth of holm oak (Quercus ilex L.): effects of provenance, temperature, and radicle pruning - Caliskan, Servet (IFOREST-BIOGEOSCIENCES AND FORESTRY, 2013)
This study tested acorn characteristics and the germination behavior of different provenances of Holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) and the effects of radicle clipping of germinated acorns on 1-0 year-old seedling morphology and their field performances. The results revealed that all acorn characteristics among different provenances were significant. Quercus ilex acorns germinated well at alternating temperatures of 20/10 degrees C compared to a constant 20 degrees C temperature. Radicle clipping of Q. ilex significantly increased the shoot height and root collar diameter. The average number of main roots resulting from radicle clipping was 2.8 times more than unclipped treatment. The results can contribute to nursery practices and artificial regeneration of this species.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: DEPT PROD VEGETALE, VIA ATENEO LUCANO 10, POTENZA, 85100, ITALY publisher: SISEF-SOC ITALIANA SELVICOLTURA ECOL FORESTALE
Keywords: artificial regeneration; Holm oak; Quercus ilex; Radicle Pruning; seed germination; sowing

Grazing management or physiography? Factors controlling vegetation recovery in Mediterranean grasslands - Carmona, Carlos P.; Röder, Achim; Azcárate, Francisco M.; Peco, Begoña (Ecological Modelling, 2013)
Grazing intensification and abandonment are increasing the risk of degradation of Mediterranean grasslands. The development of techniques for monitoring grazing effects on herbaceous vegetation is an essential need for the management of these rangelands. However, the high variability of these systems make physiographical and management effects hard to disentangle and quantify. We present a methodology to support rangeland management and assess grazing effects on environmentally heterogeneous areas, and provide an example of its application in a Mediterranean rangeland in central Spain. We evaluated the difference in photosynthetically active vegetation cover between spring and summer using Spectral Mixture Analysis of very high spatial resolution (2.4 m) Quickbird images. To analyze this difference, we developed Boosted Regression Trees models using grazing management (accumulated cost distance to points of livestock concentration and water points) and physiographical variables (slope, wetness, proximity to the closest tree and orientation). Results show that the main factor determining changes in vegetation cover is habitat type. The magnitude of this change was maximized at intermediate grazing pressures for humid habitats, suggesting the existence of an optimal level of grazing in this zones, while in dry habitats differences in vegetation cover increased consistently along with grazing pressure. Our models provided a valuable insight into how different variables and its interactions affect the observed recovery capacity of vegetation. Moreover, by identifying areas in which grazing-induced land degradation could be taken place, our methodology can be used as a powerful tool in the management of highly heterogeneous rangelands.
Keywords: Boosted Regression Trees; Cost surfaces; Grazing gradients; Mediterranean; Rangeland management; Spectral Mixture Analysis

Growth projections reveal local vulnerability of Mediterranean oaks with rising temperatures - Gea-Izquierdo, Guillermo; Fernández-de-Uña, Laura; Cañellas, Isabel (Forest Ecology and Management, 2013)
Growth projections using ecological models fitted to data collected along climatic gradients can help to understand how forests will respond to climate change. Stem growth of two Mediterranean oaks was predicted using nonlinear multiplicative models as a function of precipitation and minimum temperature of the hydrological year fitted to dendrochronological data. The growth of both species increased nonlinearly with accumulated precipitation before reaching an asymptote, but the species with a warmer niche (Q. ilex, an evergreen species) required lower levels of precipitation to achieve high relative growth. The species-specific relationship between growth and minimum temperature exhibited an optimum for the two species. Trees were negatively affected by high minimum temperatures whereas they responded negatively (Q. ilex) or neutrally (Q. pyrenaica, a deciduous species) to low temperatures along the climatic gradient analyzed. Growth would decrease rapidly when minimum temperatures rose above approximately 7 °C for Q. pyrenaica and 9 °C for Q. ilex. Most growth projections suggest a likely future decrease in productivity along the species range for Q. pyrenaica and particularly at species-specific warm, dry locations pointed to a future drastic reduction in productivity as a result of the increase in temperatures without a paired increase in precipitation forecasted by the different climate scenarios considered. In agreement with results from studies modeling future distribution of species this suggests that Q. pyrenaica could be threatened by climate change at the species local dry edge where, in addition, stands often present a lack of seed regeneration. More drought tolerant Q. ilex might profit from warming temperatures at cold northern locations but would also reduce productivity at warm, dry locations. Stem growth was successfully modeled using biologically meaningful species-specific responses to climate which provided key ecological information to understand the functional response of the two species. The models used have much potential to be applied with dendroecological data to study the response of forests to climate change.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier B.V.
Keywords: Dendroecology; Forest decline; Global change; Nonlinear response; Quercus ilex; Quercus pyrenaica

Hacia las plantaciones de quercíneas en alta densidad: Clonación de encinas adultas mediante embriogénesis somática - BARRA JIMÉNEZ, A.; RUIZ GALEA, M.; CELESTINO MUR, C.; TORIBIO IGLESIAS, M.; ARRILLAGA MATEOS, I.; ALEGRE ÁLVARO, J.; PEÑUELAS RUBIRA, J. L. (VI Congreso Forestal Español, 2013)
La bellota es un producto de la dehesa esencial para la actividad ganadera y en especial para el desarrollo del cerdo ibérico. Su producción es irregular y en ocasiones escasa. El establecimiento de plantaciones de quercíneas mediterráneas en alta densidad para la producción de fruto, se plantea como una actividad adecuada para el desarrollo rural. Para establecer dichas plantaciones productivas es necesario disponer de diferentes técnicas de propagación vegetativa que permitan la clonación de material genético valioso, por ejemplo como portainjertos. Nuestro equipo ha establecido una metodología para inducir embriogénesis somática en tegumentos de óvulos de encina en desarrollo. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue la regeneración de plantas a partir de embriones somáticos. Para ello se utilizaron embriones de maduración espontánea obtenidos de tres líneas embriogénicas, una de ellas procedente de una encina seleccionada para la producción de bellota. Los embriones se cultivaron en un medio con carbón activo y se sometieron a dos meses de tratamiento en frío. A las ocho semanas de ponerlos en condiciones de germinación, las frecuencias de embriones que emitieron exclusivamente su raíz variaron según los genotipos entre el 52 y el 58%, y las de los que germinaron completamente (emitiendo raíz y tallo) entre el 15 y 29%. La frecuencia de germinación de uno de los genotipos evaluados se incrementó hasta el 41% cuando se incorporaron reguladores de crecimiento al medio de cultivo
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: periodical: VI Congreso Forestal Español pub-location: Vitoria
Keywords: bellotas; Biotecnología; micropropagación; plantaciones forestales; propagación vegetativa; Quercus ilex

Holm Oak (Quercus ilex L.) canopy as interceptor of airborne trace elements and their accumulation in the litter and topsoil - Fantozzi, Federica; Monaci, Fabrizio; Blanusa, Tijana; Bargagli, Roberto (ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION, 2013)
We investigated the role of urban Holm Oak (Quercus ilex L.) trees as an airborne metal accumulators and metals' environmental fate. Analyses confirmed Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn as a main contaminants in Siena's urban environment; only Pb concentrations decreased significantly compared to earlier surveys. Additionally, we determined chemical composition of tree leaves, litter and topsoil (underneath/outside tree crown) in urban and extra-urban oak stands. Most notably, litter in urban samples collected outside the canopy had significantly lower concentrations of organic matter and higher concentrations of Pb, Cu, Cd and Zn than litter collected underneath the canopy. There was a greater metals' accumulation in topsoil, in samples collected under the tree canopy and especially near the trunk ('stemflow area'). Thus, in urban ecosystems the Holm Oak stands likely increase the soil capability to bind metals. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND publisher: ELSEVIER SCI LTD
Keywords: Airborne metals; leaves; Leaves litter; Quercus ilex; Topsoil; Urban environment

Holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) decline in coastal tuscany (central italy): first research in a permanent plot - Ferretti, Marco; Bussotti, Filippo; Cozzi, Alberto; Gellini, Romano (Annali di Botanica, 2013)

Humic acids as proxies for assessing different Mediterranean forest soils signatures using solid-state CPMAS 13C NMR spectroscopy - Duarte, Regina M. B. O.; Fernández-Getino, Ana P.; Duarte, Armando C. (Chemosphere, 2013)
Humic acids (HAs) of four representative forest soils profiles from Central Spain (two with different vegetation – pine and oak – but same parent material – granitie, and two with same vegetation – holm oak – but different parent material – granite and limestone) were investigated by solid-state cross polarization with magic angle spinning 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The objectives included the investigation of the impact of different forest properties on HA composition, assessing how the structural characteristics of the HA vary with soil depth, and evaluating the role of HA as surrogates for mapping the different forest soils signatures using structural data derived from 13C NMR spectroscopy. On average, alkyl C is the dominant C constituent (38–48% of the total NMR peak area) in all HA samples, followed by aromatic (12–22%) and O-alkyl C (12–19%), and finally carboxyl C (7.0–10%). The NMR data also indicated that HA composition is likely to be differently affected by the soil physico-chemical properties and type of forest vegetation. The structural characteristics of the HA from soil under oak did not differ broadly downward in the profile, whereas soil HA under pine forest exhibits a somewhat higher recalcitrant nature as a consequence of a higher degree of decomposition. The soil HA from holm oak forests differed from the other two forest soils, exhibiting a progressive decomposition of the alkyl C structures with increasing depth, while the carbohydrate-like indicator (O-alkyl C) is apparently being protected from mineralization in the horizons below the ground level. Overall, these differences in soil HA NMR signatures are an important diagnostic tool for understanding the role of different soil environmental factors on the structural composition of HA from Mediterranean forest soils.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier Ltd accession-num: 23332874
Keywords: CPMAS 13C NMR spectroscopy; Forest soils; humic acids; Soils signature; Structural characterization

Hybrid cork–polymer composites containing sisal fibre: Morphology, effect of the fibre treatment on the mechanical properties and tensile failure prediction - Fernandes, Emanuel M.; Mano, João F.; Reis, Rui L. (Composite Structures, 2013)
In this study, we investigated the use of short sisal fibre with and without polyethylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA) as a strategy to reinforce cork–polymer composite (CPC) materials. The use of alkali treatment of sisal to improve fibre–matrix adhesion was evaluated. High density polyethylene (HDPE) was used as matrix and the composites were produced in a two-step process using twin-screw extruder followed by compression moulding. FTIR, TGA and XRD were used to confirm the sisal fibre modification. Additionally, morphology, density, diameter and tensile properties of the fibres were evaluated before processing. The hybrid composites containing cork powder (40 wt.%) and randomly distributed sisal fibres were evaluated in terms of morphology and mechanical properties. The use of a 10 wt.% sisal fibre in the presence of a 2 wt.% coupling agent based on maleic anhydride, has shown to improve the tensile and flexural properties of the composites. The higher mechanical properties were achieved by using alkali treated sisal fibres and PE-g-MA. In the presence of the coupling agent the composite morphology revealed good interfacial adhesion between the natural components and the polypropylene matrix, being in accordance with the mechanical results. Weibull cumulative distribution was successfully used to accurately predict the tensile strength failure of the hybrid CPC materials.
Keywords: Cork; Extrusion; Fibre reinforced plastic; Hybrid composites; Mechanical behaviour; Polymer–matrix composites (PMCs)

Identification of DNA-Microsatellite Markers for the Characterization of Somatic Embryos in Quercus suber - Gómez-Garay, Arancha; Bueno, Ángeles; Pintos, Beatriz (Microsatellites SE - 8, 2013)
Nuclear DNA-microsatellite markers led the possibility to characterize individually both Quercus suber trees and somatic embryos. The genotype inferred by SSR markers opens the possibility to obtain a fingerprint for clonal lines identification. Furthermore, allow to infer the origin of somatic embryos from haploid cells (microspores) or from diploid tissues. Using few SSR markers from other Quercus species and an automatic system based in fluorescence, it is possible to obtain a high discrimination power between genotypes. This method is sufficient to assign tissues to an individual tree with high statistical certainty. Nevertheless, it is necessary to take care to select the adequate DNA extraction method to avoid PCR inhibitors present in diverse Q. suber tissues.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: periodical: Microsatellites SE - 8 electronic-resource-num: 10.1007/978-1-62703-389-3_8
Keywords: Clonal lines; Doubled haploid; Dyes; Fingerprint; Germplasm; Haploid

Impact of the invasive tree black locust on soil properties of Mediterranean stone pine-holm oak forests - De Marco, Anna; Arena, Carmen; Giordano, Maria; De Santo, Amalia Virzo (PLANT AND SOIL, 2013)
Invasion by N-2-fixing species may alter biogeochemical processes. We hypothesized that the grade of invasion by the N-2-fixer black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) could be related to the distribution and pools of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) along the profile of two Mediterranean mixed forests of stone pine (Pinus pinea L.) and holm oak (Quercus ilex L.). A low-invaded (LIN) and a high-invaded (HIN) mixed forest were studied. We assessed: N concentration in green and in senescent leaves; C and N pools along the soil profile; seasonal changes of soluble C and N fractions, and microbial activity. Compared to coexisting holm oak and stone pine, black locust had higher N content in green and in senescent leaves. In the mineral soil: N stocks were similar in LIN and HIN; water soluble C and microbial activity, were lower in HIN compared to LIN; water soluble N showed seasonal changes consistent with tree growth activity in both HIN and LIN. In the organic layer of HIN, C and N stocks were about twofold larger than expected on the basis of stand density. Black locust increased C and N stocks in the upper organic layers that are more vulnerable to disturbance. However, it did not increase N stocks in the mineral soil.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS publisher: SPRINGER
Keywords: C and N stocks; Exotic N-2-fixing tree; litter; organic layer and mineral soil; Water soluble C and N

Improved biomonitoring of airborne contaminants by combined use of holm oak leaves and epiphytic moss - De Nicola, F.; Spagnuolo, V.; Baldantoni, D.; Sessa, L.; Alfani, A.; Bargagli, R.; Monaci, F.; Terracciano, S.; Giordano, S. (CHEMOSPHERE, 2013)
Concentrations of 12 elements (Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb and Zn) and 16 EPA-listed PAHs were detected in Quercus ilex leaves and the epiphytic moss Leptodon smithii collected at urban, periurban and extraurban holm oak stands, in two Italian Regions (Campania and Tuscany). Levels of environmental contaminants were generally higher in leaves and moss from urban areas than periurban and extraurban ones and samples from Campania had the highest PAH content. The epiphytic moss accumulated higher concentrations of trace elements than leaves and the latter showed a higher accumulation capability for PAHs, especially for those with low molecular weight. The different bioaccumulation in leaves and moss were explained in terms of their distinctive morphological and ecophysiological characteristics. The combined approach seems a promising tool for the monitoring of a wide range of pollutants in Mediterranean urban and extraurban environments. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND publisher: PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD
Keywords: Air pollution gradient; Bioaccumulation; Leptodon smithii; PAHs; Quercus ilex; Trace Elements

Influence of seasons and land-use practices on soil microbial activity and metabolic diversity in the “Montado ecosystem” - Costa, Dalila; Freitas, Helena; Sousa, José Paulo (European Journal of Soil Biology, 2013)
The “Montado ecosystem” is important both economically and ecologically; this ecosystem is dominated by cork and holm oak trees (Quercus suber L. and Quercus rotundifolia Lam. respectively) combined with a rotation of crops/fallow/pastures. Diverse management strategies, deviating from the sustainable use of the ecosystem, have been implemented, from which arise some extreme situations of over-use or abandonment. To evaluate the effects of different soil use and management, namely extensive cropping, intensive pasture and abandonment, in the activity of soil microorganisms, dehydrogenase, acid phos- phatase, b-glucosidase and urease activities, N-mineralization and nitrification rates were measured in different land-use practices, in different seasons (winter, spring and autumn). Also, the potential metabolic diversitywas evaluated by analysis of community-level physiological profiles (CLPPs). Seasonal effects were evident with maximum activity occurring in rainy seasons (winter and autumn) and lower substrate utilization in winter. Significant correlations between most microbial parameters and soil water content reflect this seasonal effect. Although showing mainly a seasonal change, microbial parameters were able to distinguish the abandoned area, with a general low activity and differential exponential rates in the use of several substrates, such as amino acids, miscellaneous and polymers, probably associated with changes in organic matter quality.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier Masson SAS
Keywords: Biolog; Land-use; Montado ecosystem; N-Mineralization; Nitrification; Soil enzymes

Influencia de la encina y el alcornoque sobre las variables físico-químicas del suelo y la regeneración del bosque - CORTÉS, A.; NAVARRO-CERRILLO, R. M.; ARA, M. A.; SÁNCHEZ, R.; GÓMEZ- APARICIO, L.; MARAÑON, T.; VILLAR, R. (VI Congreso Forestal Español, 2013)
El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer el efecto o la “huella” de la vegetación arbórea sobre las características físico-químicas del suelo y la regeneración de dos especies de Quercus (Q. ilex, Q. suber). Para ello, se realizó un muestreo en dos parcelas de bosque mixto de encina y alcornoque en la Sierra de Córdoba (Trasierra). Las parcelas fueron de 60 x 60 m con una malla de 10 m, resultando 36 puntos de muestreo. En cada uno de los puntos de muestreo se tomaron muestras de suelo a dos profundidades (0-10 y 10-20 cm) y se analizaron las principales variables físico-químicas (textura, pH, N y C, disponibilidad de P, K, Ca y Mg). Además, en cada parcela se realizaron medidas de humedad del suelo y luz, así como la altura y el diámetro del tronco a 130 cm de todos los árboles de la parcela. Para evaluar el efecto del árbol sobre la regeneración, se sembraron semillas de encina y alcornoque y se midió la emergencia, el crecimiento y la supervivencia de las plántulas tras el primer verano. La influencia del árbol se midió en relación a la cantidad de desfronde caído a lo largo de un año. Los resultados mostraron un efecto del arbolado sobre variables físico-químicas del suelo. Así, en las zonas de mayor influencia la densidad aparente del suelo fue menor y la fertilidad del suelo mayor (mayor concentración de N, P, K y Ca). Sin embargo, a pesar de estos cambios en las características del suelo, no se encontró ninguna relación con la emergencia, el crecimiento o la supervivencia de plántulas tras el período estival. Aunque no es de descartar que en plantas de mayor edad, las características del suelo tengan una influencia significativa en el crecimiento y supervivencia, dado que durante el primer año, las plántulas de Quercus dependen fuertemente de las reservas de la semilla
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: periodical: VI Congreso Forestal Español pub-location: Vitoria
Keywords: Alcornoque; encina; huella del árbol; nutrientes; Quercus; regeneración

Interactions between 2 Mediterranean rodent species: Habitat overlap and use of heterospecific cues - Cassaing, Jacques; de la Riviere, Bettina; De Donno, Fabrice; Martinez-Garcia, Esteban; Thomas, Camille (ECOSCIENCE, 2013)
Familiarity with its habitat is vital for any individual, enabling it to meet its requirements for food, shelter, and reproduction. The questions of how optimal habitat is found and is shared with a competitor species remain problematic for rodents. Study of the habitat preferences and selection of 2 murinae from the south of France, the short-tailed mouse Mus spretus and the wood mouse Apodemus sylvaticus, found a large overlap in habitat and only small differences in preferences. Although both species live in almost every garrigue habitat and are more abundant in transitory human-disturbed areas, A. sylvaticus was higher in abundance in holm oak coppices, while M. spretus was more abundant in low scrubland with shrub oaks or thorny broom thickets. The high level of habitat overlap resulted in many co-occurrences, with A. sylvaticus always more abundant than the short-tailed mouse. When wood mice were experimentally introduced as an attractor in a low-suitability habitat, they surprisingly attracted many short-tailed mice, but fewer wood mice than were attracted by bait-only traps. Encounters arranged in situ between the attractor and the attracted mice showed predominantly amicable or neutral behaviours and very few instances of agonistic behaviour. We hypothesize that the demographic dominance of wood mice and the abundance of resources during a large part of the year resulted in a non-competitive cohabitation, which may be beneficial to short-tailed mice using wood mice cues as ``public information{''} indicating resource abundance.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: PAVILLON CHARLES-EUGENE MARCHAND, LOCAL 0166, ST FOY, QUEBEC G1K 7P4, CANADA publisher: UNIVERSITE LAVAL
Keywords: habitat overlap; habitat preference; heterospecific

Is the Interplay between Epigenetic Markers Related to the Acclimation of Cork Oak Plants to High Temperatures? - Correia, Barbara; Valledor, Luis; Meijón, Mónica; Rodriguez, José Luis; Dias, Maria Celeste; Santos, Conceição; Cañal, Maria Jesus; Rodriguez, Roberto; Pinto, Glória (PLoS ONE, 2013)
Trees necessarily experience changes in temperature, requiring efficient short-term strategies that become crucial in environmental change adaptability. DNA methylation and histone posttranslational modifications have been shown to play a key role in both epigenetic control and plant functional status under stress by controlling the functional state of chromatin and gene expression. Cork oak (Quercus suber L.) is a key stone of the Mediterranean region, growing at temperatures of 45°C. This species was subjected to a cumulative temperature increase from 25°C to 55°C under laboratory conditions in order to test the hypothesis that epigenetic code is related to heat stress tolerance. Electrolyte leakage increased after 35°C, but all plants survived to 55°C. DNA methylation and acetylated histone H3 (AcH3) levels were monitored by HPCE (high performance capillary electrophoresis), MS-RAPD (methylation-sensitive random-amplified polymorphic DNA) and Protein Gel Blot analysis and the spatial distribution of the modifications was assessed using a confocal microscope. DNA methylation analysed by HPCE revealed an increase at 55°C, while MS-RAPD results pointed to dynamic methylation-demethylation patterns over stress. Protein Gel Blot showed the abundance index of AcH3 decreasing from 25°C to 45°C. The immunohistochemical detection of 5-mC (5-methyl-2′-deoxycytidine) and AcH3 came upon the previous results. These results indicate that epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation and histone H3 acetylation have opposite and particular dynamics that can be crucial for the stepwise establishment of this species into such high stress (55°C), allowing its acclimation and survival. This is the first report that assesses epigenetic regulation in order to investigate heat tolerance in forest trees.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Public Library of Science accession-num: 23326451
Keywords: Acclimatization; Acclimatization: genetics; Acetylation; Blotting; CHROMATIN; CORK oak (citation; Deoxycytidine; Deoxycytidine: analogs & derivatives; Deoxycytidine: metabolism; DNA; DNA methylation; Electrolytes; Electrolytes: metabolism; Epigenesis; Gene expression; Genetic; Genetic Markers; Genome; Heat-Shock Response; Heat-Shock Response: genetics; Histones; Histones: metabolism; Physiological; Physiological: genetics; Plant; Plant Leaves; Plant Leaves: metabolism; Plant: genetics; POST-translational modification; Quercus; Quercus: genetics; Quercus: physiology; Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Technique; Stress; tags); Temperature; TREES -- Research; Western

Interspecific differences in tree growth and mortality responses to environmental drivers determine potential species distributional limits in Iberian forests - Benito-Garzón, Marta; Ruíz-Benito, PALOMA; Zavala, Miguel A. (Global Ecology and Biogeography, 2013)
Aim Tree growth may be enhanced by carbon dioxide fertilization unless drought stress becomes too severe, yet the likely increase in tree growth under a warmer climate is still controversial. Tree mortality has increased in some regions, but its multifactorial nature makes the prediction of likely global trends difficult. The aims of this work are: (1) to assess which abiotic, structural and competition factors influence tree growth and tree mortality in mainland Spain, and (2) to evaluate whether these processes would drive species distributions and would improve current niche model predictions. Location Continental Spain. Methods We projected species distributional models by integrating nonparametric tree growth and tree mortality models based on repeated surveys of diameter at breast height and mortality for 40,721 trees distributed in 45,301 plots, which include the 11 most common canopy tree species in continental Spain, as measured in the second and third National Forest Inventories, with a mean lag time of 11 years. Results Tree growth and tree mortality were explained by an assemblage of many factors, among which climate and competition played a key role. The accuracy of models including tree growth and tree mortality in predicting tree habitat suitability was comparable to classical niche models based on species occurrence. Projections under climate change showed for 9 out of 11 species, a likely increase in tree growth that would be counteracted by an increase in tree mortality, suggesting that even if growth rates increase, mortality would limit the species ranges under global warming expectations. Main conclusions Growth and mortality are major determinants of species distributions. Under future climate change expectations, our model suggests that growth may increase for some Iberian species, but even in this case, species ranges at the rear edge would be limited by an increase in mortality rates.
Keywords: climate change; demographic rates; national forest inventory; phenotypic variability; Spain; species distributional models; tree growth; tree mortality

Irrigation agriculture affects organic matter decomposition in semi-arid terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems - Arroita, Maite; Causape, Jesus; Comin, Francisco A.; Diez, Joserra; Jose Jimenez, Juan; Lacarta, Juan; Lorente, Carmen; Merchan, Daniel; Muniz, Selene; Navarro, Enrique; Val, Jonatan; Elosegi, Arturo (JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, 2013)
Many dryland areas are being converted into intensively managed irrigation crops, what can disrupt the hydrological regime, degrade soil and water quality, enhance siltation, erosion and bank instability, and affect biological communities. Still, the impacts of irrigation schemes on the functioning of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are poorly understood. Here we assess the effects of irrigation agriculture on breakdown of coarse organic matter in soil and water. We measured breakdown rates of alder and holm oak leaves, and of poplar sticks in terrestrial and aquatic sites following a gradient of increasing irrigation agriculture in a semi-arid Mediterranean basin transformed into irrigation agriculture in 50% of its surface. Spatial patterns of stick breakdown paralleled those of leaf breakdown. In soil, stick breakdown rates were extremely low in non-irrigated sites (0.0001-0.0003 day(-1)), and increased with the intensity of agriculture (0.0018-0.0044 day(-1)). In water, stick breakdown rates ranged from 0.0005 to 0.001 day(-1), and increased with the area of the basin subject to irrigation agriculture. Results showed that irrigation agriculture affects functioning of both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, accelerating decomposition of organic matter, especially in soil. These changes can have important consequences for global carbon budgets. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS publisher: ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV
Keywords: breakdown; ecosystem functioning; Irrigation agriculture; Soil; Stream

Isoscapes of tree-ring carbon-13 perform like meteorological networks in predicting regional precipitation patterns - del Castillo, Jorge; Aguilera, Monica; Voltas, Jordi; Pedro Ferrio, Juan (JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-BIOGEOSCIENCES, 2013)
Stable isotopes in tree rings provide climatic information with annual resolution dating back for centuries or even millennia. However, deriving spatially explicit climate models from isotope networks remains challenging. Here we propose a methodology to model regional precipitation from carbon isotope discrimination (Delta C-13) in tree rings by (1) building regional spatial models of Delta C-13 (isoscapes) and (2) deriving precipitation maps from Delta C-13-isoscapes, taking advantage of the response of Delta C-13 to precipitation in seasonally dry climates. As a case study, we modeled the spatial distribution of mean annual precipitation (MAP) in the northeastern Iberian Peninsula, a region with complex topography and climate (MAP = 303-1086 mm). We compiled wood Delta C-13 data for two Mediterranean species that exhibit complementary responses to seasonal precipitation (Pinus halepensis Mill., N = 38; Quercus ilex L.; N= 44; pooling period: 1975-2008). By combining multiple regression and geostatistical interpolation, we generated one Delta C-13-isoscape for each species. A spatial model of MAP was then built as the sum of two complementary maps of seasonal precipitation, each one derived from the corresponding Delta C-13-isoscape (September-November from Q. ilex; December-August from P. halepensis). Our approach showed a predictive power for MAP (RMSE = 84 mm) nearly identical to that obtained by interpolating data directly from a similarly dense network of meteorological stations (RMSE = 80-83 mm, N= 65), being only outperformed when using a much denser meteorological network (RMSE = 56-57 mm, N = 340). This method offers new avenues for modeling spatial variability of past precipitation, exploiting the large amount of information currently available from tree-ring networks.
CitationCitationThe following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: 2000 FLORIDA AVE NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20009 USA publisher: AMER GEOPHYSICAL UNION
Keywords: ARCHAEOBOTANICAL REMAINS; ATMOSPHERIC CO2; CARBON-ISOTOPE DISCRIMINATION; climate; DELTA-C-13; PINUS-HALEPENSIS; RAINFALL; STABLE-ISOTOPES; Temperature

Karyological and taxonomical considerations on Epipactis cupaniana sp nov (Orchidaceae) from Sicily - Brullo, Cristian; D'Emerico, Saverio; Pulvirenti, Santa (NORDIC JOURNAL OF BOTANY, 2013)
A new species of Epipactis from the Madonie massif (Sicily), E. cupaniana C. Brullo, D'Emerico and Pulv. sp. nov., is described and illustrated. It is a nemoral species, occurring in Holm oak woods, and is characterized by a diploid chromosome complement of 2n = 2x = 38. In the metaphase I, the mother cells of the embryo sac contain 19 bivalents. With respect to morphology and karyotype structure, the new species shows a close relationships with E. helleborine and other allied species, such as E. meridionalis and E. schubertiorum, both occurring in southern Italy and Sicily. However, several morphological features, chromosome size, and differences in the heterochromatin distribution allow for a clear distinction between E. cupaniana and the above-mentioned species.
APSAPSThe following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: 111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA publisher: WILEY-BLACKWELL
Keywords: APS; embryo; Epicaptis cupaniana; Holm oak; karyotype structure; Sicily; Wood

La poda de la encina en la dehesa y sus efectos a largo plazo sobre la producción de bellota - Carbonero Muñoz, M. D.; GARCÍA MORENO, A. M.; LEAL MURILLO, J. R.; Fernández Rebollo, P. (VI Congreso Forestal Español, 2013)
El presente trabajo cuantifica el efecto de la poda de mantenimiento de la encina sobre la productividad y morfología de la bellota en el largo plazo. Para ello se seleccionaron 50 árboles podados en diferentes años: 2001, 2000, 1999, 1997 y 1995. Para cada año de poda se eligieron 10 pies estimándose la producción de bellota durante seis años, de 2001 a 2006. El efecto a largo plazo de la poda sobre la producción de bellota se evaluó mediante un modelo mixto de medidas repetidas considerando como factores los años transcurridos desde la ejecución de la poda, el año de muestreo y la interacción de ambos. Los resultados indican que a largo plazo la poda no afecta a la cuantía de la producción de bellota aunque sí al patrón de producción disminuyendo la intensidad de la vecería en los primeros años. También la poda afecta a la morfología de la bellota y a su patrón de evolución aunque su efecto es efímero extendiéndose a los primeros años tras su realización.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: periodical: VI Congreso Forestal Español
Keywords: alternancia; morfología; Quercus ilex; sincronía; vecería

Is land cover an important asset for addressing the subjective landscape dimensions? - Carvalho-Ribeiro, Sónia; Ramos, Isabel Loupa; Madeira, Luís; Barroso, Filipe; Menezes, Helena; Pinto Correia, Teresa (Land Use Policy, 2013)
This paper explores which physical landscape components relate to subjective landscape dimensions. The ways in which people describe their surrounding cultural landscape was analyzed through an assess- ment of their representations of it. A special focus was placed on assessing the role of land cover as a means to communicate landscape meanings regarding a specific geographical region. The methodological framework was built on the basis of a questionnaire survey, multivariate statistical analysis and map- ping approaches. This research shows that there is a set of physical landscape components that relate to subjective landscape dimensions which can be disclosed through the assessment of social representa- tions. Enhancing and safeguarding those physical landscape components associated with the subjective landscape dimensions are important aspects in both framing and targeting land cover/use policies and decision making. Results also suggest that land cover can be understood as an important asset for describ- ing landscapes as more than 30% of respondents referred to it when asked to represent the case study region of Alentejo in southern Portugal. This might mean that in addition to objective ecological and bio- logical functions, land cover is also an important asset for evaluating subjective landscape dimensions in line with place attachment and landscape identity. Finally, the ways in which the empirical material gathered here can be used to inform policy and planning are explored.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier Ltd
Keywords: Alentejo; Cultural landscapes; Indicators; Landscape identity; Portugal; Social representations

Land use changes and ground dwelling beetle conservation in extensive grazing dehesa systems of north-west Spain - García-Tejero, Sergio; Taboada, Ángela; Tárrega, Reyes; Salgado, José M. (Biological Conservation, 2013)
Abstract Traditional management practiced over centuries in Mediterranean cultural landscapes has led to singular agrosilvopastoral ecosystems such as dehesas. Recent abandonment of dehesa management has resulted in shrub encroachment, habitat homogenisation and increased fire risk. Mechanical shrub cutting to decrease biomass load creates novel cleared dehesas with yet unknown consequences for the ecosystem function. We investigated the effects of these land use changes on ground dwelling beetles (carabids and staphylinids) as model organisms by comparing traditionally grazed, long-time abandoned and newly cleared dehesas. Land use changes affected beetle species composition by altering habitat structure (e.g., litter layer) and the availability of feeding resources. Grazed dehesas held the highest number of exclusive species and particular functional guilds of carabid seed eaters and staphylinid coprophiles, utilizing food resources related to the presence of grazing livestock (annual herbs and coprophagous insects). Beetle assemblages of abandoned dehesas, resembling those known from surrounding human disturbed oak forests, exhibited the lowest abundance and greatly differed from beetle assemblages of grazed dehesas. Shrub clearance after dehesa abandonment benefited opportunistic beetle predators feeding on decomposers associated with cutting slash left on the ground. The habitat structure and beetle species composition of cleared dehesas slightly approached those of grazed dehesas, therefore suggesting shrub cutting as a first step towards restoration of abandoned dehesas. However, since livestock grazing is an essential driver of ground dwelling beetle composition, it should be promoted after shrub cutting in cleared dehesas to restore the characteristic assemblages, species interactions and ecosystem function of grazed dehesas.
Keywords: Carabid and staphylinid assemblages; Functional guild of species; Land use abandonment; Oak savannah-like forest; Shrub encroachment; Traditional silvopastoral management

A Lateglacial and early Holocene pollen record from Valle di Castiglione (Rome): Vegetation dynamics and climate implications - Di Rita, Federico; Anzidei, Anna Paola; Magri, Donatella (Quaternary International, 2013)
A new pollen record from Valle di Castiglione near Rome (core VdC09) has been studied with the aim of providing a detailed reconstruction of the vegetation history of the Roman landscape between 13,800 and 7700 cal BP, in response to the Lateglacial and early Holocene climate events. An open landscape dominated by steppe vegetation characterized the Lateglacial, so that only a modest increase of trees took place during the Allerød interstadial. The Intra Allerød Cold Period induced instability in the development of the woody communities. The Holocene forest recovery started around 11,600 cal BP, but definite forest development occurred only around 11,100 cal BP, at the end of the Preboreal Oscillation, which produced an important re-expansion of herbs. The evergreen Mediterranean vegetation was constantly present in the landscape, even during the Lateglacial cold fluctuations. A clear early Holocene increase in evergreen trees corresponds to the attainment of high and stable values in the GISP2 δ18O curve, around 10,200 cal BP.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier Ltd and INQUA
Keywords: climate changes; deciduous and evergreen forests; Holocene; landscape (voyant); Mediterranean Region; Pollen analysis; Vegetation dynamics

Linking research to practice: The landscape as the basis for integrating social and ecological perspectives of the rural - Pinto-Correia, T.; Kristensen, L. (Landscape and Urban Planning, 2013)
The rural spaces in Europe are undergoing complex processes of transition, at multiple scales, and rhythms. In order to grasp and understand the changes occurring, the need emerges for new, con- ceptual approaches that make it possible to combine the different factors that shape spaces. Recent, literature on the multifunctional character of rural spaces and their transition pathways shows the, need for spatially based approaches, where the natural characteristics of a landscape are combined, with the socio-economic and cultural drivers that affect its changes. Experience shows how practical, questions on the changes affecting the rural, addressed by society to the scientific community, are of a, new character and require novel research approaches. This paper argues that landscape based, approaches can be useful basis for the required conceptual innovation. The paper presents and, discusses a set of examples of prac- tice driven research developments, in contrasting regions of Europe. And it proposes a conceptual model which aims to contextualize empirical research driven by, problems set up in practice, and combining the ecological and structural dimensions with the socioeconomic, and cultural ones, all converging in the rural landscape, at multiple scales. The landscape, as, the spatial entity, in its material and immaterial dimensions, is presented in this paper as the most, comprehensive basis for the required step forward. This does not mean a disciplinary landscape, analysis revisited, but a new multi-scale and multi-domain place based approach, where the place is, the rural landscape
Keywords: Conceptual framework; landscape; Post-productivism; Rural paradigms; Transitions

Litter quality assessed by solid state 13C NMR spectroscopy predicts decay rate better than C/N and Lignin/N ratios - Bonanomi, Giuliano; Incerti, Guido; Giannino, Francesco; Mingo, Antonio; Lanzotti, Virginia; Mazzoleni, Stefano (Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 2013)
Predictions of litter decomposition rates are critical for modelling biogeochemical cycling in terrestrial ecosystems and forecasting organic carbon and nutrient stock balances. Litter quality, besides climatic conditions, is recognized as a main factor affecting decay rates and it has been traditionally assessed by the C/N and lignin/N ratios of undecomposed materials. Here, solid state 13 C NMR spectroscopy and proximate chemical analysis have been used to characterize litter organic C in a litterbag experiment with 64 different litter types decomposing under controlled conditions of temperature and water content. A statistical comparative analysis provided evidence that C/N and lignin/N ratios, showing different trends of correlation with decay rates at different decomposition stages, can be used to describe the quality of undecomposed litter, but are unable to predict mass loss of already decomposed materials. A principal component regression (PCR) model based on 13 C NMR spectra, ﬁtted and cross-validated by using either two randomly selected sets of litter types, showed highly ﬁtting predictions of observed decay rates throughout the decomposition process. The simple ratio 70e75/52e57 corresponding to Oalkyl C of carbohydrates and methoxyl C of lignin, respectively, showed the highest correlation with decay rate among different tested parameters. These ﬁndings enhance our understanding of litter quality, and improve our ability to predict decomposition dynamics. The 13 C NMR-based 70e75/52e57 ratio is proposed as an alternative to C/N and lignin/N ratios for application in experimental and modelling work
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier Ltd
Keywords: C stocks; C-cycle; decomposition; litter quality; litterbag; Principal component regression; Proximate cellulose and lignin

Mark–recapture of Cerambyx welensii in dehesa woodlands: dispersal behaviour, population density, and mass trapping efficiency with low trap densities - Torres-Vila, Luis M.; Sánchez-González, Álvaro; Merino-Martínez, Jesús; Ponce-Escudero, Francisco; Conejo-Rodríguez, Yolanda; Martín-Vertedor, Daniel; Ferrero-García, Juan J. (Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, 2013)
The longhorn beetle, Cerambyx welensii Küster (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), is an emerging pest involved in oak decline episodes in dehesa open woodlands. Larvae are xylophagous and cause considerable physiological, mechanical, and structural damages to trees. Chemical and biological control are currently unsatisfactory. Recent research has shown that mass trapping with a high density of baited traps (40 traps ha−1) could be useful to manage C. welensii populations, although such a trap density was too high to be cost-effective. In this 2-year study (2010–2011) we investigated with mark–recapture methods in a large plot (1) the flight dispersal behaviour, (2) the adult population density, and (3) the efficiency of mass trapping at two low trap densities (one or four traps ha−1). Results indicated that many adults were sedentary (60%) but flying adults displayed a strong propensity to move, both sexes dispersing on average more than 200 m and one male and one female flying at least 540 and 349 m, respectively. Recapture rates were high (0.26–0.35) and population density was estimated to be 6–22 adults ha−1 with maximum likelihood models. Trapping efficiency ranged 48–61% with no significant effect of trap density or year. We conclude that results were not satisfactory enough to recommend mass trapping with low trap densities as control method for C. welensii and that more research is still required on the technical, ecological, and behavioural factors affecting control efficiency.
From Duplicate 1 ( Mark–recapture of Cerambyx welensii in dehesa woodlands: dispersal behaviour, population density, and mass trapping efficiency with low trap densities - Torres-Vila, Luis M.; Sánchez-González, Álvaro; Merino-Martínez, Jesús; Ponce-Escudero, Francisco; Conejo-Rodríguez, Yolanda; Martín-Vertedor, Daniel; Ferrero-García, Juan J. )From Duplicate 1 ( Mark–recapture of Cerambyx welensii in dehesa woodlands: dispersal behaviour, population density, and mass trapping efficiency with low trap densities - Torres-Vila, Luis M.; Sánchez-González, Álvaro; Merino-Martínez, Jesús; Ponce-Escudero, Francisco; Conejo-Rodríguez, Yolanda; Martín-Vertedor, Daniel; Ferrero-García, Juan J. )
Keywords: cerambycidae; Coleoptera; Fagaceae; Holm oak; longhorn beetle; ml secr models; Oak decline; open woodland; pest control

Metabolic responses of Quercus ilex seedlings to wounding analysed with nuclear magnetic resonance profiling - Sardans, J.; Gargallo-Garriga, A.; Pérez-Trujillo, M.; Parella, T. J.; Seco, R.; Filella, I.; Penuelas, J. (Plant Biology, 2013)
Plants defend themselves against herbivory at several levels. One of these is the synthesis of inducible chemical defences. Using NMR metabolomic techniques, we studied the metabolic changes of plant leaves after a wounding treatment simulating herbivore attack in the Mediterranean sclerophyllous tree Quercus ilex. First, an increase in glucose content was observed in wounded plants. There was also an increase in the content of C-rich secondary metabolites such as quinic acid and quercitol, both related to the shikimic acid pathway and linked to defence against biotic stress. There was also a shift in N-storing amino acids, from leucine and isoleucine to asparagine and choline. The observed higher content of asparagine is related to the higher content of choline through serine that was proved to be the precursor of choline. Choline is a general anti-herbivore and pathogen deterrent. The study shows the rapid metabolic response of Q. ilex in defending its leaves, based on a rapid increase in the production of quinic acid, quercitol and choline. The results also confirm the suitability of 1H NMR-based metabolomic profiling studies to detect global metabolome shifts after wounding stress in tree leaves, and therefore its suitability in ecometabolomic studies.
Keywords: Asparagine; choline; glucose; herbivory; NMR metabolomics; quercitol; quinic acid; wounding

Methods : An Application in Portugal - Borges, Jose G.; Garcia-gonzalo, Jordi; Bushenkov, Vladimir; Mcdill, Marc E.; Marques, Susete; Oliveira, Manuela M. (Forest Science, 2013)
The practice of multicriteria forest management planning is often complicated by the need to explicit a priori goals and preferences of the decisionmaker. This manuscript aims at describing an approach that may take advantage of a posteriori preference modeling to facilitate the specification of the levels of achievement of various objectives in a typical forest management planning framework. The goal is to provide information about nondominated points in the feasible set in the criteria space (FSCS) so that decisionmakers may take advantage of trade-off information. The emphasis is on demonstrating the potential of adaptive search methods to enhance decisions when three or more criteria are considered. The approach combines the use of mathematical programming and interactive decision maps techniques. It is shown how the estimation refinement method may be used to approximate the Pareto frontier of a typical model I linear programming model. It is further shown how the feasible goals method/interactive decision maps method may be used to retrieve a solution selected by stakeholders from interactive decision maps depicting the Pareto frontier. Results are discussed for a large-scale test application encompassing over 1 million ha of cork and holm oak forest ecosystems in southern Portugal. FOR.SCI.
Keywords: Cork oak; forest management planning; multiple criteria decisionmaking; Pareto frontier methods

Modeling the response of within-storm runoff and erosion dynamics to climate change in two Mediterranean watersheds: A multi-model, multi-scale approach to scenario design and analysis - Nunes, J. P.; Seixas, J.; Keizer, J. J. (CATENA, 2013)
Climate change in the Mediterranean is expected to lead to lower total rainfall and soil moisture, together with higher storm intensities; different vegetation types are expected to react positively or negatively to these and other changes. Climate change could therefore have positive or negative impacts on runoff and soil erosion during storms, and previous research has indicated that the impacts could be different at the field, hillslope and catchment scales. This problem was assessed for two Mediterranean watersheds by a combined application of the PROMES regional climate model, the SWAT continuous hydrological and vegetation model, and the MEFIDIS storm runoff and erosion model. PROMES results were used to estimate changes to storm rainfall intensity, while SWAT was applied with the PROMES results to estimate changes to soil moisture and saturation deficit, as well as vegetation cover. The results from both models were used to generate scenarios of changes to storm intensity (increasing), saturation deficit (increasing) and vegetation cover (increasing according to vegetation type). These scenarios were used as input for the MEFIDIS model to study the impacts of these changes on runoff and soil erosion across spatial scales for a set of storms. The simulation results indicate that (i) the increase in saturation deficit and vegetation cover is sufficient, in many cases, to decrease or counterbalance the impacts of increased storm intensity on soil erosion at all spatial scales; (ii) catchment sediment yield is noticeably more sensitive to the climate change scenarios than within-watershed soil erosion, mostly due to the impacts of changes to saturation deficit and vegetation cover on connectivity; (iii) within the watershed, impacts on soil erosion vary with landcover type, with croplands suffering the most negative impacts.
Keywords: climate change; Mediterranean watersheds; Modeling; soil erosion

Modelling diameter distributions of Quercus suber L. stands in “Los Alcornocales” Natural Park (Cádiz-Málaga, Spain) by using the two-parameter Weibull function - Calzado, A.; Torres, E. (Forest Systems; Vol 22, No 1 (2013), 2013)
Aim of study: The aim of this work was to model diameter distributions of Quercus suber stands. The ultimate goal was to construct models enabling the development of more affordable forest inventory methods. This is the first study of this type on cork oak forests in the area. Area of study : The area of study is “Los Alcornocales” Natural Park (Cádiz-Málaga, Spain). Material and methods : The diameter distributions of 100 permanent plots were modelled with the two-parameter Weibull function. Distribution parameters were fitted with the non-linear regression, maximum likelihood, moment and percentile-based methods. Goodness of fit with the different methods was compared in terms of number of plots rejected by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, bias, mean square error and mean absolute error. The scale and shape parameters in the Weibull function were related to the stand variables by using the parameter prediction model. Main results : The best fitting was obtained with the non-linear regression approach, using as initial values those obtained by maximum likelihood method, the percentage of rejections by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was 2% of the total number of cases. The scale parameter (b) was successfully modelled in terms of the quadratic mean diameter under cork ( R 2 adj = 0.99). The shape parameter (c) was modelled by using maximum diameter, minimum diameter and plot elevation ( R 2 adj = 0.40). Research highlights : The proposed model diameter distribution can be a highly useful tool for the inventorying and management of cork oak forests. Key words : maximum likelihood method; moment method; non linear regression approach; parameter prediction model; percentile method; scale parameter; shape parameter.
Keywords: maximum likelihood method; moment method; non linear regression approach; parameter prediction model; percentile method; scale parameter; shape parameter

Modelling surface energy fluxes over a dehesa ecosystem using a two-source energy balance model and medium resolution satellite data - Andreu, A.; Gonzalez-Dugo, M. P.; Kustas, W. P.; Polo, M. J.; Anderson, M. C. (REMOTE SENSING FOR AGRICULTURE, ECOSYSTEMS, AND HYDROLOGY XV, 2013)
The dehesa, the most widespread agroforest ecosystem in Europe(approximate to 3 million ha), is recognized as an example of sustainable land use and for its importance in rural economy (\{[\}1] \{[\}2]). It is characterized by widely-spaced oak trees (mostly Quercus Ilex L.), combined with crops, pasture and shrubs in the sub-canopy region. The estimation of the ecosystem evapotranspiration (ET) using remote sensing may assist the monitoring of its state from local to regional scales, improving the management and the conservation of the ecosystem. Thermal-based energy balance techniques which distinguish soil/substrate and vegetation contributions to the radiative temperature and radiation/turbulent fluxes have proven to be reliable in the estimation of the energy surface fluxes, and therefore in the estimation of ET. In particular, the two-source energy balance (TSEB) model of Norman et al. (\{[\}3]) and Kustas and Norman (\{[\}4]) has shown to be robust for semi-arid sparse canopy-cover landscapes. With the objective of evaluating the model over this environment, an energy flux measurement system has been used. It was installed in a dehesa located in Southern Spain (38 degrees 12' N; 4 degrees 17' W, 736 m a.s.l) with 1 km homogeneous fetch in wind direction. The quality of the measured data fluxes has been tested with the energy-balance closure criterion (\{[\}5] \{[\}6]) yielding an average closure of 86% which is within the error range found in similar studies. The TSEB model was evaluated in the area for 2012 summer season, using images from MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) sensor and ground measured meteorological data. The half-hourly estimates were compared with the flux tower measurements, obtaining a RMSD between modeled and measured energy fluxes within the closure balance error.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: periodical: REMOTE SENSING FOR AGRICULTURE, ECOSYSTEMS, AND HYDROLOGY XV pub-location: 1000 20TH ST, PO BOX 10, BELLINGHAM, WA 98227-0010 USA
Keywords: Evapotranspiration; Two Source Energy Balance Mode

Modelling the nesting-habitat of the Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus on a fine scale for conservation purposes - Guerrero-Casado, Jose; Arenas, Rafael; Tortosa, Francisco S. (BIRD STUDY, 2013)
Capsule Nests of Cinereous Vultures were found to be located farther from roads, villages and the edge of large vegetation patches. They preferred large vegetation patches containing extensive Cork Oak cover on steeper slopes and with lower solar radiation. Less than 8% of the study area was predicted to be suitable for nesting.Aims To generate a predictive habitat suitability map for the Cinereous Vulture's nesting-habitat on a fine scale for conservation applications within its breeding range.Methods Habitat features of 43 nest-locations and random points were compared in order to identify nest-habitat selected in the region of the Hornachuelos Natural Park (Spain). A logistic regression approach was used to create habitat models.Results Compared with random points, nests were found to be located farther from roads, villages and patch edges, and in large vegetation patches containing extensive Cork Oak cover on steeper slopes with lower solar radiation. The predictive map revealed that less than 8% of the study area had a greater probability of occupancy than 0.8.Conclusions Most habitats in the study area are unsuitable for nesting suggesting that conservation of the best suitable areas is important. The fine-scale predictive map approach may be valuable in designating conservation priority areas.
APSAPSThe following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: 4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND publisher: TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Keywords: Capsule nests; Cork oak; habitat modelling; Spain

A multi-approach monitoring of particulate matter, metals and PAHs in an urban street canyon - De Nicola, Flavia; Murena, Fabio; Costagliola, M. Antonietta; Alfani, Anna; Baldantoni, Daniela; Prati, M. Vittoria; Sessa, Ludovica; Spagnuolo, Valeria; Giordano, Simonetta (ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH, 2013)
For the first time until now, the results from a prediction model (Atmospheric Dispersion Modelling System (ADMS)-Road) of pollutant dispersion in a street canyon were compared to the results obtained from biomonitors. In particular, the instrumental monitoring of particulate matter (PM10) and the biomonitoring of 14 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 11 metals by Quercus ilex leaves and Hypnum cupressiforme moss bags, acting as long- and short-term accumulators, respectively, were carried out. For both PAHs and metals, similar bioaccumulation trends were observed, with higher concentrations in biomonitors exposed at the leeward canyon side, affected by primary air vortex. The major pollutant accumulation at the leeward side was also predicted by the ADMS-Road model, on the basis of the prevailing wind direction that determines different exposure of the street canyon sides to pollutants emitted by vehicular traffic. A clear vertical (3, 6 and 9 m) distribution gradient of pollutants was not observed, so that both the model and biomonitoring results suggested that local air turbulences in the street canyon could contribute to uniform pollutant distribution at different heights.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: TIERGARTENSTRASSE 17, D-69121 HEIDELBERG, GERMANY publisher: SPRINGER HEIDELBERG
Keywords: Holm oak leaves; metals; Moss bags; Naples urban area; PAHs; Pollutant dispersion model

Multi-scale habitat use and selection of common genet Genetta genetta (Viverridae, Carnivora) in a Mediterranean environment - Camps, David; Alldredge, J. Richard (MAMMALIA, 2013)
We assessed habitat use and selection of 16 radio-tracked adult common genets (Genetta genetta) using log-linear models at three different scales (plot, home range and core area) in a Mediterranean area situated in northeast Iberian Peninsula. Genets demonstrate flexibility in habitat use and select habitats using different criteria depending on the scale of analysis, although they show clear selection for habitats formed by forest areas with a tree layer and dense underbrush vegetation cover. Vegetation cover is the most important factor determining habitat selection across all scales. Selections within home range and core area are very similar, with genets showing a preference for pine forest, ravine and holm oak forest over other habitat types (crops, lowland sparse, maquis vegetation and anthropized areas). In resting sites, genets show a strong preference for ravines. Ravine was also the only habitat that is present in the home ranges and core areas of all individuals. Vegetation-associated ravines provide the most cover of all available habitats, and therefore we conclude that these habitats are selected by genets to provide the resources they need. We recommend that management should maintain vegetation cover to preserve the populations of genets.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: GENTHINER STRASSE 13, D-10785 BERLIN, GERMANY publisher: WALTER DE GRUYTER GMBH
Keywords: genet; habitat selection; habitat use; spatial scaling

Multivariate effect gradients driving forest demographic responses in the Iberian Peninsula - Coll, Marta; Penuelas, Josep; Ninyerola, Miquel; Pons, Xavier; Carnicer, Jofre (Forest Ecology and Management, 2013)
A precise knowledge of forest demographic gradients in the Mediterranean area is essential to assess future impacts of climate change and extreme drought events. Here we studied the geographical patterns of forest demography variables (tree recruitment, growth and mortality) of the main species in Spain and assessed their multiple ecological drivers (climate, topography, soil, forest stand attributes and tree-spe- cific traits) as well as the geographical variability of their effects and interactions. Quantile modeling analyses allowed a synthetic description of the gradients of multiple covariates influencing forest demog- raphy in this area. These multivariate effect gradients showed significantly stronger interactions at the extremes of the rainfall gradient. Remarkably, in all demographic variables, qualitatively different levels of effects and interactions were observed across tree-size classes. In addition, significant differences in demographic responses and effect gradients were also evident between the dominant genus Quercus and Pinus. Quercus species presented significantly higher percentage of plots colonized by new recruits, whereas in Pinus recruitment limitation was significantly higher. Contrasting positive and negative growth responses to temperature were also observed in Quercus and Pinus, respectively. Overall, our results synthesize forest demographic responses across climatic gradients in Spain, and unveil the inter- actions between driving factors operating in the drier and wetter edges.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier B.V.
Keywords: Forest demography; Growth; Macroecology; mortality; Quantile modeling; Recruitment

Mycocoenologic study of the macrofungi on the forest of Jbel elbir (Aïn Draham, Jendouba, Tunisia) - Ben Hassine Ben Ali, Mourad; Aschi-Smiti, Samira; Ben, Mourad; Ben, Hassine (African Journal of Ecology, 2013)
Macrofungi have important functions in forest ecosystems. It is essential to have information about these species to ensure proper management of such ecosystems. Due to the importance of forestry in Tunisia and the lack of information on fungal communities, this study was conducted in North Western of Tunisia. The objective was to enumerate macrofungal diversity in relation to various environmental factors. In total, 158 fruiting bodies were collected and 60 species were identified. Among them, 39 species are mycorrhizal. A fruiting body is the first visible appearance of the spore-bearing surface until its disintegration. More fruiting bodies were found on the eastern slopes than on the western slopes. This reflects the distribution of tree species and soil type. Almost all fungal species were collected from soils of moderate acidity (pH 4–pH 5), 5 species from soils with low acidity (pH 5–pH 6.8), and only 3 species from soils with high acidity (pH < 4). The majority of fruiting bodies occurred in soils with a percentage of organic matter ranging from 1 to 5 and a phosphorus content ranging from 15.1 to 20 ppm.
Keywords: Altitude; exposure; Macrofungi; mycocoenology; organic matter; pH; Tunisia

Nest site selection by the Argentine ant and suitability of artificial nests as a control tool - Enriquez, M. L.; Abril, S.; Díaz, M.; Gómez, C. (INSECTES SOCIAUX, 2013)
The Argentine ant is an invasive species that has been introduced worldwide causing devastating effects on entire ecosystems. Control strategies might be focused on slowing its rate of spread to limit its establishment inside yet non-invaded areas. For this, a better knowledge about nest selection is necessary to identify rapidly and accurately nest locations where to apply control measures. Herein, nest site selection by the Argentine ant, nests' physical characteristics and their longevity were studied in three invaded cork oak secondary forest. Results showed that this species shifts nest locations seasonally to keep appropriate microclimatic conditions, nesting mainly underneath rocks during cold and rainy months and in tree bases during warmer periods. The terrain features at micro-scale (orientation and slope) were found to influence the distribution of the Argentine ant nests beneath rocks. Additionally, artificial nests used as a control tool were tested, finding that their use may be suitable if they are set in appropriate locations and before the ants start migrating to winter aggregations.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: PICASSOPLATZ 4, BASEL, 4052, SWITZERLAND publisher: SPRINGER BASEL AG
Keywords: Argentine ant control; Artificial nests; Nest longevity; Nest seasonal shifts; Nest selection

Non-invasive tools to estimate stress-induced changes in photosynthetic performance in plants inhabiting Mediterranean areas - Guidi, Lucia; Calatayud, Angeles (Environmental and Experimental Botany, 2013)
In Mediterranean areas, plants are concomitantly exposed to various abiotic stresses such as light intensity, water deficit, extremes in air temperature, air pollutants, etc. These environmental pressures adversely affect plant development. Changes in photosystem activity are an early response of plants to abiotic stresses. Therefore, chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence and gas exchange, two non-invasive, rapid and inexpensive techniques for measuring photosynthesis in leaves, have been widely used by plant ecophysiologists to analyse plant responses to stressful conditions. Chl a fluorescence and gas exchange parameters can be indeed used to evaluate changes in photochemical and non-photochemical processes in photosystems associated with electron transport, CO2 fixation, and heat dissipation. In this review, we focus our analysis on the effects of different abiotic stresses on the photochemistry of Mediterranean plants using Chl a fluorescence and gas exchange measurements. Since changes in photosynthetic parameters are observed in the absence of visual injuries, these methodologies constitute fundamental tools to predict and evaluate the extent to which abiotic stresses damage photosynthesis.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier B.V.
Keywords: Abiotic stress; Chlorophyll a fluorescence; climate change; Gas exchange; Oxidative stress; photosynthesis

Observations of Diurnal to Weekly Variations of Monoterpene-Dominated Fluxes of Volatile Organic Compounds from Mediterranean Forests: Implications for Regional Modeling - Fares, Silvano; Schnitzhofer, Ralf; Jiang, Xiaoyan; Guenther, Alex; Hansel, Armin; Loreto, Francesco (ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, 2013)
The Estate of Castelporziano (Rome, Italy) hosts many ecosystems representative of Mediterranean vegetation, especially holm oak and pine forests and dune vegetation. In this work, basal emission factors (BEFs) of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) obtained by Eddy Covariance in a field campaign using a proton transfer reaction-time-of-flight-mass spectrometer (PTR-TOF-MS) were compared to BEFs reported in previous studies that could not measure fluxes in real-time. Globally, broadleaf forests are dominated by isoprene emissions, but these Mediterranean ecosystems are dominated by strong monoterpene emitters, as shown by the new BEFs. The original and new BEFs were used to parametrize the model of emissions of gases and aerosols from nature (MEGAN v2.1), and model outputs were compared with measured fluxes. Results showed good agreement between modeled and measured fluxes when a model was used to predict radiative transfer and energy balance across the canopy. We then evaluated whether changes in BVOC emissions can affect the chemistry of the atmosphere and climate at a regional level. MEGAN was run together with the land surface model (community land model, CLM v4.0) of the community earth system model (CESM v1.0). Results highlighted that tropospheric ozone concentration and air temperature predicted from the model are sensitive to the magnitude of BVOC emissions, thus demonstrating the importance of adopting the proper BEF values for model parametrization.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: 1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA publisher: AMER CHEMICAL SOC
Keywords: Emissions; GLOBAL-MODEL; Ozone; PROTON-TRANSFER REACTION; PTR-TOF; QUERCUS-ILEX; REACTION MASS-SPECTROMETRY

The occurrence of Rutstroemia coracina on Quercus ilex leaves in Spain - Galan, Ricardo; Prieto-Garcia, Francisco; Gonzalez, Angeles; Enrique Hermosilla, Carlos (MYCOTAXON, 2013)
The authors report new findings of an apparently rare fungus,Rutstroemia coracina (Rutstroemiaceae). The species grew on old fallen leaves of Quercus ilex subsp. ballota at different localities in Guadalajara and Madrid provinces ( center of Spain) where it was first collected in 1983 and subsequent years. The apothecia are described and illustrated in detail. Microscopic studies, including microtome sections, show a clear gel layer in the ectal excipulum, which allows assignment in the genus Rutstroemia. Since the type material deposited in PC is so scanty and deteriorated that any future revision will be impossible, an epitype is selected here.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: PO BOX 264, ITHACA, NY 14851-0264 USA publisher: MYCOTAXON LTD
Keywords: Ascomycota; Helotiales; foliicolous fungi; taxonom

Ozone fumigation of Quercus ilex L. slows down leaf litter decomposition with no detectable change in leaf composition - Baldantoni, Daniela; Bellino, Alessandro; Manes, Fausto; Alfani, Anna (ANNALS OF FOREST SCIENCE, 2013)
The evaluation of changes in litter decomposition rate due to increasing trend in tropospheric ozone is an emerging field of investigation, providing relevant information on long-term forest ecosystem sustainability. This research aims to clarify the effects of ozone exposure on Quercus ilex leaf chemical composition and decomposition slow down. Young plants were fumigated in growth chambers at a cumulative dose of 17.15 ppm h. To assess the fumigation effectiveness, stomatal conductance and net photosynthesis were monitored. Leaves were analysed for C, N, S, Ca, Mg, K, Fe, Zn, Mn, total soluble sugars, starch, acid-detergent fibre (ADF), lignin and cellulose prior to the incubation in litter bags in mesocosms, and during decomposition along 395 days. Ozone-exposed leaves showed a significant reduction in net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance but did not differ from control leaves in all the chemical parameters analysed. Nevertheless, leaf decomposition rate was lower in treated leaves. The main differences between the models describing the mass loss in exposed and control leaves were played by ADF for exposed leaves and by lignin for control leaves, as well as by N, that showed a greater contribution in the model for the exposed leaves. Ozone fumigation of Q. ilex results in leaf litter decomposition slowing down, mainly due to ADF joint dynamics with the other variables describing mass decay, even if no detectable changes in initial leaf composition occur.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: 22 RUE DE PALESTRO, PARIS, 75002, FRANCE publisher: SPRINGER FRANCE
Keywords: decomposition; Leaf chemistry; Litter bags and mesocosms

Partitioning evapotranspiration – Testing the Craig and Gordon model with field measurements of oxygen isotope ratios of evaporative fluxes - Dubbert, Maren; Cuntz, Matthias; Piayda, Arndt; Máguas, Cristina; Werner, Christiane (Journal of Hydrology, 2013)
su mmary Stable oxygen isotopes of water provide a valuable tracer for water movements within ecosystems and are used to estimate the contribution of transpiration to total ecosystem evapotranspiration (ft). We tested the Craig and Gordon equation against continuous field measurements of isotopic composition of evaporation and assessed the impact for partitioning evapotranspiration. Therefore, evaporation (E) and its isotopic signature (d18OE) on bare soil plots, as well as evapotranspiration (ET) and its correspond- ing isotopic composition of (d18OET) of an herbaceous layer was measured with a cavity ring-down spec- trometer connected to a soil chamber on a field site in central Portugal. We quantified the variation in d18OE arising from uncertainties in the determination of environmental input variables to the Craig and Gordon equation: the isotope signature (d18Oe) and the temperature at the evaporating site (Te), and the kinetic fractionation factor (ak). We could hence quantify ft based on measured d18OET, modeled d18OE from observed soil water isotopic composition at the evaporating site (d18Oe), and modeled d18O of transpiration (d18OT) from observed total soil water isotopic composition. Our results demonstrate that predicting d18OE using the Craig and Gordon equation leads to good agree- ment with measured d18OE given that the temperature and 18O isotope profiles of the soil are thoroughly characterized. However, modeled d18OE is highly sensitive to changes in Te and d18Oe as well as ak. This markedly affected the partition results of transpiration and evaporation from the total ET flux: The frac- tion of transpiration (ft) varied strongly using different formulations for ak and assuming steady or non- steady state transpiration. These findings provide a first comparison of laser-based and modeled isotopic compositions of evaporation based on the Craig and Gordon equation under field conditions. This is of special interest for studies using stable isotopes to separate soil evaporation and plant transpiration fluxes and highlights the need for a thorough characterization of the micrometeorological and isotopic constitution of the upper soil layer to locate the evaporating front with a resolution of a few cm soil depths. We also call on a better characterization of the kinetic fractionation factor of soil evaporation.
Keywords: Craig and Gordon; evaporation; Evapotranspiration; Kinetic fractionation; Laser spectroscopy; Stable oxygen isotopes

Permeability of Cork for Water and Ethanol - Fonseca, Ana Luisa; Brazinha, Carla; Pereira, Helena; Crespo, João G.; Teodoro, Orlando M. N. D. (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2013)
Transport properties of natural (noncompressed) cork were evaluated for water and ethanol in both vapor and liquid phases. The permeability for these permeants has been measured, as well as the sorption and diffusion coefficients. This paper focuses on the differences between the transport of gases? relevant vapors and their liquids (water and ethanol) through cork. A transport mechanism of vapors and liquids is proposed. Experimental evidence shows that both vapors and liquids permeate not only through the small channels across the cells (plasmodesmata), as in the permeation of gases, but also through the walls of cork cells by sorption and diffusion as in dense membranes. The present study also shows that cork permeability for gases was irreversibly and drastically decreased after cork samples were exposed to ethanol or water in liquid phase.
doi: 10.1021/jf4015729doi: 10.1021/jf4015729The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: American Chemical Society
Keywords: Cork; diffusion; permeability; sealing properties; Sorption; water transport

Photosynthetic limitations in mediterranean plants: A review - Flexas, J.; Diaz-Espejo, a; Gago, J.; Gallé, a; Galmés, J.; Gulías, J.; Medrano, H.; Díaz-Espejo, A. (Environmental and Experimental Botany, 2013)
The aim of the present work is to review the literature concerning photosynthesis of Mediterranean plants. First, we briefly review the most important environmental constraints to photosynthesis, i.e. chilling winter temperatures and summer drought. Then, the review specifically focus on the photosynthetic capacity and photosynthetic limitations of Mediterranean plants under non-stress conditions, to test the general assumption that that the photosynthetic capacity of Mediterranean plants is lower than that of plants from other biomes. It is shown that Mediterranean plants of different life forms and leaf types present, on average, similar photosynthetic capacity to plants from any other biome. However, the mechanisms potentially limiting maximum photosynthesis differ between Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean species. For instance, Mediterranean plants compensate their lower mesophyll conductance to CO2 (gm) with a larger velocity of carboxylation (Vc,max) to achieve similar photosynthesis rates (AN) to non-Mediterranean plants, both factors being associated to a larger leaf mass area (LMA) in Mediterranean species. In contrast, stomatal conductance (gs) was found to be lower only in Mediterranean sclerophytes. On the other hand, Mediterranean sclerophytes and malacophytes (but not herbs and mesophytes) show higher mean intrinsic water use efficiency (AN / gs) due to a combination of higher gm / gs and AN per unit CO2 concentration in the chloroplasts, i.e. carboxylation efficiency. represent specific adaptations of Mediterranean plants to their environment, leading these plants to achieve high AN despite their large LMA, and Mediterranean ecosystems to be Accepted Manuscript The described variations in the mechanistic components of photosynthesis may among those presenting the largest net primary productivities worldwide
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier B.V.
Keywords: biochemical limitation; chilling; Drought; Mediterranean; mesophyll conductance limitation; stomatal limitation

Physiological and proteomics analyses of Holm oak (Quercus ilex subsp. ballota [Desf.] Samp.) responses to Phytophthora cinnamomi - Sghaier-Hammami, Besma; Valero-Galvàn, José; Romero-rodríguez, Mª Cristina; Navarro-Cerrillo, Rafael Mª Ma; Abdelly, Chedly; Jorrín-novo, Jesús (Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 2013)
Phytophthora cinnamomi is one of the agents that trigger the decline syndrome in Quercus spp., this being a serious threat to Mediterranean Holm oak forest sustainability and reforestation programs. Quercus ilex responses to Phytophthora cinnamomi have been studied in one-year olds seedlings from two Andalucía provenances, assessing the physiological water status and photosynthesis-related parameters. Upon inoculation with mycelium a reduction in water content, chlorophyll fluorescence, stomatal conductance and gas exchange was observed along a 90 days post inoculation period in both provenances. The reduction was higher in the most susceptible (SSA) provenance, than in the most tolerant (PCO), being these typical plant responses to drought stress. Leaf protein profiles were analyzed in non-inoculated and inoculated seedlings from the two provenances by using a 2-DE coupled to MS proteomics strategy. Ninety seven proteins changing in abundance in response to the inoculation were successfully identified after MALDI–TOF–TOF analyses. The largest group of variable identified proteins were chloroplasts ones, and they were involved in the photosynthesis, Calvin cycle and carbohydrate metabolism. It was noted that a general tendency was a decrease in the protein abundance as a consequence of the inoculation, being it less accused in the least susceptible, the Northern provenance (PCO), than in the most susceptible, the Southern provenance (SSA). This trend is clearly manifested in photosynthesis, amino acid metabolism and stress/defence proteins. On the contrary, some proteins related to starch biosynthesis, glycolysis and stress related peroxiredoxin showed an increase upon inoculation. These changes in protein abundance were correlated to the estimated physiological parameters and have been frequently observed in plants subjected to drought stress.
From Duplicate 1 (Physiological and proteomics analyses of Holm oak (Quercus ilex subsp. ballota [Desf.] Samp.) responses to Phytophthora cinnamomi - Sghaier-Hammami, Besma; Valero-Galvàn, José; Romero-rodríguez, Mª Cristina; Navarro-Cerrillo, Rafael Mª; Abdelly, Chedly; Jorrín-novo, Jesús)From Duplicate 1 (Physiological and proteomics analyses of Holm oak (Quercus ilex subsp. ballota [Desf.] Samp.) responses to Phytophthora cinnamomi - Sghaier-Hammami, Besma; Valero-Galvàn, José; Romero-rodríguez, Mª Cristina; Navarro-Cerrillo, Rafael Mª; Abdelly, Chedly; Jorrín-novo, Jesús)The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier Masson SAS accession-num: 23962806
Keywords: Gene Expression Regulation; Holm oak decline; Holm oak proteomics; Phytophthora; phytophthora cinnamomi; Phytophthora: physiology; Plant; Plant Proteins; Plant Proteins: genetics; Plant Proteins: metabolism; Plant: genetics; Plant: physiology; Proteomics; Proteomics: methods; Quercus; Quercus ilex; Quercus: microbiology

Polyphenols as fungal phytotoxins, seed germination stimulants and phytoalexins - Cimmino, Alessio; Andolfi, Anna; Abouzeid, Mohamed; Evidente, Antonio (PHYTOCHEMISTRY REVIEWS, 2013)
This review deals with the sources and chemical and biological characterization of phytotoxic polyphenols produced essentially by pathogenic fungi of forest and crop plants and of weeds. Their potential use as natural herbicides and fungicides is discussed. The use of some polyphenols which could be applied as an alternative method to control parasitic weeds, the so called ``suicidal germination{''}, will be covered. The sources and the isolation and identification of polyphenols produced by some crop plants in consequence of the attack of pathogenic fungi as plant defence compounds (phytoalexins), are also described.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS publisher: SPRINGER
Keywords: Phytoalexins; Phytotoxins; polyphenols; Seed germination stimulants

Post-fire response variability in Mediterranean Basin tree species in Portugal - Catry, Filipe X.; Pausas, Juli G.; Moreira, Francisco; Fernandes, Paulo M.; Rego, Francisco (INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF WILDLAND FIRE, 2013)
Fire is the most important natural disturbance driving vegetation dynamics in the Mediterranean Basin. However, studies relating fire-induced tree responses to both fire severity and plant traits are still scarce in this region. We aimed to investigate such relationships further and to develop simple models that could help improve forest management in these fire-prone ecosystems. We compiled data from 16 fire sites in different regions and used models to relate post-fire responses of 4155 trees from 14 species with fire severity indicators and tree characteristics. The influence of several spatiotemporal factors at the site level was also considered. Results showed that pine mortality was usually high and mainly determined by fire severity, whereas plant traits played a minor role. In contrast, mortality of broadleaved trees was usually low, even for high-severity fire, but most trees were top-killed. Stem mortality increased with fire severity and decreased with bark thickness and tree size. The models for predicting individual mortality of pines and stem mortality of broadleaves showed very good performance, including when validated against independent datasets. Our results suggest that it is possible to accurately predict the most common post-fire responses of Mediterranean species based on simple fire and tree characteristics.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: 150 OXFORD ST, PO BOX 1139, COLLINGWOOD, VICTORIA 3066, AUSTRALIA publisher: CSIRO PUBLISHING
Keywords: broadleaves; experimental fire; Modelling; mortality; pines; top-kill; Wildfire

Producción de desfronde en encinas y alcornoques. Influencia de las podas y de variables meteorológicas y ecológicas - ANDIVIA, E.; Alejano, R.; Vázquez-Piqué, J.; Fernández, M. (VI Congreso Forestal Español, 2013)
El desfronde es un proceso clave en el funcionamiento de los ecosistemas forestales. Este proceso tiene un marcado componente estacional y es muy sensible a los cambios en las condiciones ambientales, especialmente aquellas relacionadas con la precipitación, así como con el manejo de las masas. Por tanto, el conocimiento de cómo estas variables pueden afectar a los patrones de producción de desfronde es un factor importante para la conservación de dichos ecosistemas forestales, especialmente en el área mediterránea. Nuestro objetivo es conocer cómo distintas variables meteorológicas, ecológicas y de gestión afectan a la producción y estacionalidad del desfronde de encinas y alcornoques. Para ello se ha recogido el desfronde de forma periódica durante diversos años en tres parcelas, dos de encina y una de alcornoque, donde se ha monitorizado la evolución de las variables meteorológicas. Los árboles de una de estas parcelas fueron sometidos a distintas intensidades de poda, con el objetivo de evaluar el efecto de esta práctica tradicional en la producción de desfronde. Por último, en el caso del alcornoque, se ha analizado la variabilidad mensual en el aporte de nutrientes al suelo por el desfronde, así como la relación entre la distribución de nutrientes en el suelo y la variabilidad en el aporte de éstos por el desfronde. Palabras
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: periodical: VI Congreso Forestal Español pub-location: Vitoria
Keywords: dehesas; fenología; nutrientes; Quercus; relaciones suelo-árbol

QsMYB1 expression is modulated in response to heat and drought stresses and during plant recovery in Quercus suber - Almeida, Tânia; Pinto, Glória; Correia, Barbara; Santos, Conceição; Gonçalves, Sónia (Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 2013)
Abstract Cork oak is an economically important forest species showing a great tolerance to high temperatures and shortage of water. However, the mechanisms underlying this plasticity are still poorly understood. Among the stress regulators, transcription factors (TFs) are especially important since they can control a wide range of stress-inducible genes, which make them powerful targets for genetic engineering of stress tolerance. Here we evaluated the influence of increasing temperatures (up to 55 °C) or drought (18% field capacity, FC) on the expression profile of an R2R3-MYB transcription factor of cork oak, the QsMYB1. QsMYB1 was previously identified as being preferentially expressed in cork tissues and as having an associated alternative splicing mechanism, which results in two different transcripts (QsMYB1.1 and QsMYB1.2). Expression analysis by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) revealed that increasing temperatures led to a gradual down-regulation of QsMYB1 transcripts with more effect on QsMYB1.1 abundance. On the other hand, under drought condition, expression of QsMYB1 variants, mainly the QsMYB1.2, was transiently up-regulated shortly after the stress imposition. Recovery from each stress has also resulted in a differential response by both QsMYB1 transcripts. Several physiological and biochemical parameters (plant water status, chlorophyll fluorescence, lipid peroxidation and proline content) were determined in order to monitor the plant performance under stress and recovery. In conclusion, this report provides the first evidence that QsMYB1 TF may have a putative function in the regulatory network of cork oak response to heat and drought stresses and during plant recovery.
From Duplicate 1 (QsMYB1 expression is modulated in response to heat and drought stresses and during plant recovery in Quercus suber - Almeida, Tânia; Pinto, Glória; Correia, Barbara; Santos, Conceição; Gonçalves, Sónia)From Duplicate 1 (QsMYB1 expression is modulated in response to heat and drought stresses and during plant recovery in Quercus suber - Almeida, Tânia; Pinto, Glória; Correia, Barbara; Santos, Conceição; Gonçalves, Sónia)The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier Masson SAS accession-num: 24161757
Keywords: Abiotic stress; Adaptation; Cork oak; Droughts; Gene expression; Gene Expression Regulation; Genes; Hot Temperature; Physiological; Plant; Plant Bark; Plant Proteins; Plant Proteins: genetics; Plant Proteins: metabolism; Quercus; Quercus: genetics; Quercus: metabolism; R2R3-MYB; Recovery; RNA Splicing; Stress; Transcription Factors; Transcription Factors: genetics; Transcription Factors: metabolism; water

A quantitative and molecular examination of Tuber melanosporum mycorrhizae in Quercus ilex seedlings from different suppliers in Spain - Alvarado, P.; Manjon, J. L. (FOREST SYSTEMS, 2013)
Aim of study: The aim of the work was to determine the degree of mycorrhization of Quercus ilex L. subsp. ballota (Desf.) Samp. by the black truffle fungus T. melanosporum Vittad. by quantitative and molecular analyses. Area of study: seedlings inoculated by different Spanish suppliers. Material and methods: The internal transcribed spacers (ITS) of mycorrhizae from different plants were amplified by nested PCR involving fluorescently-labelled primers, and the amplicons either directly sized by ARISA or analysed by TRFLP following their digestion with restriction endonucleases. TRFLP analysis distinguished between mycorrhizae of T melanosporum, T. indicum Cooke & Massee and T. borchii Vittad., as suggested possible by virtual (in silico) TRFLP analysis and real TRFLP analysis of the ascomata of these species. Main results: Significant differences between suppliers were detected in terms of the mean number of mycorrhizae established per plant and percentage mycorrhization. These results allowed the following quality standards for 2 year-old plants to be proposed: a) good quality: >3,000 mycorrhizae/plant, >40% mycorrhization, b) medium (acceptable): >3,000 mycorrhizae/plant, >30% mycorrhization, c) low quality: <3,000 mycorrhizae/plant or <30% mycorrhization, always supposing the mycorrhizae counted represent the species of interest as confirmed by the presence of its DNA and the absence of DNA belonging to contaminating species. Finally, a new microsatellite allelic map obtained from the analysis of several T melanosporum populations across Spain was used to provide a tool capable of determining the geographic origin of the fungi used to inoculate plants. Research highlights: The proposed quality standards can be useful for the evaluation and certification of commercialized Q. ilex plants mycorrhized with T. melanosporum.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: CTRA CORUNA KM 7 5, MADRID, 28040, SPAIN publisher: INST NACIONAL INVESTIGACION TECHNOLOGIA AGRARIA ALIMENTARIA
Keywords: Certification; fungi; mycorrhiza; TRFLP; truffle

Quercus ilex forests are influenced by annual variations in water table, soil water deficit and fine root loss caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi - Corcobado, Tamara; Cubera, Elena; Moreno, Gerardo; Solla, Alejandro (Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, 2013)
Itishypothesised thatmajor reductions intree vitality are related tomarked changes insoilwater content, extremely wet winters followed by dry summers, and the presence of pathogenic organisms which take advantage of this situation. This study helps clarify the role of annual variations in water table, soil water content and ﬁne root abundance in the decline of Quercus ilex forests, with special focus on trees growing in Phytophthora cinnamomi-infested soils. Conducted in western Spain, the study included 5 Q. ilex dehesa stands in which tree water status and soil water dynamic were compared in declining and non-declining trees, and 96 additional stands in which ﬁne root abundance and pathogen assessment were compared in declining and non-declining trees. Declining trees showed signiﬁcantly lower values than non-declining trees for leaf water potential and stomatal conductance. The period of waterlogging (2 months maximum, ﬂuctuating from −0.5 to −4.5m), the soil water content values observed in summer (signiﬁcantly higher in declining trees) and the similar presence of Pythium spiculum in declining and non-declining trees are not sufﬁcient in themselves to explain tree health status. However, ﬁne root density was 16.2% lower in declining than non-declining trees and 42% lower in P. cinnamomi-infected than non-infected trees. Root damage caused by P. cinnamomi in combination with periods of saturated soils favourable for the pathogen but unfavourable for the tree, coupled with small-scale differences in soil water-holding capacity, explain the symptoms and water status of declining trees. The combination of root damage and water stress explained above-ground symptoms of declining trees and will probably determine tree survival.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier B.V.
Keywords: Oak decline; Open woodlands; Root density; Root-rot disease; Saturated soil; Water deﬁcit

Quercus ilex L. as bioaccumulator for heavy metals in urban areas: Effectiveness of leaf washing with distilled water and considerations on the trees distance from traffic - Ugolini, Francesca; Tognetti, Roberto; Raschi, Antonio; Bacci, Laura (Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 2013)
In recent years the use of plants as bioaccumulators or bioindicators has increased because enable the prediction of pollution for monitoring purposes, even in urban environments where traffic is a major source of heavy metals pollution. In this study we hypothesized holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) a valid trapping species for heavy metals. We also hypothesized that metals capture capacity by deposition on the crown is connected to the surrounding environmental characteristics and the distance of trees from the source of pollution. The study was conducted in the city of Florence. Holm oaks were selected in different sites near to heavy traffic roads. Concentrations of Zn, Pb, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Cr, and Ba were analyzed through two methods: leaf washing with distilled water and leaf unwashing. One-year-old leaves (new leaves) were also compared with previous-year leaves (old leaves). Our results demonstrated the good capacity of this species to capture heavy metals (Pb, Fe, Mn, Cr, and Ba), particularly due to the presence of old leaves, which enhance the crown deposition surface. Washing was effective and it allowed testing the behaviour with regard to microelements: new leaves showed high Cu concentration, while old leaves had high Pb concentration. The dispersion of metals through the atmosphere was assessed through regression analysis, in two comparable gardens: leaves at farther distance from the traffic were richer in Zn, Pb, Mn, and Ba. The physical context of the surrounding environment was probably altering the distribution of heavy metals as barriers to dispersion, which can reach tens of metres from the source of pollution. Therefore, this work suggests that wind modelling and trees distribution and characteristics should be taken into consideration to evaluate the pollutants dispersion, especially for planning of recreational urban green areas.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier GmbH.
Keywords: Deposition; Heavy metals; Holm oak; Internal concentration; Traffic pollution; Urban environment

Quercus ilex recruitment in a drier world: A multi-stage demographic approach - Pérez-Ramos, Ignacio M.; Rodriguez-Calcerrada, Jesus; Ourcival, Jean M.; Rambal, Serge (Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics, 2013)
There is a growing interest in understanding and forecasting the responses of plant communities to projected changes of environmental conditions. Multi-stage demographic approaches, where plant recruitment is explored across multiple and consecutive stages, are essential to obtain a whole overview of the consequences of increasing aridity on tree recruitment and forest dynamics, but they are still rarely used. In this study, we present the results of an experimental rainfall exclusion aimed to evaluate the impact of projected increasing drought on multiple stage-specific probabilities of recruitment in a key tree species typical of late-successional Mediterranean woodlands (Quercus ilex L.). We calibrated linear and nonlinear likelihood models for the different demographic processes and calculated overall probabilities of recruitment along a wide range of microhabitat conditions. Rainfall exclusion altered Q. ilex recruitment throughout ontogeny. Seed maturation, seedling emergence and survival and, to a lesser extent, post-dispersal seed survival were the most sensitive demographic processes to decreased rainfall. Interestingly, both the identity of the most critical stages for recruitment and their specific sensitivity to rainfall manipulation depended largely on the yearly pattern of precipitation. The microhabitat heterogeneity strongly determined the success of recruitment in the study species. The experimental increase in drought displaced the peak of maximum overall recruitment towards the low end of the light gradient, suggesting that the dependence on shrubs for an effective recruitment in Q. ilex could be intensified under future environmental scenarios. In terms of phenotypic plasticity, Q. ilex seedlings responded more strongly to light availability than to experimentally increased drought, which could reduce its ability to persist under on-going environmental conditions due to climate change. Results from this study provide a full picture of the ecological and functional consequences of the projected rainfall reduction on tree recruitment and forest dynamics in two years of contrasting precipitation.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier GmbH.
Keywords: climate change; functional traits; Mediterranean woodland; Microhabitats; regeneration niche; seedling growth

Red de parcelas de ensayo de alcornoque: validación de materiales forestales de reproducción cualificados para producción de corcho de calidad - CUENCA VALERA, B.; LUQUERO RAMOS, L.; OCAÑA BUENO, L. (VI Congreso Forestal Español, 2013)
Existe una clara carencia de materiales genéticos de calidad de frondosas forestales de alto valor económico, como el alcornoque. Desde el 2000 TRAGSA trabaja seleccionando materiales cualificados de esta especie para su propuesta al Catálogo Nacional de Materiales de Base (CNMB). Se han micropropagado 44 genotipos élite seleccionados en rodales selectos, por calidad de corcho, así como varios cientos de progenies de árboles selectos mediante embriogénesis somática (ES). Con las plantas aclimatadas se han establecido tres parcelas de ensayo: La Herguijuela (Toril, Cáceres); Vivero de Ruedachica (Pueblonuevo del Guadiana, Badajoz) y Centro Experimental de Valdecañas (Pueblonuevo de Miramontes, Cáceres). La mortalidad en la implantación en todas las parcelas es superior para las plantas procedentes de ES que para las procedentes de semilla. En todos los casos, durante la primera anualidad el crecimiento en altura de las plantas de semilla es significativamente superior al de las plantas de ES, sin embargo, con el transcurso del tiempo las diferencias en crecimiento se establecen en base a los diferentes genotipos o familias y no al tipo de planta. El empleo de variables de selección por vigor y pauta de crecimiento han permitido seleccionar líneas embriogénicas en Ruedachica para su propuesta al CNMB como materiales clonales de categoría cualificado.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: periodical: VI Congreso Forestal Español pub-location: Vitoria
Keywords: Alcornoque; brinzal somático; calidad de corcho; CNMB; embriogénesis somática

Resalveos de conversión sobre tallares de encina: ¿qué ha pasado 15 años después? - BRAVO-FERNÁNDEZ, J. A.; MUTKE REGNERI, S.; BARRERO GAMONAL, D.; MARTÍNEZ GONZÁLEZ, G.; SERRADA HIERRO, R.; ROIG GÓMEZ, S. (VI Congreso Forestal Español, 2013)
Se presentan los resultados obtenidos tras ejecutar resalveos de conversión de diferente peso en tallares envejecidos de encinasituados en Guadalajara. El dispositivo experimental de parcelas permanentes se instaló e inventarió en 1994. En 1995 se aplicaron resalveos de pesos variables entre 0 % (control) y 100 % de área basimétrica extraída. En 2010 se han realizado nuevos inventarios que nos permiten analizar, 15 años después del tratamiento, cuál ha sido la respuesta de diversos índices de espesura en función del peso delresalveo.Área basimétrica y diámetro medio cuadrático presentan un crecimiento creciente con el peso del resalveo, sin que el rebrote parezca haber reducido dicho crecimiento ni siquiera para los pesos mayores; la aplicación de resalveos no parece influir en la altura dominante, lo que lleva a pensar que la elevada espesura inicial tampoco afectaba en este sentido; los resalveos con peso superior al 50 % han favorecido significativamente la regeneración de pino salgareño en uno de los montes estudiados, que contaba previamente con ejemplares adultos de pinodispersos por la zona
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: periodical: VI Congreso Forestal Español pub-location: Vitoria
Keywords: Adaptación al cambio global; crecimiento; Dinamización; Monte bajo; Regeneración vegetativa y sexual; Selvicultura preventiva de incendios

Response of Tuber melanosporum fruiting to canopy opening in a Pinus-Quercus forest - Garcia-Barreda, Sergi; Reyna, Santiago (ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING, 2013)
The wild production of the highly appreciated fungus Tuber melanosporum is negatively affected by canopy closure in the stand. Habitat improvement has been proposed as a tool to recover the production in close forests, but evaluations based on scientific monitoring are still lacking. This study analyses the short-term effect of a pilot project on improvement of T. melanosporum reproduction habitat. The results support the project hypothesis that the canopy closure was hampering truffle fruiting in the larger brines. The silvicultural treatment alone has not triggered a clear positive response in all the truffieres, suggesting that complementary actions are necessary to ensure their sustainability. Weather conditions provoke a year-to-year variation in the fruiting and determine the responsiveness of the truffieres to the treatment. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS publisher: ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV
Keywords: Canopy closure; Non-wood forest products; Quercus ilex; silviculture; Tuber melanosporum

REVEGETATION IN SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC FARMS IN MEDITERRANEAN AREAS - Perez-de-los-Reyes, Caridad; Sanchez Ormeno, Monica; Amoros Ortiz-Villajos, Jose Angel; Garcia Navarro, F. Jesus; Campos Gallego, Juan; Martinez Lopez, Raquel; Rubio Berenguer, Francisca; la Rubia Carretero, Oscar (FRESENIUS ENVIRONMENTAL BULLETIN, 2013)
In order to ascertain the native species best adapted to different soil and climatic conditions in Mediterranean areas degraded by the installation of solar photovoltaic farms, six shrub species, which would act as a hedge, were planted around the perimeter of a photovoltaic farm (Olea europaea var. sylvestris, Pistacia lentiscus, Pistacia terebinthus, Quercus coccifera, Quercus ilex and Retama sphaerocarpa). In the midst of the solar panels, eight species for revegetation, acting as a cover to protect the soil, were also planted (Cistus ladanifer, Cistus monspeliensis, Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula stoechas, Phillyrea angustifolia, Rosmarinus officinalis, Romarinus officinalis var. postratus and Thymus vulgaris) under conditions of sun or shade (shaded by solar panels). During 2009 and 2010 the plants of each species were checked and their survival and growth were recorded. In the hedge, Retama sphaerocarpa (100%), Olea europaea var. sylvestris (95.8%) and Pistacia lentiscus (95.8%) had the highest survival percentages. These were also the species that presented the highest apical growth after two years (18.3 +/- 14.7, 12.3 +/- 12.4 and 12.1 +/- 5.1 cm, respectively). Only two of the species planted under the solar panels had a survival percentage above 50% and these were Cistus monspeliensis (62.5%) and Phillyrea angustifolia (97.9%), with increases of the apical growth by 25.6 +/- 9.9 cm and 10.3 +/- 9.8 cm, respectively. The development of plants under either sun or shade was not a statistically significant factor. The results can be extrapolated to other Mediterranean areas dealing with the same problems.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: ANGERSTR. 12, 85354 FREISING, GERMANY publisher: PARLAR SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS (P S P)
Keywords: apical growth; Mediterranean shrubs; species factor; sun-shade conditions; Survival

Revisiting the fate of buds: size and position drive bud mortality and bursting in two coexisting Mediterranean Quercus species with contrasting leaf habit - Alla, Arben Q.; Julio Camarero, J.; Palacio, Sara; Montserrat-Martí, Gabriel (TREES-STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION, 2013)
Understanding the relationships between bud size and position and bud fate through time is crucial for identifying and subsequently modeling the mechanisms underlying tree architecture. However, there is a lack of information on how bud size drives crown architectural patterns in coexisting tree species. We studied bud demography in two coexisting Mediterranean oak species with contrasting leaf habit (Quercus ilex, evergreen; Q. faginea, deciduous). The main objective was to analyse the effect of bud size on the fate of buds with different positions along the shoot (apical, leaf axillary and scale-cataphyll axillary buds). The number, length and position of all buds and stems were recorded in marked branches during 4 years. Study species presented different strategies in bud production and lifespan. The evergreen species showed greater mortality rate than the deciduous one, which produced larger buds. Bud size and position were highly related since apical buds where longer than axillary ones and bud length declined basipetally along the stem. Apical buds had also higher chances of bursting than axillary ones. Within positions, longer buds presented a higher probability of bursting than shorter ones, although no absolute size threshold was found below which bud bursting was impaired. In Q. ilex, four-year-old buds were still viable and able to burst, whereas in Q. faginea practically all buds burst in their first year or died soon after. Such different bud longevities may indicate contrasting strategies in primary growth between both species. Q. ilex is able to accumulate viable buds for several ages, whereas Q. faginea seems to rely on the production of large current-year buds with high bursting probability under favourable environmental conditions.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: 233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA publisher: SPRINGER
Keywords: Bud demography; Bud position; Bud size; Budburst; Quercus faginea; Quercus ilex subsp ballota

Role of Chemical Components of cork on Sorption of Aqueous Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons - Environ, J. (International Journal of Environmental Research, 2013)
In order to know the environmental behaviour of toxic pollutants it is fundamental to understand the role of chemical components of a material on sorption of such pollutants.In this study, the sorption of a mix of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by cork fractions (i.e. raw cork (CF), free extractive cork (FEF) and nonsaponifiable (DESF)) has been investigated to better understand the role of biopolymers and extractable fraction of cork on their sorption behaviour. All samples were analyzed through elemental analysis and were examined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. After removing the extractable fraction and the suberin from the cork, the sorption capacities (Koc ) of FEF and DESF exhibited mean reductions of 70% and 30% respectively. In addition, the sorption results of three pairs of cork samples with different chemical content confirm that the extractable fraction serves as the major sorption medium for PAHs. Considering only low molecular weight PAHs positive correlations between Koc with Kow (R2 =0.70) and F number (R2 =0.65) were found, showing that these parameters are involved in this adsorption process
Keywords: biopolymers; Cork; extractable fraction; organic pollutants; PAHs

Root functioning, tree water use and hydraulic redistribution in Quercus suber trees: A modeling approach based on root sap flow - David, Teresa S.; Pinto, Clara A.; Nadezhdina, Nadezhda; Kurz-Besson, Cathy; Henriques, Manuel O.; Quilhó, Teresa; Čermák, Jan; Chaves, M. Manuela; Pereira, João S.; David, Jorge S. (Forest Ecology and Management, 2013)
Mediterranean evergreen oaks have to survive a long summer drought. Roots may play a relevant role under these conditions. We studied their structure and function in a mature Quercus suber L. tree in central Portugal. The root system was mapped till the lowest water table level (4.5 m depth). Xylem anatomy was analyzed in a vertical profile belowground. Sap flow was continuously monitored for 1.5 yrs in the stem and roots of this intensively studied tree (heat field deformation method) and in the stem of four trees (Granier method), in relation to environmental variables and predawn leaf water potential. The sources of water uptake were assessed by stable isotope analyses in summer. Results showed a dimorphic root system with a network of superficial roots linked to sinker roots, and a taproot diverting into tangles of deep fine roots submerged for long periods, with parenchyma aerenchyma. Transpiration was not restricted in summer due to root access to groundwater. The isotopic δ18O signature of twig xylem water was similar to that of groundwater in the dry season. Two functional types of superficial roots were identified: shallow connected and deep connected roots. A modeling approach was built considering that each superficial root was linked to a sinker, with part of the root deep connected (between the stem and the sinker) and part shallow connected (between the sinker and topsoil). This conceptual framework simulated tree stem sap flow from root sap flow with a high efficiency (R2 = 0.85) in four plot trees. On an annual basis, soil water and groundwater contributions were 69.5% and 30.5% of stem flow, respectively. Annual hydraulic lift and hydraulic descent were 0.9% and 37.0% of stem flow, respectively. The trees maximize the exploitation of the environmental resources by using the topsoil water during most of the year, and groundwater together with hydraulic lift (nutrient supply) in the dry summer. This study shows that a dimorphic root system, with roots reaching groundwater, is an efficient strategy of Q. suber trees to cope with seasonal drought. Knowledge of the functional behavior of Q. suber trees under shallow water table conditions may contribute to the definition of better adapted management practices and to anticipate their responses to climate change.
Keywords: Drought; groundwater; soil water; Stable isotopes; xylem anatomy

Seasonal and inter-annual variability of bud development as related to climate in two coexisting Mediterranean Quercus species - Alla, Arben Q.; Camarero, J. Julio; Montserrat-Martí, Gabriel (Annals of Botany, 2013)
Background and Aims In trees, bud development is driven by endogenous and exogenous factors such as species and climate, respectively. However, knowledge is scarce on how these factors drive changes in bud size across different time scales.Methods The seasonal patterns of apical bud enlargement are related to primary and secondary growth in two coexisting Mediterranean oaks with contrasting leaf habit (Quercus ilex, evergreen; Quercus faginea, deciduous) over three years. In addition, the climatic factors driving changes in bud size of the two oak species were determined by correlating bud mass with climatic variables at different time scales (from 5 to 30 d) over a 15-year period.Key Results The maximum enlargement rate of buds was reached between late July and mid-August in both species. Moreover, apical bud size increased with minimum air temperatures during the period of maximum bud enlargement rates.Conclusions The forecasted rising minimum air temperatures predicted by climatic models may affect bud size and consequently alter crown architecture differentially in sympatric Mediterranean oaks. However, the involvement of several drivers controlling the final size of buds makes it difficult to predict the changes in bud size as related to ongoing climate warming.
10.1093/aob/mcs24710.1093/aob/mcs247
Keywords: Bud size; current-year stem; Quercus faginea; quercus ilex subsp. ballota; summer growth; Temperature

Short Communication. Effect of the health status and geographical origin on the cork production characteristics of Western Algeria cork oak stands - Dahane, B.; Bouhraoua, R. T.; GARCIA DE CECA, J. L.; GONZÁLEZ-ADRADOS, J. R. (Forest Systems; Vol 22, No 1 (2013), 2013)
Aim of study : To analyze the effect of health status on cork production, analyzing if this influence is uniform or is affected by site conditions. Area of study : Two Western Algerian cork tree forests have been studied: M’Sila located in the coastal plains under semiarid climate, and Zarieffet, located in the mountainous interior under sub-humid climate. Material and Methods : 40 trees were selected in each forest and classified according to their health status as healthy, weakened, or decaying. A sample of cork from each tree has been obtained to measure the key variables related to cork production. A two-way ANOVA was performed considering two factors: site and health status. Main results : Quercus suber L. productivity is affected by the vitality of trees in the same way in both sources, showing values between 5.96 ± 7.1 kg • m -2 (coast, weakened trees) and 8.13 ± 0.45 kg • m -2 (mountain, healthy trees). The health status also affects the number and area of pores, especially in the cork oak groves of the coast, where the coefficient of porosity ranges from 3.79 ± 0.84% (healthy trees) to 8.11 ± 1.91% (decaying trees). The variables where the site has presented a stronger effect are those related to the amount of cork produced by the phellogen (density -kg·l -1 , p<0.000- and productivity -kg·m -2 , p=0.001-), and pore density (1·cm -2 , p=0.001). Scrap thickness (mm) and porosity (%) show a smaller effect although still representative (p=0.041 and 0.038 respectively). Porosity and pore density show interaction site*health status. They all have higher values in the mountain (Zarieffet) than in the coast (M’Sila). The effect of tree vitality on the formation of pores in the cork oak phellogen is lower in the mountain than in the coast. No significant effects were found for any of the two factors neither on the annual growth rate nor on the thickness of the cork. Research highlights : Results lead to the conclusion that the effect of health status on traumatic phellogen formation and activity is clear but not uniform. Further studies are necessary for a deeper understanding of the effect of stress situations on pore formation and characteristics. Keywords: mean annual growth; density; productivity; porosity; decay
Keywords: decay; Density; mean annual growth; Porosity; productivity

Short-term dynamics of Quercus ilex advance regeneration in a Pinus nigra plantation after the creation of small canopy gaps - Garcia-Barreda, S.; Reyna, S. (FOREST SYSTEMS, 2013)
Aim of the study: The aim of the research is to analyse the role of Quercus ilex advance regeneration in the stand regeneration of pine plantations after small-sized canopy openings, and to assess the influence of the forest stand and the canopy opening. The performance of the advance regeneration under the pine plantation is also examined. Area of study: A Pinus nigra plantation in dry Continental Mediterranean climate in eastern Spain. Material and methods: The tree regeneration of ten canopy openings of 0.17-0.43 ha was monitored during five years after treatment. It was also sampled in 0.12 ha-plots in the non-treated pine plantation surrounding the openings. Main results: An important increase in the height of Q. ilex regeneration was observed in the openings, unlike what was found in the intact pine plantation. In the pine plantation, stand density showed a moderate positive influence on the density of Q. ilex regeneration, whereas in the canopy gaps Q. ilex height was negatively influenced by stand density before the opening. Research highlights: The canopy opening triggered a response in Q. ilex advance regeneration, although height growth rates seemed to reduce over time. The results support the view that promoting Q. ilex in pine plantations may require different management strategies depending on the characteristics of the pine overstorey and on the density and size of the advance regeneration.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: CTRA CORUNA KM 7 5, MADRID, 28040, SPAIN publisher: INST NACIONAL INVESTIGACION TECHNOLOGIA AGRARIA ALIMENTARIA
Keywords: group selection cutting; mediterranean forest; seedling resprout; stand initiation; truffle

Somatic embryogenesis in holm oak male catkins - Blasco, M.; Barra, A.; Brisa, C.; Corredoira, E.; Segura, J.; Toribio, M.; Arrillaga, I. (Plant Growth Regulation, 2013)
Somatic embryogenesis (SE) of tree species is the most promising method for the implementation of multivarietal forestry and for biotechnological approaches. To date, however, the application of this technology to mature trees is restricted to a few species. This is the first report on the induction of SE from male catkins of 100-year-old holm oaks (Quercus ilex L.). Embryogenic competence was mainly dependent on genotype and restricted to the most advanced catkin developmental stage with distinguishable closed flowers along the axis. Fol- lowing a three-stage treatment procedure, embryogenic response (frequencies up 3.3 %) was obtained in three [Remedio, Villar del Arzobispo (VA) and Hunde (HU)] out of the five genotypes evaluated. In the culture conditions tested, the preferred protocol to induce SE in holm oak catkins should include: induction on MS medium with 6-benzyladenine and naphthaleneacetic acid, subculture onto medium with a reduced concentration of both plant growth regulators and a final transference to medium without growth regulators. Under these conditions cotyledonary-stage cotyledonary-stage somatic embryos developed from brown calli with or without nodular structures. Secondary SE, favored by the addition of sorbitol to the manifestation medium, allowed the establishment of 14 embryogenic lines belonging to VA and HU genotypes. Histological observations of the proliferating cultures revealed the presence of globular, torpedo and cotyledonary somatic embryos. Somatic embryos were diploid as verified by flow cytometry analysis, suggesting that they originated from the perianthic tissue of the male flower
Keywords: adult trees; developmental stage; flow cytometry; forest biotechnology; histology; micropropagation; Quercus ilex; secondary embryogenesis

Spatial relationships between the standing vegetation and the soil seed bank in a fire-prone encroached dehesa in Central Spain - Torres, Ivan; Cespedes, Blanca; Perez, Beatriz; Moreno, Jose M. (PLANT ECOLOGY, 2013)
Postfire vegetation regeneration in many fire-prone ecosystems is soil seed bank dependent. Although vegetation and seed bank may be spatially structured, the role of prefire vegetation patterns and fire in determining postfire vegetation patterns is poorly known. Here, we investigated the spatial patterning of species abundance and richness in the vegetation and seed bank of a Mediterranean encroached dehesa in Central Spain. The seed bank was studied with and without a heat shock simulating a spatially homogeneous fire. Semivariograms and cross-semivariograms showed that species richness in the vegetation was aggregated in patches, mainly of herbs, with highest values corresponding to high herb cover and low tree cover. Species richness in the seed bank was also structured in patches, but the spatial pattern was weak. Seedling density of germinates in the seed bank also showed weak spatial pattern. Heating increased overall germination and species richness, and the intensity of the spatial pattern of species richness, particularly of herbaceous species. However, seed bank density patterns disappeared after heat shock because of increased germination of shrubs without spatial pattern. Our results document that the spatial structure of plant richness in the vegetation may persist after fire due to the spatial patterns of herbaceous species in the seed bank, and that postfire species richness patterns can arise independently of fire intensity patterns. However, the spatial structure of the vegetation after fire can be altered by the feedback between shrub encroachment and an eventual fire because of the ubiquitous germination of shrubs.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS publisher: SPRINGER
Keywords: Land abandonment; Land-use change; Seeder; Semivariogram; Species richness

A step towards the use of biomonitors as estimators of atmospheric PAHs for regulatory purposes. - Augusto, Sofia; Pereira, Maria J.; Máguas, Cristina; Branquinho, Cristina (Chemosphere, 2013)
One of the main drawbacks of using lichens to monitor atmospheric PAHs has been reported as the inexistence of studies aiming to translate PAH values in lichens into the atmospheric equivalents ones, in order to use this information for regulatory purposes. In this work, PAH concentrations in lichens were compared with PAH concentrations measured in a conventional active sampler in an outdoor environment for a 9-month span. Significant positive correlations between HMW-PAHs, Σ16 EPA-PAHs, and BaP equivalent concentrations in lichens and those in air (TSP) were found. Concentrations of Σ16 EPA-PAHs in lichens and air showed a seasonal variation, with highest values during winter and lowest values during summer. Meteorological variables - temperature, atmospheric pressure, relative humidity, and wind speed - showed to significantly influence PAH concentrations in both lichens and air. Based on the significant linear correlations, equations for translating PAH concentrations measured in lichens into equivalent ones for air were proposed for the first time, allowing a broader use of lichens' information regarding PAHs in monitoring schemes and decision-making.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier Ltd accession-num: 23668962
Keywords: Air; BaP; Biomonitors; Environment; Human health; PAHs

Stochastic gradient boosting classification trees for forest fuel types mapping through airborne laser scanning and IRS LISS-III imagery - Chirici, G.; Scotti, R.; Montaghi, a; Barbati, a; Cartisano, R.; Lopez, G.; Marchetti, M.; McRoberts, R. E. E.; Olsson, H.; Corona, P. (International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation, 2013)
This paper presents an application of Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) data in conjunction with an IRS LISS-III image for mapping forest fuel types. For two study areas of 165 km2 and 487 km2 in Sicily (Italy), 16,761 plots of size 30-m × 30-m were distributed using a tessellation-based stratified sampling scheme. ALS metrics and spectral signatures from IRS extracted for each plot were used as predictors to classify forest fuel types observed and identified by photointerpretation and fieldwork. Following use of tra- ditional parametric methods that produced unsatisfactory results, three non-parametric classification approaches were tested: (i) classification and regression tree (CART), (ii) the CART bagging method called Random Forests, and (iii) the CART bagging/boosting stochastic gradient boosting (SGB) approach. This contribution summarizes previous experiences using ALS data for estimating forest variables useful for fire management in general and for fuel type mapping, in particular. It summarizes characteristics of classification and regression trees, presents the pre-processing operation, the classification algorithms, and the achieved results. The results demonstrated superiority of the SGB method with overall accuracy of 84%. The most relevant ALS metric was canopy cover, defined as the percent of non-ground returns. Other relevant metrics included the spectral information from IRS and several other ALS metrics such as percentiles of the height distribution, the mean height of all returns, and the number of returns.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier B.V.
Keywords: airborne laser scanning; Classification and regression trees; Forest fires; forest fuel type mapping; irs liss-iii imagery; Mediterranean forests

Stratification ratio of soil organic C, N and C:N in Mediterranean evergreen oak woodland with conventional and organic tillage - Corral-Fernández, R.; Parras-Alcántara, L.; Lozano-García, B. (Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 2013)
TheMediterraneanevergreenoakwoodland(MEOW-dehesa)is themostwidespreadagroforestry system in Mediterranean Europe and integrates forestry, agricultural and livestock practices. The MEOW-dehesa is a grazing system with evergreen Quercus ilex spp. ballota. It is characterized by the conservation of forest oaks (Quercus spp.) and provides environmental beneﬁts such as carbon capture and storage in soils. The effect of conventional tillage (CT) and organic tillage (OT) on the distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN) and C:N ratios has not been well documented in the MEOW-dehesa. The objective of this paper is to study these parameters in the MEOW-dehesa in two soil types (Leptosols and Cambisols) and two management systems, OT for 20 years and CT. The stratiﬁcation ratio (SR) of SOC, TN and C:N ratio is also evaluated. An analysis is performed on 85 soil proﬁles over the 2005–2009 period in southern Spain. The SR of SOC in Cambisols was greater under OT than CT, ranging from 1.25 to 1.42 and from 1.3 to 1.6 under CT and OT, respectively. The SR of TN for 0–20.9 cm, 20.9–55.5 cm and 55.5–102.1 cm depth was greater under OT than under CT. The OT also increased the stratiﬁcation of the C:N ratio compared to CT.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier B.V.
Keywords: C:N ratio; Dehesa; Soil organic carbon; Stratiﬁcation ratio; Tillage

The temporal response to drought in a Mediterranean evergreen tree: comparing a regional precipitation gradient and a throughfall exclusion experiment - Martin-StPaul, Nicolas K.; Limousin, Jean-Marc; Vogt-Schilb, Helene; Rodriguez-Calcerrada, Jesus; Rambal, Serge; Longepierre, Damien; Misson, Laurent (GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY, 2013)
Like many midlatitude ecosystems, Mediterranean forests will suffer longer and more intense droughts with the ongoing climate change. The responses to drought in long-lived trees differ depending on the time scale considered, and short-term responses are currently better understood than longer term acclimation. We assessed the temporal changes in trees facing a chronic reduction in water availability by comparing leaf-scale physiological traits, branch-scale hydraulic traits, and stand-scale biomass partitioning in the evergreen Quercus ilex across a regional precipitation gradient (long-term changes) and in a partial throughfall exclusion experiment (TEE, medium term changes). At the leaf scale, gas exchange, mass per unit area and nitrogen concentration showed homeostatic responses to drought as they did not change among the sites of the precipitation gradient or in the experimental treatments of the TEE. A similar homeostatic response was observed for the xylem vulnerability to cavitation at the branch scale. In contrast, the ratio of leaf area over sapwood area (LA/SA) in young branches exhibited a transient response to drought because it decreased in response to the TEE the first 4years of treatment, but did not change among the sites of the gradient. At the stand scale, leaf area index (LAI) decreased, and the ratios of stem SA to LAI and of fine root area to LAI both increased in trees subjected to throughfall exclusion and from the wettest to the driest site of the gradient. Taken together, these results suggest that acclimation to chronic drought in long-lived Q. ilex is mediated by changes in hydraulic allometry that shift progressively from low (branch) to high (stand) organizational levels, and act to maintain the leaf water potential within the range of xylem hydraulic function and leaf photosynthetic assimilation.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: 111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA publisher: WILEY-BLACKWELL
Keywords: allometry; carbon allocation; chronic stress; ecosystem manipulation; hydraulic adjustments; leaf ecophysiology; long-term drought; Quercus ilex; Water availability

Textural and Surface Characterization of Cork-Based Sorbents for the Removal of Oil from Water - Pintor, Ariana M. A.; Silvestre-albero, Ana M.; Ferreira, Catarina I. A.; Pereira, Joana P. C.; Vilar, V. J. P.; Botelho, M. S.; Rodr, Francisco; Boaventura, Rui A. R. (Industrial & engineering chemistry research, 2013)
This study evaluates the possibility of adding value to cork granulates, byproducts of cork processing, by using them as biosorbents and precursors of activated carbons. Activation was carried out by impregnation with phosphoric acid followed by pyrolysis under N2 flow. Furthermore, biosorbents were treated with a cationic surfactant and activated carbons were subject to a second pyrolysis under propene with the objective of improving hydrophobicity. Physico-chemical, textural, and surface characterization of the materials was carried out employing, among others, N2 adsorption isotherms, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, potentiometric titration, temperature programmed desorption (TPD), and immersion calorimetry. Selected samples were tested in the removal of sunflower oil emulsified in water. Activated carbons with higher surface area and lower amount of acidic surface groups showed higher uptake capacity for sunflower oil
APSAPS
Keywords: biosorbents; cork products; Quercus suber L.; sunflower oil

Towards the harmonization between National Forest Inventory and Forest Condition Monitoring. Consistency of plot allocation and effect of tree selection methods on sample statistics in Italy - Gasparini, Patrizia; Di Cosmo, Lucio; Cenni, Enrico; Pompei, Enrico; Ferretti, Marco (ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT, 2013)
In the frame of a process aiming at harmonizing National Forest Inventory (NFI) and ICP Forests Level I Forest Condition Monitoring (FCM) in Italy, we investigated (a) the long-term consistency between FCM sample points (a subsample of the first NFI, 1985, NFI_1) and recent forest area estimates (after the second NFI, 2005, NFI_2) and (b) the effect of tree selection method (tree-based or plot-based) on sample composition and defoliation statistics. The two investigations were carried out on 261 and 252 FCM sites, respectively. Results show that some individual forest categories (larch and stone pine, Norway spruce, other coniferous, beech, temperate oaks and cork oak forests) are over-represented and others (hornbeam and hophornbeam, other deciduous broadleaved and holm oak forests) are under-represented in the FCM sample. This is probably due to a change in forest cover, which has increased by 1,559,200 ha from 1985 to 2005. In case of shift from a tree-based to a plot-based selection method, 3,130 (46.7 %) of the original 6,703 sample trees will be abandoned, and 1,473 new trees will be selected. The balance between exclusion of former sample trees and inclusion of new ones will be particularly unfavourable for conifers (with only 16.4 % of excluded trees replaced by new ones) and less for deciduous broadleaves (with 63.5 % of excluded trees replaced). The total number of tree species surveyed will not be impacted, while the number of trees per species will, and the resulting (plot-based) sample composition will have a much larger frequency of deciduous broadleaved trees. The newly selected trees have-in general-smaller diameter at breast height (DBH) and defoliation scores. Given the larger rate of turnover, the deciduous broadleaved part of the sample will be more impacted. Our results suggest that both a revision of FCM network to account for forest area change and a plot-based approach to permit statistical inference and avoid bias in the tree sample composition in terms of DBH (and likely age and structure) are desirable in Italy. As the adoption of a plot-based approach will keep a large share of the trees formerly selected, direct tree-by-tree comparison will remain possible, thus limiting the impact on the time series comparability. In addition, the plot-based design will favour the integration with NFI_2.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS publisher: SPRINGER
Keywords: Forest condition monitoring; Forest inventory; Italy; Plot allocation; Sample statistics; Tree selection methods

Tree species effects on nutrient cycling and soil biota: A feedback mechanism favouring species coexistence - Aponte, Cristina; García, Luis V.; Marañón, Teodoro (Forest Ecology and Management, 2013)
We synthesise a series of independent but integrated studies on the functioning of a mixed Mediterra- nean oak forest to demonstrate the tree–soil interactions underpinning a positive feedback process that sustains the coexistence of two oak species. The studies focused on the foliar functional traits, plant regeneration patterns, biogeochemical cycles, soil microbial biomass and ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungal diversity associated with the co-dominant evergreen Quercus suber and deciduous Quercus canariensis in a Mediterranean forest in southern Spain. Foliar attributes differed between oak species, with Q. canariensis having higher nutrient content and lower carbon to nutrient ratios and leaf mass per area than Q. suber. These attributes reflected their distinct resource use strategies and adaptation to high and low resource-availability environ- ments, respectively. Leaf-fall nutrient concentrations were higher in Q. canariensis than in Q. suber and were correlated with concentrations in the fresh leaves. Leaf-fall nutrient concentrations influ- enced nutrient return, leaf-fall decay rate and the proportion of nutrients released from decomposing leaf-fall, all of which were higher for Q. canariensis than for Q. suber. This generated a differential net nutrient input into the soil that led to increased soil nutrient concentrations under the canopy of Q. canariensis as compared to Q. suber. The fraction of slowly decomposing leaf-fall that builds up soil organic matter was higher for Q. canariensis, further raising the nutrient and moisture retention of its soils. Differences between species in soil properties disappeared with increasing soil depth, which was consistent with the hypothesised leaf-fall-mediated effect. Tree-species-generated changes in soil properties had further impacts on soil organisms. Soil microbial biomass (Cmic) and nutrients (Nmic, Pmic) were higher under Q. canariensis than under Q. suber and were positively related to soil mois- ture content and substrate availability (particularly soil N). The composition of the ECM fungal com- munity shifted between the two oaks in response to changes in the soil properties, particularly soil Ca and pH. Lower ECM phylogenetic diversity and higher abundance of mycorrhizal species with sapro- phytic abilities were related to the greater soil fertility under Q. canariensis. Overall, the two oak spe- cies generated soil conditions that aligned with their resource-use strategies and would enhance their own competitive capabilities, potentially creating a positive feedback. The two Quercus created soil spatial heterogeneity that could enable their coexistence through spatial niche partitioning. This study demonstrates the critical role of aboveground-belowground interactions underpinning forest commu- nity composition. 
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier B.V.
Keywords: Feedback processes; Microbial biomass; Mycorrhizal fungi; nutrient cycling; Plant–soil interactions; Quercus

Tree species is the major factor explaining C:N ratios in European forest soils - Cools, N.; Vesterdal, L.; De Vos, B.; Vanguelova, E.; Hansen, K.; Vos, B. De (Forest Ecology and Management, 2013)
The C:N ratio is considered as an indicator of nitrate leaching in response to high atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition. However, the C:N ratio is influenced by a multitude of other site-related factors. This study aimed to unravel the factors determining C:N ratios of forest floor, mineral soil and peat top soils in more than 4000 plots of the ICP Forests large-scale monitoring network. The first objective was to quantify forest floor, mineral and peat soil C:N ratios across European forests. Secondly we determined the main factors explaining this C:N ratio using a boosted regression tree analysis (BRT), including fifteen site and environmental variables. Ninety-five percent of the C:N ratios were between 16 and 44 in the forest floor, between 13 and 44 in the peat topsoil and between 10 and 32 in the mineral topsoil. Within the aerated forest floor and the mineral soil, the C:N ratios decreased with depth, while in the hydromorphic forest floor and the peats no clear trend with depth was observed. Tree species was clearly the most important explanatory variable for the C:N ratio in both forest floors and topsoils, while it was soil type in the deeper mineral soil layers. The lowest C:N ratios both in the forest floor and the top mineral soil were found in black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) and black alder (Alnus glutinosa L.) stands, both N fixing tree species. While in the forest floor the highest C:N ratios were found in evergreen species like pine, cork oak (Quercus suber L.) and eucalyptus, the pine species and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) showed the highest C:N ratios in the mineral soil. The second most important explanatory variable in the forest floor and mineral topsoil was the biogeographical zoning (ecoregion). In the peat topsoil and in the deeper mineral soil layers it was the humus type. Deposition and climatic variables were of minor importance at the European scale. Further analysis for eight main forest tree species individually, showed that the influence of environmental variables on C:N ratios was tree species dependent. For Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Miller) and holm oak (Quercus ilex L.), both with a typical Mediterranean distribution, the relationship between N and S deposition and C:N ratio appeared to be positive. This study suggests that applying C:N ratios as a general indicator of the N status in forests at the European level, without explicitly accounting for tree species, is too simplistic and may result in misleading conclusions.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier B.V.
Keywords: Carbon; Forest floor; ICP forests; Mineral soil; nitrogen; Tree species

Understanding Mediterranean Pasture Dynamics: General Tree Cover vs. Specific Effects of Individual Trees - De Miguel, José Manuel; Acosta-Gallo, Belén; Gómez-Sal, Antonio (Rangeland Ecology & Management, 2013)
The study investigated the effect of general and homogeneous tree cover on grassland composition on an extensive Mediterranean rangeland with sparse oak trees in central Spain. We analyzed this effect together with other significant factors identified in this type of rangeland: topography and plowing. Data were collected in the 1984 growing season and they form part of a historical database on the characteristics of vegetation and livestock behavior; these data refer to grasslands below and away from the tree crowns of 91 individual trees, located in different topographical positions and in areas that were last plowed at different times.We used multivariate analyses to identify the main compositional trends of variation in pasture communities. The results indicate that the herbaceous community below tree crowns was more similar to that of the lowland areas than to the nearby areas away from the tree. This result supports the idea of tree cover in semiarid rangelands as a factor attenuating the effects on pastures of environmental conditions typical of high and intermediate topographical positions—generally presenting low soil moisture and fertility. Coupled with this, we also found effects of some individual trees related with the way livestock uses them as shelter and resting places. Our results indicate that the role played by dispersed trees in the management of this type of rangeland should be analyzed at two complementary spatial scales: the overall effect of tree cover as a factor acting at landscape scale and the specific effect of some individual trees acting at a more detailed scale.
Keywords: free-ranging livestock; pasture management; Quercus ilex; scattered trees; Silvopastoral systems; topography effect

Unfolding relations between land cover and farm management: high nature value assessment in complex silvo-pastoral systems - Almeida, Mara; Guerra, Carlos; Pinto-Correia, Teresa (GEOGRAFISK TIDSSKRIFT-DANISH JOURNAL OF GEOGRAPHY, 2013)
The high nature value (HNV) concept, proposed by the European Environment Agency, recognizes that specific farming systems support high biodiversity levels, mainly as a result of extensive management practices. The Portuguese montado is one of the most significant HNV systems in southern Europe. However, considering the great complexity characterizing these systems both in land management and in landscape structure, a specific context-oriented methodology to assess which montado areas are likely to be classified as HNV farmland is needed. In this sense, the aim of this study is to explore a methodological approach which makes it possible to assess land management pressures through land cover information on these complex silvo-pastoral systems. The proposed methodology was tested through a local case study in a montado area in southern Portugal, assessing the relation between management practices and a vegetation cover index. Results show that in similar montado areas different land management strategies varying in stocking density, but also in type of grazing animals and shrub control practices, configure different vegetation cycles. These results indicate there is a way to develop a straightforward methodology to assess the HNV value of Mediterranean silvo-pastoral systems based on land cover indicators. These would make it possible to assess the HNV of montado areas with direct and objective information and independent of farmer's surveys or other farm-based data.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: OSTER VOLDGADE 10, COPENHAGEN K, DK 1350, DENMARK publisher: ROYAL DANISH GEOGRAPHICAL SOC
Keywords: high nature value; land management; silvo-pastoral system; vegetation cover

Abandonment of grazing in a mediterranean grassland area: consequences for ant assemblages - Azcárate, Francisco M.; Peco, Begoña (Insect Conservation and Diversity, 2012)
1. Abandonment of traditional activities in the rural areas is widespread in the developed world, and in the case of grazing, it is known to have negative consequences on the diversity of plant communities. Few studies have examined the impact of grazing abandonment on fauna, which in the case of ants is of considerable interest, given their usefulness as an indicator for monitoring environmental change. 2. Here, we present the results of a study conducted in Mediterranean grasslands of central Spain. Using pitfall traps, ants were sampled from 10 40 m· 20 m plots; ﬁve of them located in grazed systems and ﬁve in abandoned grazing systems. Descriptors used for the ant assemblage were ant species composition, ant species richness, ant functional groups, and subguilds of granivores. We used a seed bait test to discriminate between granivorous and non-granivorous ant species. 3. Our results show that abandoned grazing systems have more ant species and more heterogeneous ant assemblages. Changes in ant species composition and ant functional groups are more pronounced in habitats where woody encroachment progresses more rapidly (i.e. dry sectors and tree islands). Specialised granivores have reduced importance in the same habitat types. Conversely, facultative granivores increase their presence in abandoned grazing systems. 4. The increased functional and species ant diversity observed with grazing abandonment can be explained by the generation of a more heterogeneous environment at the smaller scales, in spite of being more homogenous at the larger scales, because the latter are less signiﬁcant for the organisms studied
Keywords: ant functional groups; Ants; Granivory; grazing abandonment; mediterranean grasslands

Afritoxinones A and B, dihydrofuropyran-2-ones produced by Diplodia africana the causal agent of branch dieback on Juniperus phoenicea - Evidente, Antonio; Masi, Marco; Linaldeddu, Benedetto T.; Franceschini, Antonio; Scanu, Bruno; Cimmino, Alessio; Andolfi, Anna; Motta, Andrea; Maddau, Lucia (PHYTOCHEMISTRY, 2012)
Two phytotoxic dihydrofuropyran-2-ones, named afritoxinones A and B. were isolated from liquid culture of Diplodia africana. a fungal pathogen responsible for branch dieback of Phoenicean juniper in Italy. Additionally, six others known metabolites were isolated and characterized: oxysporone, sphaeropsidin A, epi-sphaeropsidone, R-(-)-mellein, (3R,4R)-4-hydroxymellein and (3R,4S)-4-hydroxymellein. The structures of afritoxinones A and B were established by spectroscopic and optical methods and determined to be as (3aS{*},6R{*}-,7aS)-6-methoxy-3a,7a-dihydro-3H,6H-furo\{[\}2,3-b]pyran-2-o ne and (3aR{*},6R{*},7aS)-6-methoxy-3a,7a-dihydro-3H,6H-furo\{[\}2,3-b]pyran-2-on e, respectively. The phytotoxic activity of afritoxinones A and B and oxysporone was evaluated on host (Phoenicean juniper) and non-host plant (holm oak, cork oak and tomato) by cutting and leaf puncture assay. Oxysporone proved to be the most phytotoxic compound. This study represents the first report of secondary metabolites produced by D. africana. In addition, the taxonomic implications of secondary metabolites in Botryosphaeriaceae family studies are discussed. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND publisher: PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD
Keywords: Afritoxinones A and B; Botryosphaeriaceae; Diplodia africana; Juniperus phoenicea; Phytotoxins

Allocation of 14C assimilated in late spring to tissue and biochemical stem components of cork oak (Quercus suber L.) over the seasons - Aguado, Pedro L.; Curt, M. Dolores; Pereira, Helena; Fernández, Jesús (Tree Physiology, 2012)
Carbon distribution in the stem of 2-year-old cork oak plants was studied by 14CO2 pulse labeling in late spring in order to trace the allocation of photoassimilates to tissue and biochemical stem components of cork oak. The fate of 14C photoassimilated carbon was followed during two periods: the first 72 h (short-term study) and the first 52 weeks (long-term study) after the 14CO2 photosynthetic assimilation. The results showed that 14C allocation to stem tissues was dependent on the time passed since photoassimilation and on the season of the year. In the first 3 h all 14C was found in the polar extractives. After 3 h, it started to be allocated to other stem fractions. In 1 day, 14C was allocated mostly to vascular cambium and, to a lesser extent, to primary phloem; no presence of 14C was recorded for the periderm. However, translocation of 14C to phellem was observed from 1 week after 14CO2 pulse labeling. The phellogen was not completely active in its entire circumference at labeling, unlike the vascular cambium; this was the tissue that accumulated most photoassimilated 14C at the earliest sampling. The fraction of leaf-assimilated 14C that was used by the stem peaked at 57% 1 week after 14CO2 plant exposure. The time lag between C photoassimilation and suberin accumulation was ∼8 h, but the most active period for suberin accumulation was between 3 and 7 days. Suberin, which represented only 1.77% of the stem weight, acted as a highly effective sink for the carbon photoassimilated in late spring since suberin specific radioactivity was much higher than for any other stem component as early as only 1 week after 14C plant labeling. This trend was maintained throughout the whole experiment. The examination of microautoradiographs taken over 1 year provided a new method for quantifying xylem growth. Using this approach it was found that there was more secondary xylem growth in late spring than in other times of the year, because the calculated average cell division time was much shorter.
10.1093/treephys/tps01210.1093/treephys/tps012
Keywords: C-14 labeled compounds; carbon assimilation; microautoradiography; Quercus suber; suberin

Analyse d'un paysage multifonctionnel dans la zone périurbaine de la ville de Tlemcen. Le parc national de Tlemcen-Algérie - Bencherif, K. (SHS Web of Conferences, 2012)
Dans le contexte périurbain étudié, le paysage le plus marquant est forestier, malheureusement toujours fragile vis-à-vis des paysages urbains et agricoles environnants. L’analyse des risques paysagers aux interfaces forêt-agriculture-bâti devrait être donc intégrée dans les futurs projets d’aménagement. Pour la ville de Tlemcen, ces risques sont, dans le contexte de l’urbanisation (espace péri-forestier) l’appropriation privée de l’espace forestier, les zones de dépôts et les plantes invasives inutiles. Dans le contexte du défrichement pour l’urbanisation (forêts périurbaine), ces risques sont le recul de la forêt et la confrontation forêt-habitat alors que dans le contexte de l’accueil du public (forêt domaniale de Tlemcen) le risque est surtout l’artificialisation de la forêt. Face à ces risques, des actions à envisager sont une définition précise des vocations de l’espace forestier et péri-forestier, la prévision de zones tampon entre forêt-habitation de 200 mètres minimum, la prévision d’espaces de transitions entre forêt-habitation et forêts-espaces agricoles et surtout une concertation entre les principaux acteurs que sont les citadins, les riverains et les forestiers. Ces actions devraient être appuyées par des outils législatifs adaptés comme le code des forêts, code de l’urbanisme, l’instruction pour l’aménagement forestier paysager ainsi que les compagnes de sensibilisation.
Keywords: défrichement (voyant); espace agricole; espace forestier; interface foret-agricole; risques paysaigers; Tlemcen

AREA-EFFECT IN BREEDING BIRD COMMUNITIES OCCURRING IN AN ARCHIPELAGO OF URBAN HOLM OAK FRAGMENTS (ROME, CENTRAL ITALY) - Arca, E.; Battisti, C.; Fraticelli, F. (VIE ET MILIEU-LIFE AND ENVIRONMENT, 2012)
We carried out a study on breeding bird communities occurring in anarchipelago of 32 holm oak fragments in an urbanized landscape (Rome, central Italy). The log-transformed species-area relationship is comparable with other ``insular{''} situations obtained from analogous mainland fragmented landscapes. We observed a quick decrease of species number when area size is lower than 2 hectares, with a significant threshold at 1 ha, unlike rural areas in which a quick species decrement occurs on a higher area size range (< 10 hectares). Species appear differently sensitive to area size of the fragments with significant responses in Dendrocopos major, Aegithalos caudatus, Sitta europaea, Parus major, Certhia brachydactyla and Fringilla coelebs. Considering the recreational role of the biodiversity for human populations inhabiting large metropolitan areas, the threshold in size (about 1 ha in fragment area) evidenced in this study may be useful for urban park management strategies.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: LABORATOIRE ARAGO, BP 44, 66651 BANYULS-SUR-MER CEDEX, FRANCE publisher: OBSERVATOIRE OCEANOLOGIQUE BANYULS
Keywords: SPECIES-AREA RELATIONSHIP; AREA-SENSITIVE SPECIES

Below-ground ectomycorrhizal community in natural Tuber melanosporum truffle grounds and dynamics after canopy opening. - Garcia-Barreda, Sergi; Reyna, Santiago (Mycorrhiza, 2012)
The ectomycorrhizal fungus Tuber melanosporum fruits in association with Quercus in natural forests of Spain. Some of these stands are managed to keep an open canopy and meet the habitat requirements of the fungus. However, there are few quantitative studies analysing in these forests the relationship between soil environment and T. melanosporum. Eight forest stands which produce T. melanosporum have been monitored for 6 years in order to characterise the below-ground ectomycorrhizal community and to assess its temporal dynamics after experimental canopy opening. The brûlé, the ground where T. melanosporum fruits, shows a distinct ectomycorrhizal community, characterised by lower density of active ectomycorrhizal tips, lower morphotype richness per soil volume, higher abundance of T. melanosporum and lower abundance of Cenococcum geophilum than soil closest to the trunk of the host Quercus ilex. Opening the canopy has not stimulated an increase in T. melanosporum, suggesting that a shift in the soil environment alone will not trigger the formation of new truffières in the short term. The dry climate of these truffières may be a factor as T. melanosporum abundance appears to be sensitive to annual weather conditions.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: accession-num: 21932021
Keywords: Brûlé; ectomycorrhiza; Quercus ilex; silviculture; Tuber melanosporum; Wild truffière

A case study of land cover change (1950–2003) and runoff in a Mediterranean catchment - Fox, Dennis M.; Witz, Emmanuelle; Blanc, Violaine; Soulié, Cécile; Penalver-Navarro, Marc; Dervieux, Alain (Applied Geography, 2012)
Mediterranean environments have been subject to major land cover change since the end of the second world war. Housing, agricultural activities, forests, green spaces and other land uses have shifted due to urbanisation and tourism. These changes inﬂuence runoff, and municipal authorities often cannot estimate the net impact of complex land cover transitions. During this period, elected representatives have become increasingly sensitive to the risks of ﬂooding and have implemented a number of channel management strategies. The main objective of this case study was to analyse the impact of land cover change on total storm runoff between 1950 and 2003 in a Mediterranean catchment near St Tropez, France. A secondary objective was to compare these changes to the impacts of channel management on bankfull discharge. Aerial photographs were used to classify land cover in 3 urban categories, vineyards and bare soil, forests, and green spaces. Stream discharge was estimated using a distributed event based total runoff approach. After validating the model for a large winter event (114 mm) for 1982, runoff was calculated for the same event for 1950 and 2003. Land cover changes occurred mainly in the alluvial plain area. Total gauge catchment urban area increased from 30.1 ha to 393.8 between 1950 and 2003 at the expense mainly of agricultural land, but this was compensated in part by an increase in grassed area. Some of the loss in vineyards was replaced by clearing forested land on the ﬁrst hills close to the plain. Bank stabilisation and channel maintenance since the 1980’s reduced surface roughness and increased channel area, thereby greatly increasing bankfull discharge. While the impact of urbanisation on runoff was small, channel management effects increased bankfull discharge substantially. Flood damage from extreme events was not studied here.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier Ltd
Keywords: Channel capacity; Channel management; Land Cover; land use; runoff

Changes in atmospheric deposition and streamwater chemistry over 25 years in undisturbed catchments in a Mediterranean mountain environment. - Avila, Anna; Rodà, Ferran (The Science of the total environment, 2012)
Surface water chemistry has changed in response to reduced atmospheric deposition of sulphur and acidity in many regions of Europe and North America. Most of these studies come from acidic or low-alkalinity surface waters under high acidic deposition. Mediterranean climates offer a different biogeochemical context, characterised by streamwaters of higher alkalinity and low acid inputs. In this paper, we use surveys of streamwater chemistry conducted in 1981-1984 and again in 2007 in the Montseny natural park (NE Spain) to test whether streamwaters of these well-buffered catchments respond to changes in atmospheric deposition, which has declined for S during the last decades in NE Spain while remaining about stable for nitrogen. The 23 sampled streams drained heathland, beech forests and evergreen oak forests in relatively undisturbed small catchments underlain by silicate bedrock. Bulk deposition of sulphate at Montseny decreased by 54% while nitrate bulk deposition increased (non-significantly) by 30% in this period. Total N deposition is estimated in the range 15-30 kg N ha(-1) y(-1) for NE Spain. This is well above threshold values (e.g. 10 kg N ha(-1) y(-1)) reported as starting nitrogen saturation symptoms in forest ecosystems in Europe. Baseflow sulphate concentrations decreased on average by 47 μeq L(-1) or 29% of early 1980s concentrations. Baseflow mean nitrate concentrations increased significantly but only from 5.5 to 8.9 μeq L(-1). Thus, despite decades of high N deposition, these ecosystems appear to be still far from N saturation. Baseflow alkalinity and base cation concentrations increased substantially, probably a combined result of decreased S deposition, enhanced silicate weathering under current higher temperatures, reduced plant cation uptake as vegetation matures, and slightly drier conditions in the survey of 2007. Overall, these well-buffered catchments have shown sizable changes in baseflow chemistry in response to changed atmospheric deposition and other environmental changes.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier B.V. accession-num: 22200374
Keywords: Alkalinity; Base cations; nitrogen; Quercus ilex; Streamwater chemistry; Sulphate

Changes in soil organic carbon and climate change – Application of the RothC model in agro-silvo-pastoral Mediterranean systems - Francaviglia, Rosa; Coleman, Kevin; Whitmore, Andrew P.; Doro, Luca; Urracci, Giulia; Rubino, Mariateresa; Ledda, Luigi (Agricultural Systems, 2012)
Due to the complexity of soil organic carbon (SOC), models have proved very useful in helping to improve our understanding of the soil–plant–atmosphere system. In this study we used the Rothamsted carbon model (RothC), which considers the effect of climate (temperature, rainfall and evaporation), soil texture (clay content) and crop management on the decomposition processes, to predict changes in SOC under different land uses and the different climate that may occur in the future. SOC turnover was evaluated in land uses under different levels of agricultural intensiﬁcation. The agriculture of the study-area is mainly extensive and markedly agro-silvo-pastoral, and is typical of northeastern Sardinia (Italy) and similar areas of the Mediterranean basin. The following land uses were considered: vineyards, hay crops, pastures, semi-natural systems (formerly vineyards) and cork oak forests. Since the study-area is characterized by the same soil type (Haplic Endoleptic Cambisols, Dystric) derived from granitic rocks and potential native vegetation (Quercus suber L.), this was considered as the model baseline to study soil organic carbon dynamics. Climate change scenarios for 90 yr were generated from the baseline climate with two Global Climate Models: GISS (Goddard Institute of Space Studies, USA), and HadCM3 (Met Ofﬁce, Hadley Centre, UK), for two of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emission scenarios (SRES A2 and B2). Land uses at low cropping intensity were more efﬁcient than intensive agricultural systems in terms of SOC storage in the order: hay crop > pasture > cork oak forest > semi-natural systems. Land use change to vineyards decreased the carbon balance signiﬁcantly between 0.09 and 0.15 t C ha 1 yr 1 . However, former vineyards have almost recovered from soil disturbance following the establishment of the vineyards.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier Ltd
Keywords: C sequestration; climate change; CO2 emissions; Emission scenarios; land use; RothC

Classifying and Mapping Potential Distribution of Forest Types Using a Finite Mixture Model - Attorre, Fabio; Francesconi, Fabio; Sanctis, Michele; Alfò, Marco; Martella, Francesca; Valenti, Roberto; Vitale, Marcello (Folia Geobotanica, 2012)
The present paper presents the application of a finite mixture model (FMM) to analyze spatially explicit data on forest composition and environmental variables to produce a high-resolution map of their current potential distribution. FMM provides a convenient yet formal setting for model-based clustering. Within this framework, forest data are assumed to come from an underlying FMM, where each mixture component corresponds to a cluster and each cluster is characterized by a different composition of tree species. An important extension of this model is based on including a set of covariates to predict class membership. These covariates can be climatic and topographical parameters as well as geographical coordinates and the class membership of neighbouring plots. FMM was applied to a national forest inventory of Italy consisting of 6,714 plots with a measure of abundance for 27 tree species. In this way, a map of potential forest types was produced. The limitations and usefulness of the proposed modelling approach were analyzed and discussed, comparing the results with an independently derived expert map
Keywords: Classification; Finite Mixture Model; forest types; Italy; Potential distribution

Climate change and human impact in central Spain during Roman times: High-resolution multi-proxy analysis of a tufa lake record (Somolinos, 1280m asl) - Currás, a; Zamora, L.; Reed, J. M.; García-Soto, E.; Ferrero, S.; Armengol, X.; Mezquita-Joanes, F.; Marqués, M. a; Riera, S.; Julià, R. (Catena, 2012)
The Roman Period is considered a crucial phase in the evolution of Holocene landscapes, due to the coincidence of major climatic, environmental, economic and cultural changes. However, there is still debate as to the regional expression of these changes, and to the mechanisms involved, particularly in the topographically and climatically complex region of the Mediterranean. In order to improve our understanding of the synergies between societal and environmental change during this period in central Spain, we present a comprehensive case study based on the integration of multi-proxy palaeoenvironmental, archaeological and historical data. High-resolution, interdisciplinary research has been performed on a 3.8 m thick sediment record from the Somolinos tufa lake (1280 m asl), located in a continental Mediterranean area. The analyses include pollen, non-pollen palynomorphs (NPPs), macrocharcoal, ostracods, diatoms, other biotic remains and sedimentology. The Somolinos sequence extends from the 9th century cal BC (Pre-Roman) to the 8th century AD (Early Medieval). The multi-proxy data reveal substantial climate variability during this period. More humid conditions prevailed from 700 to 250 cal BC, while the climate became more arid during the Roman Period (50 cal BC to 70 cal AD). Later on, increased humidity characterized the period from 100 cal AD to 400 cal AD, followed by a progressive arid phase (400 to 715 cal AD) that culminated in total desiccation of the lake. During this time the Romans introduced a new and complex system of resource management in the area, including large-scale farming, grazing, forestry and mining. A strong shift in land use occurred after 80 cal BC, resulting in extensive woodland clearing throughout the range, and in an enhancement of soil erosion and lake productivity. The high-resolution analysis indicates that the peak in Roman impact occurred one century later than the climate changed towards drier conditions. In contrast, social–economical decline and aridiﬁcation were synchronous in Visigothic times (from 5th to 8th centuries AD). The Somolinos record indicates that Roman ‘humid period’ is not a simple phase as some suggest. The observed environmental changes resulted from the interaction of different driving factors.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier B.V.
Keywords: Central Spain; Land-use change; Marl lake; Palaeoenvironment; Palaeolimnology; Roman Warm Period

The coexistence of acorns with different maturation patterns explains acorn production variability in cork oak. - Pons, Josep; Pausas, Juli G. (Oecologia, 2012)
In dry areas such as Mediterranean ecosystems, fluctuations in seed production are typically explained by resource (water) availability. However, acorn production in cork oak (Quercus suber) populations shows a very low relationship to weather. Because cork oak trees produce acorns with different maturation patterns (annual and biennial), we hypothesized that acorn production in coexisting individuals with a different dominant acorn maturation type should respond differently to climatic factors and that disaggregating the trees according to their acorn-maturation pattern should provide a more proximal relation to weather factors. We assessed acorn production variability in fragmented cork oak populations of the eastern Iberian Peninsula by counting the total number of acorns in 155 trees during an 8-year period. An initial assessment of acorn production variability in relation to weather parameters yielded very low explained variance (7%). However, after the trees were grouped according to their dominant acorn maturation pattern, weather parameters were found to account for 44% of the variability in acorn crops, with trees with annual acorns exhibiting mast fruiting in years with reduced spring frost and shorter summer droughts and trees with biennial acorns showing the opposite pattern. Thus, conditions that negatively affect annual production could be beneficial for biennial production (and vice versa). The results highlight the importance of the resource-matching hypothesis for explaining acorn production in Quercus suber and suggest that different seed maturation types within a population may allow the species to deal with highly variable weather conditions. They also emphasize the importance of understanding acorn maturation patterns for interpreting masting cycles.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: accession-num: 22246473
Keywords: biomass; Evergreen oaks; Fruit; Fruit: growth & development; Hypothesis; Masting; Mediterranean Region; Mediterranean woodlands; Quercus; Quercus suber; Quercus: growth & development; Weather

Comparative study of diurnal and nocturnal sap flow of Quercus ilex and Phillyrea latifolia in a Mediterranean holm oak forest in Prades (Catalonia, NE Spain) - Barbeta, Adrià; Ogaya, Romà; Penuelas, Josep (Trees, 2012)
Droughts are a cyclical disturbance in Mediterranean ecosystems and climate change models forecast an increase of their frequency and severity. Some experimental and observational studies have shown that cooccurring species may cope with drier conditions with different strategies and present different responses. Here, we investigate sap ﬂow response to drought in order to explain the observed differential growth and mortality of Quercus ilex and Phillyrea latifolia at Prades Holm oak forest (NE Spain). We measured sap ﬂow of these species and compared their diurnal, nocturnal and seasonal patterns and their relationship with environmental variables. Both species described qualitatively similar daily patterns, either during daylight or night. Sap ﬂow rates were signiﬁcantly higher in P. latifolia except in autumn and spring. P. latifolia was more sensitive to soil moisture. Nocturnal sap ﬂow was detected in both species with no signiﬁcant differences and hourly rates suffered a progressive increase from 3 a.m. to dawn in most sampled nights. Our results indicate a better adaptation of P. latifolia to this site as it can take better advantage of wet periods while maintaining higher sap ﬂow rates during dry periods. Along with previous ecophysiological studies at the same location it may be inferred that at its drier distributional limit Q. ilex would be at disadvantage with respect to other species like P. latifolia, as the latter would cope better with increasing xeric conditions already occurring and further predicted for Mediterranean ecosystems. Our results also show nocturnal sap ﬂow to be relevant in individual water losses in these two species as they can be up to 35–40 % of daily sap ﬂow. Further research on the underlying mechanisms of this nocturnal sap ﬂow is required since it may also enhance early morning CO2 ﬁxation or nutrient supply to leaves.
Keywords: á; Drought; ilex á sap flow; nocturnal sap flow; nocturnal sap flow á; phillyrea latifolia; phillyrea latifolia á quercus; Quercus ilex; sap flow

Comparing measurements methods of carbon dioxide fluxes in a soil sequence under land use and cover change in North Eastern Spain - Emran, Mohamed; Gispert, Maria; Pardini, Giovanni (Geoderma, 2012)
Carbon dioxide measurements from soil surface may indicate the potential for soil respiration and carbon consumption according to microbial biomass and root activity. These processes may be inﬂuenced by land use and cover change, and abandonment especially in the upper soil organic layer. Seven environments from cultivation to late abandonment, with the same soil type classiﬁed as Lithic Xerorthent, were tested to ascertain the respiration capacity according to the current use and cover, and to establish the ability to preserve and eventually increase the organic matter pools after abandonment. Given the importance of carbon dioxide measurements at soil surface, a comparison between the classic soda lime method (SL) and a rapid method based on infrared sensor analyzer (IR) was performed from autumn 2008 to autumn 2009 in the ﬁeld. The ﬁeld measurements of CO2 proved signiﬁcant correlations between the values from the two techniques under the same natural conditions and along the period of observation. However, the values of CO2 measured by the soda lime method were always higher than those obtained by the infrared analyzer. This pattern was attributed to the difference in time of measurement, larger in the former method, and type of measurement technique. Despite that the trend of measured CO2 values was rather similar along the year. On average, the highest values of CO2 emission in the ﬁeld were recorded in the warmest periods of the year and with soil surface moisture not lower than 3% independently on the method used. High soil surface temperature with soil moisture below 3% decreased drastically the CO2 production from the dry soil. The cultivated environments and soil under forests have resulted higher CO2 producers than abandoned soils depending on the age of abandonment, climatic conditions, and within abandonment perturbations. Those abandoned soils preserved by perturbations like wildﬁre showed a higher potential for accumulating organic carbon, as indicated by the lowest emission of CO2 with respect to SOC content, during the period of observation. Results demonstrated the reliability of the methods used to evaluate the soil carbon dioxide production capacity and allowed to classify through environments with increasing potential for carbon sequestration. The classiﬁcation was rather similar by using both methods indicating a higher susceptibility to carbon loss in the following order: soil under Vines (V)>under Olives (O)> under Pine trees (PI) > under Cork Trees (S)> under Pasture (PR)>under Cistus scrub (MC)>under Erica scrub (MB) by using the SL method and V>O> PI> S>MC>MB> PR by using the IR method. Indications about the need of management of abandoned areas were also considered in order to recover the landscape heterogeneity.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier B.V.
Keywords: Abandonment; Carbon dioxide measurement; Carbon loss; Cover change; land use; Soil organic carbon

The comparison of site spider “biodiversity quality” in Portuguese protected areas - Feest, Alan; Cardoso, Pedro (Ecological Indicators, 2012)
Spiders at 23 Portuguese protected area sites were sampled (pitfall trapped) over 10-month periods. The data allowed for a “biodiversity quality” assessment consisting of the following indices: Species Richness, Biomass, Simpson Index, Species Conservation Value Index and Population Density. These “biodiversity quality” characteristics were reviewed for relative indication of site spider “biodiversity quality”. Spiders are proposed as a group of organisms that could be used to indicate part of the “biodiversity quality” of a site since they can be sampled in a standardised way and yield biodiversity indices for comparison spatially and temporally. The approach adopted in this paper allows a range of “biodiversity quality” indices to be measured for spiders in Portuguese protected areas which, in turn requires decisions from scientists, managers and politicians on what element or characteristic of biodiversity it is intended to be targeted.
Keywords: biomass; Simpson Index; Site ranking; Species Conservation Value Index (SCVI); Species richness

Contribution of cork oak plantations installed after 1990 in Portugal to the Kyoto commitments and to the landowners economy - Coelho, Marta Baptista; Paulo, Joana Amaral; Palma, João Henrique Nunes; Tomé, Margarida (Forest Policy and Economics, 2012)
Cork oak stands are a part of the agroforestry ecosystem in Portugal, characterized by a low crown cover from cork oak trees, managed towards cork production, and sometimes in combination with grazing. In recent years, European Union policies gave impetus to a large area of new cork oak plantations, which have been established mainly for cork production purposes, and consequently with higher stand density than traditional agroforestry systems. These plantations are important not only for cork production but also for the carbon sequestered by these slow growing forests that won't be harvested for wood production. Thinning operations will be needed to avoid excessive inter-tree competition and wood extracted from these thinning may also provide income for the owners. In the present study, carbon sequestered and wood volumes resulting from thinning were estimated for the next 70 years. Three scenarios of different annual afforestation rates and different site indexes were tested. The resulting values for the considered scenarios show that, if the plantation rates are maintained, new cork oak plantations will have an important contribution to the Portuguese commitments to providing CO2 offsets under the Kyoto protocol. Additionally, due to the increasing values of initial density in new cork plantations, cork oak forests will produce a signiﬁcant volume of wood that may become an important contribution to the landowners' income.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier B.V.
Keywords: Carbon Sequestration; Cork oak; Kyoto protocol; New plantations area; Wood

Cork and sustainability: Discussing the sustainable use of the material from a design perspective - Pereira, Ana Carina; Brezet, Han; Pereira, Helena; Vogtlander, Joost (Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University (Science), 2012)
There is the challenge to use materials in a more sustainable way. Even though cork has an interesting eco-proﬁle as a material, other aspects contributing to an enhanced sustainable use of the resource are discussed: addressing the life-span of products, materials substitution, and the trend of materials development identiﬁed. Key words: sustainability, design and materials, cork products and materials, eco-materials
Keywords: cork products and materials; design and materials; eco-materials; Sustainability

Cyclobotryoxide, a phytotoxic metabolite produced by the plurivorous pathogen Neofusicoccum australe. - Andolfi, Anna; Maddau, Lucia; Cimmino, Alessio; Linaldeddu, Benedetto T.; Franceschini, Antonio; Serra, Salvatorica; Basso, Sara; Melck, Dominique; Evidente, Antonio (Journal of natural products, 2012)
Two isolates of Neofusicoccum australe belonging to ITS haplotypes H4 and H1 and associated with grapevine cordon dieback and branch dieback of Phoenicean juniper, respectively, have been shown to produce in vitro structurally different secondary metabolites. From the strain BOT48 of N. australe (haplotype H4) a new cyclohexenone oxide, namely, cyclobotryoxide, was isolated together with 3-methylcatechol and tyrosol. Cyclobotryoxide was characterized as (1S,5R,6S)-5-hydroxy-3-methoxy-4-methyl-7-oxabicyclo[4.1.0]hept-3-en-2-one by spectroscopic, optical, and chemical methods. The strain BL24 (haplotype H1) produced tyrosol along with botryosphaerone D and (3S,4S)-3,4,8-trihydroxy-6-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-1(2H)-naphthalenone. The metabolites obtained from both strains were tested at four concentrations on leaves of grapevine cv. Cannonau, holm oak, and cork oak by the leaf puncture assay. Cyclobotryoxide proved to be the most phytotoxic compound. Tyrosol and cyclobotryoxide were also tested on detached grapevine leaves at concentrations of 0.25 and 0.5 mg/mL. Only cyclobotryoxide was found to be active in this bioassay.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: accession-num: 23046443
Keywords: Ascomycota; Ascomycota: chemistry; Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic; Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic: chemistry; Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic: isolation & purif; Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic: pharmacology; Catechols; Cyclohexanones; Cyclohexanones: chemistry; Cyclohexanones: isolation & purification; Cyclohexanones: pharmacology; Juniperus; Juniperus: microbiology; Molecular Structure; mycotoxins; Mycotoxins: chemistry; Mycotoxins: isolation & purification; Mycotoxins: pharmacology; Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular; Quercus; Quercus: drug effects; Stereoisomerism; Vitis; Vitis: drug effects

Dealing with landscape fuzziness in user preference studies: Photo-based questionnaires in the Mediterranean context - Barroso, Filipe Lucas; Pinto-Correia, Teresa; Ramos, Isabel L.; Surová, Diana; Menezes, Helena (Landscape and Urban Planning, 2012)
Mediterranean landscapes reveal extremely adequate conditions for the development of other functions besides production (nature conservation, recreation, life quality, local identity). These functions support the provision of public goods and services increasingly recognized by society. With this goal, the production of knowledge that may support decision is highly needed. In Mediterranean extensively used areas, the analysis of landscape features and related public preferences is complex, as the landscape pattern is highly fuzzy and land cover classes are often mixed. Resulting from multiple research developments, this paper demonstrates how photo-based surveys can be a suitable tool for assessing landscape preferences by speciﬁc public groups. Landscape functions addressed are closely linked to land cover patterns, as resulting from land cover systems. Thus using photographs in landscape questionnaires is useful in focusing the discussion on speciﬁc aspects, related with the variations in land cover and in their combinations with other speciﬁc landscape features. But the photos shown need to be clear and easily perceivable by the respondents. In order to cope with the underlying fuzziness of these landscapes, manipulation of images has been developed as the best solution so that the variations shown to respondents are adequately controlled in the study and landscape features are easily recognized by the respondents. The methodological approach as well as the results of applied approaches, of two studies on the users preferences, applied to a case-study area in Alentejo region, Portugal, are presented. The issues concerned with photo manipulation are a particular focus of discussion.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier B.V.
Keywords: Landscape fuzziness; landscape preferences; Mediterranean landscapes; Photo manipulation; Photo-based questionnaires; Visualization tools

Determinants of drought effects on crown condition and their relationship with depletion of carbon reserves in a Mediterranean holm oak forest - Galiano, Lucía; Martínez-Vilalta, Jordi; Sabaté, Santi; Lloret, Francisco (Tree Physiology, 2012)
Severe droughts may increase physiological stress on long-lived woody vegetation, occasionally leading to rapid defoliation and progressive increase in mortality of overstorey trees. Over the last few years, episodes of drought-induced tree dieback have been documented in a variety of woodlands and forests around the world. However, the factors determining tree survival and subsequent recovery are still poorly understood, especially in resprouter species. We have studied the effects of a single drought episode on crown condition in a holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) forest located in NE Spain 7 years after the drought event. Generalized linear models were used to study the environmental correlates of forest crown condition 7 years after the drought event. Additionally, we evaluated the association between crown condition and the carbon and nutrient reserves stored in lignotubers 7 years after the drought. Our study reveals the multifactor nature of a drought-driven forest dieback in which soil depth and the characteristics of individual trees, particularly their number of stems, determined a complex spatial pattern of tree-level responses. This dieback was associated with a depletion of the carbon reserves in lignotubers 7 years after the episode, representing a reduction of up to 60% in highly drought-damaged trees. Interestingly, in the absence of new acute droughts, successive surveys in 2007–11 showed a direct association between carbon reserves depletion and further deterioration of crown condition. More frequent droughts, as predicted by climate change projections, may lead to a progressive depletion of carbon reserves and to a loss of resilience in Mediterranean resprouter species.
10.1093/treephys/tps02510.1093/treephys/tps025
Keywords: carbon reserves; crown condition; drought resilience; resprouter; tree dieback

Dispersal patterns of a saproxylic beetle, Osmoderma eremita, in Mediterranean woodlands - Chiari, Stefano; Carpaneto, Giuseppe M.; Zauli, Agnese; Zirpoli, Giancarlo M.; Audisio, Paolo; Ranius, Thomas (Insect Conservation and Diversity, 2012)
* Dispersal patterns of a beetle inhabiting tree hollows, Osmoderma eremita (Scopoli, 1763) (Coleoptera: Cetoniidae), were studied in a cork oak (Quercus suber) woodland in central Italy, the southernmost part of its distribution range. During 2 years, we used radio telemetry to monitor dispersal of 39 free-ranging individuals (16 males, 23 females). * Telemetered beetles spent their lifetime not only inside hollow trees but also in other habitats, such as above or under the ground surface. * Beetles were more active at the beginning of the season. Eighty-one per cent of the males and 69% of the females conducted dispersals during their lifetime. * The dispersal distance over individuals' lifetime did not differ between sexes. The longest dispersal was conducted by a female that moved 1504 m. Thirty-nine per cent of dispersing individuals reached distances farther than 250 m. Both dispersal rate and range are higher than what has been found in Northern Europe. * The population size per tree is low, most of the adults leave their natal tree, and a high predation rate (at least 28%) was observed among dispersing beetles. Therefore, to balance the local extinction risk from single trees, a high density of hollow trees is probably required. It is desirable that suitable trees are concentrated at a spatial scale of a few hundred metres.
Keywords: Coleoptera; dispersal; habitat colonisation; hollow trees; radio tracking; Scarabaeidae

The diversification of terpene emissions in Mediterranean oaks: lessons from a study of Quercus suber, Quercus canariensis and its hybrid Quercus afares - Welter, Saskia; Bracho-Nuñez, Araceli; Mir, Celine; Zimmer, Ina; Kesselmeier, Jürgen; Lumaret, Roselyne; Schnitzler, Jörg-Peter; Staudt, Michael (Tree Physiology, 2012)
Interspecific gene flow is common in oaks. In the Mediterranean, this process produced geographical differentiations and new species, which may have contributed to the diversification of the production of volatile terpenes in the oak species of this region. The endemic North African deciduous oak Quercus afares (Pomel) is considered to be a stabilized hybrid between the evergreen Quercus suber (L.) and the deciduous Quercus canariensis (Willd.), presumably being monoterpene and isoprene emitters, respectively. In a common garden experiment, we examined the terpene emission capacities, terpene synthase (TPS) activities and nuclear genetic markers in 52 trees of these three oak species. All but one of the Q. suber and Q. canariensis trees were found to be genetically pure, whereas most Q. afares trees possessed a mixed genotype with a predominance of Q. suber alleles. Analysis of the foliar terpene emissions and TPS activities revealed that all the Q. canariensis trees strongly produced isoprene while all the Q. suber trees were strong monoterpene producers. Quercus afares trees produced monoterpenes as well but at more variable and significantly lower rates, and with a monoterpene pattern different than that observed in Q. suber. Among 17 individuals tested, one Q. afares tree emitted only an insignificant amount of terpenes. No mixed isoprene/monoterpene emitter was detected. Our results suggest that the capacity and pattern of volatile terpene production in Algerian Q. afares populations have strongly diverged from those of its parental species and became quantitatively and qualitatively reduced, including the complete suppression of isoprene production.
10.1093/treephys/tps06910.1093/treephys/tps069
Keywords: Algerian oak; allozyme polymorphism; chemo-taxonomy; chemotype; Cork oak; isoprene synthase; isoprenoid; speciation

DO3SE modelling of soil moisture to determine ozone flux to forest trees - Büker, P.; Morrissey, T.; Briolat, A.; Falk, R.; Simpson, D.; Tuovinen, J.-P.; Alonso, R.; Barth, S.; Baumgarten, M.; Grulke, N.; Karlsson, P. E.; King, J.; et al. (Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 2012)
The DO3SE (Deposition of O3 for Stomatal Exchange) model is an established tool for estimating ozone (O3) deposition, stomatal ﬂux and impacts to a variety of vegetation types across Europe. It has been embedded within the EMEP (European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme) photochemical model to provide a policy tool capable of relating the ﬂux-based risk of vegetation damage to O3 precursor emission scenarios for use in policy formulation. A key limitation of regional ﬂux-based risk assessments has been the assumption that soil water deﬁcits are not limiting O3 ﬂux due to the unavailability of evaluated methods for modelling soil water deﬁcits and their inﬂuence on stomatal conductance (gsto), and subsequent O3 ﬂux. This paper describes the development and evaluation of a method to estimate soil moisture status and its inﬂuence on gsto for a variety of forest tree species. This DO3SE soil moisture module uses the Penman-Monteith energy balance method to drive water cycling through the soil-plantatmosphere system and empirical data describing gsto relationships with pre-dawn leaf water status to estimate the biological control of transpiration. We trial four different methods to estimate this biological control of the transpiration stream, which vary from simple methods that relate soil water content or potential directly to gsto, to more complex methods that incorporate hydraulic resistance and plant capacitance that control water ﬂow through the plant system. These methods are evaluated against ﬁeld data describing a variety of soil water variables, gsto and transpiration data for Norway spruce (Picea abies), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), birch (Betula pendula), aspen (Populus tremuloides), beech (Fagus sylvatica) and holm oak (Quercus ilex) collected from ten sites across Europe and North America. Modelled estimates of these variables show consistency with observed data when applying the simple empirical methods, with the timing and magnitude of soil drying events being captured well across all sites and reductions in transpiration with the onset of drought being predicted with reasonable accuracy. The more complex methods, which incorporate hydraulic resistance and plant capacitance, perform less well, with predicted drying cycles consistently underestimating the rate and magnitude of water loss from the soil. A sensitivity analysis showed that model performance was strongly dependent upon the local parameterisation of key model drivers such as the maximum gsto, soil texture, root depth and leaf area index. The results suggest that the simple modelling methods that relate gsto directly to soil water content and potential provide adequate estimates of soil moisture and inﬂuence on gsto such that they are suitable to be used to assess the potential risk posed by O3 to forest trees across Europe.
Keywords: DO3SE; Drought (voyant); Modeling; soil water; Stomatal conductance; Stomatal ozone ﬂux

Drove roads as local biodiversity reservoirs: effects on landscape pattern and plant communities in a Mediterranean region - Azcárate, Francisco M.; Robleño, Irene; Seoane, Javier; Manzano, Pablo; Peco, Begoña (Applied Vegetation Science, 2012)
Question: What are the effects of traditional drove roads on landscape pattern and plant communities? Location: Madrid Autonomous Region, Central Spain. Methods: We selected four study localities in different landscape units. Within each locality, we selected eight sites and within each site, we established three 1-ha plots, each corresponding to one of three situations: drove road, adjacent matrix or distant matrix. The landscape pattern of each plot was characterized by the cover of the different patch types, the patch type richness ha 1 and the patch type evenness ha 1 . At one site per locality, we also recorded vegetation by randomly distributing twenty 20 cm 9 20 cm quadrats per plot. We characterized each quadrat by its species richness, plant species composition and plant functional composition. We also analysed species richness by constructing rarefaction curves for each plot. Results: In the localities situated in croplands, sub-mediterranean forests and coniferous forests, drove roads were found to be an important source of spatial heterogeneity and a reservoir for a large number of plant species. In contrast, drove roads did not differ from the matrix habitats in rangelands, suggesting that the processes shaping drove road vegetation are similar to the general processes that shape grazed systems. Drove roads did not imply a signiﬁcant increase in functional diversity. Our results were heavily scale-dependent: while drove roads provided heterogeneity at the local scale, they showed a remarkable similarity at the large scale. Conclusions: Drove roads act as authentic local biodiversity reservoirs, especially in environments with low grazing levels. At the same time, drove roads imply structural and functional continuity on a large scale, increasing potential connectivity at the regional level. We recommend the preservation of drove roads in a functional state, because of their beneﬁts to plant biodiversity conservation, and claim that these beneﬁts should be considered when designing livestock policies with different intensiﬁcation scenarios.
Keywords: extensive grazing; functional diversity; functional traits; landscape heterogeneity; Transhumance

Drying kinetics of cork planks in a cork pile in the field - Costa, Augusta; Pereira, Helena (Food and Bioproducts Processing, 2012)
Moisture content is one important parameter in the trading of raw cork planks after harvesting. This study presents a mathematical modeling of the drying curve of raw cork planks in a cork pile in the ﬁeld, under natural sun drying conditions. Experimental data were obtained by following the water loss (i.e. by daily weighing) of 97 cork planks positioned in nine points within a cork pile. Immediately after harvesting, the raw cork planks had a mean moisture content in a dry basis of 40.4% and after 20-day drying 16.6%. The drying process of the cork planks showed three phases: drying was very fast in the ﬁrst 2 days; in the next 2–15 days there was a decreasing drying rate; and a ﬁnal phase, after 15 days in the cork pile, with a slightly decreasing drying rate. Mathematical modeling provided a direct relation between moisture content and drying time. After comparing sixteen empirical drying models, the Modiﬁed Henderson and Pabis model showed the best ﬁt. According to this model, the cork planks are commercial dry (14% moisture content in a wet basis) 15 days after harvest.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Institution of Chemical Engineers
Keywords: Cork; empirical drying models; Moisture content; moisture ratio; natural sun drying

Economic analysis of scenarios for the sustainability of extensive livestock farming in Spain under the CAP - Franco, Juan Agustín; Gaspar, Paula; Mesias, Francisco Javier (Ecological Economics, 2012)
This paper proposes a change in the conditions of cross-compliance of CAP payments. Speciﬁcally, the eligibility criterion considered is compliance with minimal requirements of long-term economic and agroenvironmental sustainability. To this end, 69 range farms were surveyed in Extremadura (SW Spain). In these farms, sustainability was studied using the MESMIS framework. MESMIS is based on the evaluation of basic attributes of sustainability (adaptability, self-reliance, equity, stability, and productivity) formed from different indicators. The original indicators are then synthesized by means of qualitative, quantitative, or mixed techniques into a single value measuring the sustainability of the system (sustainability index). Alternative scenarios were then deﬁned in which the perception of CAP subsidies was to a greater or lesser extent linked to levels of sustainability. For each of these scenarios, the economic indicators of the farms were compared with those of the baseline (present) situation. The analysis was completed using a logistic model classiﬁcation to study the relationship between the maximum levels attainable by the economic indicators in terms of the sustainability indices. The results showed that including sustainability as a condition for receiving aid under the CAP can contribute to improving the economic results of traditional extensive farms.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier B.V.
Keywords: common agricultural policy; Cross-compliance; Dehesa; Extremadura; Logistic models; Sustainability

Effects of reforestation with Quercus species on selected arthropod assemblages (Isopoda Oniscidea, Chilopoda, Coleoptera Carabidae) in a Mediterranean area - Baini, Francesco; Pitzalis, Monica; Taiti, Stefano; Taglianti, Augusto Vigna; Zapparoli, Marzio; Bologna, Marco a (Forest Ecology and Management, 2012)
Arthropod assemblages (Isopoda Oniscidea, Chilopoda, Coleoptera Carabidae) were studied in three 20- year-old reforestations with native oak species (holm-oak Quercus ilex, Turkey-oak Quercus cerris, and downy-oakQuercus pubescens) and in a natural mixed oak forest (Q. cerris andQuercus frainetto) in Latium (central Italy). The three reforested areas had been previously used for agricultural purposes. Samples were collected monthly by pitfall traps for a period of 1 year (March 2009–February 2010). Structural parameters and the arthropod assemblage compositions of the four studied areas were compared. The effects of the different forest types and the inﬂuence of environmental variables on the activity density of each species were analyzed, with particular emphasis to forest species. Contrary to centipedes and ground beetles, woodlice showed lower values of richness, diversity and equitability in reforestations than in the natural forest. According to Canonical Correspondence Analysis, forest species of woodlice and centipedes resulted mainly associated with forests characterized by a high structural heterogeneity (natural forest and reforestation with Q. pubescens). In these two forests the activity density of centipede forest species is mainly inﬂuenced by the coverage of both shrub and leaf litter layer, and woodlice forest species only by the coverage of the latter. The ground beetle forest species were mainly associated with forests characterized by low structural heterogeneity and an almost total closure of the canopy throughout the year (reforestation with Q. ilex). However, some ground beetle forest species are present also in the natural forest. Our results suggest that reforestations with different native broadleaf species belonging to the local ‘‘potential’’ vegetation can contribute to the conservation of the diversity of forest arthropod assemblages in the extremely fragmented agricultural landscape of the middle Tyrrhenian area
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier B.V.
Keywords: Anthropogenic habitats; Assemblages; Central Italy; Pitfall trapping; Soil fauna

Electrophysiological and behavioral responses of the black-banded oak borer, Coroebus florentinus, to conspecific and host-plant volatiles. - Fürstenau, Benjamin; Rosell, Gloria; Guerrero, Angel; Quero, Carmen (Journal of chemical ecology, 2012)
Aspects of the chemical ecology of the black-banded oak borer, (BBOB) Coroebus florentinus (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), were studied. Odors produced by males and females were similar, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Nonanal, decanal, and geranylacetone, identified in the headspace of both sexes, elicited strong electroantennographic responses from male antennae, but not from female antennae. In dual-choice olfactometer experiments, a blend of these three compounds was attractive to both sexes; males responded to decanal alone, while females responded to geranylacetone alone, suggesting that these compounds are responsible for activity of the blend to the respective sexes. Antennae of both sexes responded electroantennographically to the green leaf volatiles (E)-2-hexenal, (E)-2-hexenol, 1-hexanol, (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, and n-hexyl acetate, all identified from the host plant Quercus suber. In behavioral experiments, only females were attracted to host-plant odors, and in tests with synthetic compounds, females were attracted to (E)-2-hexenol, 1-hexanol, and (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate. It is likely that these compounds play a role in foraging and/or oviposition behavior of BBOB females.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: accession-num: 22477026
Keywords: Aggregation behavior; Black-banded oak borer; Buprestidae; Coleoptera; Cork pest; Coroebus florentinus; Electrophysiology; Green leaf volatiles; Kairomone; Quercus suber; Semiochemicals; Y-tube olfactometer

Embryogenic suspensions of adult cork oak: the first step towards mass propagation - Jiménez, Jesús; López-Vela, Dolores; Ruiz-Galea, Mar; Celestino, Cristina; Toribio, Mariano; Alegre, Jesús (Trees, 2012)
Protocols have been established to clone adult cork oak trees by somatic embryogenesis using semisolid medium. However, for economically viable mass propagation, embryogenic cultures in liquid medium need to be developed. In this study, suspension cultures were initiated from embryo clusters obtained by secondary embryogenesis on a gelled medium lacking plant growth regulators. After 6 days of culture, these embryo clusters generated high cell density suspensions that also contained small organized structures (embryos and embryogenic clumps). As the culture duration increased, tissue necrosis and fewer embryogenic structures were observed and the establishment of suspension cultures failed. An alternative method was found adequate for initiation of embryogenic suspensions: embryo clusters from gelled medium were brieﬂy shaken in liquid medium and detached cells and embryogenic masses of 41–800 lm were used as inoculum. Maintenance of embryogenic suspensions was achieved using a low-density inoculum (43 mg l -1 ) by subculturing four embryogenic clumps of 0.8–1.2 mm per 70 ml of medium. Proliferation ability was maintained for almost 1 year through ten consecutive subcultures. The initiation and maintenance protocols ﬁrst developed for a single genotype were effective when tested on 11 cork oak genotypes.
Keywords: á somatic; embryogenesis á suspension culture; micropropagation; micropropagation á quercus suber; Quercus suber; Somatic embryogenesis; Suspension culture

Environmental analysis of cork granulate production in Catalonia – Northern Spain - Rives, Jesús; Fernandez-Rodriguez, Ivan; Gabarrell, Xavier; Rieradevall, Joan (Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 2012)
Cork is a natural and renewable material extracted mainly in the Western Mediterranean area. Apart from natural cork stoppers and discs, the most important product of the cork sector is cork granulate, because it represents a solution for the large quantities of waste generated during natural cork industry production and during forestry activities. Cork granulates have not yet been studied from an environmental perspective, although this ecomaterial could substitute other non-renewable and more harmful materials, such as petroleum derivates. This study presents an environmental analysis of the production of cork granulates, following the life-cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. All the operations after forest management were analysed, from the extraction of the resources to the use of these intermediate products. Research also sought to identify the operations that contribute most to potential environmental impact during production. Inventory data was collected from three representative local producers that all use standard technology. Regarding environmental burdens, trituration and classiﬁcation-sieving were the operations which contribute most to the environmental impact of granulate production; together representing between 90% and 97% of the environmental burdens for the studied categories. It was also stated that 35% of the initial raw material that enters the system became dust during production. Cork dust is a potential material that can be used as a fuel to substitute other non-renewable sources of energy such as diesel oil or electricity. However, it was observed that the use of this waste as an energy source was still at an incipient point of implantation.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Elsevier B.V.
Keywords: Cork granulate; Ecomaterial; Environmental impact; Life cycle assessment (LCA); Mediterranean

Establishment constraints of an alien and a native conifer in different habitats - Carrillo-Gavilan, Amparo; MARÍA ESPELTA, JOSEP; Vila, Montserrat (BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS, 2012)
Alien plants are subjected to different biotic and environmental barriers that limit their establishment success in the introduced range. Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas fir), a native conifer from Northwest America, is considered one of the most invasive forestry conifers in Europe. However, little is known about the ecological filters that constrain plant establishment at early life-cycle stages and differences in habitat invasibility to this species. We conducted field experiments to compare the establishment potential (i.e. post-dispersal seed removal, seed germination, seedling survival and growth) of Douglas fir in beech forests, holm-oak forests and heathlands; and compared it with the taxonomically close native conifer Abies alba (Silver fir). Douglas fir seeds were more removed than Silver fir in holm-oak and in heathlands. In all habitats, seed germination was significantly higher for Douglas fir compared to that of Silver fir and, seedling mortality was extremely high in both species due to soil disturbance by wild boars and drought stress. Douglas fir mortality was only lower than Silver fir in beech forests. However, species did not differ in seedling growth. Overall, the probability of invasion success of Douglas fir decreased along the sequential stages of plant establishment in all habitats. Only high seed germination rates of Douglas fir would predict its high invasive capacity but these advantages are counterbalanced by high seedling mortality. Results showed a mismatch between invasibility and current pattern of Douglas fir invasion in the study area. Therefore, future research focused on seed production and on different components of biotic resistance is recommended to elucidate which processes are favoring its establishment success.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS publisher: SPRINGER
Keywords: Abies alba; germination; Invasibility; Pseudotsuga menziesii; Seed removal; seedling survival

Ethnobotany of medicinal plants used in Eastern Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Mediterranean Sea) - Carrió, Esperança; Vallès, Joan (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2012)
Ethnopharmacological relevance: This paper represents the ﬁrst large-scale ethnobotanical study in the island of Mallorca, and provides signiﬁcant information on pharmaceutical plant uses, built up from interviews with native people from this touristic hotspot, demonstrating its ethnopharmacological importance. Aim of the study: To collect, analyse and evaluate the ethnobotanical knowledge concerning medicinal plants in a north-eastern Mallorcan area (municipalities of Artà, Capdepera and Son Servera; 298 km2 , 31,764 inhabitants). Materials and methods:We performed semi-structured interviews with 42 informants (mean age 77; 40% women, 60% men), identiﬁed the plant taxa reported and analysed the results, comparing them with those found in the current Mallorcan ethnobotanical information and in other territories. Results: The informants reported data on 121 human medicinal plants representing 64 botanical families. Around 45 medicinal uses reported, concerning 37 species, have not or have very rarely been cited as medicinal. An index of medicinal importance is proposed. Conclusions: All efforts addressed to compiling ethnobotanical information in industrialised or touristised areas such as Eastern Mallorca are still valuable. New possibilities can be explored to give practical value to Mallorcan ethnobotanical data in the frame of considering traditional plant knowledge as part of the islanders’ lifestyle and healthy habits.
Keywords: catalan-speaking territories; Mallorcan ethnopharmacopoeia; Mediterranean ethnobotany; Plant uses; traditional plant knowledge

Evaluación temprana de técnicas de restauración forestal mediante fluorescencia de la clorofila y diagnóstico de vitalidad de brinzales de encina (Quercus ilex sub. ballota) - Ceacero, Carlos J.; Díaz, José Luis; del Campo, Antonio D.; Navarro-Cerrillo, Rafael M. ª (Bosque (Valdivia), 2012)
Chlorophyll a luorescence has been applied to study the evolution of leaf photoprotection processes to dissipate excess absorbed energy that can not be fully utilized in photochemical reactions, and relects the plants ability to adapt to environmental conditions. Plants environmental conditions can be modiied by forest restoration techniques to ensure successful seedlings establishment, hence chlorophyll a luorescence can be a useful tool for assessing plant response to planting stress. The objective of this paper was to analyze the chlorophyll a luorescence as an early indicator of oak seedling response to the establishment stress and as a useful tool for the assessment of different competition control and individualized protection techniques (tillage, herbicide, mulch, tree shelter) used in forest restoration. A ield experimental plot with these restoration treatments was established and a monthly monitoring of chlorophyll a luorescence and a vitality analysis were carried out between August 2003 and October 2004 on oak seedlings. Results showed that luorescence parameters were sensitive to stress conditions prevailing in each analysed period. On the evaluation of herbaceous competition control techniques, no signiicant results on the chlorophyll a luorescence were observed. However, tree shelters exercised a protection effect on seedling limiting the photoinhibition processes during spring and winter periods. Finally, protected plants showed major photochemical eficiency than that showed by unprotected ones according to vitality tests. Therefore, the chlorophyll a luorescence analysis was proved to be a useful tool for early assessment of oak seedlings establishment stress and for the assessment of certain forest restoration techniques, such as those that combine control of herbaceous competition and individualized seedling protection.
Keywords: control de competencia herbácea; fotoinhibición; herbaceous competition control; photochemical efficiency; photochemical eficiency; photoinhibition; rendimiento fotoquímico; tree shelter; tubo invernadero

Fine Root Seasonal Dynamics, Plasticity, and Mycorrhization in 2 Coexisting Mediterranean Oaks with Contrasting Aboveground Phenology - Coll, Lluís; Camarero, Araid; Aragón, Juan Martínez De; Camarero, Jesús Julio; Martínez de Aragón, Juan; Camarero, Araid; Aragón, Juan Martínez De (Ecoscience, 2012)
To advance understanding of the mechanisms underpinning the coexistence of Mediterranean oak species, we conducted a year-long analysis of the production, architecture, and mycorrhization status of the fine roots of a mixed evergreen (Quercus ilex) and winter deciduous (Quercus faginea) oak stand. We used the ingrowth bag technique to sample the fine roots produced by each species in spring, summer, and winter. For each season, root architecture traits (specific root length, root diameter, root tips) and variables associated to root ectomycorrhizal status were measured in the laboratory. Results showed a marked seasonality in the fine root architecture, including more fine root tips and longer roots per unit of weight formed in spring and summer, revealing a capacity in Mediterranean oak species to modify root architecture in spring and suggesting the possibility of increased resource capture in summer. Fine root ectomycorrhizal status was comparable between species and also showed marked seasonality: we found a high percentage of roots colonized by dead ectomycorrhizas in winter but low ectomycorrhizal colonization rates in summer. Quercus ilex produced greater amounts of fine roots than Q. faginea (particularly during spring), suggesting greater competitive ability in the former species for belowground resources.
Keywords: architecture et le statut; Chênes; coexistence d; des mécanismes supportant la; Ectomycorrhizae; espèces méditerranéennes de; et caduques; feuilles persistantes; fine roots; l; mixte de chênes à; mycorhizien des radicelles d; nous avons analysé sur; nous avons utilisé la; Phenology; pour accroître notre compréhension; Quercus faginea; Quercus ilex; résumé; root traits; technique du sac; un peuplement; une année la production

Is forest certification targeting areas of high biodiversity in cork oak savannas? - Dias, Filipe S.; Bugalho, Miguel N.; Orestes Cerdeira, J.; João Martins, M. (Biodiversity and Conservation, 2012)
Over the last four decades the world has been losing biodiversity at an alarming rate despite the increasing number of protected areas (PAs). Certiﬁed forest management may complement the role of PAs in protecting biodiversity. Forest certiﬁcation aims to promote sustainable forest management and to maintain or enhance the conservation value of certiﬁed forests. The area of forest under certiﬁed forest management has grown quickly over the past decade. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certiﬁcation, for example, currently covers 148 million hectares, i.e., 3.7 % of the world’s forests. In spite of such increase there is, however, a dearth of information on how forest certiﬁcation is related to biodiversity. In this study we assessed if FSC certiﬁcation is being applied in high biodiversity areas in cork oak savannas in Portugal by comparing biodiversity values of certiﬁed and non-certiﬁed areas for birds, reptiles and amphibians. We calculated the relative species richness and irreplaceability value for each group of species in certiﬁed and non-certiﬁed areas and compared them using randomization tests. The biodiversity value of certiﬁed areas was not signiﬁcantly greater than that of non-certiﬁed areas. Since FSC certiﬁcation is expanding quickly in cork oak savannas it is important to consider the biodiversity value of these areas during this process. Prioritizing areas of high biodiversity value would enhance the conservation value of forest certiﬁcation and facilitate integrating certiﬁcation with other conservation initiatives.
Keywords: Biodiversity conservation; Conservation strategies; Forest management; Irreplaceability; Mediterranean; Species richness

FOREST ECOMOSAIC: COMPOSITION, INFORMATION INDICES, ABDUCTION - Pinto Casquilho, Jose Armando (REVISTA ARVORE, 2012)
This work presents a set of indices of information on the composition of landscape mosaics which extends to the concept of ecomosaic. These indices are successive generalizations of the Shannon function, used to measure landscape diversity, and interpreted as statistical entropy, or average value of information of a canonical system, a macroscopic parameter of a stochastic system; the formulas can also be considered to represent average or expected values of preferences, related with utility functions used in a broad sense of the concept. The information indices discussed in this paper are exemplified by a hypothetical scenario planning in the region of Nisa, Portugal, characterized by economic indicators of the value of forest habitats. The indices are also used to anchor a reflection that goes around three beacons relating to the concept of information: the Theories of Situation, Relevance, and Decision. The whole exercise may be seen as an abduction procedure, running a rational strategy that can serve as a basis for decision-making on the planning of the territory or also, it serves to investigate dynamic changes in the composition of the landscape mosaic. In the case exemplified the indices show that the cork oak and the umbrella pine forests are, by far, the most promising habitats in the region, under a scenario with no biophysical constraints.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: CAIXA POSTAL 270, VICOSA, MG CEP 36571-00, BRAZIL publisher: UNIV FEDERAL VICOSA
Keywords: Characteristic values and Expected utility; Information values

Forest fuel management as a conservation tool for early successional species under agricultural abandonment: The case of Mediterranean butterflies - Verdasca, Maria João; Leitão, Ana Sofia; Santana, Joana; Porto, Miguel; Dias, Susana; Beja, Pedro (Biological Conservation, 2012)
In cultural landscapes there are often negative biodiversity consequences of agricultural abandonment and subsequent scrub and forest encroachment, due to homogenization and the loss of early-successional habitats. The common forestry practice of removing understory vegetation to prevent ﬁre hazard (fuel management) probably has the side-effect of ameliorating these consequences, but it is uncertain whether it effectively restores habitats for early-successional species. Here we examine the inﬂuence of time since fuel management and management frequency on butterﬂy assemblages, using a chronosequence of cork oak (Quercus suber) stands spanning about 70 years. Overall species richness increased immediately after management and abundances peaked about 2–3 years later, while both declined thereafter for about 10–20 years to pre-disturbance levels. Richness and abundances were also much higher in recurrently managed stands. Most life history groups showed successional trends similar to the overall species richness and abundances, though consistent positive effects of fuel management were only observed for species with univoltine life cycle, herbaceous layer feeding, larval overwintering, and intermediate body size. Individual species were largely associated with recent and recurrent management, though a few specialists occurred most often in undisturbed stands. These ﬁndings suggest that fuel management at <10 years intervals is strongly positive for butterﬂy assemblages in landscapes under land abandonment. However, to maintain the overall forest biodiversity it is critical that patches of undisturbed habitat are also retained at the landscape scale.
Keywords: Disturbance ecology; Ecological succession; Forest management; Landscape mosaics; Mediterranean butterﬂy assemblages

Forest microhabitats differentially influence seedling phenology of two co-existing Mediterranean oak species - Monnier, Yogan; Prévosto, Bernard; Ripert, Christian; Corbani, Aude C.; Fernandez, Catherine (Journal of Vegetation Science, 2012)
Question How do forest microhabitats impact seasonal microclimate conditions and phenological seedling strategies in two co-occurring Mediterranean Quercus species with different leaf habits? Location Pinus halepensis woodlands, Provence, SE France. Methods Ninety sets of three acorns of Quercus ilex (evergreen) or Quercus pubescens (winter-deciduous) were sown under various P. halepensis canopy cover conditions. Canopy cover and litter depth were measured at each sowing point, and soil moisture and temperature were measured twice monthly. Seedling phenology and aerial development were monitored during the second growing season under different microhabitats. Results During rainy periods, soil moisture was higher under open canopy and thinner litter layers, whereas during summer drought soil moisture was higher under dense canopy and thicker litter layers. Quercus pubescens seedlings had higher growth activity than Q. ilex before summer drought, whereas the pattern reversed during autumnal growth. Dense canopy cover strongly delayed budburst and decreased foliar development in Q. pubescens, which was more affected than Q. ilex. Depending on species phenology, litter thickness can influence height growth of flushes during early summer. Conclusions Quercus pubescens has a phenological strategy to allow development of maximal foliar area before summer drought, a typical growth strategy of Mediterranean winter-deciduous species. In contrast, later phenological activity of evergreen Q. ilex enables it to cope with the dry period and capitalize on autumnal precipitation events. Dense cover acts as shelter in the dry season but can reduce soil moisture during wetter seasons. In contrast to Q. ilex, Q. pubescens appeared strongly dependent on canopy cover, suggesting that Q. ilex has a larger regeneration niche in Aleppo pine woodlands. In the context of global change, this ‘microhabitat effect’ on species-specific phenological strategy underlines the need to consider effects of local environmental conditions on regenerating species.
Keywords: Canopy; litter; Phenology; Quercus ilex; Quercus pubescens; Soil moisture; Survival

Frost-acclimation of photosynthesis in overwintering Mediterranean holm oak, grown in Central Europe - Pflug, Ellen; Brüggemann, Wolfgang (International Journal of Plant Biology, 2012)
As a consequence of global change, forestry in Central Europe has to expect and be prepared for an increase of hot and dry summers in the near future. In two model plantations of the Mediterranean holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) in Central Europe (Rhine-Main basin) we tested its potential as a future forestry tree for drought-threatened stands by studying its overwintering strategy under harsh winter conditions. During prolonged frost periods, chronic photoinhibition was developed, which lasted until the end of the frost period. Nearly all plants survived minimum temperatures of - 16 to -18°C and their photosynthetic apparatus recovered completely during late winter. A detailed study of the temperature dependence of chlorophyll (chl) fluorescence parameters of the OJIP test revealed statistically significant correlations between minimum temperature and maximum quantum yield of primary photochemistry (Fv/Fm), absorption rate/reaction centre (ABS/RC), dissipation rate/reaction centre (DI0/RC) and electron transport rate/reaction centre (ET0/RC) as well as with the deepoxidation state (DES) of the xanthophyll pigments. The DES correlated with Fv/Fm, ABS/RC, DI0/RC and ET0/RC. It is concluded, that from the point of view of the winter hardiness of the photosynthetic apparatus, Q. ilex should be further investigated as a potential future forestry tree also for very dry and warm stands in Central Europe under the scenarios of climate change.
Keywords: chlorophyll fluorescence; ojip test; xanthophyll cycle

Genomic organization and dynamics of repetitive DNA sequences in representatives of three Fagaceae genera - Alves, Sofia; Ribeiro, Teresa; Inácio, Vera; Rocheta, Margarida; Morais-Cecílio, Leonor (Genome, 2012)
Oaks, chestnuts, and beeches are economically important species of the Fagaceae. To understand the relationship between these members of this family, a deep knowledge of their genome composition and organization is needed. In this work, we have isolated and characterized several AFLP fragments obtained from Quercus rotundifolia Lam. through homology searches in available databases. Genomic polymorphisms involving some of these sequences were evaluated in two species of Quercus, one of Castanea, and one of Fagus with specific primers. Comparative FISH analysis with generated sequences was performed in interphase nuclei of the four species, and the co-immunolocalization of 5-methylcytosine was also studied. Some of the sequences isolated proved to be genus-specific, while others were present in all the genera. Retroelements, either gypsy-like of the Tat/Athila clade or copia-like, are well represented, and most are dispersed in euchromatic regions of these species with no DNA methylation associated, pointing to an interspersed arrangement of these retroelements with potential gene-rich regions. A particular gypsy-sequence is dispersed in oaks and chestnut nuclei, but its confinement to chromocenters in beech evidences genome restructuring events during evolution of Fagaceae. Several sequences generated in this study proved to be good tools to comparatively study Fagaceae genome organization.
doi: 10.1139/g2012-020doi: 10.1139/g2012-020The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: NRC Research Press
Keywords: AFLP; Castanea; euchromatin; Fagaceae; Fagus; Quercus; retroelements

Geographical and interspecific variation and the nutrient-enrichment hypothesis as an adaptive advantage of myrmecochory - Manzaneda, Antonio J.; Rey, Pedro J. (Ecography, 2012)
In myrmecochory, the relocation of diaspores to ant nests may lead to the enhancement of plant fitness because ant nests and their middens are often richer in essential nutrients than surrounding areas. This idea is the basis of the nutrient-enrichment hypothesis (NEH), which suggests that nutrient enrichment may be a major selective influence in the evolution of myrmecochory. However, there is little evidence regarding whether the greater plant performance and fitness enhancement in ant nests is due to nutrient enrichment or other benefits of directed dispersal. Here, we present the results of a large-scale seed-sowing experiment that tests the NEH in the ant-dispersed perennial herb Helleborus foetidus, exploring geographical and inter-ant taxa variation. Experiments were conducted in three well-separated regions of the Iberian Peninsula, targeting the nests of major and minor local ant dispersers (nine ant species in total) and the soil beneath maternal plants as seed destinations. Seedling emergence, survival and early establishment rates, as well as variation in soil characteristics, were obtained for each seed destination at each region. Our results do not fully support the NEH in our study system. Instead, we found that the advantage of ant nest soil for establishment in H. foetidus was conditional. Differences in soil fertility and concomitant differences in seedling establishment between ant nests and beneath the canopy of maternal plants were observed in some regions and for some ant species, but not in others. Thus, the conditional outcomes arise from inconsistencies among regions, between stages of seedling regeneration and among ant species in the advantages of being dispersed to nests. Because variation in the guilds of ant dispersers of myrmecochore plants across their ranges is common, this study illustrates the need to consider geographic and inter-ant taxa variation for a complete evaluation of the NEH.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Keywords: myrmecochory; nutrient-enrichment hypothesis (NEH); seed destination; seedling survival (voyant); soil properties

Growth and maintenance costs of leaves and roots in two populations of Quercus ilex native to distinct substrates - Laureano, Raquel G.; García-Nogales, Ana; Seco, José I.; Rodríguez, Jesús G. P.; Linares, Juan C.; Martínez, Feliciano; Merino, José (Plant and Soil, 2012)
Aims This work tests the hypothesis that growth and maintenance costs of plant organs are higher in more stressful soils. Methods Two populations of Quercus ilex L were selected in the southern Iberian Peninsula, these growing in similar climates but different soil types, namely a brown well-developed soil on slate rock, and a stressful lithosol on gypsum rock. In both localities, growth and maintenance respiration were measured in undetached young and mature leaves (trees under natural conditions) and fine roots (hydroponically grown seedling). Results Young leaves of the two populations displayed an almost identical growth cost (1.53 g glucose g -1 ). The maintenance cost was higher in the young (40.2 vs. 25.3 mg glucose g -1 day -1 ; P<0.05) and in the mature (7.64 vs. 4.33 mg glucose g -1 day -1 ; P<0.001) leaves of individuals growing in gypsum soils. The growth cost of fine roots was the same in both populations (1.18 g glucose g -1 ) while the maintenance cost was higher in the Gypsum population (8.95 vs. 7.39 mg glucose g -1 day -1 ; P<0.01). Conclusions The results show for first time that the cost of organ maintenance may be related to the degree of soil stress in their native habitats.
Keywords: ecotypes; evergreen leaves; growth respiration; maintenance respiration; mediterranean species; root respiration; sclerophylly; soil stress

Habitat of an endangered saproxylic beetle, Osmoderma eremita, in Mediterranean woodlands - Chiari, Stefano; Carpaneto, Giuseppe M.; Zauli, Agnese; Marini, Lorenzo; Audisio, Paolo; Ranius, Thomas (ECOSCIENCE, 2012)
The habitat of Osmoderma eremita, a European endangered beetle species restricted to tree cavities, was examined in central Italy, at the southernmost limit of its distributional range. The occurrence of adults, larvae, and fragments was investigated in 170 and 151 living hollow trees by pitfall trapping and sampling of wood mould (i.e., loose material) in the hollow, respectively. Overall, O. eremita was present in 22% of the trees, which belonged to 4 different tree species (Ostrya carpinifolia, Quercus suber, Acer obtusatum, and Quercus pubescens). The frequency of presence was higher in cavities with more than 4 L of wood mould, in cavities with dry or half-moist wood mould rather than wet wood mould, and with wood mould with low soil contamination. A comparison with northern regions indicated that the warmer macro-climatic conditions in the south make the species independent of a warm microclimate. As most of the hollow trees contain only a small amount of wood mould (<4 L), the habitat quality is generally poorer than in oak pastures studied in northern Europe.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: pub-location: PAVILLON CHARLES-EUGENE MARCHAND, LOCAL 0166, ST FOY, QUEBEC G1K 7P4, CANADA publisher: UNIVERSITE LAVAL
Keywords: Coleoptera Scarabaeidae; conservation; hollow trees; microclimate; pitfall traps; wood mould

Highway verges as habitat providers for small mammals in agrosilvopastoral environments - Ascensão, Fernando; Clevenger, Anthony P.; Grilo, Clara; Filipe, Joel; Santos-Reis, Margarida (Biodiversity and Conservation, 2012)
The Mediterranean Basin has an important conservation value given its high biodiversity and high number of endemic species, which have co-existed with human traditional practices for centuries. However, northern areas as the Iberian Peninsula have experienced intensiﬁcation in livestock production in recent past, with consequent reduction in habitat quality. In this study we assessed the importance of fenced highway verges as habitat for small mammals in Mediterranean agrosilvopastoral landscapes. More speciﬁcally, we compared small mammal abundance between highway verges and the adjacent two main land uses (‘‘montado’’ and open areas); compared the vegetative structure among these land were captured: 157 wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus), 95 western Mediterranean mice (Mus spretus) and 99 greater white-toothed shrews (Crocidura russula). Capture–mark– recapture analyses were performed to estimate population size. Our data suggests that fenced highway verges promote better vegetative structure conditions which in turn favor a higher animal abundance therein. We suggest the adoption of management practices to increase the height and cover of herbaceous and shrub layers in road verges, together with creating grazing controlled areas in highway vicinity, particularly in ‘‘montado’’ patches, linked by vegetated linear features. This would increase habitat and refuge for a large numbers of species, including small mammals, and thus beneﬁting the trophic chain and the whole agrosilvopastoral system. uses; and addressed how vegetation structure inﬂuences species occupancy. Thirty-six sites were sampled in agrosilvopastoral system areas in southern Portugal (sampling effort 8,840 trap-nights). A total of 351 individuals from target species
Keywords: Apodemus sylvaticus; Capture–mark–recapture; Crocidura russula; Iberia Peninsula; Mediterranean; Montado woodlands; Mus spretus; Road ecology