Strategies of attack and defence in woody plant–Phytophthora interactions - Oßwald, W; Fleischmann, F; Rigling, D; Coelho, A C; Cravador, A; Diez, J; Dalio, R J; Horta Jung, M; Pfanz, H; Robin, C; Sipos, G; Solla, A; et al. (Forest Pathology, 2014)
This review comprises both well-known and recently described Phytophthora species and concentrates on Phytophthora–woody plant interactions. First, comprehensive data on infection strategies are presented which were the basis for three models that explain invasion and spread of Phytophthora pathogens in different woody host plants. The first model describes infection of roots, the second concentrates on invasion of the trunk, and the last one summarizes infection and invasion of host plants via leaves. On the basis of morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular data, scenarios are suggested which explain the sequences of reactions that occur in susceptible and tolerant plants following infections of roots or of stem bark. Particular emphasis is paid to the significance of Phytophthora elicitins for such host–pathogen interactions. The overall goal is to shed light on the sequences of pathogenesis to better understand how Phytophthora pathogens harm their host plants.
APS
Keywords: infection strategies; pathogens; Phytophora

Strength in numbers: large and permanent colonies have higher queen oviposition rates in the invasive Argentine ant (Linepithema humile, Mayr). - Abril, Sílvia; Gómez, Crisanto (Journal of insect physiology, 2014)
Polydomy associated with unicoloniality is a common trait of invasive species. In the invasive Argentine ant, colonies are seasonally polydomous. Most follow a seasonal fission-fussion pattern: they disperse in the spring and summer and aggregate in the fall and winter. However, a small proportion of colonies do not migrate; instead, they inhabit permanent nesting sites. These colonies are large and highly polydomous. The aim of this study was to (1) search for differences in the fecundity of queens between mother colonies (large and permanent) and satellite colonies (small and temporal), (2) determine if queens in mother and satellite colonies have different diets to clarify if colony size influences social organization and queen feeding, and (3) examine if colony location relative to the invasion front results in differences in the queen's diet. Our results indicate that queens from mother nests are more fertile than queens from satellite nests and that colony location does not affect queen oviposition rate. Ovarian dissections suggest that differences in ovarian morphology are not responsible for the higher queen oviposition rate in mother vs. satellite nests, since there were no differences in the number and length of ovarioles in queens from the two types of colonies. In contrast, the higher δ(15)N values of queens from mother nests imply that greater carnivorous source intake accounts for the higher oviposition rates.
Keywords: Colony size; Formicidae; Invasive species; Oviposition rate; Polydomy

Strong functional stability of soil microbial communities under semiarid Mediterranean conditions and subjected to long-term shifts in baseline precipitation - Curiel Yuste, J; Fernandez-Gonzalez, a.J. J; Fernandez-Lopez, M; Ogaya, R; Penuelas, J; Sardans, J; Lloret, F (Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 2014)
Abstract We investigated the effect of soil microclimate on the structure and functioning of soil microbial communities in a Mediterranean Holm-oak forest subjected to 10 years of partial rain exclusion manipulations, simulating average drought conditions expected in Mediterranean areas for the following decades. We applied a high throughput DNA pyrosequencing technique coupled to parallel measurements of microbial respiration (RH) and temperature sensitivity of microbial respiration (Q10). Some consistent changes in the structure of bacterial communities suggest a slow process of community shifts parallel to the trend towards oligotrophy in response to long-term droughts. However, the structure of bacterial communities was mainly determined by short-term environmental fluctuations associated with sampling date (winter, spring and summer) rather than long-term (10 years) shifts in baseline precipitation. Moreover, long-term drought did not exert any chronic effect on the functioning of soil microbial communities (RH and Q10), emphasizing the functional stability of these communities to this long-term but mild shifts in water availability. We hypothesize that the particular conditions of the Mediterranean climate with strong seasonal shifts in both temperature and soil water availability but also characterized by very extreme environmental conditions during summer, was acting as a strong force in community assembling, selecting phenotypes adapted to the semiarid conditions characterizing Mediterranean ecosystems. Relations of climate with the phylogenetic structure and overall diversity of the communities as well as the distribution of the individual responses of different lineages (genera) to climate confirmed our hypotheses, evidencing communities dominated by thermotolerant and drought-tolerant phenotypes.
Keywords: Adaptation; CO2; diversity; Extreme events; functional stability; Mediterranean climate; Soil bacterial communities

Is there a species spectrum within the world-wide leaf economics spectrum? Major variations in leaf functional traits in the Mediterranean sclerophyll Quercus ilex - Niinemets, Ülo (New Phytologist, 2014)
The leaf economics spectrum is a general concept describing coordinated variation in foliage structural, chemical and physiological traits across resource gradients. Yet, within this concept, the role of within-species variation, including ecotypic and plastic variation components, has been largely neglected. This study hypothesized that there is a within-species economics spectrum within the general spectrum in the evergreen sclerophyll Quercus ilex which dominates low resource ecosystems over an exceptionally wide range. An extensive database of foliage traits covering the full species range was constructed, and improved filtering algorithms were developed. Standardized data filtering was deemed absolutely essential as additional variation sources can result in trait variation of 10–300%, blurring the broad relationships. Strong trait variation, c. two-fold for most traits to up to almost an order of magnitude, was uncovered. Although the Q. ilex spectrum is part of the general spectrum, within-species trait and climatic relationships in this species partly differed from the overall spectrum. Contrary to world-wide trends, Q. ilex does not necessarily have a low nitrogen content per mass and can increase photosynthetic capacity with increasing foliage robustness. This study argues that the within-species economics spectrum needs to be considered in regional- to biome-level analyses.
Keywords: bioclimatic niche; climatic drivers; dry mass per unit area; leaf economics spectrum; leaf physiognomy; nitrogen; photosynthesis; trait relationships

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

Thermal delay provided by floors containing layers that incorporate expanded cork granule waste - Tadeu, A; Moreira, A; António, J; Simões, N; Simões, I (Energy and Buildings, 2014)
This paper reports the computation of the thermal delay provided by concrete floors built with layers of cork and lightweight screed that incorporate expanded cork granule waste. The heat transfer by conduc- tion across these multilayer systems is simulated analytically under unsteady boundary conditions. The thermal delay is computed for multilayer concrete floors with varying numbers of layers and layer thicknesses. The mass density and thermal conductivity of the various materials were determined experi- mentally. Given its heterogeneity, the specific heat of the lightweight screed was obtained indirectly using both the experimental results and the analytical model. The results obtained show the potential of these composites in applications for increasing the thermal performance of concrete floors, in particular the thermal delay and thermal resistance. The results show that the contribution of the insulating lightweight screed material’s properties to thermal delay is more relevant in systems composed of few layers. The constructive solutions composed of a greater number of layers present higher thermal delay value.
Keywords: Analytical solutions; Building multilayer floors; Expanded cork; Frequency domain; Thermal delay; Transient heat conduction

Thermal properties of the composite material clay/granular cork - Mounir, Soumia; Maaloufa, Youssef; bakr Cherki, Abou; Khabbazi, Abdelhamid (Construction and Building Materials, 2014)
Clay is a building material used for construction in a lot of cities in Morocco. For the contrast of the energy efficiency, authors try in this work to improve the thermal properties of clay by combining it with cork, using the asymmetrical hot plate and the flash methods. Also they study the effect of the variation of volume fraction cork on clay. Finally a comparison of the thermal transmittance was done between this research and the study of asdrubali (evaluating in situ thermal transmittance of green buildings masonries-case study) in order to evaluate the energy gain from this composite.
Keywords: Clay cork; Ecological composition; Flash method; Hot plate method

Time and dose of irrigation impact Tuber melanosporum ectomycorrhiza proliferation and growth of Quercus ilex seedling hosts in young black truffle orchards - Olivera, Antoni; Antonio Bonet, Jose; Oliach, Daniel; Colinas, Carlos (MYCORRHIZA, 2014)
In Mediterranean climate, young truffle-oak orchards are subjected to drought episodes that can compromise the development of Tuber melanosporum. We investigated the responses of T. melanosporum to water supply in three periods: May to July, August to October, and May to October. In each period, five water doses were established: 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 % of the reference evapotranspiration (ETo). Five orchards were planted with Quercus ilex inoculated with T. melanosporum, and in each orchard, we arranged a two-factorial design with irrigation period and irrigation dose as main factors to test their combined effects on the development of both T. melanosporum and Q. ilex after 3 years in the field. Irrigation period significantly interacted with irrigation doses for the absolute presence per seedling of T. melanosporum mycorrhizae. Irrigation in May-July increased significantly T. melanosporum colonization in seedlings irrigated with 50 % ETo dose compared to the 0 % ETo dose. A similar pattern with smaller differences in means was observed in August-October period, but the irrigation doses did not change T. melanosporum colonization when we watered from May to October. We found ectomycorrhizae different from T. melanosporum in 51 % of the seedlings studied, but their presence was marginal. Our results suggest that a moderate irrigation dose promotes seedling growth and number of fine root tips per unit of fine root length, which may be potentially colonized by T. melanosporum.
Keywords: Black truffle; Ectomycorrhizae; Evapotranspiration; Preproduction; Quercus ilex

Tools for determining critical levels of atmospheric ammonia under the influence of multiple disturbances - Pinho, P; Llop, E; Ribeiro, M C; Cruz, C; Soares, A; Pereira, M J; Branquinho, C (Environmental Pollution, 2014)
Critical levels (CLEs) of atmospheric ammonia based on biodiversity changes have been mostly calculated using small-scale single-source approaches, to avoid interference by other factors, which also influence biodiversity. Thus, it is questionable whether these CLEs are valid at larger spatial scales, in a multi- disturbances context. To test so, we sampled lichen diversity and ammonia at 80 sites across a region with a complex land-cover including industrial and urban areas. At a regional scale, confounding factors such as industrial pollutants prevailed, masking the CLEs. We propose and use a new tool to calculate CLEs by stratifying ammonia concentrations into classes, and focusing on the highest diversity values. Based on the significant correlations between ammonia and biodiversity, we found the CLE of ammonia for Mediterranean evergreen woodlands to be 0.69 mgm?3, below the previously accepted value of 1.9 mgm?3, and below the currently accepted pan-European CLE of 1.0 mgm?3
Keywords: Air Pollutants; Air Pollutants: analysis; ammonia; Ammonia: analysis; Atmosphere; Atmosphere: chemistry; Biodiversity; Critical thresholds; Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Monitoring: methods; Eutrophication; Functional groups; Global change; lichens; Lichens: chemistry; Lichens: classification; nitrogen

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

Is tree shelter protection an effective complement to weed competition management in improving the morpho-physiological response of holm oak planted seedlings? - Ceacero, Carlos J; Navarro-cerrillo, Rafael M; Díaz-Hernández, José Luis (iForest - Biogeosciences and Forestry, 2014)
Weed control is a key aspect that influences seedling response in newly-established plantations. Tree shelter protection may be an effective complement to weed control with a positive effect on the overall response of seedlings. Our study focused on assessing the morpho-physiological response of Holm oak (Quercus ilex L. ballota [Desf.] Samp.) plantations to weed control and individual protection as a combined cultural technique on a cropland site in southern Spain. The weed control treatments (cultivation, herbicide and mulch) were also applied in combination with tree shelters. Morpho-physiological variables including survival, aerial and root morphology, water potential, gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence were monitored over a 2-year period. Results showed that weed competition management treatments improved the seedling survival rate compared to the control treatment. Moreover, shelter was associated with a greater height growth. At early stages of establishment, and particularly under combined treatments, all plants invested more resources in their aerial parts than in their root system. Seedlings did not regulate water loss as a result of water stress, contrary to what would be expected in Mediterranean areas. Under all treatments, especially those combined with tree shelters, seedlings took up to 2 years to achieve morpho-physiological adaptation (i.e. height and diameter growths, water stress behavior) to site conditions. In addition, tree shelters promoted an increase in net photosynthesis compared to non-shelter treatments during the winter period. The tree shelters also limited the emergence of photo-inhibition phenomena in seedlings so that plants under combined treatments showed greater photo-chemical efficiency. Thus, this study supports the effectiveness of tree shelter protection as a complement to weed control treatments. More specifically, it suggests that combining individual protection (shelter) and weed control around seedlings is an interesting technique for reforestation of forest ecosystems in Mediterranean areas.
Keywords: Mulch; Oxyfluorfen; photoinhibition; photosynthesis; Tillage; tree shelter

Understanding the optical responses of leaf nitrogen in Mediterranean Holm oak (Quercus ilex) using field spectroscopy - Pacheco-Labrador, Javier; González-Cascón, Rosario; Martín, M Pilar; Riaño, David (International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation, 2014)
The direct estimation of nitrogen (N) in fresh vegetation is challenging due to its weak influence on leaf reflectance and the overlaps with absorption features of other compounds. Different empirical models relate in this work leaf nitrogen concentration ([N]Leaf) on Holm oak to leaf reflectance as well as derived spectral indices such as normalized difference indices (NDIs), the three bands indices (TBIs) and indices previously used to predict leaf N and chlorophyll. The models were calibrated and assessed their accuracy, robustness and the strength of relationship when other biochemicals were considered. Red edge was the spectral region most strongly correlated with [N]Leaf, whereas most of the published spectral indexes did not provide accurate estimations. NDIs and TBIs based models could achieve robust and acceptable accuracies (TBI1310,1720,730: R2 = 0.76, [0.64,0.86]; RMSE (%) = 9.36, [7.04,12.83]). These models sometimes included indices with bands close to absorption features of N bonds or nitrogenous compounds, but also of other biochemicals. Models were independently and inter-annually validated using the bootstrap method, which allowed discarding those models non-robust across different years. Partial correlation analysis revealed that spectral estimators did not strongly respond to [N]Leaf but to other leaf variables such as chlorophyll and water, even if bands close to absorption features of N bonds or compounds were present in the models.
Keywords: Field spectroscopy; leaf nitrogen; Quercus ilex; Spectral index

Use of tree hollows by a Mediterranean forest carnivore - Carvalho, Filipe; Carvalho, Rafael; Mira, António; Beja, Pedro (Forest Ecology and Management, 2014)
Although tree hollows seem to be key structures for a wide range of forest mammals, their importance for Mediterranean forest carnivores remain poorly understood. Here we address this issue, by analysing daily resting site use by 21 radio-collared common genets. Tree hollows were used far more frequently during the wet season (October–April; 73.1% of daily locations) than in the dry season (May–September; 47.6%). Nests and underground dens were the second and third most frequently used resting sites, respectively, in both wet (17.5% and 9.4%) and dry (34.1% and 18.3%) seasons. Each individual reused a large percentage of its resting sites (65.7%). Some resting sites (17.3%) were used by more than one individual, but simultaneous sharing was exceedingly rare (0.56% of daily locations). Hollow use probability during the wet season varied little in relation to environmental variables, though there was a tendency to be higher away from riparian habitats (>50m) and to be lower in sites with very high shrub cover (>80%). Environmental influences were responsible for more variability in the dry season, when hollow usage was highest in hot days, in days with precipitation, far from riparian habitats, close to sources of human disturbance, in landscapes dominated by continuous forest habitats, and in sites with low shrub cover. Results support the importance of tree hollows for Mediterranean forest carnivores, probably because they provide safe shelter against unfavourable weather, predators and human disturbance. However, results also revealed the importance of riparian trees, which offer support for building nests close to sources of water and food during the dry season. Considering home range size and the average number of hollow-bearing trees used by each genet, we recommend that management of cork and holm oak forests should strive to safeguard at least 4.6 hollow-bearing trees per 100ha, while simultaneously maintaining large riparian trees. This will improve the resting habitat for common genets, while presumably favouring also other Mediterranean carnivores.
Keywords: carnivores; Forest management; genet; Large old trees; mediterranean landscape; Tree hollows

Using an objective and probabilistic model to evaluate the impact of different factors in the dehesa agroforestry ecosystem - Moral, Francisco J; Rebollo, Francisco J; Paniagua, Mercedes; Murillo, Mónica (Ecological Indicators, 2014)
The dehesa is a characteristic ecosystem in the southwestern part of the Iberian Peninsula. It has a high environmental value, and also a great importance from a social, cultural and economic point of view in those geographical areas in which exist. However, nowadays the natural values and the sustainability of this ecosystem are seriously threatened. With the aim of identifying useful tools to help in the decision making process to better manage the dehesa ecosystem, a set of surveys was performed to detect, classify and analyze those different problems that can affect it and, later, the responses were treated using the Rasch probabilistic model. Thus, surveys conducted in each municipality were related to the considered topics and vice versa. 119 surveys containing 68 topics of different nature, such as general threats affecting pasture, woodland, new technologies, fire, industry, commercialization, environment, rural tourism, cork, wood and hunting, were recovered from 23 municipalities located around the Monfragüe National Park, in the Autonomous Community of Extremadura (southwestern Spain). After processing them with the Rasch methodology, it is evident that the topics of major interest as the respondents indicated are ageing and lack of woodland regeneration, oak decline due to one of the most important fungal disease called “la seca”, and the issues related to industrialization and commercialization; topics related to the environment in general, e.g. wildfires or uncontrolled slurry discharges, are not perceived as essential. It was also obtained that the data fit the model reasonably, without important misfits, but some topics were found redundant, which should be taken into account to improve the surveys. The Rasch model constitutes a fundamental tool to better understand the relationships between those factors that exert an important influence in the dehesa ecosystem, helping to identify the threats and topics neglected by the owners but necessary to obtain a more cost-effective and environmental-friendly field management.
Keywords: Dehesa; Rasch model; Survey; Threat

Utilisation of wood biomass residues from fruit tree branches, evergreen hardwood shrubs and Greek fir wood as raw materials for particleboard production. Part A. Mechanical properties - Lykidis, Charalampos; Grigoriou, Athanasios; Barboutis, Ioannis (Wood Material Science & Engineering, 2014)
Abstract This paper investigates the potential of utilising wood biomass from fruit tree branches and evergreen hardwood shrubs as raw materials in the production of particleboards when mixed with Greek fir wood particles. The main mechanical properties of the boards made therefrom were determined and compared with those made of typical industrial wood (IW) particles. The highest modulus of rupture and elasticity (30.0 N/mm2 and 4330 N/mm2, respectively) in bending and screw withdrawal (SW) resistance (127.8 N/mm) were reported for boards made of Greek fir and were downgraded when the fruit tree branches or evergreen hardwood shrub particles also participated. The participation of fruit tree branch particles in proportions higher than 50% improved the internal bond (IB) of fir produced boards, while the highest IB strength (0.95 N/mm2) was reported for boards made of fruit tree branches. Particleboards made of evergreen hardwood shrubs showed inferior mechanical properties compared with those made of IW particles. The latter also showed superior bending strength but inferior SW resistance compared with boards made of fruit tree branches. Hygroscopic and other properties are under determination and will be presented and discussed in the second part of the work.
doi: 10.1080/17480272.2013.875589
Keywords: evergreen hardwood shrubs; fruit tree branches; Greek fir; mechanical properties; particleboard

Variation in soil C and microbial functions across tree canopy projection and open grassland microenvironments - Lai, Roberto; Lagomarsino, Alessandra; Ledda, Luigi; Roggero, Pier Paolo (TURKISH JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY, 2014)
Mixtures of grasslands and perennial woody crops or vineyards represent a major source of potential carbon storage or release. Understanding the spatial variability of soil properties in these ecosystems is important in determining soil constraints related to the management of soil resources. The aims of the study were 1) to explore the spatial variability associated to the trees for soil C storage and its components and reactivity; and 2) to assess the similarities between microenvironments in terms of microbial functional diversity. Eight microenvironments characterized by different long-term soil management practices and different positions with respect to woody plant canopy soil vertical projections were selected in a Mediterranean agropastoral system. Four management types were considered: pasture, hay crop, grass-covered vineyard, and tilled vineyard. Soil organic C, microbial biomass, and respiration were measured to assess C storage and dynamics, while functional diversity was determined by means of soil enzyme activities. The results showed that the microenvironmental variation of soil organic C and functional microbial diversity generated by the tree canopies in the wooded grassland can be very relevant for an accurate assessment of soil organic C content and its dynamics. The same was not applicable to vineyards, where the spatial variation of both soil organic C and functional diversity was negligible, independently of the soil management practices. These results suggest that in such systems the microscale spatial variability generated by the trees is worth of further investigation for improving our understanding of the long-term management effects on soil C dynamics.
Keywords: agroforestry systems; carbon mineralization; Enzyme activity; long-term management; Tree effect; vineyards

Variations in leaf respiration and photosynthesis ratio in response to air temperature and water availability among Mediterranean evergreen species - Catoni, Rosangela; Gratani, Loretta (Journal of Arid Environments, 2014)
Net photosynthesis (PN) and leaf respiration (RL) of the evergreen species co-occurring in the Mediterranean maquis in response to water availability and air temperature variations were analyzed. The results underlined that the ratio RL/PN of the considered species ranged from 0.15 ± 0.08 (in winter) to 1.32 ± 0.80 (in summer). Variations of RL and PN during the year were attested by the PCA which was carried out using leaf physiological and morphological traits of the considered species. In particular, Cistus incanus having the highest mean yearly PN and RL rates and low leaf mass area (LMA) and leaf tissue density (LTD), was furthest from the other species emphasizing its drought semi-deciduous habitus, the highest photosynthetic capability in favorable conditions (spring), but low tolerance to drought. Erica multiflora and Rosmarinus officinalis were characterized by the highest LMA and LTD, low PN rates in drought and the lowest PN ones in spring. Erica arborea, Pistacia lentiscus, Phillyrea latifolia and Quercus ilex had the highest drought tolerance. Arbutus unedo and Smilax aspera were close to this group despite lower RL rates during the year. The xeromorphic leaves of the considered evergreen species (i.e. high LMA and LTD) favor carbon gain profits over transpiration losses during drought, nevertheless, the high construction cost of these leaf type justifies the relatively high RL rates.
Keywords: Leaf respiration; Mediterranean evergreen species; Net photosynthesis; Ratio RL/PN

Visual complexity and the montado do matter: landscape pattern preferences of user groups in Alentejo, Portugal - Surová, Diana; Pinto-Correia, Teresa; Marusak, Robert (ANNALS OF FOREST SCIENCE, 2014)
Context The current paradigms for the sustainable development of forests and agriculture involve territorial organization of these activities as well as the multifunctionality of the related landscapes. Accordingly, the new management strategies need to take into account the suitability of the resulting landscapes to produce the goods and services expected by society. Aims The aim of the study was to assess the preferred landscape patterns by different groups of users. In focus were the relations between the landscape metrics of preferred patterns and the individual characteristics of respondents. Methods A regional quantitative survey of both production and different consumption landscape users was conducted in the Alentejo region, southern Portugal. Respondents composed their preferred patterns on a block diagram representing an area of landscape seen from a single view according to the existing topographic conditions in the study area. Results In general, the visually complex landscape patterns were preferred more than the homogeneous ones. However, the metrics of preferred patterns varied between the user groups. The montado was the only land cover class that was present in the majority of preferred patterns. Conclusion For landscape users in southern Portugal, the visually complex landscapes including the montado are essential to satisfy their expectations. This may be an important fact to be taken into account for policy and landscape management in the future.
Keywords: Amenity services; Land Cover; Landscape metrics; landscape pattern; landscape preferences; The montado; User groups

Water-extractable organic matter and enzyme activity in three forest soils of the Mediterranean area - Grosso, Felicia; Temussi, Fabio; De Nicola, Flavia; Nicola, Flavia De (European Journal of Soil Biology, 2014)
Soil enzyme activities mediate key ecosystem functions of degradation, transformation and carbon mineralization. The study of microbial activity and its relations with water-extractable organic matter (WEOM) can be crucial to understand the dynamics of soil organic carbon pool. We investigated FDA-hydrolytic, β-glucosidase, cellulase, o-diphenol oxidase activities in soils under Fagus sylvatica (beech), Quercus ilex (holm-oak) and Quercus cerris (turkey-oak) stands. We investigated WEOM by liquid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, useful to highlight the major functionalities in this fraction of soil organic matter. The highest enzyme activities, on mass basis, were recorded in soil under beech, with the highest organic carbon content. Reporting enzyme activities on organic carbon basis, it was possible to reveal enzyme enrichment for β-glucosidase and diphenol oxidase activities in soil under turkey-oak, with low organic matter. The 1H NMR spectra of WEOM highlighted a great richness of soluble organic compounds in soils with high organic carbon content, such as beech and holm-oak soils. All spectra are dominated by carbohydrate resonances. Spectra of WEOM from each stand exhibited specific signals. In WEOM from holm-oak, signals from substituted aliphatics account for up 28% of the total spectrum; in this sample signals from acetic and formic acids predominate, likely relating to the lower microbial utilization, according to the low heterotrophic (FDA-hydrolytic) activity. Only in WEOM from beech, signals from aromatics were detected probably related to the lower lignin degradation in soil, as expressed by the low phenol oxidase activity. However, the relationships among WEOM quality, tree species and microbial activity need further investigations.
Keywords: 1H NMR; beech and oak forest; Beech and oak forest ecosystems; C-degrading enzymes; ecosystems; Soil heterotrophic activity; WEOM

Weed control modifies Tuber melanosporum mycelial expansion in young oak plantations - Olivera, Antoni; Antonio Bonet, Jose; Palacio, Lorena; Liu, Bing; Colinas, Carlos (ANNALS OF FOREST SCIENCE, 2014)
Black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) cultivation is a promising agro-forestry alternative for Mediterranean rural areas, but adequate weed control at seedling establishment still remains a challenge in black truffle plantations. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of several weed control strategies on early development of Quercus ilex seedlings and the symbiotic T. melanosporum. In a young black truffle-inoculated holm oak plantation, we assessed for 3 years the effects of two types of mechanical weed control and five mulches in a young Q. ilex plantation inoculated with T. melanosporum. Herbaceous cover, seedling growth and abundance of T. melanosporum mycelium, based on PCR analysis of soil DNA extracts using T. melanosporum-specific primers, were estimated to determine the effectiveness of these treatments in controlling weeds and supporting the growth of both the host tree and the target fungus. The amount of T. melanosporum mycelium in the soil 30 cm around the seedlings was larger under double-layer white mulch than in the rest of treatments tested. Under the white colour mulches, which had the largest light reflection, we registered the cooler soil temperature, and the best weed control was observed on the single- and double-layer black truffles and double-layer white mulch. The effects of double-layer white mulch on herbaceous cover, soil temperature, reflected light, and the expansion of T. melanosporum bring us closer to being able to substitute traditional tilling of truffle orchards for the less expensive mulching treatments.
Keywords: Mulch; Quercus ilex; Soil mycelium; Tubermelanosporum; Weed control

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

Acorn Selection by the Wood Mouse Apodemus sylvaticus: A Semi-Controlled Experiment in a Mediterranean Environment. - Rosalino, Luís Miguel; Nóbrega, Filomena; Santos-Reis, Margarida; Teixeira, Generosa; Rebelo, Rui (Zoological science, 2013)
Fruits are highly important food resources for mammals in Mediterranean Europe, and due to the dominance of oaks (Quercus sp.), acorns are among those used by a vast array of species, including rodents. The metabolic yield of acorn intake may determine a selection pattern: preference for fat, carbohydrate, and consequently energy-rich fruits; or avoidance of fruits containing high concentrations of secondary chemical compounds (e.g., tannic acid). We studied the acorn feeding selection pattern of wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) inhabiting a mixed oak woodland, southwest Portugal, using an experiment conducted in an open-air enclosure. We tested which variables associated with the wood mouse (e.g., sex) and acorns (e.g., size and nutrient content) from three oak species (holm Q. rotundifolia, Portuguese Q. faginea and cork Q. suber oak) could be constraining acorn consumption. Our results indicate that wood mice are selecting acorns of the most common oak species (Q. suber), probably due to their previous familiarization with the fruit due to its dominance in the ecosystem but probably also because its chemical characteristics (sugar contents). Rodent gender and acorn morphology (width) are also influential, with females more prone to consume acorns with smaller width, probably due to handling limitation. This selective behaviour may have consequences for dispersion and natural regeneration of the different oak species.
From Duplicate 1 (
Keywords: Oak trees; Q. rotundifolia; Q. suber; Quercus faginea; rodents; seed consumption; seed dispersal

Alleviation of Zn toxicity by low water availability - Disante, Karen B; Cortina, Jordi; Vilagrosa, Alberto; Fuentes, David; Hernández, Encarni I; Ljung, Karin (Physiologia Plantarum, 2013)
Heavy metal contamination and drought are expected to increase in large areas worldwide. However, their combined effect on plant performance has been scantly analyzed. This study examines the effect of Zn supply at different water availabilities on morpho-physiological traits of Quercus suber L. in order to analyze the combined effects of both stresses. Seedlings were treated with four levels of zinc from 3 to 150 µM and exposed to low watering (LW) or high watering (HW) frequency in hydroponic culture, using a growth chamber. Under both watering regimes, Zn concentration in leaves and roots increased with Zn increment in nutrient solution. Nevertheless, at the highest Zn doses, Zn tissue concentrations were almost twice in HW than in LW seedlings. Functional traits as leaf photosynthetic rate and root hydraulic conductivity, and morphological traits as root length and root biomass decreased significantly in response to Zn supply. Auxin levels increased with Zn concentrations, suggesting the involvement of this phytohormone in the seedling response to this element. LW seedlings exposed to 150 µM Zn showed higher root length and root biomass than HW seedlings exposed to the same Zn dose. Our results suggest that low water availability could mitigate Zn toxicity by limiting internal accumulation. Morphological traits involved in the response to both stresses probably contributed to this response.
APS
Keywords: Drought; functional traits; Heavy metals; Quercus suber L.

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

Application of plastid and nuclear markers to DNA barcoding of Euro-Mediterranean oaks (Quercus, Fagaceae): problems, prospects and phylogenetic implications - Simeone, Marco C; Piredda, Roberta; Papini, Alessio; Vessella, Federico; Schirone, Bartolomeo (Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2013)
DNA barcoding, a species identification system based on sequences from a short, standardized DNA region, has emerged recently as a new tool for taxonomists. We investigated the discriminatory power of a subset of highly variable proposed plant barcoding loci (matK, trnH-psbA, ITS2) in Quercus, a taxonomically complex tree genus of global importance. The research included all currently recognized species and some major variants of the Mediterranean region and Europe (32 taxa) and 17 East Asian and North American species used for comparison. Based on sequence character state, we assigned unique plastid haplotypes to 40.8% of the investigated species; ITS2 increased the resolution up to 87.8% of total taxa. Nevertheless, unsuccessful genetic distance-based discrimination questioned the potential efficiency of correct species identification for future studies. Most species appeared to be nonmonophyletic in parallel phylogenetic tests. Three subgeneric groups were outlined, with different rates of within-group variability and geographical differentiation. Members of one of these groups (corresponding to the Eurasian Group Ilex) were paraphyletic to Group Quercus from the New and Old World and the Eurasian Group Cerris. The data gathered indicate that barcoding markers may help to identify closely related species clusters and contribute to the inference of major diversification and evolutionary patterns in oaks, but the methodology per se appears to be of limited efficacy in defining species limits, unless we make a profound revision of traditional Quercus taxonomic categories. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2013, 00, 000–000.
Keywords: Cerris; ecology; ilex; phylogeny; regional sampling

As Fileiras Baseadas na Floresta: Análise Sectorial - Louro, Graça; Rego, Francisco; Monteiro, Maria; Machado, Henrique (Silva Lusitana, 2013)
In this study we highlight the importance of Portuguese forests based chains in relation to the theory of ecosystem services. Moreover, we characterize the chains of wood and wooden furniture, of pulp paper and paperboard and of cork, in terms of their productive structure, production flows and markets. We point out as well the renewed interest in resin products and respective chain. We also consider as macroeconomic relevant, both at regional and national level, the economic activities based on chestnuts and pine nuts which only recently are regarded as integrated chains, from raw material up to the end product. In addition, we analyse the biomass for energy according to the new context of this chain, associated to the mitigation of climate change and to the reducing of wildfire risk. We underline as well other services/products of forest ecosystems for their importance in a sector analysis approach, namely the ones associated to holm oak, carbon economy and nature conservation. We also refer the macroeconomic relevance of the forest sector in terms of national balance sheet, international markets and job creation.
Keywords: Cork; forest biomass; forest chains; market; Wood

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 road effects on bats: the role of landscape, road features, and bat activity on road-kills - Medinas, Denis; Marques, J.Tiago; Mira, António (Ecological Research, 2013)
Recent studies suggest that roads can signifi- cantly impact bat populations. Though bats are one of the most threatened groups of European vertebrates, studies aiming to quantify bat mortality and determine the main factors driving it remain scarce. Between March 16 and October 31 of 2009, we surveyed road-killed bats daily along a 51-km-long transect that incorporates dif- ferent types of roads in southern Portugal. We found 154 road-killed bats of 11 species. The two most common species in the study area, Pipistrellus kuhlii and P. pyg- maeus, were also the most commonly identified road-kill, representing 72 % of the total specimens collected. About two-thirds of the total mortality occurred between mid July and late September, peaking in the second half of August.We also recorded casualties of threatened and rare species, including Miniopterus schreibersii, Rhinolo- phus ferrumequinum, R. hipposideros, Barbastella barba- stellus, and Nyctalus leisleri. These species were found mostly in early autumn, corresponding to the mating and swarming periods. Landscape features were the most important variable subset for explaining bat casualties. Road stretches crossing or in the vicinity of high-quality habitats for bats—including dense Mediterranean woodland (‘‘montado’’) areas, water courses with ripar- ian gallery, and water reservoirs—yielded a significantly higher number of casualties. Additionally, more road- killed bats were recorded on high-traffic road stretches with viaducts, in areas of higher bat activity and near known roosts.
Keywords: Bat activity; mediterranean landscape; Phenology; Road traffic; Road-kill modeling

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

Biological and chemical factors controlling the patchy distribution of soil water repellency among plant species in a Mediterranean semiarid forest - Lozano, E; Jiménez-Pinilla, P; Mataix-Solera, J; Arcenegui, V; Bárcenas, G M; González-Pérez, J.a.; García-Orenes, F; Torres, M P; Mataix-Beneyto, J (Geoderma, 2013)
Natural soil water repellency is a property that has already been observed in forest soils and is characterized by its patchy distribution. There aremany factors involved in its development. In thiswork,we have studied a large number of chemicaland biological factorsunder the influence ofdifferent plant species (Pinus halepensis,Quercus rotundifolia, Cistus albidus and Rosmarinus officinalis) to learn which has the greatest responsibility for its pres- ence and persistence in the top-soil layer. We observed strong and significant correlations between ergosterol, glomalin related soil protein (GRSP), extractable lipids, soil organic matter (SOM) content and water repellency (WR). Our results suggested lipid fraction as the principal factor. Moreover, apart from Pinus,fungalbiomass seems to be also related to the SOM content. SoilWR found under Pinus appears to be the most influenced by fungi. Quality of SOM, to be precise, lipid fraction could be responsible for WR and its relationship with fungal activity. ©
Keywords: Ergosterol; Glomalin related soil protein; Lipid fraction; Organic matter content; water repellency

Biosorption of Cr (VI) from water by cork waste - Sfaksi, Z; Azzouz, N; Abdelwahab, A (Arabian Journal of Chemistry, 2013)
The biosorption by cork powder is considered as a promising method for heavy metal removal from industrial waste waters such as chromium tanning factories. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency extent of this method using a cork powder as biosorbent for Cr(VI). The Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis permits to distinguish the type of functional groups likely to participate in metal binding. A linear form of BET isotherms for all the three used temperatures (i.e. 25, 35 and 45°C) and a pseudo-second-order equation of adsorption kinetics are obtained. Other experimental results highlight the meaningful influence of parameters such as contact time, pH, concentration of Cr(VI) and the adsorbent particle size on Cr(VI) adsorption . 97% of Cr(VI) has been removed under definite conditions particularly a particle size of diameter d < 0.08 mm and pH of 2-3 values.
Keywords: Biosorption; Cork waste; Cr(VI); Heavy metals; Kinetics

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

Cement-cork mortars for thermal bridges correction. Comparison with cement-EPS mortars performance - Brás, Ana; Leal, Márcio; Faria, Paulina (Construction and Building Materials, 2013)
The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the advantage of cork-mortars for renderings when compared to EPS-mortars, from a thermal characteristics point of view, namely in steady and unsteady conditions. It was intended to develop specific rendering mortars able to be applied in thermal bridges to reduce con- densation effects and heat transfer in buildings envelopes. The impact of this solution is significant, espe- cially in building typologies as framed reinforced concrete structures. Cement mortars and cement-EPS mortars are used as a reference as their properties are easily recognized compared to cement-cork mor- tars, which are made with by-products from the cork industry. Several studies were made concerning fresh and hardened state behaviour of mortars, namely: rheological and mechanical properties, micro- structure evolution with time and thermal behaviour. For a cement based mortar, different cork dosages (from 0% to 80%) were tested (as sand replacement by mass). Microstructural analyses show that the mechanical properties of cement-cork blends are not only controlled by cork’s low density, but also by interaction of cork extractives with the cement hydration process. Thermal conductivity presents a linear decrease for an increasing cork dosage in mortars. Concerning the effect on thermal delay, cork-mortars seem to behave better than EPS-mortars
Keywords: Cement mortar; Cork granulate by-product; EPS beads; mechanical properties; Microstructure; Rheology; Thermal behaviour

Changes and interactions between forest landscape connectivity and burnt area in Spain - Martín-Martín, Carmen; Bunce, Robert G H; Saura, Santiago; Elena-Rosselló, Ramón (Ecological Indicators, 2013)
The spatial structure, functionality and dynamics of forest landscapes in peninsular Spain and the Balearic Islands were compared over the last five decades. Two particular features were studied in the sample sites: forest connectivity for wildlife and areas burnt by wildfires. 191 Squares, each 4 km × 4 km, were selected from the SISPARES (the monitoring framework designed to evaluate the trends in the structure of Spanish rural landscapes) environmental strata. Aerial photographs from 1956, 1984, 1998 and 2008 were interpreted and 11 land cover categories mapped and checked in the field, using a minimum mapping area of one hectare. The Equivalent Connected Area Index was used to assess forest connectivity over the sampling period. Social and economical factors were assessed using indicators of farm intensiveness. The Spanish forest connectivity has improved in the last five decades although two different trends can be identified: the first 40 years are characterized by positive rates of growth whereas the 10 last years are characterized by their stability. Nevertheless the area of burnt land was higher along the first 25 studied years and decreased significantly over the last decade. Our results show the climate is the main driver in the evolution of forest connectivity and burnt area in the forest landscapes, playing a direct role on forest biomass production and wildfire ignition and propagation, as well as an indirect role by keeping vertical and horizontal forest continuity through the landscape spatial pattern. Social and economic factors are very important drivers as well: Rural population density and farm size average have been tested as good indicators of landscape artificiality, highly correlated to wildfire hazard and forest connectivity. Finally, we have pointed out the evolutionary path followed by SISPARES framework as a tool for monitoring rural landscapes. It emphasises on the requirement of a 30 years time window for building-up reliable dynamic multifunctional model. ©
Keywords: Conefor-Sensinode; Ecological connectivity; Farm intensiveness; landscape dynamics; Rural population density; Sispares; Spatial pattern indicators; wildfire occurrence

Changes in tree species composition in Mediterranean mountains under climate change: Indicators for conservation planning - Ruiz-Labourdette, Diego; Schmitz, María Fe; Pineda, Francisco D (Ecological Indicators, 2013)
Since the last glacial–interglacial cycles, Mediterranean mountains in Southern Europe have constituted the southern refuge of numerous species of Eurosiberian and Boreal origin. Some vestiges of European Tertiary ﬂora have also remained in this area. These mountains present one of the continent’s highest plant diversity indices deriving from their geographic and historical circumstances throughout the Quaternary. Throughout this century, a change in the biogeographic characteristics of these mountains is to be expected as a result of climate change. Based on four Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) scenarios, we developed a multivariate analysis model for mountain ranges in Central Spain (Southern Europe), enabling us to adjust data on vegetation, climate, lithology and availability of soil water. With high-resolution data on species occurrences and abiotic characteristics for better accounting of micro-refugia and topographic complexity in mountain regions, we assess the future potential distribution of tree species and changes in plant communities under climate change. Our model provides the climate descriptors that most inﬂuence changes in species distribution and which lead us to consider the parameters of these changes as indicators for management. We project for this century a signiﬁcant spread of Mediterranean tree communities in detriment to temperate or cold-adapted tree communities. Inmountain forests in northern Europe, limitations on plant growth are mainly thermic, and the boreal and subalpine species in high- and mid-mountain regions are therefore the ones most threatened by the predicted global warming. To the contrary, our results show that in mountains in southern Europe, the formations that will undergo the greatest changes will be at piedmonts and low-mountain levels, due to increased hydric deﬁcit. These results suggest that nature conservation strategies currently call for new approaches that take into account the fact that climate change is a driving force of species distribution. The results can be used at the landscape scale for management of forest species and for the design of protected areas
Keywords: Biological community shifts; Distribution models; Eurosiberian-Mediterranean boundary; Forest landscape management; IPCC emissions scenarios; Mountain biodiversity

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

The contribution of two common shrub species to aboveground and belowground carbon stock in Iberian dehesas - Ruiz-Peinado, R; Moreno, G; Juarez, E; Montero, G; Roig, S (Journal of Arid Environments, 2013)
Shrubs play an important role in water-limited agro-silvo-pastoral systems by providing shelter and forage for livestock, for erosion control, to maintain biodiversity, diversifying the landscape, and above all, facilitating the regeneration of trees. Furthermore, the carbon sink capacity of shrubs could also help to mitigate the effects of climate change since they constitute a high proportion of total plant biomass. The contribution of two common extensive native shrub species (Cistus ladanifer L. and Retama sphaerocarpa (L.) Boiss.) to the carbon pool of Iberian dehesas (Mediterranean agro-silvo-pastoral systems) is analyzed through biomass models developed at both individual (biovolume depending) and community level (height and cover depending). The total amount of carbon stored in these shrubs, including above- and belowground biomass, ranges from 1.8 to 11.2 Mg C ha 1 (mean 6.8 Mg C ha 1 ) for communities of C. ladanifer and from 2.6 to 8.6 Mg C ha 1 (mean 4.5 Mg C ha 1 ) for R. sphaerocarpa. These quantities account for over 20e30% of the total plant biomass in the system. The potential for carbon sequestration of these shrubs in the studied system ranges 0.10e1.32 Mg C ha 1 year 1 and 0.25e1.25 Mg C ha 1 year 1 for the C. ladanifer and R. sphaerocarpa communities’ respectively
Keywords: Agro-silvo-pastoral system; biomass; carbon balance; Cistus ladanifer; Quercus ilex; retama sphaerocarpa; Root:shoot ratio

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

Dampening effects of long-term experimental drought on growth and mortality rates of a Holm oak forest - Barbeta, Adrià; Ogaya, Romà; Penuelas, Josep (GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY, 2013)
Forests respond to increasing intensities and frequencies of drought by reducing growth and with higher tree mortality rates. Little is known, however, about the long-term consequences of generally drier conditions and more frequent extreme droughts. A Holm oak forest was exposed to experimental rainfall manipulation for 13years to study the effect of increasing drought on growth and mortality of the dominant species Quercus ilex, Phillyrea latifolia, and Arbutus unedo. The drought treatment reduced stem growth of A. unedo (-66.5%) and Q. ilex (-17.5%), whereas P. latifolia remained unaffected. Higher stem mortality rates were noticeable in Q. ilex (+42.3%), but not in the other two species. Stem growth was a function of the drought index of early spring in the three species. Stem mortality rates depended on the drought index of winter and spring for Q. ilex and in spring and summer for P. latifolia, but showed no relation to climate in A. unedo. Following a long and intense drought (2005-2006), stem growth of Q. ilex and P. latifolia increased, whereas it decreased in A. unedo. Q. ilex also enhanced its survival after this period. Furthermore, the effect of drought treatment on stem growth in Q. ilex and A. unedo was attenuated as the study progressed. These results highlight the different vulnerabilities of Mediterranean species to more frequent and intense droughts, which may lead to partial species substitution and changes in forest structure and thus in carbon uptake. The response to drought, however, changed over time. Decreased intra- and interspecific competition after extreme events with high mortality, together with probable morphological and physiological acclimation to drought during the study period, may, at least in the short term, buffer forests against drier conditions. The long-term effects of drought consequently deserve more attention, because the ecosystemic responses are unlikely to be stable over time.Nontechnical summaryIn this study, we evaluate the effect of long-term (13years) experimental drought on growth and mortality rates of three forest Mediterranean species, and their response to the different intensities and durations of natural drought. We provide evidence for species-specific responses to drought, what may eventually lead to a partial community shift favoring the more drought-resistant species. However, we also report a dampening of the treatment effect on the two drought-sensitive species, which may indicate a potential adaptation to drier conditions at the ecosystem or population level. These results are thus relevant to account for the stabilizing processes that would alter the initial response of ecosystem to drought through changes in plant physiology, morphology, and demography compensation.
Keywords: acclimation; Arbutus unedo; experimental drought; global-change-type drought; Holm oak; mediterranean forest; phillyrea latifolia; Quercus ilex; tree growth; tree mortality; vegetation stabilizing processes

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

Designing bryophyte surveys for an optimal coverage of diversity gradients - Medina, Nagore G; Lara, Francisco; Mazimpaka, Vicente; Hortal, Joaquin (BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION, 2013)
Knowledge on the distribution and abundance of species is plagued by significant taxonomic and geographic biases that influence the analyses on biodiversity patterns. Due to this, standard, easy-to-use methods are needed to design efficient field campaigns that minimize data deficiencies. We evaluate the applicability, usefulness and effectiveness of a survey design protocol based on the Environmental Diversity (ED) criterion under different scenarios, with examples of varying extent of environmental niche, range of spatial distribution and level of previous knowledge. We planned surveys for epiphytic bryophytes growing in three types of forests at NW Iberian Peninsula (dominated by Quercus ilex, Q. faginea and Q. pyrenaica). Knowledge on the distribution and abundance of epiphytic bryophytes in this region presents large gaps and strong geographic biases. Besides, the three forest types differ in their environmental requirements, spatial distribution and level of previous knowledge, providing three working scenarios to test the response of the protocol under different situations. The protocol was implemented as a set of sequential selection rules, starting by an ED-based criterion aiming at maximizing the coverage of climatic and geographic variability; further criteria include an iterative set of qualitative properties: maximizing forest area, conservation status and accessibility. The protocol performed efficiently at different ranges of spatial distribution levels of environmental variability, and degree of previous knowledge and generated an even distribution of sampling points that efficiently covered the diversity of epiphytic bryophytes. The results show that ED protocols are a proficient and time-saving approach to select sampling sites by objective criteria also for groups with high dispersal ability and fragmented landscapes.
Keywords: diversity; ED protocol; epiphytic bryophytes; Mediterranean; method; p-Median; Quercus forests; Sampling design

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.
Keywords: ligneous biomass; Portuguese wood species; wood chars

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

Development of cork oak (Quercus suber L.) seedlings in response to tree shelters and mulching in northwestern Tunisia - Mechergui, Taher; Pardos, Marta; Boussaidi, Naceur; Hasnaoui, Brahim; Jacobs, DouglassF. (Journal of Forestry Research, 2013)
The need for reforestation in cork oak (Quercus suber L.) areas is challenged by difficulties. Principal among these is herbivory of young plants, vegetative competition, and slow growth rates of cork oak seedlings. We evaluated the early development of cork oak seedlings treated using tree shelters and mulching in northwestern Tunisia. We tested three tree shelter treatments (non-vented, vented, and control) to shield seedlings from animal damage and five mulch types to control competing vegetation (Italian Stone Pine, Lentisk, combination of Italian Stone Pine and Lentisk (organic mulches), gravel (inorganic mulch) and no mulch). At the end of the two-year experiment, sheltered seedlings were 89-99% taller than unsheltered seedlings and had higher numbers and lengths of shoot growth flushes. In contrast, both stem diameter growth and dry weight biomass (from samples extracted after two years) were significantly reduced inside tree shelters. Root-to-shoot ratio was not significantly different in sheltered vs. unsheltered seedlings, suggesting that tree shelters do not adversely affect this parameter. Mulching alone did not favour growth, but could be beneficial when combined with tree shelters. The combination of vented tree shelters and gravel mulch was the most effective treatment for promoting diameter, height and stem volume growth.
Keywords: Afforestation; mulching; polycyclism; Quercus suber L.; seedling growth; tree shelter

Disparity in elevational shifts of European trees in response to recent climate warming - Rabasa, Sonia G; Granda, Elena; Benavides, Raquel; Kunstler, Georges; Espelta, Josep M; Ogaya, Romà; Penuelas, Josep; Scherer-Lorenzen, Michael; Gil, Wojciech; Grodzki, Wojciech; Ambrozy, Slawomir; Bergh, Johan; et al. (GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY, 2013)
Predicting climate-driven changes in plant distribution is crucial for biodiversity conservation and management under recent climate change. Climate warming is expected to induce movement of species upslope and towards higher latitudes. However, the mechanisms and physiological processes behind the altitudinal and latitudinal distribution range of a tree species are complex and depend on each tree species features and vary over ontogenetic stages. We investigated the altitudinal distribution differences between juvenile and adult individuals of seven major European tree species along elevational transects covering a wide latitudinal range from southern Spain (37 degrees N) to northern Sweden (67 degrees N). By comparing juvenile and adult distributions (shifts on the optimum position and the range limits) we assessed the response of species to present climate conditions in relation to previous conditions that prevailed when adults were established. Mean temperature increased by 0.86 degrees C on average at our sites during the last decade compared with previous 30-year period. Only one of the species studied, Abies alba, matched the expected predictions under the observed warming, with a maximum abundance of juveniles at higher altitudes than adults. Three species, Fagus sylvatica, Picea abies and Pinus sylvestris, showed an opposite pattern while for other three species, such as Quercus ilex, Acer pseudoplatanus and Q. petraea, we were no able to detect changes in distribution. These findings are in contrast with theoretical predictions and show that tree responses to climate change are complex and are obscured not only by other environmental factors but also by internal processes related to ontogeny and demography.
Keywords: altitudinal gradient; climate change; FOREST; generalized additive models; Species distribution

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.
Keywords: crown condition; Drought; Growth; long-term; non-s; non-structural carbohydrates; starch; throughfall; Throughfall manipulation

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

Eating quality of “Vitela Tradicional do Montado”-PGI veal and Mertolenga-PDO veal and beef - Monteiro, Ana C G; Gomes, Eduardo; Barreto, António S; Silva, Marina F; Fontes, Magda A; Bessa, Rui J B; Lemos, José P C (Meat Science, 2013)
Abstract Physicochemical and sensory characteristics were measured in veal and beef from the Portuguese Mertolenga breed having 3 quality labels as follows: Mertolenga-PDO beef and veal which apply to purebred animals and “Vitela Tradicional do Montado”-PGI veal which applies to crossbred animals. Measurements were made in longissimus lumborum muscle aged for 6 days. The temperature 3 h post-mortem (T3), cooking losses and Warner–Bratzler shear force (WBSF) reflected carcass weight (CW) differences between groups. The pigment content was influenced by age, with beef having higher values than veal. WBSF correlated negatively with intramuscular fat in Mertolenga-PDO beef, but not on veal. WBSF correlated positively with cooking losses and negatively with myofibrillar fragmentation index, tenderness, juiciness and overall acceptability. Cooking losses and juiciness were the main contributors for the tenderness differences. Vitela Tradicional do Montado-PGI and Mertolenga-PDO veal had lighter colour and were considered tender. The three meat types were well discriminated based on pHu, a* and C* parameters by canonical discriminant analysis.
Keywords: Beef; meat quality; Mertolenga; Sensory analysis; Veal

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
Keywords: Cork; eco-costs; eco-design; eco-efficiency; LCA; Sustainability

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

Ecological behavior of Quercus suber and Quercus ilex inferred by topographic wetness index (TWI) - Petroselli, Andrea; Vessella, Federico; Cavagnuolo, Lucia; Piovesan, Gianluca; Schirone, Bartolomeo (Trees, 2013)
The ecological behaviors of a network of pure evergreen oak stands (Quercus suber L. and Quercus ilex L.) in the Central-Western Mediterranean Basin were investigated toward climatic and edaphic factors implemented with the application of topographic wetness index (TWI). A Categorical Principal Component Analysis (Catpca) using climatic and soil physico-chemical parameters was performed on 23 cork oak and holm oak pure stands with the aim to understand better the effectiveness of TWI for characterizing soil ecology of the two species. Catpca pointed out that, although cork oak and holm oak are able to growth in similar Mediterranean conditions, they show different behaviors in terms of needs and tolerance to soil water content. TWI confirmed such results at local scale, allowing highlighting some interesting features of the species differential ecology. Although both species confirmed to be drought-tolerant, the heliophilous cork oak revealed to dominate the landscape on wettest soils with high TWI values-indicating the capacity to tolerate stresses due to periods of waterlogging-, while the shade-tolerant holm oak prevails for low-medium TWI values-drier and mesophilous sites. Despite the application of TWI to vegetation science and ecology is relatively recent, results are encouraging and suggest considering this user-friendly and synthetic index in ecological investigations and modeling.
Keywords: Ecological gradients; Forest ecology; Quercus ilex; Quercus suber; Terrain analysis; Topographic wetness index

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

Efeito da Intervenção Cultural na Caracterização Morfológica de Diferentes Proveniências de Quercus suber - Patrício, Sameiro; Nunes, Luís; Almeida, Helena (Silva Lusitana, 2013)
The cork oak (Quercus suber L.) is a very important species in Mediterranean areas for economic, ecological and environmental reasons. It is a species with high potential of expansion considering the scenarios of climate change. Despite its importance, cork oak adaptability to environmental conditions is poorly understood. In order to understand the genetic determinism of adaptive traits and study patterns of adaptive variation at landscape level, assuming there is genetic differentiation in phenological traits found at the population level, we established a trial in Mogadouro – Trás-os-Montes, with 34 provenances of Q. suber from its natural Mediterranean distribution area. Considering that not only the adaptation of the species, but also the improvement of the reproductive material both in tree form and quality of cork are important, and that the improvement of the tree form can be artificially induced by training technique, in this work we tested the influence of training cuts to improve tree form of the provenances. Morphological characterization of the provenances was performed using the evaluation of qualitative characteristics of the stem as inclination and dominance of the stem using a scale of 1 (worst feature) 6 values (best feature), before the cuts and five years after its application. Tree training seems to have no effect or have very little effect on the ranking of the provenances that have previously revealed the worst morphological characteristics as the group of the Italian and French and some provenances of the groups of Portuguese and Spanish. The Moroccan provenances show good adaptive features that are enhanced by training cuts.
Keywords: adaptive characteristics; Cork oak; provenance trial; training cuts; tree form

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)

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

Effect of the pig rearing system on the final volatile profile of Iberian dry-cured ham as detected by PTR-ToF-MS - Sánchez del Pulgar, J; Soukoulis, C; Carrapiso, A I; Cappellin, L; Granitto, P; Aprea, E; Romano, A; Gasperi, F; Biasioli, F (Meat Science, 2013)
The volatile compound proﬁle of dry-cured Iberian ham lean and subcutaneous fat from pigs fattened outdoors on acorn and pasture (Montanera) or on high-oleic concentrated feed (Campo) was investigated by proton transfer reaction time-of-ﬂight mass spectrometry. In addition to the usual proton transfer ionization the novel switchable reagent ions system was implemented which allows the use of different precursor ions (H3O+ , NO+ and O2 + ). The analysis of the lean and subcutaneous fat volatile compounds allowed a good sample discrimination according to the diet. Differences were evident for several classes of compounds: in particular, Montanera hams showed higher concentrations of aldehydes and ketones and lower concentrations of sulfur-containing compounds compared to Campo hams. The use of NO+ as precursor ion conﬁrmed the results obtained with H3O+ in terms of classiﬁcation capability and provides additional analytical insights.
Keywords: aldehydes; Aldehydes: analysis; Animal Feed; Animal Husbandry; Animal Husbandry: methods; Animals; diet; Dietary Fats; Dietary Fats: analysis; Dietary Fats: pharmacology; Dry cured ham; Ions; Ketones; Ketones: analysis; Mass spectrometry; Mass Spectrometry: methods; meat; Meat: analysis; Nuts; Oleic Acid; Oleic Acid: pharmacology; Poaceae; Proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry; Quercus; Rearing system; subcutaneous fat; Subcutaneous Fat: metabolism; Sulfur Compounds; Sulfur Compounds: analysis; Swine; Switchable reagent ions; Time of flight; Volatile Organic Compounds; Volatile Organic Compounds: analysis

Effect of wildfires on soil respiration in three typical Mediterranean forest ecosystems in Madrid, Spain - Uribe, C; Inclán, R; Sanchez, D M; Clavero, M A; Fernandez, A M; Morante, R; Cardena, A; Blanco, A; Van Miegroet, H (PLANT AND SOIL, 2013)
Mediterranean forests are vulnerable to numerous threats including wildfires due to a combination of climatic factors and increased urbanization. In addition, increased temperatures and summer drought lead to increased risk of forest fires as a result of climate change. This may have important consequences for C dynamics and balance in these ecosystems. Soil respiration was measured over 2 successive years in Holm oak (Quercus ilex subsp. ballota; Qi); Pyrenean Oak (Quercus pyrenaica Willd; Qp); and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.; Ps) forest stands located in the area surrounding Madrid (Spain), to assess the long term effects of wildfires on C efflux from the soil, soil properties, and the role of soil temperature and soil moisture in the variation of soil respiration. Soil respiration, soil temperature, soil moisture, fine root mass, microbial biomass, biological and chemical soil parameters were compared between non burned (NB) and burned sites (B). The annual C losses through soil respiration from NB sites in Qi, Qp and Ps were 790, 1010, 1380 gCm(-2) yr(-1), respectively, with the B sites emitting 43 %, 22 % and 11 % less in Qi, Qp and Ps respectively. Soil microclimate changed with higher soil temperature and lower soil moisture in B sites after fire. Exchangeable cations and the pH also decreased. The total SOC stocks were not significantly altered, but 6-8 years after wildfires, there was still measurably lower fine root and microbial biomass, while SOC quality changed, indicated by lower the C/N ratio and the labile carbon and a relative increase in refractory SOC forms, which resulted in lower Q(10) values. We found long term effects of wildfires on the physical, chemical and biological soil characteristics, which in turn affected soil respiration. The response of soil respiration to temperature was controlled by moisture and changed with ecosystem type, season, and between B and NB sites. Lower post-burn Q(10) integrated the loss of roots and microbial biomass, change in SOC quality and a decrease in soil moisture.
Keywords: climate change; Pinus sylvestris; Quercus ilex; Quercus pyrenaica; soil parameters; Soil respiration; wildfires

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 silviculture on native tree species richness: interactions between management, landscape context and regional climate - Martín-Queller, Emi; Diez, Jeffrey M; Ibáñez, Inés; Saura, Santiago (Journal of Applied Ecology, 2013)
* Patterns of forest biodiversity are shaped by a complex set of processes operating over different spatial scales. Climate may largely determine species richness at regional scales, but biotic interactions and disturbance events are known to be important at local scales. The interactions between these local and regional processes are poorly understood, complicating efforts to manage for biodiversity. * In this study, we used Spanish forest inventory data, together with hierarchical Bayesian models, to analyse how different harvest intensities affect patterns of species richness in a 152 000 km2 area in central Spain. Particularly, we quantified the interacting effects of locally applied silvicultural disturbances, of those applied in the surrounding landscape, and of the regional climate on native tree species richness. * Our study supports the overall hypothesis that a hierarchical set of processes influence species richness, with regional climate contributing to shape the impacts of local harvesting practices and other environmental variables (topography and productivity). * In particular, we found that partial harvesting in both coniferous and broad-leaved Mediterranean forests may support greater tree species richness than complete harvesting and no management. However, this effect depended on the ecosystem and the surrounding landscape, being much less likely in semi-arid regions under water stress conditions and in landscapes dominated by managed forests (and particularly by completely harvested stands). * In general, forest stands exhibited increased tree species richness when surrounded by species-rich riparian forests, probably due to metacommunity dynamics and/or ecological history (land uses) of the area. * Synthesis and applications. The effects of forest management on local species richness were shaped by coarse climate conditions and by the type and extent of other management practices in the surrounding landscapes. Therefore, to develop effective forestry management plans that optimize local diversity, we need to (i) apply regionally tailored practices with lower harvest intensities in areas of greater hydric stress; (ii) avoid the extensive application of a single silvicultural system over large areas and (iii) preserve a mosaic of species-rich forests that can act as sources of colonizers to enrich the regenerating stands nearby.
Keywords: Biodiversity; Disturbance ecology; hierarchical Bayes; intermediate disturbance hypothesis; landscape ecology; Mediterranean forests; metacommunity dynamics; partial harvesting; spatial scale

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

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. 
Keywords: Enchytraeids; Mediterranean urban communities; Microbiology; Pollutants; Soil biogeochemistry; terrestrial annelids

El buitre negro en España : Una revisión de su biología y estado de conservación . - Emigdio Jordán Muñoz-Adalia; Ángel Hernández Lázaro (Chronica naturae, 2013)
El buitre negro (Aegypius monachus) es el ave continental de mayor envergadura del Paleártico. Se encuentra actualmente catalogado como Vulnerable en España, según criterios de la UICN, estando su población reproductora mundial estimada en 7.200- 10.000 parejas en 2007 con tendencias poblacionales muy dispares. La población ibérica de la especie se cifraba en 1.845-2.440 parejas reproductoras en 2006. Esta especie habita, por norma general,en formaciones forestales mediterráneas de encinas y alcornoques (Quercus ilex subsp. ballota y Quercus suber), si bien se ha citado en masas de coníferas (Pinus sylvestris, Pinus pinaster y Juniperus spp.), bajo condicionantes ecológicos muy diferentes. Su alimentación se basa en carroñas de pequeño y mediano tamaño, siendo un frecuente consumidor de conejo de monte (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Entre las amenazas de conservación destaca la falta de disponibilidad de recursos tróficos, el efecto del veneno, las molestias por parte del ser humano y la degradación del hábitat.
Keywords: amenazas de conservación; aves necrófagas; buitre negro; península ibérica

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

Energy recovery from cork industrial waste: Production and characterisation of cork pellets - Nunes, L J R; Matias, J C O; Catalão, J P S (Fuel, 2013)
The cork industry presents itself as one of the most entrepreneurial in the Portuguese industrial sector, contributing significantly to the increase of exports. However, it is an industry in which the use of raw materials is maximised leaving a large volume of waste. The cork industry has tried to take advantage of these residues, mainly through direct energy recovery, despite the technical and safety difficulties pre- sented by the use of such low density material, which complicates and hinders its transportation for industrial uses outside the area in which it is produced. The densification process opens new doors for such use and also for its storage, because it produces better results when compared with other more com- mon products, such as wood sawdust or even forest and agricultural waste. Thus, cork pellets emerge as a safer and more easily transportable alternative for energy recovery from cork dust and other granulated types of cork waste, which offer the prospects for wider use. The results demonstrate that cork pellets have higher calorific value when compared with other biomass pellets; typically, approximately 20 MJ/ kg with 3% volume of ashes, which is equivalent to that obtained from the combustion of pellets pro- duced from combined forest and agricultural waste with a bulk density of 750 kg/m3, which offers real advantages in terms of logistics. 
Keywords: Cork; Cork pellets; Cork waste; Energy recovery

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

Evaluation of different Bacillus thuringiensis sv kurstaki formulations against Lymantria dispar and Malacosoma neustria larvae infesting Quercus suber trees - Ruiu, Luca; Mannu, Roberto; Falchi, Giovanni; Braggio, Andrea; Luciano, Pietro (Redia, 2013)
Lepidopteran defoliators such as Lymantria dispar and Malacosoma neustria represent a major concern for cork oak forest, especially during population outbreaks. To contain their infestations over large areas, the use of entomopathogenic microorganisms such as Bacillus thuringiensis serovar kurstaki (Btk) is one of the available option. However, the features of the microbial control agent formulations represent a key factor for the success of application programs. The results of two years efficacy trials with different formulations of Btk, conducted in 2012 and 2013 in a cork oak forest in North-Western Sardinia, are reported. In the first year, trials were carried out on a M. neustria population, while in the second year a mixed population of L. dispar and M. neustria was involved. Trials included two formulations of Btk strain EG 2348 (Rapax® and Rapax Experimental) in comparison with two other commercial formulations (Foray 48B® and Delfin®). Both formulations of Btk strain EG 2348 proved to be effective in controlling the two pest species, showing a forest protection potential comparable to that of the reference products, Foray 48B® and Delfin®, containing spores and insecticidal Cry proteins of strains HD-1 and SA-11, respectively. Also the defoliation levels were significantly higher in untreated control trees than in treated ones.
Keywords: Cork Oak Forest; efficacy trials; entomopathogenic bacteria; Insect defoliators; microbial control

Evaluation of the potential of MODIS satellite data to predict vegetation phenology in different biomes: An investigation using ground-based NDVI measurements - Hmimina, G; Dufrêne, E; Pontailler, J.-Y.; Delpierre, N; Aubinet, M; Caquet, B; de Grandcourt, A; Burban, B; Flechard, C; GRANIER, a; Gross, P; Heinesch, B; et al. (Remote Sensing of Environment, 2013)
Abstract Vegetation phenology is the study of the timing of seasonal events that are considered to be the result of adaptive responses to climate variations on short and long time scales. In the field of remote sensing of vegetation phenology, phenological metrics are derived from time series of optical data. For that purpose, considerable effort has been specifically focused on developing noise reduction and cloud-contaminated data removal techniques to improve the quality of remotely-sensed time series. Comparative studies between time series composed of satellite data acquired under clear and cloudy conditions and from radiometric data obtained with high accuracy from ground-based measurements constitute a direct and effective way to assess the operational use and limitations of remote sensing for predicting the main plant phenological events. In the present paper, we sought to explicitly evaluate the potential use of MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) remote sensing data for monitoring the seasonal dynamics of different types of vegetation cover that are representative of the major terrestrial biomes, including temperate deciduous forests, evergreen forests, African savannah, and crops. After cloud screening and filtering, we compared the temporal patterns and phenological metrics derived from in situ NDVI time series and from MODIS daily and 16-composite products. We also evaluated the effects of residual noise and the influence of data gaps in MODIS NDVI time series on the identification of the most relevant metrics for vegetation phenology monitoring. The results show that the inflexion points of a model fitted to a MODIS NDVI time series allow accurate estimates of the onset of greenness in the spring and the onset of yellowing in the autumn in deciduous forests (RMSE ≤ one week). Phenological metrics identical to those provided with the MODIS Global Vegetation Phenology product (MDC12Q2) are less robust to data gaps, and they can be subject to large biases of approximately two weeks or more during the autumn phenological transitions. In the evergreen forests, in situ NDVI time series describe the phenology with high fidelity despite small temporal changes in the canopy foliage. However, MODIS is unable to provide consistent phenological patterns. In crops and savannah, MODIS NDVI time series reproduce the general temporal patterns of phenology, but significant discrepancies appear between MODIS and ground-based NDVI time series during very localized periods of time depending on the weather conditions and spatial heterogeneity within the MODIS pixel. In the rainforest, the temporal pattern exhibited by a MODIS 16-day composite NDVI time series is more likely due to a pattern of noise in the NDVI data structure according to both rainy and dry seasons rather than to phenological changes. More investigations are needed, but in all cases, this result leads us to conclude that MODIS time series in tropical rainforests should be interpreted with great caution.
Keywords: Crops; Deciduous forests; evergreen forests; Ground-based NDVI; MODIS; Phenology

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

Expression of DNA methyltransferases is involved in Quercus suber cork quality - Ramos, Miguel; Rocheta, Margarida; Carvalho, Luísa; Inácio, Vera; Graça, José; Morais-Cecílio, Leonor (Tree Genetics & Genomes, 2013)
Abstract Cork oak (Quercus suber ) is an important Portuguese species, mainly due to the economic value of the cork it produces. Cork results from phellogen, a meristematic tissue, which can locally produce lenticels or have discontinu- ities, originating “defects”: pores and nail inclusions that are detrimental to cork industrial use. Epigenetic processes control plant development and its deregulation can lead to altered phenotypes; therefore, the study of epigenetic players in the phellogen is important to understand the emergence of cork's defects. DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and one protein associated to MET1 (DMAP1) were characterized in Q. suber, and their gene expression was analyzed in phellogen and con- tiguous differentiating cell layers of trees producing high and low quality cork, after the evaluation of their defects by physical and image analysis methods. All classes of DNMTs (MET, DRM, and CMT) with the respective canonical motifs were identified in Q. suber. The expression analyses of these genes showed that QsDRM2 was the most active methyltransferases in the cells analyzed, and that all the genes were differentially expressed in trees with distinct cork quality,with a tendency for higher expression levels in lowquality producers. Interestingly, the global methylation level was higher in cells with low expression of DNA methyltransferases. A positive and significant correlation was obtained between QsDMAP1 gene expression and the percentage of cork defects. This work provides the first evidence that cork quality in Q. suber is likely influenced by epigenetic mechanisms
Keywords: CMT3; Cork oak; Cork quality; DMAP1; DRM; MET1; MET2; phellogen activity

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

Field-simulated droughts affect elemental leaf stoichiometry in Mediterranean forests and shrublands - Sardans, Jordi; Rivas-Ubach, Albert; Estiarte, Marc; Ogaya, Romà; Penuelas, Josep (ACTA OECOLOGICA-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY, 2013)
This study evaluated the change induced by the year season and by experimentally induced drought on foliar element stoichiometry of the predominant woody species (Quercus ilex and Erica multiflora) in two Mediterranean ecosystems, a forest and a shrubland. This study is based in two long-term (11 yr) field experiments that simulated drought throughout the annual cycle. The effects of experimental droughts were significant but weaker than the changes produced by ontogeny and seasonality. Leaf N and P concentrations were higher in spring (the main growing season) in E. multiflora and, in Q. ilex in autumn (a period of additional growth). Leaf N:P ratios were lower in spring. In Q. ilex, the highest leaf K concentrations and leaf K:P ratios, and the lowest leaf C:K and N:K ratios, occurred in summer, the season when water stress was greatest. In E. multiflora, leaf K concentrations and K:P ratios were highest, and leaf C:K and N:K ratios were lowest in the plants from the drought-treated plots. The plant capacity to change K concentrations in response to seasonality and to drought is at least as great as the capacity to change N and P concentrations. The results underscore the importance of K and its stoichiometry relative to C, N and P in dry environments. These results indicate first, that N:P ratio shifts are not uniquely related to growth rate in Mediterranean plants but also to drought, and second, that there is a need to take into account K in ecological stoichiometry studies of terrestrial plants. (C) 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
Keywords: climate change; Drought; Growth rate hypothesis; N:P; nitrogen; Ontogeny; phosphorus; Potassium

Fine structure and functional comments of mouthparts in Platypus cylindrus (Col., Curculionidae: Platypodinae) - Belhoucine, Latifa; Bouhraoua, Rachid T; Prats, Eva; Pulade-Villar, Juli (Micron, 2013)
Oak pinhole borer, Platypus cylindrus is seen in recent years as one of the biggest enemies directly involved in the observed decline of cork oak in Mediterranean forests with all the economic implications. As an ambrosia beetle, it has developed its effective drilling mouthpart enough to make tunnels in hardwood of the tree. The fine structural aspects of the mouthpart using the field emission scanning electron microscopy are analyzed about 23 adults collected in galleries of infested cork oak trees (Quercus suber) in a littoral forest of northwest Algeria. These adults are preserved in alcohol 70%, cleaned and coated with gold. The mouthparts of this beetle consist commonly of a labrum, a pair of mandibles, a pair of maxillae and the labium but with adapted structure to excavate galleries in the hardwood. In this role is also involved the first pair of legs. The function that present the different structures related to the construction of the tunnels is discussed. Both of maxillary and labial palpi direct the food to the mouth and hold it while the mandibles chew the food. The distal ends of these palpi are flattened and have shovel-like setae. Females have larger maxillary palpi than males and this is related to the particular biology of each sex.
Keywords: Ambrosia beetle; Fine structure; Mouthpart; Platypus cylindrus

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

Fungal diversity of saprotrophic litter fungi in a Mediterranean maquis environment - Lunghini, D; Granito, V M; Di Lonardo, D P; Maggi, O; Persiani, A M (MYCOLOGIA, 2013)
Monospecific and mixed-leaf litters from plant species of Mediterranean maquis (Quercus ilex, Phillyrea angustifolia, Pistacia lentiscus, Cistus spp.) in an undisturbed area in southern Italy were studied with respect to the structure and composition of their decomposer fungal community over an incubation period of 403 d. The data matrix structure was analyzed by means of detrended correspondence analysis (DCA), while indicator species analysis (ISA) was used to determine the preferential association of species with a substrate, a succession phase and monospecific/mixed experimental conditions. The ecological nature of the gradient expressed by the DCA axes was investigated by means of experimental and main chemical leaf-litter variables. The litter mixture had non-additive effects on the decomposition process even though the fungal species richness of the mixed litter was considerably higher than that of the monospecific litter. Our findings highlight the occurrence of shifts in the fungal community during decomposition in response to changes in the substrate, such as those related to the cellulose content and lignin/N ratio.
Keywords: decomposition; fungal biodiversity; leaf-litter quality; Litter bags; Mediterranean maquis; monospecific/mixed litter

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

GC-C-IRMS analysis of FAMEs as a tool to ascertain the diet of Iberian pigs used for the production of pork products with high added value - Recio, C; Martin, Q; Raposo, C (GRASAS Y ACEITES, 2013)
Taste, quality and perceived health benefits result in a high demand for both green and mature pork products derived from the Iberian bred swine. These characteristics are directly related to diet and breeding style (free ranging in a particular Mediterranean ecosystem: the Dehesa). Given that current demand is not matched by the available resources, animal feed is increasingly used. GC-C-IRMS analysis of Palmitic, Stearic, Oleic and Linoleic Acid methyl esters allows for differentiating between pork raised in the traditional way and that fattened on animal feed. Although a value of delta C-13(C18:1) = -25.9 parts per thousand is a good discriminator, exploratory analysis of principal canonical components is required to properly assign any unknown sample.
Keywords: Cured ham; delta C-13; Quality assurance; Stable isotopes

Geographical patterns of congruence and incongruence between correlative species distribution models and a process-based ecophysiological growth model - Serra-Diaz, Josep M; Keenan, Trevor F; Ninyerola, Miquel; SABATE, Santiago; Gracia, Carlos; Lloret, Francisco (JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY, 2013)
AimOur aim was to map the climate dependence of tree species distributions (probability of occurrence) and forest growth (net primary productivity) by comparing the congruence and incongruence between correlative and process-based modelling approaches. LocationIberian Peninsula, south-western Europe. MethodsWe used forest inventory data for three widespread tree species (Quercus ilex, Pinus halepensis and Pinus sylvestris) to model climatic suitability with an ensemble of seven correlative species distribution models (using biomod). We then simulated forest net primary productivity (NPP) as a surrogate of forest growth for forests of each species using an ecophysiological process-based model (gotilwa+) along a gradient of climatic suitability. The spatial distribution of the growth estimates was then compared with that of the suitability estimates, and robust regression was used to classify regions in terms of model congruence. ResultsQuercus ilex and P.sylvestris both showed a positive relationship between forest NPP and climatic suitability. The main discrepancies were found in the north of the peninsula, where there was high potential forest growth but low climate suitability. Low forest-growth estimates in areas of high suitability only appeared for P.sylvestris in southern montane regions. Pinus halepensis always showed a negative relationship between estimated growth and climatic suitability. The analysis of other ecophysiological parameters (mean leaf life and leaf area index) suggests that this tree species has different physiological strategies that allow differential growth rates in areas of low suitability. Main conclusionsWe found that the relationship between estimated growth and distribution varies strongly in different areas and species. Mapping the incongruences between the predicted climatic suitability and growth allowed us to identify regions where other factors (e.g. biotic interactions) may be more significant than the physiological limits on growth. We show that new insights into species distributions can be gained from mapping the differences between correlative and process-based models.
Keywords: BIOMOD; climatic suitability; correlative models; ecophysiology; Forest growth; GOTILWA+; process-based models; species distribution models

Geographical variation in growth form traits in Quercus suber and its relation to population evolutionary history - Ramírez-Valiente, J a.; Alia, R; Aranda, I (Evolutionary Ecology, 2013)
Differential selection pressures caused by environmental disparities lead to populations to become differentiated as they adapt to local environments. In addition, natural selection during the species past can contribute to the observed differentiation. In this study, we examine the geographic variation in a set of four traits related to growth and plant architecture in cork oak (Quercus suber) and investigate to what extent this variation is the result of the effects of ongoing evolution in current environments and the past evolutionary history of the species. Cork oak saplings at the common garden trial exhibited differences in plant architecture associated to cpDNA lineage. Eastern lineages, exhibited the lowest apical dominance and highest branchiness, consistent with the analyses in other cork oak trials. In contrast, patterns linked to the evolutionary past were less evident in height and diameter. These results suggest that selective pressures after cpDNA divergence can have blurred patterns in some traits closely related to fitness, while conserving the past evolutionary imprints in plant architectural traits. Introgressed populations did not show significant differentiation in architecture, which suggests that allele exchanges via hybridization have had a limited effect on population differentiation in cork oak. Finally, populations within lineages also showed differences in growth and architecture. Correla- tion between population architecture and temperature patterns were observed indicating that environmental factors such as climate also could result crucial in the evolution of plant architecture of cork oak within lineages
Keywords: Evolutionary history; Growth adaptation; plant architecture; Population ecology

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 and survival of cork oak (Quercus suber) seedlings after simulated partial cotyledon consumption under different soil nutrient contents - Mancilla-Leytón, JuanManuel; Cambrollé, Jesús; Figueroa, ManuelEnrique; Martín Vicente, Ángel (Plant and Soil, 2013)
We examined the importance of partial seed consumption (cotyledon loss) by rabbits in the early establishment of seedlings of cork oaks restricted to nutrient-impoverished soils. To determine the importance of cotyledons in the growth and development of seedlings, we simulated two levels of predation [light (30 % cotyledon loss) and heavy (60 % loss) partial consumption] and two soil nutrient contents (nutrient-poor soil, nutrient-rich soil). Seedlings height, root length, dry root and shoot biomass, specific leaf mass, leaf density, gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and photosynthetic pigment concentrations were determined. Results indicated that effect of nutrient level on the growth of the oak seedlings was more important than that of cotyledon biomass. However, in nutrient-poor soils, cotyledon biomass played a major role in the early performance of cork oaks. Acorns grown in nutrient-rich substrate, despite having greater aerial vigor, were slower to develop a vertical root, and hence less likely to reach permanent moisture. Cotyledon loss caused a decrease in the biomass of roots and shoots when acorns were heavily consumed, and as a result experienced a reduction in net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and chlorophyll concentration. Survival of seedlings was unaffected by either soil type or cotyledon loss. Our results show that effects of soil type on the survival of oak seedlings were more important than those of cotyledon biomass. However, in a competitive situation, cotyledon biomass, as an indicative of growth nutrient support rather than an energy source, could be vital in a nutrient-poor environment, particularly in Mediterranean climate regions and for species with little inherent drought tolerance (as is the case of Quercus spp.), where rapid root growth is required to ensure that contact with soil moisture is maintained over the first summer.
Keywords: acorn; Cotyledon loss; Doñana Natural Park; Nutrient; photosynthesis; Predation; seedling establishment

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

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
Keywords: bellotas; Biotecnología; micropropagación; plantaciones forestales; propagación vegetativa; Quercus ilex

Heavy metal accumulation in leaves affects physiological performance and litter quality of Quercus ilex L. - Maisto, Giulia; Santorufo, Lucia; Arena, Carmen (JOURNAL OF PLANT NUTRITION AND SOIL SCIENCE, 2013)
This study aimed to investigate the relationships between leaf functional modifications and heavy metal concentrations of Quercus ilex L., a good bioindicator of air quality. In addition, as metal concentration in litter plays an important role in decomposition and, in turn, in biogeochemical cycles, samples of undecomposed and whole-leaf litter were analyzed for heavy metals. Leaves and leaf litter of Q. ilex were collected at six sites (roadsides, motorway sites, and urban parks) in Naples (Southern Italy) and characterized for Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb concentrations. The investigated functional leaf traits were: leaf area (LA), specific leaf area (SLA), leaf dry-matter content (LDMC), water content (WC), leaf relative water content (RWC), maximal PSII photochemical efficiency (F-v/F-m, variable fluorescence / maximal fluorescence), and total chlorophyll concentration. The motorways were the most contaminated sites, and Pb was the main responsible source of contamination. The metal contamination caused slight variation of F-v/F-m, suggesting that metals did not significantly alter functionality of the photosynthetic apparatus. On the other hand, it can be supposed that higher leaf deposit can cause an increase of pigment biosynthesis in response to the shading increase caused by dust deposition.
Keywords: Bioindicator; heavy metal contamination; leaf traits; maximum PSII photochemical efficiency; Urban environment

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)

Holocene vegetation, fire and climate interactions on the westernmost fringe of the Mediterranean Basin - Morales-Molino, César; García-Antón, Mercedes; Postigo-Mijarra, José M; Morla, Carlos (Quaternary Science Reviews, 2013)
A new palaeoecological sequence from the western Iberian Central Range signiﬁcantly contributes to the knowledge on the Holocene vegetation dynamics in central Iberia. This sequence supports the existence of time-transgressive changes in the vegetation cover during the beginning of the Holocene over these central Iberian mountains, speciﬁcally the replacement of boreal birchepine forests with Mediterranean communities. Anthracological analyses also indicate the replacement of boreal pines (Pinus sylvestris) with Mediterranean ones (Pinus pinaster) during the early Holocene. The observed vegetation changes were generally synchronous with climatic phases previously reconstructed for the western Mediterranean region, and they suggest that the climatic trends were most similar to those recorded in the northern Mediterranean region and central Europe. Several cycles of secondary succession after ﬁre ending with the recovery of mature forest have been identiﬁed, which demonstrates that the vegetation of western Iberia was highly resilient to ﬁre disturbance. However, when the recurrence of ﬁre crossed a certain threshold, the original forests were not able to completely recover and shrublands and grasslands became dominant; this occurred approximately 5800e5400 cal yr BP. Afterwards, heathlands established as the dominant vegetation, which were maintained by frequent and severe wildﬁres most likely associated with human activities in a climatic framework that was less suitable for temperate trees. Finally, our palaeoecological record provides guidelines on how to manage protected areas in Mediterranean mountains of southwestern Europe, especially regarding the conservation and restoration of temperate communities that are threatened there such as birch stands.
Keywords: Betula; charcoal; Fire ecology; Forest management; Heathlands; macrofossils; pollen; Spain

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

Induction of Quercus ilex L. haploid and doubled-haploid embryos from anther cultures by temperature-stress - Pintos, B; Sanchez, N; Bueno, Ma A; Ma Navarro, R; Jorrin, J; Manzanera, J A; Gomez-Garay, A (SILVAE GENETICA, 2013)
This paper describes a method to obtain haploid and doubled-haploid (DH) embryos using anther cultures of holm oak (Quercus ilex L.). The production of haploids and DH through gametic embryogenesis provides an attractive biotechnological tool for developing homozygous lines from heterozygous parents, which is important in breeding programs, as well as in genetic studies. As a consequence, protocols to produce homozygous plants have a significant impact on forest tree improvement. Anthers were subjected to different temperature treatments for embryo induction: a cold pre-treatment (4 C) from 3 to 7 days was carried out at the beginning, followed by a heat shock (33 C) from 2 to 5 days. Most anthers responding to these stress treatments contained vacuolated microspores, indicating that this developmental stage is responsive to embryogenesis induction in holm-oak microspores. In all cases, embryos grew from the interior of the anthers, breaking through the degenerating anther walls. Under these conditions, embryo formation occurred in 31 anthers between 46 and 95 days after culture initiation. Embryo analysis performed with flow-cytometry and DNA-microsatellite markers showed haploid profiles and/or spontaneous doubling of the chromosomes during early regeneration stages. This is, to our knowledge, the first published report on gametic embryogenesis in holm oak.
Keywords: anthers; Holm oak; microsatellite DNA-markers; pollen embryogenesis; Quercus ilex

Inferring shifts in tree species distribution using asymmetric distribution curves: a case study in the Iberian mountains - Urli, Morgane; Delzon, Sylvain; Eyermann, Audrey; Couallier, Vincent; GARCÍA-VALDÉS, Raúl; Zavala, Miguel Angel; Porté, Annabel J (Journal of Vegetation Science, 2013)
Questions The objectives of this study were to examine altitudinal shifts in tree species distributions over one decade to quantify the potential for tree migration. Location Spain. Methods We analysed presence–absence data using two successive surveys of the Spanish Forest Inventory in five Fagaceae tree species (two temperate: Fagus sylvatica and Quercus petraea, one sub-Mediterranean: Q. faginea and two Mediterranean: Q. suber and Q. ilex) in two mountain ranges (the Pyrenees and the Iberian system). Half of the fitted altitudinal distributions were skewed and required use of an asymmetric model for unbiased estimates of optimum altitude and changes in the probability of presence along the altitudinal gradient. For each species and mountain range, shifts were considered to have occurred when the difference in optimum altitude was significant or when differences in probability of occurrence between the two surveys demonstrated the occurrence of colonization or extirpation events. Results Overall, depending on species and mountain range, shifts in optimum altitude ranged between −34 m and +181 m. The altitudinal distribution of the Mediterranean species at the core of their latitudinal distribution range presented no sign of change. For the temperate and sub-Mediterranean Fagaceae species, the patterns demonstrated the existence of distribution changes over a 10-yr period. The largest, although not statistically significant, upward shift in optimum altitude was observed for Q. petraea in the Iberian system. More interestingly, its distribution indicated colonization events at higher altitudes. For Q. faginea in the Pyrenees, the shift in optimum altitude was the second largest and statistically significant, and was associated with large extirpation events at the lower altitudes. No evidence of shifts was observed for F. sylvatica. Conclusion This work demonstrates that changes in altitudinal distribution could occur over a 10-yr time period for tree species located at the southern limit of their distribution, such as some temperate and sub-Mediterranean oaks, whereas no movement was detected for Mediterranean oaks in the core of their distribution area.
Keywords: Altitudinal distribution; Fagus; FOREST; model; Optimum; Quercus

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

Intensity and timing of warming and drought differentially affect growth patterns of co-occurring Mediterranean tree species - Granda, Elena; Julio Camarero, J; Gimeno, Teresa E; Martínez-Fernández, Jesús; Valladares, Fernando (EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF FOREST RESEARCH, 2013)
Climate change involves warmer temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, increased climatic variability and, in Mediterranean regions, increased frequency and severity of droughts. Tree species may show different growth responses to these components of climatic change, which may trigger changes in forest composition and dominance. We assessed the influence of recent climatic changes on secondary growth of mature trees from four species co-occurring in a Mediterranean continental forest: Quercus ilex, Quercus faginea, Pinus nigra and Juniperus thurifera. We used dendrochronology to relate radial-growth variables \{[\}earlywood and latewood widths, basal area increment (BAI)] to annual and seasonal climatic variables for the period 1977-2007. Our results showed that Q. faginea BAI has declined, whereas J. thurifera BAI has increased over time while Q. ilex and P. nigra have maintained their growth rates. Growth was mainly favored by higher precipitations and tree size for all species. Reduced growth during extremely dry years was observed for all study species, but all of them except Q. faginea recovered their growth levels 2 years after drought. Our findings illustrate how the effects of climatic changes on growth should include analyses of seasonal climatic trends and extreme events such as severe droughts. We conclude that the seasonal timing of warming and precipitation alterations leading to drought events caused contrasting effects on growth of co-occurring Mediterranean tree species, compromising their future coexistence.
Keywords: climate change; Coexistence; Dendroecology; Drought; Mediterranean forests; Radial growth

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

Leaf morphology displays no detectable spatial organisation in the relict Quercus afares Pomel compared to the co-occurring parental species Q. canariensis Willd. and Q. suber L - Mhamdi, Samah; Brendel, Oliver; Montpied, Pierre; Ghouil-Amimi, Hanah; Hasnaoui, Ibrahim; Dreyer, Erwin (Annals of Forest Science, 2013)
•Context Oak species display a large within-species diversity combined with significant gene flow between species. Quercus afares Pomel is an endemic species that grows as a small relict population in Northern Tunisia, together with Quercus suber L. and Quercus canariensis Willd. It is considered to be a fixed hybrid between the two latter. •Aims We tested (1) whether this population of Q. afares is declining with respect to the neighbouring populations of the two other species and (2) whether the spatial distribution of leaf morphology is random among individuals within this small population of Q. afares or influenced by the neighbouring species. •Methods Spatial distribution and diameter at breast height were recorded in the population of Q. afares. We identified two perpendicular transects across the population reaching from areas dominated by Q. canariensis to areas dominated by Q. suber and defined 20 plots along each. Eleven traits were assessed on 10 leaves collected from the upper crown of trees from the three species. A multiple correspondence analysis and an ANOVA were used to test for within and between-species diversity in leaf morphology. •Results Q. afares individuals occurred at a low frequency among the two other species. Nevertheless, Q. afares showed no particular evidence of decline with respect to the two other species. Leaf traits displayed a large inter-specific variability with very little overlap between Q. afares and Q. suber and some between Q. afares and Q. canariensis. A high level of diversity was detected for these traits within Q. afares, but we were unable to unravel any spatial organisation of this diversity; in Q. afares, leaf traits varied independently of the presence of neighbouring Q. suber or Q. canariensis. •Conclusion Q. afares seems to be a fixed species with specific leaf traits that are independent of that of the species of the neighbouring trees. This population is not suffering a detectable trend towards decline except for the lack of any visible regeneration below any of the three species.
Keywords: Endemic oak species; Hybridization; leaf morphology; Mixed oak stands

Legal Geographies of Catastrophe: Forests, Fires, and Property in Colonial Algeria - Sivak, Henry (Geographical Review, 2013)
Forest fires in Algeria in the 1850s and 1860s suggest a link between environmentally induced catastrophes and the geographies of property and territory in the colony. In eastern Algeria, these fires helped fuel a discussion over the security and reliability of European settlers’ property rights and of the colonial state's ability to guarantee them. Following a brief analysis of forestry policy in France and Algeria, this paper analyzes some of the correspondence and official reports that emerged in the wake of major conflagrations. By the early 1860s, settlers and private forestry companies were calling the colonial state's credibility into question and demanding far-reaching changes to the property law and land-use regimes in place in the colony. Eventually, colonial authorities moved to help cement settlers’ property claims, eliminating enclaves and imposing new rules on “native” Algerians’ rights to use the forest. This essay concludes by suggesting that the process of making property private, in Algeria and elsewhere, is informed by perceptions of risk and by the modes of awareness inspired by environmentally induced catastrophic events.
Keywords: colonialism; Forestry; legal geography

Life-cycle assessment of typical Portuguese cork oak woodlands. - González-García, Sara; Dias, Ana Cláudia; Arroja, Luis (The Science of the total environment, 2013)
Cork forest systems are responsible for making an important economic contribution to the Mediterranean region, especially Portugal where the cork oak woodlands or montados contain about 32% of the world's area. The environmental profile derived from reproduction cork production and extraction in two Portuguese regions (Tagus valley and Alentejo) representative of the Portuguese sector were assessed in detail using the Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology from a cradle-to-gate perspective. The production line was divided into four stages considering all the processes involved: stand establishment, stand management, cork stripping and field recovery. According to the environmental results, there were remarkable differences between the two production scenarios mainly due to the intensity and repetition of forest activities even though the cork yield was reported to be the same. The management system in the Alentejo region presented the worse environmental profile in almost all the impact categories under assessment, mainly due to the shorter cycle duration of the mechanical cleaning and pruning processes. Cork stripping was identified in both scenarios as the production stage with the highest contribution to the environmental profile due to the cleaning and pruning processes. A sensitivity assessment concerning the cork yield was performed since the average production yields in the Portuguese montados are lower than the ones used in this study. Thus, if the cork yield is reduced, the environmental profile in both scenarios gets worse since almost all the forest activities involved are the same.
Keywords: Environment; Environmental impact; Forestry; Forestry: methods; montado; Portugal; Quercus; Quercus suber L.; Reproduction cork; Trees

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

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

Long-Term Forest Dynamics and Land-Use Abandonment in the Mediterranean Mountains, Corsica, France - Sanz, Almudena San Roman; Fernandez, Catherine; Mouillot, Florent; Ferrat, Lila; Istria, Daniel; Pasqualini, Vanina (ECOLOGY AND SOCIETY, 2013)
Human practices have had an impact on Mediterranean ecosystems for millennia, particularly through agricultural and pastoral activities. Since the mid-19th century, land-use abandonment has led to the expansion of shrubland and forest, especially in the mountainous areas of the northern Mediterranean basin. Knowledge of these factors is vital to understanding present forest patterns and predicting future forest dynamics in the Mediterranean mountains. We aimed to analyze and understand how land-use abandonment affected spatial modifications of landscapes in two study areas, 44,000 ha and 60,000 ha, located on the island of Corsica, France, representing a typical Mediterranean environment with chestnut forests. Our approach used land-cover archive documents from 1774, 1913, 1975, and 2000, and human population history, 1770 to present day, to describe landscape patterns following land-use abandonment. This research showed that dramatic changes in landscape at the two study areas were caused by the suspension of human influence and the interruption of traditional farming practices. Over the study period, both study sites showed significant reforestation of shrubland and cultivated areas marked by the presence of Quercus ilex forests (+3.40% yr-1 between 1975 and 2000) and by Pinus pinaster (+3.00% yr-1 between 1975 and 2000) at one study site that had experienced heavy rural exodus. At the same time, areas containing chestnut forests decreased by 50% between 1774 and 2000 (-0.09% yr-1 between 1774 and 1975 and -1.42% yr-1 between 1975 and 2000). Shrubland expansion remained limited at both study sites. Our study highlights the value of small-scale approaches for understanding the ecological consequences of land-use abandonment and present and future land-management decisions. Discussion concludes on the importance of working with long-term series for studies on resilience in social-ecological systems and on the consequences in terms of provision of ecosystem services.
Keywords: historical archives; human population; Land-use change; landscape patterns; Mediterranean ecosystems

Mapping dry-season tree transpiration of an oak woodland at the catchment scale, using object-attributes derived from satellite imagery and sap flow measurements - Reyes-Acosta, J Leonardo; Lubczynski, Maciek W (Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, 2013)
Abstract Tree transpiration is an important plant-physiological process that influences the water cycle, thereby influencing ecosystems and even the quantity of available water resources. However, direct tree-transpiration measurements, particularly at large spatial scales, are still rare, due to the complexities associated with natural ecosystems. In this study we describe a scaling-up method for quantifying dry-season tree transpiration (Tc) of the Sardón catchment, located in Central-Western Spain, 50 km west of Salamanca. The method is applied to an oak woodland in that catchment which is dominated by two tree species: evergreen Quercus ilex and deciduous Quercus pyrenaica (Q.i. and Q.p., respectively). The method comprises five complementary steps: (a) sap-flux density (Jp) measurement; (b) definition of biometric-upscaling functions; (c) spatial scaling-up of tree transpiration using high-resolution remote-sensing-derived object attributes (50–60 cm per pixel); (d) modelling of dry-season temporal sap-flow variability; and (e) an assessment of the robustness/uncertainty of the method. The proposed method was applied to assess dry-season tree transpiration, however if there is appropriate sap flow data available, it can also be applied during any season of the year. The application of the proposed method to map tree transpiration in the Sardón catchment resulted in a mean Jp = 58.4 cm3 cm−2 day−1 for Q.p., characterized by tree density of 19 trees ha−1, and a mean Jp = 37.1 cm3 cm−2 day−1 for Q.i., characterized by tree density of 4 trees ha−1. The Jp data varied as dependent on the weather conditions and not on the change of soil moisture. The mean normalised tree transpiration (Tt) estimated per species, was also higher for Q.p. (1.19 mm day−1 ±8%) than for Q.i. (0.83 mm day−1 ±25%) trees. The remote-sensing scaling up of tree transpiration for the Sardón catchment resulted in a low mean dry-season Tc = 0.045 mm day−1 (±1%) typical for water limited environments with sparse tree coverage (average ≈7%). In that Tc, Q.p. represented 79%, whereas Q.i. 21%. The dry-season Tc varied spatially at 1 ha resolution but barely temporally throughout the dry season. The obtained Tc maps can be readily used as input for distributed models in water resources and land management decision-making.
Keywords: HFD; Quercus ilex; Quercus pyrenaica; Sap-flow scaling-up; Semi-arid open-forest; Transpiration

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

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. )
Keywords: cerambycidae; Coleoptera; Fagaceae; Holm oak; longhorn beetle; ml secr models; Oak decline; open woodland; pest control

Matorralización de la dehesa: implicaciones en la productividad total del sistema - LÓPEZ DÍAZ, M. L.; ROLO, V.; Moreno, G. (VI Congreso Forestal Español, 2013)
La dehesa ha sido tradicionalmente un sistema muy diverso en el que, además de los pastos naturales y cultivos periódicos, han existido manchas de monte y zonas de arbolado claro con matorral. Existen cada vez más evidencias científicas y técnicas del papel positivo que puede jugar el matorral en la dehesa, principalmente en la regeneración del arbolado. Sin embargo, la matorralización de la dehesa puede tener consecuencias en la productividad total del sistema. El objetivo de este ensayo es evaluar los efectos de la matorralización en los diferentes recursos forrajeros de la dehesa: producción de bellota, ramón (proveniente del arbolado y matorral) y pasto herbáceo, así como sobre la Energía metabolizable. El estudio se ha enfocado en dos tipos de matorral que presentan comportamientos muy contrastados en términos de uso de recursos edáficos: jaral (Cistus ladanifer L.) y retamal (Retama sphaerocarpa (L.) Boiss.). Para ello, se tomaron muestras de los diferentes recursos forrajeros entre 2007 y 2010 en 40 dehesas. La presencia de jara redujo la productividad total de la dehesa, debido al efecto negativo que provoca sobre la producción de bellotas y pasto herbáceo y que no lleva a compensarse con el ramoneo. En cambio, se observó un efecto facilitador de la retama que dio lugar a una mejora en la productividad del sistema.
The following values have no corresponding Zotero field: periodical: VI Congreso Forestal Español pub-location: Vitoria
Keywords: bellota; Cistus ladanifer; producción de pasto; ramoneo; retama sphaerocarpa

Mechanical performance of asphalt mixtures produced with cork or rubber granulates as aggregate partial substitutes - Pereira, Simão M S; Oliveira, Joel R M; Freitas, Elisabete F; Machado, Pedro (Construction and Building Materials, 2013)
This work comprises the study of asphalt mixtures produced with cork and rubber granulates as partial aggregate substitutes. Although these alternative materials are considered waste, they might contribute to reduce tyre–road interaction noise and therefore, to promote pavements’ sustainability. However, their incorporation into asphalt mixtures must not compromise their mechanical performance. Thus, as a first step to the subject, laboratory tests were conducted on two asphalt mixtures containing rubber or cork granulates and their performance was compared to that of a conventional mixture. Promising results were obtained for the alternative mixtures, making them ready for testing their acoustic performance.
Keywords: Aggregate substitutes; Asphalt mixtures; Cork granulates; Crumb rubber; Dry process; Mechanical performance; Microscopic characterization

A meta-analysis reveals mostly neutral influence of scattered trees on pasture yield along with some contrasted effects depending on functional groups and rainfall conditions - Rivest, David; Paquette, Alain; Moreno, Gerardo; Messier, Christian (Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 2013)
Scattered trees occurring throughout farmland matrix are prominent features of many human-dominated landscapes around the world, especially in livestock grazing systems. They are keystone structures that may play important roles in maintaining ecosystem functions, services, and farmland biodiversity. However, scattered trees in agricultural landscapes are declining worldwide due to intensive land use. They are often perceived by farmers as having negative impacts on agricultural production. Large-scale assessments in different biomes of agricultural yield in scattered tree ecosystems remain rare. Filling this knowledge gap may help improve decision-making regarding the value of scattered trees in agricultural landscapes. Using meta-analysis, we found that, across four tree functional groups (deciduous, Eucalyptus, N2-fixing, evergreen oak), mature scattered trees do not compromise pasture yield. The sign and magnitude of scattered tree effects on pasture yield did vary, however, among tree functional groups and according to precipitation levels. Our study suggests that, as drought pressure increases abiotic stress, tree facilitation by N2-fixing trees, and competition by Eucalyptus, will become the more common interactions between scattered trees and pasture. Management options exist to conserve and restore scattered trees in agricultural landscapes, but new policies are required to support their widespread adoption by farmers.
Keywords: Abiotic stress; Agroforestry; competition; Facilitation; Tree functional groups; tree-pasture interaction

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

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, José 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

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

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

Multivariate geostatistical methods for analysis of relationships between ecological indicators and environmental factors at multiple spatial scales - Ribeiro, Manuel Castro; Pinho, Pedro; Llop, Esteve; Branquinho, Cristina; Sousa, António Jorge; Pereira, Maria João; Castro, Manuel; Jorge, António; João, Maria (Ecological Indicators, 2013)
As all biodiversity-related variables, ecological indicators are influenced by environmental factors working at different spatial scales. However, assessing the relationship between environmental factors and ecological indicators is limited to a set of spatial scales determined a priori. This a priori assumption can hide important relationships, especially for ecological indicators with a complex spatial structure that can be driven, for example, by the influence of multiple pollutants with different dispersion ranges or by the influence of local and regional factors such as land-cover and climate. To relate ecological indicators and environmental factors without assuming a priori spatial scales of analysis, we used a Linear Model of Coregionalization. This method has been used in literature to analyze the joint distribution of biodiversity variables. Here we show that it can be used to gain insight into spatial patterns of relationships between ecological indicators and underlying environmental factors. We applied this method to a region of south-west Europe, relating data from land-cover, altitude and climate with an ecological indicator, the abundance of fruticose lichen species, known to be very sensitive to multiple environmental factors. Based on variogram analysis we identified distinct spatial scales of relationships between the ecological indicator and environmental factors. For each spatial scale we described relationships using Principal Component Analysis applied to the coregionalization matrices. This way we could assess how strong the relationship between each environmental factor and ecological indicator at each spatial scale was: at medium scales (c. 15 km) open spaces areas (a proxy for particle emissions) were more important; at larger scales (c. 45 km) open spaces, artificial areas (a proxy for gaseous pollutants) and also climate were preponderant. Thus, multivariate geostatistics provided a tool to improve knowledge on relationships between ecological indicators and environmental factors at multiple spatial scales without setting a priori spatial scales of analysis.
Keywords: biomonitoring; linear model of coregionalization; Multivariate geostatistics; spatial analysis

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-enzymatic modifications in metallothioneins connected to lipid membrane damages: structural and biomimetic studies under reductive radical stress. - Torreggiani, Armida; Chatgilialoglu, Chryssostomos; Ferreri, Carla; Melchiorre, Michele; Atrian, Silvia; Capdevila, Merce' (Journal of proteomics, 2013)
UNLABELLED: Metallothioneins (MTs) are small cysteine-rich proteins with the ability to coordinate heavy metal atoms through metal-thiolate bonds, which are widely distributed among the animal and plant kingdoms. Multifunctional roles for MTs have been proposed, including their ability to scavenger various radicals and reactive oxygen species. In the present article we summarize available information of four MT polypeptides from different organisms, forming metal complexes with Zn(II), Cd(II) or Cu (I) ions. Non-enzymatic modifications of MTs under ionizing radiations and their consequences on the lipidic membrane compartment were studied by Raman spectroscopy and a biomimetic model, respectively. The latter is based on liposome technology and allows to measure the trans unsaturated fatty acid content as a result of reductive radical stress on MTs. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The effect of radical stress on the cell metabolism and functions is a very active field of research connecting various disciplines in life sciences. In this contest tandem radical damage has been the subject of recent investigations that pointed out its harmfulness in the general scenario of establishing the consequences of radical stress. By using biomimetic models of tandem damage we have for the first time tested the capability of metallothioneins (MTs), small metalloproteins rich of Cys residues, to damage another cell compartment like lipid membranes when they are undergone to reductive radical stress. The connection of MT reactivity with membrane lipid transformation can give a contribution to the puzzling context of radical stress occurring to biomolecules and the role as biological signaling. To this purpose, MT polypeptides from different organisms, exhibiting different sequence peculiarities, have been analyzed here. The spectroscopic analysis of these systems has allowed to identify modifications affecting metal-thiolate clusters, cystines, and Met residues, acting as efficient interceptors of reducing radical species. The chemical mechanism involving sulfur-containing moieties under reductive conditions discloses new scenarios that bring to the loss of sulfur-centered radicals by desulfurization reactions that change the natural sequences of MTs. Ala is a genetically coded amino acid, therefore the mutation of Cys to Ala occurring to a sequence by the radical process so far discussed, corresponds to a post-translational modification. Research on such mutation connected also to a free radical stress will be important to contribute for a complete picture of the degeneration associated to diseases and aging. Analogously, the Met to Aba mutation occurring after reductive stress transforms a natural amino acid into a natural, non-genetically-coded congener. Aba corresponds to a homologation of the alkyl chains normally present in genetically codified amino acids, such as methyl (in Ala) and isopropyl (in Leu), with an ethyl unit. Based on alkyl substitution, this modification can therefore be studied in order to understand its general consequences on the structure-activity relationships in proteins and, in particular, on molecular interactions. This article is part of a Special issue entitled: Posttranslational Protein modifications in biology and Medicine.
Keywords: Gamma-irradiation; Metal binding; Metallothioneins; Radical damage; Raman spectroscopy; Trans lipids

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

Novel cork–polymer composites reinforced with short natural coconut fibres: Effect of fibre loading and coupling agent addition - Fernandes, Emanuel M; Correlo, Vitor M; Mano, João F; Reis, Rui L (Composites Science and Technology, 2013)
Composites from high density polyethylene filled with cork powder and coconut short fibres, in two different ratios, were prepared in a twin-screw extruder followed by compression moulding process. The main motivation of this work was to improve the mechanical performance without compromising the use of high weight percentage of natural component used in the preparation of cork-based composites. The morphology of the hybrid composites were more homogeneous in the presence of the coupling agent (CA) displaying enhanced fibre–matrix adhesion. Moreover, the use of CA based on maleic anhydride promotes a mechanical reinforcement effect on the tensile properties, including the elongation at break. The addition of coconut fibre resulted on an increase of 27% in elastic modulus and 47% in the tensile strength when compared with the unreinforced cork-based (50–50) wt.% composite. This work clearly shows that the addition of 10 wt.% of short-coconut fibres, randomly distributed, can be effectively used as reinforcing strategy of cork-based composite materials, preferably in the presence of 2 wt.% of CA.
Keywords: Cork; Extrusion; Hybrid composites; mechanical properties; Polymer–matrix composites (PMCs)

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

Occurrence of Phytophthora cinnamomi in cork oak forests in Italy - Scanu, B; Linaldeddu, B T; Franceschini, A; Anselmi, N; Vannini, A; Vettraino, A M (Forest Pathology, 2013)
An increasing decline and mortality of cork oak trees have been recently observed in central Italy and Sardinia Island. Following surveys conducted in three declining cork oak forests, a Phytophthora species was consistently isolated from soil samples collected from trees displaying different level of decline. Based on morphological features, growth rates at different temperatures and analysis of DNA sequences of the ITS region, all isolates were identified as Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands. This pathogen caused large brownish lesions on inoculated freshly cut branches of cork oak. It was re-isolated from all infected tissues. These findings represent the first report of P. cinnamomi on cork oak trees in Italy.
Keywords: cork oak trees; decline; Italy (voyant); phytophthora cinnamomi

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

Patterns and drivers of regeneration of tree species in forests of peninsular Spain - Vayreda, Jordi; Gracia, Marc; Martínez-Vilalta, Jordi; Retana, Javier (Journal of Biogeography, 2013)
Aim Our study aimed to identify and explore the main factors that influence tree recruitment of multiple species at a regional scale across peninsular Spain, an understanding of which is essential for predicting future forest species composition in the face of ongoing environmental change. The study focused on the dynamics of the key transition phase from saplings to adult trees. Location The forests of peninsular Spain. Methods We used the extensive network of plots sampled in two consecutive Spanish national forest inventories (> 30,000 plots) to identify the factors that determine regeneration patterns of the 10 most abundant forest species of Spain at relatively large temporal (c. 10 years) and spatial scales (across Spain): five coniferous species of Pinus (pines) and five broadleaved species of the genera Fagus and Quercus. We fitted separate generalized linear models for the pine species and the broadleaved species to assess the response of sapling abundance and ingrowth rate to the spatial variability of climate (temperature, water availability and recent warming), forest structure (tree density, understorey and overstorey canopy cover, and basal area change) and disturbances (previous forest logging, wildfires and grazing). Results Mean sapling abundance was four times higher for broadleaved species than for pines, while mean annual ingrowth was twice as high. Sapling abundance and ingrowth rate were mainly determined by stand structure, both in pines and broadleaved trees. The direct effects of disturbances and climate were comparatively smaller, and there was no detectable effect of recent warming. Main conclusions The higher values of ingrowth rate of broadleaved species can be explained by their ability to maintain a higher sapling bank due to their greater shade tolerance. This differential response of pines and broadleaved species to canopy closure suggests a probable increase in broadleaved species at the expense of pines. This transition could occur earlier in stands with faster canopy closure dynamics. Spatially explicit, mixed-species demographic models incorporating both the ingrowth and the tree mortality components are needed for predicting the composition of future forests.
Keywords: Broadleaved trees; climate warming; conifers; disturbance; ingrowth rate; national forest inventory; sapling abundance; shade tolerance; Stand Structure; Water availability

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

Phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of industrial cork by-products - Santos, Sónia A O; Villaverde, Juan J; Sousa, Andreia F; Coelho, Jorge F J; Neto, Carlos P; Silvestre, Armando J D (Industrial Crops and Products, 2013)
Abstract The phenolic composition of cork powder and black condensate, two by-products from the cork industry, was investigated by the first time using high-performance liquid chromatography-multi-stage mass spectrometry (HPLC–MSn). The same methodology of extraction was applied to cork, for comparative purposes. Eighteen phenolic compounds were identified in cork, five of them are reported for the first time as its constituents. Sixteen and thirteen phenolic compounds were identified as cork powder and black condensate components, respectively, with only one compound of each residue published before as its constituent. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated, being, to our knowledge, the first study concerning the antioxidant activity of these cork residues. The extracts present an antioxidant activity higher than BHT, with black condensate showing the lowest IC50 value. These results, together with the phenolic content values, demonstrate the high potential of these residues as source of high value compounds.
Keywords: antioxidant activity; black condensate; Cork; cork powder; phenolic compounds; Quercus suber L.

Photosynthesis Assessment in Microphytobenthos Using Conventional and Imaging Pulse Amplitude Modulation Fluorometry - Vieira, Sónia; Ribeiro, Lourenço; Jesus, Bruno; Cartaxana, Paulo; da Silva, Jorge Marques (Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2013)
Imaging pulse amplitude modulated (Imaging-PAM) fluorometry is a breakthrough in the study of spatial heterogeneity of photosynthetic assemblages. However, Imaging and conventional PAM uses a different technology, making comparisons between these techniques doubtful. Thereby, photosynthetic processes were comparatively assessed using conventional (Junior PAM and PAM 101) and Imaging-PAM on intertidal microphytobenthos (MPB; mud and sand) and on cork oak leaves. Lower values of α (initial slope of the rETR, relative photosynthetic electron transport rate) vs E (incident photosynthetic active radiation) curve), ETRmax (maximum relative ETR), Ek (light saturation parameter) and Fv/Fm (maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II of dark-adapted samples) were obtained using the Imaging-PAM. The level of discrepancy between conventional and Imaging-PAM systems was dependent on the type of sample, being more pronounced for MPB muddy sediments. This may be explained by differences in the depth integration of the fluorescence signal related to the thickness of the photosynthetic layer and in the light attenuation coefficients of downwelling irradiance. An additional relevant parameter is the taxonomic composition of the MPB, as cyanobacteria present in sandy sediments rendered different results with red and blue excitation light fluorometers. These findings emphasize the caution needed when interpreting chlorophyll fluorescence data of MPB communities.
Keywords: cork oak leaves (PG); microphytobenthos; photosynthetic processes; pulse amplitude modulated fluorometry

Photosynthesis of Quercus suber is affected by atmospheric NH3 generated by multifunctional agrosystems - Pintó-Marijuan, Marta; Da Silva, Anabela Bernardes; Flexas, Jaume; Dias, Teresa; Zarrouk, Olfa; Martins-Loução, Maria Amélia; Chaves, Maria Manuela; Cruz, Cristina (Tree Physiology, 2013)
Montados are evergreen oak woodlands dominated by Quercus species, which are considered to be key to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services. This ecosystem is often used for cattle breeding in most regions of the Iberian Peninsula, which causes plants to receive extra nitrogen as ammonia (NH3) through the atmosphere. The effect of this atmospheric NH3 (NH3atm) on ecosystems is still under discussion. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an NH3atm concentration gradient downwind of a cattle barn in a Montado area. Leaves from the selected Quercus suber L. trees along the gradient showed a clear influence of the NH3 on δ13C, as a consequence of a strong limitation on the photosynthetic machinery by a reduction of both stomatal and mesophyll conductance. A detailed study of the impact of NH3atm on the photosynthetic performance of Q. suber trees is presented, and new mechanisms by which NH3 affects photosynthesis at the leaf level are suggested.
10.1093/treephys/tpt077
Keywords: carbon isotopic discrimination; Cork oak; mesophyll conductance; Stomatal conductance

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 Proteomic Analyses of Drought Stress Response in Holm Oak Provenances - Valero-Galvàn, José; González-Fernández, Raquel; Navarro-Cerrillo, Rafael Maria; Gil-Pelegrín, Eustaquio; Jorrín-Novo, Jesús V (Journal of Proteome Research, 2013)
Responses to drought stress by water withholding have been studied in 1 year old Holm oak (Quercus ilex subsp. ballota [Desf.] Samp.) seedlings from seven provenances from Andalusia (southern Spain). Several physiological parameters, including predawn xylem water potentials and relative water content in soil, roots, and leaves as well as maximum quantum efficiency and yield of PSII were evaluated for 28 days in both irrigated and nonirrigated seedlings. The leaf proteome map of the two provenances that show the extreme responses (Seville, GSE, is the most susceptible, while Almer??a, SSA, is the least susceptible) was obtained. Statistically significant variable spots among provenances and treatments were subjected to MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS/MS analysis for protein identification. In response to drought stress, ?12.4% of the reproducible spots varied significantly depending on the treatment and the population. These variable proteins were mainly chloroplastic and belonged to the metabolism and defense/stress functional categories. The 2-DE protein profile of nonirrigated seedlings was similar in both provenances. Physiological and proteomics data were generally in good agreement. The general trend was a decrease in protein abundance upon water withholding in both provenances, mainly in those involved in ATP synthesis and photosynthesis. This decrease, moreover, was most marked in the most susceptible population compared with the less susceptible one.
From Duplicate 2 (Physiological and Proteomic Analyses of Drought Stress Response in Holm Oak Provenances - Valero-Galván, José; González-Fernández, Raquel; Navarro-Cerrillo, Rafael Maria; Gil-Pelegrín, Eustaquio; Jorrín-Novo, Jesús V)
Keywords: Analysis of Variance; biomass; Chlorophyll ﬂuorescence; drought stress in Holm oak; Droughts; Electrophoresis; Gel; Gene Expression Regulation; Holm oak proteomics; Physiological; Physiological: genetics; Physiological: physiology; Plant; Plant Leaves; Plant Leaves: genetics; Plant Leaves: metabolism; Plant Proteins; Plant Proteins: metabolism; Plant: genetics; Plant: physiology; Proteomics; Proteomics: methods; Quercus; Quercus ilex; Quercus: genetics; Quercus: metabolism; Quercus: physiology; Seedling; Seedling: growth & development; Seedling: metabolism; Spain; Stress; Tandem mass spectrometry; Two-Dimensional; water potential

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

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)
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

A possible approach for gel-based proteomic studies in recalcitrant woody plants. - Sebastiana, Mónica; Figueiredo, Andreia; Monteiro, Filipa; Martins, Joana; Franco, Catarina; Coelho, Ana Varela; Vaz, Fátima; Simões, Tânia; Penque, Deborah; Pais, Maria Salomé; Ferreira, Sílvia (SpringerPlus, 2013)
Woody plants are particularly difficult to investigate due to high phenolic, resin, and tannin contents and laborious sample preparation. In particular, protein isolation from woody plants for two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) is challenging as secondary metabolites negatively interfere with protein extraction and separation. In this study, three protein extraction protocols, using TCA, phenol and ethanol as precipitation or extraction agents, were tested in order to select the more efficient for woody recalcitrant plant gel-based proteomics. Grapevine leaves, pine needles and cork oak ectomycorrhizal roots were used to represent woody plant species and tissues. The phenol protocol produced higher quality 2-DE gels, with increased number of resolved spots, better spot focusing and representation of all molecular mass and isoelectric point ranges tested. In order to test the compatibility of the phenol extracted proteomes with protein identification several spots were excised from the phenol gels and analyzed by mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF). Regardless the incomplete genome/protein databases for the plant species under analysis, 49 proteins were identified by Peptide Mass Fingerprint (PMF). Proteomic data have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD000224. Our results demonstrate the complexity of protein extraction from woody plant tissues and the suitability of the phenol protocol for obtaining high quality protein extracts for efficient 2-DE separation and downstream applications such as protein identification by mass spectrometry.
Keywords: 2-de; ectomycorrhizal roots; grapevine; Mass spectrometry; oak; pine; protein extraction

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

Predicting potential distribution of Quercus suber in Italy based on ecological niche models: Conservation insights and reforestation involvements - Vessella, Federico; Schirone, Bartolomeo (Forest Ecology and Management, 2013)
Different statistical techniques have been used to model species potential distribution related to environ- mental variables. This paper provides a comprehensive assessments of GARP and MaxEnt methods, and investigates for the first time the probability of occurrence of cork oak (Quercus suber L.) in Italy based on ecological niche modelling approaches. A detailed distribution of the species was achieved during a 3- year National Project (SuberItalia) and 17 environmental layers were employed to obtain the potential distribution of cork oak. The performance of the models were measured using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) approach and Cohen’s Kappa statistic. Results achieved by GARP and MaxEnt showed as the drought and the cold stresses are the main factors affecting cork oak occurrence in Italy. Moreover, the accuracy of the obtained prediction maps were compared to a specifically calibrated geo-statistical method at regional scale, pointing out a preliminary geographical assessment of the suitable surfaces to set apart for cork oak forest expansion in Italy, thereby useful to address reforestation and conserva- tion concerns to face the ongoing area reduction of these forests.
Keywords: Conservation and reforestation areas; Distribution patterns; GARP; Maxent; Quercus suber

Predicting the natural vegetation in a region by comparing the pollen in two biological vectors: bryophytes and honey - González-Porto, A V; Martín-Arroyo, T (Grana, 2013)
The range of pollen that can be found around the city of Sigüenza has been analysed (La Alcarria, north-eastern region, Guadalajara, Spain), an area currently included in the territory comprising the Protected Origin Denomination ‘Miel de la Alcarria’. We studied the pollen recovered from two different types of biological sensors: bryophytes, live material used to study the recent pollen rain, and honey. The aim of this study was to try to establish the relationship between the pollen collected from both types of sensors and the existing natural vegetation in the area using comparative statistical methods. More than 7500 pollen grains were observed from the bryophyte samples and included 35 pollen types. Conversely, the pollen present in 37 honey samples contained 46 pollen types with a total of 46 000 pollen grains counted. The data presented in this study proves the relationship between the bryophyte pollen spectrum and the local vegetation present in a geographical area. However, it indicates that the pollen content in honey is a more effective measurement to determine spatial distribution of the plant species.We conclude that the pollen present in honey may better predict the vegetation in a region than that recovered from bryophytes.
Keywords: Apis mellifera; bryophytes layer; Guadalajara; iberian peninsula; landscape plant; surface pollen sample; Vegetation

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 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.
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

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.
Keywords: climate change; functional traits; Mediterranean woodland; Microhabitats; regeneration niche; seedling growth

Ranges of nutrient concentrations in Quercus ilex leaves at natural and urban sites - Maisto, Giulia; Baldantoni, Daniela; De Marco, Anna; Alfani, Anna; De Santo, Amalia Virzo (JOURNAL OF PLANT NUTRITION AND SOIL SCIENCE, 2013)
The leaf nutrient concentrations and the N-to-nutrient ratios were analyzed to evaluate the nutritional status of holm oaks (Quercus ilex L.) experiencing various anthropogenic pressures. Leaves (1 year old) of Q. ilex and surface soil (0-5cm) surrounding the trees were collected at seven natural and seven urban sites in Campania Region (Southern Italy) and analyzed for the concentrations of macro (C, N, P, S) and micronutrients (Mn, K, Na, Cu, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn). The available soil fraction of micronutrients was also evaluated. The nutrients showed different concentration ranges for the natural and the urban sites in the soil (total and available) and in the leaves, that we reported separately. Organic-matter content and macronutrient concentrations were higher in the natural soils, while the highest leaf N, S, and P concentrations were found at some urban sites. Concentrations of Cu, Na and Zn both in leaves and soil, and Mg and Fe in leaves from the urban sites appeared to be affected by air depositions. Manganese was the only micronutrient to show higher concentrations at the natural than at the urban sites, both in soil and leaves. For this nutrient, in addition, a relationship between leaf and available soil concentrations was found at the natural sites. The ratios between the concentrations of N and each studied nutrient in the leaves highlighted a different nutritional status between the plants from the natural and urban sites.
Keywords: Campania Region; Holm oak; leaf N-to-nutrient ratios; southern italy; total and available soil nutrient concentrations

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

Relationship between projected changes in future climatic suitability and demographic and functional traits of forest tree species in Spain - Lloret, F.; Martínez-Vilalta, J.; Serra-Diaz, J. M.; Ninyerola, M. (Climatic Change, 2013)
The response of plant species to future climate conditions is probably dependent on their ecological characteristics, including climatic niche, demographic rates and functional traits. Using forest inventory data from 27 dominant woody species in Spanish forests, we explore the relationships between species characteristics and projected changes in their average climatic suitability (occurrence of suitable climatic conditions for a species in a given territory) obtained by empirical niche-based models, under a business-as-usual climate change scenario (A1, HadCM3, 2001–2100). We hypothesize that most species will suffer a decline in climatic suitability, with a less severe for species (i) currently living in more arid climates or exhibiting a broader current climatic niche; (ii) with higher current growth rates; (iii) with functional traits related to resistance to water deficits. The analysis confirm our hypothesis since apart from a few Mediterranean species, most species decrease their climatic suitability in the region under future climate, characterized by increased aridity. Also, species living in warmer locations or under a wider range of climatic conditions tend to experience less decrease in climatic suitability. As hypothesized, a positive relationship was detected between current relative growth rates and increase in future climatic suitability. Nevertheless, current tree mortality did not correlate with changes in future climatic suitability. In contrast with our hypothesis, functional traits did not show a clear relationship with changes in climate suitability; instead species often presented idiosyncratic responses that, in some cases, could reflect past management. These results suggest that the extrapolation of species performance to future climatic scenarios based on current patterns of dominance is constrained by factors other than species autoecology, particularly human activity.
APSAPSThe following values have no corresponding Zotero field: publisher: Springer Netherlands
Keywords: climatic niche; demographic rates; funtional traits; future climate; Spain; woody species

Relationship between projected changes in future climatic suitability and demographic and functional traits of forest tree species in Spain - Lloret, F; Martínez-Vilalta, J; Serra-Diaz, J M; Ninyerola, M (Climatic Change, 2013)
The response of plant species to future climate conditions is probably dependent on their ecological characteristics, including climatic niche, demographic rates and functional traits. Using forest inventory data from 27 dominant woody species in Spanish forests, we explore the relationships between species characteristics and projected changes in their average climatic suitability (occurrence of suitable climatic conditions for a species in a given territory) obtained by empirical niche-based models, under a business-as-usual climate change scenario (A1, HadCM3, 2001–2100). We hypothesize that most species will suffer a decline in climatic suitability, with a less severe for species (i) currently living in more arid climates or exhibiting a broader current climatic niche; (ii) with higher current growth rates; (iii) with functional traits related to resistance to water deficits. The analysis confirm our hypothesis since apart from a few Mediterranean species, most species decrease their climatic suitability in the region under future climate, characterized by increased aridity. Also, species living in warmer locations or under a wider range of climatic conditions tend to experience less decrease in climatic suitability. As hypothesized, a positive relationship was detected between current relative growth rates and increase in future climatic suitability. Nevertheless, current tree mortality did not correlate with changes in future climatic suitability. In contrast with our hypothesis, functional traits did not show a clear relationship with changes in climate suitability; instead species often presented idiosyncratic responses that, in some cases, could reflect past management. These results suggest that the extrapolation of species performance to future climatic scenarios based on current patterns of dominance is constrained by factors other than species autoecology, particularly human activity.
APS
Keywords: climatic niche; demographic rates; funtional traits; future climate; Spain; woody species

Remotely sensed indicators of forest conservation status: Case study from a Natura 2000 site in southern Portugal - Simonson, William D; Allen, Harriet D; Coomes, David a. (Ecological Indicators, 2013)
The successful implementation of habitat conservation measures demands regular and spatially explicit monitoring and reporting on conservation status at a range of scales, based on indicators of both habitat range and condition (structure and functions required for long-term maintenance). Such is the case with the Natura 2000 protected areas in Europe. Focusing on the cork oak (Quercus suber) forests of one such area, the Serra de Monchique in southern Portugal, we test the complementarity and joint effectiveness of airborne multispectral and laser scanning (lidar) in providing robust indicators of conservation status. Principal forest types and other land covers are mapped to an accuracy of up to 70% (11 land cover classes) and 81% (5 classes) by fusing the two remote sensing datasets, results that are superior to using either one alone. Using previously tested relationships between lidar height metrics, forest vegetation structure and species diversity, we develop a map predicting areas of high (22% of area), medium (25%) and low (53%) condition. We recommend the further development and testing of remotely sensed range and condition indicators of conservation status for their application in important forested sites across Europe and beyond
Keywords: Favourable conservation status; LiDAR; mediterranean forest; Natura 2000

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.
Keywords: apical growth; Mediterranean shrubs; species factor; sun-shade conditions; Survival