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| | 1. |
2009 Dec 21 |
Cadmium has contrasting effects on polyethylene glycol - Sensitive and resistant cell lines in the Mediterranean halophyte species Atriplex halimus L.
Lefèvre I, Marchal G, Edmond Ghanem M, Correal E, Lutts S
J Plant Physiol. 2009 Dec 21; [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
Beside a direct toxicity, cadmium impact on plants involves both a secondary-induced water stress and an oxidative stress. Proliferating cell lines of Atriplex halimus were selected for their sensitivity or resistance to polyethylene glycol (PEG 10,000, 20%) and then exposed to 100muM CdCl(2) in the simultaneous presence or absence of PEG 20% or 150mM NaCl. The PEG resistant cell line exhibited a higher growth in the presence of Cd than the sensitive line, although Cd acccumulation was higher in the former than in the latter. Exogenous PEG induced an increase in Cd concentration in the sensitive but not in the resistant cell line while NaCl induced a decrease in Cd accumulation in both cell lines. In the presence of Cd alone, the water content (WC) was higher and the osmotic potential was lower in PEG-sensitive than in PEG resistant line. The presence of PEG in the Cd-containing medium increased the WC and decreased the osmotic potential in PEG-resistant line comparatively to Cd stress alone, while an inverse trend was observed for the sensitive line. The PEG-resistant cell line displayed a higher ability to cope with oxidative stress in relation to an increase of endogenous antioxidants (glutathione and ascorbic acid), a high constitutive superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1) activity and an efficient Cd-induced increase in glutathione reductase (GR) (EC 1.6.4.1) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) (EC 1.11.1.11). Cadmium tolerance in PEG-resistant line is thus not related to any strategy of Cd exclusion or osmotic adjustment but to tolerance mechanisms allowing the tissue to restrict the deleterious impact of accumulated Cd.
[Pubmed: 20031255]
| | 2. |
2010 Jun |
Effects of native grass cover crops on beneficial and pest invertebrates in Australian vineyards.
Danne A, Thomson LJ, Sharley DJ, Penfold CM, Hoffmann AA
Environ. Entomol. 2010 Jun;39(3):970-8.
Abstract
Indigenous cover crops have the potential to promote an increase in natural enemies providing fortuitous control of pest species and other ecosystem services. We test this idea in a vineyard in south eastern Australia, where reduced water availability because of drought coupled with increased temperatures has generated interest in sustainable alternatives to the exotic perennial cover crops commonly planted. Three endemic perennial cover crops, comprising the grasses Austrodanthonia richardsonii and Chloris truncata and a mix of two saltbushes (Atriplex semibaccata and Atriplex suberecta) were established as cover crops and compared with introduced oats (Avena sativa). Abundance of a range of predators and parasitoids was higher in vines with native cover crops compared with the oat control. In addition, predation levels of sentinel eggs of a common vineyard pest, light brown apple moth (Epiphyas postvittana), were increased in the native cover crops. However, the native cover crops also increased the abundance of some potential pest species. Native plants therefore have potential to increase abundance of beneficial invertebrates that assist in pest control, but need to be used carefully to ensure that they do not increase local pest problems.
[Pubmed: 20550812]
| | 3. |
2010 Jun 27 |
The role of pollen limitation on the coexistence of two dioecious, wind-pollinated, closely related shrubs in a fluctuating environment.
Cázares-Martínez J, Montaña C, Franco M
Oecologia. 2010 Jun 27; [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
Elucidating the mechanisms of species coexistence is a crucial goal in ecology. Theory suggests that, when resource abundance fluctuates, coexistence can be achieved if each species in a competing pair is better at exploiting resources at opposite extremes of a fluctuating resource spectrum. Nonetheless, the proximal mechanisms allowing coexistence remain largely unexplored. In a previous paper, we showed that the coexistence of two Atriplex species was facilitated by their varying demographic response (in survival, growth and recruitment) to fluctuation in water availability. Here we explore the effect of spatial distribution, and pollen and resource limitation on the reproductive success (production of viable seeds) of the same two species. An analysis of their spatial distribution showed that Atriplex acanthocarpa had a clumped distribution, which is thought to increase the effectiveness of pollination in wind-pollinated plants, while Atriplex canescens had a random distribution, a pattern expected to restrict wind-pollination success. A pollen and resource (water and nutrients) addition experiment implemented through a repeated-measures design demonstrated that seed viability of A. canescens was both pollen and resource limited, but that these effects were negligible in A. acanthocarpa. Under natural conditions, pollen limitation restricted seed number in A. canescens to only one-third of that recorded when manual pollination was performed. By decreasing its fecundity (and consequent potential seedling recruitment), pollen limitation reverses the competitive advantage of A. canescens over A. acanthocarpa when the limiting resource (water) is abundant and seedling recruitment takes place. To our knowledge, our study of this congeneric pair in the Chihuahuan Desert is the first to document a link between pollen limitation and species coexistence.
[Pubmed: 20582604]
| | 4. |
2010 Jun 03 |
Bioimmunological responses to Schistosoma mansoni and Fasciola gigantica worm homogenates either with or without saponin.
Maghraby AS, Hamed MA, Ali SA
J Infect Dev Ctries. 2010;4(5):334-44. Epub 2010 Jun 03.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In this study, we evaluated the biochemical, immunological, histopathological and antischistosomal activities of Schistosoma mansoni or Fasciola gigantica worm homogenates mixed either with or without saponin that was extracted from Atriplex nummularia. METHODOLOGY: The immunization schedule was based on subcutaneous administration of two doses (50 microg /100 microl PBS) of each homogenate with time intervals of 15 days. After 15 days of the last homogenate inoculation, all mice were challenged with 100 Schistosoma mansoni cercariae and sacrificed after two months. Free radical scavengers and liver function enzymes were determined in mice liver. Worm counting and the histopathological picture of the liver were also done. RESULTS: Immunization with Schistosoma or Fasciola worm homogenates, mixed either with or without saponin, recorded an amelioration of the free radical scavenger levels, liver function enzymes and reduction in worm burden, as well as improvement of the histological feature of the liver, the number and size of granuloma, evidence of increased immune reaction manifested by a lymphocytic cuff surrounding the granuloma, diminution of its fibrotic and collagen content, and destruction of Schistosoma ova. CONCLUSION: Fasciola or Schistosoma worm antigens mixed with or without saponin succeeded to eliminate the product of oxidative stress and assistance in immune-mediated destruction of eggs that ameliorate the histopathological picture of the liver cells and preserve its function.
[Pubmed: 20539066]
| | 5. |
2010 Dec 3 |
Nutritive value of some herbage for dromedary camels in the central arid zone of Iran.
Towhidi A, Saberifar T, Dirandeh E
Trop Anim Health Prod. 2010 Dec 3; [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to prepare standard tables of the chemical composition of feedstuff and to determine the digestibility and palatability of different plant species in the dromedary camel, this research was conducted considering the consumed herbages by camels in the central arid zone of Iran. The following plant species were included: Alhagi camelorum, Artemisia sieberi, Atriplex lentiformis, Haloxylon persicum, Hammada salicornica, Salsola tomentosa, Salsola rigida, Seidlitzia rosmarinus, Suaeda fruticosa, Tamarix tree, and Tamarix kotschi. Thirty samples of the browsing parts were collected from three sites in the rangelands of Qom and Yazd province. The chemical composition of the samples, including dry matter, crude protein (CP), crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ether extract, total ash, macroelements (Ca, P, Mg, K), microelements, and gross energy were measured. The in vitro digestibility of the plants was measured by camel liquor using the Tilley and Terry method. The palatability of the plants was measured by four mature camels in cafeteria trials. Data were analyzed by general linear model method using the SAS software. The highest CP (17.5%) related to Haloxylon persicum and the lowest NDF (26.2%) and ADF (12.6%) were related to Salsola rigida. The lowest CP (5.5%) and the highest NDF (72.8%) and ADF (59.6%) were related to Artemisia sieberi. The results also indicate that Atriplex lentiformis, Alhagi camelorum, Seidlitzia rosmarinus, Suaeda fruticosa, Haloxylon persicum, Salsola tomentosa, Hammada salicornica, T. kotschi, Salsola rigida, Tamarix tree, and Artemisia seiberi were more pleasurable feeds, respectively. There was no consistent relationship between the palatability of herbages with the percentage of digestible organic matter in the dry matter or chemical composition.
[Pubmed: 21128117]
| | 6. |
2010 Nov |
Antioxidant activity and chemical composition of essential oil from Atriplex undulata.
Rodriguez SA, Murray AP
Nat Prod Commun. 2010 Nov;5(11):1841-4.
Abstract
The essential oil from aerial parts (stems and leaves) of Atriplex undulata (Moq) D. Dietr. (Chenopodiaceae) has been studied for its in vitro antioxidant activity. The chemical composition of the oil obtained by hydrodistillation was determined by GC and GC-MS. The major constituents were p-acetanisole (28.1%), beta-damascenone (9.3%), beta-ionone (5.1%), viridiflorene (4.7%) and 3-oxo-alpha-ionol (2.2%). The antioxidant activity of the oil was determined by two methods: Crocin bleaching inhibition (Krel = 0.72 +/- 0.15) and scavenging of the DPPH radical (IC50 = 36.2 +/- 1.6 microg/mL). The presence of active compounds like p-acetanisole, carvone, vanillin, 4-vinylguaiacol, guaiacol, terpinen-4-ol and alpha-terpineol could explain the antioxidant activity observed for this oil.
[Pubmed: 21213996]
| | 7. |
2011 Jan 03 |
Glaucasides A-C, three saikosaponins from Atriplex glauca L. var. ifiniensis (Caball) Maire.
Jabrane A, Ben Jannet H, Miyamoto T, Tanaka C, Mirjolet JF, Duchamp O, Harzallah-Skhiri F, Lacaille-Dubois MA
Magn Reson Chem. 2011 Feb;49(2):83-9. Epub 2011 Jan 03.
Abstract
From the roots of Atriplex glauca L. var. ifiniensis (Caball) Maire (syn. of Atriplex parvifolia Lowe var. genuina Maire), three new saikosaponins designated as glaucasides A-C (1-3) were isolated together with the known 3-O-$\bf{\beta}$-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-$\bf{\beta}$-D-galactopyranosyl-saikogenin F (4). The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by extensive analysis of one-dimensional and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy, FABMS, HR-ESIMS and chemical evidence as 13$\bf{\beta}$,28-epoxy-16$\bf{\beta}$,21$\bf{\beta}$-dihydroxyolean-11-en-3$\bf{\beta}$-yl O-$\bf{\beta}$-D-[2-O-sulfate]-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-$\bf{\alpha}$-L-arabinopyranoside (1), 13$\bf{\beta}$,28-epoxy-16$\bf{\beta}$,21$\bf{\beta}$-dihydroxyolean-11-en-3$\bf{\beta}$-yl O-$\bf{\beta}$-D-[2-O-sulfate]-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-$\bf{\alpha}$-L-arabinopyranosyl 21-O-{4-(secbutylamido)-butanoyl ester} (2) and 3-O-$\bf{\beta}$-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-$\bf{\beta}$-D-galactopyranosyl saikogenin G (3). The cytotoxic activities of these compounds were evaluated against the HT-29 and HCT 116 human colon cancer cell lines. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
[Pubmed: 21254229]
| | 8. |
2011 Mar 17 |
Endophyte Microbiome Diversity in Micropropagated Atriplex canescens and Atriplex torreyi var griffithsii
Lucero, Unc, Cooke, Dowd, Sun
PLoS One 2011 Mar 17;6(3). published online before print
Abstract
Microbial diversity associated with micropropagated Atriplex species was assessed using microscopy, isolate culturing, and sequencing. Light, electron, and confocal microscopy revealed microbial cells in aseptically regenerated leaves and roots. Clone libraries and tag-encoded FLX amplicon pyrosequencing (TEFAP) analysis amplified sequences from callus homologous to diverse fungal and bacterial taxa. Culturing isolated some seed borne endophyte taxa which could be readily propagated apart from the host. Microbial cells were observed within biofilm-like residues associated with plant cell surfaces and intercellular spaces. Various universal primers amplified both plant and microbial sequences, with different primers revealing different patterns of fungal diversity. Bacterial and fungal TEFAP followed by alignment with sequences from curated databases revealed 7 bacterial and 17 ascomycete taxa in A. canescens, and 5 bacterial taxa in A. torreyi. Additional diversity was observed among isolates and clone libraries. Micropropagated Atriplex retains a complex, intimately associated microbiome which includes diverse strains well poised to interact in manners that influence host physiology. Microbiome analysis was facilitated by high throughput sequencing methods, but primer biases continue to limit recovery of diverse sequences from even moderately complex communities.
[Pubmed: 21437280]
| | 9. |
2011 Jan 12 |
Differential salt tolerance in seedlings derived from dimorphic seeds of Atriplex centralasiatica: from physiology to molecular analysis.
Xu J, Yin H, Yang L, Xie Z, Liu X
Planta. 2011 May;233(5):859-71. Epub 2011 Jan 12.
Abstract
Seed dimorphism provides plants with alternative strategies for survival in unfavorable environments. Here, we investigated the physiological responses and differential gene expression caused by salinity exposure in Atriplex centralasiatica plants grown from the two different seed morphs. Seedlings derived from yellow seeds (YS) showed a greater salt tolerance than those derived from brown seeds (BS). Salt treatment induced nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in roots, and seedlings derived from YS produced greater amounts of NO than did those from BS. Analyses of NO scavenging during salt stress revealed that NO contributed to the differential salt tolerance in seedlings derived from the two seed morphs by modulating antioxidative enzyme activity, hydrogen peroxide accumulation and the ion equilibrium. We also applied transcriptomics and subsequent microarray analysis to evaluate the differential gene expression during salt treatment. These genes encoded proteins related to osmotic and ionic homeostasis, redox equilibrium and signal transduction. A select group of genes including GH3.3, CAT1/2, TIP1, SIHP1 and EXP1 were further confirmed with RT-PCR analysis. These results revealed that the enhanced salt tolerance of seedlings from YS appeared to be governed by a superior ability to achieve ionic homeostasis and redox equilibrium, a rapid response to salt stress, and ultimately better growth potential. NO serves as a vital regulator in these processes.
[Pubmed: 21225279]
| | 10. |
2010 Jul 15 |
Growth of quailbush in acidic, metalliferous desert mine tailings: effect of Azospirillum brasilense Sp6 on biomass production and rhizosphere community structure.
de-Bashan LE, Hernandez JP, Nelson KN, Bashan Y, Maier RM
Microb. Ecol. 2010 Nov;60(4):915-27. Epub 2010 Jul 15.
Abstract
Mine tailing deposits in semiarid and arid environments frequently remain devoid of vegetation due to the toxicity of the substrate and the absence of a diverse soil microbial community capable of supporting seed germination and plant growth. The contribution of the plant growth promoting bacterium (PGPB) Azospirillum brasilense Sp6 to the growth of quailbush in compost-amended, moderately acidic, high-metal content mine tailings using an irrigation-based reclamation strategy was examined along with its influence on the rhizosphere bacterial community. Sp6 inoculation resulted in a significant (2.2-fold) increase in plant biomass production. The data suggest that the inoculum successfully colonized the root surface and persisted throughout the 60-day experiment in both the rhizosphere, as demonstrated by excision and sequencing of the appropriate denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) band, and the rhizoplane, as indicated by fluorescent in situ hybridization of root surfaces. Changes in rhizosphere community structure in response to Sp6 inoculation were evaluated after 15, 30, and 60 days using DGGE analysis of 16S rRNA polymerase chain reaction amplicons. A comparison of DGGE profiles using canonical correspondence analysis revealed a significant treatment effect (Sp6-inoculated vs. uninoculated plants vs. unplanted) on bacterial community structure at 15, 30, and 60 days (p < 0.05). These data indicate that in an extremely stressed environment such as acid mine tailings, an inoculated plant growth promoting bacterium not only can persist and stimulate plant growth but also can directly or indirectly influence rhizobacterial community development.
[Pubmed: 20632001]
| | 11. |
2011 Apr 12 |
Total and bioavailable arsenic concentration in arid soils and its uptake by native plants from the pre-Andean zones in Chile.
Díaz O, Tapia Y, Pastene R, Montes S, Núñez N, Vélez D, Montoro R
Bull Environ Contam Toxicol. 2011 Jun;86(6):666-9. Epub 2011 Apr 12.
Abstract
Arsenic is the most important contaminant of the environment in northern Chile. Soil samples and plant organs from three native plant species, Pluchea absinthioides, Atriplex atacamensis and Lupinus microcarpus, were collected from arid zones in order to determine the total and bioavailable arsenic concentrations in soils and to assess the bioconcentration factor (BCF) and transport index (Ti) of arsenic in the plants. Total arsenic concentrations in soils (pH 8.3-8.5) where A. atacamensis and P. absinthioides were collected, reached levels considered to be contaminated (54.3 ± 15.4 and 52.9 ± 9.9 mg kg⁻¹, respectively), and these values were approximately ten times higher than in soils (pH 7.6) where L. microcarpus was collected. Bioavailable arsenic ranged from 0.18 to 0.42% of total arsenic concentration. In the three plant species, arsenic concentration in leaves were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher than in roots. L. microcarpus showed the highest arsenic concentration in its leaves (9.7 ± 1.6 mg kg⁻¹) and higher values of BCF (1.8) and Ti (6.1), indicating that this species has a greater capacity to accumulate and translocate the metalloid to the leaf than do the other species.
[Pubmed: 21484519]
| | 12. |
2011 Apr 20 |
Expression and substrate specificity of betaine/proline transporters suggest a novel choline transport mechanism in sugar beet.
Yamada N, Sakakibara S, Tsutsumi K, Waditee R, Tanaka Y, Takabe T
J. Plant Physiol. 2011 Sep 15;168(14):1609-16. Epub 2011 Apr 20.
Abstract
Proline transporters (ProTs) originally described as highly selective transporters for proline, have been shown to also transport glycinebetaine (betaine). Here we examined and compared the transport properties of Bet/ProTs from betaine accumulating (sugar beet, Amaranthus, and Atriplex,) and non-accumulating (Arabidopsis) plants. Using a yeast mutant deficient for uptake of proline and betaine, it was shown that all these transporters exhibited higher affinity for betaine than proline. The uptake of betaine and proline was pH-dependent and inhibited by the proton uncoupler carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP). We also investigated choline transport by using a choline transport-deficient yeast mutant. Results revealed that these transporters exhibited a higher affinity for choline uptake rather than betaine. Uptake of choline by sugar beet BvBet/ProT1 was independent of the proton gradient and the inhibition by CCCP was reduced compared with that for uptake of betaine, suggesting different proton binding properties between the transport of choline and betaine. Additionally, in situ hybridization experiments revealed the localization of sugar beet BvBet/ProT1 in phloem and xylem parenchyma cells.
[Pubmed: 21511362]
| | 13. |
2011 Apr 22 |
Chelate-assisted phytoextraction of mercury in biosolids.
Lomonte C, Doronila A, Gregory D, Baker AJ, Kolev SD
Sci. Total Environ. 2011 Jun 1;409(13):2685-92. Epub 2011 Apr 22.
Abstract
Mercury contaminated stockpiles of biosolids (8.4 mg kg⁻¹ Hg) from Melbourne Water's Western Treatment Plant (MW-WTP) were investigated to evaluate the possibility of their Hg chelate-assisted phytoextraction. The effects of ammonium thiosulphate (NH₄)₂S₂O₃, cysteine (Cys), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), and potassium iodide (KI) were studied to mobilize Hg and to increase its uptake in plant shoots. Three plant species were selected for this study, one herbaceous and two grasses: Atriplex codonocarpa, Austrodanthonia caespitosa and Vetiveria zizanioides. KI proved to be the best candidate for Hg phytostabilization in biosolids because it facilitated the concentration of this metal mainly in roots. (NH₄)₂S₂O₃ was shown to be the most effective chelating agent among those tested for Hg phytoextraction as it allowed the highest translocation of Hg into the above-ground tissues of the selected plant species. The phytoextraction conditions using A. caespitosa as the best performing plant species were optimized at an (NH₄)₂S₂O₃ concentration of 27 mmol kg⁻¹ and contact time with biosolids of seven day. Monitoring of the Hg concentration in biosolids and in leachate water during a 9-day treatment revealed that the biosolids Hg concentration decreased significantly after the first day of treatment and then it decreased only slightly with time reaching a value of 5.6 mg kg⁻¹ Hg at the end of the 9-day period. From the corresponding results obtained for the leachate water, it was suggested that a relatively large fraction of Hg (0.7 mg kg⁻¹ Hg) was promptly mobilized and consequently the plants were able to take up the metal and translocate it into shoots.
[Pubmed: 21514623]
| | 14. |
2011 Sep 20 |
Accumulation of Cu, Pb, Ni and Zn in the halophyte plant Atriplex grown on polluted soil.
Kachout SS, Mansoura AB, Mechergui R, Leclerc JC, Rejeb MN, Ouerghi Z
J Sci Food Agric. 2011 Sep 20; [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Three annual Atriplex species-A. hortensis var. purpurea, A. hortensis var. rubra and A. rosea-growing on soil with various levels of the heavy metals copper, lead, nickel, and zinc, have been investigated. RESULTS: Metal accumulation by Atriplex plants differed among species, levels of polluted soil and tissues. Metals accumulated by Atriplex were mostly distributed in root tissues, suggesting that an exclusion strategy for metal tolerance widely exists in them. The increased concentration of heavy metals in soil led to increases in heavy metal shoot and root concentrations of Ni, Cu, Pb and Zn in plants as compared to those grown on unpolluted soil. Accumulation was higher in roots than shoots for all the heavy metals. None of the plants were suitable for phytoextraction because no hyperaccumulator was identified. However, plants with a high bioconcentration factor and low translocation factor have the potential for phytostabilization. Similarly, the correlation between metal concentrations and translocations in plants (BCFs and TFs) using a linear regression was also statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Among the plants studied, var. purpurea was the most efficient in accumulating Pb and Zn in its shoots, whereas var. rubra was most suitable for phytostabilization of sites contaminated with Cu and Ni. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry.
[Pubmed: 21935956]
| | 15. |
2011 Aug |
Seeding conditions of the halophyte Atriplex patula for optimal growth on a salt impacted site.
Young MA, Rancier DG, Roy JL, Lunn SR, Armstrong SA, Headley JV
Int J Phytoremediation. 2011 Aug;13(7):674-80.
Abstract
Salt-impacted soils resulting from oilfield brine spills are increasingly becoming a significant problem in oil-producing areas of Canada such as Alberta and Saskatchewan. The native halophyte Atriplex patula is being considered a potential species for phytoremediation of brine-impacted sites in these hemiboreal climactic zones. The objective of this study was to investigate the optimal seeding conditions under field conditions (with no irrigation) of A. patula for phytoremediation of salt from a brine-impacted site. Atriplex patula was identified in preliminary greenhouse trials to have one of the highest salt accumulations in relation to plant yields. Different seeding methods of A. patula were assessed in an attempt to achieve reproducible growth of this species. While plant yields for A. patula were improved on compacted soil by approximately 30-50%, growth was uneven with regard to density and height. The uneven growth may be due to seed quality and low precipitation during the field season, while improvements in plant yield on compact soil might be due to a lack of competition with other species.
[Pubmed: 21972494]
| | 16. |
2011 Jul |
Phytoextraction of cadmium by four Mediterranean shrub species.
Tapia Y, Cala V, Eymar E, Frutos I, Gárate A, Masaguer A
Int J Phytoremediation. 2011 Jul;13(6):567-79.
Abstract
The possibility of remediating contaminated soils though the use of high biomass-generating, native plant species capable of removing heavy metals is receiving increased attention. The cadmium (Cd) accumulation capacities of the native Mediterranean, perennial shrubs Atriplex halimus, Phyllirea angustifolia, Rhamnus alaternus and Rosmarinus officinalis were tested by growing transplanted specimens in a pine bark compost substrate (pH 5.6) contaminated with 100 mg Cd kg(-1). After 70 days, only R. alaternus showed reduced growth. The increase in biomass seen in all the test species enhanced the phytoextraction of Cd. However, the species behaved as metal excluders, except for the halophyte A. halimus, which behaved as an indicator plant. In this species the leaf Cd concentration reached 35 mg Cd kg(-1), with the shoot responsible for some 86% of total Cd accumulation. Atriplex halimus showed the highest bioconcentration factor (BCF) (0.36) and leaf Cd transport index (1.68); consequently, this species showed the highest Cd phytoextraction capacity.
[Pubmed: 21972503]
| | 17. |
2011 Aug 17 |
The need to re-investigate the nature of homoplastic characters: an ontogenetic case study of the 'bracteoles' in Atripliceae (Chenopodiaceae).
Flores-Olvera H, Vrijdaghs A, Ochoterena H, Smets E
Ann. Bot. 2011 Oct;108(5):847-65. Epub 2011 Aug 17.
Abstract
Within Chenopodioideae, Atripliceae have been distinguished by two bracteoles enveloping the female flowers/fruits, whereas in other tribes flowers are described as ebracteolate with persistent perianth. Molecular phylogenetic hypotheses suggest 'bracteoles' to be homoplastic. The origin of the bracteoles was explained by successive inflorescence reductions. Flower reduction was used to explain sex determination. Therefore, floral ontogeny was studied to evaluate the nature of the bracteoles and sex determination in Atripliceae.
[Pubmed: 21852278]
| | 18. |
2011 Nov 2 |
Arsenic accumulation and distribution in relation to young seedling growth in Atriplex atacamensis Phil.
Vromman D, Flores-Bavestrello A, Slejkovec Z, Lapaille S, Teixeira-Cardoso C, Briceño M, Kumar M, Martínez JP, Lutts S
Sci Total Environ. 2011 Nov 2; [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
Even at trace levels, arsenic is of environmental and health concern due to its high toxicity. The xerohalophyte plant species Atriplex atacamensis grows on an arsenic-contaminated mining area in North Chile. Young seedlings that were grown from seeds collected from these plants were grown in a nutrient solution under controlled environmental conditions and were exposed for 14 and 28days to 0, 100 or 1000μM arsenate. More than 75% of the plants that were exposed to the highest As dose survived until the end of the treatment. The seedling growth was reduced (100μM As) or inhibited (1000μM As) in the stress conditions, but the plants were able to efficiently close their stomata and perform osmotic adjustments to avoid secondary water stress. Arsenic accumulated up to 400μgg(-1) DW in the shoots and 3500μgg(-1) DW in the roots. Arsenate drastically impaired the P content and increased glycinebetaine content, although no arsenobetaine was found in the tissues. With the exception of arsenite and arsenate, no As-containing organic compound was detected. Arsenic was not excreted by the trichomes that were present at the leaf surface. Although an increase in the total level of non-protein thiols suggested that arsenite fixation on the sulfhydryl groups could occur in the stressed tissues, the majority of the soluble arsenic remained in its oxidized state As(V). Arsenate induced an increase in the free soluble polyamine concentrations in all of the organs, and it increased the proportion of spermidine and spermine and decreased the proportion of putrescine in the polyamine pool. Therefore, it is likely that these polycationic molecules may assist in arsenate sequestration in the stressed tissues, and A. atacamensis may represent a promising plant species that can be tested in field trials for its phytomanagement of As-contaminated sites in desert areas.
[Pubmed: 22051550]
| | 19. |
2011 Nov |
Influence of feeding Mediterranean food industry by-products and forages to Awassi sheep on physicochemical properties of milk, yoghurt and cheese.
Abbeddou S, Rischkowsky B, Hilali Mel-D, Hess HD, Kreuzer M
J. Dairy Res. 2011 Nov;78(4):426-35.
Abstract
Feeding agro-industrial by-products and unconventional forages, rich in potentially anti-nutritional factors, may influence the quality of the raw milk and the dairy products prepared therefrom. The aim of the present study was to determine side-effects on physicochemical properties of milk, yoghurt and cheese of feeding diets where one third were feeds either rich in lipids (tomato pomace and olive cake) or phenols (olive leaves and lentil straw) or electrolytes (Atriplex leaves). The diets, including a control diet, were designed to be isoenergetic and isonitrogenous. They were fed in amounts of 2 5 kg dry matter/day per head during 50 days to 6×10 multiparous fat-tailed Awassi ewes. Milk samples were analysed for various physicochemical traits and fatty acid composition on days 0, 24, 36 and 48. Three times, milk pooled by group was processed to yoghurt and non-aged farmer-type cheese, which were analysed for their gross and fatty acid composition and texture, and were subjected to sensory evaluation. Feeding olive cake and tomato pomace reduced milk casein, but increased proportions of monounsaturated fatty acids. There were some variations in minerals among test diets but, contrary to expectations, Atriplex did not increase milk sodium. The nutritional composition of yoghurt and cheese was not varied much by the test feeds, except for some changes in fatty acid profile similar to the milk. Yoghurt firmness declined with all test diets, but texture score tended to be lower only for olive cake and leaf diets relative to control. Cheese firmness was increased by feeding the Atriplex leaf and olive cake diets which was also reflected in the texture scores. No off-flavours were reported. Possible reasons for effects on the dairy products are discussed. In conclusion, the feeds investigated had certain effects on the physicochemical properties of dairy products, but these were neither very systematic nor large thus not prohibiting their use in Mediterranean sheep milk production systems.
[Pubmed: 22004605]
| | 20. |
2011 Oct |
Reclamation of highly calcareous saline sodic soil using Atriplex halimus and by-product gypsum.
Gharaibeh MA, Eltaif NI, Albalasmeh AA
Int J Phytoremediation. 2011 Oct;13(9):873-83.
Abstract
The removal of sodium salts from saline soils by salt tolerant crops, as alternative for costly chemical amendments, has emerged as an efficient low cost technology. Lysimeter experiments were carried out on a highly saline sodic soil (ECe = 65.3 dS m(-1), ESP = 27.4, CEC = 47.9 cmole+ kg(-1), and pH = 7.7) and irrigated with canal water (EC = 2.2 dSm(-1), SAR = 4.8) to investigate reclamation efficiency under four different treatments: control (no crop and no gypsum application) (C), gypsum application equivalent to 100% gypsum requirement (G100), planting sea orach (Atriplex halimus) as phytoremediation crop (Cr), planting sea orach with gypsum application equivalent to 50% gypsum requirement (CrG50). Soil salinity (ECe) and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) were significantly reduced compared to the control. Average ESP and ECe (dS m(-1)) in the top layer were 9.1, 5.8 (control), 4.8, 3.7 (Cr), 3.3, 3.9 (CrG50), and 3.8, 3.1 (G100), respectively. Atriplex halimus can be recommended as phytoremediation crop to reclaim highly saline sodic clay loam soils.
[Pubmed: 21972510]
| | 21. |
2011 Sep |
Modification of milk fatty acid composition by feeding forages and agro-industrial byproducts from dry areas to Awassi sheep.
Abbeddou S, Rischkowsky B, Richter EK, Hess HD, Kreuzer M
J. Dairy Sci. 2011 Sep;94(9):4657-68.
Abstract
The study tested the hypothesis that certain underused forages and agro-industrial byproducts available in dry areas may positively influence fatty acid (FA) composition and antioxidative properties of milk by their contents of residual oil or phenolic compounds or both. Sixty multiparous fat-tailed Awassi ewes were allocated to 6 groups in a completely randomized block design. During 50 d, the ewes were group-fed 2.5 kg of dry matter/d per ewe 1 of 6 isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets (forage:concentrate, 0.3:0.7). The test feeds, comprising 30% of the diets, replaced either barley straw [lentil straw, olive leaves, and Atriplex (saltbush) leaves, rich in phenolic compounds or electrolytes] or conventional concentrate ingredients (olive cake and tomato pomace; ∼10% lipids) from the control diet. The diets containing olive cake and tomato pomace were rich in oleic acid (18:1 cis-9; 27% of total dietary FA) and linoleic acid (18:2 cis-9,cis-12; 37%), respectively. Profiles of FA were determined in individual milk samples drawn on d 0 and in wk 1, 3, 5 and 7. Data was analyzed by repeated measurement analysis. No consistent treatment effects on yield and gross nutrient composition of the milk were observed, although some differences occurred. Milk resulting from the Atriplex leaf diet expressed the highest antiradical activity, which was low with control and olive leaves. Feeding the tomato pomace and olive cake diets decreased the proportions of short- and medium-chain FA, whereas oleic acid clearly increased in proportion to total FA. Olive leaves most effectively increased rumenic acid (18:2 cis-9,trans-11) and α-linolenic acid (18:3 cis-9,cis-12,cis-15) in milk fat. This also resulted in the highest α-linolenic acid transfer rate from feed to milk and suggests that olive leaves affect ruminal biohydrogenation at several steps. Several alternative feeds exist with an added value, as they enhance FA with potential health benefits and the stability of the milk with higher antioxidative activity, even though responses to test feeds differed largely. It remains to be investigated whether combinations of these feeds would be complementary in these beneficial effects.
[Pubmed: 21854938]
| | 22. |
2010 Jul 21 |
Localization of potential ion transport pathways in vesicular trichome cells of Atriplex halimus L.
Smaoui A, Barhoumi Z, Rabhi M, Abdelly C
Protoplasma. 2011 Apr;248(2):363-72. Epub 2010 Jul 21.
Abstract
The secreting glandular trichomes are recognized as an efficient structure that alleviates salt effects on Atriplex halimus. They are found on buds, young green stems, and leaves. They occupy both the leaf surfaces and give them a whitish color. Their histogenesis and ultrastructure were investigated in the third young leaves. They appear in early stage of plant development and its initiation continuous until just the leaf final development state. Each trichome contains two parts; a stalk which has high electron opacity, embedded in epidermal cells, and bears a second one which is unicellular, called bladder cell and has a low electron density. The bladder cell appears as a huge vacuole and the well-reduced cytoplasm which is pushed close to the wall, contains only a few organelles. Concurrently, the use of silver chloride precipitation technique shows that, in secretion process, salt follows a symplasmatic pathway which is consolidated by the presence of numerous plasmodesmata between the stalk cell(s), and the bladder one and the neighboring mesophyll cells. In addition, according to lanthanum-tracer study, salt can be excreted apoplastically. In fact, the heavy element can be transported via endocytosis vesicles, and by Golgi, endoplasmic reticulum, and lysosome (G.E.R.L.) network toward the storage vacuoles.
[Pubmed: 20652337]
| | 23. |
2010 Sep 24 |
Differential responses of saltbush Atriplex halimus L. exposed to salinity and water stress in relation to senescing hormones abscisic acid and ethylene.
Hassine AB, Lutts S
J. Plant Physiol. 2010 Nov 15;167(17):1448-56. Epub 2010 Sep 24.
Abstract
Drought and salinity induce water deficit, but may also have distinct effects on plant metabolism. To compare their impact on leaf senescence in relation to ABA and ethylene synthesis, young plants of Atriplex halimus L. were exposed to iso-osmotic concentrations of NaCl (160mM) or PEG (15%) in nutrient solution. Plant growth and development were more affected by PEG than by NaCl. Stressed plants remained able to reduce their osmotic potential, but the nature of accumulated organic osmocompatible solutes varied according to the stressing agent. Glycinebetaine accumulated to a greater extent in salt-treated plants than in water-stressed plants. Sodium chloride induced the accumulation of non-reducing sucrose, while PEG-treated plants mainly accumulated reducing glucose and fructose. Abscisic acid (ABA) accumulated in response to salt, while ethylene was synthesized mainly by PEG-treated plants and was involved in the induction of early senescence processes characterized by synthesis of reactive oxygen species, peroxidation of membrane lipids and a decrease in chlorophyll content. ABA sensitivity of stressed tissues was markedly different in response to salt and in response to non-ionic osmotic stress, and exogenous ABA (50μM) had contrasting effects on most physiological parameters depending on the stressing agent. Exogenous ABA induced a decrease in root and shoot growth and sucrose content, and an increase in reactive oxygen species content in salt-stressed plants. In contrast, exogenous ABA increased growth in PEG-treated plants in relation to an improvement of water use efficiency resulting from a more efficient stomatal control. Exogenous ABA increased ethylene synthesis in salt-treated plants, but had only marginal impact on PEG-treated ones. The xero-halophyte A. halimus thus responds in a contrasting way to salt and water stress, through accumulation of distinct osmocompatible solutes and hormonal compounds such as ethylene and ABA could play distinct roles in stress-induced senescence processes.
[Pubmed: 20869134]
| | 24. |
2010 Sep 29 |
Molecular phylogeny of Atripliceae (Chenopodioideae, Chenopodiaceae): Implications for systematics, biogeography, flower and fruit evolution, and the origin of C4 photosynthesis.
Kadereit G, Mavrodiev EV, Zacharias EH, Sukhorukov AP
Am. J. Bot. 2010 Oct;97(10):1664-87. Epub 2010 Sep 29.
Abstract
• Premise of the study: Atripliceae (Chenopodiaceae), including Atriplex (300 spp.) as the largest genus of the family, are an ecologically important group of steppes and semideserts worldwide. Relationships in Atripliceae are poorly understood due to obscure and potentially convergent morphological characters. • Methods: Using sequence variation of two chloroplast markers (rbcL gene, atpB-rbcL spacer) and one nrDNA marker (ITS) analyzed with BEAST, we investigated the systematics and biogeography of Atripliceae. We surveyed flower morphology and fruit anatomy to study the evolution of flowers and fruits in the tribe. • Key results: Female flowers with persistent foliar cover (the diagnostic character of traditional Atripliceae) evolved three times in Chenopodioideae, in Atripliceae s.s., Axyrideae, and Spinacia. Atripliceae s.s. started to diversify during the Early Miocene in Eurasia, separating into the Archiatriplex and the Atriplex clades. The former consists of eight species-poor, disjunct, and morphologically heterogeneous genera and is likely a relictual lineage. The Atriplex clade comprises the majority of species and evolved one C(4) lineage 14.1-10.5 Ma, which diversified rapidly worldwide. The C(4) Atriplex entered North America during the Middle/Late Miocene and spread to South America subsequently. Australia was colonized by two C(4) lineages both arriving during the Late Miocene. One of them diversified rapidly, giving rise to most Australian Atriplex species. • Conclusions: Atripliceae s.s. comprise Archiatriplex, Atriplex, Exomis, Extriplex, Grayia, Halimione, Holmbergia, Manochlamys, Proatriplex, and Stutzia. Microgynoecium is included based on morphology but only weak molecular support. Axyris, Krascheninnikovia, and Ceratocarpus (here described as Axyrideae) and Spinacia are excluded from Atripliceae.
[Pubmed: 21616801]
| | 25. |
2010 Sep |
[Responses of Atriplex triangularis root permeability and reflection coefficient to salt stress].
Zou R, Bai XF, Zhu JJ
Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao. 2010 Sep;21(9):2223-7.
Abstract
Taking hydroponically cultured arrow-leaf saltbush (Atriplex triangularis) seedlings as test materials, and using electrical conductivity detector, atomic spectroscopy, and pressure bomb, this paper studied the effects of salt stress on the seedlings root membrane permeability, ion uptake, and reflection coefficient, and analyzed the salt-resistance characteristics and related mechanisms of A. triangularis. The results showed that with increasing salt stress, the root membrane permeability increased, but the reflection coefficient decreased. Salt stress decreased the total K+ uptake and increased the total Na+ uptake, but the relative amount of absorbed K+ increased while that of absorbed Na+ decreased. Under salt stress, A. triangularis roots had a higher regulation capability in their ion uptake, and the reduction of root reflection coefficient was favourable to the water absorption by the roots with moderate negative pressure, and accordingly, reduced the danger of xylem cavitation. All these features could be closely related to the higher salt-resistance of A. triangularis.
[Pubmed: 21265141]
| | 26. |
2011 Dec 29 |
Assessing Degree of Flowering Implicates Multiple Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae Species in Allergy.
Ferrer L, Carnés J, Rojas-Hijazo B, Lopez-Matas MA, Sobrevía MT, Colas C
Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 2011 Dec 29;158(1):54-62. Epub 2011 Dec 29.
Abstract
Background: IgE-mediated sensitization to the Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae families is a cause of allergic symptoms in arid areas. Salsola kali and Chenopodium album are considered the main species responsible; however, there is a discrepancy between the pollination period of these two plants and clinical symptoms. The objectives of this study were to identify new Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae members with sensitization capacity and to correlate symptoms, pollen counts and degree of flowering of different species. Methods: A total of 37 individuals monosensitized to S. kali and C. album were included in the study. All patients recorded daily symptom scores between May and October 2007. Extracts from Chenopodium (album, vulvaria and murale), Salsola (kali, vermiculata, and oppositifolia), Bassia scoparia, Atriplex (patula and halimus) and Amaranthus (deflexus and muricatus) were manufactured and used in skin prick tests (SPTs). Protein content and IgE binding were assessed for each extract. Pollen counts and degree of flowering (based on the Orshan specific semiquantitative method) were assessed weekly. Results: Symptom scores demonstrated a positive correlation with pollen counts even outside the pollination period of S. kali. Positive SPTs were obtained with all 11 species tested, which showed common proteins with IgE-binding capacity. Different species flowered at different times during the pollen season. Conclusion: Different taxonomically related species of Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae can induce allergic sensitization and should be considered for use in diagnosis and treatment. Degree of flowering is a complementary method for assessing pollination that could be used for botanical families with indistinguishable pollen grains.
[Pubmed: 22212689]
| | 27. |
2011 Dec 07 |
Novel flavonoids with antioxidant activity from a Chenopodiaceous plant.
Awaad AS, Maitland DJ, Donia Ael R, Alqasoumi SI, Soliman GA
Pharm Biol. 2012 Jan;50(1):99-104. Epub 2011 Dec 07.
Abstract
Objective: Atriplex lentiformis (Torr.) S.Wats (Chenopodiaceae) is a wild plant which is in use by Bedouin in treatment of general fatigue, therefore, there is a need to explore the potential antioxidant activity of the extracts and isolated compounds of this plant. Methods: Column chromatography and spectroscopic analysis were used for isolation and identification of the compounds. The antioxidant activity was evaluated in vitro using the ABTS(•+) (2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethyl-bezthiazoine-6-sulphuric acid) radical scavenging model. Liver and kidney functions were investigated after oral administration of total alcohol, successive extracts, and isolated compounds. Results: Two new flavonoids, quercetin-6,4'-dimethoxy-3-fructo-rhamnoside 1 and quercetin-4'-methoxy-3-fructo-rhamnoside 2 in addition to five known compounds (kaempferol-4'-methoxy-3-rutinoside 3, kaempferol-7-O-rhamnoside 4, kaempferol-3,7-O,O-dirhamnoside 5, quercetin 6, and kaempferol 7) were isolated. Oral administration of total ethanol, diethyl ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts showed no signs of toxicity up to (5 g/kg. b.wt.). All extracts and isolated compounds showed varied antioxidant activity ranged from 129 to 952 µmol Trolox equivalent/gram dry weight with maximum level for the two new isolated flavonoids (985 and 895 µmol Trolox equivalent/gram dry weight). Animals received both total ethanol and n-butanol extracts showed a significant increase in ALT, AST, blood urea, and serum creatinine levels.
[Pubmed: 22150781]
| | 28. |
2012 Mar 15 |
Rehabilitation options for inland waterways impacted by sulfidic sediments - Field trials in a south-eastern Australian wetland.
Fraser MA, Baldwin DS, Rees GN, Silvester EJ, Whitworth KL
J Environ Manage. 2012 Mar 15;102C:71-78. Epub 2012 Mar 15.
Abstract
The accumulation of significant pools of sulfidic sediments in inland wetlands and creeks is an emerging risk for the management of inland waterways. We used replicated plot trials to appraise the viability of various strategies for neutralizing oxidized, acidified sulfidic sediments in a highly degraded wetland. Of the twenty different treatments trialed only addition of calcium hydroxide or calcium carbonate, burning of wood, and planting of Phragmites australis, Typha domingensis and Atriplex nummularia into beds prepared with CaCO(3) or P. australis and T. domingensis into beds of sediment and mulch, decreased total actual acidity (TAA) in the top 5 cm of sediment in the first two weeks following treatment. Only the calcium hydroxide treatments and planting of P. australis, T. domingensis and A. nummularia into beds prepared with CaCO(3) decreased TAA for a longer period of time (6 months). None of the treatments, except the planting of P. australis into beds prepared with lime, decreased TAA in the 5-30 cm layer of sediments. Therefore, the only effective treatment appears to be the application of highly alkaline ameliorants which need to be transported to the site. A survey of the wetland was undertaken to estimate the total amount of actual and potential acidity stored in the wetland's sediment and overlying water and showed that up to 1200 tonnes of calcium carbonate would be required to neutralise all of the actual and potential acidity in the 10 ha wetland. However, neutralisation of the remaining water in the wetland (about 12.5 ML) would produce approximately 2750 m(3) of metal rich sludge (approximately 100 tonnes dry weight) that would require separate disposal.
[Pubmed: 22446134]
| | 29. |
2012 Apr 27 |
The use of a halophytic plant species and organic amendments for the remediation of a trace elements-contaminated soil under semi-arid conditions.
Clemente R, Walker DJ, Pardo T, Martínez-Fernández D, Bernal MP
J. Hazard. Mater. 2012 Jul 15;223-224:63-71. Epub 2012 Apr 27.
Abstract
The halophytic shrub Atriplex halimus L. was used in a field phytoremediation experiment in a semi-arid area highly contaminated by trace elements (As, Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn) within the Sierra Minera of La Unión-Cartagena (SE Spain). The effects of compost and pig slurry on soil conditions and plant growth were determined. The amendments (particularly compost) only slightly affected trace element concentrations in soil pore water or their availability to the plants, increased soil nutrient and organic matter levels and favoured the development of a sustainable soil microbial biomass (effects that were enhanced by the presence of A. halimus) as well as, especially for slurry, increasing A. halimus biomass and ground cover. With regard to the minimisation of trace elements concentrations in the above-ground plant parts, the effectiveness of both amendments was greatest 12-16 months after their incorporation. The findings demonstrate the potential of A. halimus, particularly in combination with an organic amendment, for the challenging task of the phytostabilisation of contaminated soils in (semi-)arid areas and suggest the need for an ecotoxicological evaluation of the remediated soils. However, the ability of A. halimus to accumulate Zn and Cd in the shoot may limit its use to moderately-contaminated sites.
[Pubmed: 22595543]
| | 30. |
2011 Jun 01 |
Phytochemical and Biological Investigations of Atriplex Semibacata R .BR. Growing in Egypt.
Tawfik WA, Abdel-Mohsen MM, Radwan HM, Habib AA, Yeramian MA
Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2011;8(4):435-43. Epub 2011 Jun 01.
Abstract
The lipid content of Atriplex semibacata growing in Egypt was studied. The unsaponifiable fraction was identified by GLC. A series of hydrocarbons ranging from C(14)- C(28) in addition to cholesterol, stigmasterol and the triterpenoids α and β - amyrin were identified. GLC analysis of fatty alcohols fraction revealed the presence of six fatty alcohols in which dotriacontanol (C(32)H(66)O) was the major (14.68%). Six compounds (five coumarins and one phenolic acid) were isolated for the first time from A. semibacata. The coumarin constituents isolated from the chloroform and the ethyl acetate fractions of the aqueous alcoholic extract of A. semibacata were identified as scopoletin, umbelliferorne, coumarin, scopolin, 7-methoxy coumarin in addition to a phenolic acid P-coumaric acid. Also, the flavonoidal compounds isolated from the n-butanol fraction of the plant revealed the presence of kaempferol 3-O glucoside and acacetin. Their identity was proved by m.p., TLC, PC, UV and MS analysis. The alcohol extract showed significant antimicrobial activity against G-ve bacteria, moderate activity against G+ve bacteria. On the other hand, the pet. Ether extract showed marked activity against G+ve bacteria and fungi, also the G-ve bacteria was greatly inhibited by the chloroform extract. The different extracts of the plant exhibited no cytotoxic activity against Erlich-ascites carcinoma cells line at the tested concentrations, also showed a strong antioxidant activity using DPPH.
[Pubmed: 22654223]
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