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Essaidi I, Chouaibi M, Haj Koubaier H, Bouacida S, Snoussi A, Abassi Y, Bouzouita N. Arbutus unedo fruit syrup as a fortifying agent: effect on physicochemical, microbiological, rheological, sensory and antioxidant properties of yoghurt. J Food Sci Technol 2023; 60:2835-2845. [PMID: 37711580 PMCID: PMC10497488 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-023-05801-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to assess the antioxidant and the antibacterial activities of Arbutus unedo fruits and to valorize its syrup by the incorporation in bi-layer yoghurt. The antioxidant activity of the ethanol 80% fruits and syrup extracts was evaluated by three methods namely DPPH·, ABTS·+ and FRAP. The antibacterial activity was tested against seven pathogenic bacteria using agar well diffusion method. The yoghurt was prepared using 10 and 20% layers of A. unedo syrup, physicochemical, rheological, microbiological and sensorial characteristics and the antioxidant activity were investigated during cold storage. The results revealed that the heat treatment decreased the phenolic compounds contents and the antioxidant activity in the syrup extract. Both fruits and syrup extracts demonstrated an antibacterial activity against the tested bacteria. The highest inhibition diameter (40 mm) was recorded for Aeromonas hydrophila at 100 mg/mL of fruit echtanolic extract. The prepared bi-layer yoghurts showed stability for the physicochemical and microbiological properties during storage. The rheological properties revealed that the A. unedo syrup increases the yoghurt consistency (k). The antioxidant activity of the yoghurt indicated that fermentation improved the radical scavenging power of the A. unedo syrup at the beginning and the activity decreased slowly during storage. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-023-05801-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismahen Essaidi
- Research Laboratory Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, High Agronomic Institute of Chott Meriam, University of Sousse, B.P 47, 4042 Chott Meriam, Tunisia
| | - Moncef Chouaibi
- Food Engineering and Basic Science Department, Higher School of Food Industries, University of Carthage, 58, Alain Savary Street, 1003 Elkhadhra City, Tunisia
| | - Hayet Haj Koubaier
- Food Technology Department, Higher School of Food Industries, University of Carthage, 58, Alain Savary Street, 1003 Elkhadhra City, Tunisia
| | - Saoussen Bouacida
- Food Technology Department, Higher School of Food Industries, University of Carthage, 58, Alain Savary Street, 1003 Elkhadhra City, Tunisia
| | - Ahmed Snoussi
- Food Technology Department, Higher School of Food Industries, University of Carthage, 58, Alain Savary Street, 1003 Elkhadhra City, Tunisia
| | - Yosra Abassi
- Food Technology Department, Higher School of Food Industries, University of Carthage, 58, Alain Savary Street, 1003 Elkhadhra City, Tunisia
| | - Nabiha Bouzouita
- Food Technology Department, Higher School of Food Industries, University of Carthage, 58, Alain Savary Street, 1003 Elkhadhra City, Tunisia
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Wahabi S, Rtibi K, Atouani A, Sebai H. Anti-Obesity Actions of Two Separated Aqueous Extracts From Arbutus ( Arbutus unedo) and Hawthorn ( Crataegus monogyna) Fruits Against High-Fat Diet in Rats via Potent Antioxidant Target. Dose Response 2023; 21:15593258231179904. [PMID: 37275393 PMCID: PMC10236257 DOI: 10.1177/15593258231179904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Arbutus unedo and Crataegus monogyna are widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean basin and commonly used in folk medicine against a wide range of diseases. Therefore, the present study has been designed to evaluate the anti-obesity potential of two aqueous extracts of the fruits of A. unedo (AUAE) and C. monogyna (CMAE). Male Wistar rats were supplied with a standard diet (SD), high-fat diet (HFD), HFD with the two separated extracts at the same dose (300 mg/kg, BW, p. o.), or HFD with atorvastatin-(ATOR) (2.1 mg/kg, BW, p. o.) for 12 weeks. Lipid profile and the liver and kidney linked-markers were assessed. Besides, obesity-related disorders' biomarkers were measured. AUAE, CMAE, and ATOR were observed to reduce significantly total body and organ weights following HFD-induced obese rat models. Likewise, epididymal and abdominal adipose tissue weights were noticeably decreased in HFD rats treated with both extracts and ATOR. Added to that, biochemical and metabolic changes were normalized by significant attenuation of lipid peroxidation accompanied with an increase of thiol-group concentrations and antioxidant status. More importantly, a modulation in trace element levels was revealed when compared with HFD group. Altogether, current study concluded that AUAE and CMAE could be potential candidates for the prevention and treatment of obesity and related disturbs induced by HFD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumaya Wahabi
- Laboratory of Functional Physiology
and Valorization of Bio-Ressources-Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Beja, University of Jendouba, Beja, Tunisia
| | - Kais Rtibi
- Laboratory of Functional Physiology
and Valorization of Bio-Ressources-Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Beja, University of Jendouba, Beja, Tunisia
| | - Amal Atouani
- Clinical Biology Laboratory, Beja
Regional Hospital, Beja, Tunisia
| | - Hichem Sebai
- Laboratory of Functional Physiology
and Valorization of Bio-Ressources-Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Beja, University of Jendouba, Beja, Tunisia
- University of Jendouba, Jendouba, Tunisia
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Jurič A, Brčić Karačonji I, Gašić U, Milojković Opsenica D, Prđun S, Bubalo D, Lušić D, Vahčić N, Kopjar N. Protective Effects of Arbutus unedo L. Honey in the Alleviation of Irinotecan-Induced Cytogenetic Damage in Human Lymphocytes-An In Vitro Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031903. [PMID: 36768223 PMCID: PMC9916164 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) honey (STH) has been used since ancient times as a folk medicine remedy, especially in certain Mediterranean countries. This honey, rich in phenolic content, is well recognized for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities, and is used for the treatment of skin lesions as well as gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders. This study investigated whether STH alleviates genome damage in human peripheral blood lymphocytes produced by the cytotoxic drug irinotecan. The phenolic profile of STH was previously estimated by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a linear ion trap-Orbitrap hybrid mass spectrometer. The effects of STH were evaluated at three concentrations (1×, 5×, and 10×), based on the daily consumption of the honey by an adult person. After 2 h of in vitro exposure, standard lymphocyte cultures for the analysis of chromosome aberrations and the cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay were established. Our results demonstrate that STH offered remarkable geno- and cytoprotection when administered with irinotecan. These findings are relevant for drawing preliminary conclusions regarding the in vitro safety of the tested honey. However, further studies are needed with the application of more complex experimental models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreja Jurič
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska Cesta 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Irena Brčić Karačonji
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska Cesta 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Faculty of Health Studies, University of Rijeka, Viktora Cara Emina 5, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
- Correspondence:
| | - Uroš Gašić
- Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Saša Prđun
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska Cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dragan Bubalo
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska Cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dražen Lušić
- Faculty of Health Studies, University of Rijeka, Viktora Cara Emina 5, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Nada Vahčić
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierottijeva 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nevenka Kopjar
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska Cesta 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Morales D. Use of Strawberry Tree ( Arbutus unedo) as a Source of Functional Fractions with Biological Activities. Foods 2022; 11:foods11233838. [PMID: 36496646 PMCID: PMC9736438 DOI: 10.3390/foods11233838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Arbutus unedo, commonly named 'strawberry tree' (ST), is a Mediterranean native plant that represents a relevant source of biologically active fractions and compounds. ST fruits, traditionally used with culinary and medicinal purposes, along with other components (leaves, roots, honeys, etc.), have been subjected to varied extraction procedures to obtain enriched and bioactive products. This work reviewed the scientific literature, searching for studies that evaluated the potential health implications of ST fractions and attending to the tested biological activities (antioxidant, antiproliferative, hypoglycemic, immune-modulatory, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, etc.), the part of the tree, the experimental model, the specific bioactive compounds and the selected extraction protocol. Furthermore, the strengths and weaknesses of the current state of the published evidence were critically analysed. Although in vitro results demonstrated the potential of ST fractions, further research is encouraged in order to obtain in vivo evidence (animal and clinical studies), assess additional activities (hypocholesterolemic, microbiome-modulatory), maximize the use of advanced extraction technologies, purify and isolate specific bioactive compounds and broaden the analysis investigating phenolic and non-phenolic molecules and their bioavailability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Morales
- Nutrigenomics Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
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Martins J, Ares A, Casais V, Costa J, Canhoto J. Identification and Characterization of Arbutus unedo L. Endophytic Bacteria Isolated from Wild and Cultivated Trees for the Biological Control of Phytophthora cinnamomi. Plants (Basel) 2021; 10:plants10081569. [PMID: 34451613 PMCID: PMC8401287 DOI: 10.3390/plants10081569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Arbutus unedo L. is a resilient tree with a circum-Mediterranean distribution. Besides its ecological relevance, it is vital for local economies as a fruit tree. Several microorganisms are responsible for strawberry tree diseases, leading to production constrictions. Thus, the development of alternative plant protection strategies is necessary, such as bacterial endophytes, which may increase their host’s overall fitness and productivity. As agricultural practices are a driving factor of microbiota, this paper aimed to isolate, identify and characterize endophytic bacteria from strawberry tree leaves from plants growing spontaneously in a natural environment as well as from plants growing in orchards. A total of 62 endophytes were isolated from leaves and identified as Bacillus, Paenibacillus, Pseudomonas, Sphingomonas and Staphylococcus. Although a slightly higher number of species was found in wild plants, no differences in terms of diversity indexes were found. Sixteen isolates were tested in vitro for their antagonistic effect against A. unedo mycopathogens. B. cereus was the most effective antagonist causing a growth reduction of 20% in Glomerella cingulata and 40% in Phytophthora cinnamomi and Mycosphaerella aurantia. Several endophytic isolates also exhibited plant growth-promoting potential. This study provides insights into the diversity of endophytic bacteria in A. unedo leaves and their potential role as growth promoters and pathogen antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Martins
- Department of Life Sciences, Centre for Functional Ecology, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.M.); (A.A.); (V.C.); (J.C.)
| | - Aitana Ares
- Department of Life Sciences, Centre for Functional Ecology, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.M.); (A.A.); (V.C.); (J.C.)
- Laboratory for Phytopathology, Instituto Pedro Nunes, 3030-199 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Vinicius Casais
- Department of Life Sciences, Centre for Functional Ecology, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.M.); (A.A.); (V.C.); (J.C.)
| | - Joana Costa
- Department of Life Sciences, Centre for Functional Ecology, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.M.); (A.A.); (V.C.); (J.C.)
- Laboratory for Phytopathology, Instituto Pedro Nunes, 3030-199 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Jorge Canhoto
- Department of Life Sciences, Centre for Functional Ecology, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.M.); (A.A.); (V.C.); (J.C.)
- Correspondence:
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Karabagias IK. Advances of Spectrometric Techniques in Food Analysis and Food Authentication Implemented with Chemometrics. Foods 2020; 9:foods9111550. [PMID: 33120875 PMCID: PMC7692687 DOI: 10.3390/foods9111550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Given the continuous consumer demand for products of high quality and specific origin, there is a great tendency for the application of multiple instrumental techniques for the complete characterization of foodstuffs or related natural products. Spectrometric techniques usually offer a full and rapid screenshot of products' composition and properties by the determination of specific bio-molecules such as sugars, minerals, polyphenols, volatile compounds, amino acids, organic acids, etc. The present special issue aimed firstly to enhance the advances of the application of spectrometric techniques such as gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Raman spectroscopy, or any other spectrometric technique, in the analysis of foodstuffs such as meat, milk, cheese, potatoes, vegetables, fruits/fruit juices, honey, olive oil, chocolate, and other natural products. An additional goal was to fill the gap between food composition/food properties/natural products properties and food/natural products authenticity, using supervised and non-supervised chemometrics. Of the 18 submitted articles, nine were eventually published, providing new information to the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis K Karabagias
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
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Maldini M, D'Urso G, Pagliuca G, Petretto GL, Foddai M, Gallo FR, Multari G, Caruso D, Montoro P, Pintore G. HPTLC-PCA Complementary to HRMS-PCA in the Case Study of Arbutus unedo Antioxidant Phenolic Profiling. Foods 2019; 8:foods8080294. [PMID: 31357632 PMCID: PMC6723518 DOI: 10.3390/foods8080294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
A comparison between High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) analysis and Liquid Chromatography High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS), coupled with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was carried out by performing a combined metabolomics study to discriminate Arbutus unedo (A. unedo) plants. For a rapid digital record of A. unedo extracts (leaves, yellow fruit, and red fruit collected in La Maddalena and Sassari, Sardinia), HPTLC was used. Data were then analysed by PCA with the results of the ability of this technique to discriminate samples. Similarly, extracts were acquired by non-targeted LC-HRMS followed by unsupervised PCA, and then by LC-HRMS (MS) to identify secondary metabolites involved in the differentiation of the samples. As a result, we demonstrated that HPTLC may be applied as a simple and reliable untargeted approach to rapidly discriminate extracts based on tissues and/or geographical origins, while LC-HRMS could be used to identify which metabolites are able to discriminate samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariateresa Maldini
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Via F. Muroni, 23/b, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti, 9, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Gilda D'Urso
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Giordana Pagliuca
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Giacomo Luigi Petretto
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Via F. Muroni, 23/b, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Marzia Foddai
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Via F. Muroni, 23/b, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Gallo
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Multari
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti, 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Montoro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Giorgio Pintore
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Via F. Muroni, 23/b, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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Röhrig T, Pacjuk O, Hernández-Huguet S, Körner J, Scherer K, Richling E. Inhibition of Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate-Specific Phosphodiesterase by Various Food Plant-Derived Phytotherapeutic Agents. Medicines (Basel) 2017; 4:E80. [PMID: 29113064 DOI: 10.3390/medicines4040080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background: Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) play a major role in the regulation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)- and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-mediated pathways. Their inhibitors exhibit anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory and antithrombotic effects. Therefore, consumption of foods with PDE-inhibiting potential may possess beneficial influence on the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Methods: Four plant extracts (Arbutus unedo, Camellia sinensis, Cynara scolymus, Zingiber officinale) with promising ingredient profiles and physiological effects were tested for their ability to inhibit cAMP-specific PDE in vitro in a radioactive assay. Results: Strawberry tree fruit (Arbutus unedo) and tea (Camellia sinensis) extracts did not inhibit PDE markedly. Alternatively, artichoke (Cynara scolymus) extract had a significant inhibitory influence on PDE activity (IC50 = 0.9 ± 0.1 mg/mL) as well as its flavone luteolin (IC50 = 41 ± 10 μM) and 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid (IC50 > 1.0 mM). Additionally, the ginger (Zingiber officinale) extract and one of its constituents, [6]-gingerol, significantly inhibited PDE (IC50 = 1.7 ± 0.2 mg/mL and IC50 > 1.7 mM, respectively). Crude fractionation of ginger extract showed that substances responsible for PDE inhibition were in the lipoid fraction (IC50 = 455 ± 19 μg/mL). Conclusions: A PDE-inhibitory effect was shown for artichoke and ginger extract. Whether PDE inhibition in vivo can be achieved through ingestion of artichoke or ginger extracts leading to physiological effects concerning cardiovascular health should be addressed in future research.
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Santiso X, Lopez L, Retuerto R, Barreiro R. Phylogeography of a widespread species: pre-glacial vicariance, refugia, occasional blocking straits and long-distance migrations. AoB Plants 2016; 8:plw003. [PMID: 26768603 DOI: 10.1093/aobpla/plwoo3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Phylogeographic studies give us the opportunity to reconstruct the historical migrations of species and link them with climatic and geographic variation. They are, therefore, a key tool to understanding the relationships among biology, geology and history. One of the most interesting biogeographical areas of the world is the Mediterranean region. However, in this area, the description of concordant phylogeographic patterns is quite scarce, which limits the understanding of evolutionary patterns related to climate. Species with one-dimensional distribution ranges, such as the strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo), are particularly useful to unravel these patterns. Here, we describe its phylogeographic structure and check for concordance with patterns seen in other Mediterranean plants: longitudinal/latitudinal clines of diversity, evidence for glacial refugia and the role of sea straits in dispersal. We also identify the most likely source for the disjunct Irish population. With this aim, we sequenced four chloroplast non-coding fragments of A. unedo from 23 populations covering its whole distribution. We determined the genetic diversity, population structure, haplotype genealogy and time to the most recent common ancestor. The genealogy revealed two clades that separated during the last 700 ky but before the last glacial maximum. One clade occupies Atlantic Iberia and North Africa, while the other occurs in the Western Mediterranean. The Eastern Mediterranean is inhabited by newer haplotypes derived from both clades, while the Irish population is closely related to Iberian demes. The straits of Sicily and Gibraltar partially restricted the gene flow. We concluded that a vicariance event during the Late Quaternary in the western end of the species' range followed by eastward migration seems a likely explanation for the observed phylogeographic pattern. The role of straits indicates an occasional communication between Europe and North Africa, suggesting that the latter was a novel refugia. The East-West genetic split in Iberia is consistent with the refugia-within-refugia model. Finally, the strawberry tree possibly reached Ireland from Iberia instead of throughout the maritime fringe of France as previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xabier Santiso
- Área de Ecoloxía, Facultade de Bioloxía, Campus Vida, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Lúa Lopez
- Área de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias, Campus A Zapateira, Universidad de A Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Rubén Retuerto
- Área de Ecoloxía, Facultade de Bioloxía, Campus Vida, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Rodolfo Barreiro
- Área de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias, Campus A Zapateira, Universidad de A Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
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10
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Santiso X, Lopez L, Retuerto R, Barreiro R. Phylogeography of a widespread species: pre-glacial vicariance, refugia, occasional blocking straits and long-distance migrations. AoB Plants 2016; 8:plw003. [PMID: 26768603 PMCID: PMC4768523 DOI: 10.1093/aobpla/plw003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Phylogeographic studies give us the opportunity to reconstruct the historical migrations of species and link them with climatic and geographic variation. They are, therefore, a key tool to understanding the relationships among biology, geology and history. One of the most interesting biogeographical areas of the world is the Mediterranean region. However, in this area, the description of concordant phylogeographic patterns is quite scarce, which limits the understanding of evolutionary patterns related to climate. Species with one-dimensional distribution ranges, such as the strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo), are particularly useful to unravel these patterns. Here, we describe its phylogeographic structure and check for concordance with patterns seen in other Mediterranean plants: longitudinal/latitudinal clines of diversity, evidence for glacial refugia and the role of sea straits in dispersal. We also identify the most likely source for the disjunct Irish population. With this aim, we sequenced four chloroplast non-coding fragments of A. unedo from 23 populations covering its whole distribution. We determined the genetic diversity, population structure, haplotype genealogy and time to the most recent common ancestor. The genealogy revealed two clades that separated during the last 700 ky but before the last glacial maximum. One clade occupies Atlantic Iberia and North Africa, while the other occurs in the Western Mediterranean. The Eastern Mediterranean is inhabited by newer haplotypes derived from both clades, while the Irish population is closely related to Iberian demes. The straits of Sicily and Gibraltar partially restricted the gene flow. We concluded that a vicariance event during the Late Quaternary in the western end of the species' range followed by eastward migration seems a likely explanation for the observed phylogeographic pattern. The role of straits indicates an occasional communication between Europe and North Africa, suggesting that the latter was a novel refugia. The East-West genetic split in Iberia is consistent with the refugia-within-refugia model. Finally, the strawberry tree possibly reached Ireland from Iberia instead of throughout the maritime fringe of France as previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xabier Santiso
- Área de Ecoloxía, Facultade de Bioloxía, Campus Vida, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Lúa Lopez
- Área de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias, Campus A Zapateira, Universidad de A Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Rubén Retuerto
- Área de Ecoloxía, Facultade de Bioloxía, Campus Vida, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Rodolfo Barreiro
- Área de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias, Campus A Zapateira, Universidad de A Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
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Santiso X, Lopez L, Retuerto R, Barreiro R. Population Structure of a Widespread Species under Balancing Selection: The Case of Arbutus unedo L. Front Plant Sci 2016; 6:1264. [PMID: 26793231 PMCID: PMC4710743 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2015.01264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/24/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Arbutus unedo L. is an evergreen shrub with a circum-Mediterranean distribution that also reaches the Eurosiberian region in northern Iberia, Atlantic France, and a disjunct population in southern Ireland. Due to the variety of climatic conditions across its distribution range, the populations of A. unedo were expected to display local adaptation. Conversely, common garden experiments revealed that diverse genotypes from a range of provenances produce similar phenotypes through adaptive plasticity, suggesting the action of stabilizing selection across its climatically heterogeneous range. Nonetheless, since a uniform response might also result from extensive gene flow, we have inferred the population structure of A. unedo and assessed whether its extended and largely one-dimensional range influences gene flow with the help of AFLP genotypes for 491 individuals from 19 populations covering the whole range of the species. As we had anticipated, gene flow is restricted in A. unedo, providing further support to the hypothesis that stabilizing selection is the most likely explanation for the homogeneous phenotypes along the range. The Euro-Siberian populations were not particularly isolated from the Mediterranean. Instead, there was a distinct genetic divide between the populations around the Mediterranean Sea and those sampled along Atlantic coasts from northern Africa up to Ireland. This genetic structure suggests the action of historic rather than biogeographic factors as it seems consistent with a scenario of independent glacial refugia in the Atlantic and Mediterranean portions of the range of A. unedo. Genetic exchange was likewise restricted within each set of populations. Nevertheless, isolation-by-distance (IBD) was stronger, and F ST increased faster with distance, along the Atlantic, suggesting that gene flow might be larger among Mediterranean populations. Genetic diversity was significantly lower in NW Iberia and Ireland than in other populations whereas Ireland was more closely related to populations in NW Iberia than to a population in Atlantic France, suggesting a postglacial stepping-stone colonization of the Atlantic coast. Altogether, our results show that stabilizing selection is able to homogenize the phenotypic response even when population structure is strong, gene flow is constrained, and the phylogeographic past is complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xabier Santiso
- Facultad de Biología, Área de Ecología, Universidade de Santiago de CompostelaSantiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Lua Lopez
- Facultad de Ciencias, Área de Ecología, Universidade da CoruñaA Coruña, Spain
- Department of Plant Systematics and Biodiversity, Center for Organismal Studies Heidelberg, University of HeidelbergHeidelberg, Germany
| | - Rubén Retuerto
- Facultad de Biología, Área de Ecología, Universidade de Santiago de CompostelaSantiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Rodolfo Barreiro
- Facultad de Ciencias, Área de Ecología, Universidade da CoruñaA Coruña, Spain
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Sperlich D, Chang CT, Peñuelas J, Gracia C, Sabaté S. Seasonal variability of foliar photosynthetic and morphological traits and drought impacts in a Mediterranean mixed forest. Tree Physiol 2015; 35:501-20. [PMID: 25836361 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpv017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The Mediterranean region is a hot spot of climate change vulnerable to increased droughts and heat waves. Scaling carbon fluxes from leaf to landscape levels is particularly challenging under drought conditions. We aimed to improve the mechanistic understanding of the seasonal acclimation of photosynthesis and morphology in sunlit and shaded leaves of four Mediterranean trees (Quercus ilex L., Pinus halepensis Mill., Arbutus unedo L. and Quercus pubescens Willd.) under natural conditions. Vc,max and Jmax were not constant, and mesophyll conductance was not infinite, as assumed in most terrestrial biosphere models, but varied significantly between seasons, tree species and leaf position. Favourable conditions in winter led to photosynthetic recovery and growth in the evergreens. Under moderate drought, adjustments in the photo/biochemistry and stomatal/mesophyllic diffusion behaviour effectively protected the photosynthetic machineries. Severe drought, however, induced early leaf senescence mostly in A. unedo and Q. pubescens, and significantly increased leaf mass per area in Q. ilex and P. halepensis. Shaded leaves had lower photosynthetic potentials but cushioned negative effects during stress periods. Species-specificity, seasonal variations and leaf position are key factors to explain vegetation responses to abiotic stress and hold great potential to reduce uncertainties in terrestrial biosphere models especially under drought conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Sperlich
- Departament d'Ecologia, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Diagonal 645, 08028 Barcelona, Spain CREAF, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - C T Chang
- Departament d'Ecologia, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Diagonal 645, 08028 Barcelona, Spain CREAF, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - J Peñuelas
- CREAF, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain CSIC, global Ecology Unit CREAF-CSIC-UAB, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - C Gracia
- Departament d'Ecologia, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Diagonal 645, 08028 Barcelona, Spain CREAF, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - S Sabaté
- Departament d'Ecologia, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Diagonal 645, 08028 Barcelona, Spain CREAF, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Barbeta A, Mejía-Chang M, Ogaya R, Voltas J, Dawson TE, Peñuelas J. The combined effects of a long-term experimental drought and an extreme drought on the use of plant-water sources in a Mediterranean forest. Glob Chang Biol 2015; 21:1213-1225. [PMID: 25359123 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.12785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 09/25/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Vegetation in water-limited ecosystems relies strongly on access to deep water reserves to withstand dry periods. Most of these ecosystems have shallow soils over deep groundwater reserves. Understanding the functioning and functional plasticity of species-specific root systems and the patterns of or differences in the use of water sources under more frequent or intense droughts is therefore necessary to properly predict the responses of seasonally dry ecosystems to future climate. We used stable isotopes to investigate the seasonal patterns of water uptake by a sclerophyll forest on sloped terrain with shallow soils. We assessed the effect of a long-term experimental drought (12 years) and the added impact of an extreme natural drought that produced widespread tree mortality and crown defoliation. The dominant species, Quercus ilex, Arbutus unedo and Phillyrea latifolia, all have dimorphic root systems enabling them to access different water sources in space and time. The plants extracted water mainly from the soil in the cold and wet seasons but increased their use of groundwater during the summer drought. Interestingly, the plants subjected to the long-term experimental drought shifted water uptake toward deeper (10-35 cm) soil layers during the wet season and reduced groundwater uptake in summer, indicating plasticity in the functional distribution of fine roots that dampened the effect of our experimental drought over the long term. An extreme drought in 2011, however, further reduced the contribution of deep soil layers and groundwater to transpiration, which resulted in greater crown defoliation in the drought-affected plants. This study suggests that extreme droughts aggravate moderate but persistent drier conditions (simulated by our manipulation) and may lead to the depletion of water from groundwater reservoirs and weathered bedrock, threatening the preservation of these Mediterranean ecosystems in their current structures and compositions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrià Barbeta
- CSIC, Global Ecology Unit CREAF-CSIC-UAB, Cerdanyola del Vallès (Catalonia), E-08193, Spain; CREAF, Cerdanyola del Vallès (Catalonia), E-08193, Spain
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Barbeta A, Ogaya R, Peñuelas J. Dampening effects of long-term experimental drought on growth and mortality rates of a Holm oak forest. Glob Chang Biol 2013; 19:3133-44. [PMID: 23712619 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.12269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2012] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
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 13 years 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 (13 years) 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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrià Barbeta
- CSIC, Global Ecology Unit CREAF-CEAB-CSIC-UAB, Cerdanyola del Vallès (Catalonia), E-08193, Spain; CREAF, Cerdanyola del Vallès (Catalonia), E-08193, Spain
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