Search Results (42)

The Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) is an invasive parrot increasingly established in European cities, including Athens, Greece, yet its diet and exposure to plant toxins in Mediterranean ecosystems remain poorly documented. We examined seasonal foraging patterns in Athens and assessed the toxicity of key food items using a brine shrimp lethality assay. Field observations recorded 601 feeding events across 10 plant species. Four foods—cypress seeds (Cupressus sempervirens), chinaberries (Melia azedarach), Canary Island dates (Phoenix canariensis), and olives (Olea europaea)—accounted for 82.9% of feeding events. Dietary diversity was highest in winter and summer, while foraging density remained relatively stable, peaking in autumn. Toxicity assessment of aqueous plant extracts with Brine Shrimp (Artemia franciscana) Lethality Test (BSLT) identified chinaberries as the most toxic, indicating potential dietary risks. These findings indicate that P. krameri exhibits flexible, opportunistic foraging and can tolerate plant compounds that are harmful to other vertebrates, suggesting that toxicity does not seem to limit its diet. Seasonal dietary shifts and ecological plasticity likely support its urban invasion success, highlighting the importance of understanding diet composition and potential exposure to plant toxins in urban parakeet populations. Full article

The pistachio psyllid (Agonoscena pistaciae) is a significant pest in pistachio (Pistacia vera) orchards, leading to serious economic losses. Understanding its overwintering behaviour is essential for developing effective pest control strategies. This study aimed to identify the overwintering habitats of A. pistaciae and to explore an alternative nature-based trapping method to managing its population. Field surveys were conducted over two years (2020–2022) in five key pistachio-growing regions of southern Türkiye. Our findings suggest that the A. pistaciae primarily overwinters in the mature cones of Turkish pine (Pinus brutia) and Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), as well as on the semi-evergreen leaves of oak trees (Quercus brantii, and Q. infectoria). Based on these observations, we developed cone-based overwintering traps and deployed them in pistachio orchards. These traps captured ten times more psyllids than those that were naturally overwintering in cones, which highlights their potential as a pest management tool. This study provides the first evidence of A. pistaciae overwintering in conifer cones and suggests that cone-based traps could serve as a practical and eco-friendly alternative to chemical control methods. Implementing this strategy in pistachio orchards may help reduce psyllid populations while preserving the ecological balance. Full article

Background: The peach allergen Pru p 7, a member of the Gibberellin-Regulated Protein (GRP) family, has emerged as a key marker of severe fruit-induced allergies. It is hypothesized to mediate cross-reactivity between fruit allergens and cypress pollen. Given the increasing prevalence of food allergies and the complex patterns of cross-sensitization, the role of Pru p 7 in clinical allergy diagnostics warrants further investigation. Objective: This study aims to characterize the sensitization profile to Pru p 7 in a cohort of patients with suspected fruit allergy and to assess its relationship with cypress pollen allergy, particularly to Cup s 7, a homologous GRP from Cupressus sempervirens. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 20 patients evaluated at the Allergy Unit of the Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo. Specific IgE (sIgE) levels to peach extract, Pru p 7, and Cup a 1 (cypress extract) were assessed using the ImmunoCAP^® system (Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Waltham, MA, USA). Statistical associations between sensitizations were evaluated using chi-square tests and Spearman’s correlation. Results: Sensitization to peach extract, Pru p 7, and cypress pollen was detected in 38%, 30%, and 45% of patients, respectively. Significant associations were observed between peach and cypress (χ² = 8.80, p = 0.003), peach and Pru p 7 (χ² = 8.23, p = 0.004), and cypress and Pru p 7 (χ² = 6.55, p = 0.01). Notably, all patients sensitized to Pru p 7 also tested positive for both peach and cypress allergens, supporting the hypothesis of pollen–food cross-reactivity. Conclusions: Pru p 7 is a clinically relevant allergen that may account for severe allergic responses in patients not sensitized to classical peach allergens. Its cross-reactivity with Cupressaceae-derived GRPs, such as Cup s 7, highlights the importance of molecular diagnostics in evaluating food allergies, particularly in regions with significant exposure to cypress pollen. Full article

Aphids are major agricultural pests, feeding on plant sap and transmitting viruses to economically important crops. The use of synthetic pesticides is increasingly restricted due to stricter regulations aimed at protecting both human and environmental health. To address this challenge, we investigated the potential of essential oils (EOs) extracted from rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus Spenn.), laurel (Laurus nobilis L.), and cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.) as alternatives to synthetic insecticides, while ensuring compatibility with biological control strategies. The EOs were extracted via hydrodistillation, diluted in acetone, and tested against the aphid Myzus persicae and its natural predator, the hoverfly (Sphaerophoria rueppellii). Aphid mortality was dose-dependent, reaching 85% with rosemary EO, 83% with laurel, and 81% with cypress. In contrast, hoverfly larvae mortality remained low, with a maximum of 20%, which could largely be attributed to the solvent used in the assays. These promising results support further research to develop effective EO-based tools for integrated pest management. Full article

Leaf water potential ($\psi$_leaf) is a key indicator of plant water status, but its measurement is labor-intensive and limited in spatial coverage. While remote sensing has emerged as a useful tool for estimating vegetation water status, $\psi$_leaf remains unexplored, particularly in mixed forests. Here, we use spectral indices derived from unmanned aerial vehicle-based hyperspectral imaging and machine learning algorithms to assess $\psi$_leaf in a mixed, multi-species Mediterranean forest comprised of five key woody species: Pinus halepensis, Quercus calliprinos, Cupressus sempervirens, Ceratonia siliqua, and Pistacia lentiscus. Hyperspectral images (400–1000 nm) were acquired monthly over one year, concurrent with $\psi$_leaf measurements in each species. Twelve spectral indices and thousands of normalized difference spectral index (NDSI) combinations were evaluated. Three machine learning algorithms—random forest (RF), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and support vector machine (SVM)—were used to model $\psi$_leaf. We compared the machine learning model results with linear models based on spectral indices and the NDSI. SVM, using species information as a feature, performed the best with a relatively good $\psi$_leaf assessment (R² = 0.53; RMSE = 0.67 MPa; rRMSE = 28%), especially considering the small seasonal variance in $\psi$_leaf ($\pm \sigma$ = 0.8 MPa). Predictions were best for Cupressus sempervirens (R² = 0.80) and Pistacia lentiscus (R² = 0.49), which had the largest $\psi$_leaf variances ($\pm \sigma$ > 1 MPa). Aggregating data at the plot scale in a ‘general’ model markedly improved the $\psi$_leaf model (R² = 0.79, RMSE = 0.31 MPa; rRMSE = 13%), providing a promising tool for monitoring mixed forest $\psi$_leaf. The fact that a non-species-specific, ‘general’ model could predict $\psi$_leaf implies that such a model can also be used with coarser resolution satellite data. Our study demonstrates the potential of combining hyperspectral imagery with machine learning for non-invasive $\psi$_leaf estimation in mixed forests while highlighting challenges in capturing interspecies variability. Full article

This study evaluates the performance of the ZEB Horizon RT portable mobile laser scanner (MLS) in simulating silvicultural thinning operations across three different Tuscan forests dominated by Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco), Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.), and Stone pine (Pinus pinea L.). The aim is to compare the efficiency and accuracy of the MLS with traditional dendrometric methods. The study established three marteloscopes, each covering a 50 m × 50 m plot area (0.25 ha). Traditional dendrometric methods involved a team georeferencing trees using a total station and measuring the diameter at breast height (DBH) and selected tree heights (H) to calculate the growing stock volume (GSV). The MLS survey was carried out by a two-person team, who processed the point cloud data with LiDAR 360 software to automatically identify the tree positions, DBH, and H. The methods were compared based on the time, cost, and simulated felling volume. The MLS method was more time-efficient, saving nearly one and a half hours per marteloscope, equivalent to EUR 170. This advantage was most significant in denser stands, especially the Italian cypress forest. Both methods were comparable in terms of accuracy for Douglas-fir and Stone pine stands, with no significant differences in felling number or volume, although greater differences were noted for the Italian cypress forest. Full article

Archaeobotanical analyses in Italy are uneven in terms of geographical and chronological distribution. Amongst the different regions, Abruzzi is poorly represented, with only one study covering the Roman Age. In this framework, the analyses carried out on carpological remains collected from the Late Roman (late 5th–early 6th century AD) filling of a well in the Sanctuary of Hercules in Alba Fucens represents an important addition to the state of the art. The plant assemblage consists of over 1500 remains attributed to 68 different taxa. These are partly represented by gathered fruit plants, such as Corylus avellana, Juglans regia and Sambucus nigra, while cereals and pulses are missing. An interesting aspect is represented by evergreen plants (Pinus pinea and Cupressus sempervirens) that are likely to have been used for ritual purposes rather than for human consumption. Finally, the impressive amount of ruderal and spontaneous plants represents a unicum for this type of study, allowing us to describe the past environment surrounding Alba Fucens, characterized by substantial water availability, Apennine grasslands and influenced by human presence. Full article

Cities play a critical role in anthropogenic CO₂ emissions, which exacerbate climate change and impact urban populations. Urban green infrastructure, such as urban trees, provides essential ecosystem services, including reducing atmospheric CO₂ levels. However, there is a significant knowledge gap regarding the impact of urban trees on climate change in semiarid, polluted cities like Tehran, the capital and largest metropolis of the Middle East. This study assesses the carbon sequestration and storage potential of Tehran’s urban infrastructure using the i-Tree Eco model. A randomized cluster sampling method was employed, collecting data on species composition, diameter at breast height (DBH), and total tree height. The results indicate that Tehran’s urban trees sequester approximately 60,102 tons of carbon per year, equivalent to 220,393 tons of CO₂. The net carbon storage in urban trees is about 254,579 tons, equivalent to 933,455 tons of CO₂. Parks and urban green spaces demonstrate the highest rate of carbon sequestration per hectare, followed by urban services land use. Prioritizing the planting of species with high sequestration rates like Cupressus arizonica (Arizona cypress) and Cupressus sempervirens L. var. horizontalis (Mediterranean cypress) could enhance carbon sequestration efforts in Tehran. These data provide valuable insights into the carbon sequestration potential and environmental impact of different land use types, and may aid in the development of effective environmental policies and land management strategies in semiarid urban areas and other cities in similar settings. Full article

Prior studies have extensively investigated the essential oil derived from the Mediterranean cypress, Cupressus sempervirens. However, the ‘Stricta’ variety, known for its ornamental value, has received less attention in terms of its oil composition and potential health benefits. The objective of this research was to comprehensively analyze the chemical components and medicinal properties of the essential oil extracted from C. sempervirens ‘Stricta’ (CSSLEO) grown in Egypt. Utilizing gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), the investigation identified 22 compounds within CSSLEO, with α-pinene and δ-3-carene being predominant, accounting for 96.01% of the oil. In vitro assays evaluated CSSLEO’s cytotoxic effects on cancer cell lines, revealing notable anticancer potential. Additionally, the oil displayed antidiabetic properties by impeding crucial enzymes involved in glucose metabolism. Complementary in silico network pharmacology and molecular docking studies provided insights into the possible interactions between CSSLEO’s key compounds and essential proteins and pathways in cancer treatment. The results underscored CSSLEO’s intricate composition and its promising applications in cancer prevention and diabetes management. The conclusions drawn from this research underscore the need for further investigation to validate CSSLEO’s clinical effectiveness and to gain a deeper understanding of its therapeutic mechanisms, with a view to harnessing its potential in oncology and endocrinology. Full article

Currently, researchers are looking for ways to replace synthetic pesticides with substances of natural origin. Essential oils are produced by plants, among other things, to protect against pathogens, which is why there is interest in their use as fungicides. This experiment assessed the composition of essential oils from a commercial source, their impact on the development of mycelium of pathogens of the Fusarium genus, and the possibility of using them as a pre-sowing treatment. Grains of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) were inoculated with a suspension of mycelium and spores of fungi of the Fusarium genus and then soaked in solutions containing oils of sage (Salvia officinalis L.), cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.), cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.). The obtained results indicate that thyme essential oil had the strongest effect on limiting the development of Fusarium pathogens and seedling infection, but at the same time it had an adverse effect on the level of germination and seedling development of the tested plants. The remaining essential oils influenced the mentioned parameters to varying degrees. Selected essential oils can be an alternative to synthetic fungicides, but they must be selected appropriately. Full article

Essential oils (EOs) extracted from aromatic or medicinal plants are biodegradable, safe, and regarded as alternatives to chemical pesticides to reduce fungal species attacking different crops. In this study, thirty EOs at 0.5 mg/mL were evaluated for in vitro growth inhibition of the main postharvest fungi, which are Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea, and Penicillium italicum. Cinnamomum verrum EO completely inhibited the mycelial growth of A. alternata and B. cinerea, and Syzygium aromaticum EO completely inhibited the mycelia of A. alternata. B. cinerea mycelial growth was completely inhibited by Gautheria fragrantissima, Cymbopogon nardus, Pelargonium asperum, and Cupressus sempervirens EOs. G. fragrantissima EO inhibited the mycelia growth of P. italicum by 98%. Overall, B. cinerea displayed the highest sensitivity to EOs than P. italicum and A. alternata. G. fragrantissima, C. sempervirens, C. nardus, P. asperum, Mentha piperita, Foeniculum vulgare, C. verrum, and S. aromaticum EOs showed the highest inhibition for these three pathogens. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were lower for C. verrum and S. aromaticum EOs, ranging between 0.31 and 0.45 mg/mL and 0.37 to 0.57 mg/mL, respectively, against the three pathogens. The tested EOs inhibited the in vitro growth of three of the main postharvest fungal pathogens. Further studies are needed to confirm these activities in vivo. Full article

Urbanization and urban regeneration can significantly impact cultural heritage, but a greater knowledge of the past natural and historical features is needed to value the past and understand the present. The lost Villa Peretti Montalto in Rome, once located in the area that corresponds to the current front side of Termini station, deserves great attention due to its cultural value. This work aimed to provide a floristic and functional reconstruction of the gardens of the villa during the XVI and XVII Centuries. From several bibliographic and iconographic sources, a critical analysis and interpretation of plant names was conducted. A list of 87 species and their location in the different garden sectors, during different periods with their specific uses, is provided. The arboreal design was made by classical species in the Roman context, like Cupressus sempervirens, Pinus pinea, Quercus ilex, and Ulmus glabra. In addition, ancient lost varieties of fruit trees (mainly Pyrus communis and Ficus carica) and several species of conservation interest were found. The knowledge of the ancient flora in historical gardens could be a key tool in urban greenery planning and touristic and cultural valorization. Full article

In the last decade, the urgent need to explore medicinal plants or drug development has increased enormously around the world to overcome numerous health problems. In the present investigation, HPLC indicated the existence of 18 phenolic and flavonoid compounds in the Cupressus sempervirens extract. Hesperetin represents the greatest concentration (25,579.57 µg/mL), while other compounds, such as pyro catechol, rutin, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, naringenin, and quercetin, were recognized in concentrations of 2922.53 µg/mL, 1313.26 µg/mL, 1107.26 µg/mL, 389.09 µg/mL, 156.53 µg/mL, and 97.56 µg/mL, respectively. The well diffusion method documented the antibacterial/antifungal activity of C. sempervirens extract against E. faecalis, E. coli, C. albicans, S. typhi, S.aureus, and M. circinelloid with 35, 33, 32, 25, 23, and 21 mm inhibition zones, respectively, more than the standard antibiotic/antifungal agent. Low values ranging from 7.80 to 15.62 µg/mL of MIC and MBC were recorded for E. faecalis, E. coli, and C. albicans. From the 1- diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) assay, promising antioxidant activity was recorded for C. sempervirens extract with IC₅₀ of an 8.97 µg/mL. Moreover, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and total antioxidant capacity assays (TAC) confirmed the antioxidant activity of the extract, which was expressed as the ascorbic acid equivalent (AAE) of 366.9 ± 0.2 µg/mg and 102 ± 0.2 µg/mg of extracts, respectively. α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition % were determined to express the antidiabetic activity of the extract in vitro, with promising IC₅₀ value (27.01 µg/mL) for α-amylase compared to that of acarbose (50.93 µg/mL), while IC₅₀ value of the extract for α-glucosidase was 19.21µg/mL compared to that of acarbose 4.13 µg/mL. Prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) revealed the role of C. sempervirens extract as an anticoagulant agent if compared with the activity of heparin. Binding interactions of hesperetin and gallic acid were examined via the Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) Dock software against E. faecalis (PDB ID: 3CLQ), C. albicans (PDB ID: 7RJC), α-amylase (PDB ID: 4W93), and α-glucosidase (PDB ID: 3TOP). The obtained results shed light on how molecular modeling methods might inhibit the tested compounds, which have the potential to be useful in the treatment of target proteins. Full article

Air pollution constitutes a major environmental risk factor for living beings. Protection against such risk needs air pollution monitoring and control. Air pollution monitoring can be obtained in several ways. Amongst them, passive methods assessing cumulative exposure are of particular interest. A passive approach consisting of ambient concentrations biomonitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using lichens and plants was used for assessment of ambient air pollution exposure in the industrial region of Oued El Berdi in Bouira (Algeria). Seven stations were chosen to take samples of lichen thalli of Xanthoria parietina and conifer scales and barks of Cupressus sempervirens in April 2018. The physiological parameters of the chlorophyll and the proline content were measured, and the atmospheric PAHs and particulate matter (PM) concentrations were quantified. The results show a spatial variation between the different stations and directions. The PAH concentrations accumulated in lichen range from 35 ± 3 ng/g dw to 2222 ± 376 ng/g dw and show significant differences (p = 0.017). These concentrations are higher than those found in conifer scales (18.8 ± 7 dw to 1183.5 ± 876 ng/g dw) and that found in conifer barks (7 ± 3 dw to 515.3 ± 19 ng/g dw). Significant difference between the reference stations of Tikjda and Errich and the five industrial stations of Oued El Berdi were also observed. Physiological parameters (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, chlorophyll ab) and proline and air pollutants accumulated (PAHs and PM) were associated. Biomonitoring allowed to show that the industrial area of Oued El Berdi was impacted by PAHs and PM, which are generated mainly by factories located there. Full article

In order to find effective, biorational, and eco-friendly pest control tools, Cupressus sempervirens var. horizontalis essential oil (EO) was produced using hydrodistillation, before being analyzed with gas chromatography, specifically, using flame ionization detection. The monoterpene components α-pinene (46.3%), δ-3-carene (22.7%), and α-cedrol, a sesquiterpene hydrocarbon, (5.8%), were the main fractions. An oil-in-water nanoemulsion was obtained following a green protocol. The EO, its nanoemulsion, and its terpenes each exhibited both insecticidal and insect repellent activities against the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae. In a contact bioassay, the nanoemulsion induced a 100% adult mortality rate in a concentration of 10.0 µL/cm² after 4 days of treatment, whereas 40 µL/cm² of EO and α-cedrol was required to kill 100% of weevils. Using fumigation, nanoemulsion and EO at 10 µL/L air caused a 100% adult mortality rate after 4 days of treatment. The LC₅₀ values of botanicals ranged between 5.8 and 53.4 µL/cm² for contact, and between 4.1 and 19.6 µL/L for fumigation. The phytochemicals strongly repelled the weevil at concentrations between 0.11 and 0.88 µL/cm², as well as considerably inhibiting AChE bioactivity. They were found to be safe for earthworms (Eisenia fetida) at 200 mg/kg, which also caused no significant alteration in wheat grain viability. This study provides evidence for the potential of using the EO of C. sempervirens and its nanoemulsion as natural, eco-friendly grain protectants against S. oryzae. Full article