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The present study examines the impacts of saponin, extracted from the fruits of Acacia Concinna, in its effectiveness as a dispersant and stabilizer during the pipeline conveyance of iron ore particles. The basic fundamental characteristics of iron ore, which comprises a majority of hematite and has a size of (≤75 µm), have been examined and characterized. Iron ore water slurry (IWS) rheological behavior has been investigated as a function of saponin doses, pH, particle concentration, and the shear rate-shear stress correlation. The change in zeta potential with pH is used to compute the isoelectric point of IWS. An appropriate mechanism has been presented to explicate the interaction between saponin and particles of Iron ore. The surface-modified particles exhibit improved dispersion characteristics in the aqueous solution due to the modification of electrostatic force that the surface charge on each particle causes. Investigation indicates that the optimal proportion of saponin had a significant favorable effect on the fluidity and stability of the suspension. The analysis of the economic impact of the dispersant has been conducted through the evaluation of slurry head loss and specific energy consumption (SEC) pertaining to the implementation of the IWS pipeline in its intended commercial application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research work was to investigate the influence of parameters such as particle size, mass/solvent ratio, temperature and spray drying on the tannin extraction process in order to develop cost-effective methods with better environmental and structural performance. The pods of Acacia nilotica ssp. tomentosa (ANT) were fractionated into three fractions, coarse fraction (C) (>2 mm), medium fraction (M) (1–2 mm), and fine fraction (F) < 1 mµ), and extracted with different water-to-pod ratios (2:1, 4:1 and 6:1) at different temperatures (30, 50 and 70 °C). The best results were scaled up using the three fractions of ANT, its bark and the bark of Acacia seyal var. seyal (ASS). Part of their extract was spray dried. The tannin content and total polyphenolic materials were evaluated using standard methods. Their adhesives were tested for their tensile strength. Tannins of ASS were characterized by 13C NMR and MALDI-TOF. The results revealed that the fine fraction (F) gave the highest percentage of tannins in both small and scaled-up experiments. The results of the tensile strength conformed to the European standard. The 13C NMR spectra of ANT and ASS showed that the bark contained condensed tannins mainly consisting of procyanidins/prodelphinidin of 70%/30% and 60%/40%, respectively. MALDI–TOF spectra confirmed the results obtained by 13C NMR and detailed the presence of flavonoid monomers and oligomers, some of which were linked to short carbohydrate monomers or dimers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acacia mearnsii De Wild. (Black wattle) is a forest species with great social and economical importance for the southern region of Brazil. This species has multifunctional characteristics, being cultivated to produce tannin, cellulose and energy. This research identified black wattle genotypes with competence for adventitious rooting for mini-cutting propagation. Single-bud mini-cuttings were treated with IBA at a concentration of 2000 mg L-1. After 30 days of cultivation in a humid chamber, the mini-cuttings were evaluated for percentages of survival, rooting, number of roots, average length of the three largest roots, and the number of mini-cuttings rooted per mini-stump. The identification of the best genotypes was performed with the Selegen REML/BLUP software. Selection between and within black wattle progenies can be performed based on the number of rooted mini-cuttings, making it possible to select genotypes with high competence for adventitious rooting while maintaining genetic variability for new selection cycles to develop clones for vegetative propagation by mini-cutting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small streams and their riparian vegetation are closely linked ecosystems. Thus, the invasion of native riparian forests with non‐native species can impact stream ecosystems.We assessed the effects of the invasion of broadleaf deciduous forests by evergreen, nitrogen‐fixing Acacia species on seasonal variation of relevant instream environmental variables, litterfall in the riparian area, aquatic decomposers, and leaf litter decomposition, by comparing three streams flowing through native forests (native streams) and three streams flowing through invaded forests (invaded streams) in central Portugal. Invaded streams flow through forests composed (almost) of monospecific stands of Acacia trees.Litterfall in the riparian area was sampled with fabric traps and sorted into five categories: leaf (including phyllodes), flower, fruit and seed, wood litter, and other materials. Aquatic hyphomycete conidia suspended in water were sampled to assess conidia concentration and community composition. Leaf litter of Quercus robur was enclosed in coarse‐mesh bags and incubated in streams to assess decomposition rates and associated macroinvertebrate density and community composition. Samples from each variable were collected monthly from streams over 1 year.Aquatic hyphomycete conidia concentration was higher in invaded streams in spring/summer when litter inputs, water temperature, and aquatic nutrient concentrations were higher. In contrast, conidia concentration was lower in invaded streams in autumn/winter as they received less native deciduous leaf litter in autumn than native streams. Aquatic hyphomycete community structure changed, and species richness was lower in invaded streams because aquatic nutrient concentrations were higher and leaf litter species richness was lower.Macroinvertebrate and shredder density in decomposing leaf litter did not differ between native and invaded streams, but litter bags may have artificially increased densities by providing high quality food and/or refuges in streams with poor‐quality resources. Nevertheless, macroinvertebrate community structure changed, and family richness was lower in invaded streams.Finally, decomposition rates of Q. robur leaf litter in coarse‐mesh bags were similar between stream types, despite differences in aquatic decomposer communities.Overall, Acacia invasion changed water quality, litterfall seasonality and composition, and aquatic decomposer communities (especially aquatic hyphomycetes). However, Acacia effects on macroinvertebrate density and leaf litter decomposition rates were less pronounced, suggesting that higher trophic levels may be more resilient to invasion than basal levels, or the invasion time/extent in our invaded streams was not strong enough to affect macroinvertebrates and associated processes. Instream invasion effects on aquatic hyphomycete communities were more strongly mediated by changes in litter inputs rather than increases in aquatic nutrient concentrations because they remained oligotrophic in invaded streams. Simplification of riparian and aquatic communities may render them less efficient in coping with additional environmental changes. Acacia effects might be mitigated by the maintenance of a riparian corridor composed of native vegetation. The protection of non‐invaded riparian galleries and restoration of invaded ones could protect and restore stream ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cistus ladanifer L., Acacia dealbata L., and Aloysia citrodora Paláu were subject to an optimization procedure for two extraction techniques (heat-assisted extraction (HAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE)). The extracts were then analyzed by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS for their phenolic profile (cistus—15 compounds, acacia—21 compounds, and lemon verbena—9 compounds). The response surface methodology was applied, considering four varying factors: ethanol percentage; extraction time; temperature/power; and S/L ratio, generating two responses (the major phenolic compound, or family of compounds, and the extraction yield). For cistus, both techniques optimized the extraction yield of punicalagins, with UAE proving to be the most efficient extraction method (3.22% ethanol, 22 min, 171 W, and 35 g/L). For acacia, HAE maximized the extraction of procyanidin (74% ethanol, 86 min, 24 °C, and 50 g/L), and UAE maximized the content of myricetin (65% ethanol, 8 min, 50 W, and 50 g/L). For lemon verbena, HAE favored the extraction of martynoside (13% ethanol, 96 min, 49 °C and 17 g/L) and forsythiaside UAE (94% ethanol, 25 min, 399 W, and 29 g/L). The optimal conditions for the extraction of compounds with high added value and potential for use in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals were defined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a psychedelic substance produced within various Acacia species; however, the range of species that contain it and the quantity of the compound found within each species is relatively unknown. This work focused on the identification of DMT in 104 plant samples, representing 79 Acacia species, utilizing a reverse phase liquid chromatographic separation prior to mass spectral characterization with a robust Q-TOF-MS method. The findings of this work determined 51 DMT-containing species, 41 of which were previously unknown to contain the psychedelic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a psychedelic substance produced within various Acacia species; however, the range of species that contain it and the quantity of the compound found within each species is relatively unknown. This work focused on the identification of DMT in 104 plant samples, representing 79 Acacia species, utilizing a reverse phase liquid chromatographic separation prior to mass spectral characterization with a robust Q-TOF-MS method. The findings of this work determined 51 DMT-containing species, 41 of which were previously unknown to contain the psychedelic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acacia melanoxylon is highly valued for its commercial applications, with the heartwood exhibiting a range of colors from dark to light among its various clones. The underlying mechanisms contributing to this color variation, however, have not been fully elucidated. In an effort to understand the factors that influence the development of dark heartwood, a comparative analysis was conducted on the microstructure, substance composition, differential gene expression, and metabolite profiles in the sapwood (SW), transition zone (TZ), and heartwood (HW) of two distinct clones, SR14 and SR25. A microscopic examination revealed that heartwood color variations are associated with an increased substance content within the ray parenchyma cells. A substance analysis indicated that the levels of starches, sugars, and lignin were more abundant in SP compared to HW, while the concentrations of phenols, flavonoids, and terpenoids were found to be higher in HW than in SP. Notably, the dark heartwood of the SR25 clone exhibited greater quantities of phenols and flavonoids compared to the SR14 clone, suggesting that these compounds are pivotal to the color distinction of the heartwood. An integrated analysis of transcriptome and metabolomics data uncovered a significant accumulation of sinapyl alcohol, sinapoyl aldehyde, hesperetin, 2′, 3, 4, 4′, 6′-peptahydroxychalcone 4′-O-glucoside, homoeriodictyol, and (2S)-liquiritigenin in the heartwood of SR25, which correlates with the up-regulated expression of CCRs (evm.TU.Chr3.1751, evm.TU.Chr4.654_667, evm.TU.Chr4.675, evm.TU.Chr4.699, and evm.TU.Chr4.704), COMTs (evm.TU.Chr13.3082, evm.TU.Chr13.3086, and evm.TU.Chr7.1411), CADs (evm.TU.Chr10.2175, evm.TU.Chr1.3453, and evm.TU.Chr8.1600), and HCTs (evm.TU.Chr4.1122, evm.TU.Chr4.1123, evm.TU.Chr8.1758, and evm.TU.Chr9.2960) in the TZ of A. melanoxylon. Furthermore, a marked differential expression of transcription factors (TFs), including MYBs, AP2/ERFs, bHLHs, bZIPs, C2H2s, and WRKYs, were observed to be closely linked to the phenols and flavonoids metabolites, highlighting the potential role of multiple TFs in regulating the biosynthesis of these metabolites and, consequently, influencing the color variation in the heartwood. This study facilitates molecular breeding for the accumulation of metabolites influencing the heartwood color in A. melanoxylon, and offers new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying heartwood formation in woody plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a long history of humans either intentionally or accidentally moving plant species to areas outside of their native ranges. In novel environments, populations of many of these plant species exhibit explosive population growth and spread, in part due to the absence of coevolved enemies such as herbivorous insects. However, over time such enemies can 'catch up' with their host and re‐establish host–herbivore relationships. Though this phenomenon has been documented in several systems, little evidence exists on how this re‐assembly of enemies results in increased levels of herbivory. In this study we focus on the case of black locust Robinia pseudoacacia, a sparsely populated tree species when growing on undisturbed sites in its limited native range in the eastern USA but a highly invasive species, especially in disturbed environments, in most temperate world regions. We recorded folivore damage on invasive populations in five continents, including both native and invaded portions of North America. Here, we investigated 1) how total foliage damage and damage caused by different groups of folivores differs among regions; 2) how seasonal development of folivore damage differs among regions; 3) how folivory varies with distance from the native range within North America; and 4) how the number of recorded specialist folivores correlates with the amount of folivory. We observed strong differences among regions in the amount and type of folivore damage, with the native range experiencing the highest damage, especially that caused by the native chrysomelid beetle Odontota dorsalis, which is limited to the native and invaded North American range of R. pseudoacacia. Among world regions, total folivory is negatively associated with the distance from the native range and positively associated with the number of established R. pseudoacacia specialist folivore species, supporting the hypothesis that global patterns of herbivore invasions are associated with diminished enemy release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effect of tannin extract from Acacia mearnsii on intravaginal temperature, production and milk composition of Holstein cows in a subtropical environment. The study period was 29 days and 20 multiparous Holstein cows were selected with an average milk production of 50 ± 6 kg/day and 147 ± 83 days in milk. The cows were separated into two treatments: Control (n = 10) did not receive dietary supplementation. Tannin (n = 10) received Condensed Tannin (Tanac S.A., Montenegro, RS, Brazil) at a dose of 0.19% dry matter (40 g/cow/day). Animals were monitored for milk production and composition as well as intravaginal temperature. The environmental temperature and humidity index (THI) were monitored. The mean THI was 72.39 ± 0.69. The mean intravaginal temperature was 39.17 ± 0.14 °C in the Tannin treatment and 39.03 ± 0.14°C in the Control treatment (P > 0.05). The animals in the Tannin treatment exhibited an intravaginal temperature of 39.2 °C at THI 69.38, and the Control treatment exhibited the same temperature at THI 70.16 (receiver operating characteristic (ROC); P < 0.01). Milk production was higher in the Tannin treatment than in the Control treatment (51.38 ± 0.90 kg/day and 49.94 ± 1.05 kg/day, respectively; P < 0.01). The protein content in milk was higher in the Tannin treatment than in the Control treatment (3.20 ± 0.01% and 3.04 ± 0.01%; respectively; P < 0.01). The results of this study suggested that tannin extract from Acacia mearnsii can attenuate heat stress and its negative effects on animal production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acacia melanoxylon is well known as a valuable commercial tree species owing to its high-quality heartwood (HW) products. However, the metabolism and regulatory mechanism of heartwood during wood development remain largely unclear. In this study, both microscopic observation and content determination proved that total amount of starches decreased and phenolics and flavonoids increased gradually from sapwood (SW) to HW. We also obtained the metabolite profiles of 10 metabolites related to phenolics and flavonoids during HW formation by metabolomics. Additionally, we collected a comprehensive overview of genes associated with the biosynthesis of sugars, terpenoids, phenolics, and flavonoids using RNA-seq. A total of ninety-one genes related to HW formation were identified. The transcripts related to plant hormones, programmed cell death (PCD), and dehydration were increased in transition zone (TZ) than in SW. The results of RT-PCR showed that the relative expression level of genes and transcription factors was also high in the TZ, regardless of the horizontal or vertical direction of the trunk. Therefore, the HW formation took place in the TZ for A. melanoxylon from molecular level, and potentially connected to plant hormones, PCD, and cell dehydration. Besides, the increased expression of sugar and terpenoid biosynthesis-related genes in TZ further confirmed the close connection between terpenoid biosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolites of A. melanoxylon. Furthermore, the integrated analysis of metabolism data and RNA-seq data showed the key transcription factors (TFs) regulating flavonoids and phenolics accumulation in HW, including negative correlation TFs (WRKY, MYB) and positive correlation TFs (AP2, bZIP, CBF, PB1, and TCP). And, the genes and metabolites from phenylpropanoid and flavonoid metabolism and biosynthesis were up-regulated and largely accumulated in TZ and HW, respectively. The findings of this research provide a basis for comprehending the buildup of metabolites and the molecular regulatory processes of HW formation in A. melanoxylon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein a novel gum acacia‐alginate nanogel (GAA) was synthesized via ultrasound‐assisted crosslinking by DPPH and applied for the removal of coomassie brilliant blue (CBB) dye. The fabrication of GAA and its interaction with CBB was specified via FTIR, XRD, SEM, and TEM techniques. The process parameters at which maximum adsorption efficiency, qe (80.12 mg/g), and % efficiency >94 % were achieved include dosage (0.8 g/L), time (80 min), initial dye concentration (20 mg/L), and pH (6). Ultrasound‐assisted uptake was greater than stirring‐assisted due to acoustic cavitation′s hydrodynamic and thermal processes. Pseudo‐second‐order model described the adsorption kinetics and the diffusion mechanism suggested that the rate‐determining step was controlled by both the intraparticle diffusion and the liquid film models. Isotherms showed an excellent fit to the Freundlich model based on higher R2 (0.998) and lower standard error of estimate values (SEE=0.367). The −ΔG° values (−8.152, −8.292, −8.433, −8.586 kJ/mol) indicated that the adsorption process was feasible and spontaneous. The removal of CBB ensued via hydrogen bonding, electrostatic, π‐π, and n‐π interactions. The maximum adsorption capacity of 182.096 mg/g, eco‐friendly characteristics along with regeneration competence depicted that GAA could be effective for scavenging CBB from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adsorption mechanism of S-Metolachlor in an aqueous solution by sawdust biochar derived from Acacia auriculiformis (SAB) was studied. SAB was manufactured at 500 °C for 4 h under oxygen-limited conditions and characterized for SEM, EDS, pHpzc, BET, and FTIR. The adsorption kinetics, isotherm, and diffusion studies of S-Metolachlor and SAB were further explored. Moreover, the effects of the solution pH were examined on the adsorption of S-Metolachlor by SAB. The BET analysis of SAB was achieved at 106.74 m2.g−1 and the solution pH did not significantly influence the S-Metolachlor adsorption. The adsorption data were fitted into a Langmuir isotherm and the PSO model. The film diffusion coefficient Df (4.93 × 10−11 to 8.17 × 10−11 m2.s−1) and the particle diffusion coefficient Dp (1.68 × 10−11 to 2.65 × 10−11 m2.s−1) were determined and the rate-limiting step of S-Metolachlor adsorption and SAB was governed by liquid film diffusion. The S-Metolachlor adsorption process onto SAB was controlled by multiple mechanisms, including pore filling, H-bonding, hydrophobic interaction, and π-π EDA interactions. H-bonding is the main interaction for the adsorption of S-Metolachlor and SAB. Conclusively, the study illustrates that biochar produced from Acacia auriculiformis sawdust possessed effective adsorption properties for S-Metolachlor herbicide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood mechanical properties of Acacia crassicarpa were assessed at the age of ten years old in a progeny test at Cam Lo, Quang Tri Province, central Vietnam. A total of 208 trees from 52 open-pollinated families were selected for study. Height and diameter at breast height were measured for all selected trees and spiral grain was also measured at breast height on the standing trees using a Chalmers device, which measures the grain angle of the surface wood. Basic density and shrinkage were measured on one 12-mm bark-tobark increment cores taken at breast height from each sampled tree. Microfibril angle was measured on fiber prepared from the core samples using polarized light microscopy. Genetic parameters of the wood and growth traits were estimated using individual-tree linear mixed models. High coefficients of additive genetic variation (CVa, 17-34%) and high heritabilities (h2 = 0.61-0.82) for all wood traits indicated that there is potential to improve basic density, wood shrinkage, grain angle and microfibril angle in the species in central Vietnam. The genetic correlation between DBH and shrinkage was positive and thus unfavourable, whereas correlations between DBH and both spiral grain and microfibril angle were negative and favourable. The Chalmers device appeared to be a reliable indirect method for investigating genetic variation in spiral grain in A. crassicarpa. Index selection, based on genetic parameters and economic weighting dependent on breeding objectives is suggested for development of seed orchards to deliver genetic gain for A. crassicarpa in central Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effect of black wattle (Acacia mearnsii) condensed tannin extract in simple and complex diets for weaned piglets on performance, faecal consistency and serum haptoglobin concentrations. Eighty-eight female and castrated male piglets were used, weaned at 28 ± 3 days old, with an initial body weight of 8.02 ± 1.21 kg, housed in same-sex pairs and distributed in four treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial experiment in a randomised complete block design. The experimental treatments were simple diet (SD), simple diet + tannin (SD+T), complex diet (CD) and complex diet + tannin (CD+T). The simple diets contained lower concentrations of dairy ingredients, inclusion of barley and no addition of zinc oxide, palatant, acidifier and yeast. The diets with tannin were supplemented with 1,850 mg kg-1 of black wattle condensed tannin extract. The feed programme consisted of three diets: Pre-starter I (0–7 days), Pre-starter II (8–21 days) and Starter (22–28 days). Feed and water were available ad libitum. Body weight and feed intake were measured weekly to calculate the average daily feed intake, daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio. The faecal consistency score was measured daily to calculate the diarrhoea occurrence percentage. Blood samples for serum haptoglobin concentration were collected at 7 and 14 days after weaning. The addition of condensed tannin had no effect (P > 0.05) on evaluated performance variables for weaned piglets. The diet type also did not affect the piglets’ performance (P > 0.05). The inclusion of black wattle (Acacia mearnsii) condensed tannin does not affect piglet performance, reduces the incidence of diarrhoea in the first week after weaning and decreases the haptoglobin inflammatory response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Nitrogen deficiency in eco-engineered technosol from iron (Fe) ore tailings limits the productivity of colonising soil microbes and pioneer plants, which are critical to further development of the technosol. Symbiotic biological N2 fixation may be a strategy to supply N in the moderately alkaline early technosols since native legumes such as Acacia auriculiformis are tolerant of saline and alkaline soil conditions as those in the technosol. It is hypothesized that tolerant native legume A. auriculiformis could form functional nodules to fix N2 when grown in early eco-engineered technosols. Methods: A. auriculiformis growth and root nodulation in the early tailing technosols were investigated using a glasshouse experiment, and plant N2 fixation was evaluated using the 15 N natural abundance isotope method. Key factors influencing root nodulation and N2 fixation have also been evaluated, including water supply and phosphorous nutrition. Results: The results indicated that A. auriculiformis grew well in the tailing technosols and naturally formed nodules with rhizobia. The nodules were functional in N2 fixation, leading to improved plant N nutrition. The nodulation and N2 fixation were severely limited by water deficiency stress. Improved phosphorous supply favoured nodulation and N2 fixation by A. auriculiformis plants under water deficiency stress. Conclusions: These findings suggested that A. auriculiformis could grow in early tailings technosols and fixed N2, and proper water and phosphorous fertilizer management could improve Acacia plant's performance and N2 fixation functions. It is possible to introduce tolerant native legumes such as A. auriculiformis to improve N supply in the early technosols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: In Morocco, the Zaida abandoned mine is a major source of metallic trace elements that are harmful to the environment and human health. With the aim to use the heavy metal tolerant legume tree Robinia pseudoacacia in the phytostabilization of this mine's tailings, we isolated and characterized its indigenous microsymbionts, and tested their effects on the plant growth under high Pb-acetate concentrations. Methods: Thus, 27 bacteria were isolated from nodules of the plant grown in the Zaida abandoned mine tailings, and we examined their tolerance to high concentrations of Pb-acetate in-vitro. Four strains were then selected for symbiotic, molecular, and phenotypic analyses, and we analyzed the effect of inoculation on the plant growth parameters under increasing Pb-acetate concentrations (in-vivo). Results: The isolated strains tolerate high lead concentrations. The Phylogenetic analyses of 16 S rRNA, five housekeeping genes (MLSA), and three symbiotic genes showed the affiliation of the strains with Ensifer meliloti sv. rigiduloides and E. kummerowiae sv. meliloti. Representative strains of both symbiovars tolerate 1100 µg ml− 1 Pb-acetate in-vitro and nodulate R. pseudoacacia even under 1200 µg ml− 1 of Pb-acetate. In all tests, the plant proline content increased as a response mechanism to increasing concentrations of Pb-acetate. Inoculation experiments under high concentrations of Pb-acetate showed that both strains improved the plant growth parameters and chlorophyll content compared to controls. Conclusion: Our results show that E. meliloti sv. rigiduloides strain RPZ12 improves plant growth under Pb stress conditions more than E. kummerowiae sv. meliloti strain RPZ17. Strain RPZ12 would be an excellent inoculum to use for the phytostabilization of Zaida mine tailings. This is the first description of symbiovar meliloti in E. kummerowiae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimal foraging theory predicts that animals maximise energy intake by consuming the most valuable foods available. When resources are limited, they may include lower-quality fallback foods in their diets. As seasonal herbivore diet switching is understudied, we evaluate its extent and effects across three Kenyan reserves each for Critically Endangered eastern black rhino (Diceros bicornis michaeli) and Grevy's zebra (Equus grevyi), and its associations with habitat quality, microbiome variation, and reproductive performance. Black rhino diet breadth increases with vegetation productivity (NDVI), whereas zebra diet breadth peaks at intermediate NDVI. Black rhino diets associated with higher vegetation productivity have less acacia (Fabaceae: Vachellia and Senegalia spp.) and more grass suggesting that acacia are fallback foods, upending conventional assumptions. Larger dietary shifts are associated with longer calving intervals. Grevy's zebra diets in high rainfall areas are consistently grass-dominated, whereas in arid areas they primarily consume legumes during low vegetation productivity periods. Whilst microbiome composition between individuals is affected by the environment, and diet composition in black rhino, seasonal dietary shifts do not drive commensurate microbiome shifts. Documenting diet shifts across ecological gradients can increase the effectiveness of conservation by informing habitat suitability models and improving understanding of responses to resource limitation. Using metabarcoding, we found that seasonal dietary shifts were associated with slower breeding and acacia are fallback foods for black rhino. Grass was the highest value food for Grevy's zebra. Seasonal diet shifts did not drive microbiome shifts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Acacia is a large group of woody legumes containing an enormous amount of morphological diversity in leaf shape. This diversity is at least in part the result of an innovation in leaf development where many Acacia species are capable of developing leaves of both bifacial and unifacial morphologies. While not unique in the plant kingdom, unifaciality is most commonly associated with monocots, and its developmental genetic mechanisms have yet to be explored beyond this group. In this study, we identify an accession of Acacia crassicarpa with high regeneration rates and isolate a clone for genome sequencing. We generate a chromosome-level assembly of this readily transformable clone, and using comparative analyses, confirm a whole-genome duplication unique to Caesalpinoid legumes. This resource will be important for future work examining genome evolution in legumes and the unique developmental genetic mechanisms underlying unifacial morphogenesis in Acacia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present work reports the investigation of the effect of different percentages of nanosized elemental sulfur particle grown in a biopolymer matrix. Sulfur is known for treatment against bacterial infections as an antimicrobial agent from ages as elemental sulfur and sulfur‐rich compounds interact with biological systems. In‐situ growth of sulfur nanoparticles is processed by the passage of environment friendly hydrogen sulfide gas in hydrated solution of gum acacia biopolymer. Gum acacia is ion conducting, plant derived natural polymer. In this work, structural and morphological studies are examined by x‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. It is found that with increasing concentration of sulfur nanoparticles the spheroidal shaped nanostructures grow in size and approaches the micron realm. Electrical characterization of the nanostructure synthesized biopolymer is observed by varying frequency over a broad‐spectrum range. Direct current electrical conductivity is found to be enhanced by 40 times higher over pure specimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acacia species are economically significant as medicinal plants that have been utilized since ancient times. Acacia modesta has been reported to possess potent antibacterial and antioxidant properties, but its growth rate is slow. In this study, we hypothesized that inducing callus in vitro from A. modesta could enhance the production of antibacterial and antioxidant secondary metabolites, thereby circumventing the issues of slow growth and excessive harvesting of the plant. Results: The callus was induced from axillary buds on MS medium supplemented with 1 mg/L of 2,4-D and 1 mg/L of BAP. The secondary metabolites, volatile compounds, antibacterial activity, and antioxidant activity of the callus and parent plant leaf extracts were evaluated. The results revealed that the content of phenolics and flavonoids, the number of volatile compounds, and the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of the callus extract were significantly enhanced (P ≤ 0.05) compared to the leaf extract. The antibacterial and antioxidant effects were strongly correlated with the total phenolic and flavonoid content in the extracts. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that in vitro callus culture increases the production of phenolics, flavonoids, and volatile compounds. This subsequently enhances the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of A. modesta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity-associated chronic metabolic disease is a leading contributor to mortality globally. Plants belonging to the genera Acacia are routinely used for the treatment of diverse metabolic diseases under different ethnomedicinal practices around the globe. The current review centres around the pharmacological evidence of intestinal-level mechanisms for metabolic health benefits by Acacia spp. Acacia spp. increase the proportions of gut commensals (Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus) and reduces the population of opportunistic pathobionts (Escherichia coli and Clostridium). Acacia gum that is rich in fibre, can also be a source of prebiotics to improve gut health. The intestinal-level anti-inflammatory activities of Acacia are likely to contribute to improvements in gut barrier function that would prevent gut-to-systemic endotoxin translocation and limit "low-grade" inflammation associated with metabolic diseases. This comprehensive review for the first time has emphasised the intestinal-level benefits of Acacia spp. which could be instrumental in limiting the burden of metabolic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical model experiments are increasingly applied in the study of the water infiltration law in loess with roots. In the past, due to differences in study objects and the limitations of measuring techniques, the infiltration law in loess with roots is rarely evaluated by using appropriate indoor physical model experimental data. In order to investigate the law of water infiltration in loess with roots, we designed a new soil column experimental device that can automatically collect data and images. By comparing the soil column experiment data of loess, we analyzed variables in root contents (the ratio of root mass to dry soil mass) and root types. Roots with diameters of 0–2 mm, 2–5 mm, and 5–10 mm are defined as type I, type II, and type III, respectively. It was found that the water infiltration rate, water-holding capacity, and saturated permeability coefficient increase with the increase in root content. In loess containing different root types, the root types were found to improve the rate of water infiltration, water-holding capacity, and saturated permeability coefficient in the soil. The root types were ranked in descending order in terms of their impact: root type II had the highest improvement, followed by root type III, and then root type I. The phenomenon of circumferential flow existed when water infiltrated loess with roots. Root content and root type would affect the radius of circumferential flow, infiltration path, and cross-section. When calculating the saturated permeability coefficient of loess with roots, ignoring the effect of circumferential flow would lead to a higher result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While early autism intervention can significantly improve outcomes, gaps in implementation exist globally. These gaps are clearest in Africa, where forty percent of the world's children will live by 2050. Task-sharing early intervention to non-specialists is a key implementation strategy, given the lack of specialists in Africa. Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBI) are a class of early autism intervention that can be delivered by caregivers. As a foundational step to address the early autism intervention gap, we adapted a non-specialist delivered caregiver coaching NDBI for the South African context, and pre-piloted this cascaded task-sharing approach in an existing system of care. Objectives: First, we will test the effectiveness of the caregiver coaching NDBI compared to usual care. Second, we will describe coaching implementation factors within the Western Cape Department of Education in South Africa. Methods: This is a type 1 effectiveness-implementation hybrid design; assessor-blinded, group randomized controlled trial. Participants include 150 autistic children (18–72 months) and their caregivers who live in Cape Town, South Africa, and those involved in intervention implementation. Early Childhood Development practitioners, employed by the Department of Education, will deliver 12, one hour, coaching sessions to the intervention group. The control group will receive usual care. Distal co-primary outcomes include the Communication Domain Standard Score (Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition) and the Language and Communication Developmental Quotient (Griffiths Scales of Child Development, Third Edition). Proximal secondary outcome include caregiver strategies measured by the sum of five items from the Joint Engagement Rating Inventory. We will describe key implementation determinants. Results: Participant enrolment started in April 2023. Estimated primary completion date is March 2027. Conclusion: The ACACIA trial will determine whether a cascaded task-sharing intervention delivered in an educational setting leads to meaningful improvements in communication abilities of autistic children, and identify implementation barriers and facilitators. Trial registration: NCT05551728 in Clinical Trial Registry (https://clinicaltrials.gov). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation demonstrates the augmented dye scavenging from wastewater using alkali-mutated acacia (Acacia auriculiformis) leaves powder. The material was synthesized by mild chemical activation by using 0.1 M sodium hydroxide as an activator under room temperature stirring for 3h and isolated as a dark brown powder. The material was characterized using FTIR, FESEM, XRD, and pHzpc; and tested successfully with crystal violet and methylene blue. While FTIR confirms the presence of polyphenolic and polysaccharide moieties, FESEM reveals unprecedented circular hollow pipe-like channels decorated in a highly ordered fashion, facing pores for optimum dye uptake. The adsorption is tunable with working pH, and the maximum adsorption capacities are 67.25 and 78.55 mg g−1 for CV and MB. Both adsorption process follows Langmuir isotherm (R2 = 0.994) and pseudo-2nd-order kinetics (R2 = 0.999). Thermodynamic analysis verifies a spontaneous process with an endothermic interaction beside an elevated degree of randomness. About 80% of the spent material could be regenerated using 1:1 methanol/water. Analysis of industrial effluent suggests 37% removal per cycle, with an operating ceiling of 95%. To wind up, due to huge availability, porous nature, and superior adsorption capacity over other phytosorbents, NaOH-activated acacia leaves could be considered as techno-economic and potential scavengers for sustainable water treatment. Lignocellulosic waste plant litters have enormous potential for biosorption of heavy metals and dyes for their economic viability and environment-friendly nature. The present investigation highlights the promising cationic dye scavenging ability of alkali-treated waste acacia (A. auriculiformis) leaves from simulated and industrial wastewater. With adsorption capacities of 67.25 and 78.55 mg g−1 for crystal violet and methylene blue respectively, the protocol shows promise in colored water treatment. Easy preparation, classy removal efficiency, and recyclability offer the key advantage with a techno-economic impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viscum schimperi is an evergreen hemiparasitic plant that can grow on stems and branches of several tree species. It penetrates the host tissues and forms a vascular bridge (haustorium) to withdraw the nutritive resources. Its relationships with hosts remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the physiological and biochemical attributes of the host-hemiparasite association Acacia gerrardii-Viscum schimperi. The hemiparasite exhibited 2.4- and 3.0-fold lower photosynthetic activity and water use efficiency, and 1.2- and 4.1-fold higher transpiration rate and stomatal conductance. Equally, it displayed 4.9- and 2.6-fold greater water potential and osmotic potential, and in least 3.0 times more accumulated 39K, 85Rb and 51V, compared to the host. Nevertheless, it had no detrimental effect on photosynthetic activity, water status and multi-element accumulations in the host. Based on metabolome profiling, V. schimperi could use xanthurenic acid and propylparaben to acquire potassium from the host, and N-1-naphthylacetamide and N-Boc-hydroxylamine to weaken or kill the distal part of the infected branch and to receive the total xylem contents. In contrast, A. gerrardii could used N-acetylserotonin, arecoline, acetophenone and 6-methoxymellein to defend against V. schimperi infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the measured biomass data of 48 robinia acacia trees under different site conditions in Caijiachun River Basin, the biomass allometric growth model, multiple linear model and compatible biomass model were constructed with the composite factors of diameter at breast height(DBH), height, crown width, crown length and DBH tree height as independent variables. Six indexes including determination coefficient(R²), root mean square error(RMSE), estimated standard error(SEE), total relative error(TRE), average relative error(ARE) and average percentage error(MPE) were used to test the fit degree and accuracy of the model. The results showed that the biomass estimation model based on DBH and height was effective. The test indexes of the three models are all within the acceptable range, and they are all suitable for the prediction of robinia acacia biomass in Caijiachuan Watershed. Among them, the multiple linear model predicted the biomass of branches and leaves with the best prediction accuracy of 90.11% and 89.72%. The prediction accuracy of the compatible biomass model is as high as 91.38%, 90.83% and 93.90% for the total trunk, root and total biomass, and the compatibility problem between the biomass of each organ and the total biomass is solved. Among the models constructed, the compatible biomass model has the best estimation effect, followed by multiple linear model and biomass allometry model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purple-flowered Wattle (Acacia purpureopetala) has a Vulnerable status under the Queensland Nature Conservation Act (1992) and is listed as Critically Endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999). It grows in eucalypt woodlands of North Queensland. Its post-fire response was examined to better understand its ecology and management requirements. Before and after fire surveys found Purple-flowered Wattle is a fire-killed ‘obligate seeder’ with abundant fire-promoted germination, but limited recruitment in the absence of fire, highlighting the importance of regular burning for generating new plants. Nearly half of Purple-flowered Wattle seedlings began producing seed in their second year, indicating a population tolerant of frequent burning. Combined, the abundant fire-promoted recruitment and rapidly maturing seedlings suggest regular patchy fires that allow some mature plants to survive unburnt while promoting recruitment in burnt areas would benefit the population. A laboratory trial found percentage germination after 3 weeks was significantly higher for seeds treated by soaking in hot water for 5 minutes (31% germination), compared with those soaked in ambient temperature water (4% germination). However, by 5 weeks, germination differences between seed treatment were not statistically significant. The apparent discrepancy where unheated seeds eventually germinated in a laboratory setting, yet in situ germination was almost completely restricted to the post-fire environment, warrants further investigation. It may be that successful germination and seedling establishment in woodlands requires the rapid removal of physical dormancy, or perhaps keeping unheated seed constantly moist for 5 weeks in a laboratory trial is simply an unnatural treatment producing a germination response not relevant to ecosystem function. The abundant fire-triggered germination and rapid maturity of seedlings, combined with the known population number (>4,000 plants) and distribution range (850 km² ), support existing recommendations that Purple-flowered Wattle warrants a Vulnerable rather than Critically Endangered Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) status, as is current at the state level. Management that includes regular patchy burning with good soil moisture that reduces the extent and intensity of individual fires is likely to benefit the long-term preservation of this restricted species and associated species of its ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study evaluated the nutritional composition, anti‐nutritional factors, djenkolic acid (DKA) contents and techno‐functional properties of commercial raw, light and medium roasted wattle seed (WS) flour from 10 domesticated Australian Acacia species. The results showed that the species are a good source of dietary fibre, protein, fat and minerals (K, Ca, Mg, P and Fe). Moreover, the species have substantial amounts of linolenic acid and essential amino acids (EAAs), except for methionine and phenylalanine, indicating the high fat and protein quality of the species. Low‐trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA) and DKA contents were found in the species, except for the high TIA in A. longifolia spp. sophorae (18.3 mg TUI/g), A. longifolia spp. longifolia (12.3 mg TUI/g) and A. provincialis (12.2 mg TUI/g). In contrast, light and medium roasting effectively reduced the TIA and DKA levels as well as foaming and emulsifying properties. The greatest reduction in these properties was noticed in medium‐roasted samples. However, roasting appears to retain most of the nutritive value in the species and, the species exhibited high‐water absorption capacity, making them suitable for use as ingredients in bakery applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nicotian glauca is a noxious invasive shrub in Saudi Arabia, and it is well known for its harmful impact on biodiversity, competing with native plants using various strategies. Among their strategies is their allelochemical activity, i.e., the use of chemicals to dominate and compete. The present study aims to evaluate the allelopathic potential of N. glauca aqueous extracts from leaves, flowers, and twigs on Acacia gerrardi seed germination and seedling growth. Petri dishes containing extracts from N. glauca parts with different concentrations were incubated in a growth chamber. The results indicated that extracts and concentrations negatively impact seed germination and hypocotyl. Relative to the control, the leaf extract with concentrations of 60 and 100 g/L reduced the seed germination rate by 81.11% and 93.33%, respectively. Flower extracts of similar concentrations decreased germination by 81.91 and 92.55%, while the twig extracts declined germination by 79.56 and 95.69%, respectively. The leaf, flower, and twig extracts (100 g/L) decreased hypocotyl radicle by 76.54, 78.05, and 65.75%, respectively. Overall, the concentrations of 20, 60, and 100 g/L showed the lowest growth indices. Generally, aqueous extracts, particularly 100 g/L, impacted the germination and protrusion of A. gerrardii hypocotyl. In conclusion, our study draws attention to the harmful impact of N. glauca on A. gerrardii regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Documented as one of the oldest living civilizations, there is now evidence that Indigenous communities in Australia followed a sustainable lifestyle with well‐designed agricultural practices and adequate physical activity. Commonly known as wattleseeds in Australia, unique cultivars of Acacia have been consumed by Indigenous Australians for over 60,000 years. This research used descriptive sensory profiling to develop a lexicon for the aroma and flavor profiles of four wattleseed species before and after being subjected to different processing techniques. The processing methods selected were pressure cooking, dry roasting, wet roasting, and malting. The species included were Acacia kempeana, Acacia adsurgens, Acacia colei, and Acacia victoriae. Sensory differences were observed between the different cultivars as well as between the different food processing techniques. Results show that wattleseed species diversity is a key driver in determining the aroma profile, while taste profiles are modified by the type of processing method applied. Practical Application: This study provides foundational knowledge on these culturally significant seeds, supporting practical opportunities to diversify the uses of wattleseeds in food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Legumes can obtain nitrogen from mineral nitrogen and symbiotic nitrogen; however, the regulatory mechanisms by which legume plants respond to various nitrogen sources are still unclear. Methods: Here, the flavonoid metabolism profiles of Robinia pseudoacacia (black locust) in response to different nitrogen sources during the early growth stages were performed using the hydroponics method. Results: The flavonoids were accumulated specifically responding to different nitrogen sources (symbiotic nitrogen and NO3−) in the roots and root exudates of R. pseudoacacia and showed growth-stage-dependent changes in the plant growth process. More flavonoids were synthesized and secreted under nitrogen deficiency. The differential flavonoids among different treatments were significantly enriched in the flavone and flavonol biosynthesis pathway and isoflavonoid biosynthesis pathway. Liquiritigenin, naringenin, apigenin and kaempferol were not only the metabolic nodes of these two metabolic pathways but also the key nodes in the differential flavonoid network. Therefore, these four flavonoids may be the key flavonoids of R. pseudoacacia responding to different nitrogen sources. Conclusion: Our findings provide an important insight into the adaptability of legumes to different nitrogen environments and are of great significance for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying nitrogen utilization in legumes and will contribute to the development of sustainable agricultural practices and crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Monitoring of pollutants in urban ecosystems is of particular importance. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the capability of Robinia pseudoacacia and Pinus elderica for biomonitoring of Pb, Cr and Ni in urban areas of Hamedan in 2023. Materials and Methods: A total of 36 soils and 72 plant samples were collected from 12 sites. The contents of elements were determined using ICP-OES. Also, the values of PI, PLI, BAF, and CR indices were computed. Results: The highest values of Pb, Cr, and Ni (mg/kg) in soil samples with 72.2, 67.5 and 101 values belonged to the commercial, industrial, and commercial sites, respectively. The highest average content of analyzed elements in unwashed and washed leaves/needles for Pb both belonged to the commercial areas; for Cr and Ni, all belonged to the industrial areas. The average values of PI followed the descending order of Cr > Ni > Pb. The average values of PLI varied from 1.22 to 1.34. Moreover, BAF values of Pb, Cr, and Ni of R. pseudoacacia leaves and P. elderica needles were found to be in the range of 0.100-1.00. Also, the highest mean values of CR of Pb and Cr were both found in P. elderica; and the highest mean value of CR of Ni was found in R. pseudoacacia. Conclusion: R. pseudoacacia and P. elderica could be used as suitable and efficient species for monitoring and remediation of toxic elements from soil and air in polluted ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research comprises a thorough examination of the transesterification of discarded and non-edible Acacia seed oil (ABD) in order to fuel the diesel engine. The research also looks at the emission configurations of a four-stroke diesel examination engine. ABD (10% and 20% vol. respectively referred as ABD10 and ABD20) blended with diesel fuels were used to calculate the emission patterns under varying conditions. All ABD blends exhibited lower smoke opacity, HC and CO emissions than diesel, though a minor escalation in NOx emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroforestry is now inevitable for meeting the snowballing demand for food of the growing number of people worldwide. The light environment is the most important driving force for the growth and development of crops in agroforestry stand. The present study aims to quantify the light interception in two different agroforestry types, where one was composed of Shorea robusta (Sal) with Ananas comosus and another was Acacia auriculiformis (Akashmoni) with Ananas comosus. The relative Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) was measured by a pair of quantum sensors in four directions from some individual trees. Spatial variation of PAR was also explored in both stand types. The results revealed that RPAR did not significantly (P>0.05) vary among four directions of individual trees in S. robusta but the A. auriculiformis showed a significant difference (P<0.001) along the four directions. Also, RPAR was significantly different (P<0.001) at different distances from individual trees under the canopy of both tree species. When the stand-level spatial variation of RPAR was considered, A. auriculiformis (0.177) and S. robusta (0.171) showed no significant difference (P>0.05) in the light environment. Our findings explored that both the tree species would be suitable species for agroforestry practices in the area. For the betterment of the natural S. robusta forest responsible authorities should encourage people to avoid A. auriculiformis plantations near the natural S. robusta forest which will enhance the conservation of S. robusta cover in its natural habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] The aims of this study are to explore the response characteristics of soil physical and chemical properties and stoichiometric characteristics to stand density of Robinia pseudoacacia and Pinus tabuliformis plantations in loess hilly region, and to provide scientific basis for plantation management in loess hilly region. [Methods] The soil bulk density, water content, soil organic carbon（SOC）, total nitrogen（TN） and total phosphorus（TP） contents of two plantations were measured and analyzed. The variation characteristics and vertical variation characteristics of each index with different density gradients were studied by single factor variance analysis method, and the correlation between each index was analyzed by multi-factor correlation analysis method. [Results]（1） In the vertical distribution characteristics, the SOC and TN contents of each stand showed a significant decreasing trend with the increase of soil depth. There was no significant difference in soil bulk density and TP content.（2） Robinia pseudoacacia forest density had no significant effect on soil bulk density, water content, N∶P and other indicators. SOC, TN, TP and C∶N of low density Robinia pseudoacacia forest were significantly higher than those of other densities.（3） Pinus tabulaeformis forest density had no significant effect on soil bulk density, C∶N, C∶P, N∶P and other indicators. The contents of SOC, TN and TP in high density pine forest were significantly higher than those in other density pine forest.（4） Under the same density, the soil bulk density and water content of Robinia pseudoacacia forest were higher than those of Pinus tabulaeformis forest. The SOC, TN, C∶N, C∶P, N∶P were lower than those of Pinus tabulaeformis forest, except for C∶N, the differences were significant. [Conclusion] The contents of SOC, TN and TP in low-density Robinia pseudoacacia forest were higher, while the contents of SOC, TN and TP in high-density Pinus tabulaeformis forest were higher, and the soil quality of Pinus tabulaeformis forest was relatively better than that of Robinia pseudoacacia forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic fertilizers improved rice yield, but they were expensive and reduced soil health. Fermented leguminous plant leaves (FLPL) were natural fertilizers that had a lot of nutrients that plants needed to grow and develop because they were locally available and economical to farmers. This study investigated the effects of fermented leguminous plant leaves as fertilizer for rice. The four treatments were arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design and replicated three times. Plant height, tillers, grain weight, and economic returns were collected and analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The results showed that the control group that received synthetic fertilizers had significantly (P>0.05) taller rice plants compared to the treatment groups. However, among the fermented leguminous leaves, rice plants that received Madre de cacao showed the highest plant height due to its high phosphorus content. The study also found no significant differences (P<0.05) in the number of tillers between the treatments, indicating that fermented leguminous leaves can provide the necessary nutrients for crop growth. It was concluded that fermented leguminous leaves can be used as fertilizer to promote eco-friendly rice farming practices. Madre de cacao leaves were recommended as organic fertilizer for rice for at least three months to enhance plant height and overall plant growth. The potential of FLPL, especially from madre de cacao, as an economical alternative to synthetic fertilizers is a breakthrough in rice production. The results demonstrated the potential benefits of using Madre de Cacao leaves as fertilizer to promote eco-friendly rice farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study, for the first time, investigates the effect of gum acacia (GA) on the expression of miR-33 and miR-155 and its association with the obesity and inflammation induced by Western diet (WD) consumption in mice. Animals were divided into: normal diet (ND) group, WD group, GA group and GA + WD group. The WD group exhibited higher total body, liver, visceral fat weights, blood total cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose levels compared to ND group. The liver tissues showed severe inflammation and degeneration with higher hepatic TNF-α level. Interestingly, GA + WD group showed a decrease in the biochemical parameters and hepatic TNF-α level but had no effect on the weight increase. It also showed a significant upregulation of miR-33 and miR-155 compared to WD group. GA mitigated the hyperlipidaemia and inflammation but not weight increase induced by WD ingestion via upregulation of miR-33 and miR-155 while reducing TNF-α level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the biology and life history of Calomela intemerata Lea (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), to determine its potential as a biocontrol agent of Acacia auriculiformis A.Cunn. ex Benth. (Fabaceae), an environmental weed in Florida, USA. We analysed data from field surveys in northern Australia and determined life‐history parameters and larval feeding under controlled laboratory conditions. In the field, both larvae and adults of C. intemerata fed throughout the year on young shoots of A. auriculiformis. Two geographically isolated populations of C. intemerata were collected from Northern Territory and north Queensland, Australia. We examined developmental time, survival, and size of immature stages in the laboratory at 25 °C. Following development through four instars, larvae move to the soil for pupation. Egg‐to‐adult development was approximately 23 days. Adults were long‐lived – several individuals survived >8 months. Females began ovipositing about 8 days after emergence and laid on average >1000 eggs each. On the invasive Florida A. auriculiformis, larvae of the Northern Territory population performed better than the north Queensland population regarding leaf consumption and developmental rate. The biological attributes of C. intemerata such as short generation time, high fecundity, and a long adult life, combined with the extensive damage larvae and adults inflict to young vegetative growth when feeding, make it a promising candidate biocontrol agent for management of A. auriculiformis in Florida. Formal host specificity testing is currently underway in Florida. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kumari BMR, Nagaraja N. 2023. Effect of chromated copper arsenate on protein, carbohydrate, and chlorophyll content of tropical Eucalyptus and Acacia species. Asian J Trop Biotechnol 20: 56-61. Contamination of heavy metals could cause morphological, physiological, and biochemical changes in plants. Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) is a wood preservative that contains Cr, Cu, and As. Leaching these heavy metals into agricultural fields from moderate to higher levels causes a serious threat to the ecosystem. A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of various concentrations of CCA (250-2,500 mg kg-1 soil) on the protein, carbohydrate, and chlorophyll content of Eucalyptus and Acacia seedlings using commercially available C-type CCA with a proportion of Cr (CrO3- 47.5%), Cu (CuO-18.5%), and As (As2O5-35%). The quantitative estimation of total carbohydrate, protein, and chlorophyll content in control and treated seedlings was carried out by spectrophotometric methods. Results showed that the high concentrations of CCA significantly (p =0.05) reduced protein, carbohydrate, and chlorophyll content of Eucalyptus and Acacia seedlings. The lowest amount of total carbohydrates, proteins, and chlorophyll content found in E. citriodora Hook. and E. tereticornis Sm. were 0.97±0.05 and 1.70±0.17 mg g-1, 0.42±0.08 and 0.45 ±0.02 mg g-1 and 0.11±0.04 and 0.07±0.03 mg g-1 at 2,500 mg kg-1 soil CCA respectively. Furthermore, the lowest total carbohydrates, proteins, and chlorophyll content in A. mangium seedlings were 1.91±0.43, 0.52±0.13, and 0.13±0.01 mg g-1 at 2,500 mg kg-1 soil CCA, respectively. The present study advocates that the higher concentrations of CCA affect the biochemical parameters of Eucalyptus and Acacia tree species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many alien tree species were introduced into grassland ecosystems in South Africa by the commercial forestry industry for paper and timber for furniture. Over decades some of these introduced species escaped into neighbouring farms and community land. Adult trees from these alien species now provide other ecosystem services, notably fuelwood. Depending on the spatio-temporal context, many of these species can also negatively affect ecosystem services. We collected interview data from commercial and communal farmers in the upper Umzimvubu catchment in South Africa to compare farmers' knowledge and perceptions of invasive wattle species invasion and their associated ecosystem services and disservices. Fuelwood and fencing poles were the most common uses of wattle by commercial (83%; 67%) and communal (99%; 49%) farmers. On the other hand, the reduction of grass cover and loss of grazing land were the most commonly mentioned negative impacts of wattles by commercial (83%; 75%) and communal (92%; 80%) farmers. Although both groups recognise the importance of wattles in providing ecosystem services, most communal farmers perceived wattles to have more negative effects than benefits. The findings demonstrate that both farmer groups highly depend on ecosystem services and are affected by disservices of wattles. However, while large-scale commercial households favour the presence of wattles in the landscape, communal households prefer complete removal of the wattles from the landscape. This may be due to lack of locally available alternative options or inability to replace or purchase ecosystem services affected by wattles from other sources or markets like commercial farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acacia crassicarpa is a tropical tree species native to Australia, West Papua and Papua New Guinea, which has been widely used to establish plantations in the lowland humid tropics of Sumatra and Kalimantan. These trees, able to grow on sites having relatively poor nutrition, have been relatively free of serious disease problems. A rust disease infecting the phyllodes of A. crassicarpa has recently been encountered in plantations in various areas of Indonesia and Malaysia where they are not native. In this study, the rust was collected and identified as Endoraecium violae‐faustiae using DNA sequence analysis based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rDNA. This is the first record of the rust outside its native range. Damage at present appears to be relatively mild but the pathogen could become important in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural selection for plant species in heterogeneous environments creates genetic variation for traits such as cold tolerance. While physiological or molecular analyses have been used to evaluate stress tolerance adaptations, combining these approaches may provide deeper insight. Acacia koa (koa) occurs from sea level to 2300 m in Hawaiʻi, USA. At high elevations, natural koa populations have declined due to deforestation, and freeze tolerance is a limiting factor for tree regeneration. We used physiology and molecular analyses to evaluate cold tolerance of koa populations from low (300–750 m), middle (750–1500 m), and high elevations (1500–2100 m). Half of the seedlings were cold acclimated by exposure to progressively lowered air temperatures for eight weeks (from 25.6/22.2°C to 8/4°C, day/night). Using the whole plant physiology‐freezing test and koa C‐repeat Binding Factor CBF genes, our results indicated that koa can be cold‐acclimated when exposed to low, non‐freezing temperatures. Seedlings from high elevations had consistently higher expression of Koa CBF genes associated with cold tolerance, helping to explain variation in cold‐hardy phenotypes. Evaluation of the genetic background of 22 koa families across the elevations with low coverage RNA sequencing indicated that high elevation koa had relatively low values of heterozygosity, suggesting that adaptation is more likely to arise in the middle and low elevation sources. This physiology and molecular data for cold tolerance of koa across the elevation gradient of the Hawaiian Islands provides insights into natural selection processes and may help to support guidelines for conservation and seed transfer in forest restoration efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to review phytochemical potential of acacia and its associated health advantages. Acacia a moderate-sized, deciduous tree and recognised as health-promoting species because of availability of essential bioactive components. The bioactive compounds such as tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, fatty acids and polysaccharides (gums) present in the plant parts of acacia, namely, bark, leaves, flowers, fruits, twigs and seeds, have medicinal value and thus are used to overlay the formulations of plant-based drugs and value-added foods. Design/methodology/approach: Major well-known bibliometric information sources such as Web of Science, Scopus, Mendeley and Google Scholar were searched with keywords such as "nutrition value of acacia", "bioactive compounds", "health benefits", "processing and safety" were chosen to obtain a database of 1,428 papers. The search considered papers in the English language from the past 18 years of publication in journals (2004–2022). The article selection process consisted of the screening of titles and abstracts, based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Articles that did not have acacia components as a study objective were taken into consideration for exclusion. A final database of 87 scientific sources was made after sorting and classifying them according to different criteria based on topic relevance, country of origin and year of publication. Articles with other random descriptors were also searched to complement the discussion of the results obtained. Findings: The literature reflected that acacia contains all necessary phytochemicals like polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, glucosinolates, alkaloids and carotenoids along with essential macro, micro-nutrients. Furthermore, processing methods such as soaking, cooking, roasting and dehusking significantly reduced the anti-nutritional factors present in acacia seeds of different species. This review also focused on the processing methods that are used to eliminate or lower down the anti-nutritional factors from the seeds. Previous findings related to acacia plant parts with respect to food development are explored and mentioned. Originality/value: This review emphasised mainly on recent studies that had been reported on ethnomedical acacia plants therapeutically, commercially and exponentially for further studies to increase the utilisation in food processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The book "Wattles: Australian Acacia species around the world" edited by D.M. Richardson, J.J. le Roux, and Elizabete Marchante is a comprehensive synthesis of knowledge about the Australian Acacia genus. The book explores the global importance of this genus as an invasive plant species and its unintended ecological consequences. It covers a wide range of topics and geographic locations, with contributions from experts around the world. The book also discusses the taxonomic uncertainty surrounding the genus and its historical and current impacts on ecosystems. Overall, it is a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and anyone interested in invasive species and biodiversity. [Extracted from the article]

This document is a correction notice for an article titled "Genotype-Environment Interaction and Horizontal and Vertical Distributions of Heartwood for Acacia melanoxylon R.Br." The correction addresses mistakes in the legend for DBH and DGH data shown in tables 1, 6, and 7. The incorrect data in table 1 was removed, and the correct data was retained. The data related to DBH and DGH in tables 6 and 7 were also corrected, and the texts related to these tables were revised. The correction does not affect the scientific conclusions of the article. The document also presents a table showing the variation statistics of growth and wood characteristics within different clones. The table includes measurements such as height, stem diameter, and wood density for each clone. The statistics provide information on the range, mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation for each characteristic. This information can be useful for researchers studying the growth and wood properties of different clones. Additionally, the document provides a table with data on various measurements of trees in two different locations. The measurements include height, diameter at breast height, diameter at ground height, stem volume, height to crown base, height to crown top, height to first branch, stem wood volume, height to live crown, height to dead crown, height to live branch, and stem area. The data shows the range, mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation for each measurement. This information can be useful for researchers studying tree growth and [Extracted from the article]

Soils contaminated with elevated levels of toxic heavy metals affect the soil quality. Phytoremediation is one of the constructive methods used in the mitigation of toxic metals from the soil. A pot experiment was performed by application of eight different concentrations of CCA viz 250, 500, 750, 1,000, 1,250, 1,500, 2,000, and 2,500 mg kg−1 soil to evaluate the efficiency of Acacia mangium and Acacia auriculiformis in phytoremediation of CCA compounds. Results showed that the shoot and root length, height, collar diameter, and biomass of the seedlings were significantly reduced with increase in CCA concentrations. The roots of the seedlings accumulated 1.5- to 2.0-fold higher amounts of CCA than in stem and leaves. The amount of Cr, Cu, and As found in the roots of A. mangium and A. auriculiformis at 2,500 mg CCA were 10.01 and 10.13, 8.51 and 8.84 mg, and 0.18 and 0.33 mg g−1, respectively. Similarly, the amount of Cr, Cu, and As found in stem and leaves were 4.33 and 7.84, 3.51 and 6.62, and 0.10 and 0.11 mg g−1, respectively. The quantity of Cr, Cu, and As found in stem and leaves were 5.95 and 9.00, 4.86 and 7.18, and 0.09 and 0.14 mg g−1, respectively. Overall, the present study advocates potential use of A. mangium and A. auriculiformis in phytoremediation of Cr, Cu, and As contaminated soils. Phytoremediation of soils contaminated with heavy metals is well documented. Interestingly, information on the influence of Acacia tree species in remediation of chromated copper arsenate (CCA) is scanty. We found that the higher concentrations of CCA (1,000–5,000 mg) significantly reduced the seed germination, growth, and biomass of seedlings. Further, the results revealed that accumulation of Cr, Cu, and As were 1.5- to 2-fold higher in roots than in shoots. Present study adds knowledge on efficacy of Acacia mangium and Acacia auriculiformis in phytoremediation of CCA contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] The sensitivity of canopy stomatal conductance to transpiration driving factors and the possible changes with rain reduction treatment were studied in order to provide a theoretical basis for revealing the adaptation strategies of trees to climatic and environmental factors and for reasonably formulating vegetation restoration measures. [Methods] Based on the long-term monitoring of trunk sap flow dynamics of Robinia pseudoacacia by Granier′s thermal diffusion probe and the synchronously observed meteorological data, the characteristics of canopy stomatal conductance and its sensitivity of response to transpiration drivers under rain reduction treatment and control environment were compared and analyzed. [Results]（1） In the growing season, the diurnal variation of canopy stomatal conductance of R. pseudoacacia maintained the same trend as that of air vapor pressure deficit and solar radiation, but the canopy stomatal conductance of the treated sample plot was generally lower than that of the control plot. At the same time, the canopy stomatal conductance of the two sample plots in July was significantly higher than that of other months.（2） The daily average canopy stomatal conductance of R. pseudoacacia conformed to the fitting relationship of linear and logarithmic curves with daily average solar radiation and air vapor pressure deficit, respectively. The fitting slopes of canopy stomatal conductance and driving factors in the rain reduction sample plots were lower than those in the control plots. Due to the abundant rainfall in the early growth season and the higher average soil water content in the middle and late growth season, the fitting slopes of various plots in the early growth season were relatively high.（3） The sensitivity of canopy stomatal conductance in response to air vapor pressure deficit was linearly correlated with the reference canopy stomatal conductance. The sensitivity of rain reduction treatment sample plot was significantly lower, and the sensitivity of the same plot was also slightly higher in the early growth season with high soil water content. [Conclusion] The peak value difference of stomatal conductance of R. pseudoacacia canopy in different months is related to phenological rhythm such as the change of stand leaf area or environmental factors such as soil moisture. The sensitivity of canopy stomatal conductance to transpiration drivers is different in different plots and different periods. Rainfall reduction treatment will weaken the sensitivity of canopy stomatal conductance to transpiration drivers. In general, R. pseudoacacia stands in this area have a strong ability to respond to the air vapor pressure deficit. After the implementation of rain reduction treatment, the regulation ability has decreased, but maintained at a normal level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of acacia (extract of Acacia mearnsii) and sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) as condensed tannin (CT)-rich sources on ruminal and manure methane (CH 4) emissions in comparison with non-CT silages characterized by different contents of the cell wall and water-soluble carbohydrates. In a 3 × 6 incomplete Latin square design, 30 Holstein cows (63 ± 23 d in milk; mean ± SD; 33.8 ± 7.6 kg of milk per day, body weight 642 ± 81 kg) were provided with ad libitum access to 1 of 6 total mixed rations comprising 790 g of silage and 210 g of concentrate per kilogram of dry matter (DM). The silages were either rich in sainfoin [neutral detergent fiber (NDF): 349 g/kg of DM], perennial ryegrass (NDF: 420 g/kg of DM), or red clover (NDF: 357 g/kg of DM). Each silage was supplemented with 20 g/kg (of total diet DM) of acacia or straw meal. Feed intake and milk yield were recorded daily. Milk composition and ruminal fluid characteristics and microbiota were analyzed. The individual ruminal CH 4 production was determined using the GreenFeed system, and CH 4 emissions from the manure of cows fed the same diets were measured in a parallel experiment over 30 d at 25°C using a dynamic flux chamber. The CT sources did not reduce CH 4 yield or emission intensity. Acacia reduced milk production (from 26.3 to 23.2 kg/d) and DM intake (from 19.7 to 16.7 kg/d) when supplemented with ryegrass, and both CT sources reduced the milk protein content and yield. Acacia supplementation and ryegrass silage reduced the ruminal acetate:propionate ratio. Furthermore, during acacia treatment, the abundance of Methanobrevibacter archaea tended to be lower and that of Thermoplasmata was higher. Acacia reduced the CH 4 emissions from manure for the ryegrass group by 17% but not for the sainfoin and clover groups. Feeding sainfoin silage resulted in the lowest manure-derived CH 4 emissions (−47% compared with ryegrass). In conclusion, acacia reduced ruminal CH 4 production by 10%, but not emission intensity, and the mitigation effect of sainfoin depended on the silage to which it was compared. Because mitigation was partially associated with animal productivity losses, careful evaluation is required before the implementation of tanniferous feeds in farm practice. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]