The Siberian pine growth dynamics in Altai Mountains, China / A dinâmica de crescimento do pinheiro siberiano nas montanhas de Altai, China

Climatic factors play an essential role in the growth of tree ring width. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the correlation between climatic variables and tree-ring growth characteristics of Pinus sibirica in Altai mountains, northwestern China. This study being is first of its kind on climate growth analysis of Pinus sibirica in northwestern China. The study showed great potential to understand the species growing under the specific climatic conditions. Total of 70 tree cores collected from three sites in the sampling area, out of which 63 tree cores considered for this study. The effect of climatic variables which was studied include precipitation, temperature and PDSI. Our results showed that Tree Ring Width chronology has a significantly positive correlation with the late winter (March) temperature and significant negative correlation with the July temperatures. A significant correlation was observed with the late summer precipitation whereas no significant relation found with the Palmer Drought Severity Index. These significant correlations with temperature and precipitation suggested that this tree species had the potential for the reconstruction of the past climate in the area.

Fatores climáticos desempenham papel essencial no crescimento da largura dos anéis das árvores. Neste estudo, objetivou-se avaliar a correlação entre variáveis climáticas e características de crescimento de anéis de árvores de Pinus sibirica nas montanhas de Altai, noroeste da China. Este estudo é o primeiro desse tipo na análise do crescimento climático de Pinus sibirica no noroeste da China. O estudo mostrou grande potencial para entender as espécies que crescem sob as condições climáticas específicas. Total de 70 testemunhos coletados em três locais na área de amostragem, dos quais 63 testemunhos considerados para este estudo. O efeito das variáveis climáticas estudadas incluem precipitação, temperatura e PDSI. Nossos resultados mostraram que a cronologia da Largura do Anel da Árvore tem uma correlação significativamente positiva com a temperatura do final do inverno (março) e uma correlação negativa significativa com as temperaturas de julho. Uma correlação significativa foi observada com a precipitação do final do verão, enquanto nenhuma relação significativa foi encontrada com o Índice de Severidade de Seca de Palmer. Essas correlações significativas com a temperatura e precipitação sugeriram que esta espécie de árvore tinha o potencial para a reconstrução do clima passado na área.

The Siberian pine growth dynamics in Altai Mountains, China

Abstract Climatic factors play an essential role in the growth of tree ring width. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the correlation between climatic variables and tree-ring growth characteristics of Pinus sibirica in Altai mountains, northwestern China. This study being is first of its kind on climate growth analysis of Pinus sibirica in northwestern China. The study showed great potential to understand the species growing under the specific climatic conditions. Total of 70 tree cores collected from three sites in the sampling area, out of which 63 tree cores considered for this study. The effect of climatic variables which was studied include precipitation, temperature and PDSI. Our results showed that Tree Ring Width chronology has a significantly positive correlation with the late winter (March) temperature and significant negative correlation with the July temperatures. A significant correlation was observed with the late summer precipitation whereas no significant relation found with the Palmer Drought Severity Index. These significant correlations with temperature and precipitation suggested that this tree species had the potential for the reconstruction of the past climate in the area.

RESUMO Fatores climáticos desempenham papel essencial no crescimento da largura dos anéis das árvores. Neste estudo, objetivou-se avaliar a correlação entre variáveis climáticas e características de crescimento de anéis de árvores de Pinus sibirica nas montanhas de Altai, noroeste da China. Este estudo é o primeiro desse tipo na análise do crescimento climático de Pinus sibirica no noroeste da China. O estudo mostrou grande potencial para entender as espécies que crescem sob as condições climáticas específicas. Total de 70 testemunhos coletados em três locais na área de amostragem, dos quais 63 testemunhos considerados para este estudo. O efeito das variáveis climáticas estudadas incluem precipitação, temperatura e PDSI. Nossos resultados mostraram que a cronologia da Largura do Anel da Árvore tem uma correlação significativamente positiva com a temperatura do final do inverno (março) e uma correlação negativa significativa com as temperaturas de julho. Uma correlação significativa foi observada com a precipitação do final do verão, enquanto nenhuma relação significativa foi encontrada com o Índice de Severidade de Seca de Palmer. Essas correlações significativas com a temperatura e precipitação sugeriram que esta espécie de árvore tinha o potencial para a reconstrução do clima passado na área.

HPLC/QTOF-MS metabolomics analysis applied to identify skin biomarkers of UVC-induced skin injury in mice and preventive effects of abietic acid

Abietic acid (AA) is a main constituent from pine resin, which has definite therapeutical effects for treating skin ulcers and tumor. Here, we explored the metabolome changes in skin tissues of mice with UVC-induced skin injury treated with AA by a HPLC-QTOF-MS/MS method. Model mice were induced with UVC irradiation. Skin histopathological changes were examined by routine HE staining. Metabolomic analysis technology and pattern recognition statistical method were applied to analyze the metabolites in the skin tissues of mice to study the therapeutic effect of AA on UVC-induced skin injury in mice. Ceramides, sphingosines, glycyl-L-glutamine, dihydroorotic acid, adenosine, dCMP and lyso-phosphatidylcholines can be used as biomarkers of UVC-induced skin injury. AA can improve the pathological tissue from the pathway of skin lipid and purine pyrimidine metabolism to achieve the therapeutic effect. AA can effectively treat UVC-induced skin injury in mice

Variación en la fenología de floración de una bromelia epífita a lo largo de un gradiente de elevación / Variation in the flowering phenology of an epiphytic bromeliad along an elevational gradient

ABSTRACT Elevational patterns in flowering phenology have been reported for trees, shrubs and herbs. However, for vascular epiphytes that rely on atmospheric sources for humidity and nutrients, and depend on phorophyte microhabitat, elevational patterns of variation are unknown. In this study, we described the flowering phenology of Tillandsia carlos-hankii, an epiphytic bromeliad, along an elevational gradient in Capulálpam de Méndez, Oaxaca. We analyzed the onset, seasonality and duration of flowering along and within different elevation zones, and we evaluated the effect of phorophyte features (tree height, DBH and canopy diameter) on flowering start date and duration. From June 2016 to May 2017, we periodically recorded phenological data from six populations along three elevation zones ("low": 2151 to 2283 m. a. s. l., "medium": 2284 to 2416 m. a. s. l. and "high": 2417 to 2548 m. a. s. l.), monitoring two population per zone. Start of flowering occurred between December and January, beginning six to 16 days earlier at low elevations than in the other zones, although this difference was not statistically significant. We observed marked flowering seasonality at all the elevation zones, with differences between zones (W≥18.49, p≤0.0001) and between the populations at medium and high elevations (W≥8.57, p≤0.05). Flowering duration spanned from December to May. Phorophyte features were not related to the onset or duration of flowering (t≤-1.47, p≥0.14, in all cases). Our results suggest that vascular epiphytes follow the same elevational patterns in phenology as other life forms, and that populations in the same elevation range can vary. The causes of such intra-elevational variation merit further investigation.

RESUMEN Se han reportado los patrones altitudinales en la fenología de floración para árboles, arbustos y hierbas. Sin embargo, para epífitas vasculares, que dependen de fuentes atmosféricas para la humedad y los nutrientes, y del microhábitat del forofito, los patrones de variación en gradientes de elevación se desconocen. Se describe la fenología de floración de Tillandsia carlos-hankii, una bromelia epífita, en un gradiente de elevación en Capulálpam de Méndez, Oaxaca. Se analiza el inicio, estacionalidad y duración de su floración entre y dentro de diferentes elevaciones y se evalúa también el efecto del forofito (altura, DAP y diámetro de copa) sobre el inicio y la duración de la floración. De junio de 2016 a mayo de 2017, se monitorearon individuos localizados en seis poblaciones en tres elevaciones (bajo: 2151-2283 m. s. n. m., medio: 2284-2416 m. s. n. m., alto: 2417-2548 m. s. n. m.), dos poblaciones por zona. El inicio de la floración ocurrió entre diciembre y enero, empezando de seis a 16 días antes en la elevación baja que en las otras, aunque estas diferencias no fueron significativas. Hubo una marcada estacionalidad en todas las zonas de elevación, con diferencias entre elevaciones (W≥18,49, p≤0,0001) y entre poblaciones de media y alta elevación (W≥8,57, p≤0,05). La floración duró de diciembre a mayo. Las características del forofito no estuvieron relacionadas con el inicio ni la duración de la floración (t≤-1,47, p≥0,14, en todos los casos). Los resultados sugieren que las epífitas vasculares siguen el mismo patrón fenológico altitudinal de otras formas de vida, y que las poblaciones en un misma elevación altitudinal pueden variar. Las causas de tal variación intra-altitudinal merecen mayor investigación.

Proximate composition and kinectics drying of sweet pine nuts compared to typical nuts of Araucaria angustifolia / Composição proximal e cinética de secagem de pinhões doces e pinhões típicos de Araucaria angustifolia

ABSTRACT: The objective of this research was to determine the proximate composition and kinetics drying of sweet pine nuts compared to typical pine nuts of Araucaria angustifolia. This study is based on the proximate components, color, and duration of pine nuts drying of both types, and the influence of temperature and cutting geometry on the dehydration process. Sweet pine nuts had lower calorific value and carbohydrate content, but higher lipid, dietary fiber, protein, and ash contents when compared to typical pine nuts. Color of sweet pine nuts is light pink whereas the typical pine nut is yellowish-white. Sweet pine nuts were also softer. Drying kinetics of the seeds fit well into the logistic and Thompson models. To accelerate drying rates, we recommend slicing pine nuts into thin cross-sections and drying them at temperatures of 60 °C for typical pine nuts and 70 °C for sweet pine nuts.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a composição centesimal e a cinética de secagem de pinhões doces em comparação com pinhões típicos de Araucaria angustifolia. Este estudo baseia-se na composição centesimal, cor e duração da secagem dos pinhões de ambos os tipos e na influência da temperatura e da geometria de corte no processo de desidratação. Os pinhões doces apresentaram menor valor calorífico e conteúdo de carboidratos. Por outro lado, apresentaram maior teor de lipídios, fibras alimentares, proteínas e cinzas quando comparados aos pinhões típicos. A cor dos pinhões doces é rosa claro, enquanto o pinhão típico é branco amarelado. Os pinhões doces também são mais macios. A cinética de secagem das sementes se enquadra bem nos modelos logístico e de Thompson. Para acelerar as taxas de secagem, recomendamos fatiar os pinhões em seções finas e secá-los a temperaturas de 60 °C para pinhões típicos e 70 °C para pinhões doces.

Vegetative propagation of an ornamental conifer: some techniques in podocarpo cutting / Propagação vegetativa de uma conífera ornamental: algumas técnicas no estaqueamento de podocarpo

ABSTRACT: The asexual propagation of conifers, such as Podocarpus macrophyllus (Thunb.) Sweet, faces difficulties. Among the factors that can improve the efficiency of asexual propagation are the types of cuttings used and lesions performed at the base of the cuttings, and the use of plant regulators, such as indolebutyric acid (IBA). This study determined the types of lesions to be performed at the cutting base, the type of cuttings used, the method to convey IBA at the cutting base, and the concentration of IBA required to obtain a proper rooting condition for the species. Two experiments were performed from March to July, 2018, in randomized blocks and with a factorial scheme, as follows: 2 x 4 (IBA application in solution and talc x IBA at concentrations of 0, 500, 1,000, and 1,500 mg L-1 IBA); and 2 x 3 (basal and apical cuttings x bevel, wedge, and horizontal lesions at the cutting base). In both experiments, the cuttings used were arranged on a masonry bed containing medium-textured sand. After 120 days of experimentation, the study concluded that the rooting percentage was favored by the use of basal cuttings with wedge lesions at the cutting base and treated with IBA in solution at a concentration of approximately 550 mg L-1.

RESUMO: A propagação assexuada de coníferas, como o Podocarpus macrophyllus, apresenta dificuldades. Entre os fatores que podem tornar mais eficientes a propagação assexuada tem-se o tipo da estaca utilizada, lesões na base da estaca e uso de fitoreguladores, como o ácido indolbutírico (AIB). Objetivou-se determinar o tipo de lesão a ser efetuado na base da estaca e o tipo de estaca bem como método de veiculação do AIB na base da estaca e a concentração do AIB visando obter melhor enraizamento para a espécie. Dois experimentos foram realizados, no período de março a julho de 2018, em blocos casualizados e esquema fatorial, sendo o primeiro 2 x 4 [aplicação AIB em solução e em talco x concentração de 0, 500, 1000 e 1500 mg L-1 de ácido indolbutírico (AIB)] e o segundo 2 x 3 [estaca basal e apical x lesões na base da estaca do tipo bisel, cunha e horizontal].Em ambos experimentos as estacas utilizadas foram dispostas em canteiro de alvenaria contendo areia de textura média. Após 120 dias de experimentação conclui-se que o uso de estacas basais com lesões na base da estaca em cunha e tratadas com AIB em solução na concentração de aproximadamente 550 mL L-1favorecem a porcentagem de enraizamento.

Supercritical CO2 Extraction of Volatile Oil in Pine Needle of Pinus yunnanensis from Different Habitats and Analysis by GC-MS / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To analyze and compare the volatile oil components of pine needle of Pinus yunnanensis from different habitats. Method:The volatile oils of pine needle of P. yunnanensis from 12 different habitats were extracted by supercritical CO2 extraction （SFE-CO2），the components were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry （GC-MS），and relative percentage of each component was determined by peak area normalization method，and SPSS 20.0 software was used for principal component analysis. Result:The 137 compounds were isolated from the volatile oil of pine needle of P. yunnanensis from 12 different producing areas，with 1 sample identified 57 species，2 samples identified 57 species，3 samples identified 54 species，4 samples identified 48 species，5 samples to identify 58 species，6 samples identified 60 species，7 samples identified 53 species，8 samples identified 55 species，9 samples identified 56 species，10 samples to identify 58 species，11 samples identified 54 species and 12 samples to identify 50 species，composed of hydrocarbon，acid，alcohol，ester，aldehyde，ketone，phenol，ether 8 compounds，including 11 common composition including alpha pinene，beta pinene，beta caryophyllene，7C，10C，16C-hexadecatrienoic acid and palmitic acid methyl ester，palmitic acid，phthalic acid dibutyl do acid，alcohol，stearic acid，mountain，wood tar acid. Conclusion:In this study，supercritical CO2 extraction （SFE-CO2） was used to extract the volatile oil of pine needle of P. yunnanensis from different habitats. It was found that the volatile oil of pine needle of P. yunnanensis was mainly composed of hydrocarbons，acids，esters and alcohols. And the content and species of volatile oil of pine needle of P. yunnanensis from different producing areas differ greatly which lay a foundation for the further development and utilization of pine needle of P. yunnanensis resources.

Adsorção do azul de metileno em serragem de Pinus elliottii (pinus) e Drepanostachyum falcatum (bambu) / Methylene blue adsorption in Pinus elliottii (pine) and Drepanostachyum falcatum (bamboo) sawdust

RESUMO A cinética, o equilíbrio e os parâmetros termodinâmicos de adsorção foram investigados para a adsorção do corante azul de metileno (AM) por meio dos biossorventes Pinus elliottii (pinus) e Drepanostachyum falcatum (bambu). A cinética de adsorção foi descrita mais precisamente pelo modelo de pseudossegunda ordem, os dados de equilíbrio monocomponente foram mais bem representados pela isoterma de Langmuir, para as três temperaturas estudadas (15, 25 e 35°C), e os parâmetros termodinâmicos demonstraram que o processo de adsorção é exotérmico, de natureza química e não espontâneo. A máxima capacidade adsortiva do pinus foi de 47 mg L-1 e a do bambu, de 38 mg L-1 para os ensaios de adsorção realizados com AM (100 mg L-1 a 35°C). Por fim, os biossorventes foram considerados promissores para a remoção do adsorvato AM em matriz aquosa sob valor de pH próximo à neutralidade (6,5).

ABSTRACT Kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamic adsorption parameters were investigated for the adsorption of the methylene blue dye (MB) by means of the biosorbents Pinus elliottii (pinus) and Drepanostachyum falcatum (bamboo). The adsorption kinetics were described more precisely by the pseudo-second order model; the monocomponent equilibrium's data were better represented by the Langmuir isotherm for the three temperatures studied (15, 25 and 35°C) and the thermodynamic parameters showed the adsorption process is exothermic, of a chemical nature and not spontaneous. The maximum adsorptive capacity of pinus was 47 mg L-1 and 38 mg L-1 bamboo for adsorption tests performed with MB (100 mg L-1 at 35°C). Finally, the biosorbents were considered promising for the adsorbate MB removal in aqueous matrix under pH value close to neutrality (6.5).

Vertebrate florivory of vascular epiphytes: the case of a bromeliad / Florivores vertebrados de epífitas vasculares: o caso de uma bromélia

Abstract The avoidance of vertebrate herbivory is thought to be one of the possible drivers for the evolution of epiphytism. Scarce literature suggests that epiphyte herbivory is mainly related to insect attack on reproductive structures. In a pine-oak forest we observed almost all inflorescences of an epiphytic bromeliad (Tillandsia carlos-hankii) with signs of florivory; the degree of damage suggested that vertebrate herbivores could be involved. To assess the intensity of vertebrate florivory damage we recorded the percentage of damaged individuals in a 500 m2 plots during two flowering seasons. To identify possible vertebrate herbivores, we installed 20 mixed capture stations, 10 photo-traps focused on bromeliads and analyzed stomach contents of captured vertebrates. Florivory was observed on 62% of individuals during the first flowering season and 77% on the second; and average one individual lost 41% of reproductive structures. Vertebrates associated with florivory were a bird, Icterus bullockii (Aves, Passeriformes, Icteridae), a squirrel Sciurus aureogaster (Mammalia, Rodentia, Sciuridae), and mice, Peromyscus gratus, P. levipes and P. aztecus (Mammalia, Rodentia, Cricetidae). Our results suggest that vascular epiphytes are used as opportunistic resources for small vertebrates during seasons when preferred resources are scarce.

Resumo Acredita-se que a prevenção da herbivoria dos vertebrados é um dos possíveis impulsores da evolução da epífita. A literatura escassa sugere que a herbivora em epífitas está relacionada principalmente ao ataque de insetos as estruturas reprodutivas. Em uma floresta de pinheiros observamos que quase da todas as inflorescências de uma bromélia epífita (Tillandsia carlos-hankii) apresentavam sinais de florivoria; o grau de danos sugeria que herbívoros majores (vertebrados) pudessem estar envolvidos. Para avaliar a intensidade do dano de florivoria de vertebrados, registramos a porcentagem de indivíduos danificados em quadrantes de 500 m2 durante duas estações de florescimento. Para identificar possíveis herbívoros vertebrados, instalamos 20 estações de captura mista e analisamos o conteúdo estomacal de vertebrados capturados. Além disso, foram instaladas 10 foto-armadilhas focadas em bromélias. A florivoria foi observada em 62% dos indivíduos durante a primeira estação de floração e 77% na segunda. Os vertebrados associados à florivoria foram pássaro, Icterus bullockii (Aves, Passeriformes, Icteridae), um esquilo Sciurus aureogaster (Mammalia, Rodentia, Sciuridae) e ratos, Peromyscus gratus, P. levipes e P. aztecus (Mammalia, Rodentia, Cricetidae). Assim, nossos resultados sugerem que epífitas vasculares são usadas como recurso facultativo para estes animais durante as estações, quando os recursos preferidos estão escassos.

Optimization of Extraction Technology of Osthole from Pine Needles of Cedrus deodara by Box-Behnken Design-response Surface Methodology / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE： To optimize the extraction technology of osthole from the pine needles of Cedrus deodara. METHODS： HPLC method was adopted to determine the content of osthole. Based on single factor test， ethanol volume fraction， extraction time and material-solvent ratio were selected as influential factors， and the content of osthole was selected as response value. Box-Behnken design-response surface methodology was used to optimize the extraction technology of osthole in pine needles of C. deodara. Validation test was conducted. RESULTS： The optimal extraction technology was as follows as ethanol volume fraction of 88％， material-solvent ratio of 1 ∶ 20 （g/mL）， extracting for 2 times， lasting for 57 min each time. Under this technology， average content of osthole was 0.675 7 mg/g （RSD＝1.78％， n＝3）， and the relative error of which to predicted value 0.680 9 mg/g was 0.59％. CONCLUSIONS： The optimal extraction technology is simple and feasible，and it can be used for the extraction of osthole from the pine needles of C. deodara.  

Polyphenylene-polysaccharide complex from pinus koraiensis extract induces apoptosis in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells / 实用肿瘤学杂志

Objective The mechanism of apoptosis induced by polyphenyl propenoid-polysaccharide complex(PPC)in hu-man breast cancer MCF-7 cells was studied. Methods MCF-7 cells were cultured with different concentrations of PPC for differ-ent time. The effects of PPC on proliferation and apoptosis were detected in MCF-7 cells by MTT assay,fluorescent staining,apopto-sis detection kit,DNA gel electrophoresis and Western blot. Results PPC induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. When apoptosis oc-curred,the enzyme activities of caspase-3 and-9 were increased,and the expression of pro-caspase-3 protein was decreased. Caspase-3 inhibitor(z-DEVE-fmk)could partially inhibit PPC-induced apoptosis and inhibit activation of caspase-3 precursor enzyme. Conclusion PPC induces apoptosis of MCF-7 cells by activating caspase family.

Effect of Sulgidduk containing pine needle juice on lipid metabolism in high fat-cholesterol diet induced dyslipidemic rats / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Pine needles (Pinus densiflora seib et Zucc) are a traditional medicine used to treat dyslipidemia in clinical settings. This study examined the potential effects of sulgidduk, a Korean traditional rice cake containing pine needle juice to protect against dyslipidemia induced by a high-fat/sugidduk diet in a rat model. METHODS: Twenty one male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into three groups: normal control (NC), Sulgidduk diet (SD), Sulgidduk diet containing pine needle juice (PSD). The blood lipid levels, production of lipid peroxide in the plasma and liver, total cholesterol and triglyceride in the liver and feces, antioxidant enzyme activities in plasma and erythrocytes were measured to assess the effects of PSD on dyslipidemia. RESULTS: A high-fat/Sulgidduk diet induced dyslipidemia, which was characterized by significantly altered lipid profiles in the plasma and liver. The food intake was similar in the three groups, but weight gain and food efficiency ratio (FER) were reduced significantly in the PSD group compared to those in the SD group. The level of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and TBARS in the plasma showed tendencies to decrease in the PSD group compared to those in the SD group. The levels of high-fat/Sulgidduk diet-induced sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2) gene expression were reduced significantly in the PSD group. The supplementation of PSD reduced the hepatic triglyceride and total cholesterol levels significantly, and enhanced the fecal excretion of triglyceride and hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities compared to the SD group. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the addition of 0.4% pine needle juice to Sulgidduk may be an alternative snack to control dyslipidemia.

Conocimiento local del género Arceuthobium en un área natural protegida del centro de México / Local knowledge of Arceuthobium genus in a natural protected area of the centre of Mexico

El género Arceuthobium (muérdago enano) es una de las principales plagas en los bosques templados de México, con antecedentes de uso medicinal y forrajero. El objetivo de este trabajo fue documentar el conocimiento local sobre los usos del muérdago enano en el Área Natural Protegida Nevado de Toluca, México, bajo las perspectivas emic y etic, a través de la etnobotánica. Mediante entrevistas se identificó que ambas especies (A. vaginatum y A. globosum) son conocidas como muérdago y forman parte de la flora del bosque; sin embargo, los entrevistados desconocen los efectos negativos dentro de los ecosistemas forestales de esta plaga. Destacan los usos lúdicos, como juguete y tinta, y los medicinales para el tratamiento de afecciones respiratorias y del sistema nervioso, siendo éste el primer registro para dicho género localmente. Se requieren estudios que validen el conocimiento local para su inclusión en programas locales de manejo de plagas forestales.

Arceuthobium (dwarf mistletoe) genus is one of the main pests in temperate forests of Mexico, with records of medicinal and forage uses. The objective of this work was to document local knowledge regarding uses of dwarf mistletoe in the Natural Protected Area Nevado de Toluca, Mexico, under emic and etic perspectives, through ethnobotany. Throughout interviews it was identified that both species (A. vaginatum and A. globosum) are known as mistletoe and they are part of flora in forest, however, interviewees are not aware of negative effects within forest ecosystems of this pest. It stands out ludic uses as a toy and ink, and medicinal ones for treatment of respiratory diseases and nervous system, being this the first record for such genus locally. Studies are required to validate the local knowledge for its inclusion in local programmes for management of forest pests.

Content Determination of Total Flavonoids and Shikimic Acid in Pine Needles of Pinus massoniana Lamb. in Wudang Area / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To establish a method to determine the contents of total flavonoids and shikimic acid in pine needles of Pinus massoniana Lamb.in Wudang Area.Methods Rutin was used as reference standard,and the content of total flavonoids in pine needles of Pinus massoniana Lamb. was determined by UV spectrometry at wavelength of 500 nm. The content of shikimic acid was determined by HPLC-DAD. The Fortis Xi C8 column (5 μm, 250 mm × 4.6 mm) was adopted with acetonitrile - 0.4% phosphoric acid solution (8:92, V/V) as mobile phase at the flow rate of 0.9 mL/min. The detection wavelength was 213 nm; the column temperature was 30 ℃; the injection volume was 20 μL. Results The linear range was 8.26-49.54 μg for rutin (r=0.999 4) with an average recovery of 99.2%, RSD=1.94%. The linear range was 10.26-61.56 μg for shikimic acid (r=0.999 4) with an average recovery of 99.5%,RSD=1.93%.The contents of total flavonoids in pine needles of Pinus massoniana Lamb.was 28.33 mg/g, and shikimic acid was 15.25 mg/g, respectively. Conclusion The method is simple, rapid, accurate and reproducible. It can be used for the content determination of total flavonoids and shikimic acid in pine needles of Pinus massoniana Lamb. in Wudang Area.

Research progress on health benefits of pine needles and related health products / 中草药

The current situation and the latest progress of related health care functions, chemical composition, patents, and health care products of pine needle were systematically reviewed through searching and querying the State Food and Drug Administration website (SFDA), the Korean food safety net, the World Intellectual Property Database, and the State Intellectual Property Office of the People’s Republic of China. The development of health food products of pine needles can be based on its existing health care functions, health-care dosage forms, and its market and resources to further develop and expand the development of pine needles health care products and extend to the international market.

Influence of Ectomycorrhizal Colonization on Cesium Uptake by Pinus densiflora Seedlings

Radionuclides were deposited at forest areas in eastern parts of Japan following the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant incident in March 2011. Ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi have important effects on radiocaesium dynamics in forest ecosystems. We examined the effect of colonization by the EM fungus Astraeus hygrometricus on the uptake of cesium (Cs) and potassium (K) by Pinus densiflora seedlings. Pine seedlings exhibited enhanced growth after the EM formation due to the colonization by A. hygrometricus. Additionally, the shoot Cs concentration increased after the EM formation when Cs was not added to the medium. This suggests that A. hygrometricus might be able to solubilize Cs fixed to soil particles. Moreover, the shoot K concentration increased significantly after the EM formation when Cs was added. However, there were no significant differences in the root K concentration between EM and non-EM seedlings. These results suggest that different mechanisms control the transfer of Cs and K from the root to the shoot of pine seedlings.

Detection of pine woodwasp in Pinus taeda in São Paulo State, Brazil / Detecção da vespa-da-madeira em Pinus taeda no estado de São Paulo, Brasil

ABSTRACT: The woodwasp Sirex noctilio (Fabricius) (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) is one of the main pests of Pinus plantations in South America. The aim of this study is to report the occurrence of S. noctilio in Pinus taeda in Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil. The surveys were carried out in the arboretum of Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas (FCA) da Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (UNESP), campus Botucatu, SP where six species of Pinus are distributed in blocks of 100 trees. Resin beads were observed on the trunks and stems of Pinus species. In post-flight evaluation it was reported that 8.77% of P. taeda trees showed symptoms of oviposition by S. noctilio. A female S. noctilio was found performing oviposition. Sirex noctilio is present in Botucatu, increasing the geographical distribution of the pest in São Paulo State.

RESUMO: A vespa-da-madeira, Sirex noctilio (Fabricius) (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) é uma das principais pragas de plantações de Pinus na América do Sul. O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar a ocorrência de Sirex noctilio (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) em Pinus taeda em Botucatu, São Paulo, Brasil. As pesquisas foram realizadas no arboreto da Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas (FCA) da Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (UNESP), campus Botucatu, SP, composto por seis espécies de Pinus distribuídas em blocos de 100 árvores. Respingos de resina foram visualizados nos troncos das espécies de Pinus. Na avaliação pós-revoada verificou-se que 8,77% das árvores de P. taeda apresentaram sintomas de oviposição por S. noctilio. Uma fêmea de S. noctilio foi encontrada realizando oviposição. Sirex noctilio está presente em Botucatu, ampliando a distribuição geográfica da praga no estado de São Paulo.

Transferencia de nutrientes y crecimiento de Pinus greggii Engelm. inoculado con hongos comestibles ectomicorrícicos en dos sustratos / Nutrient transfer and growth of Pinus greggii Engelm. inoculated with edible ectomycorrhizal mushrooms in two substrates

La ectomicorriza es una simbiosis mutualista de enorme importancia en la producción de árboles de valor forestal. Uno de los criterios de selección de hongos ectomicorrícicos de gran interés es su comestibilidad, por la importancia económica, ecológica y cultural de los hongos comestibles ectomicorrícicos como un producto forestal no maderable. En este estudio se evaluó el efecto de la inoculación con los hongos comestibles ectomicorrícicos, Laccaria laccata, Laccaria bicolor y Hebeloma leucosarx, en el crecimiento y el contenido nutricional de Pinus greggii, crecido en un sustrato experimental, o en un sustrato comercial enriquecido con un fertilizante de liberación lenta. Dos años después de la siembra, se observaron diferencias en el crecimiento aéreo y radical y en el contenido de macro- y micronutrientes entre plantas inoculadas y no inoculadas, independientemente de la especie fúngica y del sustrato utilizado. Las plantas crecidas en el sustrato comercial tuvieron mayor crecimiento y contenido de nutrientes; sin embargo, sus porcentajes de colonización fueron menores que los de plantas crecidas en el sustrato experimental. Existieron diferencias en la transferencia de nutrientes a la parte aérea de las plantas inoculadas, al comparar entre las especies fúngicas implicadas. Se observó transferencia de Ca por L. laccata, de Na por L. bicolor y de Mn por H.leucosarx en el sustrato experimental. La selección de sustratos constituye un factor clave en la producción de plantas ectomicorrizadas y las tres especies de hongos comestibles ectomicorrícicos evaluados tienen un potencial relevante para la micorrización controlada de P. greggii.

An ectomycorrhiza is a mutualistic symbiosis of paramount importance in forestry and tree production. One of the selection criteria of ectomycorrhizal fungi that has currently gained importance is their edibility due to the economic, ecological and cultural relevance of edible ectomycorrhizal mushrooms as a non-timber forest product. The effect of the inoculation with three edible ectomycorrhizal mushrooms: Laccaria laccata, Laccaria bicolor y Hebeloma leucosarx, which are widely sold in Mexico, on the growth and nutrient contents of Pinus greggii grown in an experimental substrate and a commercial substrate enriched with a slow-release fertilizer, was evaluated. Two years after sowing, differences in terms of shoot and root biomass and macro and micronutrient contents between inoculated and non-inoculated plants, were recorded independently of the fungal species and the substrate. Despite the fact that plants grown in the commercial substrate had higher growth and nutrient contents, their ectomycorrhizal colonization percentages were smaller than those of the plants grown in the experimental substrate. The differences in the nutrient transfer to the inoculated plant shoots among the evaluated fungal species were recorded. Ca mobilization by L. laccata, Na by L. bicolor and Mn by H. leucosarx were observed in the plants growing in the experimental substrate. It has been demonstrated that the selection of substrates constitutes an important factor in the production of ectomycorrhizal plants and that the three evaluated species of edible ectomycorrhizal mushrooms have an enormous potential in the controlled mycorrhization of P. greggii.

Research Progress in Pharmacological Effects and Clinical Application of Pine Pollen / 中国中医药信息杂志

Pine pollen is a kind of Chinese materia medica with the homology of medicine and food, rich in a variety of nutrients and bioactive ingredients. It has the efficacy of hemostasis by convergence and eliminating dampness and astringing sores. Research showed that pine pollen is able to protect certain organs, regulate metabolism, enhance immunity and resist antioxidation and aging. This article reviewed pine pollen related research from the aspects of main components, pharmacological effects and clinical application, in order to provide references for further study and development and utilization.

Extraction technology optimization of total flavonoids in Wudang pine needle tea by orthogonal test / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective To optimize the best extraction technology of total flavonoids in Wudang pine needle tea.Methods The contents of total flavonoids were taken as index, and orthogonal design of L9(34) was applied to process ultrasonic extraction.Results The order of factors of affecting extraction technology was solid to liquid ratio > ultrasonic power > ultrasonic time. The optimized extraction technology was as follows: adding 500 times volume of purified water, ultrasonic extracting for 15 minutes with ultrasound power 500 W at 40℃. The average content of total flavonoids was 39.701 mg/g.Conclusions The optimal extraction technology is simple, efficient and feasible, and can be used for extracting total flavonoids from Wudang pine needle tea, providing basis for the formulation of quality standards.