In situ conservation is widely considered a primary conservation strategy. Plant translocation, specifically, represents an important tool for reducing the extinction risk of threatened species. However, thus far, few...In situ conservation is widely considered a primary conservation strategy. Plant translocation, specifically, represents an important tool for reducing the extinction risk of threatened species. However, thus far, few documented translocations have been carried out in the Mediterranean islands. The CareMediflora project, carried out on six Mediterranean islands, tackles both short-and long-term needs for the insular endangered plants through in situ and ex situ conservation actions. The project approach is based on using ex situ activities as a tool to improve in situ conservation of threatened plant species.Fifty island plants(representing 45 taxa) were selected for translocations using common criteria.During the translocations, several approaches were used, which differed in site selection method, origin of genetic material, type of propagative material, planting method, and more. Although only preliminary data are available, some general lessons can be learned from the experience of the CareMediflora project. Among the factors restricting the implementation of translocations, limited financial resources appear to be the most important. Specific preliminary management actions, sometimes to be reiterated after translocation, increase the overall cost, but often are necessary for translocation success. Translocation using juvenile/reproductive plants produces better results over the short term,although seeds may provide good results over the long run(to be assessed in the future). Regardless,plant translocation success can only be detected over long periods; therefore, proper evaluation of plant translocations requires a long-term monitoring protocol. Care-Mediflora project represents the first attempt to combine the existing approaches in a common plant conservation strategy specifically focusing on the Mediterranean islands.展开更多
Sustainability of food systems and diets is not simply related to health concerns as it also involves environmental impacts. In fact, diets are major players in biodiversity erosion, natural resources degradation, cli...Sustainability of food systems and diets is not simply related to health concerns as it also involves environmental impacts. In fact, diets are major players in biodiversity erosion, natural resources degradation, climate change, etc.. The paper aims at analysing the main environmental impacts of the Mediterranean food consumption patterns on land and water resources and biodiversity. It provides a review on water and land resources and biodiversity in the Mediterranean and an analysis of the livestock sector impacts on ecosystem services. The most recent FAO food consumption statistics and standard impact data from different sources (e.g., Water Footprint Network; Mekonnen & Hoekstra, 2010; Ewing et al., 2010) were used to calculate and discuss environmental impacts, i.e., water, carbon and ecological footprints. Mediterranean diets promote biodiversity use, conservation and sustainable natural resources management. They are more respectful of ecosystems and have lower environmental impacts than Northern Europe and American diets.展开更多
Solar irrigation pumps are considered as an alternative to the use of diesel and electric pumps due to the high cost of energy. These pumps are now increasingly used in the Niayes area. Thus, a more in-depth knowledge...Solar irrigation pumps are considered as an alternative to the use of diesel and electric pumps due to the high cost of energy. These pumps are now increasingly used in the Niayes area. Thus, a more in-depth knowledge about the components of a solar pumping system and their characteristics available on the market as well as prices can be beneficial. This study was conducted to have an idea on the baseline of the use of solar irrigation pumps in this area. To perform this study, surveys were conducted among 12 suppliers and 10 service providers located in Dakar, Thies, Louga and Saint-Louis region and among 53 users located in Potou area which is in Louga region. Results show a wide range of pump brands and characteristics. Brands found were Lorentz, LIKOU, SHIMGE, Grundfos, Solar pump, Feili, Difful, JUQIANG, Solar tech, and Asaman. The pumps’ flow rate varies between 2.5 m<sup>3</sup>/h and 45 m<sup>3</sup>/h, the pressure ranges from 15 m to 160 m and the power is between 0.072 kW and 10 kW. The price of these pumps varies depending on the brand used and their characteristics. In addition, other materials are available, such as panels with power ranging from 80 W to 330 W and electric cables. The price of these components varies according on the type used. Thus, the investment cost for implementation varies between 640 euros (420,000 CFA) and 25,087 euros (16,455,919 CFA). The cost of installation varies between 76.3 euros (50,000 CFA) and 1219.6 euros (800,000 CFA). Concerning maintenance, it is generally free during the warranty period when the equipment is supplied and installed by the same company. However, the cost of maintenance varies between 152.5 euros and 457.4 euros/year or is estimated at 45.7 euro/maintenance after the warranty years. Investigations conducted among users show that farmers in general do not perform pump maintenance due to a lack of knowledge and financial means. Thus, according to farmers, factors that impact pumps operation are the low sunshine that occurs between December and January and the iron in the water and low well discharge.展开更多
The study reports the habitats of Directive 92/43/EEC in National Park of Alta Murgia (Apulia Region, southem Italy). The habitats have been identified based on phytosociological analysis. New records are presented ...The study reports the habitats of Directive 92/43/EEC in National Park of Alta Murgia (Apulia Region, southem Italy). The habitats have been identified based on phytosociological analysis. New records are presented of rocky, meadow, woodlands and temporary ponds habitats, such as: Stipo bromoidis-Quercetum dalechampii (habitat: eastern white oak woods, 91AA*); Verbenion supinae (habitat: Mediterranean temporary ponds, 3170*); Campanulo versicoloris-Dianthion japigici (habitat: calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation, 8210); Acino suaveolentis-Stipetum austroitalicae (habitat: eastern sub-mediterranean dry grasslands (Scorzoneretalia villosae), 62A0). Other information on their extension, major threat and suggestions of actions for their conservation are provided.展开更多
<span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Northern Niayes is an area where agriculture is the main activity. Water used for irrigation in this area comes exclu...<span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Northern Niayes is an area where agriculture is the main activity. Water used for irrigation in this area comes exclusively from groundwater. Farmers do not have access to electricity, thus fuel is the main source of energy used, which is very expensive. The objective of this study was to assess the techno-economic feasibility of solar irrigation pumps. Regarding technical feasibility, pump sizing was carried out on the basis of irrigation management, irrigation techniques, and water distribution. Also, the economic feasibility was studied on the basis of the Net Present Value, Benefit-Cost Ratio, Internal Rate of Return and Payback Period. Results showed for cultivated area ranging from 0.05 ha to 1.91 ha, pumps’ flow rate does not vary greatly from one irrigation technique to another. It varies between 2.5 m</span><sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">3</span></sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">/h and 31 m</span><sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">3</span></sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">/h. However, pressure and power are higher when using drip and sprinkler irrigation techniques, ranging from 27.8 m to 39.9 m for drip and 40.1 m to 58.5 m for sprinkler irrigation. The power varies between 0.05 kW and 1.6 kW for manual, between 0.05 kW and 2.5 kW for drip and between 0.1 kW and 4.75 kW for sprinkler irrigation. The investment cost is variable (669 euros to 21,400 euros), depending on the cultivated area, pump brands and characteristics, and irrigation techniques. Results show that the investment cost ranges from 669 euros (438,500 CFA) to 4090 euros (2,683,000 CFA) when using the manual irrigation technique, from 1281 euros to 20</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">,</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">600 euros when using the drip irrigation technique and from 819 euros to 21</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">,</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">403 euros when using sprinkler irrigation technique for individual pumps. The investment cost is higher when using reservoirs. In this case, the investment cost varied between €722 and €6062 for manual irrigation, €1532 and €25,882 for drip irrigation and €900 and €28,000 for sprinkling. However, the total investment cost at the entire lowland scale is higher when farmers use the pumps individually and lower when farmers use the pumps in groups when using manual and drip irrigation techniques. NPV varies between 15,993€ (0.75 ha) and 103,139€ (1.41 ha) and between 13,064€ and 86,139€ when using sprinkler irrigation techniques with PVC pipes and when using the drip irrigation technique, respectively. BCR is estimated to average 2.2, 2, and 2 respectively when using manual, drip, and sprinkler irrigation techniques. In addition, PBP is reached more rapidly when using the manual irrigation technique</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">.</span>展开更多
Furan fatty acids produced by plants and bacteria,and present in some edible resources,have attracted significant scientific attention for their health benefits.They include 10,13-epoxy-11-methyl-octadecan-10,12-dieno...Furan fatty acids produced by plants and bacteria,and present in some edible resources,have attracted significant scientific attention for their health benefits.They include 10,13-epoxy-11-methyl-octadecan-10,12-dienoic acid,which has been identified in the lipid fraction of latex from two Hevea brasiliensis genotypes commonly known as the source of natural rubber.Those two genotypes,namely RRIM501 and PB235,are from Rubber Research Institute of Malaysia(RRIM)and Prang Besar,Malaysia(PB),respectively.This research aimed to undertake the first ever in-vestigation into the existence of this potential high value-added co-product in the lipid fraction of 48 Hevea brasiliensis genotypes,seeking to study the widest possible clonal variability.The results showed furan fatty acid exists in all lipid fractions of their latices.Its content varied significantly,ranging from 0.01%to 0.71%(w/w in latex),the highest concentrations were found in genotypes from the Institut de Recherche sur le Caoutchouc(IRCA)in Côte d’Ivoire,Prang Besar(PB)in Malaysia,and Rubber Research Institute of Vietnam(RRIV)in Vietnam breeding programs.A positive correlation with total fatty acid content was observed when its content exceeded 0.10%,suggesting an additive rather than a substitutive role with the other fatty acids present.Interest-ingly,linoleic and palmitoleic acids strongly correlated with the furan fatty acid concentration,indicating a possible biosynthetic pathway linkage.In terms of yield per tapping PB235,RRIV4,RRIV2,IRCA41,IRCA18,PB324,IRCA814,IRCA323,and IRCA109 genotypes showed the highest production potential,with yields range of 1367-2446 mg furan fatty acid per tree per tapping.Notably,the biochemical markers of natural rubber productivity(sucrose,inorganic phosphorus,thiols,and total solid content)showed no direct involvement in furan fatty acid biosynthesis dur-ing latex regeneration between tappings.Based on knowledge of the parentage of the studied clones,a trait heritability study was conducted and genotype PB5/51 was identified as a very worthwhile genitor for improving furan fatty acid contents in a breeding population.展开更多
This study proposes an automatic procedure for individual fruit tree identification using GeoEye-1 sensor data.Depending on site-specific pruning practices,the morphologic characteristics of tree crowns may generate o...This study proposes an automatic procedure for individual fruit tree identification using GeoEye-1 sensor data.Depending on site-specific pruning practices,the morphologic characteristics of tree crowns may generate one or more brightness peaks(tree top)on the imagery.To optimize tree counting and to minimize typical background noises from orchards(i.e.bare soil,weeds,and man-made objects),a four-step algorithm was implemented with spatial transforms and functions suitable for spaced stands(asymmetrical smoothing filter,local minimum filter,mask layer,and spatial aggregation operator).System perfor-mance was evaluated through objective criteria,showing consistent results in fast capturing tree position for precision agriculture tasks.展开更多
基金financially supporting (80%) the CARE-MEDIFLORA project
文摘In situ conservation is widely considered a primary conservation strategy. Plant translocation, specifically, represents an important tool for reducing the extinction risk of threatened species. However, thus far, few documented translocations have been carried out in the Mediterranean islands. The CareMediflora project, carried out on six Mediterranean islands, tackles both short-and long-term needs for the insular endangered plants through in situ and ex situ conservation actions. The project approach is based on using ex situ activities as a tool to improve in situ conservation of threatened plant species.Fifty island plants(representing 45 taxa) were selected for translocations using common criteria.During the translocations, several approaches were used, which differed in site selection method, origin of genetic material, type of propagative material, planting method, and more. Although only preliminary data are available, some general lessons can be learned from the experience of the CareMediflora project. Among the factors restricting the implementation of translocations, limited financial resources appear to be the most important. Specific preliminary management actions, sometimes to be reiterated after translocation, increase the overall cost, but often are necessary for translocation success. Translocation using juvenile/reproductive plants produces better results over the short term,although seeds may provide good results over the long run(to be assessed in the future). Regardless,plant translocation success can only be detected over long periods; therefore, proper evaluation of plant translocations requires a long-term monitoring protocol. Care-Mediflora project represents the first attempt to combine the existing approaches in a common plant conservation strategy specifically focusing on the Mediterranean islands.
文摘Sustainability of food systems and diets is not simply related to health concerns as it also involves environmental impacts. In fact, diets are major players in biodiversity erosion, natural resources degradation, climate change, etc.. The paper aims at analysing the main environmental impacts of the Mediterranean food consumption patterns on land and water resources and biodiversity. It provides a review on water and land resources and biodiversity in the Mediterranean and an analysis of the livestock sector impacts on ecosystem services. The most recent FAO food consumption statistics and standard impact data from different sources (e.g., Water Footprint Network; Mekonnen & Hoekstra, 2010; Ewing et al., 2010) were used to calculate and discuss environmental impacts, i.e., water, carbon and ecological footprints. Mediterranean diets promote biodiversity use, conservation and sustainable natural resources management. They are more respectful of ecosystems and have lower environmental impacts than Northern Europe and American diets.
文摘Solar irrigation pumps are considered as an alternative to the use of diesel and electric pumps due to the high cost of energy. These pumps are now increasingly used in the Niayes area. Thus, a more in-depth knowledge about the components of a solar pumping system and their characteristics available on the market as well as prices can be beneficial. This study was conducted to have an idea on the baseline of the use of solar irrigation pumps in this area. To perform this study, surveys were conducted among 12 suppliers and 10 service providers located in Dakar, Thies, Louga and Saint-Louis region and among 53 users located in Potou area which is in Louga region. Results show a wide range of pump brands and characteristics. Brands found were Lorentz, LIKOU, SHIMGE, Grundfos, Solar pump, Feili, Difful, JUQIANG, Solar tech, and Asaman. The pumps’ flow rate varies between 2.5 m<sup>3</sup>/h and 45 m<sup>3</sup>/h, the pressure ranges from 15 m to 160 m and the power is between 0.072 kW and 10 kW. The price of these pumps varies depending on the brand used and their characteristics. In addition, other materials are available, such as panels with power ranging from 80 W to 330 W and electric cables. The price of these components varies according on the type used. Thus, the investment cost for implementation varies between 640 euros (420,000 CFA) and 25,087 euros (16,455,919 CFA). The cost of installation varies between 76.3 euros (50,000 CFA) and 1219.6 euros (800,000 CFA). Concerning maintenance, it is generally free during the warranty period when the equipment is supplied and installed by the same company. However, the cost of maintenance varies between 152.5 euros and 457.4 euros/year or is estimated at 45.7 euro/maintenance after the warranty years. Investigations conducted among users show that farmers in general do not perform pump maintenance due to a lack of knowledge and financial means. Thus, according to farmers, factors that impact pumps operation are the low sunshine that occurs between December and January and the iron in the water and low well discharge.
文摘The study reports the habitats of Directive 92/43/EEC in National Park of Alta Murgia (Apulia Region, southem Italy). The habitats have been identified based on phytosociological analysis. New records are presented of rocky, meadow, woodlands and temporary ponds habitats, such as: Stipo bromoidis-Quercetum dalechampii (habitat: eastern white oak woods, 91AA*); Verbenion supinae (habitat: Mediterranean temporary ponds, 3170*); Campanulo versicoloris-Dianthion japigici (habitat: calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation, 8210); Acino suaveolentis-Stipetum austroitalicae (habitat: eastern sub-mediterranean dry grasslands (Scorzoneretalia villosae), 62A0). Other information on their extension, major threat and suggestions of actions for their conservation are provided.
文摘<span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Northern Niayes is an area where agriculture is the main activity. Water used for irrigation in this area comes exclusively from groundwater. Farmers do not have access to electricity, thus fuel is the main source of energy used, which is very expensive. The objective of this study was to assess the techno-economic feasibility of solar irrigation pumps. Regarding technical feasibility, pump sizing was carried out on the basis of irrigation management, irrigation techniques, and water distribution. Also, the economic feasibility was studied on the basis of the Net Present Value, Benefit-Cost Ratio, Internal Rate of Return and Payback Period. Results showed for cultivated area ranging from 0.05 ha to 1.91 ha, pumps’ flow rate does not vary greatly from one irrigation technique to another. It varies between 2.5 m</span><sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">3</span></sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">/h and 31 m</span><sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">3</span></sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">/h. However, pressure and power are higher when using drip and sprinkler irrigation techniques, ranging from 27.8 m to 39.9 m for drip and 40.1 m to 58.5 m for sprinkler irrigation. The power varies between 0.05 kW and 1.6 kW for manual, between 0.05 kW and 2.5 kW for drip and between 0.1 kW and 4.75 kW for sprinkler irrigation. The investment cost is variable (669 euros to 21,400 euros), depending on the cultivated area, pump brands and characteristics, and irrigation techniques. Results show that the investment cost ranges from 669 euros (438,500 CFA) to 4090 euros (2,683,000 CFA) when using the manual irrigation technique, from 1281 euros to 20</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">,</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">600 euros when using the drip irrigation technique and from 819 euros to 21</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">,</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">403 euros when using sprinkler irrigation technique for individual pumps. The investment cost is higher when using reservoirs. In this case, the investment cost varied between €722 and €6062 for manual irrigation, €1532 and €25,882 for drip irrigation and €900 and €28,000 for sprinkling. However, the total investment cost at the entire lowland scale is higher when farmers use the pumps individually and lower when farmers use the pumps in groups when using manual and drip irrigation techniques. NPV varies between 15,993€ (0.75 ha) and 103,139€ (1.41 ha) and between 13,064€ and 86,139€ when using sprinkler irrigation techniques with PVC pipes and when using the drip irrigation technique, respectively. BCR is estimated to average 2.2, 2, and 2 respectively when using manual, drip, and sprinkler irrigation techniques. In addition, PBP is reached more rapidly when using the manual irrigation technique</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">.</span>
基金financial support from SEAMEO SEARCA and Agropolis Fondation(No.2002-227)was undertaken in connection with the Hevea Research Platform in Partnership(HRPP).
文摘Furan fatty acids produced by plants and bacteria,and present in some edible resources,have attracted significant scientific attention for their health benefits.They include 10,13-epoxy-11-methyl-octadecan-10,12-dienoic acid,which has been identified in the lipid fraction of latex from two Hevea brasiliensis genotypes commonly known as the source of natural rubber.Those two genotypes,namely RRIM501 and PB235,are from Rubber Research Institute of Malaysia(RRIM)and Prang Besar,Malaysia(PB),respectively.This research aimed to undertake the first ever in-vestigation into the existence of this potential high value-added co-product in the lipid fraction of 48 Hevea brasiliensis genotypes,seeking to study the widest possible clonal variability.The results showed furan fatty acid exists in all lipid fractions of their latices.Its content varied significantly,ranging from 0.01%to 0.71%(w/w in latex),the highest concentrations were found in genotypes from the Institut de Recherche sur le Caoutchouc(IRCA)in Côte d’Ivoire,Prang Besar(PB)in Malaysia,and Rubber Research Institute of Vietnam(RRIV)in Vietnam breeding programs.A positive correlation with total fatty acid content was observed when its content exceeded 0.10%,suggesting an additive rather than a substitutive role with the other fatty acids present.Interest-ingly,linoleic and palmitoleic acids strongly correlated with the furan fatty acid concentration,indicating a possible biosynthetic pathway linkage.In terms of yield per tapping PB235,RRIV4,RRIV2,IRCA41,IRCA18,PB324,IRCA814,IRCA323,and IRCA109 genotypes showed the highest production potential,with yields range of 1367-2446 mg furan fatty acid per tree per tapping.Notably,the biochemical markers of natural rubber productivity(sucrose,inorganic phosphorus,thiols,and total solid content)showed no direct involvement in furan fatty acid biosynthesis dur-ing latex regeneration between tappings.Based on knowledge of the parentage of the studied clones,a trait heritability study was conducted and genotype PB5/51 was identified as a very worthwhile genitor for improving furan fatty acid contents in a breeding population.
文摘This study proposes an automatic procedure for individual fruit tree identification using GeoEye-1 sensor data.Depending on site-specific pruning practices,the morphologic characteristics of tree crowns may generate one or more brightness peaks(tree top)on the imagery.To optimize tree counting and to minimize typical background noises from orchards(i.e.bare soil,weeds,and man-made objects),a four-step algorithm was implemented with spatial transforms and functions suitable for spaced stands(asymmetrical smoothing filter,local minimum filter,mask layer,and spatial aggregation operator).System perfor-mance was evaluated through objective criteria,showing consistent results in fast capturing tree position for precision agriculture tasks.