CO2 Assimilation in Young Prosopis Plants

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

CO2 Assimilation in Young Prosopis Plants CO2 assimilation in young Prosopis plants M. Pinto Departamento de Producci6n Agricola, Facultad de Ciencas Agrarias y Forestales, Universitad de Chile, Casilla 1004, Santiago, Chile Introduction assimilation during the season (Mooney et al., 1982). Due to the genetic variation of these trees (Hunziker et aL, 1975), it is trees Prosopis (Leguminoseae) are widely possible to find differences between indivi- distributed in the of North and dry regions duals. The objective of this work was to South America. Their biomass and fruit determine net C02 assimilation rates, which can be production very large (Pinto under different light intensities and C02 and Riveros, and their 1989), N2-fixing levels, in provenances of Chilean Algarro- ability (Felker and Clark, 1980) are impor- bo (Prosopis chilensis) which exhibited dif- tant characteristics to be considered within ferent rates of growth and to compare forestation programs. them with those of P. tamarugo and P. At present, water economy of most juliflora at different temperatures. important Prosopis species is well known (Mooney et aL, 1982; Acevedo et al., 1985a; Aravena and Acevedo, 1985) but data on the C02 assimilation by any Materials and Methods single species of Prosopis are lacking. According to Acevedo et al., (1985b), rates were measured on is a C3 and the C02 assimilation (A) Prosopis tamarugo plant P. chilensis under different intensities with net assimilation rates of other light Prosopis 350 ppm C02 in ambient air and under different species could be similar to that of some C02 concentrations at light saturation, on 18 mediterranean fruit trees (Wilson et aL, mo old plants of P. chilensis. Plants from 8 1974; Hanson, 1982; Mooney et al., provenances with high growth rates and 9 with low rates were cultivated in 15 1982). In old Prosopis trees, this assimila- growth 1 plastic with a mixture of and sandy soil tion could variations bags organic display large (Wilson (1:1, pH 6.5). One plant per provenance was et al., 1974) and in some cases assimila- selected for measurements. Two, which devel- tion rates could be too low to support fruit oped leaves 20 cm from the apex on the main were selected and assimilation rates growth. This has been suggested as one stem, C02 measured in a Parkinson chamber (Parkinson reason for the observed occasional pre- et al., 1980) connected to an infrared gas ana- mature fall of fruits (Salvo, 1986). Proso- lyzer (ADC, LCA-2). Temperature in the cham- pis shows important variations in net C02 ber was 20°C. The different C02 concentrations were obtained by a gas diluter (ADC, 6D-600) relation (r=0.98; Ps0.05) between area of and the different light intensities using plastic stem section, measured 10 cm above the nets between the lamp (Hg 400 W General ground, and total dry matter per plant was esta- Electric) and the assimilation chamber. blished with plants of the same age from dif- ferent A measurements at different air temperatures provenances (Fig. 1). were made at light saturation, with 350 ppm C02- In this case, one provenance of each P. chilensis, P. and P. was se- tamarugo juliflora Results lected and 4 plants per provenance were used for measurements. Leaf area was determined by photographic prints and chlorophyll (a + b) The aerial biomass accumulation during content from 500 g of fresh leaves per plant the 18 mo the selected according to MacKenney (1941). Aerial bio- period by Algarro- mass was estimated by measuring the area of bo provenances is shown in Table I. Dif- the stem section of the plant. A significant cor- ferences between both types of plants were considerable. High growth prove- detected. The carboxylation efficiency nances also had a significantly greater (Ku and Edwards, 1977) was 5.62 x 10- leaf area than those with low growth rates. mol’ppm-1 C02 in plants with high growth, In these plants, this area was distributed 22% higher than those with low growth in 4 or 5 branches, whereas in low growth which had 4.6 x 10-2 mol-ppm-1 C02. provenances it was distributed only in one A values for young plants of P. chilen- stem. The chlorophyll content was similar sis, P. tamarugo and P. juliflora presented in both types of plants. a maximum value between 20 and 35°C. In P. tamarugo, A was significantly lower A was very different between both types than in the other (Fig. 4). of plants under different light and C02 species levels. High growth provenances had a maximal A 43% higher than those with low growth rates. However, at low light intensi- Discussion ties, the apparent quantum yield was simi- lar in both types of plants (Fig. 2). Plants Maximal C02 assimilation rates (A) ob- with high growth rates also presented served here on Prosopis plants are similar higher A at all C02 levels (Fig. 3). Dif- to those of other mediterranean C3 spe- ferences in the compensation point and cies (Mooney et aL, 1982). A values in C02 evolution in C02-free air were also C02-free air suggest that some prov- enances may have important photorespi- Differences in A observed here confirm ration rates. that it is possible, due to the great genetic Differences observed in A rates be- variability of Prosopis trees, to find photo- differences between individuals. tween the provenances, in this case, may synthetic not be related to differences observed in Optimal temperatures for net C02 assi- aerial biomass accumulation. Net C02 milation by young Prosopis plants were assimilation rate per unit leaf area is not similar in all studied species, in spite of always related to biomass production and the differences in the ecological conditions other factors may be more important (Gif- of their habitats. However, P. tamarugo, ford and Jenkins, 1982; Walker and Sivak, which comes from the driest region of 1986). Provenances with high growth Chile, had the lowest assimilation rates. rates had many branches and a greater Studies of stomatal conductance and leaf area development than those with low other leaf processes will be necessary to growth rates. explain these differences. Acknowledgments isoptopos estables, oxigeno-18 y deuterio. In: Estado actual del conocimiento sobre Prosopis tamarungo. (Habit M., ed.), FAO, U. de Tarapa- This work was supported by a grant from the ca, CONAF, Chile. pp. 263-269 International Foundation for Science, Sweden. Felker P. & Clark P.R. (1980) Nitrogen fixation (acetylene reduction) and cross inoculation in 12 Prosopis (mesquite) species. Plant Soil 57, 177-186 References Gifford R.M. & Jenkins C.L.D. (1982) Prospects of applying knowledge of photosynthesis toward improving crop production. In: Photosynthesis Acevedo E., Sotomayor D. & Zenteno D. Vol. 11 Development, Carbon Metabolism, and (1985a) Paramotros hidricos de tejidos foliares Plant Production (Godvindjee, ed.), Academic en Prosopis tamarugo Phil. In: Estado actual Press, London, pp. 419-457 del conocimiento sobre Prosopis tamarugo. Hanson J.D. (1982) Effect of light, temperature U. de (Habit M., ed.), FAO, Tarapaca, CONAF, and water stress on net photosynthesis in two Chile, pp. 271-277 populations of honey mesquite. J. Range Acevedo E., Sotomayor D. & Zenteno V. Manage 35, 455-458 (1985b) Antecedentes sobre mecanismo de Hunziker J.H., Poccio L.A., Naranjo C.A., Pala- fijacion de C02 en Prosopis tamarugo Phil. In: cios R.A. & Andrada B.A. (1975) Cytogenetics Estado actual del conocimiento sobre Prosopis of some species and natural hybrids in Proso- tamarugo (Habit M., eds.), FAO, U. de Tarapa- pis(Leguminoseae). Can. J. Genet. CytoL 17, ca, CONAF, Chile, pp. 279-287 253-262 Aravena R. & Acevedo E. (1985) Estudio de la Ku S.B. & Edwards G. (1977) Oxygen inhibition relation hidrica de Prosopis tamarugo mediante of photosynthesis. II. Kinetic characteristics as affected by temperature. Plant Physiol. 59, 991 - Chilean Algarrobo tree (Prosopis chilensis (Mol) 999 Stuntz). In: Nevv Crops for Food and Industry. MacKenney G. (1941) Absorption of light by (Wickens G.E., Haq N. & Day P., eds.), Chap- chlorophyll solutions. J. Biol. Chem. 140, 315- man and Hall, London, pp. 280-287 322 Salvo B. (1986) Estudio de la floracion y desa- Mooney M.A., Simpson B. & Solbrig O.T (1982) rollo de los frutos de algarrobo (Prosopis chi- Mesquite. In: Mesquite USIIBS. Synthesis lensi (Mol.) Stuntz). Thesis, Universitad de Series H. B. Simpson Stroudsbourg, PA, pp. 259 Chile, Santiago, Chile Parkinson K.J., Day W. & Leach J.E. (1980) A Walker D. & Sivak M. (1986) Improving photo- portable system for measuring the photosynthe- synthesis by genetic means. Span 29, 47-49 sis and transpiration of gramineous leaves. J. Wilson R.T., Krieg D.R. & Dhal B.E. (1974) A Exp. Bot 31, 1441-1453 physiological study of developing pods and Pinto M. & Riveros E. (1989) Variation of fruit leaves of honey mesquite. J. Range Manag. 27, production and quality of different exotypes of 202-203.
Recommended publications
  • Assessing Water Stress of Desert Tamarugo Trees Using in Situ Data and Very High Spatial Resolution Remote Sensing
    Remote Sens. 2013, 5, 5064-5088; doi:10.3390/rs5105064 OPEN ACCESS Remote Sensing ISSN 2072-4292 www.mdpi.com/journal/remotesensing Article Assessing Water Stress of Desert Tamarugo Trees Using in situ Data and Very High Spatial Resolution Remote Sensing Roberto O. Chávez 1,*, Jan G. P. W. Clevers 1, Martin Herold 1, Edmundo Acevedo 2 and Mauricio Ortiz 2,3 1 Laboratory of Geo-Information Science and Remote Sensing, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands; E-Mails: [email protected] (J.G.P.W.C.); [email protected] (M.H.) 2 Laboratorio de Relación Suelo-Agua-Planta, Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas, Universidad de Chile, Casilla 1004, Santiago, Chile; E-Mail: [email protected] (E.A.); [email protected] (M.O.) 3 Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Fruticultura (CEAF), Conicyt-Regional R08I1001, Av. Salamanca s/n, Rengo, Chile * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mails: [email protected] or [email protected]; Tel.: +31-317-481-552; Fax: +31-317-419-000. Received: 24 July 2013; in revised form: 12 September 2013 / Accepted: 9 October 2013 / Published: 15 October 2013 Abstract: The hyper-arid Atacama Desert is one of the most extreme environments for life and only few species have evolved to survive its aridness. One such species is the tree Prosopis tamarugo Phil. Because Tamarugo completely depends on groundwater, it is being threatened by the high water demand from the Chilean mining industry and the human consumption. In this paper, we identified the most important biophysical variables to assess the water status of Tamarugo trees and tested the potential of WorldView2 satellite images to retrieve these variables.
    [Show full text]
  • (Prosopis, Section Algarobia) in the Atacama Desert of Northern Chile
    RESEARCH ARTICLE The pre-Columbian introduction and dispersal of Algarrobo (Prosopis, Section Algarobia) in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile Virginia B. McRostie1,2,3*, Eugenia M. Gayo4,5, Calogero M. Santoro6, Ricardo De Pol- Holz5,7, Claudio Latorre2,3 1 Departamento de AntropologÂõa, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Pontificia Universidad CatoÂlica de Chile, Santiago, Chile, 2 EcologõÂa & Centro UC Desierto de Atacama, Facultad de Ciencias BioloÂgicas, Pontificia Universidad CatoÂlica de Chile, Santiago, Chile, 3 Instituto de EcologõÂa y Biodiversidad, Santiago, Chile, a1111111111 4 Departamento de OceanografõÂa, Universidad de ConcepcioÂn, ConcepcioÂn, Chile, 5 Center for Climate and a1111111111 Resilience Research (CR)2, Santiago, Chile, 6 Instituto de Alta InvestigacioÂn, Laboratorio de ArqueologÂõa y a1111111111 Paleoambiente, Universidad de TarapacaÂ, Arica, Chile, 7 GAIA-Antartica, Universidad de Magallanes, Punta a1111111111 Arenas, Chile a1111111111 * [email protected] Abstract OPEN ACCESS Archaeological and palaeoecological studies throughout the Americas have documented Citation: McRostie VB, Gayo EM, Santoro CM, De Pol-Holz R, Latorre C (2017) The pre-Columbian widespread landscape and environmental transformation during the pre-Columbian era. The introduction and dispersal of Algarrobo (Prosopis, highly dynamic Formative (or Neolithic) period in northern Chile (ca. 3700±1550 yr BP) Section Algarobia) in the Atacama Desert of brought about the local establishment of agriculture, introduction of new crops (maize, qui- northern Chile. PLoS ONE 12(7): e0181759. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0181759 noa, manioc, beans, etc.) along with a major population increase, new emergent villages and technological innovations. Even trees such as the Algarrobos (Prosopis section Algarobia) Editor: William J. Etges, University of Arkansas, UNITED STATES may have been part of this transformation.
    [Show full text]
  • The Conservation of Biodiversity in Chile
    Revista Chilena de Historia Natural 66:383-402, 1993 REVIEW The conservation of biodiversity in Chile La conservaci6n de la biodiversidad en Chile CESARS.ORMAZABAL School of Forestry and Environmental Studies Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA Current Address: Rodas 124, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile ABSTRACT I analyze Chile's biological diversity in terrestrial and marine environments, including information on the magnitude of biodiversity at three levels (ecosystem, species, and genetic). I identify the main values, and the importance of conserving such heritage, making comments about past and current activities of some national institutions interested in biodiversity conservation. I emphasize actions related to increasing and improving knowledge on biodiversity, legislation, some economic and social values, and protection of biodiversity in the field. I identify the main threats to Chile's biodiversity and give recommendations for maintaining and enhancing its conservation. Chile has developed many efforts to avoid biodiversity losses. It has enacted legislation, maintained institutions, and taken actions that favor biological diversity. However, some of the policies, legislation, and actions have been too specific, disperse, and uncoordinated. A system of inter-institutional coordination is urgently required. An efficient approach, through symposia, to identify the most threatened woody plant and terrestrial vertebrate species, was developed. Now, is time to define conservation status for species not included in previous symposia, identify the most threatened species, and begin programs to increase their population size. It is essential to initiate actions concerning the protection of amphibians, reptiles, cacti, and non-woody terrestrial plants. Also, it is urgent to start conservation activities for aquatic environments.
    [Show full text]
  • Prosopis Pallida Complex: a Monograph
    DFID DFID Natural Resources Systems Programme The Prosopis juliflora - Prosopis pallida Complex: A Monograph NM Pasiecznik With contributions from P Felker, PJC Harris, LN Harsh, G Cruz JC Tewari, K Cadoret and LJ Maldonado HDRA - the organic organisation The Prosopis juliflora - Prosopis pallida Complex: A Monograph NM Pasiecznik With contributions from P Felker, PJC Harris, LN Harsh, G Cruz JC Tewari, K Cadoret and LJ Maldonado HDRA Coventry UK 2001 organic organisation i The Prosopis juliflora - Prosopis pallida Complex: A Monograph Correct citation Pasiecznik, N.M., Felker, P., Harris, P.J.C., Harsh, L.N., Cruz, G., Tewari, J.C., Cadoret, K. and Maldonado, L.J. (2001) The Prosopis juliflora - Prosopis pallida Complex: A Monograph. HDRA, Coventry, UK. pp.172. ISBN: 0 905343 30 1 Associated publications Cadoret, K., Pasiecznik, N.M. and Harris, P.J.C. (2000) The Genus Prosopis: A Reference Database (Version 1.0): CD ROM. HDRA, Coventry, UK. ISBN 0 905343 28 X. Tewari, J.C., Harris, P.J.C, Harsh, L.N., Cadoret, K. and Pasiecznik, N.M. (2000) Managing Prosopis juliflora (Vilayati babul): A Technical Manual. CAZRI, Jodhpur, India and HDRA, Coventry, UK. 96p. ISBN 0 905343 27 1. This publication is an output from a research project funded by the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) for the benefit of developing countries. The views expressed are not necessarily those of DFID. (R7295) Forestry Research Programme. Copies of this, and associated publications are available free to people and organisations in countries eligible for UK aid, and at cost price to others. Copyright restrictions exist on the reproduction of all or part of the monograph.
    [Show full text]
  • El Género Prosopis, Valioso Recurso Forestal De Las Zonas Áridas Y Semiáridas De América, Asia Y Africa
    EL GÉNERO PROSOPIS, VALIOSO RECURSO FORESTAL DE LAS ZONAS ÁRIDAS Y SEMIÁRIDAS DE AMÉRICA, ASIA Y AFRICA. Santiago Barros. Ingeniero Forestal. Instituto Forestal, Chile. [email protected] RESUMEN El género Prosopis, familia Leguminosae o Fabaceae, subfamilia Mimosoideae, está presente en forma natural en las zonas áridas y semiáridas de África, América y Asia. Consta de 44 especies, arbustivas y arbóreas, que taxonómicamente han sido divididas en 5 secciones. Tres especies son nativas de Asia, una de África y las restantes cuarenta de América, principalmente Sudamérica. Se las conoce con diferentes nombre vernáculos locales; en América, algarrobo, mezquite, Mesquite, Screwbean. Son especies multipropósito, la mayoría espinosas, alrededor de la mitad de ellas superan los 7 m de altura y varias llegan a 15 y 20 m de altura. Son resistentes a extremas condiciones de sitio; sequía, calor, salinidad en el suelo, y todas ellas son fijadoras de nitrógeno. Sus principales productos son combustible, en forma de leña y carbón de muy buena calidad, y forraje, por medio de su follaje y brotes tiernos y principalmente sus frutos. Según la especie se puede obtener madera para estructuras e incluso para aserrío, de gran calidad para muebles, parqué y otros usos, alimento humano en algunos casos, tinturas, curtientes, gomas, fibras y productos medicinales. Estas características hacen de estas especies un recurso de mucho interés para zonas áridas y semiáridas, razón por la que se las ha introducido mediante plantaciones fuera de sus regiones de distribución natural. Especies como Prosopis juliflora y P. pallida, de América han sido introducidas en el NE de Brasil, en diversos países de África y Asia, y en Australia.
    [Show full text]
  • Agroforestry in the Andean Araucanía: an Experience of Agroecological Transition with Women from Cherquén in Southern Chile
    sustainability Article Agroforestry in the Andean Araucanía: An Experience of Agroecological Transition with Women from Cherquén in Southern Chile Santiago Peredo Parada 1,2,*, Claudia Barrera 1,2, Sara Burbi 3,* and Daniela Rocha 1 1 Laboratory of Agroecology and Biodiversity (LAB), Group of Agroecology and Environment (GAMA), University of Santiago de Chile, Santiago 7501015, Chile; [email protected] (C.B.); [email protected] (D.R.) 2 Environment and Society Program, Pablo de Olavide University, 41013 Sevilla, Spain 3 Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience, Ryton Gardens Campus, Coventry University, Coventry CV8 3LG, UK * Correspondence: [email protected] (S.P.P.); [email protected] (S.B.) Received: 11 November 2020; Accepted: 9 December 2020; Published: 12 December 2020 Abstract: Agroforestry is a practice used for the establishment of integrated production systems as an economic alternative. In Chile, the most significant experiences have been developed with rainfed farmers in the central zone, where the arboreal component is the predominant one. This study analyses the agroecological transition process of a group of women from the Andean foothills of southern Chile in the establishment of an agroforestry system based on rosehip. The field work was developed in 4 stages: (1) problem survey and definition of strategy; (2) identification of an alternative market; (3) perception of the data collection work and; (4) implementation of a demonstration unit; which included (a) workshops and meetings for discussion, reflection, and feedback on what had been done and to agree on the actions to be implemented; and (b) the development of different activities to implement the actions agreed in the workshops and meetings.
    [Show full text]
  • Molecular Phylogeny and Diversification History of Prosopis
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by CONICET Digital Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 93, 621–640. With 6 figures Molecular phylogeny and diversification history of Prosopis (Fabaceae: Mimosoideae) SANTIAGO ANDRÉS CATALANO1*, JUAN CÉSAR VILARDI1, DANIELA TOSTO1,2 and BEATRIZ OFELIA SAIDMAN1 1Departamento de Ecología Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Buenos Aires. Intendente Güiraldes 2160, Ciudad Universitaria, C1428EGA - Capital Federal, Argentina. 2Instituto de Biotecnología, CICVyA INTA Castelar, CC 25 Castelar 1712, Argentina Received 29 December 2006; accepted for publication 31 May 2007 The genus Prosopis is an important member of arid and semiarid environments around the world. To study Prosopis diversification and evolution, a combined approach including molecular phylogeny, molecular dating, and character optimization analysis was applied. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred from five different molecular markers (matK-trnK, trnL-trnF, trnS-psbC, G3pdh, NIA). Taxon sampling involved a total of 30 Prosopis species that represented all Sections and Series and the complete geographical range of the genus. The results suggest that Prosopis is not a natural group. Molecular dating analysis indicates that the divergence between Section Strombocarpa and Section Algarobia plus Section Monilicarpa occurred in the Oligocene, contrasting with a much recent diversification (Late Miocene) within each of these groups. The diversification of the group formed by species of Series Chilenses, Pallidae, and Ruscifoliae is inferred to have started in the Pliocene, showing a high diversification rate. The moment of diversification within the major lineages of American species of Prosopis is coincident with the spreading of arid areas in the Americas, suggesting a climatic control for diversification of the group.
    [Show full text]
  • Performance of Prosopis Species (Leguminosae) In
    Atti Soc. Tosc. Sci. Nat., Mem., Serie B, 101 (1994) pagg. 1-7, fig. 1, tab. 1 G. SERRATO VALENTI (*), F. RrvEROS (**) PERFORMANCE OF PROSOPIS SPECIES (LEGUMINOSAE) IN SALINE HABITATS AND THEIR UTILIZATION IN A PLANT INTRODUCTION PROGRAMME IN THE HANBURY BOTANIC GARDENS (LA MORTOLA, VENTIMIGLIA) Abstract - One of the FAO's objectives is to develop strategies aimed at trasforming desert ecosystem into productive agricultural land. To this purpose, several studies on Prosopis species were started several years ago and are in progressoThese species were chosen owing to their stress tolerance and their nutrizional value. P. juliflora is more salt tolerant than P. tamarugo which in turn is more so that P. cineraria. Establishing these species in the Hanbury Botanic Gardens would have a dou­ ble aim: the cultivation and preservation of very beautiful plants and the transfer to the field of the laboratory tests. Riassunto - Specie del genere Prosopis (Leguminosae) in habitats salini e loro intro­ duzione nei Giardini Botanici Hanbury (La Mortola, Ventimiglia). Uno degli obiettivi della FAO è la ricerca di strategie atte a trasformare ecosistemi desertici in terre agrarie pro­ duttive. In questo ambito, alcune specie del gen. Prosopis sono state e sono tuttora ogget­ to di studi, per la loro straordinaria stress-tolleranza e per la loro valenza nutrizionale. P. juliflora è più resistente alla salinità di P. tamarugo a sua volta più resistente di P. cinera­ ria. Queste specie verranno introdotte nei Giardini Botanici Hanbury (La Mortola) allo scopo di conservare bellissime piante e di trasferire in campo le esperienze di laborato­ rio. Key words - Prosopis sp.
    [Show full text]
  • The Role of Remote Sensing for the Assessment and Monitoring of Forest Health: a Systematic Evidence Synthesis
    Systematic Review The Role of Remote Sensing for the Assessment and Monitoring of Forest Health: A Systematic Evidence Synthesis Pablo Torres 1,2,* , Marina Rodes-Blanco 2, Alba Viana-Soto 2 , Hector Nieto 1 and Mariano García 2 1 COMPLUTIG—Complutum Tecnologías de la Información Geográfica SL, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain; [email protected] 2 Universidad de Alcalá, Departamento de Geología, Geografía y Medio Ambiente, Environmental Remote Sensing Research Group, Calle Colegios 2, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain; [email protected] (M.R.-B.); [email protected] (A.V.-S.); [email protected] (M.G.) * Correspondence: [email protected] Abstract: Forests are increasingly subject to a number of disturbances that can adversely influence their health. Remote sensing offers an efficient alternative for assessing and monitoring forest health. A myriad of methods based upon remotely sensed data have been developed, tailored to the different definitions of forest health considered, and covering a broad range of spatial and temporal scales. The purpose of this review paper is to identify and analyse studies that addressed forest health issues applying remote sensing techniques, in addition to studying the methodological wealth present in these papers. For this matter, we applied the PRISMA protocol to seek and select studies of our interest and subsequently analyse the information contained within them. A final set of 107 journal papers published between 2015 and 2020 was selected for evaluation according to our filter criteria and 20 selected variables. Subsequently, we pair-wise exhaustively read the journal articles and extracted and analysed the information on the variables.
    [Show full text]
  • Rehabilitation of Degraded Ecosystems in Central Chile and Its Relevance to the Arid "Norte Chico"
    Revista Chilena de Historia Natural 66: 291-303, 1993 Rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems in central Chile and its relevance to the arid "Norte Chico" Rehabilitaci6n de ecosistemas degradados de Chile central y su relevancia para el "Norte Chico" árido CARLOS OV ALLEl, JAMES ARONSON2, JULIA A VENDAÑO, RAUL MENESES4 and RAUL MORENO 1Estaci6n Experimental Quilamapu, INIA. Casilla 426, Chillán, Chile. 2 Centre L. Emberger, C.N.R.S., B.P. 5051-34033 Montpellier, France. 3Estaci6n Experimental Cauquenes, INIA. Casilla 165, Cauquenes, Chile. 4Estaci6n Experimental Los Vilos, INIA. Los Vilos, Chile. 5Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Serena. Casilla 599, La Serena, Chile. ABSTRACT An ecosystem rehabilitation project in the subhumid 7 Region of central Chile is described, with a three-tiered research and development (R & D) approach that addresses the structure and functioning of soils and vegetation and aims, in the long-term, at a full scale transformation of the region into a mosaic of agroforestry systems and natural ecosystem reserves. The important role of native and carefully-screened exotic nitrogen-fixing legumes in "jumpstarting" the rehabilitation process is underlined. We then suggest that a similar R & D approach could be applied in the arid "Norte Chico" region of northern Chile as well. Apart from immediate interventions, emphasis is placed on revised management of land and water, flora and fauna through the replacement of "artificial negative selection" by a strategy of "positive selection". Also noted are the numerous gaps in current knowledge and the grinding socio-economic realities that hinder any rapid realization of our optimistic scenario. Key words: Ecological rehabilitation, arid and semiarid land ecosystems, nitrogen-fixing legumes, bioresources, artificial negative selection, positive selection, Chile.
    [Show full text]
  • Toro, H. "Pollination of Prosopis Tamarugo in the Atacama Desert"
    Toro H. 2002. Pollination of Prosopis tamarugo in the Atacama Desert With Remarks on tthe Roles of Associated Plants. IN: Kevan P & Imperatriz Fonseca VL (eds) - Pollinating Bees - The Conservation Link Between Agriculture and Nature - Ministry of Environment / Brasília. p.267-273. __________________________________________________________________________ POLLINATION OF PROSOPIS TAMARUGO IN THE ATACAMA DESERT WITH REMARKS ON THE ROLES OF ASSOCIATED PLANTS Haroldo Toro ABSTRACT A few species of Prosopis, growing in the desert of northern Chile have facilitated the settlement of a small human population keeping herds of goats, sheeps and llamas that graze on Prosopis seeds. The pollination of Prosopis occurs during the main spring- summer blooming season by Centris mixta (Anthophoridae), but during the autumn-winter period, the only available pollinators are some species of butterflies and moths. Centris mixta is polylectic over almost all of its geographic range, but it behaves as oligolectic in the area of Prosopis, the emergence and flight activities of the bee are synchronous with the sequential blooming period of the different species of Prosopis. The biology of C.mixta, with permanent nest sites, seems to promote intimate insect-plant relations. Survival of both, the plants and specially the pollinators are in jeopardy because of human activities in the area. INTRODUCTION A few species of Prosopis, established for a long time in the northern desert of Chile, can survive and show particular "adaptations" to the extreme water scarcity in the area. In the early 1900s, intensive mining activity in the desert resulted in an almost complete eradication of the arboreal Prosopis, but the implementation of conservation policies and the reforestation of large areas have now given rise to a new community with a few plant species associated with a small number of pollinators.
    [Show full text]
  • Natural History and Conservation Status of the Tamarugo Conebill in Northern Chile
    Wilson Bull., 108(2), 1996, pp. 268-279 NATURAL HISTORY AND CONSERVATION STATUS OF THE TAMARUGO CONEBILL IN NORTHERN CHILE CRISTIAN E ESTADES ’ ABSTRACT.-I studied Tamarugo Conebill (Conirostrum tamarugense) populations at the Pampa de1 Tamarugal National Reserve in northern Chile between October 1993 and July 1994. The estimated population of conebills was 35,107 individuals in 10,787 ha of tama- rugo forests. A strong relationship was found between forest foliage volume per hectare and breeding conebill density. The Tamamgo Conebill breeds in the tamarugal September-De- cember and then probably migrates to the highlands of southern Perk Although the species ’ breeding locality presently is protected, it faces some important threats including the pump- ing of the subterranean aquifers upon which the tamarugal vegetation depends, attempts to control the butterfly upon whose larvae the species forages, and human disturbance on the wintering grounds. Received 15 May 1995, accepted 30 Nov. 1995. The western slope of the Andes, comprising the arid regions of northern Chile and southern Peni, is one of 57 areas of high avian endemism in South America (Bibby et al. 1992b). Among the birds of this region, the Tamarugo Conebill (Conirostrum tumarugense) is one of the rarest spe- cies, and has been known to science only since 1969 (Mayr and Vuilleu- mier 1983). The species was formally described by Johnson and Millie (1972) from six specimens collected at the Pampa de1 Tamarugal, northern Chile. Afterward, the few documented records of the species (see Mc- Farlane and Loo 1974, McFarlane 1975, Tallman et al. 1978, and Schu- lenberg 1987) have provided little information about its natural history and general status.
    [Show full text]