scholarly journals Natural Variation in Flower Color and Scent in Populations of Eruca sativa (Brassicaceae) Affects Pollination Behavior of Honey Bees

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oz Barazani ◽  
Tal Erez ◽  
Ariel Ogran ◽  
Nir Hanin ◽  
Michal Barzilai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bees ◽  
Seed Mass ◽  
Flower Color ◽  
Color Morph ◽  
Mediterranean Population ◽  
Eruca Sativa ◽  
Mediterranean Populations ◽  
Ecotypic Differentiation ◽  
Desert Habitat ◽  
The Mediterranean

Abstract Plants of Eruca sativa Mill. (Brassicaceae) from desert and Mediterranean populations in Israel differ in flower color and size. In the desert habitat, the population has higher abundance of flowers with cream color and longer petals, whereas in the Mediterranean habitat, the population has higher abundance of flowers with yellow and shorter petals. Choice experiments with honey bee foragers (Apis mellifera Linn., Apidae, Hymenoptera), the main pollinator in the natural habitat in Israel, confirmed that they are more attracted to the yellow flower morph than to the cream one. A proboscis extension response test indicated that honey bees are able to discriminate between flower scents of the desert and Mediterranean populations. Considering the advantage of plants of the yellow morph in attracting pollinators, we further tested in a common garden experiment whether these possess higher fitness than plants of the desert population. Indeed, a significant association was found between flower color and fruit set, and seed mass. In general, our results provide evidence for ecotypic differentiation between populations imposed by pollinators. The advantage of the yellow color morph in attracting pollinators may explain its dominance among plants of the Mediterranean population. We discuss why the cream color morph may be dominant in the desert habitat, considering the possibility of different pollinators, tradeoffs between traits, or pleiotropy.

scholarly journals Transcriptome responses to different herbivores reveal differences in defense strategies between populations of Eruca sativa

BMC Genomics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ariel Ogran ◽  
Adi Faigenboim ◽  
Oz Barazani
Keyword(s):  
Defense Response ◽  
Defense Responses ◽  
Mediterranean Population ◽  
Desert Plants ◽  
Eruca Sativa ◽  
Specialist Herbivore ◽  
Defense Strategies ◽  
Ecotypic Differentiation ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Two Populations

Abstract Background Intraspecific variations among induced responses might lead to understanding of adaptive variations in defense strategies against insects. We employed RNA-Seq transcriptome screening to elucidate the molecular basis for phenotypic differences between two populations of Eruca sativa (Brassicaceae), in defense against larvae of the generalist and specialist insects, Spodoptera littoralis and Pieris brassicae, respectively. The E. sativa populations originated from desert and Mediterranean sites, where the plants grow in distinct habitats. Results Responses to elicitation of the plants’ defenses against wounding and insect herbivory resulted in more upregulated transcripts in plants of the Mediterranean population than in those of the desert. PCA analysis differentiated between the two populations and between the elicitation treatments. Comprehensive analysis indicated that defense responses involved induction of the salicylic acid and jasmonic acid pathways in plants of the desert and Mediterranean populations, respectively. In general, the defense response involved upregulation of the aliphatic glucosinolates pathway in plants of the Mediterranean population, whereas herbivory caused downregulation of this pathway in desert plants. Further quantitative RT-PCR analysis indicated that defense response in the desert plants involved higher expression of nitrile-specifier protein (NSP) than in the Mediterranean plants, suggesting that in the desert plants glucosinolates breakdown products are directed to simple-nitriles rather than to the more toxic isothiocyanates. In addition, the defense response in plants of the desert population involved upregulation of flavonoid synthesis and sclerophylly. Conclusions The results indicated that differing defense responses in plants of the two populations are governed by different signaling cascades. We suggest that adaptive ecotypic differentiation in defense strategies could result from generalist and specialist herbivore pressures in the Mediterranean and desert populations, respectively. Moreover, the defense responses in plants of the desert habitat, which include upregulation of mechanical defenses, also could be associated with their dual role in defense against both biotic and abiotic stresses.

scholarly journals Population health and Mediterranean diet in southern Mediterranean countries

2006 ◽  
Vol 9 (8A) ◽  
pp. 1130-1135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rekia Belahsen ◽  
Mohamed Rguibi
Keyword(s):  
Energy Intake ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Mediterranean Population ◽  
Risk Indicator ◽  
Prevention Policy ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
Mediterranean Populations ◽  
Mediterranean Countries ◽  
Southern Mediterranean ◽  
The Mediterranean

AbstractBackground and objectivesIn recent decades, the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disorders has increased worldwide; the objective here is to describe the situation in southern Mediterranean countries.ResultsData derived from surveys in the region countries showed that in 2002 more than 60% of all deaths in the southern Mediterranean region are attributed to NCDs. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) caused from about 34.3 to 52% of all deaths, making it the major killer among NCDs. In almost all of the southern Mediterranean countries, CVD risk factors increased with age, affected more women and urban area and were significantly associated with obesity. The Mediterranean dietary pattern, generally recognised, as a healthy diet is still the model for southern Mediterranean population; however, following the rapid process of urbanisation, southern Mediterranean populations have changed their lifestyle and food habits and tend to shift from traditional food habit. Indeed, intake trends illustrate the fall in whole-grain intake with a rise in animal sources and vegetable oils. Dietary energy has been steadily increasing by approximately 1000 kcal per capita per day between 1965 and 2000, exceeding per caput energy requirements. Protein and carbohydrate contribution to the energy intake show only small deviations and fat contribution to the energy intake is low, whereas fibre intake is generally low and that of SFA is high. Also, sedentarity appears to play a critical role in the development of body fat and may be a risk indicator for features of metabolic syndrome.ConclusionThe major goal to prevent CVD should begin by preventing obesity through physical exercise and healthy nutrition. The nutritional prevention policy required should encourage population to adhere to the Mediterranean model.

scholarly journals Molecular basis of hemoglobin-H disease in the Mediterranean population

Blood ◽  
1979 ◽  
Vol 54 (6) ◽  
pp. 1434-1438
Author(s):  
YW Kan ◽  
AM Dozy ◽  
G Stamatoyannopoulos ◽  
MG Hadjiminas ◽  
Z Zachariades ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Basis ◽  
Gene Deletion ◽  
Globin Gene ◽  
Mediterranean Population ◽  
Mediterranean Populations ◽  
Alpha Thalassemia ◽  
Alpha Globin ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Endonuclease Mapping ◽  
Hemoglobin H Disease

We investigated the molecular basis of hemoglobin-H disease by hybridization and restriction endonuclease mapping of the DNA in the Mediterranean populations. Of the 12 patients studied from Cyprus and Sardinia, 8 had the typical deletion defect with a single remaining alpha-globin gene. The nondeletion type of alpha-thalassemia was found in 3, and a “dysfunctional” gene in one. We conclude that the predominant cause of alpha-thalassemia in these populations is gene deletion.

scholarly journals Molecular basis of hemoglobin-H disease in the Mediterranean population

Blood ◽  
1979 ◽  
Vol 54 (6) ◽  
pp. 1434-1438 ◽  
Author(s):  
YW Kan ◽  
AM Dozy ◽  
G Stamatoyannopoulos ◽  
MG Hadjiminas ◽  
Z Zachariades ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Basis ◽  
Gene Deletion ◽  
Globin Gene ◽  
Mediterranean Population ◽  
Mediterranean Populations ◽  
Alpha Thalassemia ◽  
Alpha Globin ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Endonuclease Mapping ◽  
Hemoglobin H Disease

Abstract We investigated the molecular basis of hemoglobin-H disease by hybridization and restriction endonuclease mapping of the DNA in the Mediterranean populations. Of the 12 patients studied from Cyprus and Sardinia, 8 had the typical deletion defect with a single remaining alpha-globin gene. The nondeletion type of alpha-thalassemia was found in 3, and a “dysfunctional” gene in one. We conclude that the predominant cause of alpha-thalassemia in these populations is gene deletion.

scholarly journals A star is torn—molecular analysis divides the Mediterranean population of Poli’s stellate barnacle, Chthamalus stellatus (Cirripedia, Chtamalidae)

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e11826
Author(s):  
Yaron Tikochinski ◽  
Sharon Tamir ◽  
Noa Simon-Blecher ◽  
Uzi Motro ◽  
Yair Achituv
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Model Organism ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Suitable Model ◽  
Mediterranean Population ◽  
Mediterranean Populations ◽  
The North ◽  
The Mediterranean

Poli’s stellate barnacle, Chthamalus stellatus Poli, populates the Mediterranean Sea, the North-Eastern Atlantic coasts, and the offshore Eastern Atlantic islands. Previous studies have found apparent genetic differences between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean populations of C. stellatus, suggesting possible geological and oceanographic explanations for these differences. We have studied the genetic diversity of 14 populations spanning from the Eastern Atlantic to the Eastern Mediterranean, using two nuclear genes sequences revealing a total of 63 polymorphic sites. Both genotype-based, haplotype-based and the novel SNP distribution population-based methods have found that these populations represent a geographic cline along the west to east localities. The differences in SNP distribution among populations further separates a major western cluster into two smaller clusters, the Eastern Atlantic and the Western Mediterranean. It also separates the major eastern cluster into two smaller clusters, the Mid-Mediterranean and Eastern Mediterranean. We suggested here environmental conditions like surface currents, water salinity and temperature as probable factors that have formed the population structure. We demonstrate that C. stellatus is a suitable model organism for studying how geological events and hydrographic conditions shape the fauna in the Mediterranean Sea.

Genetic Diversity and Structure of the Nile Soft-Shelled Turtle (Trionyx triunguis) Along the Mediterranean coast of Turkey

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 307-315
Author(s):  
Özgür Güçlü ◽  
Bülent Bozdoğan
Keyword(s):  
Microsatellite Loci ◽  
Geographic Distance ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Genetic Variations ◽  
Mediterranean Coast ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Mediterranean Populations ◽  
Genetic Diversity And Structure ◽  
Polymorphic Microsatellite ◽  
The Mediterranean

The Nile soft-shelled turtle (Trionyx triunguis) is distributed between Dalyan and Samandağ throughout the Mediterranean coast in Turkey. The Mediterranean subpopulation of the Nile soft-shelled turtle is listed as critically endangered in the IUCN Red List Categories. This investigation aimed to determinate levels of genetic variations and patterns of genetic structures among Mediterranean populations in Turkey by using T. triunguis-specific microsatellite primers. A total of 13 polymorphic microsatellite loci were studied among samples of 121 individuals collected from five populations in Turkey. Of 13 polymorphic microsatellite loci used, 3 new were identified in this study. The genetic differentiation among the 5 studied populations of T. triunguis was significant (p 0.001). The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that genetic variations occurred mainly within populations (89.7%) rather than among populations (10.3%). Structure analysis showed presence of two main groups among the Mediterranean T. triunguis populations. However genetic variations among populations were not correlated with geographic distance between the locations. Analysis of data showed that one of the populations (Dalyan) had undergone a bottleneck effect. Migration analysis indicates that T. triunguis migrates between five Mediterranean populations in Turkey. We concluded that based on our results the status of ‘critically endangered’ of T. triunguis should be maintained. Long term population genetic survey studies should be undertaken and changes in habitats of T. triunguis populations, as well as their population size and structure should be monitored for each population to be able to establish a clear strategy for protection of T. triunguis.

scholarly journals Mitogenomics of the endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) reveals dramatic loss of diversity and supports historical gene-flow between Atlantic and eastern Mediterranean populations

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alba Rey-Iglesia ◽  
Philippe Gaubert ◽  
Gonçalo Espregueira Themudo ◽  
Rosa Pires ◽  
Constanza De La Fuente ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Gene Flow ◽  
North Atlantic ◽  
Marine Mammals ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
The Black Sea ◽  
Mediterranean Populations ◽  
Geographic Ranges ◽  
Western Sahara ◽  
The Mediterranean

Abstract The Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus is one of the most threatened marine mammals, with only 600–700 individuals restricted to three populations off the coast of Western Sahara and Madeira (North Atlantic) and between Greece and Turkey (eastern Mediterranean). Its original range was from the Black Sea (eastern Mediterranean) to Gambia (western African coast), but was drastically reduced by commercial hunting and human persecution since the early stages of marine exploitation. We here analyse 42 mitogenomes of Mediterranean monk seals, from across their present and historical geographic ranges to assess the species population dynamics over time. Our data show a decrease in genetic diversity in the last 200 years. Extant individuals presented an almost four-fold reduction in genetic diversity when compared to historical specimens. We also detect, for the first time, a clear segregation between the two North Atlantic populations, Madeira and Cabo Blanco, regardless of their geographical proximity. Moreover, we show the presence of historical gene-flow between the two water basins, the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, and the presence of at least one extinct maternal lineage in the Mediterranean. Our work demonstrates the advantages of using full mitogenomes in phylogeographic and conservation genomic studies of threatened species.

scholarly journals The Beneficial Health Effects of Vegetables and Wild Edible Greens: The Case of the Mediterranean Diet and Its Sustainability

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (24) ◽  
pp. 9144
Author(s):  
Elena Chatzopoulou ◽  
Márcio Carocho ◽  
Francesco Di Gioia ◽  
Spyridon A. Petropoulos
Keyword(s):  
Health Effects ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Scientific Interest ◽  
Mediterranean Populations ◽  
Cultural Aspects ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Healthy Diets ◽  
The World ◽  
The Mediterranean

The Mediterranean diet (MD) concept as currently known describes the dietary patterns that were followed in specific regions of the area in the 1950s and 1960s. The broad recognition of its positive effects on the longevity of Mediterranean populations also led to the adoption of this diet in other regions of the world, and scientific interest focused on revealing its health effects. MD is not only linked with eating specific nutritional food products but also with social, religious, environmental, and cultural aspects, thus representing a healthy lifestyle in general. However, modern lifestyles adhere to less healthy diets, alienating people from their heritage. Therefore, considering the increasing evidence of the beneficial health effects of adherence to the MD and the ongoing transitions in consumers’ behavior, the present review focuses on updating the scientific knowledge regarding this diet and its relevance to agrobiodiversity. In addition, it also considers a sustainable approach for new marketing opportunities and consumer trends of the MD.

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