Identification of the main dyestuffs obtained from Kermes (Kermes vermilio) in the Northwest of Turkey

Dyer’s kermes (Kermes vermilio) is found only on the kermes oak (Quercus coccifera L). They were used in the past for the preparation of dyes for textiles and as a pharmaceutical. The main constituents of this insect are kermesic acid (ka) and flavokermesic acid (fk). Historically and culturally important dyer’s kermes insect red dyes were investigated by high performance liquid chromatography. Kermes in the Northwest of Turkey were analyzed first time the relative amount of the dyestuffs although their presence has been reported analytical works related to this insect. The relative amount in the acid hydrolyzed extract of Kermes vermilio from the Northwest of Turkey looked very similar to the France.

Nutritional quality of kermes oak (<i>Quercus coccifera</i> L.) acorns as affected by altitude in a typical Mediterranean area

The impact of altitudinal zone on the nutritional quality of kermes oak (Quercus coccifera L.) acorns was assessed in Xirovouni Mountain shrublands in northwestern Greece. Whole acorns were collected during autumn 2011 from 15 sites located at three altitudinal zones (i.e. lower, middle, upper). Kermes oak acorn samples were manually separated into kernel and hull and analysed for chemical composition (crude protein, CP; neutral detergent fibre, NDF; acid detergent fibre, ADF; lignin), in vitro dry matter (DM) digestibility (IVDMD), in vitro NDF digestibility (IVNDFD), digestible energy (DE), and minerals (i.e. Ca, P, K, Mg, Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu). Altitude had a negative correlation with CP, IVDMD, and IVNDFD and positively correlated to cell wall contents in both kernel and hull. Acorns growing under higher temperatures (at lower altitude) have more digestible cell wall compared to acorns growing under lower temperatures (at higher altitude) due to increased CP content and decreased cell wall content. It seems that environmental factors affect the nutritional value of acorns. Thus, goat farmers should take this into account when collecting acorns to feed their animals.