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Generalić Mekinić I, Politeo O, Ljubenkov I, Mastelić L, Popović M, Veršić Bratinčević M, Šimat V, Radman S, Skroza D, Ninčević Runjić T, Runjić M, Dumičić G, Urlić B. The alphabet of sea fennel: Comprehensive phytochemical characterisation of Croatian populations of Crithmum maritimum L. Food Chem X 2024; 22:101386. [PMID: 38681233 PMCID: PMC11052897 DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2024.101386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Extreme environmental conditions affect the synthesis and accumulation of bioactive metabolites in halophytic plants. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence and quantity of key health-promoting phytochemicals in Croatian sea fennel, one of the most popular Mediterranean halophytes with a wide range of uses. The EOs were characterised by a high content of limonene (up to 93%), while the fatty acid profile shows a low content of oleic acid and the presence of valuable linoleic acid (ω-6) and linolenic acid (ω-3) in high percentages. The dominances of lutein and α-tocopherol were also confirmed in all samples. The results confirm the great variability in the chemistry of sea fennel populations in the Mediterranean region, with significant differences in the composition of the Croatian samples compared to the others, as well as the presence and high concentrations of the analysed bioactive compounds that contribute to the plant's health-promoting attributes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Generalić Mekinić
- Department of Food Technology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry and Technology, University of Split, R. Boškovića 35, HR-21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Olivera Politeo
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Technology, University of Split, R. Boškovića 35, HR-21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Ivica Ljubenkov
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Split, R. Boškovića 33, HR-21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Linda Mastelić
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Split, R. Boškovića 33, HR-21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Marijana Popović
- Department of Applied Science, Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, HR-21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Maja Veršić Bratinčević
- Department of Applied Science, Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, HR-21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Vida Šimat
- Department of Marine Studies, University of Split, Ruđera Boškovića 37, HR-21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Sanja Radman
- Department of Food Technology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry and Technology, University of Split, R. Boškovića 35, HR-21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Danijela Skroza
- Department of Food Technology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry and Technology, University of Split, R. Boškovića 35, HR-21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Tonka Ninčević Runjić
- Department of Plant Science, Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, HR-21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Marko Runjić
- Department of Applied Science, Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, HR-21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Gvozden Dumičić
- Department of Plant Science, Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, HR-21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Branimir Urlić
- Department of Applied Science, Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, HR-21000 Split, Croatia
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Ninčević Runjić T, Jug-Dujaković M, Runjić M, Łuczaj Ł. Wild Edible Plants Used in Dalmatian Zagora (Croatia). Plants (Basel) 2024; 13:1079. [PMID: 38674488 PMCID: PMC11053949 DOI: 10.3390/plants13081079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dalmatian Zagora has experienced significant depopulation trends over recent decades. The area is very interesting because of its rich biodiversity of species as well as its history of the use of wild foods. Since there is a danger of permanent loss of knowledge on the use of wild edibles, we focused our research on recording traditions local to this area. METHODS We conducted interviews with 180 residents. RESULTS A record was made of 136 species of wild food plants and 22 species of edible mushrooms gathered in the area. The most frequently collected species are Rubus ulmifolius Schott, Cornus mas L., Portulaca oleracea L., Asparagus acutifolius L., Sonchus spp., Morus spp., Taraxacum spp., Amaranthus retroflexus L., Cichorium intybus L., and Dioscorea communis (L.) Caddick & Wilkin. CONCLUSIONS The list of taxa used is typical for other (sub-)Mediterranean parts of Croatia; however, more fungi species are used. The most important finding of the paper is probably the recording of Legousia speculum-veneris (L.) Chaix, a wild vegetable used in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonka Ninčević Runjić
- Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.J.-D.); (M.R.)
| | - Marija Jug-Dujaković
- Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.J.-D.); (M.R.)
| | - Marko Runjić
- Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.J.-D.); (M.R.)
| | - Łukasz Łuczaj
- Institute of Biology, University of Rzeszów, Ul. Zelwerowicza 4/451, Building D9, 35-601 Rzeszów, Poland;
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Radman S, Brzović P, Radunić M, Rako A, Šarolić M, Ninčević Runjić T, Urlić B, Generalić Mekinić I. Vinegar-Preserved Sea Fennel: Chemistry, Color, Texture, Aroma, and Taste. Foods 2023; 12:3812. [PMID: 37893705 PMCID: PMC10606918 DOI: 10.3390/foods12203812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to produce non-fermented preserved sea fennel leaves in different pickle juices prepared with apple cider vinegar, wine vinegar and alcoholic vinegar, and to compare their chemical parameters (pH, titratable acidity and salt content), organoleptic properties (color and texture parameters; volatile aromatic compound profiles) and sensory attributes. The pH of the samples ranged from 3.49 to 3.64, the lowest being in the alcoholic vinegar sample and the highest being in the wine vinegar sample, while the titratable acidity and salinity were higher in the alcoholic vinegar pickle juice than those in the other two samples. The volatile aromatic compounds of the samples were also detected. The reddish color of the wine vinegar negatively affected the sea fennel color parameters (L* and b*), and was also negatively evaluated by the panelists, while the alcoholic vinegar maximally preserved the green tones of the leaf (a*). Firmness influences the quality perceived by consumers and was therefore also tested as one of the most important parameters for evaluating the textural and mechanical properties of the different products. All sensory parameters of the sea fennel preserved in alcoholic vinegar, namely color, texture, taste, aroma and overall impression, were given the highest scores, while the sample preserved in wine vinegar received the lowest scores. The intense aroma of the wine vinegar was described as a negative characteristic (off-flavor) of the sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanja Radman
- Department of Food Technology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry and Technology, University of Split, Ruđera Boškovića 35, HR-21000 Split, Croatia; (S.R.); (P.B.); (M.Š.)
| | - Petra Brzović
- Department of Food Technology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry and Technology, University of Split, Ruđera Boškovića 35, HR-21000 Split, Croatia; (S.R.); (P.B.); (M.Š.)
| | - Mira Radunić
- Department of Plant Science, Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, HR-21000 Split, Croatia; (M.R.); (T.N.R.)
- Centre of Excellence for Biodiversity and Molecular Plant Breeding, Svetošimunska Cesta 25, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ante Rako
- Department of Applied Science, Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, HR-21000 Split, Croatia; (A.R.); (B.U.)
| | - Mladenka Šarolić
- Department of Food Technology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry and Technology, University of Split, Ruđera Boškovića 35, HR-21000 Split, Croatia; (S.R.); (P.B.); (M.Š.)
| | - Tonka Ninčević Runjić
- Department of Plant Science, Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, HR-21000 Split, Croatia; (M.R.); (T.N.R.)
| | - Branimir Urlić
- Department of Applied Science, Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, HR-21000 Split, Croatia; (A.R.); (B.U.)
| | - Ivana Generalić Mekinić
- Department of Food Technology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry and Technology, University of Split, Ruđera Boškovića 35, HR-21000 Split, Croatia; (S.R.); (P.B.); (M.Š.)
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Politeo O, Popović M, Veršić Bratinčević M, Koceić P, Ninčević Runjić T, Mekinić IG. Conventional vs. Microwave-Assisted Hydrodistillation: Influence on the Chemistry of Sea Fennel Essential Oil and Its By-Products. Plants (Basel) 2023; 12:1466. [PMID: 37050091 PMCID: PMC10097284 DOI: 10.3390/plants12071466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The main objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of the applied essential oil (EO) isolation method, conventional hydro-distillation (HD), and microwave-assisted hydro-distillation (MHD) on the chemical profile of sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum L.) essential oil and to investigate the main constituents present in the liquid by-products of EOs isolation (hydrolate and residual wastewater). Headspace-solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) was used to isolate hydrolate components, while gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to detect and analyse the chemical constituents of the essential oils and hydrolates. The phenolic composition of the wastewater extracts was analysed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The EO obtained by MHD had a higher yield of limonene and sabinene. The chemical composition of the hydrolates differed from the EO compositions. The content of terpinen-4-ol in the MHD hydrolate was higher, while several compounds were detected in relatively high proportions only in the HD hydrolate. MHD also resulted in a higher phenolic content of the wastewater, where an increase in the concentration of chlorogenic acid was also observed. It can be concluded that the isolation method had a great influence on the profile of sea fennel EOs, especially on their corresponding hydrolates and residual wastewater extracts. Due to their valuable chemical composition, these by-products can be a cost-effective source of bioactive compounds that have great potential for use in various industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivera Politeo
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Technology, University of Split, R. Boškovića 35, HR-21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Marijana Popović
- Department of Applied Science, Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, HR-21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Maja Veršić Bratinčević
- Department of Applied Science, Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, HR-21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Petra Koceić
- Department of Food Technology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry and Technology, University of Split, R. Boškovića 35, HR-21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Tonka Ninčević Runjić
- Department of Plant Science, Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, HR-21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Ivana Generalić Mekinić
- Department of Food Technology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry and Technology, University of Split, R. Boškovića 35, HR-21000 Split, Croatia
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Veršić Bratinčević M, Bego A, Nižetić Kosović I, Jukić Špika M, Burul F, Popović M, Ninčević Runjić T, Vitanović E. A Lifetime of a Dispenser-Release Rates of Olive Fruit Fly-Associated Yeast Volatile Compounds and Their Influence on Olive Fruit Fly ( Bactrocera oleae Rossi) Attraction. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28062431. [PMID: 36985404 PMCID: PMC10052186 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28062431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the release rate, duration, and biological efficiency of yeast volatile compounds associated with olive fruit flies in slow-release dispensers, polypropylene vials, and rubber septa attached to yellow sticky traps under different environmental conditions in order to protect the environment, humans, and nontarget organisms. Isoamyl alcohol, 2-octanone, and 2-phenethyl acetate were placed in dispensers and tested over a four-week experiment. The weight loss of the volatile compounds in both dispensers was measured, and a rapid, inexpensive, and simple HS-GC/FID method was developed to determine the residual amount of volatiles in the septa. 2-Phenethyl acetate stood out in the rubber septa and showed a statistically significant difference in the release ratio compared to the other volatiles under all conditions tested. Our results showed that the attraction of olive fruit flies increased with decreasing concentrations of the tested volatiles. Regarding the number of flies attracted by rubber septa containing 2-phenethyl acetate, significantly better results were obtained than for septa containing isoamyl alcohol and 2-octanone, in contrast to the attraction of olive fruit flies to polypropylene vials containing these compounds but without significant difference. Since the presence of all tested chemicals was detected during the experiment, this opens the possibility of using more environmentally friendly and cost-effective dispensers with a significantly lower amount of semiochemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Veršić Bratinčević
- Department of Applied Science, Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Ana Bego
- Department of Applied Science, Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | | | - Maja Jukić Špika
- Department of Applied Science, Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, 21000 Split, Croatia
- Center of Excellence for Biodiversity and Molecular Plant Breeding (CoE CroP-BioDiv), Svetošimunska Cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Filipa Burul
- Department of Applied Science, Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Marijana Popović
- Department of Applied Science, Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Tonka Ninčević Runjić
- Department of Plant Sciences, Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Elda Vitanović
- Department of Applied Science, Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, 21000 Split, Croatia
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Popović M, Burčul F, Veršić Bratinčević M, Režić Mužinić N, Skroza D, Frleta Matas R, Nazlić M, Ninčević Runjić T, Jukić Špika M, Bego A, Dunkić V, Vitanović E. In the Beginning Was the Bud: Phytochemicals from Olive ( Olea europaea L.) Vegetative Buds and Their Biological Properties. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13020237. [PMID: 36837856 PMCID: PMC9966879 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13020237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Even though Olea europaea L. is one of the most important and well-studied crops in the world, embryonic parts of the plants remain largely understudied. In this study, comprehensive phytochemical profiling of olive vegetative buds of two Croatian cultivars, Lastovka and Oblica, was performed with an analysis of essential oils and methanol extracts as well as biological activities (antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities). A total of 113 different volatiles were identified in essential oils with hydrocarbons accounting for up to 60.30% and (Z)-3-heptadecene being the most abundant compound. Oleacein, oleuropein, and 3-hydroxytyrosol had the highest concentrations of all phenolics in the bud extracts. Other major compounds belong to the chemical classes of sugars, fatty acids, and triterpenoid acids. Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities were determined for both cultivars. Apart from antioxidant activity, essential oils had a weak overall biological effect. The extract from cultivar Lastovka showed much better antioxidant activity than both isolates with both methods (with an oxygen radical absorbance capacity value of 1835.42 μM TE/g and DPPH IC50 of 0.274 mg/mL), as well as antimicrobial activity with the best results against Listeria monocytogenes. The human breast adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-231 cell line showed the best response for cultivar Lastovka bud extract (IC50 = 150 μg/mL) among three human cancer cell lines tested. These results demonstrate great chemical and biological potential that is hidden in olive buds and the need to increase research in the area of embryonic parts of plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijana Popović
- Department of Applied Science, Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, 21000 Split, Croatia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +385-21434450
| | - Franko Burčul
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Technology, University of Split, Ruđera Boškovića 35, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Maja Veršić Bratinčević
- Department of Applied Science, Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Nikolina Režić Mužinić
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Split, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Danijela Skroza
- Department of Food Technology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry and Technology, University of Split, Ruđera Boškovića 35, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Roberta Frleta Matas
- Center of Excellence for Science and Technology-Integration of Mediterranean Region (STIM), Faculty of Science, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Marija Nazlić
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Split, Ruđera Boškovića 33, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Tonka Ninčević Runjić
- Department for Plant Sciences, Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Maja Jukić Špika
- Department of Applied Science, Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, 21000 Split, Croatia
- Centre of Excellence for Biodiversity and Molecular Plant Breeding (CoE CroP-BioDiv), Svetošimunska Cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Bego
- Department of Applied Science, Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Valerija Dunkić
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Split, Ruđera Boškovića 33, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Elda Vitanović
- Department of Applied Science, Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, 21000 Split, Croatia
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Ninčević Runjić T, Pljevljakušić D, Grdiša M, Jug-Dujaković M, Runjić M, Varga F, Šatović Z. Biochemical diversity of Immortelle (Helichrysum italicum /Roth./G. Don) populations in Croatia. Maced Pharm Bull 2022. [DOI: 10.33320/maced.pharm.bull.2022.68.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tonka Ninčević Runjić
- Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, 21000, Split, Croatia
| | - Dejan Pljevljakušić
- Institute for the Study of Medicinal Plants „Josif Pančić“, Tadeuša Koščuška 1, Beograd, Serbia
| | - Martina Grdiša
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Seed Science and Technology, Svetošimunska cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia, Centre of Excellence for Biodiversity and Molecular Plant Breeding (CoE CroP-BioDiv), Svetošimunska cesta 25, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marija Jug-Dujaković
- Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, 21000, Split, Croatia
| | - Marko Runjić
- Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, 21000, Split, Croatia
| | - Filip Varga
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Seed Science and Technology, Svetošimunska cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia, Centre of Excellence for Biodiversity and Molecular Plant Breeding (CoE CroP-BioDiv), Svetošimunska cesta 25, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Zlatko Šatović
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Seed Science and Technology, Svetošimunska cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia, Centre of Excellence for Biodiversity and Molecular Plant Breeding (CoE CroP-BioDiv), Svetošimunska cesta 25, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Vidaković A, Šatović Z, Tumpa K, Idžojtić M, Liber Z, Pintar V, Radunić M, Runjić TN, Runjić M, Rošin J, Gaunt D, Poljak I. Phenotypic Variation in European Wild Pear (Pyrus pyraster (L.) Burgsd.) Populations in the North-Western Part of the Balkan Peninsula. Plants 2022; 11:plants11030335. [PMID: 35161316 PMCID: PMC8837925 DOI: 10.3390/plants11030335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Leaves play a central role in plant fitness, allowing efficient light capture, gas exchange and thermoregulation, ensuring optimal growing conditions for the plant. Phenotypic variability in leaf shape and size has been linked to environmental heterogeneity and habitat characteristics. Therefore, the study of foliar morphology in plant populations can help us to identify the environmental factors that may have influenced the process of species diversification. In this study, we used European wild pear (Pyrus pyraster (L.) Burgsd., Rosaceae) as a model species to investigate the phenotypic variability of leaves under different environmental conditions. Using leaf morphometric data from 19 natural populations from the north-western part of the Balkan Peninsula, a high level of variability among and within populations were found. Leaf traits related to leaf size were more variable compared to leaf shape traits, with both influenced by geographic and environmental factors. Consequently, patterns of isolation by environment (IBE) and distance (IBD) were identified, with IBE showing a stronger influence on leaf variability. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed that European wild pear populations from the north-western part of the Balkan Peninsula can be divided into two morphological clusters, consistent with their geographical distance and environmental conditions. Our results confirm a high level of phenotypic variability in European wild pear populations, providing additional data on this poorly studied species, emphasizing phenotypic plasticity as a major driver in the adaptation of this noble hardwood species to rapid climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Vidaković
- Institute of Forest Genetics, Dendrology and Botany, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska cesta 23, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.V.); (K.T.); (M.I.); (D.G.)
| | - Zlatko Šatović
- Department for Seed Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska cesta 25, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Centre of Excellence for Biodiversity and Molecular Plant Breeding, Svetošimunska cesta 25, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (Z.L.); (M.R.)
| | - Katarina Tumpa
- Institute of Forest Genetics, Dendrology and Botany, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska cesta 23, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.V.); (K.T.); (M.I.); (D.G.)
| | - Marilena Idžojtić
- Institute of Forest Genetics, Dendrology and Botany, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska cesta 23, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.V.); (K.T.); (M.I.); (D.G.)
| | - Zlatko Liber
- Centre of Excellence for Biodiversity and Molecular Plant Breeding, Svetošimunska cesta 25, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (Z.L.); (M.R.)
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Marulićev trg 9a, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Valentino Pintar
- Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, Institute for Environment and Nature, Nature Sector, Radnička cesta 80, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Mira Radunić
- Centre of Excellence for Biodiversity and Molecular Plant Breeding, Svetošimunska cesta 25, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (Z.L.); (M.R.)
- Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, HR-21000 Split, Croatia; (T.N.R.); (M.R.); (J.R.)
| | - Tonka Ninčević Runjić
- Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, HR-21000 Split, Croatia; (T.N.R.); (M.R.); (J.R.)
| | - Marko Runjić
- Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, HR-21000 Split, Croatia; (T.N.R.); (M.R.); (J.R.)
| | - Jakša Rošin
- Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, HR-21000 Split, Croatia; (T.N.R.); (M.R.); (J.R.)
| | - Daniel Gaunt
- Institute of Forest Genetics, Dendrology and Botany, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska cesta 23, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.V.); (K.T.); (M.I.); (D.G.)
| | - Igor Poljak
- Institute of Forest Genetics, Dendrology and Botany, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska cesta 23, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.V.); (K.T.); (M.I.); (D.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +385-1-2352547
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