Phenolic nature, occurrence and polymerization degree as marker of environmental adaptation in the edible halophyte Mesembryanthemum edule

AbstractMesembryanthemum edule is an edible medicinal halophyte traditionally used to treat several human diseases. In this study, particular importance was attached to the influence of environmental conditions on phenolic composition and antioxidant activities of two M. edule provenances from contrasting climatic regions (Djerba and Monastir sampled from arid and superior semi-arid bioclimatic stages, respectively). Shoot phenolic content was evaluated using colorimetric method and its composition was identified by HPLC analysis with or without thiolysis. Antioxidant activities were assessed by five in vitro antioxidant systems. Results showed that the two M. edule provenances were significantly different according to their antioxidant activity as well as their polyphenol profiles. Indeed, plants from Djerba (lack of rainfall and long light hour periods) exhibited stronger antioxidant activity together with higher phenolic content. For instance, Djerba provenance shoots showed much lower IC50 (4.8μgml−1) and EC50 (80μgml−1) values for DPPH and Fe-reducing tests, respectively. In addition, the superiority of this provenance (Djerba) was more marked as compared to positive controls (BHT, BHA, and VitC). HPLC identification revealed also an important difference between the two provenances on major flavonoid components. This difference was confirmed by the mean degrees of tannin polymerization (DPn) which was higher in Djerba plants. These data suggest that M. edule adaptation to environmental stresses proceeds through induced particular phenol quality and DPn for the improvement of their antioxidant capacities to protect plant tissues against oxidative stress

Diversity and distribution of Chironomidae (Insecta: Diptera) of protected areas in North Tunisia

In North Africa seasonal streams called wadi are an unique habitats with serve hydrological and thermal regime. Non-biting midges take an important part of freshwater biodiversity in North Africa. We present new data on the distribution and diversity of Chironomidae in North Tunisia. Larvae, pupal exuviae and adult males of chironomids were collected from a various freshwater ecosystems from May 2005 till April 2006. The aim of this study was to recognize the pattern of midge diversity in North Tunisia to estimate ecological value of running waters in the region. In total, 79 taxa were identified. Nearly all of the taxa were typical representatives of the Palaearctic and Mediterranean complexes. The majority of the investigated sites belonged to the protected areas in North Tunisia, such as the Ichkeul National Park, the Kroumerie Mountains and the El Feija National Park, part of the Intercontinental Reserve of the Mediterranean Biosphere. Altitudinal zonation of the communities composition was found in the lowland (250 m a.s.l.) with maximum of 760 m. Whereas among the data 39 species are recorded from Tunisia for the first time, the species richness of Chironomidae is higher than previously estimated

Diversity and distribution of Chironomidae (Insecta: Diptera) of protected areas in North Tunisia

In North Africa seasonal streams called wadi are an unique habitats with serve hydrological and thermal regime. Non-biting midges take an important part of freshwater biodiversity in North Africa. We present new data on the distribution and diversity of Chironomidae in North Tunisia. Larvae, pupal exuviae and adult males of chironomids were collected from a various freshwater ecosystems from May 2005 till April 2006. The aim of this study was to recognize the pattern of midge diversity in North Tunisia to estimate ecological value of running waters in the region. In total, 79 taxa were identified. Nearly all of the taxa were typical representatives of the Palaearctic and Mediterranean complexes. The majority of the investigated sites belonged to the protected areas in North Tunisia, such as the Ichkeul National Park, the Kroumerie Mountains and the El Feija National Park, part of the Intercontinental Reserve of the Mediterranean Biosphere. Altitudinal zonation of the communities composition was found in the lowland (250 m a.s.l.) with maximum of 760 m. Whereas among the data 39 species are recorded from Tunisia for the first time, the species richness of Chironomidae is higher than previously estimated

Relationships between physical and chemical factors and aquatic macroinvertebrates in perennial streams in the arid northern mountain basin El Batinah, Oman

The relationships between physical properties, water chemistry and aquatic macroinvertebrates were investigated in riffles of four perennial streams in the arid northern Oman. Samples were collected monthly in autumn, winter and spring with a Surber net. Thirty two invertebrate taxa were recorded, most species are widely distributed, but few species with very restricted distribution were also captured. Diptera followed by Pulmonata, Coleoptera and Odonata were the most represented taxa, Trichoptera and Heteroptera were a significant component only in one station (the Fezeh), where the lowest mean water temperature (23\ub0C) was recorded. In the dry months from May to October, aquatic macroinvertebrates were completely absent. In order to summarise the community response some biotic indices were calculated. The highest diversity was observed in the Fezeh station. A seasonal gradient was also observed, with the highest diversity values in January, April, and December. The low faunal diversity was attributed to the high air and water temperature and the hydrological regime instability. A between station and a between month coinertia analysis was carried out, to analyse the response to spatial and seasonal factors. The first coinertia axis was correlated with altitude and substrate composition, while the second axis was correlated with air and water temperature. The present research emphasizes the urgency for preserving the less disturbed wadis in arid zones, because, despite their species poorness, their uniqueness in faunal composition requires special attention. The presence of few endemic species with very restricted distribution highlights the topicality and the value in investigating these areas, allowing the increase of our knowledge on biodiversity, ecology and biogeography about the benthic macroinvertebrates living in these extreme habitats