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Arista, M.. Herrera , J. & Talavera, S.: Abies pinsapo Boiss.: a protected species in a protected area. — Bocconea 7: 427-436. — ISSN 1120-4060. This paper presents the results of a study on the reproductive cycle of Abies pinsapo. The main reproductive aspects which affect the quantity and quality of the seeds, such as the low pollen dispersal cap...
Citations
... Along with the endemic Algerian fir A. numidica de Lannoy ex Carrière, it is the only African firs growing in the southern part of the Mediterranean Basin. Abies marocana is one of the circum-Mediterranean firs (section Piceaster Spach) characterized by rigid needles and ovuliferous scales, which are larger than bracts (Farjon and Rushforth 1989;Arista and Talavera 1994;Arista et al. 1997). From an ecological and socio-economic standpoint, forests with A. marocana undoubtedly have several potentialities as a source of income for the local population thanks to the innumerable goods and services they can provide. ...
Moroccan fir, known botanically as Abies marocana Trab. (Pinaceae), is a North African mountain coniferous species endemic to the calcareous ridge of the western Rif Mountains (northern Morocco). It is adapted to humid and perhumid bioclimates. It is one of the circum-Mediterranean firs of the section Piceaster, characterized by rigid needles. The species is endangered and included on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This relict species plays key ecological roles in maintaining genetic, specific and ecosystemic biodiversity. Little attention has been devoted to A. marocana forest regeneration, which is one of the biggest concerns for scientists and managers. The present review critically synthesizes the available peer-reviewed literature on A. marocana to highlight the scientific advances on this species and to address knowledge gaps that may constitute future research perspectives. The factors threatening the existence of A. marocana forests the most are anthropogenic pressure, mainly agricultural expansion (especially the cultivation of Cannabis), which is reported to be the main cause of the continuous decline in the range of the species, and climate change. We have identified several knowledge gaps, mainly in species ecophysiology, climate change impacts, pests and diseases, seed germination and regeneration requirements, restoration, biological properties of essential oils and organic extracts, and ex situ conservation. Suitable strategies for both in situ and ex situ conservation of the species should be an urgent topic for both scientists and foresters.
... 2000 mm (Arista and Talavera, 1994). In the highest areas of these 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 Nr.Sample mountains, Abies pinsapo forms dense forests with a limited distribution, but at lower altitudes it forms mixed oak-fir forests with species such as Quercus rotundifolia, Quercus faginea and a dense shrub layer composed of Daphne laureola, Prunus spinosa together with Leguminoseae, Anacardiaceae and Oleaceae (Arista Palmero et al., 1997). As altitude decreases in Sierra de Grazalema and the surrounding area, the landscape is dominated by forests and thicket formations composed of thermo-Mediterranean taxa such as Olea, Quercus ilex, Ceratonia siliqua, Phillyrea angustifolia, Pistacia lentiscus, etc. ...
... On the other hand, the specimens G00349514, K000288176 (Fig. 4), P01635323 certainly belong to the same gathering collected by Boissier in 1837. On the other hand, as for the authors of the name, Abies pinsapo was described for the first time by Clemente in the first decade of the 19th century (Arista et al. 1997b, Vargas 2020). However, this description was lost. ...
The original material of Abies alba, A. marocana, A. numidica, A. pinsapo, A. pinsapo var. baborensis, and A. tazaotana (Pinaceae) is discussed. The names A. marocana and A. pinsapo var. baborensis are lectotypified using specimens from MPU and K respectively. The names A. numidica and A. marocana var. tazaotana are neotypified from specimens preserved at P and SEV respectively.
... Mediterranean firs are considered closely related taxa, which are deeply distinguished from the Asian and North American fir species (Kormutak et al., 2004). They are divided into two sections or lineages (Farjon & Rushforth, 1989;Arista et al., 1997b): Abies and Piceaster Spach. However, the classification of some species has not been the subject of consensus and remains doubtful for several authors (Farjon & Rushforth, 1989;Benabid & Fennane, 1994;Parducci et al., 2001a) because of recurrent hybridization phenomenon (Jaramillo-Correa et al., 2008;Liepelt et al., 2010;López-González et al. 2021). ...
... With the exception of silver fir Abies alba Mill., which harbors a large distribution area, especially in central Europe, the other taxa are present under Mediterranean bioclimatic conditions and are considered endemic but with different degrees of demographic rarity (Fady, 2005b;IUCN, 2021; see also for example Yahi et al., 2011;Gardner & Knees, 2013;Awad et al., 2014). From a taxonomical point of view, circum-Mediterranean firs are divided into two groups or sections (Quézel, 1985;Farjon & Rushforth, 1989;Arista et al., 1997b;Liepelt et al., 2010;Litkowiec et al., 2021): ...
... Vidakovic, 1991; Arista & Talavera 1994;Arista et al., 1997aArista et al., , 1997b One ...
Western Mediterranean firs are endemic and illustrate the Tertiary flora heritage in the Mediterranean basin. Due to their morphological and anatomical similarities, the classification of certain relict firs still debated especially those belonging to the Piceaster section. Moroccan fir Abies marocana is one of these taxa whose taxonomy has remained unresolved for a long time. Many authors recognized two species in the Rif Mountains A. marocana and A. tazaotana while others considered these taxa as varieties or subspecies of A. pinsapo. Recently, several biometrical and molecular studies contributed to a better understanding of their phyletic relationships. In this review, the main findings of recent studies are synthesized with the aim of shedding light on the evolution of the taxonomical position of Moroccan relict fir. The main hypotheses explaining the phylogenetic relationships between Moroccan and Spanish firs are also discussed. The results converged towards the separation of Moroccan and Spanish firs at the species level, while they did not support the distinction between A. marocana and A. tazaotana as different species.
... They thrive in temperate and cool climates at altitudes not exceeding 4700 m above sea level. Firs are distributed mainly in North America (9 species), Central America (6 species), Siberia and Eastern Asia (17 species), the Mediterranean Region and the adjacent areas (8 species) [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. ...
Research Highlights: The correlations between seed mass and the remaining physical properties were determined in selected fir species, and a method for seed sorting was proposed to promote uniform germination and emergence. Background and Objectives: Information about the variation and correlations between the physical properties of seeds is essential for designing and modeling seed processing operations such as seed separation. The aim of this study was to determine the range of variation in the physical properties of seeds in eleven fir species, and to analyze the correlations between these parameters to improve the seed sorting process. Materials and Methods: Terminal velocity, thickness, width, length, the angle of external friction and mass were determined in the seeds of 11 fir species. The measured parameters were used to calculate the geometric mean diameter, three aspect ratios, sphericity index and the specific mass of each seed. Results: The seeds of Sierra white fir where most similar, whereas the seeds of balsam fir differed most considerably from the seeds of the remaining fir species. In the majority of the analyzed fir species, seed mass was most strongly correlated with terminal velocity, followed by thickness. Conclusions: Fir seeds should be sorted primarily with the use of mesh sieves with longitudinal openings to obtain fractions with similar seed mass and to eliminate the need for dewinging.
... Abies cephalonica is a late succession, shadepreferring species that has been reported to remain under shade for more than 60 years (Panetsos, 1975); it does not create a soil or canopy seed bank similar to other relict Abies spp. (e.g. A. pinsapo; Arista et al., 1997). In addition, its post-fire regeneration could not be possible from seeds dispersed from neighbouring trees, taking into account the open post-fire environment. ...
... 32-53% in Panetsos (1976); 73-97% in Politi et al. (2011); 18.5-32.5% in Stamatopoulos (1995)]. In Abies species, the presence of empty seeds has been attributed to frost during pollination, insect damage following pollination, pollination efficiency, inbreeding (lethal alleles), seed collection period and amounts of pollen associated with masting and lean crop years (Arista and Talaverna, 1994;Kormuťák and Lindgren, 1996;Arista et al., 1997;Owens and Morris, 1998;Houle, 1999;Edwards, 2008;Cremer et al., 2012; ...
Abies cephalonica cone and seed morphometric characteristics as well as seed germination behaviour were investigated during an 8-year-long diachronic study (2007–2015). The research was carried out in Parnitha National Park, in the part of this Greek endemic, silver fir population that was spared from an unprecedented wildfire (2007). A statistically significant interannual and among-tree variation of cone traits has been identified, except for cone diameter. Cone length is correlated to the number of seeds per cone, while the percentage of empty seeds has been consistently high, with extreme values of 29.3 and 81.8% in a masting (2015) and lean crop (2009) year, respectively. There is also a considerable proportion of dead (including infected) and non-germinated seeds, and the eventual germinable fraction is well below 25% with spikes in masting years (39.4 and 60.9% in 2010 and 2015, respectively). Untreated seeds have been tested at a wide range of constant and alternating temperatures and germination is completed within 4–5 weeks at T ≥ 15°C and ca 15 weeks at 5–10°C. A chilling pretreatment of 4–8 weeks (at 2–4°C) concludes germination at 15–20°C within 2 weeks. A significant white light requirement has been observed for untreated seeds at 15–20°C, while germination was light indifferent at lower or higher temperatures. Data obtained in this study confirm the present, field seed germination during springtime; we may also predict an earlier germination (late autumn to mid-winter) in forest gaps, under the predicted, warmer conditions in the future.
... Under this forced growth, branches are limited to the upper areas, impeding or greatly decreasing the male cone crop. Consequently, most trees growing in high-density populations are functionally female (Arista & Talavera 1997; Arista et al. 1997b). However, the architecture of trees in the borders and gaps of high-density ...
Plant architecture is crucial to pollination and mating in wind pollinated species. We investigated the effect of crown architecture on pollen dispersal, mating system and offspring quality, combining phenotypic and genotypic analyses in a low-density population of the endangered species Abies pinsapo. A total of 598 embryos from three relative crown height levels (bottom, middle, top) in five mother plants were genotyped using eleven nuclear microsatellite markers (nSSRs). Paternity analysis and mating system models were used to infer mating and pollen dispersal parameters. In addition, seeds were weighed (N = 16,110) and germinated (N = 736), and seedling vigour was measured to assess inbreeding depression. Overall, A. pinsapo shows a fat-tailed dispersal kernel, with an average pollen dispersal distance of 113–227 m, an immigration rate of 0.84–26.92%, and a number of effective pollen donors (Nep) ranging between 3.5 and 11.9. We found an effect of tree height and relative crown height levels on mating parameters. A higher proportion of seeds with embryo (about 50%) and a higher rate of self-fertilization (about 60%) were found at the bottom level in comparison to the top level. Seed weight and seedling vigour are positively related. Nevertheless, no differences were found in seed weight or in seedling-related variables such as weight and length of aerial and subterranean parts among the different relative crown height levels, suggesting that seeds from the more strongly inbred bottom level are not affected by inbreeding depression. Our results point to vertical isotropy for outcross-pollen and they suggest that self-pollen may ensure fertilization when outcross-pollen is not available in low-density population.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
... The modern geographic ranges of these western-Mediterranean archaic firs have a relict character and are very confined, which may be critical for their future persistence (Arista et al., 1997). In general, population decline is observed due to fires, overgrazing, pests and timber harvesting (Esteban et al., 2010). ...
... Abies pinsapo Boiss. is a conifer species of the Mediterranean Basin. It is considered a relict fi r living in the south-western area of the Iberian Peninsula where it is endemic (Arista et al. 1997 ...
... Esteban et al. ( 2010 ) found out that at least 2 years of high rainfall and short, mild summers after seed dissemination or planting were needed for successful natural regeneration or reforestation. Grazing control and fi re prevention to promote the natural regeneration have been suggested as proper management schemes (Arista et al. 1997 ) . To promote seedling recruitment outside the closed forests, supplementary pollination management and artifi cial seed rain using vigorous seeds (including seedling protection from herbivores) have also been suggested (Arista 1995 ; Arista et al. 1997 ) . ...
... Grazing control and fi re prevention to promote the natural regeneration have been suggested as proper management schemes (Arista et al. 1997 ) . To promote seedling recruitment outside the closed forests, supplementary pollination management and artifi cial seed rain using vigorous seeds (including seedling protection from herbivores) have also been suggested (Arista 1995 ; Arista et al. 1997 ) . ...
The current chapter starts by describing the elements of biodiversity in the Mediterranean Basin hotspot. It then describes climate change and fire regime interactions. Geographically restricted forest types with high conservation value such as Abies cephalonica, A. pinsapo, Juniperus macrocarpa, Quercus trojana, Tetraclinis articulata and Pinus leucodermis forests are presented as case studies. These forest hotspots are threatened by changing fire regime either because they lack of any active post-fire regeneration mechanism or because they are exposed to more frequent fires than they used to. Current post-fire management, if any, is presented and commented.
... En menor medida, como causa de pérdida de ejemplares de pinsapo ha de contemplarse la acción de determinados agentes patógenos, principalmente enfermedades fúngicas generadas por Armillaria mellea (Vahl. Fr.) Kumm, que en 1984 originó pérdidas apreciables en Sierra Bermeja, y Heterobasidium annosum Bres., así como ataques por el coleóptero Scolytidae barrenador Cryphalus numidicus Eichhoff, 1878, que en ciertos casos puede provocar la muerte del árbol completo, y el lepidóptero Pyralidae Dioryctria aulloi Barbey, 1930(Arista et al., 1997Herrera et al., 1999;Linares y Carreira, 2006). ...
Categoría de amenaza en Andalucía: En Peligro A4c; B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)+B2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)
-Texto justificativo de la categoría de amenaza: Área de distribución muy restringida (un único núcleo poblacional conocido, localizado en una cuadrícula U.T.M. 10x10), reducida densidad poblacional, escasa capacidad de dispersión y asociación a un tipo de hábitat a su vez escaso y amenazado (pinsapar sobre peridotitas en Sierra Bermeja) evidencian que este endemismo andaluz se encuentra en peligro de extinción. Las consecuencias de eventos estocásticos (incendios forestales, plagas y/o enfermedades de los pinsapos o cambio climático entre otros) sobre la población de A. (B.) ferreri pueden tener consecuencias irreversibles.
