The Effects of the N-Fixing Tree Pentaclethra macroloba on the Above and Below Ground Communities Within a Primary Forest in the Northern Zone of Costa Rica

Eaton, William D.; Shebitz, Daniela; Niemiera, K.; Looby, Caitlin I.

doi:10.5772/37876

Cited by 6 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 133 publications

(128 reference statements)

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“…Some studies have shown how plant species alter the structure of belowground communities and ecosystem function [ 13 - 16 ]. In particular, it has been demonstrated how changes in agroecosystem and grassland plant assemblages and the invasion of new species can reduce microbial community diversity and ecosystem function [ 17 - 24 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of Bromelia pinguin (Bromeliaceae) on soil ecosystem function and fungal diversity in the lowland forests of Costa Rica

Looby

Eaton

2014

BMC Ecol

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BackgroundBromelia pinguin (Bromeliaceae) is a terrestrial bromeliad commonly found under forest stands throughout the Neotropics that has been shown to have antifungal activity in vitro. We have hypothesized that this bromeliad would also have an effect on the fungal populations in nearby soil by decreasing fungaldiversity and negatively impacting C and N cycle-related activities. A previous study in the lowland forest of Costa Rica showed the soil beneath these bromeliads had decreased fungal ITS DNA and differences in C and N levels compared to adjacent primary forest soils.ResultsIn this follow-up study, we found that the bromeliad soils had lower rates of C and N biomass development and lower phenol oxidase activity (suggesting less decreased fungal decomposition activity). The results of T-RFLP and cloning-based taxonomic analyses showed the community level diversity and abundance of fungal ITS DNA was less in bromeliad soils. Sequence analysis of fungal ITS DNA clones showed marked differences in fungal community structure between habitats of Basidiomycota (Tremellales, Agricales, Thelephorales), Ascomycota (Helotiales), and Zycomycota populations.ConclusionsThe data show there to be differences in the soil nutrient dynamics and fungal community structure and activity associated with these bromeliads, as compared to the adjacent primary forest. This suggests the possibility that the anti-fungal activity of the bromeliad extends into the soil. The bromeliad-dense regions of these primary forest habitats provide a unique natural micro-habitat within the forests and the opportunity to better identify the role of fungal communities in the C and N cycles in tropical soils.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of Bromelia pinguin (Bromeliaceae) on soil ecosystem function and fungal diversity in the lowland forests of Costa Rica

Looby

Eaton

2014

BMC Ecol

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“…Many have shown that along successional gradients the development of both the bacterial and fungal functional groups associated with WR, lignin degradation, other complex C compound degradation, etc., are linked to the increases in soil TOC, C‐biomass, and C‐use efficiency along soil successional gradients and in older plantation soils (e.g. Zeller et al ; Bailey et al ; Luis et al ; Boer et al ; Bradford et al ; Talbot et al ; Sinsabaugh ; Eaton et al ; Hafich et al ; Kivlin & Hawkes ). Anderson and Domsch (, 1990) applied Odum's () theories to soil microbial ecology, stating that as the diversity of an ecosystem develops along a successional gradient, there will be an increase in the efficient use of energy moving from early ecosystem development to ecosystem maturity.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Differences in the soil microbial community and carbon‐use efficiency following development of Vochysia guatemalensis tree plantations in unproductive pastures in Costa Rica

Eaton

McGee

Donnelly

et al. 2019

Restoration Ecology

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This study shows that Vochysia guatemalensis tree plantations were associated with enhanced soil biotic and abiotic characteristics in previously cleared forests in the northern zone of Costa Rica, suggesting the possible use of this practice as a restoration strategy for local land owners. Soil samples from a primary forest, secondary forest, and a 13‐year‐old plantation of V. guatemalensis had greater relative abundances of DNA sequences of microbial genera critical for carbon‐use (C‐use) efficiency (i.e. the saprobe, complex C and wood rot/lignin decomposer fungi, and bacterial lignin and other complex C degraders), and greater levels of total organic carbon, C‐biomass, and microbial quotients as indicators of enhanced C‐use efficiency, than found in soils of adjacent 5‐year‐old V. guatemalensis plantations and abandoned non‐productive pasture/grasslands (GRs). The major research conclusions were that (1) conversion of forested land into abandoned pasture/GRs decreased the C‐use efficiency in the soils and the microbial groups associated with C‐use efficiency; (2) soils in plantations of V. guatemalensis were associated with increased abundances of the DNA of these same microbial groups and enhanced C‐use efficiency; (3) DNA‐based taxonomic analysis of microbes and analysis of the microbial quotient values can be used to monitor soil ecosystems for assessment of the efficacy of restoration activities. Thus, planting V. guatemalensis on damaged lands in the Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge should be encouraged to provide a sustainable forestry crop that can be harvested rotationally, while improving soil ecosystem health and reducing the pressure to harvest other forest sites.

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“…Studies by Eaton et al [ 18 ], Shebistz and Eaton [ 60 ] pointed out that Pentaclethra macroloba (Willd.) Kuntze is critical for the recovery of soil nutrients in secondary forests, as it is the main nitrogen-fixing species [ 4 ], has great potential in forest regeneration and recovery of degraded areas.…”

Section: Taxonomy Occurrence and Botanymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Pracaxi oil was used as a component of a topical formulation based on anhydrous silicone, with the objective of evaluating the action of fatty acids found in pracaxi oil for wounds, burns, surgical and traumatic scars demonstrated in a series of cases [ 18 ]. The study was evaluated for wound size, color and general appearance before and after treatment, supervised and photographed by an independent evaluator.…”

Section: Pharmacology and Biological Activitymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It is used in the treatment of stretch marks in adolescents and pregnant women, and when applied to skin spots, it combats hyperpigmentation [ 12 , 17 ]. In addition to its applicability for medicinal and cosmetic purposes, pracaxi oil is also used for cooking by some populations in the Amazon region of Brazil [ 3 , 14 , 18 , 19 ]. The seed husks are also used as cattle feed that is sought after due to its aroma and high protein content [ 20 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Pentaclethra macroloba: A Review of the Biological, Pharmacological, Phytochemical, Cosmetic, Nutritional and Biofuel Potential of this Amazonian Plant

Lamarão

Ferreira

Lynch

et al. 2023

Plants

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Pracaxi (Penthaclethra macroloba (Willd.) Kuntze) is an Amazonian plant, traditionally used by the native population to treat health disorders such as inflammation, erysipelas, wound healing, muscle pain, ear pain, diarrhea, snake and insect bites as well as for cancer treatment. Other common uses include using the oil for frying, skin and hair beautification, and as an alternative source of energy. This review is focused on highlighting its taxonomy, occurrence and botanical origins, popular uses, pharmacology and biological activities, cytotoxicity, biofuel activity and phytochemistry in order to explore future therapeutic use and other applications. Pracaxi contains triterpene saponins, sterols, tannins, oleanolic acid, unsaturated fatty acids and long-chain fatty acids, with a high behenic acid value, which may serve for incorporation into drug delivery systems as well for the development of new drugs. These components are correlated with its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, healing, anti-hemolytic, anti-hemorrhagic, antiophidic, and larvicidal activities against Aedes aegypti and Helicorverpa zea, which ratify the popular/traditional uses. The species is nitrogen fixing; it is easy to propagate in floodplains and the terra firma, and it can be used for the reforestation of degraded areas. Additionally, the oil extracted from the seeds can leverage the bioeconomy of the region based on sustainable exploration.

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The Effects of the N-Fixing Tree Pentaclethra macroloba on the Above and Below Ground Communities Within a Primary Forest in the Northern Zone of Costa Rica

Cited by 6 publications

References 133 publications

Effects of Bromelia pinguin (Bromeliaceae) on soil ecosystem function and fungal diversity in the lowland forests of Costa Rica

Effects of Bromelia pinguin (Bromeliaceae) on soil ecosystem function and fungal diversity in the lowland forests of Costa Rica

Differences in the soil microbial community and carbon‐use efficiency following development of Vochysia guatemalensis tree plantations in unproductive pastures in Costa Rica

Pentaclethra macroloba: A Review of the Biological, Pharmacological, Phytochemical, Cosmetic, Nutritional and Biofuel Potential of this Amazonian Plant

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