Pedunculate oak, Quercus robur L., represents one of the most valuable tree species in Serbia and... more Pedunculate oak, Quercus robur L., represents one of the most valuable tree species in Serbia and is mainly found in the Northern part of the country (Vojvodina province). These forests are among the most extensive pedunculate oak forests in the southern part of the distribution range in the Western Balkans. Serbian oak forests are under pressure due to climate change as well as a ected by abiotic and biotic factors causing damage to stands since the 1950s. goal of current forest management Seite 118 Trudić, Avramidou, Fussi, Neophytou, Stojnić, Pilipović is to ensure sustainability despite climate change and disturbances. The aim of this study was to estimate interand intra-population genetic variability of Q. robur using molecular markers (12 SSRs) and phenotypic traits to obtain the rst genetic pro le of the Pedunculate oak gene pool in Serbia. Our results indicated that individuals of pedunculate oak from Vojvodina province of Serbia showed higher expected heterozygosity (He) an...
In the present paper we studied the genetic diversity and genetic structure of five Norway spruce... more In the present paper we studied the genetic diversity and genetic structure of five Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karsten) natural populations situated in Serbia, belonging to the southern lineage of the species at the southern margin of the species distribution range. Four populations occur as disjunct populations on the outskirts of the Dinaric Alps mountain chain, whereas one is located at the edge of Balkan Mountain range and, therefore, can be considered as ecologically marginal due to drier climatic conditions occurring in this region. Due to the negative effect of biotic and abiotic stress factors, the sustainability of these populations is endangered, making conservation of their genetic resources one of the key measures of Norway spruce persistence in Serbia under climatic changes. The insight on genetic diversity and genetic structure of the studied spruce populations can provide the information required for the initiation of programs aimed at the conservation and utiliz...
Background Progress in the field of evolutionary forest ecology has been hampered by the huge cha... more Background Progress in the field of evolutionary forest ecology has been hampered by the huge challenge of phenotyping trees across their ranges in their natural environments, and the limitation in high-resolution environmental information. Findings The GenTree Platform contains phenotypic and environmental data from 4,959 trees from 12 ecologically and economically important European forest tree species: Abies alba Mill. (silver fir), Betula pendula Roth. (silver birch), Fagus sylvatica L. (European beech), Picea abies (L.) H. Karst (Norway spruce), Pinus cembra L. (Swiss stone pine), Pinus halepensis Mill. (Aleppo pine), Pinus nigra Arnold (European black pine), Pinus pinaster Aiton (maritime pine), Pinus sylvestris L. (Scots pine), Populus nigra L. (European black poplar), Taxus baccata L. (English yew), and Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl. (sessile oak). Phenotypic (height, diameter at breast height, crown size, bark thickness, biomass, straightness, forking, branch angle, fructif...
National Parks represent natural ecosystems whose biodiversity endows them not only with spectacu... more National Parks represent natural ecosystems whose biodiversity endows them not only with spectacular ecological and scientific value but also with a rich aesthetic and cultural value. Other apparent benefits of National Parks are in their potential for biodiversity conservation and in their appeal to visitors and tourism, and particularly the kind that is concerned with learning about nature and the environment. In this paper, we present the work being done for the AdVENt project, which focuses on researching a particular region of the Parnassos and Oiti National Parks in Greece, with a remarkably diverse endemic flora, and in developing innovative applications in order to enhance the tourism experience in protected areas of particular environmental interest. AdVENt aims to provide technologically advanced multimedia solutions and high-quality content, highlighting the natural beauty of the region.
20 Genetic and epigenetic inheritance are significant determinants of plant evolution, 21 adaptat... more 20 Genetic and epigenetic inheritance are significant determinants of plant evolution, 21 adaptation and plasticity. We studied inheritance of restriction site polymorphisms by the 22
Urban green areas present a lucid example for the harmonious co-existence of the artificial and n... more Urban green areas present a lucid example for the harmonious co-existence of the artificial and natural environments best illustrated by their interdependence and interconnection in urban spaces. Urban green areas are essential for the health and wellbeing of citizens. The present study aimed to investigate those multiple benefits for citizens that arise through the existence of urban green areas, as well as important policy dimensions that should be considered when designing the expansion of urban green spaces in urban development. The study was based on a literature review to examine for available evidence on the benefit levels derived by the existence of urban green areas. An extended literature review was followed by a structured review, based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, which partly followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search was conducted in two databases, and a total of 1674 articles and abs...
Although epigenetic modifications have been intensely investigated over the last decade due to th... more Although epigenetic modifications have been intensely investigated over the last decade due to their role in crop adaptation to rapid climate change, it is unclear which epigenetic changes are heritable and therefore transmitted to their progeny. The identification of epigenetic marks that are transmitted to the next generations is of primary importance for their use in breeding and for the development of new cultivars with a broad-spectrum of tolerance/resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses. In this review, we discuss general aspects of plant responses to environmental stresses and provide an overview of recent findings on the role of transgenerational epigenetic modifications in crops. In addition, we take the opportunity to describe the aims of EPI-CATCH, an international COST action consortium composed by researchers from 28 countries. The aim of this COST action launched in 2020 is: (1) to define standardized pipelines and methods used in the study of epigenetic mechanisms i...
The Mediterranean hot spot includes numerous endemic and socio-economically important plant speci... more The Mediterranean hot spot includes numerous endemic and socio-economically important plant species seriously threatened by climate change and habitat loss. In this study, the genetic diversity of five populations of Cicer graecum, an endangered endemic species from northern Peloponnisos, Greece and a wild relative of the cultivated Cicer arietinum, was investigated using inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSRs) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers in order to determine levels and structure of genetic variability. Nei’s gene diversity by ISSR and AFLP markers indicated medium to high genetic diversity at the population level. Moreover, AMOVA results suggest that most of the variation exists within (93 % for AFLPs and 65 % for ISSRs), rather than among populations. Furthermore, Principal Component Analysis based on ISSRs positively correlated the genetic differentiation among the populations to the geographic distances, suggesting that the gene flow among distant po...
Global DNA methylation changes in response to recurrent drought stress were investigated in two c... more Global DNA methylation changes in response to recurrent drought stress were investigated in two common Greek Medicago sativa L. varieties (Lamia and Chaironia-Institute of Ιndustrial and Forage Crops). The water deficit was implemented in two phases. At the end of the first phase, which lasted for 60 days, the plants were cut at the height of 5 cm and were watered regularly for two months before being subjected to the second drought stress, which lasted for two weeks. Finally, the following groups of plants were formed: CC (controls both in phase I and phase II), CD2 (Controls in phase I, experiencing drought in phase II), and D1D2 (were subjected to drought in both phase I and phase II). At the end of phase II, samples were taken for global DNA methylation analysis with the Methylation Sensitive Amplification Polymorphism (MSAP) method, and all plants were harvested in order to measure the fresh and dry weight of roots and shoots. The variety Lamia responded better, especially the ...
Plant grafting is an ancient agricultural practice widely employed in crops such as woody fruit t... more Plant grafting is an ancient agricultural practice widely employed in crops such as woody fruit trees, grapes, and vegetables, in order to improve plant performance. Successful grafting requires the interaction of compatible scion and rootstock genotypes. This involves an intricate network of molecular mechanisms operating at the graft junction and associated with the development and the physiology of the scion, ultimately leading to improved agricultural characteristics such as fruit quality and increased tolerance/resistance to abiotic and biotic factors. Bidirectional transfer of molecular signals such as hormones, nutrients, proteins, and nucleic acids from the rootstock to the scion and vice versa have been well documented. In recent years, studies on rootstock-scion interactions have proposed the existence of an epigenetic component in grafting reactions. Epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and the action of small RNA molecules are known to modula...
During recent centuries, cultivated olive has evolved to one of the major tree crops in the Medit... more During recent centuries, cultivated olive has evolved to one of the major tree crops in the Mediterranean Basin and lately expanded to America, Australia, and Asia producing an estimated global average value of over USD 18 billion. A long-term research effort has been established with the long-term goal to preserve biodiversity, characterize agronomic behavior, and ultimately utilize genotypes suitable for cultivation in areas of unfavorable environmental conditions. In the present study, a combination of 10 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers with the classification binary tree (CBT) analysis was evaluated as a method for discriminating genotypes within cultivated olive trees, while Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata was also used as an outgroup. The 10 SSR loci employed in this study, were highly polymorphic and gave reproducible amplification patterns for all accessions analyzed. Genetic analysis indicated that the group of SSR loci employed was highly informative. A further analysi...
Novel primary sources of one of the world’s leading anticancer agent, paclitaxel, as well as of o... more Novel primary sources of one of the world’s leading anticancer agent, paclitaxel, as well as of other antineoplastic taxanes such as 10-deacetylbaccatin-III, are needed to meet an increasing demand. Among the Taxus species the promise of Taxus baccata L. (European or English yew) has been documented. In this study, the metabolite analysis of two marginal T. baccata populations in Greece (Mt. Cholomon and Mt. Olympus), located at the southeastern edge of the species natural distribution, are being explored. A targeted liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis was used to determine the content of 10-deacetylbaccatin III, baccatin III, 10-deacetyltaxol, paclitaxel and cephalomannine in the needles of each of the populations from three sampling periods (spring, summer and winter). This is the first survey to generate a taxane targeted metabolite data set, since it derives from Hellenic natural populations that have not been explored before. Furthermore, it has used a...
In the present paper we studied the genetic diversity and genetic structure of five Norway spruce... more In the present paper we studied the genetic diversity and genetic structure of five Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karsten) natural populations situated in Serbia, belonging to the southern lineage of the species at the southern margin of the species distribution range. Four populations occur as disjunct populations on the outskirts of the Dinaric Alps mountain chain, whereas one is located at the edge of Balkan Mountain range and, therefore, can be considered as ecologically marginal due to drier climatic conditions occurring in this region. Due to the negative effect of biotic and abiotic stress factors, the sustainability of these populations is endangered, making conservation of their genetic resources one of the key measures of Norway spruce persistence in Serbia under climatic changes. The insight on genetic diversity and genetic structure of the studied spruce populations can provide the information required for the initiation of programs aimed at the conservation and utiliz...
Abstract The local scale genetic diversity of Thymus sibthorbii, an aromatic species of the Greek... more Abstract The local scale genetic diversity of Thymus sibthorbii, an aromatic species of the Greek flora, was studied both in relation to its habitat characteristics. The study was conducted in Cholomontas mountain, northern Greece at altitudes of 760–870 m. Genetic material from Southern and Northwestern exposures and from different grazing intensities within each exposure, was studied using ISSR molecular markers. The plant cover at each study site was measured and the floristic composition of the site was calculated. The grazing intensity affected the species composition and reduced the abundance of T. sibthorpii. The floristic diversity in terms of species richness, evenness and Shannon index (IF) was higher at the southern sites. Within population gene diversity (HE) ranged from 0.203 to 0.245 and Shannon index (IG) from 0.311 to 0.377. Most of the genetic diversity resided within populations (88%). Significant genetic differentiation was detected among the populations from the southern and northwestern sites, as well as among populations of each exposure. Genetic diversity of T. sibthorpii was not correlated to species diversity (richness and evenness), either within or between populations. Instead, genetic diversity was found to be positively correlated with environmental factors, such as N soil content and soil moisture.
Pedunculate oak, Quercus robur L., represents one of the most valuable tree species in Serbia and... more Pedunculate oak, Quercus robur L., represents one of the most valuable tree species in Serbia and is mainly found in the Northern part of the country (Vojvodina province). These forests are among the most extensive pedunculate oak forests in the southern part of the distribution range in the Western Balkans. Serbian oak forests are under pressure due to climate change as well as a ected by abiotic and biotic factors causing damage to stands since the 1950s. goal of current forest management Seite 118 Trudić, Avramidou, Fussi, Neophytou, Stojnić, Pilipović is to ensure sustainability despite climate change and disturbances. The aim of this study was to estimate interand intra-population genetic variability of Q. robur using molecular markers (12 SSRs) and phenotypic traits to obtain the rst genetic pro le of the Pedunculate oak gene pool in Serbia. Our results indicated that individuals of pedunculate oak from Vojvodina province of Serbia showed higher expected heterozygosity (He) an...
In the present paper we studied the genetic diversity and genetic structure of five Norway spruce... more In the present paper we studied the genetic diversity and genetic structure of five Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karsten) natural populations situated in Serbia, belonging to the southern lineage of the species at the southern margin of the species distribution range. Four populations occur as disjunct populations on the outskirts of the Dinaric Alps mountain chain, whereas one is located at the edge of Balkan Mountain range and, therefore, can be considered as ecologically marginal due to drier climatic conditions occurring in this region. Due to the negative effect of biotic and abiotic stress factors, the sustainability of these populations is endangered, making conservation of their genetic resources one of the key measures of Norway spruce persistence in Serbia under climatic changes. The insight on genetic diversity and genetic structure of the studied spruce populations can provide the information required for the initiation of programs aimed at the conservation and utiliz...
Background Progress in the field of evolutionary forest ecology has been hampered by the huge cha... more Background Progress in the field of evolutionary forest ecology has been hampered by the huge challenge of phenotyping trees across their ranges in their natural environments, and the limitation in high-resolution environmental information. Findings The GenTree Platform contains phenotypic and environmental data from 4,959 trees from 12 ecologically and economically important European forest tree species: Abies alba Mill. (silver fir), Betula pendula Roth. (silver birch), Fagus sylvatica L. (European beech), Picea abies (L.) H. Karst (Norway spruce), Pinus cembra L. (Swiss stone pine), Pinus halepensis Mill. (Aleppo pine), Pinus nigra Arnold (European black pine), Pinus pinaster Aiton (maritime pine), Pinus sylvestris L. (Scots pine), Populus nigra L. (European black poplar), Taxus baccata L. (English yew), and Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl. (sessile oak). Phenotypic (height, diameter at breast height, crown size, bark thickness, biomass, straightness, forking, branch angle, fructif...
National Parks represent natural ecosystems whose biodiversity endows them not only with spectacu... more National Parks represent natural ecosystems whose biodiversity endows them not only with spectacular ecological and scientific value but also with a rich aesthetic and cultural value. Other apparent benefits of National Parks are in their potential for biodiversity conservation and in their appeal to visitors and tourism, and particularly the kind that is concerned with learning about nature and the environment. In this paper, we present the work being done for the AdVENt project, which focuses on researching a particular region of the Parnassos and Oiti National Parks in Greece, with a remarkably diverse endemic flora, and in developing innovative applications in order to enhance the tourism experience in protected areas of particular environmental interest. AdVENt aims to provide technologically advanced multimedia solutions and high-quality content, highlighting the natural beauty of the region.
20 Genetic and epigenetic inheritance are significant determinants of plant evolution, 21 adaptat... more 20 Genetic and epigenetic inheritance are significant determinants of plant evolution, 21 adaptation and plasticity. We studied inheritance of restriction site polymorphisms by the 22
Urban green areas present a lucid example for the harmonious co-existence of the artificial and n... more Urban green areas present a lucid example for the harmonious co-existence of the artificial and natural environments best illustrated by their interdependence and interconnection in urban spaces. Urban green areas are essential for the health and wellbeing of citizens. The present study aimed to investigate those multiple benefits for citizens that arise through the existence of urban green areas, as well as important policy dimensions that should be considered when designing the expansion of urban green spaces in urban development. The study was based on a literature review to examine for available evidence on the benefit levels derived by the existence of urban green areas. An extended literature review was followed by a structured review, based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, which partly followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search was conducted in two databases, and a total of 1674 articles and abs...
Although epigenetic modifications have been intensely investigated over the last decade due to th... more Although epigenetic modifications have been intensely investigated over the last decade due to their role in crop adaptation to rapid climate change, it is unclear which epigenetic changes are heritable and therefore transmitted to their progeny. The identification of epigenetic marks that are transmitted to the next generations is of primary importance for their use in breeding and for the development of new cultivars with a broad-spectrum of tolerance/resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses. In this review, we discuss general aspects of plant responses to environmental stresses and provide an overview of recent findings on the role of transgenerational epigenetic modifications in crops. In addition, we take the opportunity to describe the aims of EPI-CATCH, an international COST action consortium composed by researchers from 28 countries. The aim of this COST action launched in 2020 is: (1) to define standardized pipelines and methods used in the study of epigenetic mechanisms i...
The Mediterranean hot spot includes numerous endemic and socio-economically important plant speci... more The Mediterranean hot spot includes numerous endemic and socio-economically important plant species seriously threatened by climate change and habitat loss. In this study, the genetic diversity of five populations of Cicer graecum, an endangered endemic species from northern Peloponnisos, Greece and a wild relative of the cultivated Cicer arietinum, was investigated using inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSRs) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers in order to determine levels and structure of genetic variability. Nei’s gene diversity by ISSR and AFLP markers indicated medium to high genetic diversity at the population level. Moreover, AMOVA results suggest that most of the variation exists within (93 % for AFLPs and 65 % for ISSRs), rather than among populations. Furthermore, Principal Component Analysis based on ISSRs positively correlated the genetic differentiation among the populations to the geographic distances, suggesting that the gene flow among distant po...
Global DNA methylation changes in response to recurrent drought stress were investigated in two c... more Global DNA methylation changes in response to recurrent drought stress were investigated in two common Greek Medicago sativa L. varieties (Lamia and Chaironia-Institute of Ιndustrial and Forage Crops). The water deficit was implemented in two phases. At the end of the first phase, which lasted for 60 days, the plants were cut at the height of 5 cm and were watered regularly for two months before being subjected to the second drought stress, which lasted for two weeks. Finally, the following groups of plants were formed: CC (controls both in phase I and phase II), CD2 (Controls in phase I, experiencing drought in phase II), and D1D2 (were subjected to drought in both phase I and phase II). At the end of phase II, samples were taken for global DNA methylation analysis with the Methylation Sensitive Amplification Polymorphism (MSAP) method, and all plants were harvested in order to measure the fresh and dry weight of roots and shoots. The variety Lamia responded better, especially the ...
Plant grafting is an ancient agricultural practice widely employed in crops such as woody fruit t... more Plant grafting is an ancient agricultural practice widely employed in crops such as woody fruit trees, grapes, and vegetables, in order to improve plant performance. Successful grafting requires the interaction of compatible scion and rootstock genotypes. This involves an intricate network of molecular mechanisms operating at the graft junction and associated with the development and the physiology of the scion, ultimately leading to improved agricultural characteristics such as fruit quality and increased tolerance/resistance to abiotic and biotic factors. Bidirectional transfer of molecular signals such as hormones, nutrients, proteins, and nucleic acids from the rootstock to the scion and vice versa have been well documented. In recent years, studies on rootstock-scion interactions have proposed the existence of an epigenetic component in grafting reactions. Epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and the action of small RNA molecules are known to modula...
During recent centuries, cultivated olive has evolved to one of the major tree crops in the Medit... more During recent centuries, cultivated olive has evolved to one of the major tree crops in the Mediterranean Basin and lately expanded to America, Australia, and Asia producing an estimated global average value of over USD 18 billion. A long-term research effort has been established with the long-term goal to preserve biodiversity, characterize agronomic behavior, and ultimately utilize genotypes suitable for cultivation in areas of unfavorable environmental conditions. In the present study, a combination of 10 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers with the classification binary tree (CBT) analysis was evaluated as a method for discriminating genotypes within cultivated olive trees, while Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata was also used as an outgroup. The 10 SSR loci employed in this study, were highly polymorphic and gave reproducible amplification patterns for all accessions analyzed. Genetic analysis indicated that the group of SSR loci employed was highly informative. A further analysi...
Novel primary sources of one of the world’s leading anticancer agent, paclitaxel, as well as of o... more Novel primary sources of one of the world’s leading anticancer agent, paclitaxel, as well as of other antineoplastic taxanes such as 10-deacetylbaccatin-III, are needed to meet an increasing demand. Among the Taxus species the promise of Taxus baccata L. (European or English yew) has been documented. In this study, the metabolite analysis of two marginal T. baccata populations in Greece (Mt. Cholomon and Mt. Olympus), located at the southeastern edge of the species natural distribution, are being explored. A targeted liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis was used to determine the content of 10-deacetylbaccatin III, baccatin III, 10-deacetyltaxol, paclitaxel and cephalomannine in the needles of each of the populations from three sampling periods (spring, summer and winter). This is the first survey to generate a taxane targeted metabolite data set, since it derives from Hellenic natural populations that have not been explored before. Furthermore, it has used a...
In the present paper we studied the genetic diversity and genetic structure of five Norway spruce... more In the present paper we studied the genetic diversity and genetic structure of five Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karsten) natural populations situated in Serbia, belonging to the southern lineage of the species at the southern margin of the species distribution range. Four populations occur as disjunct populations on the outskirts of the Dinaric Alps mountain chain, whereas one is located at the edge of Balkan Mountain range and, therefore, can be considered as ecologically marginal due to drier climatic conditions occurring in this region. Due to the negative effect of biotic and abiotic stress factors, the sustainability of these populations is endangered, making conservation of their genetic resources one of the key measures of Norway spruce persistence in Serbia under climatic changes. The insight on genetic diversity and genetic structure of the studied spruce populations can provide the information required for the initiation of programs aimed at the conservation and utiliz...
Abstract The local scale genetic diversity of Thymus sibthorbii, an aromatic species of the Greek... more Abstract The local scale genetic diversity of Thymus sibthorbii, an aromatic species of the Greek flora, was studied both in relation to its habitat characteristics. The study was conducted in Cholomontas mountain, northern Greece at altitudes of 760–870 m. Genetic material from Southern and Northwestern exposures and from different grazing intensities within each exposure, was studied using ISSR molecular markers. The plant cover at each study site was measured and the floristic composition of the site was calculated. The grazing intensity affected the species composition and reduced the abundance of T. sibthorpii. The floristic diversity in terms of species richness, evenness and Shannon index (IF) was higher at the southern sites. Within population gene diversity (HE) ranged from 0.203 to 0.245 and Shannon index (IG) from 0.311 to 0.377. Most of the genetic diversity resided within populations (88%). Significant genetic differentiation was detected among the populations from the southern and northwestern sites, as well as among populations of each exposure. Genetic diversity of T. sibthorpii was not correlated to species diversity (richness and evenness), either within or between populations. Instead, genetic diversity was found to be positively correlated with environmental factors, such as N soil content and soil moisture.
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Papers by Evangelia Avramidou