Forestry, Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Plant Science
30
Scopus Publications
492
Scholar Citations
10
Scholar h-index
11
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
Flower scent, pollinators, and effects of proximity between plants on fruit set of the rare, threatened, and endemic Daphne rodriguezii Carles Cardona, Pere Ferriol, Leonardo Llorens Plant Species Biology, 2025 This study focuses on Daphne rodriguezii, a threatened plant species that is endemic to Menorca in the Balearic Islands of the Western Mediterranean. The main objective was to investigate the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the floral aroma, as well as the timing and chemical variations in scent production. The primary pollinators were identified, and the relationship between their behavior and the chemical profile of the floral scent was investigated. Furthermore, the impact of plant density on fruit set rates was evaluated to obtain valuable insights for conservation and habitat‐management initiatives. The findings reveal that D. rodriguezii emits a distinct sweet floral aroma that primarily consists of benzenoids and linalool derivatives. Scent emission occurs during the evening and night, coinciding with the activity period of moths (Autographa gamma), which were identified as the primary pollen vectors for this self‐incompatible species. The fruit set values exhibit a positive correlation with the proximity between plants. These results emphasize the importance of moths and plant proximity as crucial factors to consider in the conservation management of this species.
Cryptogam communities in Mediterranean coastal dunes as indicators of microhabitat effect and human influence Pere Miquel Mir-Rosselló, Marcello Dante Cerrato, Iván Cortés-Fernández, Carles Cardona, Lluís Salom-Vicens, Arnau Ribas-Serra, Llorenç Sáez, Dessiré Sicilia, Llorenç Gil Ecological Indicators, 2025 • Bryophytes and lichens are relevant but understudied in Mediterranean dunes. • They form defined communities influenced by different environmental factors. • A zonation of communities is not clear, and microhabitat factors are important. • At least two cryptogam communities are bioindicators of human disturbance. Mediterranean coastal dune morphology and dynamics are affected by a complex set of biotic and abiotic factors, from both natural and anthropogenic sources. These ecosystems are heavily degraded and endangered nowadays, making monitoring and management actions urgent. Despite their ecological relevance, bryophytes and lichens remain understudied in these ecosystems. This study aims to characterize the cryptogam communities in Balearic coastal dunes and evaluate their potential as bioindicators in Mediterranean dunes. A total of 335 relevés were conducted in 17 dune systems across the Balearic Islands. Plots were grouped in different cryptogam communities, which were characterized by their species composition and different environmental factors measured in the field. Plots could be grouped in a total of five cryptogam communities, which differed in species composition, richness and abundance, and in ecological preferences as indicated by the measured environmental variables. A zonation of communities was not clearly detected, and microsite variables seemed to play an important role. At least two of the cryptogam communities could be considered for monitoring dune system health. A community associated with Bryum dichotomum was related to ruderalization. A second community, characterized by the presence of Ptychostomum torquescens , could indicate an excessive stabilization of mobile dunes by human management. We propose cryptogam communities as bioindicators of Mediterranean coastal dunes health, which should be considered when planning monitoring and management actions.
Salinity stress on three representative species from Mediterranean semifixed dunes: Assessment of salinity exposure and substrate conductivity data reveal variable response strategies and tolerance between species M.D. Cerrato, P.M. Mir-Rosselló, I. Cortés-Fernández, A. Ribas-Serra, C. Cardona, A. Sureda, J. Flexas, L. Gil Science of the Total Environment, 2024 Coastal ecotones can disrupt natural conditions, yielding intricate ecological contexts where salinity plays a variable role. The aim of this study was to assess the salinity effect on three species representatives of semifixed dune (Crucianella maritima, Helianthemum caput-felis and Teucrium dunense). Field data were collected to assess plant cover in semifixed dunes, ecotone with other coastal habitats, and artificial Posidonia oceanica wracks. Soil samples were collected, and conductivity measured. Then, experimental exposure to salinity was conducted with 6 seawater (SW) treatments (Control, 6.25 % SW, 12.5 % SW, 25 % SW, 50 % SW, 100 % SW). Flowering, gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence and enzymatic antioxidant measurements were conducted after two months of exposure. In the field trial, species presence varied depending on the habitat and was null on P. oceanica. The relation between conductivity and species abundance showed moderate tolerance for the three species. For C. maritima this relation was variable depending on the habitat. Experimental data suggest moderate tolerance with stress occurring at 25 % SW onwards. Gas exchange response to salinity was similar among species, but more drastic reduction in assimilation rate and larger decrease in water use efficiency was observed for C. maritima. Instead, photoinhibition occurred in H. caput-felis and T. dunense but was absent in C. maritima likely related to the fact that H. caput-felis and T. dunense activated catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes, while C. maritima showed activation of glutathione-related enzymes. Malondialdehyde (MDA) increased in C. maritma and decreased for the other species indicating a more complex involvement of MDA under stress conditions. Flowering response to salinity was overall more resilient in T. dunense. Our results, based on field conductivity data and measurements of physiological, antioxidant, and reproductive traits, delineate specific tolerance differences and strategies towards salinity for Mediterranean semifixed dune species.
Insights on physiological, antioxidant and flowering response to salinity stress of two candidate ornamental species: the native coastal geophytes Pancratium maritimum L. and Eryngium maritimum L Marcello Dante Cerrato, Pere Miquel Mir-Rosselló, Iván Cortés-Fernández, Arnau Ribas-Serra, Cyril Douthe, Carles Cardona, Antoni Sureda, Jaume Flexas, Lorenzo Gil Vives Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants, 2024 Increasing seawater influence in coastal areas is an ongoing environmental issue. Gardening is a widespread activity mainly in touristic areas such as the Mediterranean coasts. However, the use of exotic species well adapted to salinity encompasses the risk of invasive species introduction. This study aimed to evaluate salinity tolerance of native geophytes, Pancratium maritimum L. and Eryngium maritimum L., to assess their use as ornamental species in salt affected coastal areas. Experiments were conducted using cultivated plants for flowering response and physiological and enzymatic antioxidant response. Six treatments were applied for two months, exposing plants to seawater (SW) dilutions (Tap-Water, 6.25%SW, 12.5%SW, 25%SW, 50%SW and 100%SW). Taxa decreased inflorescence production being this effect more architectonical in E. maritimum and affecting all inflorescence integrity in P. maritimum. Flowering time was strongly delayed and reduced in P. maritimum, while E. maritimum showed smaller effects among treatments. Physiological and biochemical response showed at moderate salinity levels (1/4SW) variation concomitant with late stress response and senescence in P. maritimum, with decreased water use efficiency, NPQ values, and enzymatic activity, and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. In contrast, E. maritimum showed early stress response with steady gas exchange response, increasing NPQ values and catalase (CAT) and superoxide dimutase (SOD) activity, and decreasing MDA levels with salinity. Glutathione enzymes showed limited participation in both species. The results of this study suggest that neither species can be classified as halophytes, but they exhibit tolerance to low and moderate salinity levels, making them suitable for ornamental use.
Response to Seawater Exposure During the Flowering Stage of Two Dune-Building Grasses: Calamagrostis arenaria (L.) Roth and Thinopyrum junceum (L.) Á.Löve M. D. Cerrato, A. Ribas-Serra, P. M. Mir-Rosselló, I. Cortés-Fernández, C. Douthe, C. Cardona, A. Sureda, J. Flexas, L. Gil Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, 2024 Human disturbance and seawater intrusion have unpredictable effects on coastal species. Dune systems are crucial coastal habitats because they provide natural front protection against seawater influence. Adult plant stands in dunes are important since they maintain dune structure. This study evaluated salinity stress responses in adult plants of two key dune-building grasses differing in salt tolerance: Thinopyrum junceum (tolerant) and Calamagrostis arenaria (less tolerant). Cultivated plants were exposed to various seawater (SW) dilutions (Tap-Water, 6.25%, 12.5%, 25%, 50%, and 100%) and gas exchange measurements and oxidative stress biomarkers were determined after two months of treatment. Stress conditions were maintained until flowering to assess effects on the reproductive effort. The reproductive response showed high plasticity at various inflorescence stages in T. junceum, minimizing abortion processes. C. arenaria showed lower plasticity and higher abortion rates. Physiological traits responded similarly to salinity in both species, with greater effect on Fv/Fm decrease and non-photochemical quenching increase for T. junceum. Biochemical patterns of response were also similar, with increasing enzymatic activities at 25% SW treatment, mainly for glutathione reductase and peroxidase (GSH and GPx), and stress damage occurring at 50% and 100% SW treatments for increased malonaldehyde (MDA) levels. These findings provide insight into the salinity tolerance mechanisms of dune-building grasses. Higher salinity tolerance is suggested for T. junceum based on better reproductive effort. Higher juvenile tolerance, faster growth, and plant cycle adjustments are indicated as key traits for higher salinity tolerance of T. junceum in contrast to C. arenaria.
Casual, naturalised and invasive succulents of the Balearic Islands Bradleya, 2024
Salinity tolerance of two critically endangered endemic species and its implications for distribution and conservation of model microinsular Mediterranean species C. Cardona, I. Cortés-Fernández, M. D. Cerrato, L. Gil Plant Ecology, 2024 Medicago citrina and Euphorbia margalidiana are two microinsular species from the Western Mediterranean which are amongst the top 50 most threatened species of the Mediterranean. Conservation plans for both taxa involve translocation and ex situ seedling growth, yet salinity tolerance remains unknown for both species. The main objective of this work was to analyse how germination is modulated by salinity and to evaluate the seed buoyancy of both species to give light to their sea-dispersal capabilities. Salinity tolerance tests were performed using increasing concentrations (100, 200, 300, and 400 mM) solutions of different salts (NaCl, MgCl 2 , MgSO 4 , and Na 2 SO 4 ). Recovery tests were carried out to analyse the potential ionic toxicity of salts. Seed buoyancy was also evaluated in sea and distilled water for each species. M. citrina was the most salt tolerant, germinating at values below 35.6 mS/cm, whilst E. margalidiana only germinated below 21.4 mS/cm. Na 2 SO 4 and MgCl 2 are the salts with the strongest inhibitory effect, whilst MgSO4 is the least inhibitory salt. In both species, buoyancy is very limited, being higher in M. citrina (up to 15 days) compared to E. margalidiana (4 days). The higher salinity tolerance and buoyancy allows M. citrina to colonise a broader range of islets than E. margalidiana , which requires moderate altitudes to keep populations away from salt impact. Both species cannot be considered as halophytes and so in situ and ex situ conservation measures should be carried out avoiding high salinity areas to ensure seedling development.
Floristic records from balearic islands (XV) Bolleti De La Societat D Historia Natural De Les Balears, 2003
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Cryptogam communities in Mediterranean coastal dunes as indicators of microhabitat effect and human influence PM Mir-Rosselló, MD Cerrato, I Cortés-Fernández, C Cardona, ... Ecological Indicators 172, 113257 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
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Notes florístiques de les Illes Balears (XIX) G Bibiloni, J Rita, L Sáez, C Cardona Bolletí de la Societat d'Història Natural de les Balears, 2025, vol. 68, p. 9-32 , 2025 2025
Correction to: Effect of seawater salinity stress on Sporobolus pungens (Schreb.) Kunth, a halophytic grass of the mediterranean embryonic dunes M Cerrato, A Ribas-Serra, I Cortés-Fernández, C Cardona Ametller, ... Plant Growth Regulation 104 (3), 1725-1725 , 2024 2024
Salinity stress on three representative species from Mediterranean semifixed dunes: Assessment of salinity exposure and substrate conductivity data reveal variable response … MD Cerrato, PM Mir-Rosselló, I Cortés-Fernández, A Ribas-Serra, ... Science of The Total Environment 950, 175178 , 2024 2024 Citations: 7
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Stomatal and non-stomatal limitations to photosynthesis in seedlings and saplings of Mediterranean species pre-conditioned and aged in nurseries: Different response to water stress L Varone, M Ribas-Carbo, C Cardona, A Gallé, H Medrano, L Gratani, ... Environmental and Experimental Botany 75, 235-247 , 2012 2012 Citations: 173
The role of landscape composition and heterogeneity on the taxonomical and functional diversity of Mediterranean plant communities in agricultural landscapes J Cursach, J Rita, C Gomez-Martinez, C Cardona, M Capó, A Lazaro PLoS One 15 (9), e0238222 , 2020 2020 Citations: 43
Mildly toxic shrubs as indicators of goats herbivory give information for the management of natural landscapes on Mediterranean islands M Capó, C Engelbrecht, C Cardona, E Castells, J Bartolomé, ... Science of the Total Environment 786, 147391 , 2021 2021 Citations: 24
Time pattern variation of alien plant introductions in an insular biodiversity hotspot: the Balearic Islands as a case study for the Mediterranean region MD Cerrato, I Cortés-Fernández, A Ribas-Serra, PM Mir-Rosselló, ... Biodiversity and Conservation 32 (7), 2585-2605 , 2023 2023 Citations: 22
Notes florístiques de les Illes Baleares (XII) L Gil, C Cardona, M Pons, L Llorens Boll. Soc. Hist. Nat. Balears 42, 79-83 , 1999 1999 Citations: 20
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Effect of seawater salinity stress on Sporobolus pungens (Schreb.) Kunth, a halophytic grass of the mediterranean embryonic dunes M Cerrato, A Ribas-Serra, I Cortés-Fernández, C Cardona Ametller, ... Plant Growth Regulation 98 (2), 191-204 , 2022 2022 Citations: 10
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A new species of Oxalis section Corniculatae (Oxalidaceae) from the Balearic islands L Llorens, L Gil, C Cardona, M Franquesa, M Boi Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 148 (4), 489-493 , 2005 2005 Citations: 6