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Considering the serious health effects of fluoride contamination, an environment friendly bioadsorbent was derived from wattle humus for fluoride removal by conventional thermal activation process. Analytical characterizations revealed that heterogeneous morphological textured wattle humus enabled remarkable adsorption capacity. XPS analysis substantiated that fluoride had been successfully adsorbed on to the carbonized wattle humus surface through chemisorption. Fluoride adsorption efficiency was systematically rationalized via batch adsorption studies. Experiments were performed at different initial fluoride concentration and scrutinized the impact of contact time (10–120 min), adsorbent dosage (0.5–2.5 g), pH (2.0–9.0), and interfering co-existing ions (SO 4 2- , NO 3 - , Cl - , and HCO 3 - ) on fluoride removal. Even at different adsorbate dosage (2–10 mg/L), 98% fluoride removal efficiency was achieved under pH > 6. The competitive anions do not interfere the wattle humus fluoride adsorption capacity. Moreover, the adsorption isotherms and kinetics studies inferred that monolayer and multilayer adsorption behavior by wattle humus leads to noticeable fluoride adsorption. Adsorbent regeneration test affirms that regenerated adsorbent found higher (>95%) fluoride removal efficiency even at five recycle runs. Graphical abstract

Ian Campbell's trilingual poem series explores the 'Acacia' genus. The 'Acacia pycnantha' is Australia's national floral emblem. Across English, Spanish, and Indonesian and inspired by Campbell's family history and A.J. Campbell's 1921 'Golden Wattle - Our National Floral Emblem', the series examines some aspects of the cultural and ecological significance of Acacia in Australia, Latin America, and Indonesia. Each version reflects linguistic and regional nuances, showcasing how the essence of a shared theme transforms across languages.

The bark of Acacia mearnsii De Wild. (black wattle) contains significant amounts of water-soluble components acalled “wattle tannin”. Following the discovery of its strong antioxidant activity, a wattle tannin dietary supplement has been developed and as part of developing new dietary supplements, a literature search was conducted using the SciFinder data base for “Acacia species and their biological activities”. An analysis of the references found indicated that the name of Acacia nilotica had been changed to Vachellia nilotica, even though the name of the genus Acacia originated from its original name. This review briefly describes why and how the name of A. nilotica changed. Tannin has been analyzed using the Stiasny method when the tannin is used to make adhesives and the hide-powder method is used when the tannin is to be used for leather tanning. A simple UV method is also able to be used to estimate the values for both adhesives and leather tanning applications. The tannin content in bark can also be estimated using NIR and NMR. Tannin content estimations using pyrolysis/GC, electrospray mass spectrometry and quantitative 31P-NMR analyses have also been described. Tannins consists mostly of polyflavanoids and all the compounds isolated have been updated. Antioxidant activities of the tannin relating to anti-tumor properties, the viability of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and also anti-hypertensive effects have been studied. The antioxidant activity of proanthocyanidins was found to be higher than that of flavan-3-ol monomers. A total of fourteen papers and two patents reported the antimicrobial activities of wattle tannin. Bacteria were more susceptible to the tannins than the fungal strains tested. Several bacteria were inhibited by the extract from A. mearnsii bark. The growth inhibition mechanisms of E. coli were investigated. An interaction between extracts from A. mearnsii bark and antibiotics has also been studied. The extracts from A. mearnsii bark inhibit the growth of cyanobacteria. Wattle tannin has the ability to inactivate α-amylase, lipase and glucosidase. In vivo experiments on anti-obesity and anti-diabetes were also reported. Several patents relating to these enzymes for anti-diabetes and anti-obesity are in the literature. In addition, studies on Acacia bark extract regarding its antitermite activities, inhibition of itching in atopic dermatitis and anti-inflammatory effects have also been reported. The growth of bacteria was inhibited by the extract from A. mearnsii bark, and typical intestinal bacteria such as E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. vulgaris and S. marcescenes was also inhibited in vitro by extracts. Based on these results, the Acacia bark extract may inhibit not only the growth of these typical intestinal bacteria but also the growth of other types of intestinal bacteria such as Clostridium and Bacteroides, a so-called “bad bacteria”. If the tannin extract from A. mearnsii bark inhibits growth of these “bad bacteria” in vivo evaluation, the extracts might be usable as a new dietary supplement, which could control the human intestinal microbiome to keep the body healthy.

Abstract Genetic variation in frost tolerance, resistance to the rust fungus Uromycladium acaciae, growth, stem form, and gummosis were evaluated in 110 open-pollinated families of black wattle (Acacia mearnsii De Wild). Families were tested at six frost-prone sites in northern KwaZulu-Natal and southeastern Mpumalanga, South Africa. Frost-hardy provenances were susceptible to rust disease and had poor growth. Locally grown F1 seed sources that originated from cold-hardy Australian seed sources had better growth and were tolerant to rust, but at a cost of lower frost tolerance. Considerable genetic variation was observed between families within seed sources for frost damage (hfm2 = 0.77), rust incidence (hfm2 = 0.89), and height (hfm2 = 0.80). The corresponding narrow-sense heritabilities (hi2) were 0.30, 0.80, and 0.32. Genotype-by-environment interaction levels were low for most traits. Except for a strong genetic correlation between tree height and diameter (0.90), all the pairs of traits had weak to moderate genetic correlations. Recurrent selection will be successful in improving frost tolerance and rust incidence. However, the current population comprises limited germplasm that is both tolerant to frost and resistant to rust. Thus, we recommend infusing germplasm from known cold-hardy Australian provenances into the current population to increase genetic variation for frost tolerance, rust, and growth.

Acacia mearnsii De Wild. (Black wattle) is a forest species with great social and economical importance for the southern region of Brazil. This species has multifunctional characteristics, being cultivated to produce tannin, cellulose and energy. This research identified black wattle genotypes with competence for adventitious rooting for mini-cutting propagation. Single-bud mini-cuttings were treated with IBA at a concentration of 2000 mg L-1. After 30 days of cultivation in a humid chamber, the mini-cuttings were evaluated for percentages of survival, rooting, number of roots, average length of the three largest roots, and the number of mini-cuttings rooted per mini-stump. The identification of the best genotypes was performed with the Selegen REML/BLUP software. Selection between and within black wattle progenies can be performed based on the number of rooted mini-cuttings, making it possible to select genotypes with high competence for adventitious rooting while maintaining genetic variability for new selection cycles to develop clones for vegetative propagation by mini-cutting. RESUMO: Acacia mearnsii De Wild. (Acácia-negra) é uma espécie florestal de grande importância social e econômica para a região sul do Brasil. Essa espécie apresenta características multifuncionais, sendo cultivada para produção de tanino, celulose e energia. Este trabalho teve por objetivo identificar genótipos de acácia-negra com competência ao enraizamento adventício para a propagação por miniestaquia. Miniestacas de gema única foram tratadas com AIB na concentração de 2000 mg L-1. Aos 30 dias de cultivo as miniestacas foram avaliadas quanto às porcentagens de sobrevivência e enraizamento, número e comprimento médio das três maiores raízes e número de miniestacas enraizadas por minicepa. A identificação dos melhores genótipos foi realizada com o auxílio do software Selegen REML/BLUP. A seleção entre e dentro de progênies de acácia-negra pode ser realizada para o número de miniestacas enraizadas, sendo possível selecionar genótipos com alta competência ao enraizamento adventício, mantendo variabilidade genética para novos ciclos de seleção, visando desenvolver clones para a propagação vegetativa por miniestaquia.

Acacia mearnsii (black wattle) is one of the three most economically important species in southern Brazil and is used to produce chips, pellets, and tannins. This study evaluated the propagule type and indole-butyric acid (IBA) concentration in the roots of black wattle mini-cuttings. Mini-cuttings with one or two buds or apical mini-cuttings with multiple buds were treated with 2,000 mg L-1 of IBA. One-bud mini-cuttings were treated with 0; 1,000; 2,000; 3,000; or 4,000 mg L-1 IBA. Mini-cuttings were evaluated for survival and rooting percentages, number of roots, and mean length of the three largest roots after 30 days of cultivation in a humid chamber. Mini-cuttings with one bud and apical mini-cuttings with multiple buds treated with 1,000 mg L-1 IBA had the greatest rooting competence. RESUMO: Acacia mearnsii (acácia-negra) é uma das três espécies de maior importância econômica para a região Sul do Brasil, sendo empregada para produção de cavacos, pellets e extração de tanino. O objetivo foi avaliar o tipo de propágulo e a concentração de ácido indolbutírico no enraizamento de miniestacas de acácia-negra. Miniestacas de uma, duas e apical com múltiplas gemas foram tratadas com 2,000 mg L-1 de AIB. Miniestacas de uma gema foram tratadas com as concentrações de 0; 1,000; 2,000; 3,000 e 4,000 mg L-1 de AIB. As miniestacas foram avaliadas para porcentagens de sobrevivência e enraizamento, número de raízes e comprimento médio das três maiores raízes aos 30 dias em câmara úmida. Miniestacas com uma gema ou apicais com múltiplas gemas tratadas com 1,000 mg L-1 de AIB apresentam a maior competência ao enraizamento.

This study evaluated the effect of black wattle (Acacia mearnsii) condensed tannin extract in simple and complex diets for weaned piglets on performance, faecal consistency and serum haptoglobin concentrations. Eighty-eight female and castrated male piglets were used, weaned at 28 ± 3 days old, with an initial body weight of 8.02 ± 1.21 kg, housed in same-sex pairs and distributed in four treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial experiment in a randomised complete block design. The experimental treatments were simple diet (SD), simple diet + tannin (SD+T), complex diet (CD) and complex diet + tannin (CD+T). The simple diets contained lower concentrations of dairy ingredients, inclusion of barley and no addition of zinc oxide, palatant, acidifier and yeast. The diets with tannin were supplemented with 1,850 mg kg-1 of black wattle condensed tannin extract. The feed programme consisted of three diets: Pre-starter I (0-7 days), Pre-starter II (8-21 days) and Starter (22-28 days). Feed and water were available ad libitum. Body weight and feed intake were measured weekly to calculate the average daily feed intake, daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio. The faecal consistency score was measured daily to calculate the diarrhoea occurrence percentage. Blood samples for serum haptoglobin concentration were collected at 7 and 14 days after weaning. The addition of condensed tannin had no effect (P > 0.05) on evaluated performance variables for weaned piglets. The diet type also did not affect the piglets’ performance (P > 0.05). The inclusion of black wattle (Acacia mearnsii) condensed tannin does not affect piglet performance, reduces the incidence of diarrhoea in the first week after weaning and decreases the haptoglobin inflammatory response. RESUMO: O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito de extrato de tanino condensado de acácia-negra (Acacia mearnsii) no desempenho, consistência fecal e concentração sérica de haptoglobina em leitões na fase de creche. Foram utilizados 88 leitões desmamados aos 28±3 dias, com peso vivo médio inicial 8,02 ± 1,21 kg, alojados em duplas de mesmo sexo, e distribuídos em quatro tratamentos em um delineamento de blocos inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 2 x 2. Os tratamentos experimentais foram: dieta simples (SD); dieta simples + tanino (SD+T); dieta complexa (CD) e dieta complexa + tanino (CD+T). As dietas simples foram formuladas com menores concentrações de derivados de leite, inclusão de cevada e sem adição de óxido de zinco, palatabilizante e levedura. As dietas com inclusão de tanino foram suplementadas com 1850 mg kg-1 de extrato concentrado de tanino de acácia negra. O programa alimentar foi constituído de três dietas: Pré-inicial I (0 a 7 dias), Pré-inicial II (8 a 21 dias) e Inicial (22 a 28 dias). Ração e água ficaram disponíveis ad libitum. O peso e o consumo de ração dos leitões foram mensurados semanalmente, para calcular a média diária de consumo, o ganho de peso diário e a conversão alimentar. O índice de consistência fecal foi medido diariamente para calcular a porcentagem de ocorrência de diarreia. Amostras de sangue para concentração sérica de haptoglobina foram coletadas aos sete e 14 dias após o desmame. A adição de tanino condensado não teve efeito (P > 0,05) no desempenho de leitões desmamados. O tipo de dieta também não afetou o desempenho dos leitões (P > 0,05). A inclusão do tanino condensado de acácia-negra (Acacia mearnsii) não afetou desempenho, reduziu a incidência de diarreia na primeira semana após o desmame, e diminuiu a resposta inflamatória da haptoglobina.

The commitment to technical and scientific innovation for appropriate interventions in buildings with wattle and daub walls requires a comprehensive and authentic approach to pre-existing structures. This involves an in-depth study of traditional heritage, aiming for durable, sustainable, and economically viable repair solutions. Most studies on wattle and daub constructions have focused on northern Portugal, given the prevalence of this building technique in the region. However, there is a knowledge gap regarding the presence and specific characteristics of these structures in the central and southern regions of mainland Portugal, as well as in the Autonomous Regions of the Azores and Madeira. This research broadens the geographical scope, encompassing the analysis of 30 buildings, providing complementary data to the existing literature and contributing to a broader understanding of the structural and functional behaviour of wattle and daub walls. The information obtained about traditional materials and construction methods is essential to guide interventions that respect the historical and cultural character of the buildings, while also promoting sustainability and economic feasibility. The results confirmed the presence of wattle and daub constructions in the various areas investigated, highlighting significant diversity in the materials used, both in the timber structures and in the infill and rendering mortars. This variability was observed not only between regions with similar characteristics but also in buildings within the same locality, reflecting local adaptations and the richness of traditional craftsmanship. These findings provide a solid foundation for future interventions and encourage the appreciation of the cultural heritage associated with this construction technique.

Black wattle ( Acacia mearnsii ) is a forest species of significant economic importance in southern Brazil; as a legume, it forms symbiotic associations with rhizobia, fixing atmospheric nitrogen. Nonetheless, little is known about native rhizobia in soils where the species is cultivated. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the diversity and symbiotic efficiency of rhizobia nodulating A. mearnsii in commercial planting areas and validate the efficiency of a potential strain in promoting seedling development. To this end, nodules were collected from four A. mearnsii commercial plantations located in Rio Grande do Sul State, southern Brazil. A total of 80 rhizobia isolates were obtained from black wattle nodules, and thirteen clusters were obtained by rep-PCR. Higher genetic diversity was found within the rhizobial populations from the Duas Figueiras (H′ = 2.224) and Seival (H′ = 2.112) plantations. Twelve isolates were evaluated belonging to the genus Bradyrhizobium, especially to the species Bradyrhizobium guangdongense. The principal component analysis indicated an association between rhizobia diversity and the content of clay, Ca, Mg, and K. Isolates and reference strains (SEMIA 6163 and 6164) induced nodulation and fixed N via symbiosis with black wattle plants after 60 days of germination. The isolates DF2.4, DF2.3, DF3.3, SEMIA 6164, SEMIA 6163, CA4.3, OV3.4, and OV1.4 showed shoot nitrogen accumulation values similar to the N + control treatment. In the second experiment (under nursery conditions), inoculation with the reference strain SEMIA 6164 generally improved the growth of A. mearnsii seedlings, reinforcing its efficiency even under production conditions.

Domestication is one of the strongest forms of short-term, directional selection. Although selection is typically only exerted on one or a few target traits, domestication can lead to numerous changes in many seemingly unrelated phenotypes. It is unknown whether such correlated responses are due to pleiotropy or linkage between separate genetic architectures. Using three separate intercrosses between wild and domestic chickens, a locus affecting comb mass (a sexual ornament in the chicken) and several fitness traits (primarily medullary bone allocation and fecundity) was identified. This locus contains two tightly-linked genes, BMP2 and HAO1, which together produce the range of pleiotropic effects seen. This study demonstrates the importance of pleiotropy (or extremely close linkage) in domestication. The nature of this pleiotropy also provides insights into how this sexual ornament could be maintained in wild populations.