Journal of Tropical Forest Science (JTFS)

SOIL QUALITY AND GROWTH OF NATIVE PLANTS FERTILISED WITH SUGARCANE RESIDUE

Oliveira JC, Veloso MDM, Alves PFS, Oliveira JC, Ferreira G, Frazão LA — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth of Cerrado seedlings and soil quality using byproducts of sugarcane in a degraded area. The experiment was implemented in the Northwest of Minas Gerais State, Brazil, with the following treatments: (T1) control, (T2) filter cake, (T3) sugarcane bagasse, (T4) filter cake + sugarcane bagasse and (T5) mineral fertiliser. After planting, three evaluations of plant height and diameter at ground level were carried out. The soil quality was evaluated 410 days after planting at 0–10 and 10–20 cm depths, where total and microbial carbon and nitrogen, basal and accumulated respiration, microbial and metabolic coefficient were determined. For Anacardium humile and Hymenaea courbaril, T2 and T3, respectively, favored their growth in diameter. The seedlings of A. humile, Butia capitata and H. courbaril showed the higher growth in height with filter cake and bagasse (T2, T3 and T4). Soil carbon and nitrogen contents were higher in T2 at 0–10 cm, and these variables were more responsive in T1, T2 and T3 at 10–20 cm. The use of sugarcane bagasse and filter cake residues promoted good growth of all the evaluated species and improved soil quality, as indicated in recovery projects for degraded areas.

FOREST CONSERVATION AND JOINT FOREST MANAGEMENT WITH LOCAL COMMUNITY IN UPSTREAM JENEBERANG WATERSHED OF MANIMBAHOI VILLAGE, SOUTH SULAWESI, INDONESIA

Robert S, Laely N, Herman H, Dicky R, Sulistya E — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Preserving the forest ecosystem in Jeneberang watershed is important for sustainability of the Jeneberang River and to ensure water supply for downstream activities. In order to ensure sustainability, forest conservation in the upstream area is significant and this involves participation of local community. However, their participation is not formal; rather it is voluntary effort to protect the area from further damage. Therefore, this paper examined the benefits received by local communities living in Manimbahoi village through forest conservation efforts. It has two objectives, mainly to describe the benefits for local communities’ participation in preserving their forest and to analyse the purpose of local communities’ voluntarily engagement in forest conservation. Field research was carried out from May to June 2021. Datab collection was carried out by in-depth interviews with several key informants, observation, and through literature review. The results of the study show that local communities are encouraged to maintain forest areas for water conservation for rice fields and plantations. In addition, part of the conserved area has become a local community garden. Hence, forest conservation ensures sustainable livelihood of the local community.

PINUS ARMANDII GROWTH GENE IDENTIFICATION USING GENOME-WIDE ASSOCIATION STUDY APPROACHES

Li QS, Liu C, Xin YX, Shen WX, Zhao WZ, Wang F, Cao ZY, Bai B, Xin PY — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In the study to identify key genes and molecular markers related to Pinus armandii Franch growth and to obtain shorten breeding cycles, we selected 209 single plants from six seed sources from a clonal P. armandii seed orchard on Zixi Mountain, Chuxiong City, Yunnan Province, China and examined tree height and diameter at breast height (DBH) traits. We then studied single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) markers related to tree height and DBH using Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) and predicted candidate genes associated with growth traits using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to preliminarily verify these genes. We identified 13 SNP loci in the population, of which six and seven SNPs were related to DBH and tree height, respectively. We also identified a candidate gene caffeoyl- CoA-O-methyltransferase (CCoAOMT) which has important roles in lignin monomer synthesis. Another candidate gene cellulose synthase A2 (CesA2) was involved in cellulose synthesis in different organs, tissue, and the cell wall. The SNP marker (Marker227806) was associated with DBH, the genotypes of marker227806 in 209 samples of P. armandii. In total, 175 samples had homozygous (GG) and 34 had heterozygous (GT) genotypes, and average DBH values were 23.80 cm and 26.10 cm, respectively, indicating significant differences between two genotypes for DBH (P = 0.037, < 0.05), which could be used for optimal DBH selection. The candidate genes CCoAOMT and CesA2 were evaluated by qPCR and AT5G42190 was selected as an internal reference gene. Needle (ZY), bark (SP), root (SG), phloem (RP), and xylem (MZ) tissues from 15 samples were used to analyze gene expression, with CCoAOMT and CesA2 identified in all tissue, but expression was highest in RP and relatively low in SP tissue, with significant differences observed. Both genes were preliminarily
related to P. armandii growth traits and may be implicated in DBH and tree height. Our study provides important information for the genetic improvement of P. armandii.

EFFECTS OF ADDITION OF NANOCLAY IN PHENOLFORMALDEHYDE RESINS ON THE PROPERTIES OF LANTANA CAMARA FIBRE COMPOSITES

Gillela S, Yadav SM, Sihag K, Kelkar BU, Dangtungee R, Bhuyar P — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This work investigated the effect of the modification of phenol-formaldehyde resins using different concentrations of nanoclay on specific physical and mechanical properties of Lantana camara composites. Different concentrations, i.e. 1, 2.5, 4 and 5 wt% nanoclay were added to phenol-formaldehyde adhesive. To ensure uniform distribution, the mixture was stirred mechanically followed by ultrasonication. Following the nanoclay concentrations, the mixtures were labelled accordingly as PF/NC-1, PF/NC-2.5, PF/NC-4 and PF/NC-5. Composites were made from L. camara particles mixed with 12% (w/w) nanoclay-fortified phenol-formaldehyde resins. Lantana camara composites were fabricated in a hydraulic hot press at a pressure of 21 kg cm-2 and curing temperature 150 °C for 15 min. The physical and mechanical properties of L. camara composites were evaluated following Indian Standards specification IS 3087 (2005). The results revealed that the physical and mechanical properties of L. camara composites improved compared with the composites prepared using unmodified phenol-formaldehyde. Composite prepared using phenolformaldehyde modified with 4% nanoclay showed better performance than the rest of the concentrations. A slight decline in mechanical properties was observed in L. camara composites when 5% nanoclay was used due to accumulation of nanoparticles.

AN INSIGHT INTO WOODY SPECIES IN SUB-TEMPERATE FOREST ECOSYSTEM IN DARJEELING HIMALAYA, INDIA: AN EVALUATION OF SPECIES COMPOSITION AND DIVERSITY

Tolangay D, Moktan S — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The present study aims to determine woody species composition and diversity in sub-temperate forests of Darjeeling Himalaya. In order to collect data, sample plots sized 20 m × 20 m were deployed and the diameter at breast height (DBH) of all woody species was measured. A total number of 609 individuals belonging to 30 families under 41 genera and 51 species were encountered. The most frequently occurring species were Cryptomeria japonica, Lithocarpus fenestratus, L. pachyphyllus, Quercus glauca, Eriobotrya dubia, Syzygium kurzii, Alnus nepalensis, Exbucklandia populnea and Magnolia lanuginosa. The values of Shannon and Menhinick indices were 3.870 and 2.067 respectively. Similarly, dominance was estimated as 0.022 while evenness showed a value of 0.984. Furthermore, the total basal area estimated was 186.632 m² ha^-1 and the importance value index ranged from 2.013 to 16.855. Moreover, dominance-diversity (d-d) curve showed a log-normal species distribution. The regeneration status of dominant woody saplings revealed that 40% showed good regeneration, 20% had poor regeneration while 40% lacked regeneration. These findings provide an enhanced understanding of woody stands diversity and composition in the study area.

FOLIAR PLASTICITY IN SCHINUS TEREBINTHIFOLIA (ANACARDIACEAE), A TROPICAL/SUBTROPICAL SPECIES COMMONLY USED IN REVEGETATION PROGRAMMES

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The study aimed to assess the influence of light on structural aspects of Schinus terebinthifolia sun and shade leaves. At the morphological level, leaf length, width, area and dry mass were measured. Anatomical analysis assessed the thickness and area of leaf blade and leaf tissues, histolocalised lipids and phenols, and calculated stomatal index. Sun leaves showed lower number of leaflets (22%) and lower leaf (50%) and leaflet area (30%). Petiole length and width were respectively 34 and 33% higher in shade leaves. Tissue proportion, stomatal index and stomatal density showed no variation between morphotypes. However, epidermal periclinal outer-wall thickness in sun leaflets was higher on both the adaxial (24%) and abaxial (27%) leaf surfaces, as was the total adaxial (11%) and abaxial (23%) epidermal thickness. Analogously, palisade and spongy parenchyma thicknesses were higher in sun leaflets (62 and 45%, respectively). Histochemical reaction for phenol detection was stronger in sun leaves. Schinus terebinthifolia showed high foliar phenotypic plasticity in response to different light conditions that occur even on a single-individual basis, across different crown regions.

IMPACTS OF HUMAN ACTIVITY ON WILD MAMMAL DETECTION RATES AND DIEL ACTIVITY PATTERNS IN ENDAU-ROMPIN NATIONAL PARK, MALAYSIA

Kobayashi S, Takagi E, Hassan N, Hashim M, Numata S — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Nonlethal wildlife tourism has potential to support the sustainable use of protected rainforests; however, activities associated with tourism may negatively affect ecology and wildlife behaviour. Abundance and diel activity pattern of wildlife is crucial to understand how they respond to environmental factors. In the present study, we examined whether human activities impact the spatiotemporal patterns of wild mammal communities in a tourist area of Endau-Rompin (Peta) National Park, Malaysia. Using video camera traps, we assessed the detection rates and diel activity patterns of wild mammals along roads in an area near tourist lodgings and a remote area. During a 250-day camera trapping survey, we identified at least 21 species of medium and large mammal. Although the volume of car and motorcycle traffic was significantly higher in the visitor area than the remote area, there were no significant differences in the detection rates of most mammals between the two areas. The diel activity patterns of four species did not differ between the two areas. However, Tragulus species showed different diel activity patterns in the visitor and remote areas, possibly a response to predators, as large carnivores were not observed in the visitor area. These findings emphasise the importance of considering not only direct human impacts but also indirect impacts through interspecific interactions.

PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF THIRTEEN SENILE FRUIT-BEARING TREES IN THE PHILIPPINES AND THEIR POTENTIAL USES

Marasigan OS, Alipon MA, Bondad EO, Hopia KA, Mundin MAM — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The possible utilisation of the thirteen senile fruit-bearing trees were determined based on their physical and mechanical properties. The trees consisted of manggang kalabaw (Mangifera indica L.), manggang pahutan (Mangifera altissima Blanco), guyabano (Annona muricata L.), atis (Annona squamosa L.), avocado (Persea americana Mill.), lansones (Lansium domesticum Correa), santol (Sandoricum koetjape (Burm.f.) Merr.), nangka (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.), marang (Artocarpus odoratissimus Blanco), duhat (Syzygium cumini (L.)), bignai (Antidesma bunius (L.) Skeels), pomelo (Citrus maxima (Burm.)), and chico (Manikara zapota (L.) R. Royen). The tests were done using the ASTM D143-2014 standard and the tree samples were obtained from Laguna and Butuan City. Results showed that lansones (79.54%), duhat (60.77%), and chico (58.74%) had the lowest green moisture content (MC) and the highest relative density (RD) (0.66, 0.73, and 0.79, respectively). On the other hand, duhat and lansones had the highest tangential shrinkage (TS) (10.12% and 10.17%, respectively). Lansones also recorded the highest radial (RS) (7.80%) and volumetric (VS) (17.15%) shrinkage. For longitudinal shrinkage (LS), manggang pahutan (1.26%), and bignai (1.31%) displayed the highest value. For the strength properties, lansones recorded MOR (76.10 MPa), SPL (40.25 MPa), MOE (8.01 GPa), compression parallel-to-grain (32.05 MPa), and shear strength (7.06 MPa). Chico achieved higher compression perpendicular-to-grain (8.36 MPa), hardness: side (7.27 kN), and hardness: end (7.49 kN) than the other species. Based on the properties obtained, the 13 senile fruit-bearing trees are feasible alternatives that the local wood sector may consider to increase the supply of commercial lumber.

INDONESIA’S TROPICAL PEATLANDS REVISITED: AREA, DEPTH, CARBON POTENTIAL, AND THEIR IMPORTANCE

Putra AB, Lee CB — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Indonesia has the largest tropical peatlands in the Asia-Pacific region and the world’s second largest tropical peatlands. Growing concerns on peatland conservation and restoration emphasise the importance of these ecosystems for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Although Indonesia’s peatlands are well-studied compared with other tropical countries, there are still uncertainties regarding its peat volume and carbon stock estimations, and how important it is locally and globally. To solve these uncertainties, this study estimated peat volume and carbon stock in Indonesia using the national peatlands data published by the
Ministry of Agriculture, Republic of Indonesia and analysed greenhouse gas emissions among the major industrial sectors in the country and global emissions by peatland degradation. Our study posited that anthropogenic disturbance degraded Indonesian peatlands and that the country could become the largest greenhouse gas emitter in the world. Therefore, successful conservation and restoration of Indonesia’s peatlands could significantly contribute to global climate change mitigation and adaptation.

DEVELOPMENT OF A CARBON IN ABOVEGROUND BIOMASS FORECAST MODEL FOR UNDERUTILISED SPECIES IN QUIRINO FOREST LANDSCAPE PROJECT, PHILIPPINES

Orpiano GB, Manuel RP, Carig ET, Carig JG — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Sustaining forest carbon sinks is a priority in climate change mitigation and forest management strategies. However, several issues confront the role of Philippine forests in climate change mitigation. These include the loss of old-growth cover, unsustainable forest landuse practices, and lack of site-specific modelling. These are the realities in the Quirino Forest Landscape Project (QFLP), a semi-contiguous collection of secondary forests in four municipalities of Quirino Province. This study was undertaken to develop a forecast model for carbon in aboveground of underutilised trees in QFLP. Data were collected through field inventory, the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority Land Cover Databases, and secondary sources. Multiple linear regression, principal components analysis, and biodiversity indices were used to analyse the data collected from different sampling areas to develop a forecast model. Findings suggest that the QFLP forest was secondary, as evidenced by the fact that > 60% of the trees were underutilised. With the ongoing decline in forest cover due to resource use and lack of forestry policy enforcement, it is worth noting that the carbon sequestration potential of underutilised species is not dependent on ecological dominance; that is, species that are more vulnerable to local extinction have higher potential to gain carbon. Given all the variables and their high forecasting power, the study demonstrated that the developed model was precise enough to provide future carbon capture values for QFLP.

SIMPLE SEQUENCE REPEAT MARKERS (SSR) IN ANNONA DECEPTRIX WESTRA H. RAINER, AN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF THE ECUADORIAN COAST

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed in Annona deceptrix (Annonaceae) to evaluate its genetic diversity and population structure. This species is a relevant agricultural and food resource for society because its edible fruit that can be considered as a consumption option. However, natural populations have a high degree of vulnerability caused for human activities and disturbances. The objective of this study was to isolate and characterize SSR loci as a tool to determine the genetic diversity in A. deceptrix and others in Annonaceae family. Twenty-two polymorphic Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) loci were isolated from A. deceptrix using a new-generation kit Nextera of miseq illumine technology. The mean number of
alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 8. Observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.00 to 1.0 and 0.00 to 0.93, respectively. The average the inbreeding coefficient in the Humedad site was 0.007, while in Agua Blanca and Tachina, they obtained negative values of -0.090 and -3.222, respectively. These are the first microsatellite markers developed for A. deceptrix. All SSR markers developed are promising candidates for analysing genetic variation within or between natural populations and can be transferable to other species of the genus Annona.