Acacia Tortilis Research Articles

Prevalence, molecular and phenotypic profiles of arboreal associated Cryptococcus neoformans in Botswana

Mopane tree (Colophospermum mopane) is one of the main ecological niches of Cryptococcus neoformans, an opportunistic fungal pathogen that causes cryptococcosis primarily on immunocompromised hosts after inhalation of basidiospores from the environment. Hence, we investigated the prevalence, and phenotypically (antifungal resistance and biofilm formation capacity) and genotypically (mating type and genetic structure) characterized C. neoformans isolated from C. mopane, Acacia tortilis, Adansonia digitata and Ziziphus mucronata in Botswana. We report 7.1% and 2.9% prevalence of C. neoformans in C. mopane and other trees, respectively. All tested C. neoformans isolates were determined to be non-WT to fluconazole. Most isolates (65%) of C. neoformans isolates were biofilm producers. Mating type determination revealed a higher proportion of the globally rare MATa allele (53%) and a single MATα/MATa hybrid. The observed genotypeswere VNI (71%), VNB (23%) and VNB/VNB hybrids (6%). Native trees other than C. mopane are alternative ecological niches of antifungal resistant C. neoformans, and this represents a serious public health concern,and this represents a serious public health concern, especially for high-risk populations. Prevalence of C. neoformans on native trees and the observed emergence of hybrids (evidence of sexual recombination) highlight the need for increased surveillance and risk assessment within a One Health paradigm.

Genetic diversity, symbiotic efficiency, stress tolerance, and plant growth promotion traits of rhizobia nodulating Vachellia tortilis subsp. raddiana growing in dryland soils in southern Morocco

In the present study, we analyzed the genetic diversity, phylogenetic relationships, stress tolerance, phytobeneficial traits, and symbiotic characteristics of rhizobial strains isolated from root nodules of Vachellia tortilis subsp. raddiana grown in soils collected in the extreme Southwest of the Anti-Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Subsequent to Rep-PCR fingerprinting, 16S rDNA gene sequencing of 15 representative strains showed that all of them belong to the genus Ensifer. Phylogenetic analysis and concatenation of the housekeeping genes gyrB, rpoB, recA, and dnaK revealed that the entire collection (except strain LMR678) shared 99.08 % to 99.92% similarity with Ensifer sp. USDA 257 and 96.92% to 98.79% with Sinorhizobium BJ1. Phylogenetic analysis of nodC and nodA sequences showed that all strains but one (LMR678) formed a phylogenetic group with the type strain “E. aridi” LMR001T (similarity over 98%). Moreover, it was relevant that most strains belong to the symbiovar vachelliae. In vitro tests revealed that five strains produced IAA, four solubilized inorganic phosphate, and one produced siderophores. All strains showed tolerance to NaCl concentrations ranging from 2 to 12% and grew at up to 10% of PEG6000. A greenhouse plant inoculation test conducted during five months demonstrated that most rhizobial strains were infective and efficient. Strains LMR688, LMR692, and LMR687 exhibited high relative symbiotic efficiency values (respectively 231.6 %, 171.96 %, and 140.84 %). These strains could be considered as the most suitable candidates for inoculation of V. t. subsp. raddiana, to be used as a pioneer plant for restoring arid soils threatened with desertification.

Vegetation composition, diversity, stand structure, and carbon storage of Lolkisale Village Land Forest Reserve in the Northeastern part of Tanzania

Abstract. Mwakalukwa EE, Mwakisu A, Madundo S, Maliondo SMS. 2023. Vegetation composition, diversity, stand structure, and carbon storage of Lolkisale Village Land Forest Reserve in the Northeastern part of Tanzania. Nusantara Bioscience 15: 79-90. Little is known about the effects of human activities on the condition of the Lolkisale Village land Forest reserve located in Monduli District, Arusha region, in the northeastern part of Tanzania. This study assessed the status of woody species diversity, composition, structure, and available potential of the forest on carbon storage. The vegetation data were collected from 33 concentric sample plots of 5 m, 15 m, and 20 m radius laid systematically across the forest area of 960 ha. A total of 58 plant species belonging to 30 families were identified. Diversity indices have indicated a high woody species diversity in the forest reserve. The most important species were Commiphora schimperi (O.Berg) Engl., Dombeya rotundifolia (Hochst.) Planch., Acacia tortilis (Forssk.) Hayne, and Combretum molle R.Br. ex G. Don. Stand structure comprises 190 ± 117 stems ha-1, basal area of 7.68 ± 5.17m2ha-1 and standing volume of 64.04 ± 45.85 m3ha-1, while the mean above-ground carbon stocks and the mean below-ground carbon stocks were 19.55 ± 13.38 Mg C ha-1 and 3.91 ± 2.68 Mg C ha-1 respectively. Generally, the reserve was found to be in good condition. The observed high diversity of woody species signifies the importance of legally protecting this area as a village land forest reserve. In addition, quantifying other carbon pools, such as soil, dead wood, and surface litter, should be considered for estimating this forest's total carbon stock potential. In this regard, measures to control the use of the forest as a grazing area would be useful to allow new regrowth and young trees to attain maturity stages without being interfered with by the livestock.

Specific diversity of Vachellia tortilis subsp. raddiana formations in Kilakam and N'Guel kolo in the Diffa region, Niger

Objective: The objective of the study was to analyse the ecological and floristic indicators of natural formations with Vachellia tortilis subsp. raddiana. Methodology and Results: The present study was conducted in the departments of Maine-Soroa and Goudoumaria located in the Diffa region, in the extreme south-east of Niger Phytosociological data were collected using the Braun-Blanquet sigmatiste method and the Daget and Poissonet quadrat point method. In total, 80 plots were delimited. The data collected are related to the coverage of plant species and environmental variables. The spectra of biological and phytogeographical types were calculated. Hierarchical Ascending Classification (HAC), Canonical Detrended Analysis (CDA) and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) were used to determine the plant groupings and their ecological and floristic characteristics. The results revealed a total species richness of 72 plant species divided into 34 families and 70 genera. The most represented families are Poaceae (18.06%), Fabaceae- Mimosoideae, and Convolvulaceae (8.33% each). Therophytes are the most represented biological type (50%). Paleotropical species is the dominant phytogeographic type (37.5%). The ascending hierarchical classification (CHA) and the Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) allowed to discriminate three (3) plant groupings with V. tortilis. These are the Vachellia tortilis and Dactyloctenium aegyptium group (G1) and the Vachellia tortilis and Cenchrus biflorus group (G2) observed on the dune flats and slopes and the Vachellia tortilis and Schoenefeldia gracilis group (G3) in the lowlands. The analysis of structural parameters showed that the population of V. tortilis is characterized by an average density of 102.5±22.10 plants/ha with individuals having an average diameter of 14.68±8.22 cm, an average height of 5.24±1.49 m and an average cover of 25.58±16.47 m². Conclusion and application of results: This study constitutes a reference state that can serve as a basis for sustainable management of the ecosystems in these areas, whose main uses are essentially pastoral. Key words: Vachellia tortilis, Biological types, Phytogeographical types, Floristic diversity, Niger.

Analysis of Charcoal Producers Perceptions of Its Production, Forest Degradation, and Governance in Wolaita, Southern Ethiopia’s Dry Afromontane Forests

The purpose of this study was to assess charcoal producers’ perceptions of forest degradation and investigate governance in the dry Afromontane forests of Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia. It also examines the socioeconomic contribution of charcoal production to livelihood improvement and the effect of charcoal production on forest degradation and biodiversity loss. Three Kebeles (smallest administrative subunits): Galda, Sere Esho, and Mancha Gugara were purposely selected based on their potential for charcoal production. Semistructured questionnaires were used for household surveys, while checklists were provided for the key informants and focus group discussions. From the total 4,739 charcoal producer households in the selected Kebeles, 98 households were randomly selected and interviewed considering time and budget limitations. Besides, 6 key informant interviews with elders, forestry experts, and farmers and 3 focus group discussions were conducted. A simple descriptive statistical tool was used to analyze descriptive statistical data and chi-square at P < 0.05 was used to describe the association of forest degradation with socioeconomic characteristics. The findings reveal that charcoal production is dominated by males (68.4%) compared to females, who were within the age range of 20‒43 years. About 59.18% did not attend any formal education and 18.37% attended elementary education. Charcoal production (32.7%) is second, following agricultural expansion (39.8%) in its negative contribution to forest degradation. The majority (76%) of charcoal producers participated in charcoal production at all times throughout the year. The chi-square result shows a significant relationship between monthly incomes, educational status, family size, and gender with charcoal production and forest degradation at ( P < 0.05 ). The indigenous trees, Acacia tortilis (34%), Combretum mole (22%), and Terminalia schimperiana (16%), were the most preferred tree species used for charcoal production. Overall, charcoal production has resulted in forest degradation. Charcoal producers have used traditional earth mound kiln technology. Providing alternative energy sources, training, starting rehabilitation programs, and implementing policies and legal frameworks are needed for the sustainable utilization of the resources and to improve the livelihood of the communities.

Allelopathic Effects of the Invasive Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. on Native Plants: Perspectives toward Agrosystems

Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. Is highly recognized for its invasive character and its detrimental effects on different plant species across the world. In this study, a field survey was performed to assess the impact of P. juliflora on the surrounding native plants, followed by the effect of different concentrations of its aqueous leaf extract on seed germination and seedling growth of selected Qatari flora. Our field observations indicated a high prevalence of new recruitments of P. juliflora than other native-associated plants in the study site. Germination percentage and/or seed radicle length of the test species: Acacia tortilis (Forssk.) Hayne, Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce, Sueda aegyptica (Hasselq.) Aellen, Halopeplis perfoliata (Forssk.) Bunge ex Schweinf. & Asch, and P. juliflora were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced by the extracts at different concentration levels. Moreover, the germination rate of A. tortilis was not affected; however, the seed germination of P. cineraria was significantly affected at concentrations of 6 and 8 mg mL−1. The seed radicle lengths at 2 mg mL−1 were significantly reduced for both plant species. The seed germination and radicle length of S. aegyptica and H. perfoliata were significantly decreased at 2 mg mL−1 of extract of P. juliflora. Furthermore, the height and biomass of the seedlings of Aeluropus lagopoides (L.) Trin. ex Thwaites, Caroxylon imbricatum (Forssk.), and Tetraena qatarensis (Hadidi) Beier & Thulin were significantly reduced by the aqueous extracts at 6 and 8 mg mL−1. The aqueous extract reduced the seed germination and seedling growth at 6 and 8 mg mL−1, indicating an autotoxic effect. Such allelopathic behavior of P. juliflora designates the potential investigation of using its allelochemicals as naturally based herbicides in agrosystems.

Feeding Ecology of the Cuvier’s Gazelle (Gazella cuvieri, Ogilby, 1841) in the Sahara Desert

Knowledge of the feeding ecology of ungulates in arid biomes offers an interesting model for understanding the drought resistance of large desert-adapted herbivores, a crucial issue in the face of increasing desertification due to climate change. To assess the feeding ecology of the endangered Cuvier's gazelle (Gazella cuvieri) in the Sahara desert, we used a multi-method approach combining faecal samples, direct observations, and the recording of indirect signs of feeding. We hypothesised that browser behaviour is the best foraging strategy for species living in hyper-arid environments, mainly due to long periods without grazing opportunities. Complementarily, we explored the effects of the main environmental descriptors (rainfalls and NDVI) on feeding patterns and diet quality. We found that Cuvier's diets are based mainly on acacias (Vachellia tortilis, V. flava) and occasionally on the annual forb Anastatica hierochuntica. In total, eighteen species (five trees, nine shrubs, three herbs, and one grass) belonging to fifteen families were recorded. Our result confirmed the browsers' characteristic of this species, reaffirming its ability to settle in a hostile environment. Acacias stand out as key species consumed at the southernmost limit of their range; hence, future conservation plans and strategies should take this into account for the survival of Cuvier's gazelle in desert environments.

Differential climatic conditions drive Acacia tortilis tree growth in its opposite range edges in Africa and Asia.

Tree growth is a fundamental biological process that is essential to ecosystem functioning, as well as water and element cycling. Climate exerts a major impact on tree growth, with tree species often requiring a unique set of conditions to initiate growth and maintain it throughout a growing season. Still, little is known about the specific climatic factors that determine tree growth in savannah and desert tree species. Among global tree species, Acacia tortilis occupies one of the largest distribution ranges (crossing 6,500 km and 54 latitudes), spanning across large parts of Africa and into the Middle East and Asia. Here we measured climate and Acacia tortilis tree growth (continuous measurements of stem circumference) in its southern and northern range edges in South Africa (SA) and Israel (IL), respectively, aiming to elucidate whether the growth-climate interactions were similar in both edges. Growth occurred during the SA summer (between December and March), and in IL during early summer, and autumn (April-June and October-November, respectively). Surprisingly, annual growth was 40% higher in IL than in SA. Within the wide distribution range of Acacia tortilis, our statistical model showed that climatic drivers for tree growth differed between the two sites. High temperatures facilitated growth in the hot and arid IL site, while high humidity permitted growth in the more humid SA site. Our results confer an additional understanding of tree growth adaptation to extreme conditions in Acacia's world range edges, a major point of interest with ongoing climate change. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

THE STABILIZED DUNES: A PILOT STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF ACACIA TORTILIS ON GROUND VEGETATION, FROM THAR DESERT, INDIA

In modern days, sand dune stabilization works are very common in desert areas globally. The purpose is multifaceted; developmental needs, soil moisture conservation works, and prevention of desert spread being the main among them. In the Indian state of Rajasthan, the same works have been ongoing for a long in the Thar desert, primarily by the forest department. This study was aimed as a non replicated administrative study, which has reflected on the possible correlation between the stabilization work by afforestation and gradual loss of native shrub species of desert ecosystem as found from the pilot sites. The preliminary findings of this study were then verified against previous research and findings in other arid regions of the world. Simple counting of standing tree and shrub species was done from 1 sq. m. sample plots of both forest department plantation sites and non-forest land areas. It was found that area with matured grown Acacia tortilis has less ground coverage than other areas. Arid ecosystem has unique survival adaptations, the fast growth of an introduced foreign species impacting the native ground cover can be due to multiple ecological reasons. A much broader replicated study is necessary to ascertain this fact and thereby take necessary measures for preserving both the desert ecosystem and enhance the sand stabilization works

Allelopathic effects of the invasive species (Prosopis juliflora) on seedlings of two common arid plants: Does free proline play roles?

Prosopis juliflora is an invasive plant, representing a threat to native flora of arid lands. Its invasion appears to be driven by allelopathy. Arid plants have been reported to express increased content of proline when stressed by various ecological circumstances, but little is known about this when they are subjected to P. juliflora invasion. Here, allelopathic effects of P. juliflora were investigated in two common arid plant species (Prosopis cineraria and Vachellia tortilis). Seedlings of P. cineraria and V. tortilis were germinated in soils with P. juliflora leaves/pods powders and observed for 28 days. There were no demonstrated differences in growth parameters (i.e., root length, fresh mass, and length-to-fresh mass ratio) and chlorophylls content between the two species. Unlike V. tortilis seedlings, proline content of P. cineraria seedlings was profoundly augmented after exposure to P. juliflora powders, likely indicating a stressful condition imposed by the invasive species. Our findings support the inclusion of measurement of free proline, as an ecophysiological marker, in the future studies on P. juliflora invasion.

Traditional Knowledge, Phytochemistry, and Biological Properties of Vachellia tortilis.

Vachellia tortilis is a medicinal plant of the Fabaceae family, widely distributed in arid and semi-arid regions of North, East and Southern Africa, the Middle East and the Arabian Peninsula. In traditional medicine. It's commonly used to treat certain ailments, including diabetes, asthma, hepatitis and burns. Different scientific search databases were used to obtain data on V. tortilis, notably Google Scholar, Scopus, Wiley Online, Scifinder, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and PubMed. The knowledge of V. tortilis was organized based on ethnomedicinal use, phytochemistry, and pharmacological investigations. Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of a variety of phytocompounds, including fatty acids, monosaccharides, flavonoids, chalcones, and alcohols. Essential oils and organic extracts prepared from V. tortilis showed several biological properties, specifically antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antioxidant, antiproliferative, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Antimicrobial and antiparasitic activities are due to the disturbance of cellular membranes and ultra-structural changes triggered by V. tortilis phytochemicals. While physiological and molecular processes such as apoptosis induction, preventing cell proliferation, and inflammatory mediators are responsible for the anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, further investigations concerning pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics should be carried out to validate their clinical applications.

The Allelopathic Effect of Mesquite (Prosopis juliflora DC.) Aqueous Roots Extract on the Germination of Acacia varieties in Saudi Arabia

The objective of this study was to determine the allelopathic effect of mesquite (Prosopis juliflora) aqueous root extract on germination of acacia varieties in Saudi Arabia. The root samples were collected and cleaned manually. P. jiliflora roots were crushed separately in a blender. An aqueous extract was made for roots and tested at concentration (50% and 100%) on acacia varieties germination in Petri dishes and soil. Phytochemicals of aqueous extract of roots were examined by TLC. The results showed that Acacia gerrardii had the highest number of germination and rates followed by Acacia tortlis and Acacia raddiana. All results were significantly different at level p-value ≤0.005. Germination inhibition % of Acacia gerrardii treated by Prosopis juliflora DC. aqueous roots extract was high 50% at concentration of100% in both. When the lowest was 37.5 at concentration 50% in Petri dishes, Acacia raddiana showed high inhibition % in Petri dishes, 75% thus low was in soil 47% and Acacia tortlis was high soil 47% and 68% at concentration 50% and 100%. It was low in Petri dishes 52% and 61.7% at concentration 50% and 100% respectively. Phytochemical screening of aqueous extracts of P. jiliflora roots showed the presence of alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, phlobatannins, saponins and tannins and the absence of Steroidal ring. The results of elution with TLC confirm the presence of secondary metabolites in roots aqueous extract of Prosopis juliflora. The study proposed a long-term field investigation into the allelopathic effect using various treatments including more species.

Antiplasmodial Activity of 80% Methanolic Extract and Solvent Fractions of Stem Bark of Acacia tortilis in Swiss Albino Mice.

Malarial infection has significant negative impact on the health of the world population. It is treated by modern and traditional medicines. Among traditional medicinal plants, Acacia tortilis is used by different communities as antimalarial agent. Therefore, the objective of this study is to validate antimalarial activity of the stem bark of Acacia tortilis in mice. To evaluate antimalarial activity of the plant, 4-day suppressive, curative, and prophylactic antimalarial test models were used. Parasitemia, packed cell volume (PCV), survival time, rectal temperature, and body weight were used to evaluate the effect of the plant extracts. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 followed by Tukey's post hoc multiple comparison test. The crude extract and dichloromethane fraction significantly suppressed the level of parasitemia (p < 0.001) and increased mean survival time (p < 0.01) at all tested doses. Similarly, significant effects were observed in mean survival time, % change of PCV, weight, and temperature in both curative and prophylactic antimalarial test models. The methanolic extract and solvent fractions of the stem bark of Acacia tortilis has shown antimalarial activity, and the finding supports the traditional use and the in vitro studies. Thus, this study can be used as an initiation for researchers to find the most active phytochemical entity and to conduct additional safety and efficacy tests.

The species composition, diversity and regeneration status of Alamata woodlands, Tigray Regional State Northern Ethiopia–a descriptive analysis

Woody species composition, diversity and regeneration of Alamata woodland forest were evaluated and sampled using systematic random sampling techniques. Fifteen temporary sample plots of 20m x 20m (400 m2) each were established in the sampled woodland forest along altitudinal gradients 100m along plots. Three subplots, 5m x 5m were situated diagonally inside the 20m*20m one in the centre and edges for saplings, shrubs and seedlings data collection. Diameter at breast height (DBH) (cm) and height (m) were measured using a diameter tape and Haglöf Vertex IV Hypsometer. Woody species diversity, structure, important value index (IVI) and regeneration analyzed using appropriate formulas. Four tree species were found in the studied woodland forest. Most abundant tree species were Acacia seyal, Acacia etabaica and Balanites aegyptica, while the least abundant tree species was: - Acacia tortilis. The basal area (m2 ha-1) per plot basis (20m*20m) was ranged from 1.38 to 13.62, while the basal area for the sampled trees was ranged from 2.41 to 9.25. The volume for the sampled plots and trees were ranged from 5.91 to 46.11 and 10.58 to 41.25 m3 ha-1. The highest number of stems was recorded for Acacia seyal followed by Acacia etbaica. The lowest number of stems 43 N ha-1 were recorded for Acacia tortilis followed by Balanites aegyptica. The overall population distribution pattern of the targeted forest exhibited an inverted J - shaped distribution. Among the four sampled woody species in Alamata dry woodland forest regeneration was recorded for only two species Acacia etbaica and Balanites aegyptiaca, while others had no regeneration potential of seedlings and saplings. Better attention of development practitioners, policy makers and church communities may help to improve the woody species composition of this woodland forest and conservation role of Ethiopian dry woodland for carbon sequestration.

Effects of supplementation of different indigenous species of browses to Arsi-Bale yearling goats on feed intake, growth performance, and helminthes loads

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of browse tree leaves meals on growth performance and parasite load of naturally parasitized yearling goats. Thirty-six Arsi-Bale yearling bucks which were naturally parasitized with helminths were randomly allocated to one of the following feeding treatments; T1 = Chloris gayana grass hay ad lib + 100g concentrate, T2 = T1 + dried 100g of Acacia tortilis leaves, T3 = T1 + dried 100g of Acacia seyal leaves, T4 = T1 + dried 100g of Acacia senegal leaves, T5 = T1 + dried 100g of Millettia ferruginea leaves and T6 = T1 + dried 100g of Vernonia amygadalina leaves. Goats were fed on corresponding diets for 70 days. Fecal egg count and body weight changes were recorded every 14 days. Higher feed conversion efficiency was observed in goats supplemented with dried browse tree leaves of Acacia seyal (T3), Millettia ferruginea (T5), and Vernonia amygadalina (T6). All supplemented goats had significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower fecal egg count (FEC) at day 70 and grew significantly (p&lt;0.05) faster than the control group. Goats supplemented with dried browse tree leaves of Acacia seyal, Millettia ferruginea, and Vernonia amygadalina grew faster than goats supplemented with other dried browse tree leaves. A rapid and significant reduction of FEC was observed in goats supplemented with Millettia ferruginea starting from day 14 and the lowest (p&lt;0.05) value was attained at day 70 after treatment. Similarly, goats supplemented with Vernonia amygadalina showed an accelerated reduction of FEC starting from day 28 and attained the lowest (p&lt;0.05) value at day 70 after treatment. Goats supplemented with Millettia ferruginea (T5) and Vernonia amygadalina (T6) had the lowest (p&lt;0.05) FEC at all times after supplementation and grew faster than the other groups. The rapid and accelerated reduction of FECs and fastest growth rate observed in goats supplemented with Millettia ferruginea and Vernonia amygadalina indicated that these browse tree leaves could be effective to control helminths parasite and improve the growth performance of parasitized goats.

Diversity and Carbon Storage in &lt;i&gt;Calligonum polygonoides&lt;/i&gt; Associated Shrub Ecosystem of Indian Desert

Calligonum polygonoides L., a shrub of Indian Desert, helps combat desertification. A 400 quadrates of 0.1 ha size were assessed in 12 arid districts of Rajasthan to monitor associations, diversity and status of C. polygonoides and its role in biomass production and carbon sequestration. With 9.23% frequency C. polygonoides was recorded in Barmer, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Sriganganagar districts with average height and collar-diameter of 1.83±0.71 m and 6.61±2.01 cm respectively. Recorded 6 trees and 12 shrubs species were dominated by Acacia tortilis (IVI=153.6) and C. polygonoides (IVI=120.0), respectively. Higher growth and carbon storage with reduced rainfall indicates strong adaptability of C. polygonoides , but climate severity adversely affected plant diversity. Shrub diversity, soil pH, EC, bulk density (BD) and organic and inorganic carbon storage varied ( p &lt;0.05) spatially. Vertical distribution of gravel and BD was significant. Contribution of C. polygonoides to total biomass carbon ranged between 24.83% in Jodhpur and 93.25% in Barmer district. Land use and climatic and edaphic factors had resulted in heterogeneity in shrub diversity influencing carbon stock in both vegetation and soils. Results obtained demonstrated the role of Calligonum in shrubby vegetation cover by which carbon storage could be promoted and land and environmental degradation can be minimized.

ECO-PHYSIOLOGICAL BEHAVIOR OF TAMARIND (TAMARINDUS INDICA L.) IN DRY ENVIRONMENT OF WEST AFRICA (CASE STUDY OF SENEGAL).

Water deficit is considered by several authors to be the most limiting factor for agricultural production in the subtropics (Kizito et al., 2006; Porcel and Ruiz-Lozano, 2004; Bader et al., 2006; Logan et al., 2010; Rodriguez-Gamir et al., 2011; Conedera et al., 2011). On woody plants, only a few isolated studies (on Acacia, and combretaceae) exist in the tropical zone south of the Sahara. Noteworthy are the works done on Sahelian forest species, Acacia tortilis (Diouf, 1996), Combretum glutinosum, Guiera senegalensis; Piliostigma reticulatum; Balanites aegyptica, Boscia senegalensis, A. senegal and Ziziphus mauritiana (Fournier, 1995; Kizito et al., 2006; Lufafa et al., 2008). Characterization of plant water functioning is a tool for selecting plants and/or varieties for their tolerance to water deficit (Lufafa et al., 2008; Zhu Qiuan et al., 2011; Logan et al., 2010). It is most often done at young age for ease of use (nursery and early field establishment of seedlings). However, even as adults, woody plants remain dependent on climatic factors such as rainfall (Kisito et al., 2007; Lufafa et al., 2008). It is therefore important to understand the in situ water functioning of adult plants to better explain the depressive effects of such complex water stress at a young age. However, the behavior of plants in situ is influenced by the climatic conditions and the uniformity (age) of the subjects (tamarind plants) to be followed. The present work was carried out on adult T. indica plants in situ in Senegal (Niokhoul in the Sahelian zone and Mbassis in the Sudano-Sahelian zone) and aimed mainly to: (1) understand and describe the physiological water management strategies of tamarind under arid conditions; and (2) understand the impact of this water management strategy on phenology and productivity. The study was conducted in Senegal, characterized by a dry and arid climate. It adopted a field approach (Seghieri, 2010; Conedera et al., 2010) based on adult stands and climatic data collected at the study sites. Ultimately, the adaptation mechanism of tamarind to water deficit would be that of avoidance, described by various authors (Khalfaoui, 1985; Lacape, 1996; Nwalozie and Annerose, 1996; Rouhi et al., 2007; Roussel, 2008; Maes et al., 2009). Indeed, the plant first proceeds to a decrease in water potential (case of the Mbassis stand) and in case of continuous water deficit, it integrates the reduction of the leaf surface by the progressive fall of the leaves and flowers which can go up to the total defoliation (case of the stand of the Sahelian zone in Niokhoul).

First-year Acacia seedlings are anisohydric "water-spenders" but differ in their rates of water use.

PremiseFirst‐year seedlings (FYS) of tree species may be a critical demographic bottleneck in semi‐arid, seasonally dry ecosystems such as savannas. Given the highly variable water availability and potentially strong FYS–grass competition for water, FYS water‐use strategies may play a crucial role in FYS establishment in savannas and, ultimately, in tree–grass competition and coexistence.MethodsWe examined drought responses in FYS of two tree species that are dominant on opposite ends of an aridity gradient in Serengeti, Acacia (=Vachellia) tortilis and A. robusta. In a glasshouse experiment, gas exchange and whole‐plant hydraulic conductance (K plant) were measured as soil water potential (Ψ soil) declined. Trajectory of the Ψ leaf/Ψ soil relationship during drought elucidated the degree of iso/anisohydry.ResultsBoth species were strongly anisohydric “water‐spenders,” allowing rapid wet‐season C gain after pulses of moisture availability. Despite being equally vulnerable to declines in K plant under severe drought, they differed in their rates of water use. Acacia tortilis, which occurs in the more arid regions, initially had greater K max, transpiration (E), and photosynthesis (A net) than A. robusta.ConclusionsThis work demonstrates an important mechanism of FYS establishment in savannas: Rather than investing in drought tolerance, savanna FYS maximize gas exchange during wet periods at the expense of desiccation during dry seasons. FYS establishment appears dependent on high C uptake during the pulses of water availability that characterize habitats dominated by these species. This study increases our understanding of species‐scale plant ecophysiology and ecosystem‐scale patterns of tree–grass coexistence.

Measurement of Hemodynamic Parameters and Antidepressant Activity in Hypertensive Rats Following Two Weeks Consumption of Acacia Tortilis Leaves Extract

Background: Depression is common in hypertensive patients, and monotherapy may contribute to controlling depression in hypertensive patients and improving socioeconomic outcomes. Previous studies have shown that Acacia tortilis possesses hypotensive activity. Objectives: The present study was planned to evaluate the hemodynamic activity and antidepressant effects of an ethanolic extract of Acacia tortilis leaves (ATEL) in salt-induced hypertensive rats. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups for experiments. The rats received respective treatment for 15 days: G1: Control (C); G2: hypertensive control (HC: high dietary salt, 4% 10ml/kg); G3-5: HC+ ATEL (50, 100, 150mg/kg respectively). Cardiac hemodynamics (mean arterial blood pressure: MAP and heart rate: HR) were measured in the anaesthetized rats by an invasive method. For this method, one carotid artery was catheterized, a pressure catheter (pressure- volume Millar microtip catheter connected to the Mikro-Tip Pressure-Volume System from Ultra Foundation Systems, PowerLab) was inserted, and the blood pressure (MAP in mm Hg) and HR (beats/min) were monitored continuously during the experiment. For the neuropharmacological studies, antidepressant activity was assessed by a forced swim test on the 15th day. Results: A dose-dependent significant increase in mobility time was observed in rats (G3-5) treated with HC + different doses of ATEL (p &lt; 0.05). However, the mobility time was significantly reduced by HC (G2) treatment compared to the control (p&lt; 0.05). The hypertensive control (high dietary salt: HC) group showed a significant increase in systolic blood pressure (SP), diastolic blood pressure (DP), MAP and HR (p&lt;0.05) compared to the control (G1) group. At all doses (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg), MAP and HR were found to decrease significantly (p&lt;0.05) compared to the values in the HC (G2) group. Further analysis revealed an improvement in heart rate variability (HRV) in ATEL-treated hypertensive rats. Conclusion: The present research suggests that increased dietary salt intake not only increases blood pressure significantly but also increases depression. ATEL contains some efficacious constituents, such as N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT: a 5-HT1A agonist), with predominant antidepressant and antihypertensive activity. Hence, ATEL appears to be a valuable plant extract that can be useful, at least as an adjunct, for therapy in patients who suffer from both depression and hypertension.

Impacts of Charcoal Production on Environment and Species Preference in Yaqshid District Mogadishu, Somalia

Rangelands have been degraded in Somalia as a result of trees cutting or removal to supply the rising demand for charcoal. Charcoal is a common home fuel, and earnings from its commerce. Its production has resulted in deforestation and environmental deterioration. The objective of study was to determine the Impacts of charcoal production on the environment and identification of plant species utilized in charcoal production in charcoal trade Yaqshid district, Mogadishu Somalia. Methods: The study's design was descriptive, particularly cross-sectional. The target population was 86, Seventy participants were purposefully chosen among the charcoal traders, and the data was analyzed using SPSS (version 20), descriptive statistical tools, and Microsoft Excel 2013 for charts. Results: The charcoal production is one of the leading causes of deforestation, with average mean 1.51 and Standard deviation of 0.959 out of 5. Land degradation caused by charcoal production in the environment, with average mean 1.89 and Standard deviation of 0.956 out of 5. Although charcoal production results in the loss of biodiversity. Acacia bussei (Galool), Acacia tortilis (Qurac), Acacia nilotica (Tugaar), Acacia Senegal (Cadaad), Terminalia prunioides (Hareeri), and Prosopis Julifora (Ali gorob, Geed gaal, garanwaa) were the most commonly used trees for charcoal production. Conclusion: Due to a lack of availability and the high cost of cooking gas, demand for charcoal is increasing. As a result, the government should provide a steady supply of cooking gas at a minimum cost. This will ensure that households had access to cooking gas and thus dependent on forest will also be reduced which will be helpful in environment protection.