Collection Of Plants Research Articles

Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal plants used for Traditional Diarrhea Treatment in North-East Algeria

The objective of this study is to aid in the identification and documentation of medicinal plants that are utilized in traditional local pharmacopeia for the treatment of diarrhea in four provinces located in the northeast region of Algeria. The ethnobotanical survey was conducted during 2019-2020. All users of medicinal plants in those regions were interviewed using a guide questionnaire. Stratified sampling was used to collect information on medicinal plants. Furthermore, the study established the relative importance of the species and estimated the informant consensus factor (ICF) for the medicinal plants included in research. The study has found a total of 52 species that are commonly employed in the treatment of diarrhea in four specific provinces of Algeria. These species are categorized into 26 families and 22 genera. The most frequently quoted plants (over 10 quotations) were Artemisia herba alba Asso. (52 quotations) with the highest (FC = 43.33%); Punica granatum L. (50 quotations, FC = 41.67%); Origanum vulgaire L. (32 quotations, FC = 26.67%); Juniperus phoenicea L. (29 quotations, FC = 24.17%), and Ceratonia siliqua L. (19 quotations, FC = 15.83%). The most common plant families were Lamiaceae and Rosaceae (10 and 6 plants, respectively). Species morphological type analyses show that herbs were most represented (46.16%). For different organs used, leaves and fruits were the most used (27.15% and 26.35%, respectively). Although the infusion (55.81%) constituted the prevailing approach to drug preparation, the results showed that many kinds of plants can be used to treat diarrhea in Algeria. The study has enhanced the collection of medicinal plants with anti-diarrheal properties and has contributed to the advancement of knowledge in traditional medicine while also preserving local indigenous knowledge.

The Implications of Religious Practices on Loxococcus rupicola (Thw.) H. Wendl. and Drude, A Critically Endangered, Endemic Palm Species in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is rich in biodiversity and traditional, religious, and cultural practices. However, some of these traditional beliefs could lead to decline of the local biodiversity. Ran-Dotalu (Loxococcus rupicola (Thw.) H. Wendl. & Drude,) is one of the sacred groves among the Buddhists and Buddhism is the major religion followed in Sri Lanka. L. rupicola (Family Arecaceae), is a palm listed as Critically Endangered and Endangered on the global and national red lists respectively. Loxococcus is an endemic genus and Ran-Dotalu is also protected under the Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance. It confines to rainforests in central highlands of Sri Lanka as small populations on shady rocky outcrops. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the religious beliefs, and cultural practices, and document the present state of the wild collection of Ran-Dotalu to identify the threats related to religious activities. Sociocultural data on Ran-Dotalu and its uses in the rituals were collected based on semi-structured questionnaire interviews via formal discussions, telephone conversations, and emails. Out of 114 respondents there were Buddhist priests (n=03), plant collectors (n=07), and users and or worshipers (n=104). Among them 36% were males and 64% were females. According to the results, flowers, seeds, seedlings, and saplings collections were reported from Peak Wilderness sanctuary, Erantha-Gilimale Forest reserve, and Knuckles Forest Reserve. Ran-Dotalu. Flowers were mainly collected for religious activities and rituals (42.3%), medicinal purposes (26.3%), as a substitute for Areca nut (23.6%), and to sell (7.8%). Worshiping with Ran-Dotalu flowers was common at Sri Padasthanaya, Temple of Tooth, Ruwanweliseya and Jayasrima Bhodiya, Saman Devalaya, and Katharagama Devalaya. On average 10-12 flowers were collected by a collector per month and, sold for a price ranging from Rs. 500 to Rs. 5,000. On average 10-15 flowers (per month) were brought to above-mentioned religious places. According to the legends god Sumana-Saman offered Ran-Dotalu flowers to Buddha for establishing Sri Padastanaya. Therefore, worshipers believe that offering Ran-Dotalu flowers is a great act of charity and pays off all sin. The palm recently become a popular ornamental plant (9%) despite its protected status. Around 78% of the respondents were not aware of the conservation status of L. rupicola. Thus, seed production and young generations in the wild populations are in danger. The study suggests that understanding of practices that may threaten local biodiversity and immediate actions are needed to conserve the L. rupicola wild populations. 
 Keywords: Loxococcus rupicola, Sacred groves, Ran-dotalu, Critically endangered

The history and nomenclatural significance of herbarium collections made by Alexander A. Tatarinow in North China and Mongolia in 1841–1850

AbstractAlexander A. Tatarinow (1817?–1886) made an extensive collection of vascular plants and insects in North China and Mongolia while serving as a physician in the 12th Russian Orthodox Ecclesiastical Mission in Beijing during 1841–1850. Tatarinow's plant collection included about 800 species and became the basis for 70 new species, of which 12 were named after him. The collection was split into three large sets, each labelled in its own way and handled in different times by different people at different institutions, thus obscuring its correct attribution; notable misinterpretations include its misattributions to A. von Bunge and P.E. Kirilov who were attached to the 11th Mission and collected plants near Beijing during 1830–1840. In this study, the history of these three sets and their parts is uncovered, and label samples are provided and commented to allow unambiguous recognition of the sets for correct lectotypification of plant species names based on the material collected by the 11th and 12th Missions.

A taxonomic revision of Neotropical Connarus (Connaraceae)

AbstractThe pantropical genus Connarus is the largest within Connaraceae and comprises ca. 80 species, most of which occur in the Neotropics. The genus is potentially economically important as several taxa produce metabolites of medicinal interest. Morphologically, Connarus differs from other members of the family mainly by the punctate perianth, the single carpel and follicular and relatively broader fruits than in the other genera. In the decades after the publication of the Flora Neotropica monograph of Connaraceae, new botanical collections have become available, especially in American herbaria, allowing identification of overlooked characters and, hence, redefinition of species circumscriptions. In addition, a significant number of typifications were outdated and taxonomic novelties have recently been proposed – all elements that justify a revisional work. After intensive examination of herbarium specimens and field expeditions, the present study recognizes 57 species, 2 varieties and 2 subspecies of Connarus in the Neotropics; about 100 specific names were evaluated, 39 of which are here considered heterotypic synonyms, 11 of them are new synonyms. The distribution of Neotropical Connarus ranges from south Mexico to south Brazil and, although most species occur in dense wet forests, especially in the Amazonia and Atlantic Forest, some are dispersed in savannas from Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela, in Brazilian coastal vegetations or in montane formations; wide distributions are commonly seen in wet forests from Central America to northern South America, while restricted occurrences or endemism are mainly observed in the Atlantic Forest, Peru and Venezuela. Complete morphological descriptions of the species of Neotropical Connarus are provided here, as well as illustrative images, identification keys, and detailed discussions of their taxonomy, nomenclature, distribution and habitat.

Chisocheton pentandrus (Blanco) Merr. leaf as a potential antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory agent

Indonesia is one of the countries with the highest diversity of plants worldwide, including the Chisocheton genus. The Chisocheton genus has been widely used in traditional medicine due to a variety of compounds with different activities, such as antiplasmodial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory. The focus of this research is to determine the antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-bacterial activity of Chisocheton pentandrus leaf extract from the Bali Botanic Garden plant collection, as well as the chemical compounds contained in the extract. The antioxidant activity test was carried out by capturing DPPH-free radicals, the antidiabetic test was carried out by assaying its inhibitory activity toward α-glucosidase enzyme, the antibacterial test was carried out using the agar diffusion method, while LC-MS/MS was used to determine the compounds contained in the extract. The results showed that the C. pentandrus leaf methanol extract showed the highest inhibitory activity as an antioxidant and inhibitor of the α-glucosidase enzyme in the very strong category; however, the extract is not effective in inhibiting bacterial growth.

The Relation between Geodiversity and Biodiversity of Al-Salman Depression, Al-Muthana Governorate, Southern Desert of Iraq

The study area is located in the southern desert of Iraq, near the Al-Salman Depression, about 130 km southwest of Al-Samawa City. The Collection of data of this study depends mainly upon field surveys, sample collection of rocks, soil, plants, and animals besides interviews with locals as well as photographing of interesting aspects. The geodiversity of the study area comprises geological features, geomorphological features, soil types, and water resources. The exposed rocks of study area are composed mainly of carbonate rocks, in addition to marl, sandstone, and claystone, which belong to the Middle member of the Dammam Formation (L. Eocene). The main landforms found near the Al-Salman area are flat terrain, depressions (faidhats), wadis, caves, and sinkholes. Three types of soils were recognized; silty clay, clayey silt, and sandy soils. The main water resources are the ephemeral streams (wadis), and water wells in sinkhole, besides the mechanical and hand-dug wells. Geodiversity features formed many habitats in the study area such as Wadi Al-Owja, depressions (faidhats), flat terrain, and sinkhole. The present study reveals that biodiversity includes a wide diversity of plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates. Some species were restricted to certain habitat types in the study area, while other species proved to be more generalist.

Terpenoids and phenolic compounds as biologically active compounds of medicinal plants with diuretic effect

The aim of the study was to summarize and systematize the literature data, as well as the results of the carried out research in the field of medicinal plants used as diuretics in the Russian Federation and abroad.Materials and methods. During the search for this review article materials, the abstract databases of PubMed, Google Scholar, as well as the ResearchGate and elibrary.ru were used. The search was carried out according to the publications for the period from 2005 to 2023. The keywords were as follows: herbal diuretics, diuretic drugs, kidney diseases, types of medicinal plant raw materials. The data from the authors’ previous scientific research on the analysis of the diuretic properties of certain types of medicinal plant raw materials, as well as individual substances of a phenolic nature isolated from them (simple phenols, flavonoids), were also reviewed.Results. It was determined that the diuretic activity of most of the medicinal plants used, is due to such groups of biologically active compounds as terpenoids (essential oils and saponins), simple phenols, flavonoids and anthracene derivatives related to the secondary metabolites. It has been shown that, despite the fact that many herbal diuretics have concomitant anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antihistamine and other properties relevant from the point of view of etiology and pathogenesis of the disease, it is reasonable to use them as part of collections of medicinal plants and other combined medicinal herbal preparations, as this is in accordance with the global trend. The types of medicinal plant raw materials that can be a promising source of new diuretic herbal medicines, have been examined in this review.Conclusion. It has been determined that terpenoids and phenolic compounds make the greatest contribution to the manifestation of the diuretic activity of medicinal herbal preparations, among which the greatest structural diversity is noted for flavonoids. It has been established that in the composition of any drug, taking into account the peculiarities of etiology and pathogenesis of the disease, herbal diuretics can be both the main drug and an auxiliary component. The expediency of using medicinal plant raw materials with a diuretic effect as part of collections of medicinal plants and other combined preparations used in the treatment of kidney and urinary tract diseases has been also substantiated.

"PROPOSAL FOR ESTABLISHING THE FRITILLARIA ORIENTALIS BOTANICAL RESERVE IN BERCHIEȘU, FRATA COMMUNE, CLUJ COUNTY "

Fritillaria orientalis Adams is an endangered central Balkan and Illyrian species with sporadic presence in Romania, declared "Natural Monument". A new protected area of 22.18 ha located southwards to the village Berchieșu (Frata commune) is proposed for conserving the most important and abundant population of F. orientalis in the Cluj county, assessment based on available literature and personal observations in the field. For this reason, the area has special botanical value and needs to be legally protected in order to preserve this isolated population. This paper presents floristic data and vegetation characteristics along with relevant illustration of the proposed protected area. In order to easily distinguish F. orientalis from F. meleagris L., reported as well in the Cluj county, morphological, biometric and ecological differentiation characters are presented. Plant individuals of F. orientalis from Berchieșu are characterized by a pronounced diversity regarding the height of flower stems and colour of perianth. Collection of flowers or whole plants, extension of cultivated lands, improvised fire places near the forest edge, logging, fertilization of agricultural fields and motorized access threatens this population. Therefore, we propose a set of measures to assure its sustainable conservation and monitoring of the phytocoenoses to assess the effectiveness of protective actions.

ОСНОВНЫЕ ИТОГИ НАУЧНЫХ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЙ ВСЕРОССИЙСКОГО НАУЧНО-ИССЛЕДОВАТЕЛЬСКОГО ИНСТИТУТАВИНОГРАДАРСТВА И ВИНОДЕЛИЯ ИМЕНИ Я.И. ПОТАПЕНКО – ФИЛИАЛА ФГБНУ «ФЕДЕРАЛЬНЫЙ РОСТОВСКИЙ АГРАРНЫЙ НАУЧНЫЙ ЦЕНТР» ЗА 2023 ГОД

The article presents the results of scientific research conducted by the ARRIV&W – branch of the FSBSI FRARC in 2023. As a result of the research, new knowledge was obtained in the field of viticulture and winemaking, data was obtained on the agrobiological potential of autochthonous and introduced varieties in the Don ampelographic collection named after Ya.I. Potapenko, systematization and digitalization of ampelographic resources data was carried out, 3 databases of grape ampelographic resources and the conditions of their growth were created. Varieties resistant to harmful organisms have been identified. Recommendations on the variety assortment and direction of use of autochthonous and introduced varieties have been developed. A method for storing grape plants in in vitro culture, methods for forming a collection and long-term non-transplant storage of grape plants in in vitro culture, ensuring non-transplant storage of microplants for up to 10-12 months have been developed. Breeding material was obtained: 25 sources of valuable traits (large size, productivity, resistance to mildew), 21 seedlings were selected as elite. Two grape varieties were submitted to the State Varietal Testing. An improved technology for obtaining basic planting material has been developed. The technology of adaptation to non-sterile conditions has been improved. Technologies for the production of planting material using PAS and elicitors have been developed. Seven modifications of high-standard grape formations have been developed, and optimal agro-technical parameters for cultivating grapes under various cultivation methods have been determined. Based on the analysis of geophysical, geological, climatic and soil characteristics, experimental data were obtained on the zoning of vineyard lands in the Rostov region, the determination of ecological, agrobiological, technological parameters that determine the terroirs of the Rostov region, the development of technologies that improve the quality wine products.

РЕАЛИЗАЦИЯ ПРИОРИТЕТНЫХ НАПРАВЛЕНИЙ НАУЧНО-ТЕХНИЧЕСКОЙ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ «ВННИИВиВ «МАГАРАЧ» РАН» В ОБЛАСТИ ВИНОГРАДАРСТВА В 2023 ГОДУ

Research is presented that contributes to an increase in the production of domestic grape and wine products, including in the system of organic farming. The object of research is grapes of native, classical and breeding varieties. The research was carried out on the basis of the Center for collective use of the Ampelographic collection «Magarach», as well as in industrial plantations of the Crimea according to generally accepted and original methods. Characteristics of 50 varieties for the database, 4 sources of valuable traits were obtained, genotyping of wild grapes was performed, 99 allele variants were identified. Optimal concentrations of substances for the development of proembryogenic calluses and cells in suspension cultures were selected. The influence of biologically active substances on the development of heart shaped and torpedo shaped embryos has been established. The obtained 6 transgenic lines of the Podarok Magaracha variety were adapted to in vivo conditions to assess their cold resistance and frost resistance. In the vegetative collection of plants in vitro, samples are maintained under conditions of active and slow growth. An aseptic culture of 14 grape varieties was obtained. The molecular diagnosis of the latent form of phytopathogens of plant material after the recovery procedures was carried out. The biovar Agrobacterium tumefaciens was identified by the method of molecular diagnostics. During molecular diagnostics, the Rupestris stem pitting virus was detected in the samples. New knowledge has been gained about the dynamics of changes in the quality indicators of grapes depending on the variety and region of cultivation against the background of a complex of agro-climatic parameters and indices used to isolate terroirs. Varietal-rootstock combinations have been identified. The formation of datasets has continued in order to train neural networks for the detection of harmful organisms and pathologies of the development of grape plants. The technology of organic viticulture production for autochthonous varieties and varieties of the Magarach Institute breeding has been tested. The technology of storing table grapes based on the use of calcium-containing preparations has been optimized. For the first time, an information technology of cross-platform integration has been developed for the implemented hardware and software complex for photo-fixation and neural network detection of the number of pests in specialized «traps».

Medicinal intercultural plant garden: homeopathy and phyto-nutritional care

The present article describes historic evolution conception process of an intercultural medicinal plant garden as a tool to construct social ecoperception about environmental health and cultural diversity, to improve environmental ethics. Through case study methodology it reports the process along five years. Hybrid Learning of Homeopathy, Phytotherapy, Bioethic were successful to scientific basic research initiation and novel biological research will be done using pathogenetic chemical markers to discuss biologic results. Results also show multi, inter and transdisciplinary effective activities and communications about primary care attention. Empirically, it has been developped a positive perception among patients, students and professionals about Homeopathy, as a qualitative humanized approach. Phytotherapy was mainly preconized by its nutraceutical, functional and adaptogenic effects. Indeed, intercultural medicinal plant garden construction process provided integrality of applied intercultural, interethnical and indigenous knowledge expressed from their affective memories and registered like an “open-air” intercultural plant collection (“plant library”), improving humanities as respect, ethic, kindness and integrated citizenship, besides the learning to coexist with complexity, singularity and self-direction without lost of professional ethic. So, as qualitative evaluation, it was considered that a mandate of equity, social justice and welfare to mental health promotion to this urban ethnic members and indigenous, as recommended in health promotion by the Ottawa Charter, has been fulfilled in this period (2018 – 2023) at this intersectoral ambulatory (which necessary includes medical anthropology and clinical bioethics studies) at Homeopathy Service, 7a Yard of General Hospital Santa Casa da Misericordia - Rio de Janeiro/Brazil.

The Oldest Bryophyte Herbarium Specimens from Central Europe, Collected by M. E. Boretius in 1717: Taxonomy, Nomenclature, Datation and Ethnopharmacology

The WA Herbarium at the University of Warsaw houses a collection of plants created in 1717 by Matthew Ernest Boretius. They were gathered in former East Prussia, near Angerburg, now Węgorzewo (Poland). It is the oldest plant collection from this part of Europe. Boretius compiled the herbarium as a collection of all the surrounding plants, but their folk names (Polish and German) recorded in the herbarium confirm the ethnobiological or ethnopharmaceutical importance of some species. We identified bryophyte species and checked the accuracy of their original identifications recorded in the herbarium. We provided their Latin (scientific, pre-Linnaean) nomenclature together with German and Polish vernacular names. We contextualised this information within the history of the medicinal use of bryophytes around 1717, when the plant collection was created. We also investigated whether the specimens could have come from Northeastern Poland. Mosses and liverworts from the herbarium were identified nomenclaturally (by means of their original scientific polynomial names written on herbarium sheets) and taxonomically. The herbarium holds two species and one subspecies of liverwort and 27 species and one variety of moss. The accuracy of the original identifications was assessed, with a particular focus on the species considered medicinal at the time. We found that bryophytes were poorly known in the time of Boretius, which was the last period in bryology before the introduction of magnifying devices into this science (this crucial step was made by Dillenius in 1741). The vernacular names used in the herbarium were recorded for Marchantia polymorpha and Polytrichum commune—the only two species with confirmed medicinal use by the year 1717.

Quality Assessment Of Andrographis Paniculata (Burm. F.) Wall. Ex Nees WSR To Geographical Region.

Kalmegh Andrographispaniculata (Burm. F.) Wall. Ex Nees is one of the main ingredients used in many formulations like Mahavishgarbhataila etc, India`s various part having favourable for Kalamegh plant, but geographical environmental influences the physico-chemical properties like Ash, extractives values and phytoconstituents. All samples passes ayurvedic Pharmacopeial standards but strength showed variations and Belgaum region showed best for Kalamegh . Thus, study revels that medicinal plants collection habitat must be considered.

Spatiotemporal Distribution Analysis of Spatial Vitality of Specialized Garden Plant Landscapes during Spring: A Case Study of Hangzhou Botanical Garden in China

Specialized gardens, as integral components of botanical gardens, bear multiple functions, encompassing plant collection and conservation, scientific research, and public education, as well as serving aesthetic and recreational purposes. Their quality profoundly reflects the landscape artistry of botanical gardens, directly influencing the quality of visitors’ enjoyment and the overall experience within the botanical garden. This study aims to investigate the spatial vitality of specialized garden plant landscapes, effectively assessing the usage patterns of plant landscape spaces and promoting the optimal utilization of underutilized spaces. Taking Hangzhou Botanical Garden as a case study, considering the warming climate and suitable temperatures in spring, when most plants enter the flowering period and outdoor visitor frequency increases, the primary observational period focuses on spring to measure the spatial vitality of specialized garden plant landscapes. We obtained data through field measurements and on-site observations. Specifically, We measured and recorded information on plant species, quantity, height, crown width, and growth conditions within the plots. Additionally, we employed ground observations and fixed-point photography to document visitor numbers and activity types. We quantified spatial vitality through four indicators: visitor density, space usage intensity, diversity of age group, and richness of activity type. We explored the spatiotemporal distribution patterns of spatial vitality and investigated the relationship between plant landscape characteristics and spatial vitality using variance analysis and correlation analysis. The results indicate that, in spring, the average spatial vitality index of specialized gardens ranks from highest to lowest as follows: Lingfeng Tanmei (1.403), Rosaceae Garden (1.245), Acer and Rhododendron Garden (0.449), and Osmanthus and Crape Myrtle Garden (0.437). Additionally, the spatial vitality of specialized garden plant landscapes in spring is significantly positively correlated with the ornamental period of specialized plants, characteristics of plant viewing, accessible lawn area, spatial accessibility, and spatial enclosure. Therefore, to create vibrant specialized plant landscapes, managers and planners, when engaging in the planning and design of specialized garden plant landscapes, need to fully consider and respect the visual aesthetics and functional needs of visitors. This study will serve as a theoretical reference for subsequent research on the vitality of plant landscape spaces and other small-scale spaces. It will also provide practical guidance for the construction of plant landscapes in specialized gardens within botanical gardens and other urban green spaces.

Shall we promote natural history collection today?—Answered by reviewing Ernest Henry Wilson’s plant collection process in China

Plant diversity exploration needs to be accelerated because many species will go extinct before their discovery and description, and many species-rich regions remain poorly studied. However, most contemporary plant collections prefer to focus on a specific group, which hinders the exploration and conservation of plant diversity. Therefore, we need an alternative approach to the dilemma at hand. The comprehensive Natural History Collection (NHC), which existed throughout the pinnacle of biodiversity exploration in the 20th century could be considered. We explore Ernest Henry Wilson’s (one of the most successful naturalists in the 20th) plant collections in China as a case to illustrate the advantages of NHC and discuss whether NHC deserves to be promoted again today. From multiple sources, we gathered 19,218 available specimen records of 11,884 collecting numbers assigned and analyzed the collected species, the collection's nature, and restored four routes of his explorations. Results reveal that Wilson's specimens were collected from 28 prefecture-level cities and 38 county-level regions of 7 provinces or municipalities, they belong to 200 families, 1046 genera, 3794 species, and 342 infraspecific taxa, approximately 41 %, 22 %, 10 %, 5 % of Chinese plant families, genera, species, and infraspecific taxa respectively. The Wilson case study shows that NHC is particularly effective in emphasizing species discovery and conservation, recording ecological information, understanding a region's flora, and developing landscape applications. Therefore, we strongly advocate for the expansion of natural history collections in species-rich regions. Furthermore, we recommend the employment of specialized collectors, the enlistment of international cooperation, and the standardization of guidelines for future NHCs.

Botanical heritage of Karl Ernst von Baer and his herbarium from the 19th century

ABSTRACT The Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences of the Estonian University of Life Sciences houses the herbarium of the Baltic German scientist Karl Ernst von Baer (1792–1876), who was often referred to as “Humboldt des Nordens” (Humboldt of the North) in European scientific circles after the death of the German geographer, explorer and naturalist Alexander von Humboldt in 1859. While Baer is well-known as a zoologist and embryologist, his contributions as a botanist are not as widely recognized, although his passion for botany, especially at a younger age was remarkable. This paper aims to highlight Baer’s active involvement in botany, document the conservation and management efforts of his botanical collections, and provide an overview of its content. Baer’s herbarium comprises over 11,900 specimens, primarily vascular plants, with a smaller number of algae, lichens, bryophytes, and fungi, collected in 19th century. The material comes from all over the world, but somewhat more from the European countries where Baer himself has worked. The plants were either collected by Baer himself, obtained through exchanges, or purchased from other botanists. We present the history of the collection and describe its various extensive sections. The systematisation and digitisation of the Baer’s herbarium facilitate wide access to this valuable database. The botanical collection of K. E. von Baer is currently deposited at TAA.

Can the Bhutan Yak Federation Revitalize Waning Yak Herders’ Enthusiasm and Rejuvenate the Declining Yak Farming in Bhutan

Yaks, native to Bhutan and other Himalayan regions, play a crucial role in the livelihoods of highlanders, serving as a sources of milk products, meat, transportation, fiber, and even dung used as fuelwood for cooking. Concerned about the perceived decline in the country’s yak population, the Bhutan Yak Federation (BYF) was established in 2019 to support highlanders. Presently, the BYF consists of 268 males and 203 females, representing 1067 yak rearing households. Its primary objectives include advocating for policy and investment support and promoting yak farming as a vibrant and sustainable enterprise. To gain a deeper understating of BYF’s roles and functions, this study focused on the Lingshi and Sephu yak cooperatives under the Thimphu and Wangduephodrang districts, conducting phone interviews with 40 cooperative members. The study revealed that highlanders primarily generate income through the sale of cordyceps, followed by yak products, portering services, and medicinal plants collection.

Anthropogenic Impact and Ethnographic Study of Flora and Fauna of Silvassa Region

This research study presents a comprehensive investigation into the vegetation, floristic diversity, and anthropogenic influences within the Silvassa region. The study aims to elucidate the distribution patterns of vegetation, document the diverse flora, and understand the intricate relationships between plant species and their environment. Through a combination of participatory observation, data analysis, plant collection, interviews, and mapping, this research offers valuable insights into the botanical and ecological aspects of Silvassa. Both primary and secondary data sources were utilized to gather a holistic understanding of the area's flora and vegetation. The research methodology encompassed participation in local activities, soil property evaluation, and analysis of historical rainfall data, season-based plant collection, and ethnobotanical documentation. Interviews with local inhabitants facilitated the recording of traditional plant uses and local names. Additionally, herbarium specimens were created, rare endemic plants were cataloged, and photographic documentation of plant species and forest environments was undertaken. Group talks, field observations, and semi-structured interviews enriched the data collection process, providing qualitative dimensions to the study. However, certain limitations were acknowledged during the study

Creation of a bioresource collection of berry plants on the basis of Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy

The article presents the results of work on the formation of a bioresource collection of berry plants of the Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy based on a variety testing area of forest berry plants and a collection of species of the Dendrological Garden named after R.I. Schroeder. The variety testing area includes berry plants of the genera Vaccinium (V. corymbosum – 8 species; V. angustifolium – 4 species; V. corymbosum × V. angustifolium – 3 species; V. oxycoccos – 2 species; V macrocarpon – 3 species; V. vitis-idaea – 4 species) and Rubus (R. arcticus – 9 species; R. chamaemorus – 1 species). Introduced berry plants with edible fruits from the 24 genera are mainly represented in the collection of the Dendrological Garden named after R.I. Schroeder: Actinidia (4 species), Amelanchier (5 species), Aronia (2 species), Berberis (2 edible species), Cornus (2 species), Crataegus (more than 10 species), Elaeagnus (2 species), Fragaria (2 species), Hippophae (1 species), Lonicera (1 edible species), Mahonia (1 species), Morus (2 species), Prunus (13 species), Ribes (4 species), Rosa (6 edible species), Rubus (6 species), Sambucus (1 edible species), Schisandra (1 species), Shepherdia (1 species), Sorbus (more than 10 more than 10 species and a number of cultivars and a number of cultivars), Vaccinium (wild forms of 5 species), more than 5 species), Vitis (3 species). All plants included in the bioresource collection have nutritional and medicinal value and are quite stable in growth, development and fructification in the Moscow microclimate. Work has begun on the creation of an in vitro genetic bank of economically valuable, rare and difficult to propagate species, varieties and forms of berry plants. The aim is to maintain a bioresource collection, preserve biological diversity and accelerate the cultivation of planting material with subsequent fruit production under conditions of import substitution.

Species of aphids found in ornamental and wild plants in Pagar Alam District, South Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract. Irsan C, Anggraini E, Ramadhani W. 2023. Species of aphids found in ornamental and wild plants in Pagar Alam District, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 6602-6612. Aphids are one of the crucial pests in tropical and sub-tropical regions. The presence of aphids in a plant can be very detrimental due to their role as vectors. Aphids exhibit species diversity, but not much information has been reported about the species diversity of aphids associated with essential crops such as ornamental plants. Furthermore, many aphid species, such as wild plants, were found on plants that were not hosts. Therefore, this study reported the species of aphids found in ornamental and wild plants. The field research employed purposive and direct observation to inventory cultivated or wild plants hosting and collecting aphids. The plant selection process included cultivated plants encompassing ornamental plants and wild plants or weeds. The collection and identification of host plants and aphids involved systematic searches for the selected plants and subsequent examination for the presence of aphids. Observations were made to all existing plant species to find those colonized by aphids. This study revealed that a total of 15 species of aphids were found in Ornamental plants, Aphis craccivora Koch, 1854, Aphis spiraecola Patch, 1914, Aphis glycines Matsumura, 1917, Aphis gossypii Glover, 1877, Aulacorthum solani Kaltenbach, 1843, Macrosiphoniella sanborni Gillette, 1908, Macrosiphum rosae Linnaeus, 1758, Myzus persicae Sulzer, 1776, Neomyzus circumflexus Buckton, 1876, Pentalonia caladii van der Goot, 1917, Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae Linnaeus, 1761, Sinemegoura citricola van der Goot, 1917, Toxoptera aurantii Boyer de Fonscolombe, 1841, Toxoptera citricidus Kirkaldy, 1907, Toxoptera odinae van der Goot, 1917 and the total of 11 species aphids found in weeds, A. gossypii, A. craccivora, A. glycines, A. citricola, Greenidea sp., Hystroneura setariae Thomas, 1878, Hiperomyzus sp., Lipaphis erysimi Kaltenbach, 1843, Rhopalosiphum maidis Fitch, 1856, Rhopalosiphum padi Linnaeus, 1758, Schizaphis rotundiventris Signoret, 1860.