Milicia Excelsa Research Articles

Analysis of Timber Marketing in Lokoja Metropolis, Kogi State, Nigeria

Inadequate marketing information about timber species, their sources, market structure and performance has greatly hampered the effectiveness of the business and has hindered investment in the forestry sector. The dearth of market information on market performance and activities have hindered investments in to forest industry and limited its capacity to contribute to economic growth and development of the country. This study therefore analysed timber marketing in Lokoja Metropolis, Kogi State, Nigeria. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to collect relevant information. Purposive and systematic sampling were applied to determine the study sample which was drawn from three timber markets; Ganaja, Felele and Zango daji. Applying 30% sampling intensity except in markets where the traders were less than ten, 40 timber traders were systematically sampled and interviewed on timber marketing activities. The study identified seven (7) most marketed timber species namely: Daniellia oliveri, Gmelina arborea, Milicia excelsa, Ficus exasperata, Prosopis africana, Triplochiton scleroxylon and Khaya grandifoliola. The major source of timber was from the open forest (92.5%), while supply within the state (27.5%) accounted as the highest, followed by Abuja (20%). The Gini-correlation co-efficient analysis for the study was 0.1552, and this implies that the timber market is imperfectly competitive with the market structure tending towards monopoly. Timber income analysis per truck of the seven species revealed that Daniellia oliveri recorded the highest mean return of 517, 005.99 per month while Ficus exasperata had the least mean monthly gross margin of 35,336.56. The mean gross margin of Khaya grandifoliola, Milicia excels, Prosopis africana, Gmelina arborea and Triplochiton scleroxylon had the same mean returns of 466,270 per month. Low patronage, scarcity of demanded wood species, lack of supply of wood species and high tax were identified as the major challenges facing timber market in the study area. Provision of adequate market education, proper examination and checking of excess associations will improve market efficiency and performance. Therefore, investment into forest development should be encouraged to ensure sustainable supply of raw materials for an efficient market system.

An Annotated Inventory of Tanzanian Medicinal Plants Traditionally Used for the Treatment of Respiratory Bacterial Infections.

This review comprehensively covers and analyzes scientific information on plants used in Tanzanian traditional medicine against respiratory diseases. It covers ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological information extracted from SciFinder, Google Scholar, and Reaxys as well as the literature collected at the Institute of Traditional Medicine in Dar-es-Salaam. Crude extracts and fractions of 133 plant species have literature reports on antimicrobial bioassays. Of these, 16 plant species had a minimum inhibitory activity of MIC ≤ 50 µg/mL. Structurally diverse compounds were reported for 49 plant species, of which 7 had constituents with MIC ≤ 5 µg/mL against various bacteria: Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken, Warburgia ugandensis Sprague, Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. ex DC., Cassia abbreviata Oliv., Entada abyssinica A. Rich., Strychnos spinosa Lam., and Milicia excelsa (Welw.) C.C. Berg. The low number of antimicrobial active extracts and compounds suggests that antibacterial and antimycobacterial drug discovery needs to have a fresh look at ethnobotanical information, diverting from too reductionist an approach and better taking into account that the descriptions of symptoms and concepts of underlying diseases are different in traditional African and modern Western medicine. Nevertheless, some structurally diverse compounds found in anti-infective plants are highlighted in this review as worthy of detailed study and chemical modification.

Old Sacred Trees as Memories of the Cultural Landscapes of Southern Benin (West Africa)

Large old trees (LOTs) are emblematic elements of the cultural landscape and can live for hundreds of years. They represent an intermediate aspect of cultural heritage, linking spirits and humans. They can also provide a range of ecosystem services. In spite of their importance, declining numbers have been reported. This study examined the diversity of LOTs and the impact of anthropogenic threats on their preservation in three districts of southern Benin: Ketou and Abomey, which represent historical districts with royal courts, and Lokossa, which does not have a tradition as a dynastic seat. Semi-structured interviews focused on ethnobotanical aspects and storytelling were conducted with a total of 150 community leaders and traditional practitioners; these were coupled with an inventory of LOTs to demonstrate their importance in maintaining the heritage and providing ecosystem services in cultural landscapes. Diversity, cultural importance, and ethnobotanical indices were calculated to compare positive and negative attitudes towards LOTs by the local people of the study areas. A total of 270 LOT individuals belonging to 14 species were recorded. The most common species was Adansonia digitata (70 individuals), followed by Milicia excelsa (47 individuals), Ceiba pentandra (37 individuals), and Blighia sapida (25 individuals). Sacred forests and the royal palaces (ten for Abomey and three for Kétou), which are protected by a traditional veto, had the highest number of LOTs (145 individuals) belonging to nine species. Details of 79 specific uses were documented for each plant part of LOTs. The most frequently reported were related to medicinal (80.64%), cultic (16.65%), and craft uses (2.6%). Based on a standard area of 100 km2, mean Shannon diversity (H’) and evenness (J) were lower in the cultural landscape of Ketou (H′ = 0.26 ± 0.42; J = 0.23 ± 0.37) compared to Lokossa (H′ = 0.27 ± 0.32; J = 0.21 ± 0.24) and Abomey (H′ = 0.42 ± 0.37; J = 0.35 ± 0.31). The threat patterns suggest that, irrespective of the species involved, certain determining factors (urbanization (35%), the timber trade (18%), and decisions made during the Marxist–Leninist revolution in Benin in 1972 (11%)) have affected and continue to affect LOT abundance and diversity. For better management of LOTs, there is a need to promote decision-making strategies that better align human cultural values and ecological objectives.

RELIABILITY-BASED INVESTIGATION ON THE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF COMMONLY USED NIGERIAN TIMBER SPECIES

This paper considers the compressive strength both parallel and perpendicular to grain of not less than twenty Nigerian-grown timber species out of which, six commonly used ones were selected and their compressive resistance assessed under certain loads. First, it was found out that the basic compressive stress perpendicular to the grain of timber is about 22% of the basic compressive stress parallel to grain. A reliability assessment was then carried out using the First Order Reliability Method (FORM) to investigate the performance of a column section of 250 x 250mm and 300 x 300mm for the six Nigerian-grown timber species. Lophira alata was found to be the most reliable with a Probability of failure Pf = 2.78 x 10-3 and 7.1 x 10-2 under an axial load of 1000kN and 2000kN respectively. This was followed by Anogeissus leiocarpus with Pf = 2.53 x 10-2 and 5.26 x 10-3 under an axial load of 1000kN and 1500kN respectively. Others that followed were ‘Iroko’(Chlorophora excelsa),‘Abura’ (Mitragyna ciliata),‘Afara’ (Terminalia superba), and ‘Obeche’(Triplochiton scleroxylon), in the order of descending performance. It can been established from this study that, ‘Ekki’ (Lophira alata) and African birch (Anogeissus leiocarpus) could be suitable for bridge piles and piers, railways or related structures that require compressive members with high axial capacity whereas, ‘Abura’, ‘Obeche’, ‘Afara’ and ‘Abura’ would be best suitable for buildings.

Effect of provenance on population structure and regeneration of six multiple-use tree species along Ouémé catchment in Benin: Implications for conservation

Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) G. Don, Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir, Milicia excelsa (Welw.) C. C. Berg, Prosopis africana (Guill., Perrot. and Rich.) Taub., Afzelia africana Sm. and Khaya senegalensis (Desv.) A. Juss. are the most highly valued indigenous tree species in the agroforestry systems of the Ouémé catchment area. However, information on the population structure of these species is lacking, thus limiting the development of their sustainable conservation, utilization and restoration strategies. This study addressed this gap. It assessed the population structures and regeneration status of the six species from Don, Tan-Houègbo, Atchabita, Bétékoukou, Glazoué, Tchaorou, Zagnanado, Tévèdji, Sinaou and Bétérou along the catchment. Data were collected from 78 permanent rectangular plots (50 × 30 m) randomly installed within 10 provenances. Dendrometric data including diameter at breast height (dbh) of adult trees (dbh ≥ 10 cm), collar diameter, total height of seedlings and saplings, number of individuals per species according to adult, sapling and seedling were recorded. The population structure was described using ecological and dendrometric parameters (relative frequency, importance value index (IVI), mean densities, basal area, mean height), and diameter size-class distributions. Seedling:sapling and sapling:adult ratios were also computed and analyzed for determining regeneration patterns. Based on IVI, Parkia biglobosa (95.85%) and Khaya senegalensis (65.92%) were the most represented species in the catchment area. The analysis of variances showed that dendrometric parameters of the six species varied significantly between provenances. Seedling:sapling and sapling:adult ratios were < 1 for the six species in quasi-totality of the provenances, indicating discontinuous regeneration patterns and low recruitments. All the species showed unhealthy population structures with the predominance of high diameter size-class individuals. To promote conservation and sustainable use of these highly valued species, initiatives aiming introducing juvenile individuals and raising awareness for seedling protection are required in the agroforestry systems of the Ouémé catchment.

In vitro shoot regeneration of Milicia excelsa (Welw.) C.C. Berg

The need for mass propagation and genetic breeding of tree species with economic importance, such as Milicia excelsa, requires an in vitro regeneration protocol. Different concentrations of Gibberellic acid (GA3) (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 mg/L) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2 mg/L) were added to Murashige and Skoog medium for seed germination and shoot regeneration of the species. The treatments were laid out in completely randomised design. Each set of GA3 and BAP treatments were composed by 20 and 6 replicates, respectively. Observations made on cultured seeds include germination percentage at 4 weeks interval while shoot length, number of shoots, number of roots and leaves collected on regenerated shoots at 2 weeks interval were subjected to analysis of variance and means separated with Fisher’s protected Least Significant Difference (L.S.D) at p ≤ 0.05. Results showed that using GA3 positively influenced the seed germination as early germination occurred in the media with GA3, in comparison to the treatment without plant growth regulator (control). Nonetheless, 2.0 mg/L GA3 was observed to be the optimum, having the highest germination percentage of 30% at 4 Weeks after Inoculation (WAI). The results of the BAP effects on the shoot regeneration showed that 0.5 mg/L was the optimum for best shoot growth, having the average number of leaves (6.5), axillary shoots (1.8) and highest shoot length (3.75 cm) in comparison to the control treatment. In conclusion, these results provide insight on in vitro propagation of Milicia excelsa and the techniques employed could be adopted for its shoot multiplication. Index terms: In vitro seed germination; micropropagation; multiple shoots; moraceae.

Height-Diameter Relationship of Some Forest Species Exploited for Wood in the Natural Tropical Forest of the Congo Basin

To enrich knowledge on the growth dynamics of commercial forest species in the Congo Basin, a study was conducted in Cameroon, within a community forest in savannah forest transition zone (Zone 1) and within FMU 10 052 in dense semi-deciduous humid forest (Zone 2). It aimed to obtain, in 8 species, the height (H) of the tree from its diameter (D) more accessible: Entandophragma cylindricum (Meliacea), Eribroma oblongum, Sterculia rhinopetala et Triplochiton scleroxylon (Malvaceae); Erythrophleum suaveolens et Piptadeniastrum africanum (Fabaceae), Milicia excelsa (Moraceae) et Terminalia superba (Combretaceae). The destructive method was used. After felling and flushing out a tree, the dendrometric parameters were measured and/or calculated. In Zone 1, 6 species including T. scleroxylon were calibrated using 30 trees of each. In Zone 2, 45 trees of E. cylindricum, 99 of E. suaveolens and 82 of T. scleroxylon constituted the sample. At the 5% threshold (95% confidence interval), the height-diameter relationship is a linear model. In all species, the height of a tree is predicted by measuring its diameter through linear regression. In Zone 1 regression equation is: H(m) = 28.13 + 19.09 * D(m) for T. scleroxylon; H(m) = 12.35 + 30.38 * D(m) for S. rhinopetala; H(m) = 23.09 + 26.42 * D(m) for E. oblongum; H(m) = 14.86 + 20.92 * D(m) for P. africanum; H(m) = 14.98 + 24.78 * D(m) for T. superba and H(m) = 1.55 + 32.37 * D(m) for M. excelsa. In Zone 2, the relationship is: H(m) = 27.40 + 14.21 * D(m) for T. scleroxylon; H(m) = 7.79 + 20.18 * D(m) for E. cylindricum and H(m) = 20.08 + 9.74 * D(m) for E. suaveolens (probability associated with F < 0.0001). The influence of site parameters (biotic and abiotic) on the height-diameter relationship should be more studied in multilayers forests specifically in the Congo Basin.

Lomami Buffer Zone (DRC): Forest composition, structure, and the sustainability of its use by local communities

AbstractThe recently created Lomami National Park has an extensive Buffer Zone where local communities are allowed to use forest products sustainably. However, the management of this Buffer Zone is hampered by inadequate understanding of the floristic composition and the impacts of harvesting certain plant products. To fill in this data gap, we established and sampled 30 vegetation plots of 40 × 40 m, and investigated the population structure of 11 useful tree species preferred by local communities. We found that the Buffer Zone is mostly composed of mixed‐species undisturbed old growth forest. It contains nine tree species of international conservation concern (listed in the IUCN Red list and/or apart from the Red list, Gibourtia demeusei, not been assessed by IUCN Red list, is listed in CITES Appendix II since January 2017; UNEP‐WCMC, Review of selected Dalbergia species and Guibourtia demeusei, UNEP‐WCMC, 2017). The floristic diversity of the Buffer Zone, which requires further investigation as some species remained unidentified. Most preferred tree species (including Garcinia kola and Milicia excelsa) are abundant and showed a reverse‐J size distribution, indicating a relatively stable population structure. For these species, current levels of exploitation seem sustainable. Further research is needed for two nonabundant species of conservation concern (Autranella congolensis and Michelsonia microphylla). Although timber/firewood commercial harvesting is currently limited in the study area, the management plan of the Buffer Zone should consider these risks given increasing commercial hunting. Surveys and permanent plots provide essential information to guide the management of newly formed protected areas.Abstract in French is available with online material.

Reactive transport modelling the oxalate-carbonate pathway of the Iroko tree; Investigation of calcium and carbon sinks and sources

The oxalate carbonate pathway (OCP) of the Iroko tree has been shown to function as a carbon sink, due to the precipitation of calcium (Ca) carbonate in the tree and the soil around its roots, a soil developed on a carbonate-free bedrock. A 1D reactive transport (RT) model of the Iroko OCP system was constructed and used in a sensitivity analysis to replicate the geochemical pathway of the OCP and carbon sequestration, constrained by the Ca mass balance. The sensitivity analysis examined ranges of contributions for Ca sources to the system, including rainfall, dust, plant decomposition, mineral weathering, and optionally groundwater Ca sources. The study focused on identifying possible scenarios by which the observed magnitude of accumulated soil calcite could be reproduced, related to the OCP geochemical pathway. In line with field observations of the Iroko, all model results showed a soil transition from acidic (pH 5.1) to mildly alkaline (maximum pH 8.1) conditions, as well as precipitation of calcite. The location of calcite precipitation remained within the upper reach of the soil column, and between 29% and 63% of carbon was retained as calcite. The magnitude of calcite precipitation was limited both by the availability of Ca from the various sources, and by the tree’s rate of root water and solute uptake. The sensitivity analysis confirms that surficial sources such as rainfall and dust deposition contribute only a small fraction of Ca, and indicate that mineral weathering and the extent of the root system, must play a dominant role in supplying Ca to facilitate carbon sequestration through calcium carbonate formation.

Surface and Physical Features of Thermo-Mechanically Modified Iroko and Tauari Wood for Flooring Application

The aim of the study was to determine the selected surface and physical properties of iroko (Milicia excelsa (Welw.) C.C. Berg) and tauari (Couratari spp.) wood after thermo-mechanical treatment (TMT) in relation to extractive content. During TMT, no chemicals are introduced into the wood, which distinguishes this method from a number of wood modification methods. The iroko and tauari wood were subjected to volumetric densification in a hydraulic press. The wood was densified in a radial direction at a temperature of 100 and 150 °C. The wood color parameters were measured using the mathematical CIE L*a*b* and L*C*h color space models. The roughness parameters of Ra and Rz parallel and perpendicular to the grain were investigated. The contact angle (CA) of the wood with distilled water was determined based on the sessile drop method. The equilibrium moisture content (EMC) and dimensional changes of the wood were determined for a climate with a temperature of 20 °C and a relative humidity (RH) of 9%, 34%, 55%, 75% and 98%. The tauari wood was less prone to color changes under the influence of TMT than the iroko wood. After densification, the iroko and tauari wood displayed a different character of roughness changes. The iroko wood featured the lowest level of roughness after TMT at 100 °C, and the tauari wood after TMT at 150 °C. The densified iroko and tauari wood were characterized by weaker dynamics in the changes in their respective contact angles than the non-densified wood. The higher the temperature of the TMT, the lower the EMC of the wood. Higher EMC values were observed for the tauari wood than for the iroko wood. This was due to the lower content of chloroform-ethanol extractives. Similar dependencies were obtained in the case of hot water extractives. The thermo-mechanically treated wood displayed a greater tendency towards dimensional changes in a climate with high relative air humidity, i.e., above 70%, compared to the non-modified wood.

Composites Based on Iroko Wood Flour Stabilized Using High Density Polyethylene Resin Recovered: 1. Mechanical Properties

Nowadays, waste management has become one of the major priorities for the protection of ecosystems. Among these wastes, those of plastic origin require particular importance. As an alternative solution to this problem, this waste is reused for other purposes such as the development of new materials. The work presented proposes, on the one hand, to develop a composite based on Iroko wood flour stabilized by high density polyethylene resin (Hdpe) and, on the other hand, to measure its mechanical characteristics. To do this, resin mass contents varying from 10 to 60% were mixed with the flour to obtain composites according to a well-defined method. The variation of these mechanical properties has been studied as a function of the proportions of the binder. The measurements carried out related to the behavior in compression, in flexion and in traction. It appears that the mechanical strengths increase for high levels of binder. In addition, for each resin content, the composite has an increasingly resistant behavior in compression than in traction and in flexion. For example, for 60% of Hdpe, the strengths are equal to 23.95 MPa in compression, 18.22 MPa in tension and 13,17 MPa in flexion. However, from 50%, the material adopts an increasingly stable behavior. In addition, it becomes more ductile and deformable as the binder content increases. The use of the proposed method is an alternative for the management of the waste.

Physicochemical characterization of biochars from Eucalyptus maiden Entandrophragma cylindricum (Liboyo), Milicia excelsa (Muvula.) and Ocotea michelsonie (licheche) used in Goma city, DR Congo for water treatment potentials

In recent years, research on biochar as an eco-friendly material and cost-effective means for water treatment, soil amendment and carbon sequestration has gained more attention due to the availability of feedstock, the simplicity of the preparation methods, and their enhanced physico-chemical properties. Given that pyrolysis temperature and resident time amongst other factors have significant effect on biochar’s pollutant removal efficacy, this study focused on the evaluation of some properties of biochars produced by pyrolysis (500 - 600 °C) from Entandrophragma cylindricum (ECB), Eucalyptus maiden (EMB), Milicia excelsa (MEB) and Ocotea michelsonie (OMB) sawdusts for their water treatment potentials by using standardized methods. Biomass generated from wood mill in the city of Goma (DR Congo) is valorised for the first time as potential water purifier. The highest yield was obtained from OMB (36.6%) which was found to be significantly greater that those of ECB and EMB (p&lt;0.05). All the biochars had neutral to weakly alkaline pH (7.10-7.90), very high porosity (92-94%, with EMB having the highest value) and ash content between 9.40 and 18.40%, with the highest value attributed to OMB). Most physical and chemical characteristics of biochars varied significantly due to different wood species. Potential toxic elements were far belowenvironmental threshold values and exchangeable cations were equally detected in the biochars. The obtained biochars are therefore seen as good media for water treatment.

Contribution to traditional knowledge used for the prevention and healing of the Covid-19 symptoms by local people of Deng-Deng massif forest Cameroon

SARS-CoV-2 which causes the corona virus disease 2019 (Covid-19) continues to spread worldwide, causing death and panic in rural communities with little emergency medical facilities. The efficiency of traditional medicine has become the priority to prevent this pandemic. The aim of this study was to identify local knowledge and forest plant species used by local populations of the Deng-Deng massif forest against the Covid-19 pandemic. Semi-structured questionnaires was used; and inquired including the naturopaths, healers and heads of households (men and/or women). A total of 405 people were interviewed in 22 villages. Available lexicons were used to find correspondence to the vernacular/common names provided by inquired people. Five major Covid-19 symptoms including fever, headache, cough, dyspnea, cold/nasal discharge were identified by local people and 48 forest plants species were identified to prevent these symptoms, while 26 plant species were identified as treatment of specific Covid-19 symptoms. The frequent use of the various plant species for the prevention of the Covid-19 emerged as follow: Alstonia booneii (95%), Annickia chlorantha (72%), Picralima nitida (50%), Pycnanthus ivorensis (20%) and Milicia excelsa (16%). This study confirms the importance of forest plant species in traditional medicine against the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prospects of botanical pesticides in management of Iroko gall bug, Phytolyma fusca (Hemiptera, Psylloidea) under laboratory and field conditions

BackgroundIroko gall bug, Phytolyma fusca Walker, is a major insect pest of Milicia excelsa (Iroko) seedling hampering its propagation in West Africa. Milicia excelsa is an indigenous forest timber tree in the tropical rain forest of West Africa with a very high value in international trade due to its wood quality. Sustainable management of P. fusca infestations on Iroko seedlings have not been achieved due to their cryptic nature and multivoltine generations. This study evaluated the residual and contact effects of crude ethanol and aqueous extracts of four plants (Azadirachta indica, Jatropha curcas, Piper guineense, and Aframomum melegueta) on adult P. fusca in the laboratory and field.ResultsAll the extracts had residual effects and contact effects on adult insects in the laboratory at 75% and 100% concentrations of applications. Azadirachta indica, P. guineense, and A. melegueta gave 80–100% adult mortality at both concentrations in the laboratory; their efficacies were comparable to cypermethrin. The ethanol extracts of P. guineense and A. indica were more effective than other extracts in protecting the seedlings against Phytolyma infestations in the field. They significantly (p < 0.01) reduced infestation compared to other extracts and control. Ethanol extracts of the tested plant materials were more effective than their aqueous extracts both in the laboratory and field.ConclusionThe results proved that P. guineense and A. indica extracts were very potent and promising in protecting Milicia excelsa seedlings against Phytolyma fusca infestations and they can be used in the early management of Phytolyma infestations in the field.

Influence of Age on the Strength of Different Species of Timber

Timbers are used as structural members in various areas of construction works. Hence the knowledge of properties of wood especially strength and factors affecting the strength of timber is very important. This study was conducted to determine the effect of age on the structural strength of timber. The wood species studied are Iroko (Chlorophora excelsa), Nigerian Mahogany (Khaya anthotheca) and Ita (Celtis mildbraedii). The age of timber were determined by counting the number of annual growth rings, which is the combination of early wood and late wood and samples of different ages of timber, were obtained by personal visit to the forest where fresh timber was cut. The samples obtained were machined and trimmed to standard size with respect to BS 373 1957 (imprint 1999), 20mm X 20mm X 60mm for the determination of maximum compressive strength parallel to grain (MCS//), 20mm X 20mm X 20mm for static shear strength and 20mm X 20mm X 300mm to determine the bending strength. The samples obtained were carried to the laboratory at Forestry Research Institutes of Nigeria (FRIN) in Ibadan for testing using Instron Tensiometer machine. SPSS was used to analyze the relationship between strength and age of timber. The result obtained showed that the maximum compressive and Shear strength for Iroko, were at 120years, whereas it has maximum bending strength at 70years. Nigeria Mahogany and Ita has maximum compressive, bending and shear strength at 80 years, and 70 years respectively and among the three timber samples Ita is better in compression and shear strength and iroko is better in bending strength. It was concluded that age of timber has significant influence on timber strength

Impact of Climate Change on Priority Plant Species Conservation in The Forests Under ONAB (the National Wood Office of Benin) Management

The sustainable conservation of forest resources in a context of climate change and population growth would be compromised in their current form of exploitation by rural communities. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of climate change on the dynamics of habitats favorable to species of conservation priority in the forests under ONAB management as these species are heavily used by the populations living along the shores of these forests. The study will consist of: Khaya senegalensis, Afzelia africana, Khaya grandifoliola, Pterocarpus erinaceus, Anogeissus leiocarpa, Milicia excelsa, Albizia zygia, Vitex doniana, Antidesma laciniatum and Bombax costatum. Techniques based on the principle of maximum entropy (Maxent) combined with GIS were used to project the favorable habitats of these ten species under current and future climatic conditions (Horizon 2050). Species occurrence data were collected and combined with bioclimatic data derived from the Worldclim database and the edaphic (soil) variable. Two climate models were used for future projections (CNRM-CM5, HadGEM-ES models) under the IPCC A2 scenario, and the partial ROC approach was used for the evaluation of the predictions of ecological niche models. Variables such as cec2 (cation exchange capacity, horizon 5-15cm), bio17 (precipitation of the driest quarter), bio12 (annual precipitation), bio3 (isothermality), bio6 (minimum temperature of the coldest month) and bio7 (annual thermal amplitude) were found to be the most relevant respectively for the distribution of Khaya grandifoliola, Albizia zygia, Anogeissus leiocarpa, Antidesma laciniatum, Afzelia africana and Khaya senegalensis. Under current conditions, only 7% of the Beninese territory would be very favorable to the conservation of Khaya senegalensis and the CNRM-CM5 model predicts an increase of 27.5% and 13.2% respectively of these very favorable and moderately favorable areas by 2050 through conversion of unfavorable areas (7.4%). On the other hand, this model predicts an opposite trend at the level of Afzelia africana where it predicts a decrease of 8.1% and 1.8% respectively of the very favorable and moderately favorable areas and an increase of 5.1% of the unfavorable areas. Ecological niche modeling has basically revealed the conversion of some currently unfavorable habitats into very favorable habitats for conservation (this is the case of Khaya grandifoliola, Khaya senegalensis and Vitex doniana) and the extension of some habitats unfavorable to conservation (Anogeissus leiocarpa, Bombax costatum, and Pterocarpus erinaceus) by 2050. This study provides scientific support for planning and is a decision support tool for the conservation of these species at the socio-economic level.

In vitro antiplasmodial, cytotoxic and antioxidant effects, and phytochemical constituents of eleven plants used in the traditional treatment of malaria in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Purpose: To evaluate the antiplasmodial effects of eleven plants (Bombax buonopozense, Carica papaya, Anthocleista djalonensis, Milicia excelsa, Heterotis rotundifolia, Homalim letestui, Starchystarpheta cayennnensis, Ocimum gratissimum, Cleistopholis patens, Chromolaena odorata and Hippocratea africana) reportedly used in the treatment of malaria in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria.&#x0D; Methods: Phytochemical analysis was done by standard methods, while in vitro antiplasmodial evaluation was carried out using Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine-sensitive and chloroquineresistant strains using lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) assay. Cytotoxicity test was undertaken by MTT assay on LLC-MK2 cells and the concentration killing 50 % of the cells (CC50) was calculated.Antioxidant activity of the ethanol extract was evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay.&#x0D; Results: Milicia excelsa, Heterotis rotundifolia and Chromolaena odorata had moderate antiplasmodial activity. Ocimum gratissimum and Hippocratea africana were weakly active. Milicia excelsa showed a considerable level of cytotoxicity, while Bombax buonopozense exhibited moderate cytotoxicity. Bombax buonopozense (95.3 %) and Ocimum gratissimum (92.0 %) exhibited high DPPH scavengingeffect comparable to Vitamin C (98.7 %). There was a significant correlation (p &lt; 0.05) between DPPH inhibition and the total phenolic contents of the eleven plants studied (r2 = 0.6616), between DPPH inhibition and flavonoids (r2 = 0.3553), between antiplasmodial activity and saponin content (r2= 0.3992), and between the two antiplasmodial evaluation assay methods (r2 = 0.614).Conclusion: The results of this work provide some justification for the use of Milicia excelsa, Heterotis rotundifolia, Chromolaena odorata, Ocimum gratissimum and Hippocratea africana in the treatment of malaria.&#x0D; Keywords: Antiplasmodial, Antioxidant, Cytotoxicity, Phytochemicals, Antimalaria

An Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants used in the Management of Dermatological Disorders in Buyende and Kayunga Districts, Uganda

This study was done to document medicinal plants used in the management of dermatological disorders. Documentation of plants is important for conservation especially of rare and endangered plant species. The study was done in Buyende and Kayunga districts in Uganda, between April and July 2017. Data was obtained using semi-structured questionnaires and group discussions, performed on 63 respondents (33 females; 30 males) who were purposively selected because of their expertise in plant use. The study recorded 111 plant species that belong to 46 plant families for treatment of 30 skin disorders. The dominant life form was herb (41%), while leaves were the most used parts (59 %). Majority of plants (72%) were harvested from their natural habitats. Family Fabaceae contributed the highest number of species (20). Milicia excelsa was recorded to be threatened with extinction. The most cited diseases were skin rash (14%), wounds (12%), syphilis (9%), allergy (9%) and ring worm (7%). The plant species with high percent respondent knowledge were Hoslundia opposita, cited by 83% of the people; Bidens pilosa (76%) and Jatropha carcus (56%) all for treating wounds. Topical application (90%) was the common mode of administering herbal remedies, while decoction was least used to prepare remedies. Plants are important in the management of dermatological disorders by local communities in the study areas. The diversity of medicinal plant species used in these areas is based on the rich traditional knowledge of the local communities. There is need to domesticate the rare and threatened medicinal plant species to avoid extinction. Plant species with high percent respondent knowledge can be considered for further studies to identify key active compounds important to develop natural based skin care products.

Mechanical Characterization of Iroko Wood Using Small Specimens

Despite their favorable physical and mechanical properties for structural use, tropical woods, such as Iroko (Milicia excelsa), present knowledge gaps to be filled mainly about their mechanical characterization, which currently limit their use or result in under- or overdimensioned structural elements. Visual classification, one of the most used methods for characterizing wood, is inaccurate in the case of Iroko due to the wide variety of geographical locations in which this species can be found. In addition, mechanical characterization using test pieces with structural dimensions leads to high and impractical costs. In this context, this study aims to verify the mechanical properties of Iroko (imported from the Republic of the Congo) from small size specimens, a process that is currently standardized only for softwoods, and to verify the correlation of different properties through bending properties and ultrasound tests. Prior to the bending tests, the speed of propagation of ultrasonic waves was measured using the direct method. The results obtained show a good correlation between density and bending properties and the velocity of propagation of ultrasonic waves.

Biocontrol of cassava root-rot mycopathogens with antimicrobial extracts of wood shavings

ABSTRACT Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an excellent source of calories and a good source of income to both small and large-scale farmers in Nigeria. Cassava root rot is an important disease in different agroecological zones of West Africa, limiting the economic yield of this crop. Three prevalent root-rot mycopathogens (Fusarium oxysporum ACV16, Fusarium solani ACV09, and Aspergillus flavus OCV01) were isolated from freshly harvested cassava through direct plating on Potato Dextrose Agar. F. solani ACV09 was the most virulent, with rot severity of 37.96%. The biocontrol potentials of aqueous extracts of Cola nitida, Gmelina arborea, and Milicia excelsa wood shavings against root-rot pathogens were investigated using the in-vitro mycelial inhibition assay (medium amendment). C. nitida extract, at 0.002 g/mL, had the highest overall inhibitory effect on F. oxysporum ACV16, F. solani ACV09, and A. flavus OCV01, with average mycelial growth inhibition (MGI) of 52.09%, 84.46%, and 78.70%, respectively. G. arborea was most effective against F. solani ACV09, with MGI of 83.50% at 0.002 g/mL. However, F. oxysporum ACV16 appeared to be resistant to M. excelsa wood extract, with mycelial growth inhibition range between 0.69% and 2.08%. Aqueous extracts of C. nitida, M. excelsa and G. arborea wood shavings possess antifungal properties against cassava root-rot pathogens. These plant materials can be considered in the development of efficient biocontrol measures against cassava root-rot diseases, to enhance the production of this economically important crop in Nigeria.