Conservation Of Plant Biodiversity Research Articles

Evaluating Carbon Sequestration and Biodiversity in Cocoa Agroforestry Systems: A Case Study from the Man Region, Côte d'Ivoire

Aims: Cocoa-based agroforestry systems in the Man region of Côte d'Ivoire are essential for balancing agricultural productivity and environmental preservation. This study assessed these systems regarding plant biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration. Study Design and Methodology: The research was carried out in 21 cocoa plantations, aged between 14 and 32 years, across 60 botanical inventory plots, each measuring 10 by 20 meters. Tree heights and diameters were recorded to estimate Above Ground Biomass (AGB) using the equation AGB = 0.0673 × (ρD²H)0.976, where D is diameter, H is height, and ρ is specific density. Below Ground Biomass (BGB) was calculated as BGB=AGB×0.24, while total biomass (BT) was obtained as BT=AGB+BGB. Carbon stock (C) was derived using C=BT×0.5. Statistical analysis was applied to compare mean carbon stocks across different plantation ages. Results: The plantations, ranging from 8 to 32 years old, showed a diversity of companion species. The diversity of companion species in cocoa agrosystems varies from 4 in 8–10-year-old plantations to 12 in 14- and 15-year-old plantations. Carbon sequestration was age-dependent: younger plantations (5-10 years) sequestered 19.77 ± 2.32 tonnes per hectare, plantations aged 10-15 years stored 133.70 ± 253.50 tonnes, while middle-aged plots (15-20 years) reached 398.76 ± 861.51 tonnes. The oldest plantations (30-35 years) sequestered 137.94 ± 280.31 tonnes. Effective plantation management increased both carbon sequestration and biodiversity. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of species diversity and continuous management in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. Optimized agroecological practices enhance biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration, providing practical insights for stakeholders involved in agricultural sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation. Cocoa agroforestry aligns economic and environmental objectives, offering a sustainable agricultural model.

Unleashing the Potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools in Phytogeographical studies

Phytogeography, the study of the geographic distribution of plants, is important for understanding ecosystem dynamics, biodiversity, and ecological processes. Over the past few years, advances in technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI), have revolutionized various scientific fields, including ecology and environmental science. In recent years, AI techniques have been increasingly applied in phytogeography, providing new opportunities to increase our understanding of plant distribution patterns and improve conservation efforts. The study of the role of artificial intelligence in phytogeography focuses on how AI techniques such as machine learning, remote sensing, and spatial analysis are being used to analyse large-scale plant distribution data. By leveraging AI, researchers can gain valuable insights from vast and complex datasets, identify patterns and predict future changes in plant distributions with greater accuracy. Furthermore, AI-driven approaches have the potential to address important challenges in phytogeography, such as species distribution modelling, habitat mapping, and biodiversity conservation. By integrating AI with traditional ecological methods, more effective strategies can be developed to manage and conserve plant species and their habitats. AI-driven phytogeography research, provides an overview of recent progress, discusses potential applications of AI techniques in ecological studies, and the opportunities and challenges associated with the use of AI in understanding and conserving plant biodiversity. Ultimately, the integration of AI with phytogeography has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of plant distributions and inform more sustainable conservation practices in the face of global environmental change.

Ролята на Университетската ботаническа градина София, за популяризиране и изучаване на растителното биоразнообразие

The article presents brief information about the foundation, structure and diversity of plant collections in the Botanical Garden of Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" in Sofia, with an emphasis on the role of this institution for the study, promotion and conservation of plant biodiversity.

Predicting the potential habitat suitability of Saussurea species in China under future climate scenarios using the optimized Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model

The Saussurea species, renowned for its biodiversity and medicinal significance in high-elevation regions, faces endangerment due to climate change and human activities. Despite this, conservation research on Saussurea has been limited. To fill the knowledge gap, this study employed the optimized MaxEnt model to simulate Saussurea's habitat suitability and analyze key environmental factors influencing its distribution. Additionally, considering the sensitivity of Saussurea habitats to climate change, this research also simulated the changes in suitable habitat and distribution centroid shifts of Saussurea under different climate scenarios (SSP126, SSP245, SSP370, and SSP585) for the periods 2040s, 2060s, 2080s and 2100s. Findings indicated that Saussurea's suitable habitat was primarily located in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, notably within the Himalayas and Hengduan Mountains. The areas of extremely and moderately suitable habitats were 1.106 × 10⁵ km2 and 3.436 × 10⁵ km2, respectively. Elevation, Isothermality (Bio3), and Temperature Annual Range (Bio7) were identified as the main environmental factors. Future projections suggest severe habitat fragmentation and a decrease in suitable habitat areas. By 2100, the total area of suitable Saussurea habitat will decrease under the SSP126, SSP245, SSP370, and SSP585 scenarios to 8.658 × 10⁵ km2, 6.971 × 10⁵ km2, 5.811 × 10⁵ km2, and 5.979 × 10⁵ km2, respectively. Additionally, a slight southeastward shift in the distribution centroid was observed. This study is expected to provide guidance for the conservation of Saussurea and alpine plant biodiversity.

DNA BARCODING OF HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES L. COLLECTED FROM NATURAL AND INTRODUCED POPULATIONS IN KAZAKHSTAN

In this study, we analyzed eight samples of Hippophae rhamnoides L. collected in Kazakhstan, along with twenty-five samples of Hippophae species and three outgroup species from NCBI GenBank, using ITS sequences. The alignment of the ITS sequences, which was 639 bp in length with outgroup samples and 642 bp without them, revealed polymorphism, with 31 positions (4.85%) being polymorphic among the ingroup samples. The highest number of polymorphic sites was found in ITS1 (13 sites), followed by ITS2 (10 sites) and the 5.8S rRNA region (8 sites). The maximum likelihood (ML) phylogenetic tree delineated four distinct clades within the Hippophae species. The H. rhamnoides samples from northeastern Kazakhstan clustered with H. rhamnoides ssp. mongolica from GenBank suggests a close genetic relationship. Introduced samples formed separate subclades and clustered with various subspecies from GenBank. Notably, hybrid peaks were observed in the ITS sequences of introduced plants, which were not present in samples from natural populations. This study underscores the utility of ITS sequences in identifying plants from natural and introduced populations of H. rhamnoides and highlights the marker's importance in plant genetic research and biodiversity conservation.

Piece and parcel of gymnosperm organellar genomes.

Significant past, present, and potential future research into the organellar (plastid and mitochondrial) genomes of gymnosperms that can provide insight into the unknown origin and evolution of plants is highlighted. Gymnosperms are vascular seed plants that predominated the ancient world before their sister clade, angiosperms, took over during the Late Cretaceous. The divergence of gymnosperms and angiosperms took place around 300 Mya, with the latter evolving into the diverse group of flowering plants that dominate the plant kingdom today. Although gymnosperms have reportedly made some evolutionary innovations, the literature on their genome advances, particularly their organellar (plastid and mitochondrial) genomes, is relatively scattered and fragmented. While organellar genomes can shed light on plant origin and evolution, they are frequently overlooked, due in part to their limited contribution to gene expression and lack of evolutionary dynamics when compared to nuclear genomes. A better understanding of gymnosperm organellar genomes is critical because they reveal genetic changes that have contributed to their unique adaptations and ecological success, potentially aiding in plant survival, enhancement, and biodiversity conservation in the face of climate change. This review reveals significant information and gaps in the existing knowledge base of organellar genomes in gymnosperms, as well as the challenges and research needed to unravel their complexity.

ASSESSMENT OF INFESTATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF LORANTHACEAE ON WOODY PLANTS OF THE MANDARA MOUNTAINS OF THE FAR NORTH REGION, CAMEROON

Loranthaceae are a permanent danger to many woody plant species. The present study was carried out with the aim of evaluating the degree of parasitism of Loranthaceae on woody species of the Mandara Mountains in the Far North Region of Cameroon. A methodological approach based on surface surveys was adopted. On the hills, the species of Loranthaceae encountered and the host plants have been identified. The botanical inventory revealed a floristic composition of 73 species of phorophytes distributed in 43 genera and 24 families. These phorophytes are parasitized by 7 species of Loranthaceae (Agelanthus dodoneifolius, Globimetula braunii, Phragmanthera capitata, Tapinanthus bangwensis, T. belvisii, T. globiferus and T. ophiodes), distributed in 4 genera (Agelanthus, Globimetula, Agmanthera and Tapinanthus). T. globiferus and A. dodoneifolius are the most abundant ubiquitous Loranthaceae species of the 7 parasitic species inventoried and identified on the Mandara Mountains. The average parasite rate of the inventoried phorophytes is 27.35% andthe average infestation intensity is 4.07 tufts / plant. This rate and the intensity of infestation vary among plant families. The distribution of Loranthaceae tufts follows an ascending curve. Parasitism of woody plants by Loranthaceae species therefore represents a considerable threat to phorophytes. It would therefore be wise to explore the means of combating Loranthaceae, for the conservation of plant biodiversity which integrates sustainable development in the Far North Region, Cameroon.

Competition between alien and native species in xerothermic steno-Mediterranean grasslands: Cenchrus setaceus and Hyparrhenia hirta in Sicily and southern Italy

AbstractPerennial dry grassland communities, vital for plant biodiversity conservation in the Mediterranean, often harbor rare and endangered species. However, these habitats face threats, including the invasion of alien species. Cenchrus setaceus, a highly invasive grass, is spreading in the Mediterranean region. Historical records and observations document its establishment and invasiveness across various Italian regions. This study investigates the impact of C. setaceus on native grasslands dominated by Hyparrhenia hirta. We assessed the impact of C. setaceus invasion on plant biodiversity in Sicily and southern Italy, and we identified and characterized plant species’ composition using Ellenberg indicator values. The intention to analyze species richness, diversity, and ecological indicators is also emphasized. Starting from the use of the phytosociological method, multivariate analysis and Ellenberg indicator values to assess the impact of C. setaceus on grasslands composition were considered. There are several similarities and differences in diversity, floristic composition, and ecological traits between the two grassland types. A deep comparison with central European studies and evaluation of the impact of C. setaceus on species richness and community dynamics in Mediterranean habitats were concluded. Although C. setaceus is invading native grasslands, it does not drastically reduce species richness. The ecological implications of the invasion are explored, urging ongoing monitoring and collaborative efforts for effective conservation. The importance of interdisciplinary cooperation is highlighted to address the threat of invasive species and sustain the biodiversity of Mediterranean grasslands.

Exploring the Biochemical Profiles of Medicinal Plants Cultivated Under Stressful Environmental Conditions

The therapeutic potential of medicinal plants, attributed to diverse bioactive chemicals, is impacted by dynamic metabolic changes under environmental stressors such as salt, drought, and heavy metal exposure. This study aimed to elucidate the biochemical alterations in stressed medicinal plants and their implications for therapeutic qualities. Two groups of plants were compared: one cultivated in optimal conditions, serving as a control, and the other exposed to stressors mimicking real-world scenarios. Biochemical parameters, including total phenolic content, flavonoids, antioxidant activity, and specific secondary metabolites, were assessed using established analytical methods. In a case study involving Aloe vera under elevated soil salinity, a significant decrease in total phenolic content and antioxidant activity was observed. Surprisingly, aloin, an anti-inflammatory bioactive compound, exhibited notable upregulation. Stress-induced biochemical variations in medicinal plants differed significantly from those in ideal conditions, demonstrating adaptive responses, including modulation of secondary metabolite synthesis. While certain stresses led to an overall decrease in secondary metabolites, specific instances showed an overexpression of beneficial chemicals. Exploring drought stress in Lavandula angustifolia (lavender), Vitis vinifera, and Artemisia tridentata, revealed a marked reduction in flavonoids and specific secondary metabolites. The study aimed to establish connections between metabolic alterations and stress-adaptive reactions. The findings contribute to understanding how environmental stress influences the therapeutic efficacy of medicinal plants and shed light on the molecular pathways governing stress-induced changes. In the investigation of heavy metal exposure, Hypericum perforatum, and Coriandrum sativum subjected to cadmium-contaminated soil exhibited an overall decline in secondary metabolites, including reduced hypericin content. Contrarily, hyperforin, linked to antidepressant properties, experienced a significant increase. These results have implications for pharmaceutical applications, sustainable farming practices, and the conservation of medicinal plant biodiversity amidst changing environmental dynamics. The study underscores the intricate relationship between environmental stressors and the biochemical makeup of medicinal plants, emphasizing their resilience and capacity to produce valuable bioactive molecules in challenging conditions. The comparative biochemical analysis of stressed medicinal plants involves assessing various parameters to comprehend how stress influences plant metabolism and bioactive compound production.

Functional richness mediates landscape and management effects on tree biomass and soil fertility during secondary forest succession

Secondary forests can play a critical role in conserving plant biodiversity and sequestering carbon. However, intensive past management, fragmentation, and initial soil fertility can hinder forest recovery during secondary succession, especially in terms of tree species selection. In turn, tree species selection can negatively impact soil fertility recovery and may slow down the succession process, but the direct and indirect effects between these factors remain unclear. To assess the complex interactions among landscape, previous management, soil and vegetation, 27 secondary forests of varying ages, previously used for eucalyptus plantations, located in diverse landscape configurations within the Atlantic Forest biome, were examined. Key variables, such as planting frequency, cutting frequency, forest cover in the landscape, patch isolation between fragments, functional richness, tree aboveground biomass (AGB), soil sum of bases, soil organic matter, and soil phosphorus concentration were used to construct a structural equation model to evaluate the direct and indirect effects of landscape and previous management on forest development. Cutting frequency and patch isolation had a negative direct effect on functional richness. Additionally, a strong positive direct effect of functional diversity on aboveground biomass and soil sum of bases was found. Thus, cutting frequency and patch isolation had negative indirect effects on biomass and soil sum of bases (a proxy for soil fertility), mediated by functional richness. These findings underscore the significance of integrating plant functional diversity into restoration strategies to preserve ecosystem functioning and efficiently recover biodiversity, tree biomass, and soil fertility in secondary forests.

Metabolic niches in the rhizosphere microbiome: dependence on soil horizons, root traits and climate variables in forest ecosystems.

Understanding belowground plant-microbial interactions is important for biodiversity maintenance, community assembly and ecosystem functioning of forest ecosystems. Consequently, a large number of studies were conducted on root and microbial interactions, especially in the context of precipitation and temperature gradients under global climate change scenarios. Forests ecosystems have high biodiversity of plants and associated microbes, and contribute to major primary productivity of terrestrial ecosystems. However, the impact of root metabolites/exudates and root traits on soil microbial functional groups along these climate gradients is poorly described in these forest ecosystems. The plant root system exhibits differentiated exudation profiles and considerable trait plasticity in terms of root morphological/phenotypic traits, which can cause shifts in microbial abundance and diversity. The root metabolites composed of primary and secondary metabolites and volatile organic compounds that have diverse roles in appealing to and preventing distinct microbial strains, thus benefit plant fitness and growth, and tolerance to abiotic stresses such as drought. Climatic factors significantly alter the quantity and quality of metabolites that forest trees secrete into the soil. Thus, the heterogeneities in the rhizosphere due to different climate drivers generate ecological niches for various microbial assemblages to foster beneficial rhizospheric interactions in the forest ecosystems. However, the root exudations and microbial diversity in forest trees vary across different soil layers due to alterations in root system architecture, soil moisture, temperature, and nutrient stoichiometry. Changes in root system architecture or traits, e.g. root tissue density (RTD), specific root length (SRL), and specific root area (SRA), impact the root exudation profile and amount released into the soil and thus influence the abundance and diversity of different functional guilds of microbes. Here, we review the current knowledge about root morphological and functional (root exudation) trait changes that affect microbial interactions along drought and temperature gradients. This review aims to clarify how forest trees adapt to challenging environments by leveraging their root traits to interact beneficially with microbes. Understanding these strategies is vital for comprehending plant adaptation under global climate change, with significant implications for future research in plant biodiversity conservation, particularly within forest ecosystems.

Vascular plant distribution in the Korean demilitarized zone and its surrounding areas

Previous studies examining the flora in the Korean Demilitarized Zone and its surroundings focused only on specific locations or ways to utilize these areas. We investigated vascular plant distribution in this area across the entire Korean Peninsula. Species richness, endemism, and alien species richness were examined for 54,948 occurrence records. Biodiversity and protection status were assessed, and a self-organizing map algorithm was used to divide the flora distribution into an Eastern region (including the Central region) and a Western region. Environmental factors of each distribution type were analyzed. The whole study area had 1,790 taxa of 655 genera and 151 families. The flora of the Central region was similar to that of the Eastern region, which had the richest biodiversity, whereas the Western region contained various invasive alien plants. Most areas with high biodiversity were classified as protected by international agreements. In the self-organizing map, the Eastern and Central regions exhibited large distribution of endemic and northern lineage plants, and the Western region showed high abundances of invasive alien plants. The considerable biodiversity of this area is threatened due to continuous housing development and military operations. Therefore, policies to ensure sustainable conservation of plant biodiversity “hotspots” are required.

SECONDARY OAK FORESTS OF THE Primorye Territory AS A RESERVE OF RARE AND ENDANGERED VASCULAR PLANTS SPECIES

More than 60 species of rare and endangered vascular plant species are found in forests with oak. About 20 protected species grow in secondary oak forests adjacent to cities or settlements. The article provides information about the presence of rare plants in particular areas. Rare species are quite resistant to such anthropogenic influences as early spring fires, which oak forests experience almost annually. The greatest danger to the conservation of plant biodiversity is the cutting down of secondary oak forests for the construction of linear, industrial and civil objects.

Mapping canopy traits over Québec using airborne and spaceborne imaging spectroscopy

The advent of new spaceborne imaging spectrometers offers new opportunities for ecologists to map vegetation traits at global scales. However, to date most imaging spectroscopy studies exploiting satellite spectrometers have been constrained to the landscape scale. In this paper we present a new method to map vegetation traits at the landscape scale and upscale trait maps to the continental level, using historical spaceborne imaging spectroscopy (Hyperion) to derive estimates of leaf mass per area, nitrogen, and carbon concentrations of forests in Québec, Canada. We compare estimates for each species with reference field values and obtain good agreement both at the landscape and continental scales, with patterns consistent with the leaf economic spectrum. By exploiting the Hyperion satellite archive to map these traits and successfully upscale the estimates to the continental scale, we demonstrate the great potential of recent and upcoming spaceborne spectrometers to benefit plant biodiversity monitoring and conservation efforts.

Exploration of Local Knowledge of Medicinal Plants that are utilized by the Community of Kanor District, Bojonegoro Regency

Exploring the use of a plant in everyday life is a form of ethnobotanical approach in conserving plant biodiversity. The purpose of this study was to determine the types, organs, benefits, methods of processing, and sources of plant used as medicine by the people of Kanor District, Bojonegoro Regency. This research is a type of descriptive research using a survey method and a combination of open and closed interview techniques. The selection of respondents was determined using a random sampling technique, with a total sample of 100 respondents. This research was conducted in November 2022-January 2023 in Semambung Village, Pilang Village, and Kabalan Village, Kanor District, Bojonegoro Regency. Based on the research results, 56 plant species have been inventoried which are used as medicine. The plant organs most widely used by the people of Kanor District as medicinal materials are leaves (49% of Semambung Village), 52% (Pilang Village), and (59% of Kabalan Village). The method of utilizing or processing plants as medicine includes boiling which has percentage values, namely (60% of Semambung Village), (73% of Pilang Village), and (59% of Kabalan Village). Sources of obtaining medicinal plants from wild plants which have a percentage of (60% Semambung Village), (58% Pilang Village), and (60% Kabalan Village).Keywords: Ethnobotany, Kanor District, Medicinal Plants.

Higher diversity, denser stands and greater biomass in peri-urban forests than in adjacent agroforestry systems in Western Burkina Faso: implications for urban sustainability.

Urban and peri-urban forests greatly contribute to the well-being of urban dwellers in West Africa. However, increasing urban densification and spatial expansion negatively affect the functioning of urban ecosystems. Therefore, highlighting the negative impacts of land use change on the ecological attributes of urban landscapes is fundamental for sustainable urban planning. This study aimed to assess the impacts of land use on woody species diversity, structure and carbon storage in peri-urban areas in Burkina Faso. Forest inventories were conducted in 167 plots across two peri-urban forests and their adjacent agroforestry systems. We found a total diversity of 91 woody species representing 69 genera and 26 families. Diversity indices were significantly higher (p-value < 0.0001) in the peri-urban forests than in the agroforestry systems, highlighting a negative impacts of land use on tree diversity. Besides, peri-urban forests had significantly lower tree diameter (15.749 ± 9.194cm), but higher basal area (5.030 ± 4.407 m2. ha-1) and denser stands (317.308 ± 307.845 ind. ha-1) compared to the agroforestry systems. Tree aboveground biomass was significantly higher (p-value < 0.0001) in the peri-urban forests (18.198 ± 23.870Mg. ha-1) than in the agroforestry systems (7.821 ± 6.544Mg. ha-1). Multivariate analyses revealed that denser stands hold higher diversity in peri-urban areas, and that stand basal area mostly drives carbon storage than tree density and diversity. These findings highlight the potential of peri-urban forests to conserve plant biodiversity and mitigate climate change. The study advocates for a sustainable urban land use and planning.

Diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the rhizosphere of Angelica glauca and Valeriana jatamansi in NW Himalaya, India

Abstract. Tapwal A, Kumar A, Sharma S. 2023. Diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the rhizosphere of Angelica glauca and Valeriana jatamansi in NW Himalaya, India. Asian J For 7: 89-97. The diverse mycorrhizal association helps to conserve plant biodiversity, ecosystem function, and the accumulation of pharmaceutically important compounds in medicinal plants. Climate change may have an impact on plant diversity as well as on associated microbiota. The mycorrhizal association and diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) in the rhizosphere of two important medicinal plants of the North-Western (NW) Himalayas were explored during different seasons in two distant locations. The endomycorrhizal association in Angelica glauca Edgew. and Valeriana jatamansi Jones was confirmed by morpho-anatomical characterization of the roots. Microsclerotia, vesicles, and intracellular hyphal coils were found in the roots of both medicinal plant species. The research revealed 24 AMF representing eight genera in the rhizosphere of A. glauca and 19 AMF representing seven genera in the rhizosphere of V. jatamansi. The AMF colonization varied between 55.63-86.34% in the roots of A. glauca and 55.23-78.74% in V. jatamansi. The Spore Density (SD) in the rhizosphere soil of selected medicinal plants was highest during the winter season. The rhizosphere soil of A. glauca exhibited a rich diversity of AM fungi during the rainy season. On the other hand, in various seasons and locations, the maximum diversity of AM fungi was observed during the summer season in V. jatamansi. The genera–Glomus and Acaulospora had the highest species in both study sites.

Woody plant diversity and aboveground carbon stock of Dipterocarpus chartaceus dominant forests in Binh Chau-Phuoc Buu Nature Reserve, South Vietnam

Abstract. Hop NV, Quy NV, Lam NV, Trong PT, Thinh PC. 2023. Woody plant diversity and aboveground carbon stock of Dipterocarpus chartaceus dominant forests in Binh Chau-Phuoc Buu Nature Reserve, South Vietnam. Asian J For: 114-124. The dominant forest of Dipterocarpus chartaceus Symington in Binh Chau-Phuoc Buu Nature Reserve, South Vietnam, has an important ecological role and high conservation value relevant to climate change by storing large amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere. This study assesses the diversity of woody plants and estimates biomass and carbon stocks in different forest states. The study used a typical sample plot setting method was used. Trees with a Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) &gt; 6 cm were measured, and species were identified in 9 sample plots of 50m x 20m in the very poor, poor, and medium forests. A total of 640 tree individuals belonging to 45 species, 34 genera, and 25 families were recorded. The most species-rich family was represented by Dipterocarpaceae (7 species). A total of 15 threatened species (33.33%) belonging to 11 genera from 8 families were listed in the Vietnam Red Data Book (2007) and IUCN Red List (2022). The Margalef (d), Shannon-Wiener (H'), Simpson (Cd), and Sorensen Index (SI) were analyzed for tree species. The study illustrated that medium forests had the highest diversity, followed by poor forests, and the lowest belonged to very poor forests. The ability to accumulate biomass and aboveground carbon stocks varied widely from 48.15 t/ha-196.15 t/ha and 24.07 Ct/ha-98.42 Ct/ha. The medium forest had the highest total carbon stock, followed by the very poor forest and the lowest poor forest. The study provides an essential database for strategies and plans for conserving plant biodiversity and improving the power of CO2 accumulation to adapt to climate change.

Phytopharmaceutical practices of traditional health practitioners in Burkina Faso: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundTraditional health practitioners constitute an important part of the health care system in Burkina Faso, particularly in the supply of traditional herbal medicines. Quality and safety of these medicines rely heavily on practices employed during their traditional development. However, traditional phytopharmaceutical practices are poorly described in Burkina Faso. This study aimed to describe the phytopharmaceutical practices of traditional medicine practitioners in Burkina Faso.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional descriptive ethno-pharmaceutical study, conducted from October 1 to November 30, 2020, among traditional practitioners in four randomly selected health districts: Nongr-Massom (Centre region), Tenkodogo (Centre-East region), Diapaga (East region) and Dafra (Hauts-Bassins region). An anonymous semi-structured face-to-face questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data and data on raw materials and finished products.ResultsSixty-seven (67) traditional health practitioners, aged 56 years on average, including a majority of men (72%), participated in the study. Gathering of wild medicinal plants was the main source of raw materials acquisition (51.5%), which were usually leaves (32.3%). These raw materials were usually sun-dried (43.9%) and packaged mostly in plastic bags (37.2%). They were derived from 60 plant species belonging to 33 botanical families. Fabaceae was the most represented family (18.7%) and Khaya senegalensis Juss. (Meliaceae) the most cited plant species (5.2%). The finished products had an average shelf life of 17 months and were usually prepared as a decoction (31.7%) and administered most often orally (71.4%). Gastrointestinal disorders were the main predictable adverse events of the finished products (54%).ConclusionThis study showed that THPs have important knowledge in the use of medicinal plants, but several shortcomings are observed in their phytopharmaceutical and plant protection practices. Continuous improvement of these practices, through education and training of traditional health practitioners, is essential for the conservation of plant biodiversity and quality assurance of traditional herbal medicines.

High vascular plant species richness in the Usumacinta River Basin: a comprehensive floristic checklist for a natural region in the Mesoamerican biodiversity hotspot

Background: Mesoamerica is one of the most important biodiversity hotspots on the planet. Despite significant efforts made over two centuries to contribute to the floristic knowledge of this region, our understanding of its flora is still scattered and uneven.&#x0D; Questions: What is the magnitude of the vascular plant species richness in the Usumacinta River Basin?&#x0D; Study site and dates: Usumacinta River Basin (Guatemala and Mexico), 1838-2018.&#x0D; Methods: We compiled the checklist by systematizing the floristic information acquired from various sources derived from numerous floristic and ecological studies.&#x0D; Results: We recorded 6,977 species, 1,892 genera and 274 families. The largest numbers of species (5,746) and records (58,859) correspond to the Mexican portion of the Usumacinta River Basin, compared to its Guatemalan counterpart (4,445 species and 19,952 records). The most species-rich families were Orchidaceae (598 species), Fabaceae (512), and Asteraceae (476). The prevalence of these and all other families with significant contributions to the flora varied among three elevation-defined sectors into which the Usumacinta River Basin was subdivided (lower, middle, and upper basin).&#x0D; Conclusions: The Usumacinta River Basin is a strategic region for plant biodiversity conservation as it hosts almost one third of all vascular plant species known for Mesoamerica and ca. 6 % of the entire flora in the Americas. Further botanical exploration should focus on those areas of the basin for which little or no information is available in order to gain a better appreciation of its flora.