Endemic Tree Research Articles

Variation in seed-borne microbial communities of Metrosideros excelsa Sol. ex Gaertn. with consequences for germination success

ABSTRACT Seed endophytic bacteria and fungi are co-dispersed with seeds and are likely founders of the initial endophytic microbiome in developing seedlings. The effects of the seed microbiome on seedling survival and growth are of particular interest for their roles in protection against pathogens and plant resistance to environmental stress. The fungal pathogen Austropuccinia psidii (G. Winter) Beenken is the causal agent of myrtle rust, which infects more than 480 species of Myrtaceae globally and poses a severe threat to New Zealand endemic species such as Metrosideros excelsa Sol. ex Gaertn. We hypothesised that seedlings of M. excelsa may contain seed-derived microbial communities that may contribute to variation in susceptibility to A. psidii. Culture based methods were used to recover 22 species of fungi (n = 412 isolates) and 16 bacterial taxa (n = 156 isolates) from 1580 M. excelsa seeds collected from 30 trees. Our results indicate broad variation in the isolation frequency and species composition of seed-borne microorganisms among individual trees: while seeds sampled from four trees were free of culturable microorganisms, the other 26 trees accumulated up to eight culturable taxa (both bacteria and fungi) in their seeds, including some species known to be beneficial endophytes or phytopathogens. The most frequently isolated fungal species belong to genera Aureobasidium, Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Pestalotiopsis. These fungi were often isolated from seeds also containing bacteria of the genera Bacillus, Erwinia, and Methylobacterium. At the same time, seeds collected from four trees contained known plant pathogens Colletotrichum aff. fioriniae (Marcelino & Gouli) Pennycook, Neofusicoccum sp., and Robbsia aff. andropogonis (Smith) Lopes-Santos et al., which could affect seed germination. This is the first report of bacterial and fungal communities residing in seeds of endemic New Zealand trees and the potential effects of seed-borne microbiomes on germination.

Assessing the quality ecology of endemic tree species in China based on machine learning models and UPLC methods: The example of Eucommiaulmoides Oliv.

Climate change significantly affects the suitability distributions of natural populations, especially relict species such as Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (E. ulmoides). However, the driving eco-factors of the distribution of E. ulmoides and the relationship between geo-distribution patterns and quality are still unclear. Here, a new approach was established by combining machine learning models (MaxEnt, Random Forest, and Biomod2 model), ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and spatial analysis to address this question. The results reveal that temperature is the most critical variable influencing the distribution of E. ulmoides including Bio1, Bio10, and Bio11, followed by precipitation. Multi-model predictions of suitable habitats for E. ulmoides cover an area ranging from 113.33 × 104 km2 to 285.98 × 104 km2, mainly distributed in the mountainous areas of southwestern China, including the eastern regions of the Dalou, Wuling, and Qinling-Daba Mountains. Under different future scenarios, suitable habitat shifted northward by 184.90–424.88 km, and the contraction area is greater than the expansion area, with the difference ranging from 49.28 × 104 km2 to 98.39 × 104 km2. Eight common components (e.g., chlorogenic acid and pinoresinol doglucoside) and two endemic components (caffeic acid and geniposidic acid) were found in the leaves of the northern and southern medicinal districts (SDM and NMD). The contents of eight key secondary metabolites of E. ulmoides leaves were better distributed in SDM than in NDM. Among these, Xinyang in Henan, Lu'an and Fuyang in Anhui, and the southeastern region of Zhejiang are suitable growing areas for the high-quality cultivation of E. ulmoides, which deserve special attention. The seasonal precipitation (Bio15) was negatively correlated with chlorogenic acid and pinoresinol diglucoside while longitude significantly positively correlated with pinoresinol diglucoside. Overall, this study provides a novel assessment pattern for quality assessment and effective protection of E. ulmoides.

Spicing up oak forest restoration: a preliminary report of the protective use of chili peppers in direct seeding of acorns

Direct sowing of acorns is a technique for oak forest restoration, however, high seed predation by mammals can occur and cost‐effective alternatives to protect acorns are therefore required. The present study evaluated the protection provided by chili peppers (Capsicum annuum and Capsicum pubescens) to acorns of Quercus germana, an endangered endemic oak tree of the cloud forests. Greenhouse and field experiments were established to evaluate the effect of chili peppers on acorn removal, germination, and seedling emergence. These processes were related to the prevalent microhabitat characteristics where the acorns were introduced, and the fauna that consumed chili peppers and acorns was identified using camera traps. In the greenhouse trial, more seedlings emerged from acorns covered by fruits of C. pubescens (65.71 ± 8.14) and C. annuum (57.14 ± 8.49%) compared to unprotected acorns (31.43 ± 7.96%). Contrary to expectation, acorn removal in the field was greater using C. pubescens than the unprotected acorns, particularly in microsites with lower tree cover and higher grass dominance. Acorn removal was similar to chili pepper treatments. These results are explained by the camera trap records, which showed bird species consuming Capsicum fruits, thus exposing the acorns to subsequent removal and/or consumption by rodents. The studied Capsicum fruits had no negative effect on acorn germination and seedling emergence under greenhouse conditions, and future practices could, therefore, involve the use of different techniques to prevent the discovery of chili peppers by birds; for example, using green chili peppers for camouflage, or hiding them under litter or herbaceous vegetation.

A population genomics analysis of the Aotearoa New Zealand endemic rewarewa tree (Knightia excelsa)

Rewarewa (Knightia excelsa, Proteaceae) is a tree species endemic to Aotearoa New Zealand, with a natural distribution spanning Te Ika-a-Māui (North Island) and the top of Te Waipounamu (South Island). We used the pseudo-chromosome genome assembly of rewarewa as a reference and whole genome pooled sequencing from 35 populations sampled across Aotearoa New Zealand, including trees growing on Māori-owned land, to identify 1,443,255 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Four genetic clusters located in the northern North Island (NNI), eastern North Island (NIE), western and southern North Island (NIWS), and the South Island (SI) were identified. Gene flow was revealed between the SI and NIE genetic clusters, plus bottleneck and contraction events within the genetic clusters since the mid-late Pleistocene, with divergence between North and South Island clusters estimated to have occurred ~115,000–230,000 years ago. Genotype environment analysis (GEA) was used to identify loci and genes linked with altitude, soil pH, soil carbon, slope, soil size, annual mean temperature, mean diurnal range, isothermality, annual precipitation, and precipitation seasonality. The location of the SNPs associated with these environmental variables was compared with the position of 52,192 gene-coding sequences that were predicted in the rewarewa genome using RNA sequencing. This new understanding of the genetic variation present in rewarewa and insights into the genetic control of adaptive traits will inform efforts to incorporate the species in restoration plantings and for marketing rewarewa honey based on provenance.

Restoring the threatened Scalesia forest: insights from a decade of invasive plant management in Galapagos

Island forests are becoming increasingly fragmented and colonized by invasive species, which can eventually lead to local species extinctions. In the Galapagos Islands, invasive species pose a serious extinction threat to the endemic daisy tree Scalesia pedunculata, formerly the dominant habitat-forming species of the unique Scalesia forest. This forest has been reduced to fragments due to land use changes in the past and is now increasingly invaded by introduced plants. We conducted a field experiment on Santa Cruz Island to assess the impacts of blackberry (Rubus niveus) and two other invasive plant species, Cestrum auriculatum and Tradescantia fluminensis, as well as the effects of the removal of two of these (R. niveus and C. auriculatum) on cover, composition and diversity of the resident plant communities. Particular attention was paid to effects of the invasive species on the S. pedunculata population. Annual vegetation monitoring was carried out in a total of 34 permanent plots (10 m × 10 m) over 10 years (2014–2023), using the line-intercept method. Seventeen of these plots were established in an invaded area and 17 plots in an area with continuous invasive plant removal since 2014. Results indicated that there were significant changes in both the species composition of the plant communities and average percent cover of species over time, comparing removal plots with invaded plots. Species composition in removal plots changed significantly more than in invaded plots, towards a plant community with greater percent cover of endemic species. A significant negative relationship between the three invasive species and cover of S. pedunculata suggested that multiple invader species may have additive negative impacts. Natural recruitment of S. pedunculata by seeds was observed in the removal but not in the invaded plots. These results, as well as the striking decrease of 71% in cover of adult S. pedunculata in the invaded plots indicate that this threatened species will be driven to local extinction on Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos, in less than 20 years if invasive plant species are not removed on a large scale.

Morpho-Physiological Responses of Malabayabas (Tristaniopsis decorticata (Merr.) Peter G. Wilson & J.T. Waterh.) Seedlings Inoculated with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi

Malabayabas (Tristaniopsis decorticata (Merr.) Peter G. Wilson & J.T. Waterh.) of the Myrtaceae family is a vulnerable endemic tree species in the Philippines. Poor development and low regeneration rates of seedlings in their natural habitats have led to a considerable population decline of the species. This study aimed to determine the morphological and physiological growth responses of T. decorticata seedlings in different soil media inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi applied once at a rate of 5 g per seedling for the entire duration of the experiment. Morphological parameters were collected using conventional methods, while physiological parameters were measured using LI-6400 XT Portable Photosynthesis System. Results of the study revealed that the morphological growth of seedlings was generally better in Bantay soil regardless of treatments than in Lipa soil. Interestingly, the net photosynthesis, transpiration rate, and water-use efficiency were generally higher in Lipa unsterilized soil inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. However, this study can not yet confirm the percentage of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) root colonization. Thus, further research must be conducted to determine the AMF root colonization and identify potential indigenous mycorrhizal fungi in both soil media. Keywords: arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, endemic, net photosynthesis, transpiration rate, Tristanipsis decorticata

Genomic scan of endangered moroccan endemic trees (Argania spinosa L. Skeels) along a latitudinal gradient: Exploring gene-environment correlations

Understanding the adaptive mechanism of trees to climate change and effective management of genetic resources necessitate a comprehensive knowledge of the relationship between environmental factors and their adaptive power. This study focuses on the endangered Moroccan endemic tree, Argania spinosa L., known for its remarkable adaptive power in the Mediterranean climate and heavily impacted by climate change. Through genomic scans along a latitudinal gradient, we aimed to identify genomic regions associated with convergent or divergent selection by searching the genome for outlier loci demonstrating high population differentiation. Variation of dominant markers (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism) was correlated with variation of environmental factors to discern signals of natural selection in 13 natural populations of Argania spinosa L. along a latitudinal transect.Genotyping of 130 individuals with 477 AFLP markers revealed six outlier loci exhibiting elevated population differentiation values within argan forests. The BayeScan v2.1 software was used to detect outlier loci, and the (MLM) method strongly associated these loci with at least five environmental factors, particularly bioclimatic variables. Notably, all outlier loci exhibited significant correlations with Soil Moisture, with additional associations with Temperature, Precipitation, Landforms, and Soil Type, influencing the local adaptation of Argania spinosa L.The outlier AFLP loci may not be the direct targets of natural selection, but locate closely to genes that are potential involved in local adaptation. Consequently, further investigations are imperative to validate these candidate loci. This research underscores the significance of considering bioclimatic variables, especially Soil Moisture, in understanding the local adaptation of Argania spinosa L. amid climate change in Morocco.

Integration of community ecology and habitat suitability modelling for restoration and conservation of two endemic tree species from the Western Ghats, India

Integration of community ecology and habitat suitability modelling for restoration and conservation of two endemic tree species from the Western Ghats, India

Ascertainment of Photosynthetic Biomass Curves in the Early Growth Stages of Selected Dominat Native and Endemic Plant Species in Lowland Rainforest Ecosystems,
Sri Lanka that as a Proxy for Value Primary Ecosystem Services and towards Conservation

The lowland rainforests play a significance role in maintaining the rich biodiversity of threatened endemic and native species of flora. However, the physiognomy of many species is still poorly known. The main objective of this study was to established the gains in photosynthetic Biomass (PB) during the early growth phases of three native and endemic tree species Garcenia quaesita, Dipterocarpus zeylanicus and Artocapus nobilis, which are frequently found in the low land rainforest ecosystems in south-west Sri Lanka. The study was based on field data collection and through observations based on empirical measurements which focused on PB accumulation in the early growth stages of above tree species. The sampled individuals were found in the reforested site in Hinduma, Sri Lanka and Sampling was carried out in four sites which represented the growth at 1, 2, 3 and 4 years. Purposive sampling was carried out and 30 individuals from each and individual age group as mentioned above, totaling 360 individuals of the plant species. Fresh weight was measured from collected leaves and analyzed to derive PB curves using statistical software Minitab version 15. Oxygen production (1 g of PB gives 0.4 g of Oxygen) was quantified using the measured PB value applied to the standard allometric equation. PB and Oxygen production of selected tree species demonstrated an exponential growth after the age of 3 years. Results shows that at the end of 4th year D. zeylanicus produce highest PB value, i.e., 2,483.55 grms and then 550.92 and 421.36 grams occupied by A. nobilis and G. quaesita. Also, PB and Oxygen production had a significant relationship with the age. In conclusion all the selected species under the given climatic conditions shows an increasing rate of PB, and oxygen production with age up to 3 years with an exponential growth thereafter. The findings of this study will be used to explored and included in the contractual process of value Primary Ecosystem Services (PES) hence all the PES derivatives such as carbon sequestering values and oxygen production based on the PB value of that given plant species. Therefore, it creates new scientific proven records to archive economic opportunities, which are not still identified and value of primary ecosystem services of tree dominated ecosystems/land uses to achieve national green economic policy management objectives. Such an economy described above, can generate new ecosystem servicing values and socioeconomical benefits which, at the same time, promotes conservation of these species and their unique environments. 
 Keywords: Conservation, Green economy, Lowland rainforests, Photosynthetic Biomass, Primary ecosystem services 

Autumnal Potassium Induced Modulations in Plant Osmoprotectant Substances, Nutrient Stoichiometry and Precision Sustainable Seedling Cultivation in Parashorea chinensis

Parashorea chinensis, an endemic tree species in China’s tropical rainforests, holds ecological and economic importance. Challenges like low resistance, poor quality, and low survival rates hinder its successful cultivation. This study explores the potential of autumn potassium fertilization on Parashorea seedlings from two provenances (Napo and Tianyang). The treatments included no fertilizer (CK-1), a single application of 160 mg K·plant−1 (CK-2), and various potassium levels K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, and K6 (corresponding to 0, 40, 80, 160, 320, and 640 mg·K·plant−1, respectively) combined with nitrogen (200 mg·plant−1) and phosphorus (80 mg·plant−1) fertilization. The findings indicate that autumn potassium application, in conjunction with nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilization, significantly enhances seedling height and biomass in both provenances, resulting in an average increase of 101% and 89% under the K4 treatment compared to CK-1 and CK-2, comparatively. Both Napo and Tianyang provenances exhibited distinct responses in photosynthetic rate (2.70 μmol·m−2·s−1 and 1.97 μmol·m−2·s−1, respectively) and stomatal conductance (0.042 mol·m−2·s−1 and 0.029 mol·m−2·s−1, respectively) to the K4 treatment, which proved most effective. The chlorophyll content was significantly higher for Napo provenance with the K3 treatment (74.31%, 58.99%), while for Tianyang, it was higher with the K4 treatment (41.48%, 17.36%), compared to CK-1 and CK-2, respectively. Antioxidant enzymes activity, osmoregulatory capacity, and malondialdehyde content all exhibited variations with potassium application levels, with the K4 treatment offering significant benefits. In Napo provenance, lignin (199.82 mg·g−1) and cellulose (252.38 mg·g−1) peaked at K4, while Tianyang exhibited variation, higher lignin (184.25 mg·g−1) at K3, and cellulose (257.73 mg·g−1) at K4. Nutrient content analysis demonstrates that the K4 treatment enhances nutrient absorption and storage, increasing total N (21.56 mg·kg−1), P (4.69 mg·kg−1), and K (13.49 mg·kg−1) content. A comprehensive analysis reveals that the K4 treatment yields the highest quality scores (1.87, 1.85) and membership values (0.82, 0.68) for both Napo and Tianyang seedlings, with Napo seedlings outperforming their Tianyang provenance. Thus, treatment K4 underscores the effectiveness of autumn potassium applications for robust seedling cultivation and adaptation, offering valuable insights for sustainable cultivation practices.

Trophic niches of Collembola communities change with elevation, but also with body size and life form

Climate change will likely increase habitat loss of endemic tree species and drives forest conversion in mountainous forests. Elevation gradients provide the opportunity to predict possible consequences of such changes. While species compositions of various taxa have been investigated along elevation gradients, data on trophic changes in soil-dwelling organisms are scarce. Here, we investigated trophic changes of the Collembola communities along the northern slope of Changbai Mountain, China. We sampled Collembola in primary forests at seven elevations (800–1700 m asl). We measured individual body lengths and bulk stable isotopes on species level. We further categorized Collembola species into life forms. The community-weighted means of Δ15N and Δ13C values as well as minimum Δ15N values and isotopic uniqueness of Collembola communities increased with increasing elevation, while the range of Δ15N values decreased. Maximum and minimum of Δ13C values differed between elevations but showed no linear trend. Further, Δ15N values of Collembola species occurring across all elevations increased with elevation. Changes in Δ15N values with elevation were most pronounced in hemiedaphic species, while Δ13C values increased strongest with elevation in euedaphic species. Δ15N values increased with decreasing body size in hemiedaphic and euedaphic species. Overall, the results suggest that Collembola species functioning as primary decomposers at lower elevations shift towards functioning as secondary decomposers or even predators or scavengers at higher elevation forests. The results further indicate that access to alternative food resources depends on Collembola life form as well as body size and varies between ecosystems.

Tree community dynamics in the cerradão (2002-2016): A case of biome shift

The cerradão is the result of profound structural changes from open Cerrado vegetation, associated with the absence of certain disturbances, such as wild fires. Little is known about these changes in the long term, both in species composition and structure after canopy closure, hindering predictions regarding the community trajectory. Cerradão is positioned along the higher biomass extreme in the Cerrado phytophysionomic gradient. This study is based on the changes recorded over a 14 yr period, in 256 plots totaling 10.24 ha of sampling area, in a cerradão located inside a conservation unit, protected from fire for at least 60 years in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The changes in the community structure and species composition were assessed. We investigated if the changes are related to tree community structure or to biological attributes of the species, especially by their habitat preference (savanna specialists vs. generalists of forest species). Despite the long period without disturbance and the dystrophic soils, we found tree basal area still increasing and the largest trees still growing. On the other hand, tree density is decreasing over time, and 54% of trees recorded in the first survey had died 14 years later. Community diversity had only a slight increase over time, due to a small gain in species richness. Forest and generalist species presented higher increments in basal area and faster growth compared to the rare savanna specialists still alive in the community. We also verified that larger trees grow slightly faster than smaller trees. Although these changes point to an increase in competition, mortality was not correlated with tree basal area, and seemed to happen more randomly at community level. However, mortality and recruitment were not random at species level. We detected increase in abundance of forest and generalist species, which are shade tolerant. The lowest recruitment rates and highest mortality rates were associated with typical open Cerrado species (savanna specialists), that tend to disappear over time, consolidating the biome shift from savanna to forest. The contribution of cerradão to the conservation of Cerrado endemic tree species, therefore, is poor and tends to decrease over time.

A new endemic clove tree pest of Cryptophasa Lewin, from Sangihe Island, Indonesia (Lepidoptera: Xyloryctidae).

A novel endemic pest of clove tree, Cryptophasa warouwi sp. nov., has been discovered on Sangihe Island. This new species can be distinguished from its closest relative species, C. watungi Sutrisno & Suwito, 2015 which is found in North Sulawesi, by its dark brown straw-coloured wings in both males and females. The most distinctive diagnostic characters of this new species are observed in its genitalia structure: a bent-downward uncus with a strongly sclerotized finger-shaped apex, a bent phallus gradually widened towards coecum, and a double, membranous corpus bursae branching off at mid-ductus corpus bursae of female genitalia. Additionally, DNA barcodes revealed this new species to be embedded among Australian Cryptophasa species despite having fasciculated male antennae that have been considered diagnostic of the genus Paralecta. This suggests that the male antennae may not be a reliable character for separating Cryptophasa from Paralecta. A more comprehensive study including all Cryptophasa and Paralecta will be required to elucidate the definition of each genus. Images depicting both adults and genitalia are provided for this newly recognized species.

Multifunctional Plants: Ecosystem Services and Undervalued Knowledge of Biocultural Diversity in Rural Communities—Local Initiatives for Agroecological Transition in Chile

With the aim of contributing to the understanding of plants’ multifunctionality for sustainable agroecosystem management, the first part of this paper addresses the importance of functional biodiversity in the design of agroecological systems, including the local context in the generation of situated knowledge. The second part describes three participatory research experiences with local farmers across three locations in Chile. The first experience reports on the use of Dasyphyllum diacanthoides (endemic tree) as fodder. A second experience focuses on the establishment of Rosa spp. (invasive species) as an agroforestry system integrated into the landscape. Both experiences were collaborative efforts with farmer communities of the Andean Mountains in southern Chile. The final experience describes the use of different spontaneous aromatic and medicinal plants through biological corridors to encourage beneficial insects as natural controllers. All three research experiences reveal a lack of knowledge, decontextualization, and undervaluation of the biocultural diversity present in some traditional Chilean agroecosystems.

Chemical profile, enzyme inhibitory and antioxidant activities of essential oils of an endemic Algerian species: Abies numidica. De Lannoy ex Carrière

ABSTRACT The essential oils (EOs) from needles, twigs and cones of Abies numidica, an endemic tree from Algeria, were analysed by gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR). Fifty, forty-nine, and thirty-eight components from needles, twigs and cones were identified accounting for 86.0%, 93.5% and 93.8% of the total EO, respectively. EOs were mainly composed of monoterpene hydrocarbons (46.3%-86.0%), followed by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (2.6%-33.6-%). The antioxidant activity was determined using five tests: ABTS, β-Carotene bleaching, DPPH, FRAP and phosphomolybdenum. Cholinesterase inhibition potential of EOs was also evaluated. EO of cones was found to have the highest antioxidant activity for most of the tests performed. All EOs exhibited better antiacetylcholinesterase (AChE) than antibutyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activities at various rates. The most potent AChE inhibition was observed for twigs EO (IC50 = 2.73 g/mL), followed by needles (IC50 = 4.09 µg/mL) while cones’ EO showed least potential (IC50 = 13.64 µg/mL).

Prediction of future potential distributions of Pinus yunnanensis varieties under climate change

Pinus yunnanensis Franch. (Pinaceae) is an important endemic tree species that serves as a critical constituent of the forest ecosystems and plays a significant role in forestry economic production in southwest China. P. yunnanensis comprises three varieties: var. yunnanensis, var. pygmaea and var. tenuifolia, with significant variation in traits, such as height and leaf size. This study aims to characterize the habitat conditions of the three varieties and predict their potential future distributions by employing MaxEnt model. Temperature seasonality (BIO4) emerged as the most influential factor affecting the distribution of var. yunnanensis; isothermally (BIO3) stands out as the most critical factor for the distribution of var. pygmaea; whereas mean annual fire occurrence (MAF) had the greatest impact on the distribution of var. tenuifolia. Under future climate conditions, the highly and moderately suitable habitats for all the three varieties are projected to decrease, while the lowly suitable habitats are projected to increase. The distribution centroids of all the three varieties are anticipated to shift to higher latitudes. Our study characterized the habitat conditions and predicted the potential future distribution of the three Pinus yunnanensis varieties, which could help the conservation and utilization of Pinus yunnanensis varieties.

Institutional analysis of the conservation management for Litsea leytensis Merr. in Laguna and Quezon, Philippines

This paper aims to analyze the institutions involved in the conservation management of Litsea leytensis Merr., with the trade name Medang, a wood species preferred by carvers in the Philippines, particularly in Paete, Laguna. The art of wood carving is thriving as a culture and as a wood-based industry for Filipinos, intertwined with natural resource management, where the seeds and wildlings are collected as planting materials for the nationwide greening program, while the wood as raw material is carefully selected from a list of Philippine native species. Litsea leytensis Merr. represents the many endemic trees in the country that need serious attention for conservation because of their continuing decline in habitat and population. The study highlights in situ and ex situ conservation of L. leytensis by institutions in Laguna and Quezon. The results suggest that the rules-in-form guided the institutions in conservation management, and their interactions in the action arena were in downward, upward, and horizontal patterns. The outcomes of their interventions for L. leytensis were relevant, coherent, effective, and efficient, while project impact and sustainability were implied by the participation and community ownership of conservation activities, government policies, and funding.

Reproductive Parameters and Host Specificity of Eurytoma erythrinae (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), a Biological Control Agent of the Erythrina Gall Wasp, Quadrastichus erythrinae (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae).

Eurytoma erythrinae Gates & Delvare (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) is an important biological control agent of the erythrina gall wasp (EGW), Quadrastichus erythrinae Kim (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), an invasive species likely originating in eastern Africa that is a threat to Erythrina trees in Hawaii and worldwide. Thousands of Erythrina trees in Hawaii have succumbed to EGW since 2005 and died within a few years of infestation. The endemic wiliwili tree, Erythrina sandwicensis, an important component of Hawaii's dry forests and one of few deciduous native trees, were severely impacted by this wasp. Early during the invasion by EGW it became evident that the endemic species may be driven to extinction, and exploration programs for natural enemies of the EGW started in December 2005. East Africa was selected as the starting point for natural enemy exploration owing to high native Erythina species richness. Several gall formers were found in Tanzania and a putative color variant type of Q. erythrinae was detected in association with three ectoparasitoids. During January 2006, the dominant parasitoid of this gall former was introduced to Hawaii and described as the new species, E. erythrinae. It was found in Ghana and South Africa attacking other gall wasp species on Erythrina. Eurytoma erythrinae was a voracious ectoparasitoid feeding as a predator on 1-5 adjacent EGW immatures to complete its development. Host specificity studies that included seven nontarget gall-forming species showed no evidence of attraction or parasitism by this parasitoid. Mean ± SEM longevity of host-deprived females (40.4 ± 2.2 days) was significantly higher than males (20.5 ± 1.1 days). Host feeding enhanced longevity of ovipositing females (51.3 ± 1.5 days). Female E. erythrinae is synovigenic, with high egg-maturation rate. Peak fecundity (105-239 offspring/female), host feeding biology, short life cycle (18.4 ± 0.1 days), and synchronization with the host were additional desirable attributes of this species. The parasitoid was approved for field release in Hawaii in November 2008. A total of 3998 wasps were distributed on six Hawaiian Islands, with establishment in less than a year. Impacts on high density infestations of EGW were sufficient to prevent tree deaths. Limited rates of parasitism on low-density galled leaves, flowers, and seedpods necessitated the consideration for releasing a second parasitoid, Aprostocetus nitens Prinsloo & Kelly (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). We report on the reproductive characteristics and host specificity of E. erythinae that could be of importance for classical biocontrol programs in areas with an EGW problem.

Seed exploration on Nusakambangan Island to enrich seeds collection in Bogor Botanic Garden

Seed exploration is one of the conservation strategies used to enhance the collection of seeds as natural resources in the seed bank. In 2020, we explored Nusakambangan Island from the West Nusakambangan nature reserve area, Batar Panjang coast, to Kali Jati Riverbanks. The exploratory approach and direct fruit tree sampling were employed. This study seeks to collect and preserve plant seeds and discover their biological seed characteristics. Thirty-two (32) collection numbers were obtained, consisting of 22 families and 27 genera. Moraceae and Euphorbiaceae (4 species) have the most fruiting trees in this exploration. Ficus variegata, Mucuna gigantea, and Ziziphus horsfieldii are new Bogor Botanic Gardens database collections. Most seeds (75%) we collect are orthodox and suitable for long-term storage. In addition, the specimens are not endemic or endangered trees; few still need identification. Also, this study provides information on biological seed characteristics that facilitate seed conservation storage at Bogor Botanical Garden Seed Bank.

Frugivory, predation, and seed dispersal in Elaeocarpus munronii (Wight) Mast. (Elaeocarpaceae) -a near threatened species of the Western Ghats, India

Frugivory and seed dispersal of Elaeocarpus munronii (Wight) Mast. were studied in the shola forest of Eravikulam National Park. The entire day was divided into four-time intervals: morning (07.00–10.00), midday (10.00–01.00), afternoon (01.00–04.00), and evening (04.00–07.00) for data collection. Eleven bird and animal species from 10 families feed on the ripened fruits of this endemic tree. The frugivores are Nilgiri wood pigeon (Columba elphinstonii), large-billed crow (Corvus macororhynchos), small green barbet (Megalaima viridis), red vented bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer), Indian cuckoo (Cuculus micropterus), Nilgiri langur (Semnopithecus johni), lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus), brown palm civet (Paradoxurus jerdonii), Indian giant squirrel (Ratufa indica), grizzled Indian giant squirrel (Ratufa macroura), and Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica). Lion-tailed macaques, Indian crested porcupines, Indian giant squirrels, and grizzled Indian giant squirrels were the seed predators. Diurnal animals had the most visits during midday (10.00 am-1.00 pm), while nocturnal animals had the most visits during late evening (7.00 pm-10.00 pm). Nilgiri langurs had the highest predation intensity (92.93%), and brown palm civets left the most intact seeds (76.34%). Frugivore visits were evenly distributed across various individual trees, highlighting the importance of E. munronii trees as a food source for many species.