Eucalyptus Research Articles

Distribution patterns of Calonectria (Ascomycota, Sordariomycetes, Hypocreales, Nectriaceae) species complexes related to diseased leaves and soil habitats during leaf blight outbreak season in Eucalyptus plantations in southern China

Calonectria leaf blight caused by Calonectria species is one of the most important diseases associated with Eucalyptus plantations in Asia and South America. This study aimed to clarify the distribution patterns of Calonectria species residing in different species complexes associated with diseased trees and soils during leaf blight outbreak season in Eucalyptus plantations in southern China. In this study, 482 Calonectria isolates obtained from diseased Eucalyptus trees and soils under these trees in eight sampling sites in three provinces were identified by DNA sequence analyses of tef1, tub2, cmdA, and his3 gene regions. Six species residing in three species complexes were identified: Calonectria pseudoreteaudii and C. acaciicola in the Calonectria reteaudii species complex; C. hongkongensis, C. aconidialis, and C. chinensis in C. kyotensis species complex; and C. auriculiformis in C. cylindrospora species complex. The habitats of Calonectria in different species complexes differed, C. reteaudii species complex inhabits in both diseased trees and soils, C. kyotensis species complex only in soils. The Calonectria leaf blight in the sampled regions was caused by species in the C. reteaudii species complex but not by the species in the C. kyotensis species complex. These findings suggest that the species in the C. reteaudii species complex should receive more attention in disease management, as they are the primary cause of the disease in the sampled regions.

Changes in Soil Chemical Attributes in an Agrosilvopastoral System Six Years After Thinning of Eucalyptus

The changes in soil chemical attributes in agrosilvopastoral systems after the thinning of trees are unclear. To address this gap, this study evaluated the effects of the thinning of eucalyptus hybrid Urograndis H-13 (Eucalyptus urophylla S. T. Blake × E. grandis W. Hill ex Maiden) on soil chemical fertility in an agrosilvopastoral system in an Arenic Hapludalf in Brazil. The experimental design was a randomized block with a 3 × 4 factorial design comprising three treatments (thinning of 0%, 50%, or 100% of the eucalyptus trees) and four sampling positions relative to the eucalyptus line (0, 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0 m). Six years after eucalyptus thinning, soil acidification was observed in the 0% and 50% eucalyptus thinning treatments, especially at 0 and 2 m from the eucalyptus line. Decreases in soil pH were associated with increases in the total acidity pH 7.0 (H+ + Al3+) and Al3+ content and decreases in the K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ contents and base saturation over the soil profile (0–1.0 m).

Income of women whose jobs were to sort eucalyptus leaves after the COVID-19 pandemic

Buru Regency is the primary hub for producing eucalyptus oil, a highly valued commodity in the region. The oil extracted from the eucalyptus epidemic plant possesses antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal characteristics. Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, numerous industries require it as a fundamental component of pharmaceuticals. An essential factor in the eucalyptus oil production process is the presence of eucalyptus leaves. Therefore, leaf-sorting workers, including women, are required to ensure this availability. However, in reality, the daily lives of eucalyptus leaf massagers are characterized by challenging economic conditions and a socio-economic environment that lags behind workers in other sectors. This study aims to examine and investigate the roles and work patterns of employed women and the strategies they employ to ensure the consistent flow of household income. The research employed a qualitative methodology with a phenomenological approach. A total of 24 informants were purposefully selected based on their involvement in achieving the research objectives. The results indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic has altered the circumstances of women who collect leaves and rely heavily on eucalyptus trees as a natural resource. Physical adaptation strategies are the preferred methods used to fulfill household requirements. Implementing physical adaptations does not deter women leaf-sorters from continuing their work. Their commitment to meeting their basic needs significantly motivates them to persist in their role as leaf sorters. The income of women engaged in sorting eucalyptus leaves in their households during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Soil density specification ranges to optimise plant water use and root growth for phytocapping and urban greening projects

Soil density or compaction is one of the key variables that need to be specified for designed soil profiles as part of urban greening. Examples include land rehabilitation (mining), waste containment (phytocapping), stormwater infrastructure (bioretention basins) and green infrastructure (green roofs and street trees). This study investigates the impact of a range of specified soil densities on plant water use and root development. Native Australian plant species selected for the study include: the C4 and C3 grasses, Themeda triandra and Microlaena stipoides respectively; the Eucalyptus trees, E. camaldulensis and E. cladocalyx; and the nitrogen-fixing pioneer trees, Acacia mearnsii and Allocasuarina verticillata. The plants were established at four soil density (compaction) levels: 72, 77, 82, and 87 % MDD (maximum dry density) in tall cylinders with weekly plant water use measurement over 8 months. Root growth was analysed using WinRhizo image analysis. The experimental results were used to create generalisable models for root length density (RLD), root diameter and plant water use. The models for RLD and plant water use were parabolic in nature, revealing clear optimum ranges that could be used to guide soil density specification. Root diameter provided additional insight into the allocation of resources to root thickening above a threshold soil density of 87 % MDD, indicating plant allocation of resources towards penetrating highly compacted soils. There were correlations between plant water use and RLD that were moderate and significant, particularly for grasses. Notably, T. triandra had the greatest mean RLD, thickest roots and plant water use at 16.8cm/cm3, 0.18 mm and 10mm/week, respectively. Findings demonstrate that RLD and plant water use can be optimised together within practically achievable soil density specification ranges that are sensitive to the pitfalls of both excessively low and excessively high soil densities. Recommended soil density specification ranges include: 75–82 % MDD with plant performance within 5 % of optimum (considered excellent), 74–84 % MDD with plant performance within 10 % of optimum (considered good) and 73–85 % MDD with plant performance within 15 % of optimum (considered fair). Within these ranges, plant water use and root growth performance is well balanced with practical achievement of the soil density ranges. Due to the use of %MDD, the modelled results can be usefully generalised for any soil type. Implementation of these specifications for urban greening and phytocap projects will optimise plant growth, transpiration and hydrological function while maintaining root networks essential for establishing and maintaining resilient living infrastructure.

Comparative analysis of income level in matched small farms with and without eucalyptus plantations in Senan, Ethiopia

The cultivation of eucalyptus trees is a widely practiced economic activity in the highlands of the Amhara region, Ethiopia. This study investigates the causal impact of eucalyptus plantation ownership on household income within the Senan District of Ethiopia. Using cross-sectional data from 332 rural households, comprising 166 households with eucalyptus plantations and 166 without, the study employed a two-sample t-test comparison to compare the income level of households in the two groups. To identify the key factors influencing household income, the study conducted a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Propensity Score Matching (PSM) to isolate the causal impact of eucalyptus plantations on household income. This involved estimating propensity scores using a binary logistic regression model. The Average Treatment Effect on the Treated (ATT) analysis revealed that households that plant eucalyptus trees had 40.2 % higher total household income than those that did not participate in such activities. Therefore, considering potential demand and market fluctuations, eucalyptus tree growers need to diversify their livelihood strategies by utilizing the income generated from their plantations.

Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of essential oils from orange peels and eucalyptus leaves wastes

Oranges and eucalyptus trees are abundant sources of waste and pruning, generating secondary streams that can be converted into valuable products. Both species are broadly cultivated in Mexico. Essential oils from orange peels and eucalyptus leaves possess antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, making them useful in various applications. In this study, the essential oils antioxidant potential was determined through radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing capacity, and the total phenolic content was measured. These essential oils also demonstrated inhibition capacity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. GC-MS analysis of the oils revealed the composition of representative compounds, with D-limonene constituting almost 75% of the orange essential oil and 1,8-cineol comprising 15.2% of the eucalyptus oil. The antioxidant test results between essential oils showed that they are similar, except for the FRAP test, where eucalyptus essential oil obtained a value three times higher than orange essential oil. The findings suggest that these essential oils can serve as natural and sustainable alternatives to synthetic antimicrobial and antioxidant agents.

Detection of Hydrological Alteration and soil erosion in a conserved tropical sub-humid ecosystem of Ethiopia

Soil erosion poses a significant challenge in the sub-humid Ethiopian highlands, yet research on the long-term effectiveness of soil and water conservation (SWC) practices in this region using pre- and post-conservation approaches remains limited. This study addresses this knowledge gap by evaluating the impact of SWC practices on water balance and soil erosion in the Debre Mawi watershed. The study covers two-period analyses: pre-conservation (2010–2014) and post-conservation (2015–2022) using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to simulate hydrological water balance. Hydrological changes were assessed with the Indicators of Hydrological Alteration (IHA) software. Spatial and weekly sediment distribution were also computed. Results showed the SWAT effectively simulated stream flow, though sediment yield estimation was less accurate. The data demonstrated a reduction in surface runoff by 18% and a decrease in sediment yield by 75%. Conversely, evapotranspiration and groundwater storage experienced increases of 13% and 34%, respectively. The decrease in runoff and sediment can be attributed to the implementation of SWC structures with infiltration furrows, which are presently filled with sediment. Moreover, the expansion of eucalyptus tree acreage may deplete soil water during dry periods, thereby prolonging the time needed for the soil to become saturated and produce runoff, but the impact has yet to be quantified. The IHA analysis confirmed a decrease in mean annual flow from 0.06 m3/s to 0.02 m3/s, and sediment concentration decreased from 831.2 mg/l to 285 mg/l between the pre-and post-conservation periods. The study detected that soil erosion is higher than the allowable limits recommended for Ethiopia even after implementing SWCPs. Additionally, sediment transport reduced after the first three weeks due to improved ground cover and soil stability, although significant amounts were recorded until the end of the rainy season, primarily from gullies. The study found significant hydrological alterations in flow and sediment dynamics following the implementation of SWC practices, particularly pronounced in the early years post-conservation (2015–2018). However, the effectiveness of SWC practices diminished over time, with conditions beginning to revert to pre-conservation levels after 10 years. This suggests that these techniques (infiltration furrows) may be unsuitable for sub-humid watersheds, or that they require improved design and major maintenance beyond the third year. This study offers valuable insights into the dynamics of SWC interventions, underscoring the importance of integrating agronomic practices with SWC efforts to sustain long-term soil and water conservation in Ethiopia's sub-humid highlands. Future research should explore the hydrological effects of eucalyptus expansion and refine SWC practices suited to these unique conditions.

Impact of dyke and vegetation on fluid force and moment reduction under sub and supercritical flow conditions

Flooding is the most common natural disaster throughout the world and requires efficient management. Therefore, the current investigation aimed to explore the impact of a composite defense system comprising dyke and vegetation on flow dynamics and velocity reduction. Experiments were conducted in an open channel setup with an adjustable bed slope and transparent sidewalls, and the vegetation model was replicated as real trees such as Eucalyptus trees. The study involved calculating several parameters, including flow velocity, reduction of fluid force index (RFI%), reduction in moment index (RMI%), and hydrostatic and hydrodynamic forces. These calculations were done by changing the channel bed slope and keeping the flow rate (discharge) constant while considering both subcritical and supercritical flow conditions. Moreover, regression analysis was performed for the prediction of RFI% and RMI% under various flow conditions. Also, statistical analyses were performed to assess the effectiveness of the defense system in reducing fluid force and moment indices. The result of the current investigation indicates that the highest values of RFI% and RMI% under subcritical flow conditions were 79% and 88%, while under supercritical flow conditions they were 94% and 78%, respectively. Moreover, a velocity reduction of 69% was observed under subcritical flow, while 84% was observed under supercritical flow conditions. Under subcritical flow conditions, RFI% and RMI% enhanced by enhancing Froude number (Fr) because of an increase in velocity reduction and hydraulic jump formation. Similar trends were observed under supercritical flow conditions, with effective mitigation of high-velocity flows by the composite system. The finding of current research helps in providing effective techniques for flood management.

Nectriaceae species associated to root rot of nursery and young Eucalyptus smithii trees in Uruguay with Ilyonectria charruensis as novel species.

Forestry constitutes an important agronomical activity in Uruguay, involving the cultivation of exotic trees mainly for cellulose pulp production with Eucalyptus species. Over the last decade, E. smithii emerged as a species of interest for cellulose pulping. However, its rapid expansion has coincided with high mortality rates among young trees ranging from 5 to 85%, especially during the first and second summer after plantation. Disease surveys conducted on nine E. smithii commercial fields and three nurseries in southern and eastern Uruguay, yielded a collection of 25 isolates from E. smithii root rot belonging to the Nectriaceae family. In this study, we aimed to identify and characterize these isolates employing phenotypical and molecular studies and to assess their pathogenicity on E. smithii seedlings. Based on morphological features, the Nectriaceae isolates were subdivided into two groups, one resembling Calonectria (n=15) and another Cylindrocarpon-like (n=10). DNA sequences of the partial histone H3 (his3), actine, calmodulin, RNA polymerase II second largest subunit, translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1) and β-tubulin (tub2) genes were amplified for Calonectria, as well as partial his3, tef1, tub2 and internal-transcribed spacer and intervening 5.8S (ITS) for the Cylindrocarpon-like group. Based on phylogenetic analysis and phenotypical features three species were identified and characterized; Calonectria pauciramosa (n=15), Dactylonectria novozelandica (n=2), and a novel taxon which we describe here as Ilyonectria charruensis sp. nov. (n=8). The pathogenicity trials revealed that isolates from the three species significantly reduced both shoot and root dry weights of inoculated E. smithii seedlings compared to control plants.

Dry season irrigation promotes nutrient cycling by reorganizing Eucalyptus rhizosphere microbiome

In southern China, seasonal droughts and low soil phosphorus content constrain the productivity of Eucalyptus trees. To understand the rhizosphere microbiome response to the dry season, metagenomic sequencing analysis was used to investigate the 6-year-old Eucalyptus rhizosphere microbiome under four different irrigation and fertilization treatments. The results showed that irrigation and fertilization during the dry season significantly altered the composition of microbiome in the rhizosphere soil of Eucalyptus plantations. The soil physicochemical properties and enzyme activity explained 30.73 % and 29.75 % of the changes in bacterial and fungal community structure in Eucalyptus rhizosphere soil, respectively. Irrigation and fertilization during the dry season significantly altered the physicochemical properties of rhizosphere soil. Compared with the seasonal drought without fertilizer treatment (CK), the dry season irrigation with fertilizer treatment (WF) significantly increased the content of total nitrogen (46.34 %), available nitrogen (37.72 %), available phosphorus (440.9 %), and organic matter (35.34 %). Soil organic matter (OM), pH, and available phosphorus (AP) were key environmental factors influencing the microbial community composition. Moreover, irrigation and fertilization promoted carbon fixation and nitrogen and phosphorus mineralization, increasing soil OM content and the availability of inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus. Meanwhile, compared to the CK, the increase of acid phosphatase (16.81 %), invertase (146.89 %)and urease (59.45 %) in rhizosphere soil under irrigation (W) treatment further proves that dry season irrigation promote the soil carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycles. Irrigation and fertilization treatment alleviated the constraints of low phosphorus in southern China's soil, which promoted Eucalyptus productivity. In conclusion, we suggest implementing reasonable irrigation and fertilization strategies in the production practice of Eucalyptus and utilizing microbial resources to improve soil fertility and Eucalyptus productivity.

Cutting of Eucalyptus camaldulensis tree aiming vegetative rescue of selected genotypes in semiarid conditions

Cutting of Eucalyptus camaldulensis tree aiming vegetative rescue of selected genotypes in semiarid conditions

Morphological and histological observations on the hair brush of Endoclita vietnamensis (Lepidoptera, Hepialidae).

The most prominent insect pest harming eucalyptus trees in China was Endoclita vietnamensis, which resulted in considerable losses to the environment and economy. This study examined the hair brush on the postpedes of male E. vietnamensis using transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The finding revealed that the hair brush was made up of many large, flattened, pale yellow, specialized scales that were highly elongated. These scales were firmly affixed to the epidermis at their base, and at the attachment site, there was a swollen hair follicle. The interior of the pencil was hollow with ducts, and the surface featured rows of pores and longitudinal ridges. Numerous features, including mitochondria, lipid droplets, smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum, and microvilli, were present in the tissue cells of the tibial segment of postpedes of male moths. The tibial segment of postpedes of male moths exhibited thicker epidermis, cavities, and voids in the tissue cortex, suggesting the presence of secretory activities in the tissue cells. With the location and structure of the pheromone gland determined, a theoretical foundation for future research into the communication between the female and male E. vietnamensis as well as the development of sex-specific pheromone-based catching and killing methods will be available. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Endoclita vietnamensis Buchsbaum & Grehan, 2022 is the most prominent insect pest harming eucalyptus trees in China. With the location and structure of the pheromone gland determined, a theoretical foundation for future research into the communication between the female and male E. vietnamensis as well as the development of sex-specific pheromone-based catching and killing methods will be available.

Growth and productivity of stevia variety Cibodas Manis 3 (Stevia rebaudiana) in 40 days planting with agroforestry

Abstract. Choeriah MN, Wijayanto N, Batubara I. 2024. Growth and productivity of stevia variety Cibodas Manis 3 (Stevia rebaudiana) in 40 days planting with agroforestry. Biodiversitas 25: 3277-3283. Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni.) is a shrub plant that can be used as a substitute for sugar cane and has the potential to be cultivated in agroforestry ways. This study aims to analyze the growth and productivity of stevia in agroforestry systems compared to monocultures. Stevia was planted in 2 types of land, namely agroforestry and monoculture. The research location's soil and area's climatic conditions were observed stevia agroforestry was grown under pine, eucalyptus, and coffee trees. During stevia planting, the height was measured. Stevia was harvested 40 days after planting, and leaf area, number of leaves, leaf weight, and harvest productivity were measured. In addition, chlorophyll and stevioside yields were analyzed using UV VIS and LC-MS/MS spectrometry. Stevia in agroforestry land had higher chlorophyll and stevioside content than monoculture, although not as good as stevia in monoculture, which had higher height, number of leaves, leaf area, wet weight, dry weight, and productivity compared to agroforestry. The total stevioside produced from agroforestry land was 1.63 kg/ha, while it was 2.19 kg/ha from monoculture land. Stevia in agroforestry land also has a higher secondary metabolite content than in monoculture. This is related to the growing conditions that stress stevia. Pearson correlation test results also show a relationship between the amount of chlorophyll and the stevioside content in stevia plants.

Preferencia alimenticia y de oviposición de Gonipterus platensis(Coleoptera: Curculionidae) en tres especies comerciales de Eucalyptus en Colombia

Gonipterus platensis (Marelli, 1926), is a beetle that belongs to the family Curculionidae, a phytophagous species within the genus Eucalyptus. It is native to Australia, where it is not considered a pest due to the presence of biological controllers. In Colombia, eucalyptus trees are the second exotic species with the largest planted area, and because in 2016 was recorded the presence of G. platensis in the country, efforts have been made to study and determine the potential damage that this species can cause in plantations through studies of its feeding preferences and oviposition, among others. The present study aims to determine the preference of G. platensis for the three most planted commercial eucalyptus species in the country: Eucalyptus grandis W.Hill ex Maiden, E. urophylla S.T. Blake, and the hybrid E. grandis W.Hill ex Maiden × E. urophylla S.T. Blake (E. urograndis). An experiment was conducted using a multiple-choice design to assess feeding and oviposition preference. Two assays were carried out: one with seedlings and the other with an olfactometer. The present study reveals that G. platensis has a feeding preference for E. grandis, followed by E. urophylla, and to a lesser extent, the hybrid species E. urograndis. Furthermore, G. platensis is capable of ovipositing in all three eucalyptus species studied without making any differentiation.

Combustion and energy performance of non-commercial Corymbia and Eucalyptus wood for use in cogeneration systems in Brazil

The increased representation of biomass in the Brazilian energy matrix will contribute to reducing dependence on hydroenergy and mitigating negative impacts during increasingly frequent drought periods. However, given the changing climate, it is urgent to classify and select new genotypes for the expansion of energy plantations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the energy performance and combustibility of wood from Eucalyptus and Corymbia trees to support a knowledge-based and efficient use of such woods in thermochemical conversion systems. Eight species of Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus amplifolia, E. longirostrata, E. major, and E. urophylla) and Corymbia (Corymbia citriodora, C. variegata, C. henryi, C. torelliana), which are not generally used for energy purposes, were selected at 6 years of age from experimental plantations in southeastern Brazil. Wood basic density (WBD), ash content (AC), higher heating value (HHV), fuel value index (FVI), ignition (Di), flammability (Ci) and combustion (Si) indexes were determined. The wood of E. urophylla and C. torelliana presented showed the highest and lowest FVI, respectively. Regarding combustion indexes E. longirostrata had a higher combustion index (4.00 ×107 %2/(min2°C3)), flammability (1.49 %min−1/°C2) and ignition (4.39 % min−3) while C. variegata presented the lowest values. The FVI showed correlations with the combustibility of wood. Thus, this index can be used for the rapid and reliable classification of new genetic materials for energy forests in Brazil. E. urophylla and E. longirostrata woods demonstrated better energy performance and combustion indexes, making them the most suitable species for use in cogeneration systems and candidates for the expansion of energetic forests in Brazil.

Captivating coloring and antimicrobial properties of tea leaf and eucalyptus bark on jute–cotton union fabric

Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the repercussions of eucalyptus bark and tea leaf extract as natural dyes and antibacterial agents for jute–cotton union fabric. Design/methodology/approach The dye was collected from the eucalyptus tree’s bark and tea leaves by the aqueous extraction method. The fabric was dyed with potassium alum mordant, using pre-mordanting, post-mordanting and meta-mordanting methods. Examine the color performance analyzed the K/S, L*, a*, b*; fastness to washing using standard test method ISO 105 C06 A2S, rubbing fastness was performed by Crock meter using AATCC 115. The dyed fabrics were characterized by Fourier transform infrared radiation for the existence of various functional groups. Also, antimicrobial activity testing was done by the agar diffusion method (AATCC method SN 195 920) where Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were used. Findings The extracted dye tea leaves meta-mordant dyed samples were determined to have the strongest relative color. Fabrics pre-mordanted and post-mordanted with extracted eucalyptus and extracted tea dye produced the same outcome, which was excellent for wash fastness to staining and very good for wash fastness to fading. For both eucalyptus bark and tea, rubbing fastness on the pre-mordanted fabric produced very positive results. In mordanted colored fabric, significant antibacterial activity was discovered against S. aureus and E. coli. Originality/value This study demonstrates that the eucalyptus bark and tea leaves extract encompasses a solid antimicrobial action with amazing coloring execution for jute–cotton union fabric.

Participatory Assessment of Agriculture Land and Vegetation Associated Issues and Possible Interventions in Gurage Zone, Ethiopia

Land degradation and depletion of natural forests made agriculture unsustainable and threaten communities and ecosystems as a whole. The objective of this participatory assessment was to identify researchable issues related to agricultural land and vegetation cover in Gurage zone. Accordingly, seven representative districts were selected and from each district two representative kebeles were purposively selected. Focus Group Discussion with farmers, development agents and subject matter specialists and direct observation were important primary sources of information. The survey result depicts in the Gurage zone land degradation, undulating steep slope topography, small and overwhelmed land tenure, inappropriate land use system, cultural landscape mismanagement, deforestation of indigenous trees and expansion of eucalyptus tree, and decreasing enset production are the major identified problems associated with land use and vegetation cover of the study area. In the mixed farming system, enset is produced as a homestead farm and its coverage is decreasing due to disease, lack of processing machines, and shortage of organic matter. Due to the expansion of eucalyptus and land use change, the majority of native trees are disappearing or decreasing in area coverage. Therefore, enset and eucalyptus require suitable policy attention. In the mountainous areas of Gurage; limited land availability, soil degradation, shortage of appropriate farm technologies, water scarcity, lack of knowledge for alpine agriculture and inconvenient topography for mechanized farming machines issues threaten agriculture of area. Despite the fact that there are few attempts to control land degradation; the issue still needs much attention. Appropriate agricultural technologies and knowledge suited for mountain agriculture, dense populations, enset-based farming systems, and small land tenure are important priority research focus areas for future research.

Accumulation of airborne microplastics on leaves of different tree species in the urban environment

Microplastics (MPs) are omnipresent in the environment and they are linked to ecosystem and human health problems. The atmospheric transport of MPs and the role of tree leaves in MP atmospheric deposition has not been adequately studied. MP concentrations on the leaves of different tree species in urban regions of the Netherlands and Portugal, along with related MP deposition, were investigated in this study. We collected leaves from cedar, eucalyptus, oak, pine and willow trees, together with monthly deposition of particles under the trees and in the open space in Coimbra (Portugal). In Wageningen (the Netherlands), we collected leaves from a fir and a holly tree at different heights above the ground and with dry and wet weather conditions. MPs were extracted through density separation and quantified under a microscope. Polymer types were identified using μ-FTIR. The results showed a higher number of MP particles on the needle-shaped leaves from fir (2.52 ± 2.14 particles·cm−2) and pine (0.5 ± 0.13 particles·cm−2) and significantly lower numbers of MPs per cm2 of leaf area on the bigger leaves from eucalyptus (0.038 ± 0.003 particles·cm−2) and cedar (0.037 ± 0.002 particles·cm−2). All tree leaves seemed to filter airborne MPs, especially the smallest particles. A non-significantly higher number of particles on leaves was detected on lower tree branches and after dry periods. The deposition of MPs under trees was generally higher than in the open space. Our results indicated that part of the MPs retained by the tree leaves floats down to lower branches and to the soil surface. We also saw that different tree species had different capacities to retain particles on their leaves over time. To control the transport of MPs through the atmosphere, it is essential to consider the role of different vegetation types in filtering small particles, especially in cities.

Tree failure - A natural phenomenon with forensic implications.

Tree failure, or summer branch drop, refers to situations where large branches or whole trees may unexpectedly drop on unsuspecting victims. On occasion, this involves vehicles impacted by falling overhanging trees or branches. To study this phenomenon further review of the Forensic Science SA, Adelaide, Australia, database and an internet news search were undertaken over a 20 year period from March 2004 to February 2024 for all cases where unexpected accidental deaths in South Australia had been caused by falling branches or trees. There were six cases (age range 12-63 years; average 39 years; M:F 1:2). Three deaths occurred when branches dropped onto vehicles being driven along roads, 2 occurred when entire trees dropped onto the victims (one in windy weather) and 1 was due to a branch drop. Three tree species were identified as a grey box gum tree (Eucalyptus microcarpa), a lemon-scented gum tree (Corymbia citriodora) and a Cottonwood tree (Populus deltoides). The remainder were variants of eucalyptus (gum) trees. Deaths due to tree failures are uncommon and may involve a variety of different tree species with these events not necessarily occurring during high winds or storms. The major findings at autopsy are blunt force injuries.

Strategic Management to Increase Visitors of Mount Kayoe Putih, Kupang Village, Mojokerto District

This study aimed to describe and analyze the strategic management to increase tourist visits to Bukit Kayoe Putih in Desa Kupang, Kabupaten Mojokerto. Using a SWOT analysis approach, this research highlighted the potential and challenges faced by this tourist attraction. The study employed a descriptive qualitative method with data collection techniques including interviews, observations, and documentation. The analysis results indicated that Bukit Kayoe Putih was well-suited to employ aggressive strategies and SO strategies to enhance tourist visits. The recommended strategies included the development of tourist attractions, conservation of eucalyptus trees, involvement of the local community in tourism development, and increased socialization with the local community. Additionally, infrastructure improvements, enhancement of tourist facilities, and better service quality were also the focus of tourism development strategies at Bukit Kayoe Putih. It was hoped that the findings of this study would contribute positively to increasing tourist visits and improving the local community's economy in the region.