Ficus Benjamina Research Articles

Short-term microbial effects on n-alkane during the early phase degradation and consequential modification of biomarkers in a lowland subtropical rainforest in southern Taiwan: A litterbag experiment

Accurate reconstructions of past environments are critical and urgent because they can help understand how modern environments might respond to current climatic and land-use changes. However, the effect of microbial degradation and consequential modification in plant-derived-biomarkers during the early degradation phase is not yet apparent, that might bias the paleoenvironmental investigation. In this regard, a litterbag experiment was conducted to reveal the microbial effects on n-alkane-associated biomarker changes associated with three habitats (ravine, windward, and leeward) in a lowland subtropical rainforest in southern Taiwan. Freshly collected leaves of plant species Iles rotunda, Ficus benjamina, and Castanopsis carlesii were distributed in the habitat leaf litterbag experiment for 15 and 75 days incubation, respectively. The results revealed that the average leaf decomposition rate was 19.4% ± 6.4% during the first 15 days and 39% ± 11% within 75 days incubation for all leaves. The overall leaf mass degradation of I. rotunda, F. benjamina and C. carlesii in the ravine after 75 days was 58%, 51% and 41%, respectively, which were higher than those in the windward (28%, 36% and 38%) and leeward habitats (35%, 26% and 42%, respectively) indicating higher decomposition rate in the ravine habitat than the others. The predominant n-alkanes in I. rotunda were C31 and C29, whereas in F. benjamina these were C31, C29, and C33, and in C. carlesii it was C31. After 75 days, the ravine habitat showed a 60% decrease in the total n-alkane concentration compared to windward and leeward habitats, suggesting the microbial community associated with the ravine habitat has a higher efficiency of degrading n-alkanes. However, the biomarkers such as carbon preference index (CPI), average carbon length (ACL) and the C31/C29 ratio did not show statistical difference in all habitats from 15 to 75 days incubation. The next-generation sequencing revealed that microbial communities changed significantly from 15 to 75 days in all habitats. The alkB gene-containing bacteria and their family lineages increased substantially during the first 15 days incubation in all habitats. Furthermore, several bacterial genera were exclusively present in the ravine habitat, whereas some were only in the leeward and windward habitats. Despite the heterogeneity of microbial proliferation, difference in biomass and n-alkane degradation among the three habitats, most of the n-alkane-associated biomarkers remained the same. Therefore, we concluded that the microbial effects on n-alkane degradation during the early phase in plant leaves had little influence on the results of most n-alkane biomarkers.

Mechanistic Insights into the Neuroprotective Potential of Sacred Ficus Trees.

Ficus religiosa (Bo tree or sacred fig) and Ficus benghalensis (Indian banyan) are of immense spiritual and therapeutic importance. Various parts of these trees have been investigated for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticonvulsant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hepatoprotective, dermoprotective, and nephroprotective properties. Previous reviews of Ficus mostly discussed traditional usages, photochemistry, and pharmacological activities, though comprehensive reviews of the neuroprotective potential of these Ficus species extracts and/or their important phytocompounds are lacking. The interesting phytocompounds from these trees include many bengalenosides, carotenoids, flavonoids (leucopelargonidin-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, leucopelargonidin-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside, lupeol, cetyl behenate, and α-amyrin acetate), flavonols (kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin), leucocyanidin, phytosterols (bergapten, bergaptol, lanosterol, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol), terpenes (α-thujene, α-pinene, β-pinene, α-terpinene, limonene, β-ocimene, β-bourbonene, β-caryophyllene, α-trans-bergamotene, α-copaene, aromadendrene, α-humulene, alloaromadendrene, germacrene, γ-cadinene, and δ-cadinene), and diverse polyphenols (tannin, wax, saponin, leucoanthocyanin), contributing significantly to their pharmacological effects, ranging from antimicrobial action to neuroprotection. This review presents extensive mechanistic insights into the neuroprotective potential, especially important phytochemicals from F. religiosa and F. benghalensis. Owing to the complex pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs), the currently existing drugs merely alleviate the symptoms. Hence, bioactive compounds with potent neuroprotective effects through a multitarget approach would be of great interest in developing pharmacophores for the treatment of NDDs.

Acute Toxicity LD50 Fraction Ethyl Acetate Aquilaria malaccensis, Ficus benjamina, Mikania micrantha, and Fraction Water Cinnamomum burmanii in Mus Musculus

Research on the acute toxicity of LD50 had been carried out on the ethyl acetate fraction of Gaharu leaves (Aquilaria malaccensis), beringin leaves (Ficus benjamina), sembung rambat leaves (Mikania micrantha), and kayu manis cortex (Cinnamomum burmanii) water fraction the base of use as traditional treatment by the Suku Anak Dalam (SAD) empirically obtained from ancestors. This research methodwas experimental and it used male and female mice. The control group was given a 1% NaCMC doses of 625 mg/kg body weight, 1,250 mg/kg body weight, 2,500 mg/kg body weight, and 5,000 mg/kg body weight. The test preparation was administered orally once per day. The Thomson-Weil method was used for the measurement of LD50 values. The weight ratio of organs was applied for heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, and stomach. The results showed that the LD50 value for male mice was 2454mg/kg body weight; 2454mg/kg body weight; 1546 mg/kg body weight and 2065mg/kg body weight respectfully. The LD50 value for female mice was a pseudo LD50. The value of the organ weight ratio in each sample showed P<0.05 values that were obtained in gaharu leaves in the liver and kidney organs (male); heart in females. Beringin leaves value P<0.05 lung organs (male). Sembung rambat leaves P<0.05 values of the heart, liver, and stomach organs (male); heart and stomach (female). Cinnamomum cortex value P<0.05 liver and stomach organs (male). The conclusions showed that the LD50 value of the ethyl acetate fraction of gaharu leaf, sembung rambat leaf, beringin leaf, and kayu manis cortex in male mice was slightly toxic, while in female mice it could not be counted.

Chitinase from the Latex of Ficus benjamina L. Displays Antifungal Activity by Inducing ROS Generation and Structural Damage to the Fungal Cell Wall and Plasma Membrane.

Chitinases are plant defense-related proteins with a high biotechnological potential to be applied in agriculture. This study aimed to purify a chitinase from the latex of Ficus benjamina. An antifungal class I chitinase, named FbLx-Chi-1, was purified from the latex of Ficus benjamina after precipitation with 30-60% ammonium sulfate and affinity chromatography on a chitin column and antifungal potential assay against phytopathogenic fungi important to agriculture. FbLx-Chi-1 has 30 kDa molecular mass, as estimated by SDS-PAGE and the optimal pH and temperature for full chitinolytic activity were 5.5 and 60ºC, respectively. FbLx-Chi-1 is a high pH-, ion-tolerant and thermostable protein. Importantly, FbLx-Chi-1 hindered the growth of the phytopathogenic fungi Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Fusarium pallidoroseum, and Fusarium oxysporum. The action mode of FbLx-Chi-1 to hamper F. pallidoroseum growth seems to be correlated with alterations in the morphology of the hyphal cell wall, increased plasma membrane permeability, and overproduction of reactive oxygen species. These findings highlight the biotechnological potential of FbLx-Chi-1 to control important phytopathogenic fungi in agriculture. In addition, FbLx-Chi-1 could be further explored to be used in industrial processes such as the large-scale environmentally friendly enzymatic hydrolysis of chitin to produce its monomer N-acetyl-β-D-glucosamine, which is employed for bioethanol production, in cosmetics, in medicine, and for other multiple applications.

Biochar prepared from Ficus nitida as a carrier for frankincense essential oil (Boswellia sacra) to control some stored product insects

The insecticidal activity of biochar that prepared from Ficus nitida tree residues at 500 and 700οC °C was evaluated against some stored product insects Tribolium castaneum, Rhyzopertha dominica and Oryzaephilus surinamensis, alone and as a carrier for the frankincense essential oil (Boswellia sacra) after 0, 15 and 30 days storage periods. The results showed the O. surinamensis was the most susceptible and the biochar prepared at 500οC was the most active against all tested insects. Also, the toxicity increased with increasing storage period only against R. dominica. The formula was more toxic than biochar or oil alone, especially against T. castaneum. The elemental analysis showed low carbon and high oxygen contents in the biochar 500 and the FTIR analysis showed a large number of functional groups on biochar 500 compared to biochar 700 which may attribute to the slightly higher toxicity of biochar. SEM images of the ventral surface of treated O. surinamensis showed the adhesion of biochar on all body parts, Moreover, the sensilla within the external surface of the elytra are partly absent. Our results suggest the promising use of biochar against some stored product insects and can be effectively loaded with other safe chemicals, more studies are needed to understand its effects on insects.

Tree visitation and potential seed dispersal of keystone Ficus species by vertebrates in an urban mosaic landscape in eastern South Africa

Globally with the human population increase, urban expansion has increased, impacting biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Visitation of fruiting trees by vertebrate frugivores can influence the persistence of fleshy fruited trees and so further maintain frugivore communities in transformed landscapes. Figs (Ficus spp.) have been recognised as keystone plant resources that support diverse frugivorous vertebrate communities. Our main objective was to identify the frugivorous vertebrates visiting fruiting Ficus trees in an urban mosaic landscape of Durban, Ethekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, using camera traps focused on focal fig trees. We quantified the diurnal and nocturnal frugivore visitation rates and levels of interactions. We analysed frugivore visits to 12 individual trees of five Ficus species between 2019 and 2020. During 3888 h, we recorded a total of 4,071 videos from camera traps with 10,016 visits and levels of interactions of three main vertebrate taxa (8958 fruit bat visits, 808 bird visits and 250 monkey visits). These were in five Ficus species (F. burkei, F. lutea, F. natalensis, F. sur and F. sycomorus). Of the bird species visiting, we identified a total of 34 species, but some species were unidentified. We recorded a total of 8958 visits by Wahlberg's epauletted fruit bats Epomophorus wahlbergi, and 250 visits by vervet monkeys Chlorocebus pygerythrus. The latter tended to stay for prolonged periods in the trees feeding. Our data showed the importance of fruiting fig trees for vertebrate frugivores in the urban mosaic landscape. This highlights the conservation implications of figs as keystone resources in the urban mosaic landscape. Our findings support the planting and conservation of native Ficus tree species in transformed urban mosaic landscapes for the persistence of forest species biodiversity.

Suitability characterization of novel cellulosic plant fiber from Ficus benjamina L. aerial root for a potential polymeric composite reinforcement

AbstractThe demand of plant fibers is increasing day by day due to the worldwide acceptance of natural plant fibers for various applications in a variety of sectors. However, the identification of suitable plant fibers with superior properties is the need of the hour in the context of developing more eco‐friendly, renewable, cost‐effective, and fiber‐based materials. This study was designed with the intention of identifying suitability of Ficus benjamina L. aerial root fiber (FBRF) as a potential reinforcement for composite structures. The fundamental physicochemical, mechanical, thermal, and morphological features were investigated to explore the potentiality of FBRF. This study was advantageous in finding the occurrence of fiber in aerial root, fiber position, and characteristics of fibrous cells. The density analysis proved that the fiber possessed a relatively low density (1175 ± 22.14 kg/m3), which shows its lightweight applicability. High cellulose content (64.48%) and crystallinity index (55.17%) observed for tested fibers in turn enhanced the thermal and mechanical behavior of the fiber. The tensile strength of 292.66 ± 12.32 MPa and thermal stability of 330°C were worthy for considering it for high‐temperature processing and applications. The investigation of surface properties revealed that FBRF partake good surface roughness, which offers good fiber–matrix interfacial bonding. Hence, this study endorses further use of FBRF as a good reinforcement for composite manufacturing.

Invasion risks and social interest of non-native woody plants in urban parks of mainland Spain

Urban parks and gardens are one of the most important pathways for the deliberate introduction of non-native plant species, some of which cause environmental and socioeconomic impacts. We conducted a risk assessment on 388 non-native woody plant species from 46 urban parks of mainland Spain to classify them in lists based on their invasion status, being invasive elsewhere, climate matching with the area of origin, and potential to cause negative impacts. Only Ficus benjamina has no potential to invade (Green list). Four species are invasive and regulated (Priority list); 47 invasive or potentially invasive species can cause more impact types than the median value (Attention list), while 12 can cause less impacts than the median (Watch list). There is no park without any invasive or potentially invasive species. The most common potential impacts could be competition with native species (80% species) and the physical modification of the habitats (71%). We also identified 31 species with potential to cause human health impacts. Some species could cause several impact types. The most correlated potential impacts are among competition, toxicity, and alteration of natural succession and habitat structure. The most frequently planted invasive and potentially invasive species are the ones with the largest standard trending value from Google Trends, and therefore the ones with more societal interest.

Allelopathic potential of Ficus auriculata and Ficus semicordata on growth of four traditional food crops of Garhwal Himalaya

The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the phytotoxic effects of Ficus auriculata Lour. and Ficus semicordata Buch.-Ham. ex Sm.on growth and dry matter production of Eleusine coracana L. , Echinochloa frumentacea L. , Amaranthus caudatus L. and Vigna umbellata Thunb. These two Ficus tree species grow naturally in the traditional agroforestry systems of Garhwal Himalaya and the evaluation of allelopathic potential of these promising trees is required to monitor sustainable and efficient production of food crops under the canopy of both tree species to small and marginal farmers. On an average, the leaves and bark extracts of both analysed tree species had stimulated the seedling growth of A. caudatus (+20.48 & +16.79%) and V. umbellata (+0.10 & +4.64%) and for E. frumentacea (−28.31 & −50.0%) and E. coracana (−8.19 & −19.65%) reduction of seedling growth was observed. The maximum reduction in biomass was recorded in E. frumentacea (−158.67%) and least reduction was recorded in V. umbellata (−27.12%) under the leaves and bark extracts . The allelopathic effects of both extracts were resulted in decreased with increasing the soaking time of extracts, i.e. 24hrs >48hrs > 72hrs. The results also indicated that the allelopathic effects are species specific and extracts can have different influences on seedling growth of studied test crops. The tolerance of the test crops was in the order of A. caudatus > V. umbellata > E. frumentacea > E. coracana, while the toxicity of tree species was in the order of F. auriculata > F. semicordata . The study recommends that the A. caudatus and V. umbellata should be grown under canopy of both species and E. frumentacea and E. coracana could be grown in open field condition. Both Ficus species are economically important and are suitable for agroforestry systems of Garhwal Himalaya for sustainable agriculture of the region. • Ficus semicordata and Ficus auriculata are the agroforestry trees of Garhwal Himalaya. • E.coracana , E.frumentacea, A.caudatus and V.umbellata are the agricultural crops grown under agroforestry systems. • Leaves and bark extracts of F.auriculata and F.semicordata adversely affect the growth of all the target crops. • F.auriculata reduced the growth and dry weight with increasing the concentrations of extracts. • F.semicordata stimulated the seedling growth in lower concentrations and inhibited at higher concentrations.

Identification of Causative agents associated with decay of Trees Twig and Orchards Die-back and their Impacts on Vessels of Citrus, Date Palm and Ficus

The present work is concerned with the studies of the organism causing wood decay of twigs and branches of citrus orchards, date palm Phoenix dactylifera L, and ficus trees. A survey for the occurrence of this disease in the main growing areas was achieved by the researchers. The following species of citrus orchards [lime (C. aurantifolia), sweet orange (C. sinensis), and mandarin (C. reticulate)] were surveyed, and so date palm and ficus trees. However, the results showed that the incidence of this disease was about 100%. Laboratory examinations data revealed mainly two fungal species causing the disease: Physalospora rhodina (P.rhodina) and Diaporthe citri (D. citri). In addition that, both fungi, which are P. rhodina and D. citri affected the vessels of tree tissues. According to the pathogenicity test, the fungus P. rhodina caused a breakdown of parenchyma cells, and the fungus D. citri caused the darkening of the xylem.

POTENSI VEGETASI PADA EMBUNG DI DESA BANFANU KABUPATEN TIMOR TEGAH UTARA SEBAGAI PENDUKUNG KETERSEDIAAN DAN KONSERVASI AIR

Nowdays, the necesity of the water go up on every sectors, so that it caused the water go down because of the management is not good enough. The purpose of this study is to know the kinds of the vegetation that found in the haze, that can be benefit to suport the water availibility and conservation, to know the potency of the vegetacy as the water availibility and conservation an also to know the society role to support it. This study is started from December 2020 until March 2021 placed in haze Banfanu village, North Central Timor regency. This study is used the qualitative and quantitave method. To collect the data and analysing the writer used an interview, observation and documentation. The determination estimasy data analysing is used point center quarter method (PCQM) to count point index value (PIV), the variety index shanon winner and averrage index. This study is made on twelve simpling with the vegetation data that is pick out from the tree, pilar and seedling. The result of this study is indicated that there are 28 species in the haze at the Banfanu village that consist of 16 families from 404 individu is devided in seedling, pilar and tree. The vegetation that could be benefit the water availibility and concervation is Switenia mahagoni, Casuarina junghuniana, Syzygum aqueum, Bambusa vulgaris, Ficus benjamina, Pandanus dubius Spreng, Paraserianthes falcataria (L) Nielsen, Anacardium occidentae L, Psidium Guajava L, Timonius sericeus (Deft) K. Schum, Syzygium cimunu L. The vegetation that indicate to keep up the water avalibility concervation is Bambusa vulgaris, the vicus kind is switenia mahogani, and iti is supported by the data analysis is higher index point value to tree strata is tectona grandis with IPV 74.50% and the lower IPV is Musa paradisiaca with IPV 1.80%. The higher point value for the pilar is Gliricidia sepium with IPV 92.13% and the lower is Vachellia leucophloea with IPV 2.99%, the high IPV for seedling is Tectona grandis with IPV 46.80% and the lower is switenia mahogani L and Sesbiana grandiflora with IPV 0.90%. The variety index value Shanon Winner and the averrage index categorize is lower. The vegetacy kind in the haze of Banfanu village categorize lower variety vegetacy, bad productivities, the condition is not rateable and lower pressure, but the ratebale index happend because of the domination on the kind certain species and in generally the kind of plant that growth up is limited. In other hand, the knowledge of the society is not enough to keep the water availibility and concervation and also the vegetacy is a polemic to the society.

HABITAT CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FLORES EAGLE (Nisaetus floris) IN THE OTOSESO TRADITIONAL FOREST AREA, WOLOJITA DISTRICT, ENDE REGENCY, EAST NUSA TENGGARA PROVINCE.

This study was conducted to determine the Habitat Characteristics of the Flores Hawk Eagle (Nisaetus Floris) in the Otoseso Indigenous Forest Area, Wolojita Sub-District, Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province. This research was conducted from March to April 2021. The analysis of the habitat of the Flores Hawk Eagle (Nisaetus floris) used a vegetation analysis approach, the level of habitat use and observations of nesting characteristics. The behavior of the Flores Hawk Eagle (Nisaetus floris) was observed directly at the observation spot to describe its daily activities.
 The results showed that the trees used for nesting sites were the Jita (Alstonia scholaris), Fai (Paraserianthes falcataria) and Kemiri (Aleurites mollucana) tree species, which are sticking trees in their habitat. The Flores Hawk Eagle (Nisaetus floris) used canopy space A (I and II) to build nests, while for perching trees that have been identified are the banyan (Ficus benjamina), weru (Elaecarpus sphaericus), kapok (Ceiba pentandra), lamtoro gung (Leucaena leucocephala SubSp. glabrata) and Nimbah (Melia Azidarach). Flores Hawk Eagle (Nisaetus floris) uses crown spaces A and B (I and II) for perching behavior and stalking prey. In this section of the canopy the Flores Hawk Eagle (Nisaetus floris) usually perched on a flat tree trunk perpendicular to the main branch and is of medium size. The daily activity of the Flores Hawk Eagle (Nisaetus floris) which has the highest presentation is perching at 41%, flying (soaring and gliding) by 28%, voice by 22% and hunting by 22%.

Removal of toxic thymol sulfone phthalein dye from wastewater by using efficient adsorbent NiO nanoparticles

NiONPs was synthesized from Ficus Nitida plant under control conditions and which is considerably efficient for removal of dyes from wastewater. The obtained NiONPs was identified by Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses and surface area. The removal of toxic thymol sulfone phthalein (TSP) dye by an efficient adsorbent NiONPs has been investigated spectrophotometrically. Variables such as contact time, initial dye concentration, adsorbent dose, temperature and pH of dye solution were studied. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were used to illustrate the equilibrium of the adsorption. The correlation coefficient values of Langmuir and Freundlich equations were found to be in good agreement. A pseudo-second-order mechanism governs the absorption of TSP onto NiONPs. A spontaneous and exothermic process, adsorption was a spontaneous process. In addition, the thermodynamic parameters have been analyzed, and an appropriate reaction mechanism has been presented and discussed in this paper.

Report on <i>Gynaikothrips uzeli</i> (Zimmermann) (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) from Delhi

This study reports on the new record of thrips Gynaikothrips uzeli (Zimmermann, 1900) found at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) campus, New Delhi during January 2018 in folded-leaf galls of Ficus benjamina L. (Moraceae). Predator, Chrysoperla sp. (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) was also found in the leaf galls feeding on thrips, keeping it under check. Based on nucleotide sequence of partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (mtCOI) gene DNA barcode was generated for G. uzeli.

Effective Methods for Adventitious Root Regeneration on Weeping Fig Stems

When transplanting mature Ficus trees, the large root balls are expensive to treat, handle, and move. This study aimed to identify the optimal wounding method and auxin treatment for regenerating adventitious roots (ARs) from weeping fig (Ficus benjamina L.) stems to uptake additional water and to compensate for fewer absorption roots in the smaller root balls at transplantation. We adopted a two-factorial experiment involving the wounding methods (three-line cut (3LC) and rectangular peel (RP)) and auxin treatments (2000 mg·L−1 Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), 2000 mg·L−1 IBA + 2000 mg·L−1 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and 4000 mg·L−1 IBA). The rooting rate of each treatment, the mean root number, the length of the three longest ARs, and the dry weight of ARs in each wound were evaluated. The treatment combination using 4000 mg·L−1 IBA with RP13 (rectangular peel 1/3 the perimeter of the stem) consistently exhibited the best rooting results in 2019 and 2020. It had a 100% rooting rate, a mean of 18.5 roots, a 16.8 cm root length, and a 1640 mg dry weight in the wounds. All auxin treatments demonstrated a superior rooting ability as compared to water treatments. The RP method regenerated more roots than the 3LC method. Doubling the RP length to be 2/3 of the perimeter improved the rooting ability. The locations of ARs varied under different treatment combinations, with 4000 mg·L−1 IBA on RP13 demonstrating the most diversified distribution on four edges of the wounds. Thus, it is recommended to regenerate ARs from stems of F. benjamina trees.

A Study on Diversity and Distribution of Figs (<i>Ficus</i>, Moraceae) in Bogor City, West Java, Indonesia

Ficus (Moraceae) is a keystone resource species in the tropical region, and it contributes significantly to Bogor City's vegetation composition. Ficus spp. provide habitat for urban animals and contribute to providing environmental services for the community. Minimum data distribution and increasing land-use change possibly decrease Ficus diversity in Bogor City. This study aimed to analyse the diversity and distribution of Ficus spp. in Bogor City. The research was conducted by dividing Bogor City into 128 plots sized 1 x 1 km. Relative abundance and distribution analysis used QGIS version 3.10.2-A Coruña. A total of 37 species of Ficus spp. from six subgenera were found in Bogor. The highest distribution is mainly located around the Bogor Botanic Gardens and the Ahmad Yani City Forest in a tree and hemiepiphyte. Ficus benjamina and Ficus septica were the most common species found and spread throughout Bogor City. The significant land-use change in Bogor City has resulted in Ficus spp. generally spread in the northern and central parts. In contrast, in the southern part, they are relatively low. Some Ficus can also be bioindicators because they have growing habitats that tend to be specific and spread in certain areas. The presence of the Bogor Botanic Gardens has an important role in increasing the diversity of Ficus spp. in Bogor City.

Phytoremediation Potential of Selected Ornamental Woody Species to Heavy Metal Accumulation in Response to Long-Term Irrigation with Treated Wastewater

Arid and semiarid environments of Mediterranean countries suffer from scarcity of water resources, which limits their agriculture productivity. Using treated wastewater (TWW) is considered an alternative strategy for irrigation purposes in such areas. However, TWW contains substantial levels of heavy metals (HMs) and contaminants that pollute the environment and soil. The aim of this study is to evaluate the phytoremediation potential of six selected woody tree species under long-term irrigation with TWW. The concentration, bioaccumulation factor (BFC), translocation factor (TF), and comprehensive bioconcentration index (CBCI) of HMs were measured in the various parts (roots, bark, and leaves) of the studied tree species. The results show a general pattern of mineral accumulation in the roots and low translocation to the areal parts of various species. Cupressus sempervirens, which is a native species in Mediterranean environments, had higher TF values for Fe, Mn, Cu, Cr, Cd, and Pb metals in its areal parts compared to other tree species. The study shows that Ficus nitida has the potential to be a hyperaccumulator for Cd in its bark, with a TF value that exceeds 12. Deciduous trees species (Populus nigra and Robinia pseudoacacia) were found to have high TF values for Ni and Cd toward their areal parts, whereas a higher TF for Cr (1.21) was only found in P. nigra bark. Cupressus sempervirens had, significantly, the highest bark and leaf CBCI values (0.83 and 0.82, respectively), whereas Ficus nitida had the second-highest values in the bark and leaves (0.56 and 0.51, respectively). Therefore, Cupressus sempervirens and Ficus nitida are considered good hyperaccumulators for various HMs, and can be used for phytoremediation activities in polluted areas.

Identifikasi Spesies Pohon di Wilayah Kampus UNM Parang Tambung

Abstract. UNM Parang Tambung applies the concept of a comfortable and breathaking environment. Various types of trees have grown since the campus was founded, yet several were deliberately planted in open land. Plants have different categories of main benefits, one of the benefits applied here that is the presence of various types of trees and other plants in campus environment. The purpose of the study was to determine the types of trees that grow in UNM Parang Tambung. The research method used is descriptive qualitative, this research was carried out by systematically describing data about the characteristics of tree plants in UNM Parang Tambung campus area. The results showed that there were 956 individual trees consisting of 34 species belonging to 20 families. The species are Alstonia scholaris, Araucaria heterophylla, Artocarpus altilis, Artocarpus heterophyllus, Averrhoa bilimbi L, Cocos nucifera, Delonix regia Raf, Dimocarpus longan Lour, Ficus benjamina L, Ficus septica Burm F, Gmelina arborea, Guazoma ulmifolia Lamk, Livistona saribus, Mangifera indica, Mimusops elengi L, Morinda citrifolia L., Moringa oleifera, Muntingia calabura L, Paraserianthes falcataria, Plumeria rubra, Polyalthia longifolia, Pterocarpus indicus Willd, Ptychosperma macarthurii, Roystone regia, Samanea saman, Senna siamea, Spatodea campanulata P.B, Switenia mahagoni, Syzygium aqueum, Syzygium cumini, Tectona grandis, Terminalia catappa, Terminalia mantaly, and Wodyetia bifurcata L.Keywords: unm campus, tree, identification, parang tambung

Xanthomonas bonasiae sp. nov. and Xanthomonas youngii sp. nov., isolated from crown gall tissues.

The genus Xanthomonas contains a set of diverse bacterial strains, most of which are known for their pathogenicity on annual crops and fruit trees causing economically important plant diseases. Recently, five Xanthomonas strains were isolated from Agrobacterium-induced crown gall tissues of amaranth (Amaranthus sp.) and weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) plants in Iran. Phenotypic characteristics (i.e. biochemical tests and pathogenicity features) and whole genome sequence-based core-genome phylogeny followed by average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization calculations suggested that these gall-associated strains belong to two new species within the genus Xanthomonas. In this study, we provide a formal species description for these new species where Xanthomonas bonasiae sp. nov. is proposed for the strains isolated from weeping fig with FX4T (=CFBP 8703T=DSM 112530T) as type strain. The name Xanthomonas youngii sp. nov. is proposed for the strains isolated from amaranth with AmX2T (=CFBP 8902T=DSM 112529T) as type strain.

A Preliminary Study on the Level of Noise Attenuation by a Natural Green Hedge

Traffic noise can be considered a weightless pollutant, and it is far growing daily in urban areas all over the world. Few countries have started to introduce sound barriers to minimize a significant amount of traffic noise. This study investigates the sound reduction ability of a natural green hedge in applying as a noise barrier. The study result is based on a naturally grown green fence of Small Nuga (Ficus benjamina) having a high packing factor with thickness×height×length of 2.0×4.0×6.0 m3. The average weight of the fresh plant of a unit volume of the fence is 5.6 kg. Handheld sound analyzer (IEC 60651, B&K 2250L, class 1) and B&K omni-directional dodecahedron sound source (0.8-3.15 kHz) type 2734-A amplifier (50-5,000 Hz, 1/3 octave bands) are the primary equipment used for the study. The speaker was placed 1 m away from the fence and 1.2 m above the ground. The transmitted sound through the fence was monitored for three locations in a line of 1 m, 2 m, and 3 m with the same speaker level. All exterior sounds were avoided during the measurements. Sound propagation after the green fence was estimated and mapped using iNoise software (version 2021.1) and ArcMap software (version 10.7.1). The study reveals that the vegetation barrier could reduce 34.4% of the incident acoustic energy, and approximately 26 dB of noise drop was identified at a point 2 m away from the vegetation barrier. The adequately structured noise barrier will effectively increase noise reduction.
 Keywords: Traffic noise, Vegetation barriers, Sound absorption, Noise reduction