Floristic Inventory Research Articles

Current state and historical notes on sand dune flora of the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast

This study is the first overview of the floristic diversity of Bulgarian coastal dunes in terms of the presence of typical psammophytic or non-psammophytic plant species. It also aims to reveal changes in sand dune flora over time, based on own samples and existing data from previous studies. Our original floristic data was extracted from 154 phytosociological plots sampled in 12 large dune systems during 2017. All available literature sources were compiled to derive a list of vascular plants recorded for Bulgarian coastal dunes between 1905 and 2016. Due to the different scientific approaches applied in previous publications we split the studies into three periods over time: (I period: 1905 1950; II period: 1951–1990; III period: 1991–2016), and separate lists were also prepared for each. All vascular plants were assigned to one of five groups, according to their general habitat preference: 1) psammophytes, 2) weeds and ruderals, 3) grass- and shrubland plants, 4) forests plants and 5) alien (including invasive) species. The full species list comprises 501 taxa, and the highest number of species was compiled from publications after 1990. Across all periods and studied dune complexes, grass- and shrubland plants were most abundant, while other non-psammophyte species groups showed low presence. A comparison of data from 2003 and 2015 showed that species richness of psammophytes decreased over time, which is in contrast to the average number of weeds and ruderals, and particularly to species richness of grass- and shrubland species. Our results show that a core group of characteristic psammophytes remains constant through all study periods. Alien (including invasive) species still are limited in abundance but there is an alarming recent increase in their numbers. We believe that our synthesis will be of use for further floristic inventories of Pontic sand dunes.

Assessment of Biological Spectrum and Phenological Behaviours of Coastal Vegetation in East Midnapore District, Eastern India

The open coastlines of the world are dominated by sand dunes and salt marshes. They are the primary areas for human recreation and provide a wide range of frequently overlooked ecosystem services. Their intrinsic ecological significance lies in having unique biological assemblies and supporting a range of ecological processes, such as water filtration and nutrient cycling. In addition, in the coastal zone, these areas link marine and terrestrial systems. The objective of this paper is to check the psammophytic species diversity, conservation status and threat; and also prepare a biological spectrum m in the Costal East Midnapore (CEM) district's sand dune and salt marsh areas. A part of floristic inventories in the CEM, various field trips in different season were carried out, quadrate method is done to examine the ecological impact and richness. Specimens were collected, prepared voucher specimen and enlisted according APG IV classification system to prepare biological spectrum. CEM vegetation was diverse and composed of 162 species of 132 genera distributed among 52 families of 28 orders according to APG IV classification, of which 37 species were exotics. Fabales (19.14%) and Fabaceae (19.14%) were the dominant order and family. Biological spectrum shows the study area was classified as “thero-chamaephytic” type of phytoclimate. Mesophyll (24.07%) and lanceolate as well as oblong (19.14%) were found to be high in the leaf size spectrum and lamina. The area of study was highly ecotonal potential and fairly undisturbed. This study is useful in comparing and contrasting the adjacent natural vegetation along the gradients of the environment; and recommends effective long-term conservation and better management of the coastal area.

A Decision Support System for Determining Sugarcane Pest Reservoir

Anticipating the establishment of pest reservoirs, and therefore pest infestation in sugarcane agrosystems, is a challenge for the implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) programs. The objective of this work was to develop a decision support system that suggests host plant species and pest natural enemies located in a production area. A knowledge base system (KBBI) was developed and coupled to DECIPESTS, a decision support system for PEST management in sugarcane. According to an observed damage, KBBI suggests the wild and cultivated plants that host the potential pests previously identified by DECIPESTS. The comparison with a local floristic inventory enables to determine pest reservoirs. Applied to a case study in Senegal, the system showed, for instance, that Eldana saccharina can be hosted by nine wild plant species located in the irrigation canals and two neighboring cultivated crops of socioeconomic importance in the area. This latter result indicates that the management of Eldana saccharina has to be tackled jointly by local farmers to be successful. While DECIPESTS uses a tactical approach to identify possible causes of pest infestation, its combination with KBBI makes it a strategic tool to enhance IPM strategy at a local scale.

EpIG‐DB: A database of vascular epiphyte assemblages in the Neotropics

AbstractVascular epiphytes are a diverse and conspicuous component of biodiversity in tropical and subtropical forests. Yet, the patterns and drivers of epiphyte assemblages are poorly studied in comparison with soil‐rooted plants. Current knowledge about diversity patterns of epiphytes mainly stems from local studies or floristic inventories, but this information has not yet been integrated to allow a better understanding of large‐scale distribution patterns. EpIG‐DB, the first database on epiphyte assemblages at the continental scale, resulted from an exhaustive compilation of published and unpublished inventory data from the Neotropics. The current version of EpIG‐DB consists of 463,196 individual epiphytes from 3,005 species, which were collected from a total of 18,148 relevés (host trees and ‘understory’ plots). EpIG‐DB reports the occurrence of ‘true’ epiphytes, hemiepiphytes and nomadic vines, including information on their cover, abundance, frequency and biomass. Most records (97%) correspond to sampled host trees, 76% of them aggregated in forest plots. The data is stored in a TURBOVEG database using the most up‐to‐date checklist of vascular epiphytes. A total of 18 additional fields were created for the standardization of associated data commonly used in epiphyte ecology (e.g. by considering different sampling methods). EpIG‐DB currently covers six major biomes across the whole latitudinal range of epiphytes in the Neotropics but welcomes data globally. This novel database provides, for the first time, unique biodiversity data on epiphytes for the Neotropics and unified guidelines for future collection of epiphyte data. EpIG‐DB will allow exploration of new ways to study the community ecology and biogeography of vascular epiphytes.

Ecological types and bioindicator macrophyte species of pollution of riparian vegetation of Oued Lârbaa in Taza City of Morocco.

The object of our study is devoted to the Spermatophyta of the wetlands of Oued Lârbaa, the main river of the city of Taza, Morocco, and which is under strong anthropic pressure. Our work involved a floristic inventory, to define ecological types and groups of dominant plants in relation to seasonal factors and types of pollution, explaining the meaning of their presence. For this purpose, floristic sampling was carried out along the Oued during the dry periods (2017 and 2018) and the wet period (2018). A total of 66 plant species belonging to 54 genera and 30 families were identified, including 44 species during the wet period (2018) and 27 species during the dry periods (2017 and 2018). This difference is due to the favorable conditions for vegetation development during the period of precipitation and to the increase in pollution rates during the dry season. The inventoried flora shows the dominance of 10 ecological types characterized by the following plants: Cynodon dactylon, Arundo donax, Olea europaea, and Tamarix gallica (common between the two periods); Dittrichia viscosa, Visnaga daucoides, Typha angustifolia, and Ricinus communis (during the dry periods of 2017 and 2018); and Juncus maritimus and Populus nigra (during the wet period of 2018). The ecological types identified in this work decrease from the dry season to the rainy season, while specific richness increases. These dominant plants are all considered as bioindicators of the presence of heavy metals.

Floristic diversity and exploitable potential of commercial timber species in the Cobaba community forest in Eastern Cameroon: implications for forest management

One of the forms of forest management is community forestry which is as an alternative to state-managed conservation. Knowledge of the wood potential and exploitable species is a prerequisite for the sustainable management of a community forest. This study carried out in the Cobaba community forest in Eastern Cameroon aimed to assess the floristic diversity and exploitable potential of timber species. A floristic inventory at a sampling rate of 8% was carried out and the volume of trees having reached the minimum exploitable diameter estimated. A total of 7736 commercial trees with dbh ≥20 cm were recorded, belonging to 65 species, 58 genera and 26 families. The Shannon–Weaver diversity index (H′) was 3.61. The density was 42.04 stems ha-1 and the basal area 16.43 m2 ha−1. A volume of timber of 31,929.21 m3 has been estimated for trees having reached the minimum exploitable diameter. About 30% of this volume is made up of high and medium commercial value species for which market demand exists. The most abundant species of high commercial value were Triplochyton scleroxylon, Entandrophragma cylindricum, and Milicia excelsa. For sustainable management and species conservation, we recommend that species with very low densities should be excluded from logging and for each species exploited, some well-conformed seed trees with a diameter greater than the minimum exploitable diameter should be left to ensure the renewal of the wood resource.

РАРИТЕТНА КОМПОНЕНТА УРБАНОФЛОРИ ПЕРЕЯСЛАВА

The article presents data on the current state of the rare component of the urban flora of Pereiaslav. Urbanization is one of the most powerful factors of anthropogenic impact on nature, which causes radical changes in the species composition, structure, evolutionary development of flora and fauna on the territory of settlements and their environs. The flora of the city becomes the most important in the environment of the person and therefore requires special research and establishment of ways to restore the natural biological diversity, in particular, the conservation of fragments of natural flora and vegetation in the city. One of the important tasks of biodiversity conservation is the study of the location and protection of the most vulnerable species - rare, relict species listed on various levels. In addition to the presence of well-preserved fragments of natural vegetation, the unique character of Pereіaslav also lies in its geographical location. The city is located on the terrace of the middle reaches of the Dnieper River, through which passes the Dnieper meridional eco-corridor, which provides for the resettlement of plants in different zones. Given that the left-bank part of the Middle Dnieper is characterized by extremely transformed vegetation cover, every area of natural vegetation in this territory, including the territories of cities where the enclaves of natural vegetation have been preserved, which is, in particular, the studied city, should be considered as a zone of potential re-naturalization. It is established that the flora of Pereіaslav and its surroundings has 968 species of vascular plants, 66 species of mosses, 28 species of lichens and 146 species of algae. It is established that rare vascular plants cover 3.5% of the total floral composition of the natural fraction of urban flora. Inventory of flora reveals 34 rare protected plant species: 10 of which are listed in the Red Book of Ukraine (2009), 4 of them are listed in the Convention for International Trade with Endangered Species (CITES), 2 of them are listed in the Berne Convention, 1 of them are listed in the European Red List, 23 of them are included in the regional list Kyiv region. A brief description of the species and their location is given.

Редкие виды растений естественных лесов Ростовской области

As a result of long-term studies of natural forests in the Rostov region, more than 450 geobotanical descriptions of natural forest vegetation were performed, an inventory of forest flora and an ecological and floral classification of vegetation was carried out. Forest communities are described, represented by 6 classes (Carpino-Fagetea, Quercetea pubescentis, Alno glutinosae-Populetea albae, Alnetea glutinosae, Salicetea purpureae and Crataego-Prunetea), 7 unions (Scillo siberica-Quercion roboris, Aceri tatarici-Quercion, Alnion incanae, Alnion glutinosae, Salicion albae, berberidion vulgaris, Prunion Fruticosae) and 18 associations, 9 subassociations and more than 40 variants, 10 un-ranked communities. Plant species listed in the Red Book of the Rostov region (2014) were noted, including 9 species of Federal protection status, 8 species listed in the IUCN Red List (2014), and 11 species listed in the European Red List (2011). 75 rare species of plants were found in the natural forests of the region. After analyzing the geobotanical descriptions, the rare species were divided into 6 groups, relative to the topographical and historical characteristics of the forest. Key areas in forest areas for monitoring rare plant species are proposed and justified. A list of species recommended for inclusion in the new edition of the Red Book of the Rostov region has been compiled.

Inventario florístico y vegetación del cráter de la Alberca de Teremendo, Michoacán, México

Antecedentes y Objetivos: El cráter de la Alberca de Teremendo de los Reyes, municipio Morelia, es una de las tres albercas volcánicas que existen en Michoacán, México. Actualmente, cuenta únicamente con investigaciones enfocadas al estudio de la calidad del agua y las algas, pero carece de un inventario florístico. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron elaborar una lista de la flora vascular y describir su vegetación. Métodos: Se realizaron 27 recorridos en campo entre octubre 2013 y septiembre 2015, realizando recolectas de material vegetal registrando el hábitat, vegetación y forma biológica de las especies. Se describió la vegetación respecto a su composición, estructura y localización. Se calculó el índice de biodiversidad taxonómica para definir la riqueza de especies por hectárea en comparación con otros estudios regionales. Resultados clave: Se registraron 316 especies de plantas y 12 taxa infraespecíficos, pertenecientes a 228 géneros y 85 familias. La familia mejor representada fue Asteraceae con 39 especies (12.3% del total); a nivel genérico fue Euphorbia con siete especies (2.2%); herbáceas dominan con 235 taxones (74.1%). La vegetación que se describe corresponde a una comunidad vegetal de matorral subtropical, la cual es la mejor representada por la superficie que abarca con aproximadamente 57.3 ha, asociada con elementos de bosque tropical caducifolio, vegetación acuática y subacuática, pastizal y plantas arvenses. Conclusiones: La zona de estudio cuenta con 3.8% de las especies registradas para el estado y 2% de las registradas al municipio. Tiene la mayor afinidad genérica y específica (63.9 y 38.8%, respectivamente) con el cerro del Quinceo. La Alberca de Teremendo destaca florísticamente, ya que en una superficie de extensión limitada (108 ha), alberga una vasta flora con 67.6 especies por ha. Tres especies están en la NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010: una en la categoría de Amenazada (Erythrina americana) y dos Sujetas a protección especial (Gentiana spathacea y Cedrela odorata).

Conservation of vascular plant diversity in an agricultural and industrial region in the Chihuahuan Desert, Mexico

The Chihuahuan Desert is considered a site of high biodiversity; however, few studies have focused on the vascular flora in local areas. This study presents a floristic inventory and an analysis of the floristic richness and biogeographic regionalization of Comarca Lagunera in northern Mexico from a compilation of historical records obtained from the literature, the database of the National Biodiversity Information System of Mexico, the assessment of herbarium specimens and field collections. We documented 1174 species of vascular plants corresponding to approximately 30% of all species reported in the Chihuahuan Desert, and 35 of these species are considered to be restricted to the limits of Comarca Lagunera. The sites with the highest species richness were found in mountainous areas, although we also identified areas without any plant records that should be considered for future floristic surveys. We found a high number of species that are listed on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). Among the types of vegetation present in the study area, the scrublands showed the highest species richness. From the climatic characteristics and distribution of the species, we found three biogeographical regions within the study area. A high number of species were previously reported at sites that are now urban sites or areas with other anthropogenic activities; land use change due to growth in agricultural and industrial activities endangers these species. Land use change has increased in recent years in Comarca Lagunera, which is one of the areas of Mexico with the most heavily modified ecosystems.

ESTUDOS BOTÂNICOS APLICADOS AO DESENVOLVIMENTO SUSTENTÁVEL: UTILIZANDO DADOS DENDROMÉTRICOS, FITOSSOCIOLÓGICOS E DO INVENTÁRIO FLORÍSTICO

The Caatinga Biome is equivalent to 11% of the national territory. Extractivism has always been an intense activity in northeastern Brazil. The consequences of this predatory extractive model are felt mainly in the renewable natural resources of caatinga. Thus, unrecoverable losses in floristic and faunistic diversity, acceleration of erosion processes and decline of soil fertility and water quality by sedimentation are already observed. What is recommended is sustainable management, so that plants and animals can reproduce satisfactorily and in quantities that allow the self-recovery of the ecosystem. The present work consists of a presentation of the study conducted by Silva et al.(2013), which is entitled Sustainable Forest Management Plan of caatinga in the central region of the NB, comparing it to existing bibliography, aiming to contribute as another source information about the biome. As a result, floristic inventory was obtained containing 2556 individuals distributed in 14 species, where the species with the greatest abundance was Catingueira (Caesalpinia pyramidalis Tul.). The phytosociologic data observed indicate that the horizontal structure of the vegetation is formed by 07 species totaling 80.53% of the frequency, 93.70% abundance and 95.39% of dominance. Through the total forest stock, it was possible to estimate the possible exploitation of 15 plots or Annual Production Units (UPAs) per year, totaling 58,198,883 st, where one payphone per year will be explored. The Sustainable Forest Management Plan presented viable alternatives for the management of natural resources of Caatinga, in addition to the generation of rents and job creation for the local population.

Weed diversity in tomato crops in the mountainous region of South Kivu, DR Congo

Description of the subject. Despite the importance of tomato in Central Africa, little is known about the weed flora occurring in tomato crops in this part of the world. Objectives. We aimed to provide a comprehensive description of the weed flora found in tomato crops in the mountainous region of South Kivu, DR Congo. Method. Floristic inventories were made in four cultivation zones of the Kabare territory, South Kivu. Results. In total, 79 species (belonging to 64 genera and 31 families) were recorded. The most species-rich families were Asteraceae and Poaceae. Therophytes and geophytes were the dominant life forms. Weed diversity was not significantly different between sites but species composition varied considerably, likely in relation to soil type. Based on the frequency and the abundance, the most problematic weeds were Commelina benghalensis, Galinsoga quadriradiata, Commelina diffusa, Galinsoga parviflora, Bidens pilosa, Oxalis debilis and Digitaria velutina. Conclusions. The weed flora in tomato fields of the mountainous regions of DR Congo is diversified, but only a few cosmopolitan species are problematic.

BIODIVERSITY OF HALOPHYTES IN SEMI-ARID REGIONS CASE OF ZAHREZ GHARBI AND ZAHREZ CHERGUI (ZAAFRANE-DJELFA) IN ALGERIA

Ponte Academic JournalNov 2020, Volume 76, Issue 11 BIODIVERSITY OF HALOPHYTES IN SEMI-ARID REGIONS CASE OF ZAHREZ GHARBI AND ZAHREZ CHERGUI (ZAAFRANE-DJELFA) IN ALGERIAAuthor(s): Senni Rachida ,De Belair Gerard, Abdelkrim HaceneJ. Ponte - Nov 2020 - Volume 76 - Issue 11 doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.11.13 Abstract:Description of the subject: The study of the vegetal diversity of the wetlands of Zahrez Gharbi, Zahrez chergui, by subjective sampling and location of vegetation survey stations has made it possible to better understand this concept. Objective: In this study, the halophilic flora is the subject of a particular comment given the importance of salty environments that deserve attention because they represent a legacy of heritage interest and a camel grazing much sought after. Methods: For the characterization of the vegetation units, the phytoecological method has been chosen and will make it possible to evaluate the floristic diversity by analyzing the chorological and biological spectra to which the different inventoried units and species relate.The analysis of the vegetation involves first a floristic inventory followed by an exploitation of the floristic records. We carried out floristic surveys during the field campaigns from 2003 to 2012.The selection of the surveys is based on subjective sampling that takes into account the structure of the vegetation. Results:The statistical analysis by correspondence analysis under Statistica (6) for a data matrix of 170 surveys and 130 species shows three sets. The eigenvalues range from 0.203 to 0.387 and the inertia rates from 3.488 to 6.068%.The contribution of the first five axes to the inertia of the point cloud is 33,944, the characterization of the groupings specified that the group 1 is characterized by the surveys carried out in the sandy soils according to the factorial plane 1-2 represented by the dominance of Thymelea microphylla, Stipa tenacissima, with a dominant northern exposure with an average vegetation cover of 30%. Group 2 collects the surveys carried out on the salty soils with north-west exposure; it is the vegetation specific to the chott, grouping of Hyperhalophils with Halocnemum strobilaceum, Arthrocnemum indicum, presenting a medium recovery of vegetation of 20%. Group 3 includes salty soil surveys with southern exposure. This is the grouping of halophiles on hydromorphic soils at Juncusmaritimus. It is represented by Spergularia salina, Peganum harmala, Bellis annua, Arthrophytum scoparium, Atriplex halimus, with a recovery of 32%. The Shannon index (H ') and regularity (R) are respectively of the order of 2.05 and 0.33. This shows that individuals are distributed in a heterogeneous way. As for the regularity, it is 0.33, lower than the average. The rate of Cham�phytes observed in groups 1 and 3 remains slightly high with a respective percentage of 31.49% and 32.82%. Therophytes are dominant in groups 1 and 2.The analysis of this biological diversity underlined the role of annual species within these formations, in particular (Th�rophytes 39%). For the chorological level, the Mediterranean held the first place with (42%), followed by the Saharo-Arabique region (20%), and the multi-regional (12%). Conclusion: The results of this study explain the interpretation of the vegetation by the relevance factors that permitted to define the affinities between the different groups, the impact of anthropic action was widely expressed by degradation and rapid substitution of the rug vegetal species. Future prospects: These species deserve special attention, they represent a heritage, they need protection and preservation of their habitat, if no conservation measures are taken, we can help a beginning of substitution of some species by others, or their final disappearance and this will lead to desertification. Download full text:Check if you have access through your login credentials or your institution Username Password

Lycophytes of the Chapada das Mesas National Park, Cerrado, Maranhão, Brazil

Abstract: Despite an increase in studies involving lycophytes and ferns in recent years, Maranhão is still one of the northeastern states with a poorly known flora, mainly due to low sampling. For Chapada das Mesas National Park, a protected conservation unit in the Cerrado maranhense with phytophysiognomies that favor floristic diversity, there are no floristic studies about lycophytes. This study aimed to conduct the floristic inventory and taxonomic study of lycophytes in Chapada das Mesas National Park. Three collection expeditions, of three days each, were made between March 2017 and June 2018. Three families of lycophytes represented by three genera and six species were identified in the study area. The most diverse family was Selaginellaceae with four species: Selaginella conduplicata, S. erythropus (Mart.) Spring, S. radiata (Aubl.) Baker and S. simplex Baker. The other two families, Isoëtaceae and Lycopodiaceae, had one species each, Isoëtes sp. and Palhinhaea cernua (L.) Franco & Vasc. This study also reports two new record for the Brazilian Cerrado phytogeographic domain, S. conduplicate and S. radiata, of which the first is a new record for Maranhão State. Most specimens were found in riparian forest on rocky outcrops.

Impact of the Conservation of Iroko (<i>Miliciaexcelsa</i> (Welw.) C.C. Berg, Moraceae) on the Fertility of Cocoa-growing Soils in Agroforests of Djèkro (Center-West, Côte d'Ivoire)

The present study aims to determine the spatial gradient of organic matter in soil-litter mixtures as a function of the distance to iroko associated with cocoa trees. The demonstration of the preservation of iroko is carried out thanks to a floristic inventory and a survey ethnobotany from 323 farmers. The fertility of cocoa-growing soils was estimated using spatial organic matter measurement in 12 cocoa plantations of 1,5 to 2 ha associated with iroko. A total of 48 composite litter samples were collected at 20 cm along the spatial gradient of the iroko at distances of 1-2 m, 2-4 m and 4-6,5 m and then in the control (without iroko). With 73% of citation, populations are favorable to its preservation in cocoa agroforests. Prized for its artisanal and medicinal uses, it improves soil fertility outside the shade provided to cocoa trees. Its average organic matter content in cocoa-growing soils is very significant. The spatial gradient of M. excelsa has had a significant impact on the amount of organic matter less than 6% in the iroko rhizosphere while it reaches 6 to 8% in cocoa trees. Its preservation in cocoa trees contributes to improving the properties of poor soils. However, differential processes ultimately affect the decomposition rates of organic matter, hence the separation of cocoa trees by at least 10 m to benefit from the supply of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus ions.

Environment and livelihood of the Kouni community of the Kayes sub-prefecture (Bouenza, Congo)

Background : The rainforest is a source of particularly diversified natural goods and services, satisfying at least 80% of the population's needs. Notwithstanding the intimate link between population and biodiversity, anthropogenic pressure and its corollaries, such as global climate change, have led to a specific and genetic erosion of about 30% over the last three decades. The major causes of these are, in the case of the Congo, anarchic urbanization, construction of physical communication infrastructures without an environmental and social impact assessment; and unbridled collection of medicinal plants for commercial purposes. The loss of biodiversity is a clear sign of unsustainable use of natural resources, which the traditional societies depends on for their livelihoods. Methods : Our study conducted at Mvouandzi, sub-prefecture of Kayes (Congo), is based on the ethnobotanical knowledge survey and floristic inventory. The informants, aged between 15 and 50 years or more comprised 25 men and 43 women who possess plant secrets. Prior to fieldwork, we reviewed existing literature that provided information on the status of inventoried species, their phytogeographic distribution, and known uses within their range. The ethnobotanical knowledge survey took place in two phases, namely: work with focus groups and conducting personalized interviews with the informants; and the collection of samples coupled, when possible, to the participatory approach. Results : The floristic inventory lists 81 useful species, corresponding to 72 genera and 43 families. Some species are multi-purpose, and 26 of the 60 medicinal plants inventoried are specifically associated with the traditional pharmacopoeia. 36 species are multi-purpose and the others 15 intervene specially in food, 26 in phytotherapy, and 5 in handicrafts. The high values of the ethnobotanical indices (the ethnobotanical use value (VU), the informant consensus factor (CFI), and the level of fidelity (NF)) show a strong involvement of these taxa in the daily life of this traditional society. Sociological analysis reveals that the level of ethnobotanical knowledge is proportional to the subjects’ age and in this matter, women excel in the exploitation of empirical knowledge. Conclusions : The Kouni community possesses a sophisticated ethnobotanical knowledge, which is a fundamental part of socio-cultural base of the Kouni community and an important cultural asset of Congolese nation. However, the Kouni community is shrinking due to rural exodus. Therefore, documenting the existing traditional knowledge is the first priority to preserve the Kouni cultural diversity. Keywords : Congo, Mvouandzi, ecosystem services, traditional knowledge, phytodiversity.

Migration and Agricultural Practices in the Peripheral Areas of Côte d’Ivoire State-Owned Forests

Côte d’Ivoire’s rural areas adjacent to the state-owned areas of the southern half of the country, such as classified forests, are experiencing significant migratory flows due to their agricultural potential. The population movements in these rural areas have changed the rural landscape. The general objective of this study was to identify the peasant innovations implemented in these rural areas adjacent to the state’s forest domains in a context of land saturation caused by migratory flows. This objective was elucidated from the case of the classified forest of Haut-Sassandra (CFHS). To achieve this, surveys were conducted in 11 villages on the periphery of the FCHS to determine the profile of planters and the main crops grown. Subsequently, floristic inventories were carried out on farms to analyse the diversity of associated species. Analyses showed that the rural populations of the CFHS are mainly composed of Allochthones (64%). Four innovative production systems were identified: a cashew-based production system, a cocoa-based production system, a coffee-based production system and a coffee- and cocoa-based production system. These farmer innovations based on agroforestry practices make it possible to restore impoverished lands and fight against climatic hazards. Consequently, these local practices deserve to be popularised in areas of strong land pressure as strategies to overcome the shortage of arable land and fluctuating prices of agricultural production.

Impact of mechanical and chemical weeding on the floristic diversity of citrus orchards in Tlemcen (Northwestern Algeria)

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of weeding (chemical, mechanical and control) on the floristic composition of citrus orchards in the region of Tlemcen (Northwestern Algeria). A comparative approach between two methods of weeding (mechanical vs. chemical) compared to a control (without weeding) was carried out at 3 stations of 100 m2 inside the citrus orchard studied. The floristic surveys were performed in the stations at different times (before and after each weeding). In the floristic inventory, 168 surveys were carried out and a total of 88 species were identified belonging to 71 genera and 30 botanical families. This adventitious flora was dominated by the Mediterranean elements (64%), the therophytes (51%) and dicotyledons (64%). Statistical elaboration of floristic data by means of multifactorial ANOVA revealed the existence of a significant spatial-temporal difference in the mean species richness between the stations (control vs. chemical and mechanical). In addition, the species richness before weeding tended to be higher than that after it. Weeding methods practised by crop growers need to be reconsidered. The benefits that weeds can provide should be considered as well as the damage caused by the different weeding techniques.

Floristic diversity of receiving environments polluted by effluent from agri-food industries

Till date, there are few studies on the flora found in receiving environments polluted by effluent from agri-food industries. Floristic inventories of ten receiving environments in Cameroon. were carried out using the line transect method from upstream to downstream discharge areas in the Littoral and Center regions during the dry and rainy season. The abundance/dominance (AD) of each floristic survey was assessed using Braun–Blanquet scale. Species richness of the different receiving environments is marked by higher and lower Shannon Weaver (H′) diversity index values, respectively in the rainy season and dry season from upstream to downstream. Regularity values (R) show that the maximum number of species is involved in the covering of the surface. In terms of floristic composition, the Simpson's diversity index (D) shows similarities between the different receiving environments. The Sorensen index (Q) shows similar number of common species between upstream and downstream zones of the same site. Nitrophilous species are abundant. Some could be organic pollution indicators, namely: Pennisetum purpureum, Cynodon dactylon, Commelina benghalensis, Lemna minor, Acroceras zizanoides, Echinochloa pyramidalis and Panicum maximum. The Poaceae family dominates the ten receiving environments.

A floristic inventory of the Holmes Avenue Tract (Highlands County), Florida, U.S.A.

Documented presently as growing wild within the Holmes Avenue Tract (Highlands Co., Florida, U.S.A) are individuals of 106 families, 282 genera, 464 species, and 478 infrageneric taxa of vascular plants. Of the 478 infrageneric taxa documented presently, 386 (80.8%) are native and 36 (7.5%) are endemic to Florida. Herein, seven main kinds of habitats are recognized for the study area, and individual taxa inhabit one or more of those habitats. Twenty-four presently reported infrageneric taxa are listed as Endangered (18 taxa) or Threatened (6 taxa) in Florida. Based on Wunderlin et al. (2019), 36 species plus one variety are newly reported for Highlands County.