Garden Sites Research Articles

Population dynamics of the main necrophagous Diptera in the sub-Sudanese zone of Côte d’Ivoire

The objective of this work was to identify the population variation of the main necrophagous Diptera in the sub-Sudanese zone of Côte d'Ivoire. Three traps, inspired by Upton's and using pig liver and viscera as bait were placed on the site of the Botanical Garden of Peleforo Gon Coulibaly University and Lataha located 10 km from the Botanical Garden. Weekly captures were taken from October 4, 2018 to October 3, 2019. In total, 194,853 individuals from the Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae and Muscidae were collected. Calliphoridae represented 48%, Sarcophagidae 24% and Muscidae 28% in the Botanical Garden site and in Lataha, Calliphoridae presented 52%, Sarcophagidae 27% and Muscidae 21%. Chrysomya albiceps, Sarcophaga carnaria and Musca domestica were the majority species. The numbers of these three species were higher at relative humidity levels reaching 70 to 85%. A correlation between relative humidity and the numbers of these three species was observed. Apart from relative humidity, these results show that other climatic parameters have a weak influence on the activity of Chrysomya albiceps, Sarcophaga carnaria and Musca domestica. During this study, temperature and rainfall had little influence on the variation in the numbers of these three main species of necrophagous insects. However, the numbers of the three species were correlated with relative humidity levels.

Protective role of reactive aluminum phases to stabilize soil organic matter against long-term cultivation in the humid tropics under volcanic influence

ABSTRACT Cultivation can cause rapid depletion of soil organic matter (SOM), particularly in the humid tropics. Understanding the factors controlling SOM storage is a key step toward effective soil management for sustainable crop production. While clay + silt content is known to be an important factor for soil organic carbon (SOC) storage, recent studies have shown greater importance of oxalate-extracted Al (Alo; roughly corresponds to short-range-order aluminosilicate minerals and organo-Al complexes) and Fe (Feo). However, the extent to which these mineralogical factors control the response of SOM pool to land-use changes remains unclear, especially in the tropics. This study aimed to clarify the factors regulating SOM content in croplands compared to secondary forests or home gardens in Negros Occidental, Philippines. Along two line transects having a wide range of Alo contents, soil samples were collected at a depth of 0 − 10 cm from sugarcane sites (n = 33; long-term continuous cultivation of >70 years) that were paired with either secondary forests (n = 10) or home gardens (n = 20). Sugarcane sites had significantly lower SOC and total nitrogen (N) contents than secondary forest and home garden sites, whereas there was no clear difference between the latter two land uses. Both SOC and total N contents showed significant positive correlations with Alo content and, to a much less extent, with Feo content, but not with clay + silt content. The slope of the regression line between SOC and Alo was indifferent between sugarcane and the other two land uses, while the intercept was significantly lower in the sugarcane sites. These results suggest the protective role of Alo phases in both agricultural and forest soils and the presence of unprotected SOM (e.g. plant litter) in the latter sites. Furthermore, δ13C analysis suggested that the proportion of forest (C3 plant) derived carbon remaining in the sugarcane soils ranged between 10% and 50% and increased with Alo content. Together, our study showed indirect evidence of Alo-induced stabilization of SOM against long-term cultivation under the humid tropical environment.

Desain Taman Atap pada Gedung SMP Pesat Bogor Berdasarkan Preferensi Pengguna

The increasing rate of urbanization on limited urban land has resulted in reduced Green Open Space (RTH) in urban areas. Therefore, the design of a roof garden on a school building can be a solution to increase the area of ​​green open space and a place for outdoor learning activities. This study aims to analyze the potential and constraints on the site so that a roof garden design can be developed according to user preferences. The stages of work refer to Booth (1983) which consist of project acceptance, research/analysis, concepts, and construction drawings. The design concept applied is inspired by the organically formed Falco peregrinus. The results of this study are in the form of a roof garden site plan as well as detailed pictures of the facilities used in the roof garden of building 3 SMP-SMA-SMK Informatika Pesat. The results of the study are expected to create a roof garden on a school building that can function as green open space and a refreshing area as well as a teaching and learning area.

Microclimatic effects of tree shelters on the early establishment and resilience of seeded acorns vs. outplanted seedlings

Little is known about the effects of tree shelters on the early response of oak seedlings produced by acorn seeding. In this paper, we explore the effects on holm oak (Quercus ilex L. subsp. ballota (Desf.) Samp.) seedlings of the microenvironment created by the tree shelters and the restoration method (seeding vs. outplanting) in terms of emergence, survival, growth, and resilience after harvesting. For this purpose, seedling height [H], root collar diameter [RCD], number of leaves, and aerial biomass were monitored. We made two sowings of acorns in February 2017 and February 2018, together with a seedling outplanting in February 2018 in a common garden site in semiarid SE Spain. In total, 600 acorns were randomly sowed and 300 nursery-grown seedlings were outplanted and studied until 2022. Mother tree and initial acorn mass were also monitored as additional variables in the analyses. Tree shelters consisted of closed plastic Tubes, Mixed tubes, Cork shelters, Tiles, and a Control with no shelter. Emergence rate was positively influenced by the Tube shelter (86%) as compared to the Control (64%), and especially by the initial acorn mass. By contrast, mother tree or year of sowing seemed to have no effect. The survival rate for the emerged acorns (88%) was statistically similar to that of outplanted seedlings (91%), and was unaffected by mother tree, tree shelter, or acorn mass. In terms of growth, the slenderness ratio (H:RCD) was considerably higher in seedlings from directly seeded acorns than for those that were outplanted. With the exception of Tile, all the shelters showed a higher slenderness ratio than the Control, especially the Tube shelter, which also showed a lower number of leaves and a lower aboveground dry biomass than the Control, Cork, and Tile shelters. Virtually no interactions were observed between the mother tree and the tree shelter. At harvesting, all the growth-related parameters were still strongly dependent on the acorn mass and the initial seedling features recorded after the first growing season. Resprouting rate and growth were also highly dependent on the acorn mass and the plant features at the beginning of the experiment and at harvesting. In summary, we did not find evidence to support tree shelters to improve the microclimate of holm oak seedlings both seeded or outplanted. Direct acorn seeding can be as successful as outplanting of nursery-grown seedlings. Selection of heavy acorns from mothers with a high germination and emergence rate is highly advisable.

A process evaluation of a randomized-controlled trial of community gardening to improve health behaviors and reduce stress and anxiety

As part of the Community Activation for Prevention (CAPS) randomized controlled trial (RCT) of community gardening, we conducted a process evaluation to assess the implementation of a community gardening intervention over nine months, as measured by reach, fidelity (delivery, receipt, enactment), and acceptability. Evaluation instruments included repeated semi-structured interviews with study participants, direct observation of community garden sites, and an exit survey of participants. Primary outcomes were diet, physical activity, and anthropometry; secondary outcomes were stress and anxiety. The CAPS trial included 291 participants (19% non-white; 34% Hispanic/Latino; 35% without a college degree; 58% with income < $50,000 per year). Intervention delivery and receipt were high for environmental supports. Garden social events were offered by 73% of gardens, although only 48% of intervention participants reported attending these events. Of the 145 participants assigned to the gardening intervention, 97 (67%) reported gardening the entire season and reported visiting the community garden a median of 90 min per week (range: 0–840). Of the participants who completed the exit survey (48%), 89% were highly satisfied with the overall garden experience. The CAPS trial was favorably received and implemented with high fidelity, supporting the validity of the trial outcomes. These findings suggest that community gardens are a viable health promotion strategy that can be successfully implemented among new gardeners from diverse backgrounds. Strategies that engage new gardeners in the social aspects of the garden environment and connect gardeners with garden “mentors” or “buddies” to ensure new gardeners achieve success in their first years of gardening are recommended.Trial registration: NCT03089177. Registered 24 March 2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03089177.

Impact of Irrigation Water on the Bacteriological Quality of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) in the Market Garden Zone of Niamey, Identification of Enterobacteria

The urban community of Niamey is characterized by a prodigious development of urban and peri-urban agriculture. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is one of the main crops grown in these urban and peri-urban areas. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of irrigation water on the bacteriological quality of lettuce produced in the market gardening zone of the Niamey city. Three (3) market garden sites were studied (Harobanda (site 1), Gamkallé (site 2) and Gounti yéna (site 3). Eighteen (18) lettuce samples and twenty-nine (29) irrigation water samples were taken from the market garden sites and subjected to microbiological analysis using conventional methods appropriate to each indicator. Thus, five (5) indicators of contamiantion were searched, Total Mesophilic Aerobic Flora (TMAF), total coliforms (TC), faecal coliforms (FC), enterobacteria (Ent), Faecal streptococci (FS), Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Clostridium perfringens (CP). The results showed that irrigation water samples from site 1 were highly contaminated with Total Coliforms (TC) and Faecal Coliforms (FC) (3.65±7.88.106 and 1.41±3.04. 106 CFU/100ml respectively), those from site 2 by Faecal Streptococci (FS) (1.19±2.03.105 CFU/100ml) and from site 3 by Enterobacteria (Ent) (1.61±2.37.108 CFU/100ml) and Escherichia coli (8.22±11.86.105 CFU/100ml). Thus, lettuce samples from site 1 are more contaminated with TC (5.32±8.32.106 CFU/g) and Ent (3.10±0.95.107 CFU/g). Faecal coliforms (1.35±1.13.106 CFU/g) and faecal streptococci (5.30±8.21.105 CFU/g) predominate on the site2 and finally site3 is more contaminated with E. coli (2.43±0.38.105 CFU/g). However, enterobacteria species such as Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter cloacae, Enterobacter sakazakii, Escherichia coli1, Klebsiella pneumoniae ssp ozaenae, Pantoea spp 1, Proteus mirabilis, Raoultella terrigena, Salmonella enterica arizonae, Salmonella spp, Serratia liquefaciens, Serratia marcescens and Serratia odorifera1 were identified in irrigation water samples and lettuce at these sites. In fact, the quality of the irrigation water is not suitable for irrigation, and strongly influences the contamination of the lettuce produced by the bacteria. Consumption of this lettuce without the minimum of precautions could prove dangerous to consumers.

Influence of ground cover and tunnels on production of Red Russian kale in urban gardes

Kale, Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala, is an important urban crop for human health and may potentially be grown year-round even in a temperate climate. We investigated black plastic and straw mulch compared to bare soil cover in low tunnels at 10 urban garden sites and in low tunnels within a high tunnel in the USA to ascertain the influence on yield and nutrients of Red Russian kale, soil temperature, air temperature, weed pressure, and aphid abundance. Kale had low yield in garden sites, likely because the outside environment was too cold for low tunnels to gain and retain heat. Cultivating kale in a high tunnel resulted in good yields, especially when paired with a low tunnel and plastic or straw mulch, which resulted in the highest air and soil temperatures. The amount of minerals in plants within the high tunnel largely did not vary across combinations of low tunnels and ground covers, except for copper and sulfur, which were lowest in plots with no low tunnel or ground cover. Also, dietary fiber was higher when no low tunnel or ground cover was used compared to plots with a low tunnel and no ground cover. Weeds were suppressed by straw and black plastic mulch, but none of the ground covers influenced aphid abundance. Overall, our work demonstrates that Red Russian kale can be grown in a temperate climate during winter with some combinations of tunnels and ground covers.

Genetic underpinnings of arthropod community distributions in Populus trichocarpa.

Community genetics seeks to understand the mechanisms by which natural genetic variation in heritable host phenotypes can encompass assemblages of organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and many animals including arthropods. Prior studies that focused on plant genotypes have been unable to identify genes controlling community composition, a necessary step to predict ecosystem structure and function as underlying genes shift within plant populations. We surveyed arthropods within an association population of Populus trichocarpa in three common gardens to discover plant genes that contributed to arthropod community composition. We analyzed our surveys with traditional single-trait genome-wide association analysis (GWAS), multitrait GWAS, and functional networks built from a diverse set of plant phenotypes. Plant genotype was influential in structuring arthropod community composition among several garden sites. Candidate genes important for higher level organization of arthropod communities had broadly applicable functions, such as terpenoid biosynthesis and production of dsRNA binding proteins and protein kinases, which may be capable of targeting multiple arthropod species. We have demonstrated the ability to detect, in an uncontrolled environment, individual genes that are associated with the community assemblage of arthropods on a host plant, further enhancing our understanding of genetic mechanisms that impact ecosystem structure.

Inter-provenance variability and phenotypic plasticity of wood and leaf traits related to hydraulic safety and efficiency in seven European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) provenances differing in yield

Abstract Key message Seven European beech provenances differing largely in growth performance were grown at two common garden sites in Germany and Slovakia. The intra-specific variability of most traits was explained more by phenotypic plasticity than inter-provenance variability, and efficiency-related traits showed a higher phenotypic plasticity than safety-related traits. Context To maintain climate-resilient future forests, replicated common-garden experiments are suited for developing assisted migration strategies for key tree species. Aims We analysed the magnitude of inter-provenance variability and phenotypic plasticity for 12 functional traits of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and analysed whether the climate at the place of origin left an imprint. Moreover, we asked whether growth is unrelated to xylem safety and to what extent the foliar, xylem and growth-related traits are coordinated. Methods Terminal branches were collected from 19-year-old and 22-year-old trees of seven European beech provenances planted at two common garden sites in Germany and Slovakia, respectively. Three hydraulic, three wood anatomical and four foliar traits were measured and related to two growth-related variables. Results At the two sites, the same pair of provenances showed the highest and lowest growth. Nevertheless, a high degree of phenotypic plasticity was observed, as all traits differed significantly between sites after accounting for provenance effects, with hydraulic safety-related traits showing the lowest and efficiency-related traits the highest plasticity. There was no evidence for inter-provenance variability in xylem embolism resistance (P50) or the foliar carbon isotope signature (δ13C), a proxy for intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE), and both were unrelated to growth. P50 was positively correlated with the lumen-to-sapwood area ratio and vessel density. Conclusions Because of the lacking trade-off between embolism resistance and growth, highly productive provenances can be selected without reducing the drought tolerance of the branch xylem. However, as xylem safety is only one element of a trees’ drought response, it may be beneficial to select provenances with other more conservative drought adaptations such as smaller vessel lumen areas for increasing xylem safety and small supported total leaf areas for reduction of total transpiration.

Determination of land surface temperature and urban heat island effects with remote sensing capabilities: the case of Kayseri, Türkiye

Kayseri, a densely urbanized province in Türkiye, grapples with pressing challenges of air pollution and limited green spaces, accentuating the need for strategic urban planning. This study, utilizing Landsat 8 and Landsat 9 satellite imagery, investigates the evolution of land surface temperatures (LST) and urban heat island (UHI) effects in key districts—Kocasinan, Melikgazi, Talas, and Hacılar—between 2013 and 2022. This research has been complemented with an analysis of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Normalized Difference Built-Up Index (NDBI), exploring correlations among the LST, UHI, NDVI, and NDBI changes. The findings indicate that a significant portion (65% and 88%) of the study area remained unchanged with respect to the NDVI and NDBI differences. This research’s findings reveal that a substantial portion (65% and 88%) of the study area exhibited consistency in the NDVI and NDBI. Noteworthy increases in the NDVI were observed in 20% of the region, while only 4% exhibited higher NDBI. Strikingly, the UHI displayed strong negative correlations with the NDVI and robust positive correlations with the NDBI. The LST changes demonstrated a reduced temperature range, from 21 to 51 °C in 2013, to 18 to 40 °C in 2022. Localized environmental factors, notably at the National Garden site, showcased the most significant temperature variations. Notably, the UHI exhibited strong negative correlations with the NDVI and strong positive correlations with the NDBI. The study’s results emphasize the interplay among the NDBI, LST, and UHI and an inverse relationship with the NDVI and NDBI, LST, and UHI. These findings hold implications for urban planning and policymaking, particularly in the context of resilient and sustainable land use planning and the UHI mitigation. This research underscores the intricate interplay among the NDBI, LST, and UHI, highlighting an inverse relationship with the NDVI. These findings hold crucial implications for resilient and sustainable urban planning, particularly in mitigating the UHI effects. Despite limited vacant spaces in Kayseri, geospatial techniques for identifying potential green spaces can facilitate swift UHI mitigation measures. Acknowledging Kayseri’s complex dynamics, future research should delve into the UHI responses to urban morphology and design, extending this methodology to analyze the UHI effects in other Turkish cities. This research contributes to a broader understanding of UHI dynamics and sustainable urban planning practices, offering valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and researchers alike.

Spatio-temporal variation in synthesis of some nutraceutical components of thorowax foldwing (Dicliptera bupleuroides Nees)

The present research was carried out to determine the spatiotemporal variation in accumulation of different nutritional and medicinal components in Dicliptera bupleuroides from the Soone valley in the Salt Range of Punjab, Pakistan. Most of the biochemical attributes were higher in the spring season than those in the other seasons; this might have been due to high soil pH during spring. High amounts of minerals and high pH are necessary for the synthesis of alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, and fibers. Proteins, N, dry matter, fats and nitrogen free extract (NFE) were higher in summer, which might have been due to considerable availability of macro-nutrients during this season due to high moisture content because of high rainfall during the season. Spatial variation showed that phenols and flavonoids were associated with the population from Khabeki site (despite enough minerals and moisture availability) which might have been due to physical injuries caused by grazing and cutting. Minerals, proteins and N were also associated with the Khabeki population probably due to large amounts of minerals and moisture retention in the soil of the site and prevalent optimum environmental conditions therein. Alkaloids, fats, moisture and some minerals were associated with Anga and Knotti Garden sites which might have been due to high pH and prolonged salt stressed conditions at both sites.

A study on the cross-application of fractal geometry and garden design aesthetics

Abstract Currently there is a lack of research on garden design combined with fractal geometry, and most of the research results remain in qualitative analysis and subjective analysis. In this paper, we quantitatively analyze garden design based on fractal geometry to promote the development and innovation of aesthetics in garden design. Based on the reading of literature and other materials, the theory of fractal geometry and its application in the field of garden design are summarized. Based on Gabriel Lame’s design, we constructed the basic unit shape and layout representation using AutoCAD software to realize mathematical modeling design. A good fit of plant fractal dimension was indicated by the coefficient of determination of plant fractal dimension in the study subject garden being 0.9583. Based on the known logN(r) and log(1/r) of 0.1563 and 0.1013, respectively, the value of the fractal dimension of the garden site was derived as 1.54294 by applying the corresponding formula.The regression equation for the contribution of the fractal dimension of each element of the landscape of the mountains and rocks = 0.118-0.0407*Wigwam + 0.277*Wigwam and building combination+0.438*Wigwam and plant combination-0.019*Building+0.306*Building and plant combination-0.022*Plant, and the model R2 is 0.863. This study not only provides reference for future design and quantitative analysis of the antique gardens, but also provides new ideas for the construction of a better human environment and landscaping works.

Zastosowanie punktowej oceny stanu zachowania zabytkowych założeń rezydencjonalno-ogrodowych. Studium przypadku: wicimice i iglice (województwo zachodniopomorskie)

Aim of the study: The objective of the article is to apply a scoring evaluation method to residential and garden sites and evaluate historic, aristocratic parks in Wicimice and Iglice (Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeship, Poland). The results are intended to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method, identify its strengths and weaknesses, and guide its improvement. In addition, it tells the story of the objects and depicts their current situation. Material and methods: The evaluation of each of the parks followed a site visit. The scoring evaluation involves several critical domains: site exploitation, state of compositions, state of architecture (including small structures and park furniture), state of vegetation, and state of the surroundings. The potential maximum score is 21 points. Each component can be evaluated as being in a ‘good’, ‘moderate’, and ‘poor’ state. ‘Good’ state is assigned to parks that scored not fewer than 14 points. The ‘moderate’ state is from 8 to 13 points, and the ‘poor’ state, from 0 to 7 points. Results and conclusions: The state of the palaces in Wicimice and Iglice was evaluated as poor. The cause for this is significantly complex and comprises ‘revolutionary changes’ regarding property ownership after 1945 and 1989. The best-scoring domains were the surroundings of the objects (3 and 2 points for the parks in Wicimice and Iglice, respectively), which may encourage potential buyers to invest in the sites. Natural landscapes, forests, and listed cultural heritage are noteworthy. The applied scoring method for evaluating residential and garden sites has been demonstrated to be effective in this case as assumed.

Assessment of Soil Pollution by Heavy Metals in the Market Gardening Areas of Korsimoro

The aim of this study was to assess heavy metal soil pollution in market garden areas in the commune of Korsimoro. The analysis focused mainly on zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg). Composite samples of soil labels s1 to s21 were taken from the market garden site around the dam at a depth of 0-20 cm. A total of 21 soil samples were taken. The soil samples were analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP/MS) at the Bureau of Mines and Geology of Burkina Faso laboratory (BUMIGEB).&#x0D; The enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), géoaccumulation index (Igeo) and pollution load index (PLI) were determined from the metal concentrations obtained.&#x0D; The average concentrations of heavy metals vary as follows:&#x0D; Cd &gt; Co &gt; Cr &gt; Zn &gt; Ni &gt; Cu &gt; Hg &gt; Pb &gt; As.&#x0D; The average concentrations of cadmium (587.039mg/kg±20.546), mercury (29.048mg/kg±20,647), nickel (60.037 mg/kg±14,615) and cobalt (575.956mg/kg±66,693) exceed the WHO limit values for agricultural soils.&#x0D; The calculated CF values show very high contamination of Co, Cd and Hg, considerable contamination of Cu, Cr, Zn, Ni and As, and no contamination of Pb.&#x0D; The EF values show very severe enrichment for cobalt (Co), followed by overall extremely severe enrichment for cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg).&#x0D; The calculated Igeo indicates extreme cadmium, mercury and cobalt contamination.&#x0D; The calculated PLI values are all greater than one. These results show that all the soils are polluted.&#x0D; The index determination approach makes it possible to predict the extent of soil pollution by the heavy metals considered in our study.

Complex dynamics of coral gene expression responses to low pH across species.

Coral capacity to tolerate low pH affects coral community composition and, ultimately, reef ecosystem function. Low pH submarine discharges ('Ojo'; Yucatán, México) represent a natural laboratory to study plasticity and acclimatization to low pH in relation to ocean acidification. A previous >2-year coral transplant experiment to ambient and low pH common garden sites revealed differential survivorship across species and sites, providing a framework to compare mechanistic responses to differential pH exposures. Here, we examined gene expression responses of transplants of three species of reef-building corals (Porites astreoides, Porites porites and Siderastrea siderea) and their algal endosymbiont communities (Symbiodiniaceae) originating from low pH (Ojo) and ambient pH native origins (Lagoon or Reef). Transplant pH environment had the greatest effect on gene expression of Porites astreoides hosts and symbionts and P. porites hosts. Host P. astreoides Ojo natives transplanted to ambient pH showed a similar gene expression profile to Lagoon natives remaining in ambient pH, providing evidence of plasticity in response to ambient pH conditions. Although origin had a larger effect on host S. siderea gene expression due to differences in symbiont genera within Reef and Lagoon/Ojo natives, subtle effects of low pH on all origins demonstrated acclimatization potential. All corals responded to low pH by differentially expressing genes related to pH regulation, ion transport, calcification, cell adhesion and stress/immune response. This study demonstrates that the magnitude of coral gene expression responses to pH varies considerably among populations, species and holobionts, which could differentially affect acclimatization to and impacts of ocean acidification.

Morphological Characterization of Ant Species Found Within the Tropical Rainforest Zone of Calabar, Nigeria

Aim: This study was carried out to unravel the morphological variations that exist among ant species in the Rainforest zone of the University of Calabar Community. Method: Ants were collected from three locations (Botanical Garden, Cameroon and Unical Farms) within the University of Calabar. Direct hand-picking method and the pitfall traps method were utilized for sample collection. Thereafter, different morphological parameters including total length, head width, eye length, etc. were measured and analysed. Results: The results obtained showed a dominance of Formicinae with 3 species (35 %), followed by Myrmicinae with 2 species (30 %), and lastly Ponerinae and Dolichoderinae and Dorylinae with one species (5 %) each. A total of 7, 4 and 2 ant species were collected from the University of Calabar Botanical Garden, Cameroun and University of Calabar Farm sites respectively. Out of the 7 ant species, 3 species (50 %) were common to all the locations on campus, while another 2 species (45 %) were found exclusive to the Botanical Garden site. Conclusions: This work established that the morphology of ant faunas found in various areas of the campus varied significantly. It also concluded that the morphological space occupied by the ant fauna of the Botanical Garden was significantly larger than those collected from the other locations.

Smart historical gardens

Historical parks and garden sites provide a range of social, environmental, ecosystem, recreational, and scientific services. They are witnesses of history, resources of biotic (botanical and dendrological collections) and abiotic (historical buildings or complexes) attributes, sources of knowhow about park maintenance and management accumulated over the centuries as transfer between past and future generations. A series of hazards and processes for finding the best strategies to adapt to climate change are now generally researched. They should also apply to historical greenery – it is particularly sensitive to such alterations. This study aimed to identify the most important pro-climate and pro-ecological trends as well as specific material and organisational solutions noticed by the jury of selected European professional competitions: “European Garden Award”, “Garden of the Year Award” (UK), “Monument of the Year” (Germany) and “Well-kept Monument” (Poland). The available competition regulations, published laudations, and general characteristics of individual parks were analysed. Not only did the research show a diversified level of development and approach to individual sites at the national level, but also variation in sites’ activation: from basic conservation and restoration works to implementation and promotion of pro-ecological and pro-climate solutions, as well as discrepancy in the priorities for assessing objects set by individual competition committees. An unjust tendency among the majority of researched competitions to marginalise the problem of climate change has been noticed (only recently has this problem started to draw some attention). It can contribute to the loss of a significant part of the garden heritage because any activity in such a sensitive substance requires a relatively longer time and often divides the work process into many stages. Their standardisation and equal development would strengthen the European heritage and resilience to climate change. The exchange of knowledge and experience in the form of good practices and appropriate funding can support these actions.

Nutritional Study of Four Leafy Vegetables Produced and Sold in the Southern Zone of Brazzaville (Republic of Congo)

Generally overlooked by consumers, many local leafy vegetables in the Republic of Congo are considered to be part of the rural way of life and “poor man's food”. In order to promote their consumption, this study was carried out to assess the nutrient composition of four leafy vegetables (Amaranthus hybridus L, Basella alba, Solanum nigrum L and Ipomea batatas L).&#x0D; The leafy vegetables were collected from two markets and two market garden sites. The pH and the contents in moisture, protein, ash, lipids and minerals (Ca, P, Fe and Mg) were determined using standard analytical methods (Association of Official Analytical Chemists).&#x0D; The results indicate that the four leafy vegetables have a pH of between 6 ± 0.03 and 7 ± 0.04, high moisture content (81.43 ± 0.20 to 94.89 ± 0.12 g/100g FW), high protein content (21.95 ± 0.05 to 32.59 ± 0.07 g/100g FW) and high ash content (13.32 ± 0.05 to 25.78 ± 0.03 g/100g FW). All the vegetables were low in lipids (between 2.73 ± 0.23 and 4.81 ± 0.20 g/100gDW). The investigations also show that the four vegetables studied have high levels of phosphorus (389.27 ± 3.23% to 875.22 ± 3.16 mg/100 g DM), iron (70.29 ± 0.15 to 180.06 ± 1.21 mg/100 g DM), calcium (106.78 ± 3.25 to 3404.57 ± 8.07 mg/100 g DM) and magnesium (679.20 ± 2.25 to 2331.25 ± 3.26 mg/100 g DM). In addition, the vegetables collected at the market garden site of the municipal garden had the best a best Ca/P ratio (2.56 to 4.59).&#x0D; These findings suggest that these leafy vegetables represent a genuine alternative source of protein and especially micronutrients (iron, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium) for human nutrition, health and food safety.

Checking in at bee hotels: trap-nesting occupancy and fitness of cavity-nesting bees in an urbanised biodiversity hotspot

With urbanisation leading to loss of nesting resources, and increasing public interest in helping bees, bee hotels (trap-nests) are becoming popularised. However, their success is relatively understudied. The influence of habitat type in determining occupancy and emergence is also poorly known. Over two years across 7 bushland remnant and 7 residential garden sites, trap-nests were installed and completed nests collected monthly over spring-summer. Bees appeared to take a month to find the trap-nests, irrespective of month they were installed. A small percentage (13% and 6% in the two years) of tubes were occupied, but this was within the range of other trap-nesting studies. Smaller 4 and 7 mm diameter nests had a higher occupancy rate than 10 mm diameter tubes. An impressive number − 24 bee species – occupied the trap-nests. Representation however was dominated by five species. The species composition (species and their relative abundances) of cavity-nesting bees differed greatly between those using the trap-nests compared with those observed in the field. Bushland remnants tended to have more bee hotels occupied, and male body size of emerged bees was larger in this habitat. Unexpectedly native and total flower diversity reduced bee hotel occupancy, whereas native flower parameters tended to positively influence bee fitness. Overall installing bee hotels can provide additional nesting resources for native bees in urbanised areas, and providing high proportions of native flora in the vicinity should enhance fitness of the bees using them.

Participant Preferences for the Development of a Digitally Delivered Gardening Intervention to Improve Diet, Physical Activity, and Cardiovascular Health: Cross-sectional Study.

Low dietary intake of fruits and vegetables and physical inactivity are 2 modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Fruit and vegetable gardening can provide access to fresh produce, and many gardening activities are considered moderate physical activity. This makes gardening interventions a potential strategy for cardiovascular disease risk reduction. Previously developed gardening interventions have relied on in-person delivery models, which limit scalability and reach. The purpose of this study was to ascertain participant insight on intervention components and topics of interest to inform a digitally delivered, gardening-focused, multiple health behavior change intervention. A web-based survey was delivered via Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk), including quantitative and open-ended questions. Eligible participants were aged ≥20 years, could read and write in English, were US residents, and had at least a 98% MTurk task approval rating. A multilevel screening process was used to identify and exclude respondents with response inattention, poor language fluency, or suspected automated web robots (bots). Participants were asked about their interest in gardening programming, their preferences for intervention delivery modalities (1-hour expert lectures, a series of brief <5-minute videos, or in-person meetings), and what information is needed to teach new gardeners. Comparisons were made between never gardeners (NG) and ever gardeners (EG) in order to examine differences in perceptions based on prior experience. Quantitative data were summarized, and differences between groups were tested using chi-square tests. Qualitative data were coded and organized into intervention functions based on the Behavior Change Wheel. A total of 465 participants were included (n=212, 45.6% NG and n=253, 54.4% EG). There was a high level of program interest overall (n=355, 76.3%), though interest was higher in EG (142/212, 67% NG; 213/253, 84.2% EG; P<.001). The majority of participants (n=282, 60.7%) preferred a series of brief <5-minute videos (136/212, 64.2% NG; 146/253, 57.7% EG; P=.16) over 1-hour lectures (29/212, 13.7% NG; 50/253, 19.8% EG; P=.08) or in-person delivery modes (47/212, 22.2% NG; 57/253, 22.5% EG; P=.93). Intervention functions identified were education and training (performing fundamental gardening and cooking activities), environmental restructuring (eg, social support), enablement (provision of tools or seeds), persuasion (offering encouragement and highlighting the benefits of gardening), and modeling (using content experts and participant testimonials). Content areas identified included the full lifecycle of gardening activities, from the fundamentals of preparing a garden site, planting and maintenance to harvesting and cooking. In a sample of potential web-based learners, participants were interested in a digitally delivered gardening program. They preferred brief videos for content delivery and suggested content topics that encompassed how to garden from planting to harvesting and cooking. The next step in this line of work is to identify target behavior change techniques and pilot test the intervention to assess participant acceptability and preliminary efficacy.