Humid Forest Research Articles

New distribution records and population density of the Critically Endangered Tarzan Chameleon (Calumma tarzan), eastern Madagascar

ABSTRACT The distribution and population density of the Critically Endangered Tarzan Chameleon (Calumma tarzan) in eastern humid forests of Madagascar was studied using line transect-distance sampling. Based on the results from species distribution models, eight sites were visited over a four-month period from February 2020 to March 2021. In total, 46 transects of 1 km were investigated in 23 different forest fragments to understand the distribution of C. tarzan. Another 28 transects of 200 m in length were surveyed to estimate population density. Among the 23 investigated forest fragments, C. tarzan was confirmed from 14 fragments belonging to five sites. All 14 records are completely new and represent a significant range extension for the species. Calumma tarzan is distributed within an elevation range of 604–1048 m above sea level. An analysis of the population of the species across sites show that density varies broadly and ranges from 25 to 78 individuals per hectare. This study fills important knowledge gap on a Critically Endangered and endemic chameleon species and is vital to the development of urgently needed conservation strategy for the Tarzan Chameleon.

Instant noodles enriched with flours moringa (Moringa Oleifera Lam.) and ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata Mill.)

Non-Conventional Food Plants (PANCs) have been gradually studied and can be included in food in their in natura form and in food production, enriching their nutritional value. Due to its easy cultivation, Ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata Mill.) can already be observed in Brazilian states from the Northeast to the South, and the use of these leaves is widespread in folk medicine. Given the above, this study aims to review in the literature the main benefits of Ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata Mill.) and Moringa (Moringa Oleifera Lam.). The Ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata Mill.) given the nutritional advantages of its leaves, there are studies that evaluate the consumption of leaves in the form of flour or in natura in some specific groups, but there is a need for further studies to analyze the intake of Ora-pro-nóbis leaves in risk groups that need the micronutrients present in large quantities in this part of the species. Moringa (Moringa Oleifera Lam.) is a perennial species of the Moringaceae family, native to northeast India, widely distributed in India, Egypt, Philippines, Ceylon, Thailand, Malaysia, Burma, Pakistan, Singapore, Jamaica and Nigeria (Pio Côrrea, 1984; Duke, 1987). It grows in regions from the dry and humid subtropics, to the dry tropical and humid forests. It is drought tolerant, flowering and producing fruit (Duke, 1978). It adapts to a wide range of soils, but grows best in well-drained terra preta or clayey terra preta, preferring neutral to slightly acidic soil (Dalla Rosa, 1993). It is a multipurpose plant. Almost all parts of moringa are said to be of food value (leaves, unripe fruits, flowers and seeds) and medicinal (all parts of the plant) (Palada, 1996; Makkar & Becker, 1997). In Brazil, Moringa oleífera has been known in the State of Maranhão since 1950 (Amaya et al., 1992). Currently, the culture of moringa has been spread throughout the northeastern semi-arid region.

Conhecimento atual das samambaias e licófitas no estado de Sergipe, nordeste do Brasil

Abstract Brazil has one of the greatest diversity of ferns and lycophytes in the world, especially in its humid forests. The knowledge about these plants in the 27 federative units is uneven and can potentially hamper conservation actions aimed at them. In the state of Sergipe, collections of these groups have been sporadic and about 50 species have been cataloged so far, a low number when compared to other states. This study aimed to compile the species of ferns and lycophytes occurring in Sergipe based on herbaria materials and recent samples collected. Therefore, specimens from herbaria were accessed, together with online databases, as well as 13 botanical expeditions were carried out in three areas. Our study recorded of 20 families, 44 genera and 86 species (75 ferns and 11 lycophytes), with eight new records for the state. The most representative families were Pteridaceae (21 spp.), Polypodiaceae (12), Anemiaceae (nine) and Selaginellaceae (eight). The genera Adiantum L. (eight spp.), Anemia Sw. (nine spp.) and Selaginella P.Beauv. (eight spp.) had the highest number of species. The study shows that efforts like these are extremely necessary and may eventually indicate the extent to which the richness of ferns and lycophytes in Sergipe is underestimated, also promoting researches in this area of Botany.

The Oil Amazon Subregion: Colonization, Conflicts, Extraction and Local Identities

The northern region of the Amazon of Ecuador is known as the oil subregion, an ecological space that represents the main development and modernity project executed by the State. Strategy that integrated vast areas of humid forests into a model of progress, modernity and global markets. This way of imagining the jungle and its inhabitants legitimized abusive intervention practices, forms of exploitation of nature and a chaotic territorial occupation, however, it determined a particular identity of the Amazonian settler-peasant. Competition for resources and territories has generated multiple social and environmental conflicts and violent encounters with native populations.

Morphological Characters of Plant Species of the Zingiberaceae Tribe in Joben Resort Gunung Rinjani National Park, East Lombok

Zingiberaceae is a family of aromatic herbaceous plants, pseudostem, and rhizomes. Members of this species are found in the low-high lands (2000 meters above sea level), in areas with very high rainfall, and in humid places. Resort Joben is located in the south of Mount Rinjani so the water source is quite abundant and the humid forest conditions are a place to grow various species of Zingiberaceae. This study aims to determine the species and distribution of Zingiberaceae in the Joben Resort, Rinjani Mount National Park, East Lombok. Sampling used the cruising method with five cruising lines, each line has a wide range of 20 meters. Morphological characters identify using the reference book Vascular Plant Systematics, and the kinship relationship dendrogram was created using past 4.09 software. Samples were collected and documented as herbarium, then identified their morphological characters and species. The results of the study found six species of Zingiberaceae which belong to three sub-family, namely Zingiberoideae: Curcuma zanthorrhiza and Hedychium coronarium; Alpinioideae: Amomum dealbatum, Etlingera spinulosa and Etlingera rubroloba, and Costoideae: Costus spiralis.

Habitat restoration to conserve the Little Vermilion Flycatcher on Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos.

The endemic Little Vermilion Flycatcher (LVF), Pyrocephalus nanus, has suffered a drastic decline on Santa Cruz Island, where it was common 30 years ago. Currently, less than 40 individuals remain in the last remnants of natural humid forest in the Galapagos National Park on this island. This small population has low reproductive success, which is contributing to its decline in Santa Cruz. Previous studies have identified Avian Vampire Fly, Philornis downsi, parasitism, changes in food sources, and habitat alteration as threats to this species. In Santa Cruz, invasive plants may strongly affect the reproductive success of the LVF because they limit accessibility to prey near the ground, the preferred foraging niche of these birds. Since 2019, we restored the vegetation in seven plots of one hectare each by removing invasive blackberry plants and other introduced plant species. In all nests that reached late incubation, we also reduced the number of Avian Vampire Fly larvae. In this study, we compared foraging and perch height, pair formation, incubation time and reproductive success between managed and unmanaged areas. As predicted, we found significantly lower foraging height and perch height in 2021 in managed areas compared to unmanaged areas. In 2020, daily failure rate (DFR) of nests in the egg stage did not differ between management types; however, in 2021, DFR in the egg stage was significantly lower in managed areas than in unmanaged areas. The DFR during the nestling stage was similar between managed and unmanaged areas in 2020, but in 2021, only nests in managed areas reached the nestling stage. Females brooded significantly more during the incubation phase in managed areas. Additionally, we found significantly higher reproductive success in managed areas compared to unmanaged areas in 2021, but not in 2020. Habitat restoration is a long-term process and these findings suggest that habitat management positively affects this small population in the long term.

The genus Dryadella (Orchidaceae, Pleurothallidinae) in Brazil

Abstract The present work is a taxonomic revision of the Dryadella species of Brazil. Dryadella comprises 61 species, distributed in humid or seasonally humid forests, from Mexico to southern Brazil, most in the Atlantic Rainforest and the Andean forests. We provide morphological descriptions, taxonomic discussions, illustrations, an identification key, new synonyms, new occurrences and distribution maps for all taxa. Fourteen species are recognised for Brazil, of these D. zebrina recorded also for Bolivia and Peru, D. aviceps in Paraguay, D. lilliputiana in Bolivia, D. gnoma in Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, Panama, and Costa Rica and recorded for the first time in Brazil. The others are endemic to the country and, with the exception of D. gnoma, which occurs in the Amazon and D. ana-paulae, which occurs in the Cerrado, the other species are restricted to the Atlantic Rainforest. We propose the synonymisation of D. osmariniana and D. cardosoi in D. gnoma, D. espirito-santensis, D. gomes-ferreirae and D. litoralis in D. aviceps, D. vasquezii in D. ana-paulae and D. xaveriana in D. toscanoi. Nine lectotypes are designed.

Sinopse de Myrcia (Myrtaceae) no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil

Abstract: The present study is a synopsis of the species of Myrcia occurring in Pernambuco, Brazil. We recorded 30 species distributed in eight sections: M. sect. Aguava (4), Myrcia sect. Aulomyrcia (9), M. sect. Calyptranthes (3), M. sect. Gomidesia (5), M. sect. Myrcia (4), M. sect. Reticulosae (2), M. sect. Sympodiomyrcia (2) and M. sect. Tomentosae (1), beyond Myrcia sp. which has not been included in any section yet. Myrcia laricina (O. Berg) Burret ex Luetzelb. and M. hirtiflora DC. are new records for the State. Myrcia arenaria had the first record for humid forest in the municipality of Brejo da Madre de Deus. This study provides an identification key, comments on morphological distinction, geographic distribution and habitat for all taxa. In addition, distribution maps, photographic plates with the distinctive characteristics of the species are included and the updating names of Calyptranthes, Gomidesia and Marlierea under Myrcia.

DEVELOPMENT OF TEACHING MATERIALS FOR BANK AND NON-BANK FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS COURSES

The learning facilities and resources used in the learning process for Banking and Non-Bank Financial Institutions courses are very limited in terms of the quantity available. and has not represented PIP Unmul, namely Humid Tropical Forests and Their Environment. so the impact on interaction between students and learning resources is still not optimal. The development model used in this research is the research and development model. ADDIE development model (analysis, design, development and implementation, and evaluation). The types of data used in this research are qualitative data and quantitative data. Qualitative data was obtained from interview data from lecturers and students. The results of product feasibility validation tests obtained a score of 95.15% and practitioners obtained a score of 93.47%. The results of the small group trial obtained a score of 77.25%, which means the media was very interesting, while the effectiveness of the media showed that 87.88% of students obtained a score ≥ 70. The subjects in this field test were 62 students, which were measured using 10 indicators with average results. falls into the good category. The effectiveness of books can be measured from student learning activities in achieving learning goals through learning outcomes. In conclusion, the teaching materials developed are able to have a positive impact on the implementation of the learning process.

A novel wood preservative with plant extracts in a cypermethrin mixture protects envelope-treated tropical kempas hardwood against Coptotermes termites when exposed to an above-ground indoor situation after evaporative ageing

In keeping with sustainability initiatives in the commercial wood protection sector to develop cost-effective, environmentally acceptable wood treatment alternatives to traditional biocides, this paper reports on an above-ground test for protection against subterranean termite damage to blocks of termite-susceptible heartwood of tropical (Malaysian) kempas hardwood (Koompassia malaccensis). The blocks were envelope-treated (brush-on) with a novel wood preservative based on plant extracts in a cypermethrin mixture (Biocide 1: 0.16% cypermethrin, 0.08% tebuconazole, 2% vegetal extracts). A commercial permethrin-based LOSP (Biocide 2: 0.2% permethrin, 1.8% tributyltin naphthenate, 0.1% dichlorofluanid) applied in 3-minute dips served as the control treatment. The air-dried kempas blocks were H2-weathered under a rigorous laboratory volatilization regime (representing long-term evaporative ageing of treated wood for above-ground indoor use in prolonged H2-hazard class situations). The blocks were then exposed for 6 months above ground, inside a containerised test design targeting subterranean Coptotermes curvignathus termites, at a humid forest site (representing a severe H2-hazard class situation with treated wood isolated from wetting, soil contact, and weather). The results showed irrefutably that untreated kempas heartwood was severely attacked by C. curvignathus (mean mass loss: 70.4% and 20,416 mg) with a low mean visual termite rating (2.4). However, the treated kempas wood was well protected at very low surface retention of Biocide 1 (mean negligible mass loss: 0.66% and 207 mg) and very low surface retention of the control Biocide 2 (mean negligible mass loss: 1.01% and 306 mg), with both treatments similarly yielding the highest mean visual termite rating for all replicate kempas specimens (rating 10). The performances of the two biocides were similar but varied significantly (P < 0.05) from the attacks against their untreated counterparts. Biocide 1 therefore has considerable anti-termite potential and could replace conventional LOSP Biocide 2 treatments to protect wood exposed to a long-term H2-hazard class environment.

Black mildew disease on the Siwalik (Miocene) monocot leaves of Western Himalaya, India caused by Meliolinites

We have recovered disease-symptomatic monocot leaves from the middle Siwalik (late Miocene; 12–8 Ma) sedimentary strata of Himachal Pradesh, western Himalaya, India. Information about disease symptoms linked to fossil monocot leaves, however, is lacking. The present study therefore aims to elucidate their identity through the analysis of morphological characteristics of the plant pathogenic fungi (causal agent) associated with these disease symptoms. Black mildew disease caused by foliicolous fungal fossil-genus Meliolinites Selkirk ex Janson. and Hills (fossil Meliolaceae) is detected on infected host Siwalik monocot leaves. In the study presented here, we provide formal descriptions and illustrations for the fossil-genus. The pathogen Meliolinites is recognized by the presence of appressoria, phialides, mycelial seta, black non-ostiolate ascomata, and four-septate, five-celled ascospores. This is the first report of melioloid fungus causing black mildew disease on fossil monocot leaves. Here, we also reconstruct a possible disease cycle of black mildew pathogen on Siwalik monocot leaves. The in-situ evidence of Meliolinites on the monocot leaf cuticles indicates the possible existence of a biotrophic relationship in Himachal sub-Himalaya's ancient warm and humid tropical forest during the time of deposition.

New species of <i>Brachionidium</i> (Pleurothallinidae) from the Yanachaga Chemillen National Park, Pasco, Peru

A new Brachionidium from Peru is described and illustrated based on living plants. Information on distribution, ecology, etymology, and phenology is also included. The new species, B. montieliae, was discovered in one of the highest mountains of the Oxapampa-Ashaninka-Yanesha Biosphere Reserve (BIOAY), situated above the forests of the Humid Puna of the Yanachaga Chemillen National Park at 3590 m in elevation. It is similar to Brachionidium vasquezii but differs in the oblong-elliptic, denticulate, and semi-erect leaves, somewhat lanuginose abaxially; the purple lanuginose adaxially and papular abaxially, entire, acuminate lateral sepals; the purplish oblong-ovate dorsal sepal, lanuginose on the adaxial surface, papular abaxially; the purple petals with scalloped edges, acuminate to obtuse apex ending in a thin, slightly abbreviated tail; the lip with apiculate lateral angles and with a central, trapezoid verrucose callus on the disc. Brachionidium montieliae is a terrestrial species that thrives in the humid Puna forests at elevations around 3400–3600 meters. The ecosystem is characterized by a sclerophyllous forest with a diverse range of tree species. The species typically blooms between July and August. There are potential threats from annual burning practices in the region. Given the potential risks, it is imperative to undertake immediate conservation measures and promote environmental awareness to safeguard this species.

The genomic diversity of the Eliurus genus in northern Madagascar with a putative new species

Madagascar exhibits extraordinarily high level of species richness and endemism, while being severely threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation (HL&F). In front of these threats to biodiversity, conservation effort can be directed, for instance, in the documentation of species that are still unknown to science, or in investigating how species respond to HL&F. The tufted-tail rats genus (Eliurus spp.) is the most speciose genus of endemic rodents in Madagascar, with 13 described species, which occupy two major habitat types: dry or humid forests. The large species diversity and association to specific habitat types make the Eliurus genus a suitable model for investigating species adaptation to new environments, as well as response to HL&F (dry vs humid). In the present study, we investigated Eliurus spp. genomic diversity across northern Madagascar, a region covered by both dry and humid fragmented forests. From the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and nuclear genomic (RAD-seq) data of 124 Eliurus individuals sampled in poorly studied forests of northern Madagascar, we identified an undescribed Eliurus taxon (Eliurus sp. nova). We tested the hypothesis of a new Eliurus species using several approaches: i) DNA barcoding; ii) phylogenetic inferences; iii) species delimitation tests based on the Multi-Species Coalescent (MSC) model, iv) genealogical divergence index (gdi); v) an ad-hoc test of isolation-by-distance within versus between sister-taxa, vi) comparisons of %GC content patterns and vii) morphological analyses. All analyses support the recognition of the undescribed lineage as a putative distinct species. In addition, we show that Eliurus myoxinus, a species known from the dry forests of western Madagascar, is, surprisingly, found mostly in humid forests in northern Madagascar. In conclusion, we discuss the implications of such findings in the context of Eliurus species evolution and diversification, and use the distribution of northern Eliurus species as a proxy for reconstructing past changes in forest cover and vegetation type in northern Madagascar.

Long-term warming increased carbon sequestration capacity in a humid subtropical forest.

Tropical and subtropical forests play a crucial role in global carbon (C) pools, and their responses to warming can significantly impact C-climate feedback and predictions of future global warming. Despite earth system models projecting reductions in land C storage with warming, the magnitude of this response varies greatly between models, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Here, we conducted a field ecosystem-level warming experiment in a subtropical forest in southern China, by translocating mesocosms (ecosystem composed of soils and plants) across 600 m elevation gradients with temperature gradients of 2.1°C (moderate warming), to explore the response of ecosystem C dynamics of the subtropical forest to continuous 6-year warming. Compared with the control, the ecosystem C stock decreased by 3.8% under the first year of 2.1°C warming; but increased by 13.4% by the sixth year of 2.1°C warming. The increased ecosystem C stock by the sixth year of warming was mainly attributed to a combination of sustained increased plant C stock due to the maintenance of a high plant growth rate and unchanged soil C stock. The unchanged soil C stock was driven by compensating and offsetting thermal adaptation of soil microorganisms (unresponsive soil respiration and enzyme activity, and more stable microbial community), increased plant C input, and inhibitory C loss (decreased C leaching and inhibited temperature sensitivity of soil respiration) from soil drying. These results suggest that the humid subtropical forest C pool would not necessarily diminish consistently under future long-term warming. We highlight that differential and asynchronous responses of plant and soil C processes over relatively long-term periods should be considered when predicting the effects of climate warming on ecosystem C dynamics of subtropical forests.

Agronomic performance of maize hybrids under Aspergillus flavus inoculation in Cameroon

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a major staple crop in most of the sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) region, constrained by a multitude of plant diseases, with the ear and kernel rots being the most widespread and difficult to manage on maize. The objective of this study was to access the agronomic performance of F1 maize hybrids exposed to Aspergillus flavus, under different agro-ecological conditions, in Cameroon. A total of 120 genotypes of maize, including four commercial hybrids, were evaluated under A. flavus infection at two sites; namely Bangangte in the Western Highlands and Mbalmayo, in the Bimodal Humid Forest Zone of Cameroon. The study was conducted during 2020 - 2021 cropping seasons. Results revealed that at Bangangte site, six (89343X88094, 88099X88094, 90204XExp 124, 89246X87036, TZI-5-1171XExp 124 and 90219X1368) out of the top 20 high yielding hybrids, had significantly high (p<0.001 tolerance (0% severity) to Aspergillus ear rot infection. At Mbalmayo site, eight (8923X88094, TZI-5-1171XExp124, 89343X88094, 90219X87036, 89243X87036, 87014X88094, TZSTR1150X87036 and 89248X88094) out of the top 20 high yielding hybrids also showed significant high (P<0.001) tolerance (0% severity) to Aspergillus ear rot infection. The interaction between hybrids and location was significant (P<0.05) for all measured traits, except ear height, grain texture, ear insect damage and husk cover (P>0.05). The pooled broad sense heritability of hybrids in the two locations varied from 5% for grain texture to 92% for days to 50% physiological maturity. Grain yield was negatively correlated with Aspergillus ear rot disease incidence and severity. Hence, promising high yielding maize hybrids with appreciable tolerance to Aspergillus ear rot disease could be selected among the tested genotypes.

Climate change strongly affects future fire weather danger in Indian forests

Changes in temperature, precipitation, wind speed, and relative humidity due to climate change are likely to alter future fire regimes. We quantified the impact of such changes on the fire weather of Indian forests using a fire weather index and high-resolution downscaled climate projections. While conventional wisdom contends that future temperature increases will increase fire weather indices, we find this to be true only in dry forests. In humid forests, the fire weather index will decrease despite the warming due to future increases in precipitation and/or relative humidity. Days with severe fire weather danger will increase by up to 60% in dry forests but will reduce by up to 40% in humid forests. The fire season will be longer by 3–61 days across the country and the pre-monsoon fire season will become more intense over 55% of forests. This study suggests for countries like India with fragmented forests and diverse ecoclimates, standards and mitigation strategies must be developed at regional instead of national level.

Five years on the road

We have reached our fifth edition, marking five years of disseminating information about the mammals of Ecuador. The cover of this edition portrays the long-tailed weasel (Neogale frenata), one of the smallest carnivores of the continent and a little-known species in Ecuador. The cover symbolizes our central theme, as we include three publications related to this species in this edition. The first is the report of a confirmed record in the southern region of the province of Esmeraldas, which opens the debate on whether this species, which is typically Andean in this country, may naturally inhabit the humid forests of the Chocó. This hypothesis had been mentioned previously (Parker III & Carr, 1992) but had not been confirmed. To complement this topic, we add two scientific notes that contribute to our knowledge of the natural history of Neogale frenata. One deals with its swimming ability, a behavior that had only been documented in the northern part of its distribution, in North America (Sheffield & Thomas, 1997); the other provides details of an attack on a poultry farm, a behavior previously attributed to this species but poorly documented in the scientific literature. This edition also brings two contributions to the little-known natural history of the country's bats. One is the first catalog of ectoparasites (Diptera: Streblidae and Nycteribiidae) found on 22 bat species in coastal Ecuador. The other is a note on the capture of a sucker bat (Thyroptera tricolor) in a web of Eriophora sp. (Araneae: Araneidae) in Yasuní National Park, in the Ecuadorian Amazon. We also include an article on research trips designed for listening to humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the southeastern Pacific region and two articles that contribute to the knowledge of the species richness of two little-studied areas: the Cordillera Chongón Colonche, in the central-coastal region of the country, and the Reserva Biológica Tapichalaca, in the province of Zamora Chinchipe, in southeastern Ecuador. This fifth issue of Mammalia aequatorialis is the most extensive that we have published since the birth of the journal, motivating us to continue with the belief that we will be able to publish two issues per year in a short time. Thank you very much for joining us during these first five years. Diego G. Tirira Editor-in-chief

Production and disease status of three climbing beans varieties in the monomodal humid forest of Cameroon

The availability of beans at a relatively cheaper price compared to meat and other protein sources cater for the protein requirements of people with low purchasing power. This study was carried out on three climbing beans varieties PNN, DOR 701 and MCX to evaluate growth, yield and disease prevalence across two growing seasons. The design of the experiment was complete randomized block design with the three replicates, 15 plants were randomly selected and tagged from each variety per plot for data collection on growth, yield, diseased incidence and severity. The results showed that irrespective of the planting season, all the growth parameters of the climbers, with the exception of the number of leaves per plant, varied significantly (P = 0.05) with beans variety. The highest plant height (171.6 cm), number of grains per pod was highest (8), the highest pod length (13.3 cm) and the least mean number of branches per plant (4) was recorded with the variety PNN. All yield and yield components were found to vary significantly (P = 0.05) with the bean varieties. The highest yield (3.0 Mg/ha) was recorded by MCX. Disease incidence and severity did not vary significantly (P = 0.05) across varieties. Disease incidence and severity were significantly higher in the early planting season (91.7% and 37.7% respectively) than in the late planting season (69.4% and 16.7% respectively). Cultivation of beans should be done in the late planting season, using MCX variety with high yield.

First biological inclusion in Upper Cretaceous Texas amber, USA

The first biological inclusion in Cretaceous (Cenomanian) amber from Texas (USA) is here documented. Most of the Cretaceous ambers with biological inclusions are from Europe (Spain, France) and Myanmar (Asia). Although the coleopteran here reported is microscopic and incomplete, it preserves enough morphological details to be identified as a member of the Family Ptinidae Latreille, 1802. This antecedent is significative and reveals the potential of this Cretaceous amber to contain more diverse bioinclusions, since the paleoenvironment suggested by the sediments that contain the amber and the ecological affinity of recent representatives of the Ptinidae suggest a humid forest near an estuary, associated to deltaic plain deposits. Este hallazgo representa la inclusión biológica en ámbar más antigua en las Americas.

Biochar Improves Soil Fertility and Crop Performance: A Case Study of Nigeria

Africa, specifically Nigeria, has witnessed a dramatic increase in population over the last century, prompting efforts to ensure sustainable food production and quality. Concerns for soil sustainability and food security have led to the exploration of cost-effective methods, such as biochar, to enhance soil quality. Researchers in Nigeria and Africa as a whole have investigated biochar’s potential to improve soil fertility and crop performance across various agroecological zones. This paper aims to review recent biochar research priorities on soil fertility and crop performance with an emphasis on various sole biochar applications and combinations with fertilizers to determine the research gaps that need to be developed more in biochar research in Nigeria. From the papers reviewed, sole biochar applications and biochar + macronutrients and biochar + manure combinations were studied more dominantly, while biochar + micronutrients research projects were scanty despite their low content in the semi-arid soils of Nigeria. The studies were spread across the country with the majority taking place in derived savanna and humid forest, while Sudan savanna and Sahel savanna received less research attention despite being characterized by a low-fertile soil and vast area of land. Research involving BC in the context of Sahel savanna (SLS) and Sudan savanna (SS) soils is strongly encouraged in Nigeria. This research should encompass a wide range of investigations, including sole BC applications and combinations of BC with macronutrients, micronutrients, and manure, as well as exploring its potential as a slow-release fertilizer. Incorporating exclusive biochar in substantial amounts appears economically unfeasible within the context of local biochar production. However, it can be utilized in the synthesis of slow-release fertilizers, requiring smaller quantities and potentially offering cost-effectiveness. This approach enhances soil condition and crop productivity. Challenges are faced due to less commercial production as a result of inadequate power and structural facilities. Exploring the modification of local biochar for slow-release fertilizers through future research offers potential profitability.