Humid Rainforest Research Articles

Assessment of genetic diversity of selected cowpea landraces from Nigeria based on simple sequence repeat markers

Understanding the genetic diversity of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) landraces is useful for effective characterization and ex-situ conservation of germplasm. The analysis of genetic diversity of eighteen cowpea landraces collected from five agro-ecological zones in Nigeria was reported in this study. Five individuals per landrace were genotyped with six polymorphic microsatellite markers. Three to 5 alleles with a mean of 3.833 were detected. Mean Polymorphic information content (PIC) and observed heterozygosity of the markers were 0.5721 and 0.2433, respectively. Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) showed that variation due to agroecological zone constituted 24%, while variations among and within landraces as well as within individuals constituted 25%, 17% and 33%, respectively. Landraces collected from the humid rainforest zone showed high within landrace diversity and were not significantly different (P ≥ 0.001) from other landraces collected from the same zone. Landraces from the savannah zones showed low within landrace diversity and homozygous across all loci. Consequently, among landrace diversity was higher in the savannah zone with landraces collected from guinea savannah been the most diverse, followed by landraces from the derived savannah and Sudan savannah. Mantel test showed positive and significant correlation (r= 0.377, p= 0.01) between genetic and geographical distance of landrace collections. The findings are important for up-to-date characterizations of cowpea germplasm in Nigeria for improved breeding programs.
 Keywords: Genetic diversity, cowpea, Alleles, Polymorphic information content, AMOVA,

Four new species of Plumachaetas Salmon (Collembola: Entomobryoidea) from Oceania with comments on the genus and a key to species.

Plumachaetas Salmon is a genus of Entomobryoidea with 11 valid species, all from Oceania. The genus is characterised by the presence of lanceolate scales, the subapical chaeta of the maxillary outer lobe thick and blunt, dental spines absent and a short mucro. In this paper we describe four new species of Plumachaetas from Oceania: P. belae sp. nov., P. loriensis sp. nov., P. mamuensis sp. nov. and P. wanangensis sp. nov. Plumachaetas belae sp. nov. and P. mamuensis sp. nov. are similar to each other, and to P. queenslandica (Schött) and P. yoshii Zhang Deharveng, but are unique in the combination of dorsal and labial chaetotaxy. Plumachaetas loriensis sp. nov. resembles P. halmaherae (Yoshii Suhardjono) and P. sunae Zhang Deharveng but differs in labial, dorsal chaetotaxy and unguiculus shape. Plumachaetas wanangensis sp. nov. is similar to other taxa bearing a mucro with four teeth, but presents a unique combination of macrochaetae on thoracic and abdominal segments. All species are arboreal and were collected in Malaise traps set in humid rainforests. A map of the geographic distribution and ecological remarks on the genus are provided and a key to species with a table summarising the main morphological features of all described taxa in the genus.

Distribution and virulence of fungal species isolated from yam (Dioscorea spp.) tubers in three agroecological zones of Nigeria

Field surveys were conducted in 2012 and 2013 to evaluate the distribution and virulence of fungal isolates associated with tuber rot disease among yam (Dioscorea spp.) producing agroecological zones (AEZs) of Nigeria. A total of 70 and 66 farmers’ fields were surveyed in 2012 and 2013, respectively among three yam species, Dioscorea rotundata, D. alata and D. cayenensis. Fifteen rotted samples were randomly collected per each yam species in fourteen districts across the humid rainforest (HF), the derived savanna (DS) and the southern Guinea savanna (SGS) agroecologies. Twenty-one fungal species were isolated in the HF, 18 species in the DS and 16 in the SGS. The highest rot severity was in HF agroecology in the D. rotundata which varied from 27.2% to 65.7% in 2012 and from 21.1 to 57.4% in 2013, while the SGS agroecology had the least severity. Lasiodiplodia theobromae was the most virulent pathogen with lesion diameter of 26.8–42.1 mm at 14 days after inoculation. Findings provide baseline information for the formulation of management strategies for yam tuber rot disease in Nigeria.

The proposal to transform an old limestone quarry into a botanical garden with a rainforest zone: a case study

Nowadays, a significant part of cities is tackling the problems with post-mining areas. This manuscript is an original research which shows possibilities of their reclamation. The aim of the article is to present the proposal of developing the closed limestone quarry and creating a botanical garden. The proposed spatial solutions allow for creating a new, tourist and recreation space, maintaining the natural heritage. The work also assumed carrying out a dendrological inventory, in order to determine the existing dendrofl ora. The required spatial, nature and communication analyses, which illustrate the current condition of the area and defi ne further design works, have also been carried out. The main idea of the project was to maintain the particular biodiversity, combined with regional culture and its continuous development. This type of assumption aims not only at protection of endangered species. It also has a great role in shaping the awareness of natural environment of various social groups. The creation of a rainforest substitute in the Opole Botanical Garden was possible through selection of the existing afforestation, considering its adaptation as well as through liquidation and introduction of new trees, shrubs, perennial and climbing plants, which shall emphasise the tropical landscape type by their shapes, texture and colours. The project includes many elements, which reflect the general image of humid rainforests. The planned vegetation in connection with the appropriately selected architecture shall undoubtedly influence visitors’ senses, transferring them to the ‘wild’ and mysterious part of the world.

Impact of Texture on Sesquioxide Distribution in Southeastern Nigerian Soils

Sesquioxides which play significant roles in soil classification and dominant soil properties vary in soils with particle size fractions. Using randomized complete block design, this study was conducted in the month of June 2018 to evaluate the impact of texture on sesquioxide distribution in humid rainforest soils of Southeastern Nigeria. Four mini-pedons were dug at four landscape positions (upslope, midslope, downslope and flat surface) and triplicate soil samples taken from 0-20, 20-40 and 40-60 cm depths, summing to total of 36 samples. Crystalline and amorphous Al, Fe, Mn and Si oxides were then determined at a depth of 0-20 cm using Dithionate Citrate Bicarbonate (DCB) and ammonium oxalate reagents. Dithionate and oxalate fractions in bulk soil ranged between 9300-11,400 (Fed), 390-1580 (Feox), 4600-6700 (Ald), 660-890 (Alox), 3300-5600 (Mnd), 350-580 (Mnox) and 9600-13,500 (Sid) and 1690-1790 mg kg-1 (Siox), with dithionate superior indicating high crystallinity and low mobility of the sesquioxides. Ratios of bulk soil oxalate/dithionate fractions were low and ranged between 0.04-0.17 (Feox/Fed), 0.11-0.15 (Alox/Ald), 0.10-0.16(Mnox/Mnd) and 0.13-0.18 (Siox/Sid) and confirming their crystallinity. Low Feox/Fed ratios signified that soils were well drained (< 0.35), old (< 0.65) and highly weathered (< 0.50) with the order being a decreasing sequence of upslope > flat surface > down slope > midslope. Sesquioxide contents and reactivity in soil particle size fractions (sand, silt and clay) varied with landscapes. Regression models indicated that particle size fractions accounted for 50% of 2/3rd of the bulk soil sesquioxide concentrations and that averaged over landscapes, sand fraction was more enriched with various sesquioxides than the other soil particle size fractions. Correlations between most bulk soil sesquioxide fractions and sesquioxide fractions with selected soil properties (sand, silt, clay, moisture content, total porosity, organic matter, pH, Ca and ECEC) were significant (P < 0.05).

Blood profile of West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks fed raw and processed cocoa pod husk meal based – diets in the humid high rainforest zone of Nigeria

A 12-week feeding trial was carried out using 30 West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks of age between six and eight months with mean initial body weight of 9.36±1.31 kg, to determine the effect of sun-dried, urea-treated and fermented dietary cocoa pod husk meal (CPHM) as well as dietary CPHM with protein supplementation (African yam bean meal) on blood characteristics. Five experimental diets: T1 (0% CPHM-control), T2 (40% sundried CPHM), T3 (40% ureatreated CPHM), T4 (40% fermented CPHM) and T5 (40% CPHM and 10% African yambean) were formulated. Six animals per treatment were randomly assigned to the experimental diets using a CRD. Blood parameters (haematological and serum biochemical indices) were evaluated at the end of the feeding trial. Results of the study showed that the White blood cell counts, packed cell volume and red blood cell counts were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by dietary treatments. In terms of serum chemistry, higher values of urea were recorded in sundried (6.57 mmol/l) and protein supplemented (6.57 mmol/l) groups, followed by the fermented group (6.17mmol/l). Calcium (2.24 mmol/l) and total protein (7.44g/dl) were highest in urea-treated CPHM group followed by the protein supplemented group (1.84 mmol/l and 7.37g/dl) and lowest in the sundried CPHM group (1.14 mmol/l and 6.21g/dl) respectively. The study concludes that blood composition of WAD bucks was best in the urea-treated and protein supplemented groups respectively, and 40% cocoa pod husk meal supplemented with 10% protein (African yambean) can be incorporated in the diets of WAD bucks without fear of compromising haematological and serum biochemical ndices.Keywords: Cocoa pod husk, Urea, Fermented, Protein supplemented, WAD bucks

Physiological and agronomic responses of maize (Zea maysL) cultivars to plant population and defoliation at post-anthesis in the humid rainforest

Variations in response pattern of maize (<em>Zea mays</em>)grown at plant populations, defoliated at post-anthesis in the rainforest were tested. Two field trials were conducted at Abeokuta, (Longitude 3<sup>0</sup>25’E, Latitude 7<sup>0</sup>15’N; 144 m a.s.l) and Ibadan (3<sup>0</sup>56’E, 7<sup>0</sup>33’N: 168 m a.s.l), Nigeria in 2015. The trials consisted of maize variety {2009 TZE-W DT STR [open pollinated variety (OPV)] and TZEI 124 × TZEI 25 (hybrid)]} in the main plot, plant population (71111, 80000 and 106666 plant ha<sup>-1</sup>) in sub plot and defoliation (+ defoliation and – defoliation) as sub-sub plot. It was laid out in a split-split plot arrangement fitted into randomised complete block design with three replicates. OPV had significantly higher assimilatory surface, rate of current photosynthesis, reduced dry matter translocation efficiency, reduced days to 50 % anthesis and more 1000 grain massthan the hybrid maize, with similar grain yields. Both locations experienced increased leaf area index with increased plant population. Reduced 1000 grain massat both locations when maize was defoliated suggested a disruption in source:sink balance.

Effects of Rainfall Seasonal Dynamics on the Chemical Properties of the Soil of a Tropical Southern Humid Rainforest Ecosystem in Nigeria

Effects of Rainfall Seasonal Dynamics on the Chemical Properties of the Soil of a Tropical Southern Humid Rainforest Ecosystem in Nigeria

English

Periodic assessment of resistant status of genetic materials in a breeding program is an important activity to ensure its continued progress. Forty newly-developed early and extra-early maize varieties were evaluated under natural field infection conditions for two years to assess their resistance status to some common diseases prevalent in the humid rainforest agro-ecology, and to determine effect of the diseases on grain yield and other agronomic characters. The experiment was laid out using a 5 x 8 alpha lattice design with three replications. Data were recorded on flowering traits, disease scores as well as yield and yield components. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance, correlation and regression analyses. Results revealed that the varieties were significantly different for flowering traits, as well as yield and yield components except ears per plant, ear aspect and plant aspect. For disease scores, the varieties were not significantly different except for Helminthosporum maydis. There was a differential response of the early and extra-early maize varieties under the field evaluation conditions. However, all varieties maintained their resistance level against streak, northern leaf blight, southern leaf blight and smut. Although, none of these diseases significantly reduced yield, scores for Curvularia leaf spot and rust disease significantly exceeded the resistance threshold, suggesting an urgent attention is needed for the management of the diseases before the damages reach economic threshold. Key words: Blight, Curvularia, maize, rainforest, streak.

Tuber Yield, Chemical and Nutritional Properties and End-User Traits among Cassava (<i> Manihort Esculenta</i> Cranz) Varieties

Growth, tuber yield and nutritional quality attributes of ten varieties of cassava (Manihort esculenta) were evaluated on the field in Akure, in the humid rainforest zone of South-Western Nigeria. The varieties which were evaluated for optimum yield and end-user traits were: TMS 30572, TMS 4(2)1425, TMS 96/1632, TMS 98/0505, TMS 98/0581, TMS 98/0510, TMS 92/0057, TMS 01/1368, TMS01/1412, and TME 419. Data were collected on growth and yield attributes which includes plant height, stem girth, number of leaves and branches. The starch extracted from the varieties of cassava tubers were taken to the laboratory for analysis. The results showed that the varieties differed in most of the growth and yield attributes measured due to genetic makeup. The effects of variety were profound on some of the yield attributes of cassava; TME419 had the highest tuber weight which was 33% higher than TMS30572 which produced the highest number of tubers. The chemical and proximate compositions of starch from the tested Cassava varieties differed significantly among the varieties. TMS01/1368 had the highest N content; TMS01/1412 had the highest K, Na and protein contents but the least P contents. The results obtained were used to classify the cassava varieties evaluated. In terms of growth attributes (shoot biomass), the best three in terms of: plant height (TMS98/0510, TMS98/0581 and TMS30572), stem girth (TMS 4(2)1425, TMS98/0581 and TMS30572), branch production (TMS 01/1412, TMS98/0581 and TMS 4(2)1425), leaf biomass (TMS92/0057, TMS4 (2)1425 and TMS98/0581). For classification based on tuber and starch yield, the best varieties in terms of tuber and starch yield were: TME419, TMS30572 and TMS92/0057 and for starch yield were TMS98/0505, TMS96/1632 and TMS01/1368. The classification based on starch quality attributes to meet end- user demands showed that the tested varieties had high dry matter contents, low Hydrogen cyanide, fat, protein, pH and moisture contents which are best suited for bakeries, confectionary and pharmaceutical industries. Cassava variety TMS 0510 had high viscosity while TMS 98/0505 and TMS01/1368 had low bulk density and low fat contents. The TMS01/ 1412 and TMS01/1368 had relatively high β- carotene contents which can be recommended for women and infant formula for children to combat vitamin A deficiency. Key words: Manihot, Varieties, Tuber, Yield, Chemical, Nutrient, Quality, End uses, Traits

Characterization of N2O emissions and associated microbial communities from the ant mounds in soils of a humid tropical rainforest.

Tropical rainforest soils harbor a considerable diversity of soil fauna that contributes to emissions of N2O. Despite their ecological dominance, there is limited information available about the contribution of epigeal ant mounds to N2O emissions in these tropical soils. This study aimed to determine whether ant mounds contribute to local soil N emissions in the tropical humid rainforest. N2O emission was determined in vitro from individual live ants, ant-processed mound soils, and surrounding reference soils for two trophically distinct and abundant ant species: the leaf-cutting Atta mexicana and omnivorous Solenopsis geminata. The abundance of total bacteria, nitrifiers (AOA and AOB), and denitrifiers (nirK, nirS, and nosZ) was estimated in these soils using quantitative PCR, and their respective mineral N contents determined. There was negligible N2O emission detected from live ant individuals. However, the mound soils of both species emitted significantly greater (3-fold) amount of N2O than their respective surrounding reference soils. This emission increased significantly up to 6-fold in the presence of acetylene, indicating that, in addition to N2O, dinitrogen (N2) is also produced from these mound soils at an equivalent rate (N2O/N2 = 0.57). Functional gene abundance (nitrifiers and denitrifiers) and mineral N pools (ammonium and nitrate) were significantly greater in mound soils than in their respective reference soils. Furthermore, in the light of the measured parameters and their correlation trends, nitrification and denitrification appeared to represent the major N2O-producing microbial processes in ant mound soils. The ant mounds were estimated to contribute from 0.1 to 3.7% of the total N2O emissions of tropical rainforest soils.

Reassessing climate and pre-Columbian drivers of paleofire activity in the Bolivian Amazon

A 50,000-year-old sediment core record from Laguna Chaplin is reanalyzed to explore potential paleoecological methods to detect the extent of pre-Columbian disturbance in the Bolivian Amazon. High-resolution (sub-centennial) macrocharcoal data are analyzed using statistical algorithm software including Regime Shift Detection and CHAR Analysis to detect changes in past fire regimes. These data are compared with existing charcoal records from throughout the Bolivian lowlands to provide a regional scale context of past biomass burning. During the mid-Holocene, changes in precipitation are the dominant driver of fire activity and biomass burning at Laguna Chaplin and across the Bolivian lowlands. During the late Holocene, increased fire activity across ecosystems ranging from fire-adapted to fire-intolerant forests is attributed to the apex of pre-Columbian activity. These data suggest human-caused ignitions during the late Holocene are the driving factor of regional scale fire activity in the Bolivian lowlands. After ca. 650 cal yr BP, there is an increase in biomass burning and fire frequency synchronous with the expansion of Moraceae/Urticaceae pollen (>50%) at Laguna Chaplin. This occurs during the time-transgressive southward expansion of the rainforest boundary, during the apex of pre-Columbian activity in the region. The increase in biomass burning at Laguna Chaplin is reflected at other sites in the region with known human occupation histories. The presence of Zea mays ca. 970 to 170 cal yr BP indicates maize cultivation is practiced in the immediate vicinity surrounding Laguna Chaplin. The simultaneous increase in fire activity with the expansion of the less flammable humid rainforest vegetation suggests human fire management practices. These data are interpreted as the use of frequent, low severity, human-caused fires to clear the croplands from encroaching rainforest vegetation. Despite evidence of pre-Columbian fire management during the late Holocene, vegetation and fire data indicate the extent of human-landscape modification and fire management at Laguna Chaplin, is not enough to inhibit the climate-driven regional forest expansion of the savanna-rainforest ecotonal boundary to its most southern extent in the last 50,000 years. This study demonstrates the utility of applying a multi-proxy, high-resolution paleoecological method to disentangle climate and pre-Columbian disturbance in the Bolivian Amazon.

Performance of maize (<i>Zea mays</i>) cultivars as influenced by grade and application rate of Organo-mineral fertiliser in a transitory rain forest

Field trials were conducted in a transitory humid rain forest, Abeokuta, Nigeria (Latitudes 7◦ 15ꞌN, 3◦ 25ꞌE, altitude 144 above sea level) in early wet cropping seasons of 2014 (site A) and 2015 (site B). The trials were aimed at investigating the effects of application rates of grades of organo-mineral fertiliser on maize (Zea mays)cultivars. The trials were in split-split plot arrangement fitted into randomised complete block design and replicated three times. In the main plot was variety {Oba super 2 (hybrid) and Suwan 1[open pollinated variety (OPV)]}, sub-plot consisted of grade of organo-mineral fertiliser (A, B, C), while the sub-sub plot was made of application rate (0, 2.5 and 5.0 t ha-1). Oba super 2 had significantly (P< 0.05) more assimilatory surface, with more 100 grain (7.13 g) and ear weight (0.08 kg), harvest index (37.60 %) than OPV maize cultivar (Suwan 1) in 2015. Maize cultivars sown with grade B organo-mineral fertiliser had delayed tasselling (57.50 days) and silking (66.33 days) compared to when sown with other organo-mineral grades. Increasing application rates of organo-mineral fertiliser resulted in increased assimilatory surface and a higher grain yield and its attributes in both years.Keywords: Hybrid, Open Pollinated Maize, Transitory Rain Forest, Silking, Tasselling

Seasonal patterns in rainforest litterfall: Detecting endogenous and environmental influences from long‐term sampling

AbstractTropical rainforests play an important role in the storage and cycling of global terrestrial carbon. In the carbon cycle, net primary productivity of forests is linked to soil respiration through the production and decomposition of forest litter. Climate seasonality appears to influence the production of litter although there is considerable variability within and across forests that makes accurate estimates challenging. We explored the effects of climate seasonality on litterfall dynamics in a lowland humid rainforest over a 7‐year period from 2007 to 2013, including an El Niño/La Niña cycle in 2010/2011. Litterfall was sampled fortnightly in 24 traps of 0.50 m diameter within a 1‐ha forest plot. Total mean litterfall was 10.48 ± 1.32 (±SD, dry weight) Mg ha−1 year−1 and seasonal in distribution. The different components of litterfall were divided into LLeaf (63.5%), LWood (27.7%) and LFF[flowers & fruit] (8.8%), which all demonstrated seasonal dynamics. Peak falls in LLeaf and LWood were highly predictable, coinciding with maximum daily temperatures and 1 and 2 months prior to maximum monthly rainfall. The El Niño/La Niña cycle coincided with elevated local winter temperatures and peak falls of LLeaf and LWood. Importantly, we establish how sampling length and generalized additive models eliminate the requirement for extensive within‐site sampling when the intention is to describe dynamics in litterfall patterns. Further, a greater understanding of seasonal cycles in litterfall allows us to distinguish between endogenous controls and environmental factors, such as El Niño events, which may have significant impacts on biochemical cycles.

Growth, assimilate partitioning and grain yield response of soybean (<i>Glycine max</i> L. Merrrill) varieties to carbon dioxide enrichment and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the humid rainforest

This investigation tested variation in the growth components, assimilate partitioning and grain yield of soybean (Glycine max L. Merrrill) varieties established in CO2 enriched atmosphere when inoculated with mixtures of Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) species in the humid rainforest of Nigeria. A pot and a field experiment were established in Abeokuta (7°15’N, 3°28’E; 75 m asl), Nigeria in 2015. The pot experiment had CO2 concentration, AMF inoculation and soybean varieties as treatments, in completely randomised design, repeated three times. On the field the treatments were in a split split-plot arrangement fitted into randomised complete block design. The main plot had CO2 concentration [ambient (≈385 ppm) and elevated (≈550 ppm)], AMF inoculation in the sub plot (+ AMF and – AMF), while the sub sub-plot were soybean varieties (TGx 1448-2E, TGx 1440-1E and TGx 1740-2F), replicated three times. In both experiments assimilatory surface increased in CO2 enriched atmosphere, with increased relative growth rate. The increased relative growth rate on the field was with increased leaf relative growth rate, reduced leaf area ratio and increased net assimilatory rate. Both trials had higher grain yield at elevated CO2 than the ambient. Growth response to AMF inoculation was with reduced specific leaf area and increased leaf weight ratio. Soybean variety TGx 1448 -2E was more adaptive to variation in AMF inoculation and CO2 enrichment. Soybean TGx 1740-2F was more responsive to combined effect of AMF inoculation and CO2 enrichment, but less suitable in the absence of both in this ecology.Keywords: Assimilatory surface, carbon dioxide enrichment, inoculation, soybean

Yield and Yield Attributes Responses of Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) to Elevated CO2 and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Inoculation in the Humid Transitory Rainforest

Variations in yield components and grain yield of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculated soybean varieties (Glycine max L. Merrill) grown in CO2 enriched environment in the humid rainforest were tested. A screen house trial was established with soybean varieties (‘TGx 1448-2E’, ‘TGx 1440-1E’ and ‘TGx 1740-2F’), AMF inoculation (with and without) and CO2 enrichment (350±50 ppm and 550±50 ppm) in open top chamber, arranged in completely randomised design, replicated three times. A field trial was also conducted; the treatments were arranged in a split-split plot configuration fitted into randomised complete block design. In the main plot the variant was CO2 enrichment, the sub-plot consisted of AMF inoculation (with and without), while the sub-sub plot consisted of soybean varieties, replicated three times. Both trials had significantly higher grain yield at elevated CO2 than ambient. This could be attributed to improved yield attributes, more spore count and root colonisation. In both trials, inoculated soybean had significantly higher dry pod weight than un-inoculated, which could suggest the increased grain yield observed on the field. AMF inoculated soybean varieties outperformed un-inoculated in both CO2 enriched and ambient concentrations. AMF inoculated soybean variety ‘TGx 1740-2F’ is most preferable in CO2 enriched environment, while variety ‘TGx 1448-2E’ had the most stable grain yield in all growth environments.

Habitat and Density of Oviposition Opportunity Influences Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Flight Distance.

Understanding the dispersal of Aedes (aegypti (L.) Diptera: Culicidae) after consuming a potentially infectious bloodmeal is an important part of controlling the spread of the arboviruses it transmits. Because of the impact on abundance, removal of oviposition sites is a key component of vector control. However, source reduction around a case may encourage dispersal of potentially infected vectors. We compare the effect of oviposition site availability on Ae. aegypti dispersal behavior within 30-m linear cages in three model ecosystems at the University of Arizona's Biosphere 2 research facility. We found a significant interaction effect in which, when oviposition site density was sparse, dispersal was greater in the highly vegetated humid rainforest and limited in the low vegetation, arid desert model ecosystem. When oviposition site density was dense, no significant effect on dispersal was observed. These analyses support the idea that source reduction has an important influence on the distance that gravid, potentially infected, females will travel.

Farmer’s Knowledge and Perception on Factors Limiting Maize Storage and Their Management in the Humid Rainforest and Highland Ecozones of Cameroon

Farmer’s Knowledge and Perception on Factors Limiting Maize Storage and Their Management in the Humid Rainforest and Highland Ecozones of Cameroon

Sustainable Performance of Diverse Regional Vernacular Architecture of India – Case Study of I. G. R. M. S. Bhopal, INDIA

India is a large subcontinent having many diverse regions, each having its own vernacular architecture tradition. These regions are as diverse as hills, desert, coastal area, hot and humid riverine plain, humid rainforests and many more. Similarly, the vernacular forms of architecture are diverse in their layout, form, building materials, methods of construction and structural systems. There is but one basic similarity – they are climatically and geographically most suited to their original regional location.Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS), Bhopal is a museum that houses examples of these vernacular structures in full scale built by their original inhabitants in natural site. The city of Bhopal is capital of the state of Madhya Pradesh (literally translates as the Central Province, and justifies that name with its central position in India) is situated ‘Humid Sub-tropical’ region of India as per Koppen's classification and offers a different context from the original site and climate situation of these vernacular structure.This paper thus aims at assessing whether and how vernacular architecture performs consistently in regions other than its own when transplanted. Thus, it has recorded and quantified climatological data for some of these vernacular huts belonging to diverse regions to compare and contrast their construction material, design and thermal performances on a iso-climatic framework. In the research, climatic data like ambient temperature, wind velocity, relative humidity have been collected for selected vernacular houses that are originally scattered within the huge geographical area of India, and which also belong to varied climatic regions. These houses vary in terms of their layout, materials and methods of construction and so forth. These data have been compared and analysed to find their dependence on the different building features and components of these houses. The analysis of the collected database have also been used to assess the basic question of the research i.e., to assess and compare the relative performance of these houses brought together in a single place under the same climate.

Herbal Medicine and Treatment of Diabetes in Africa: Case Study in Cameroon

African population lives in widespread ecosystems which are generally interconnected with many countries. Therefore, in the eyes of the situation of Cameroon from the Gulf of Guinea to the Sahel, medicinal plants used in this country, are frequently found in other African countries. The migrations of population and Fulani’ moving’s in African savannahs or in African altitude forests have encouraged the oral transmission of medical practices. The objective of this study was to determine the diabetic patients who use herbal medicine and collect and identify the types of plants used and the type of diabetic patients using familial herbal treatment. An ethnopharmacological and ethnomedical data form was prepared and addressed to diabetic patients, previously diagnosed in the hospitals between January 1988 and April 4, 2016. A total of 116 diabetic patients responded. These patients were constituted by 70 type 2 diabetic patients, 36 type 1 diabetic patients and 10 diabetics with hypertension patients. Twenty-one plants were recorded in 58 socio-cultural groups, living in several phytogeographic units. Twelve recipes, nine recipes and three recipes were respectively recorded in coastal dense humid rain forests, in continental dense humid rain forests and in soudano- Guinean-Zambesian savannahs. From this sample of plants, the chemical and pharmacological investigation may reveal interesting properties important for drugs discover.