Important Tree Research Articles

Microbiota dynamics and source tracing during the growing, aging, and decomposing processes of Eucommia ulmoides leaves

Eucommia ulmoides, an important tree, faces serious threat to its growth from environmental stress, particularly climate change. Using plant microbes to enhance host adaptation to respond climate change challenges has been recognized as a viable and sustainable strategy. However, it is still unclear how the perennial tree microbiota varies across phenological stages and the links between respective changes in aboveground and belowground niches. Here, we sequenced 27 root and 27 leaf samples of E. ulmoides using 16S rRNA and ITS amplicon sequencing techniques. These samples were obtained from the three main phenological stages of leaves, including leaf growing, aging and decomposing stages. Results showed that the diversity, composition, and function of the leaf microbiota of E. ulmoides showed more obvious changes at three phenological time points compared to roots. Regarding alpha diversity, the root microbiota showed no difference across three sampling stages, while the leaf microbiota varied with sampling stages. Regarding beta diversity, the root microbiota clustered from different sampling stages, while the leaf microbiota exhibited distinct separation. Regarding composition and function, the dominant taxa and main functions of the root microbiota were the same in three sampling stages, while the leaf microbiota in the decomposing stage was obviously different from the remaining two stages. Additionally, taxa overlap and source-sink relationship existed between E. ulmoides microbiota. Specifically, the degree of overlap among root microbiota was higher than that of leaf microbiota in three sampling stages. The bidirectional source-sink relationship that existed between the root and leaf niches varied with sampling stage. During the leaf growing and aging stages, the proportion of microbial members migrating from roots to leaves was higher than the proportion of members migrating from leaves to roots. During the leaf decomposing stage, the migration characteristics of the fungal community between the root and leaf niches maintained the same as in the remaining two stages, but the proportion of bacterial members migrating from leaves to roots was significantly higher than that of members migrating from roots to leaves. Our findings provide crucial foundational information for utilizing E. ulmoides microbiota to benefit their host under climate change challenges.

Biodiversity conservation in private forests: Preferences of Latvian forest owners in the context of involuntary conservation

Private forests play an important role in biodiversity conservation. Countries utilize various mechanisms for integrating private forests into biodiversity conservation strategies. While voluntary private forest conservation of biodiversity dominates in Nordic Europe countries, in Latvia the involuntary approach remains the main biodiversity conservation path. We aimed to explore the attitude of Latvian forest owners towards existing forest biodiversity conservation mechanisms, and preferences regarding potential motivating mechanisms. Our survey (analysis of 599 responses) was targeted on forest owners who had experienced biodiversity conservation related restrictions under involuntary conservation and who owned forest properties with significant biodiversity values. Our results suggested that owners of small forest properties under 5 ha, who are less financially dependent on forestry income and lack forestry education, as well as female forest owners, are more positive towards biodiversity conservation measures. Our results showed that most forest owners were not ready to accept substantial forestry restrictions. However, they would be ready to accept minor forestry restrictions such as no felling during bird breeding season and obligation of retention of a greater number of ecologically important trees and deadwood. Most forest owners considered the existing compensation system (annual payments) to be unfair. However, our results did not reveal larger acceptance for a voluntary conservation approach, as opposed to the existing system. Provision of information regarding biodiversity conservation in forest management remains a crucial task, however it primarily should be addressed through the forestry education system and forestry institution information channels.

Consistent growth responses of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) to drought in mixed and monospecific forests: Insights from Central European forests

Ongoing climate change, characterized by an increased frequency of extreme weather events, including severe droughts, negatively impacts forest ecosystems. However, tree responses differ across tree species and stand composition (mixtures vs. pure stands), which may serve as an important management strategy for forest adaptation to climate change. To investigate the effect of stand composition on drought resilience, we conducted research on forest ecosystems in the Polish Outer Carpathians at the eastern edge of the distribution range of two important European tree species, silver fir (Abies alba) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica). The aim of our study was to identify climatic factors influencing the growth of these species and to examine their drought sensitivity and productivity. For this purpose, we sampled 100 fir and 100 beech trees from both mixed and monospecific stands. We applied a dendroclimatological approach to determine temporal stability of climate–growth relationships. Lloret’s resilience indices were used to quantify the response of tree growth to episodic drought stress, while to derive differences in productivity, we applied the generalized additive mixed models (GAMMs). Our results showed species specific climate sensitivity which remain consistent regardless of mixture only for fir. Fir responded positively to higher temperatures, especially during spring, but required more precipitation, particularly in summer. Beech exhibited lower sensitivity to climate in mixed than in monospecific stands and exhibited higher resistance than fir. Importantly, species responses to droughts were driven by the duration of specific drought event and the timing in which it occurred. Furthermore, our results revealed that mixed stands were more resistant to extreme drought events. Fir showed higher resistance to extreme drought events in mixed stands than in pure stands. Overall, silver fir exhibited higher productivity than European beech. Especially in younger cohorts, it was higher for pure stands, but fir from mixed stands exhibited increasing productivity with age and delayed culmination. Our findings indicate that both species can form resilient stands in the studied region, making them viable for forest management in the face of climate change. Mixtures of fir and beech are particularly valid option to promote forest sustainability and productivity in mountain regions. Managed mixed stands of Abies alba and Fagus sylvatica demonstrated advantages in productivity and stability under extreme drought conditions. However, varying intensities of management interventions and structural differences between stands and among studies complicate direct comparisons, highlighting the need for more standardized approaches to analyzing species responses and management strategies in the future.

A multiomics investigation into the evolution and specialized metabolisms of three Toxicodendron cultivars.

Toxicodendron species are economically and medicinally important trees because of their rich sources of natural products. We present three chromosome-level genome assemblies of Toxicodendron vernicifluum 'Dali', Toxicodendron succedaneum 'Vietnam', and T. succedaneum 'Japan', which display diverse production capacities of specialized metabolites. Genome synteny and structural variation analyses revealed large genomic differences between the two species (T. vernicifluum and T. succedaneum) but fewer differences between the two cultivars within the species. Despite no occurrence of recent whole-genome duplications, Toxicodendron showed evidence of local duplications. The genomic modules with high expression of genes encoding metabolic flux regulators and chalcone synthase-like enzymes were identified via multiomics analyses, which may be responsible for the greater urushiol accumulation in T. vernicifluum 'Dali' than in other Toxicodendron species. In addition, our analyses revealed the regulatory patterns of lipid metabolism in T. succedaneum 'Japan', which differ from those of other Toxicodendron species and may contribute to its high lipid accumulation. Furthermore, we identified the key regulatory elements of lipid metabolism at each developmental stage, which could aid in molecular breeding to improve the production of urushiol and lipids in Toxicodendron species. In summary, this study provides new insights into the genomic underpinnings of the evolution and diversity of specialized metabolic pathways in three Toxicodendron cultivars through multiomics studies.

Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Swiftly Manipulates the Transcriptional Regulation in Citrus sinensis During the Early Infection Stage.

Citrus spp. represent an economically important fruit tree crop worldwide. However, molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between citrus and the Colletotrichum gloeosporioides remain largely unexplored. In this study, we analyzed the physiological and transcriptomic changes in Citrus sinensis at different stages of incubation with C. gloeosporioides. The results indicated that C. gloeosporioides infection rapidly triggered necrosis in the epicarp of C. sinensis fruits, decreased the total flavonoid contents, and suppressed the activity of catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase enzymes. Upon inoculation with C. gloeosporioides, there were 4600 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with 1754 down-regulated and 2846 up-regulated after six hours, while there were only 580 DEGs with 185 down-regulated and 395 up-regulated between six and twelve-hours post-inoculation. Gene Ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis indicated that the DEGs, which exhibited consistent up-regulation, were associated with metabolic processes and stress responses. Through Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis, 11 key genes have been identified that could potentially play a role in the transcriptional regulation of this process, including the transcription factor bHLH189. Furthermore, the infection of C. gloeosporioides had a notable effect on both the flavonoid metabolism and the metabolic pathways related to reactive oxygen species. Our findings help to understand the interaction between citrus and C. gloeosporioides and unveil how new insights into how C. gloeosporioides circumvents citrus defense mechanisms.

Group-selection system as alternative management of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forests facing climate change

AbstractThe Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is economically and ecologically the most important forest tree species in Poland with its aerial share estimated at 59% and share in growing stock at 68%. Pine forests have been managed according to even-aged silviculture for decades, resulting in a simplified structure and increased vulnerability to climatic stress. Structurally simple forests also show low resilience and adaptability to the observed global changes. The growing awareness of the risks associated with global change is drawing particular attention to the need for alternative management of pine forests that meets the expectations of the public and foresters themselves. In 1992, an experiment with uneven-aged silviculture for pine forest was established in the Gubin Forest District (western Poland). Based on data collected from 49 permanent circular plots (size of 500 m2 each) covering approximately 30 ha of Scots pine forest, the effect of such silviculture on stand structure was analyzed. Dbh, total tree height, tree status, and tree coordinates (x, y) were measured on each plot. Measurements and observations were taken twice, in 1992 and 2019. Structural indices describing different aspects (size structure, vertical structure, spatial structure) were calculated. The dynamics of the stand structure were then analyzed over 27 years, during which the forest was managed under alternative management strategies. The results showed that group-selection cuttings promote strong differentiation of stand structure. The positive effect of such silviculture can be observed in each aspect of the stand structure. Together with other research findings, the results confirm the effectiveness of this alternative silviculture to diversify simplified pine forests to be better adapted to novel environmental conditions.

Establishment of In vitro Regeneration Protocol of Aegle marmelos (L.): A Sacred Medicinal Tree

Bael (Aegle marmelos L.) is an important medicinal tree and sacred tree species of the Hindu religion. This study aimed to develop an efficient in vitro regeneration protocol for Bael, to overcome challenges in large-scale propagation due to low seed germination. For the regeneration study, the different explants such as the nodal segments and shoot tips were used for the proliferation of the explant with MS medium, however, only the nodal segment showed positive results. To avoid the browning of the media the explants were kept in distilled water for 60 minutes and then sterilized. The maximum survival of explants (93.33%) and less contamination percentage (6.67%) was observed when explants were washed and treated with 0.1% Tween-20 concentration for 15 minutes + 0.1% bavistin and 0.05% streptocycline treatment for 25 minutes and finally 70% ethanol treatment for 30 seconds. Different hormonal combinations viz. BAP alone, BAP + IAA, and Kinetin + IAA were used to initiate shooting. Among all eighteen treatments, the BAP 2.5 mg/l showed a maximum number of shoots per explant (8.33 ± 2.88), the highest shoot initiation (93.33%), and the earliest initiation (30 ± 5.25 days). For shoot multiplication 2.5 mg/l BAP + 0.5 mg/l NAA showed maximum shoots per explant (28.00 ± 5.08) and fastest shoot proliferation. The regenerated multiple shoots were separated from each other and transferred to half MS media with IBA of different concentrations for rooting. Among the six different treatments only two treatments viz. ½ MS media + 1.0 mg/l IBA and ½ MS media + 1.5 mg/l IBA recorded best root length. For primary hardening the rooted plants were planted in vermicompost: sand: soil at 1:1:2 proportion and then after one and half months survived plants were again transferred to soil: organic manure (2:1) for secondary hardening.

Assembly and analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of Carya illinoinensis to provide insights into the conserved sequences of tRNA genes

Carya illinoinensis is an economically important nut tree, and its chloroplast (cp.) genome has been reported; however, its mitochondrial (mt) genome remains unknown. In the present study, we assembled the first mt genome of C. illinoinensis. The circular mt genome of C. illinoinensis is 495,205 bp long, with 37 protein-coding genes(PCGs), 24 tRNA genes, and 3 rRNA genes. All the tRNAs could be folded into typical cloverleaf secondary structures, with lengths of 58–88 bp. A conserved U-U-C-x-A-x2 consensus nucleotide sequence was discovered in the Ψ–loops of tRNA sequences. In addition, 447 dispersed repeats were detected, as well as found 482 RNA editing sites and 9,960 codons in the mt genome. Furthermore, a total of 27 DNA sequences with a length of 43,277 bp were transferred from the cp. to the mt genome, and eight integrated cp-derived genes (trnL-CAA, trnV-GAC, trnD-GUC, trnW-CCA, trnN-GUU, trnH-GUG, trnM-CAU, and rps7) were identified. We also obtained 1,086 hits, including 364.023 kp of nuclear genome sequences, that were transferred to the mt genome. To determine the evolutionary position of C. illinoinensis, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis of the mitogenomes of C. illinoinensis and 14 other taxa. The results strongly suggested that C. illinoinensis and Fagus sylvatica formed a single clade with 100% bootstrap support. This study sequenced comprehensive data on the C. illinoinensis mitochondrial genome and provided insights into the conserved sequences of tRNA genes, which could facilitate evolutionary research in other Carya trees in the future.

CONE YIELD AND GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS IN A PLANTATION OF CUPRESSUS SEMPERVIRENS

Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.) is an important secondary forest tree species in Turkish forestry because of its high adaptation ability and resistance to different ecological condition. However, limited studies were carried out in cypress. In this study, cone numbers, tree height, diameters at breast height and at base were surveyed from 75 individuals chosen randomly at eighteen years’ plantation in the species. Interaction between number of cones and growth characteristics was estimated together with fertility variation and linkage parameters (i.e. population size) to contribute management and practices of seed collection and gene conservation areas, and other forestry practices of the species. Mean cone number was 86/tree ranged from 36 to 174. Individual trees had large differences for the growth traits, while means of tree height, diameters of breast height and base were 6.1 m, 9.9 cm, and 12.6 cm, respectively. Fertility variation was 1.15 (87% of total trees, CV%=38.9), which close to typical population. Positive and significant (p≤0.05) relations were found between growth characteristics and cone production in Cupressus sempervirens. Tree height was better predictor in cone production than diameters.

A chromosome-level genome assembly of a model conifer plant, the Japanese cedar, Cryptomeria japonica D. Don.

The Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) is one of the most important Japanese forest trees, occupying approximately 44% of artificial forests and planted in East Asia, the Azores Archipelago, and certain islands in the Indian Ocean. Although the huge genome of the species (ca. 9 Gbp) with abundant repeat elements may have represented an obstacle for genetic analysis, this species is easily propagated by cutting, flowered by gibberellic acid, transformed by Agrobacterium, and edited by CRISPR/Cas9. These characteristics of C. japonica recommend it as a model conifer species for which reference genome sequences are necessary. Herein, we report the first chromosome-level assembly of C. japonica (2n = 22) using third-generation selfed progeny (estimated homozygosity rate = 0.96). Young leaf tissue was used to extract high molecular weight DNA (> 50kb) for HiFi PacBio long-read sequencing and to construct an Hi-C/Omni-C library for Illumina short-read sequencing. The 29× and 26× genome coverage of HiFi and Illumina reads, respectively, for de novo assembly yielded 2,651 contigs (9.1 Gbp, N50 contig size 12.0 Mbp). Hi-C analysis mapped 97% of the nucleotides on 11 chromosomes. The assembly was verified through comparison with a consensus linkage map comprising 7,781 markers. BUSCO analysis identified ∼ 91% conserved genes. Annotations of genes and comparisons of repeat elements with other Cupressaceae and Pinaceae species provide a fundamental resource for conifer research.

Distinct Ecological Habits and Habitat Responses to Future Climate Change in Two Subspecies of Magnolia sieboldii K. Koch, a Tree Endemic to East Asia.

Magnolia sieboldii, an important ornamental tree native to East Asia, comprises two subspecies in distinct regions, with wild populations facing suboptimal survival. This study aimed to understand the potential habitat distribution of these subspecies under future climate-change conditions to support climate-adaptive conservation. The maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model was used with occurrence and environmental data to simulate the current and future suitable habitats under various climate scenarios. Precipitation in the warmest quarter played a crucial role in shaping the potential habitats of both subspecies; however, they exhibited different sensitivities to temperature-related variables and altitude. Magnolia sieboldii subsp. sieboldii is more sensitive to temperature seasonality and annual mean temperature, whereas Magnolia sieboldii subsp. japonica is more affected by altitude, mean temperature in the driest quarter, and isothermality. Currently, the subsp. sieboldii is predicted to have larger, more contiguous suitable habitats across northeastern China, the Korean Peninsula, and Japan, whereas the subsp. japonica occupies smaller, more disjunct habitats scattered in central and western Japan and the southern Chinese mountains. These two subspecies will respond differently to future climate change. Potentially suitable habitats for subsp. sieboldii are expected to expand significantly northward over time, especially under the SSP585 scenario compared with the SSP126 scenario. In contrast, moderately and highly suitable habitats for the subsp. japonica are projected to contract southward significantly. Therefore, we recommend prioritizing the conservation of the subsp. japonica over that of the subsp. sieboldii. Strategies include in situ and ex situ protection, introduction and cultivation, regional hybridization, and international cooperation. Our study offers valuable insights for the development of targeted conservation strategies for both subspecies of M. sieboldii to counteract the effects of climate change.

Microevolution of longan flowering behaviors from primitive to KClO3 induction is driven by artificial selection for agricultural benefit

Dimocarpus longan is an economically important fruit tree primarily cultivated in various Asian countries and the Indochina region encompassing Thailand, China, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Here, we report an extensive dataset of 606.72Gb of the whole-genome resequencing data obtained from 31 Dimocarpus longan and 1 Dimocarpus obtusus samples performed on Illumina HiSeq PE150, providing the coverage over 30-fold of the reference genome (averaging 15Gb per sample) with an addition of 12 longan accessions from China. A phylogenomic tree inferred from this analyzed dataset (19,270,513 SNPs) was constructed and results indicated that there are three separate monophyletic clades of China-USA (1), Thai (2) and Vietnam longan (3). Interestingly, however, Thai and Vietnam clades appear to be closely linked in genetic relationship based on analyses of karyotype, genomic data and certain morphological characteristics. De novo transcriptome assembly further revealed variations in gene sequences, divergent gene expression and candidate genes associated with different flowering behaviors. The greatest change in differential gene expression (51.87%) observed between natural independent and seasonal flowering implied the microevolutionary shift observed in longan is influenced by artificial selection, resulting in gradual changes in flowering behaviors from natural independent flowering to artificial flowering induction using potassium chlorate (KClO3). In summary, the data obtained from this study serves as the essential evidence for elucidating the microevolution of longan and shedding new light on an agronomical application of artificial flowering induction via modulation of KClO3 responsive genes in longan or other fruits in the future.

High-resolution gene expression atlases of two contrasting major Greek olive (Olea europaea L.) tree cultivars for oil and table olive production.

Olive (Olea europea L.) is one of the most economically important tree crops worldwide, especially for the countries in the Mediterranean basin. Given the economic and nutritional importance of the crop for olive oil and drupe production, we generated transcriptional atlases for the Greek olive cultivars "Chondrolia Chalkidikis" and "Koroneiki" which have contrasting characteristics in terms of fruit development, oil production properties, and use. Our analysis involved 14 different organs, tissue types, and developmental stages, including young and mature leaves, young and mature shoots, open and closed flowers, young and mature fruits (epicarp plus mesocarp), young and mature endocarps, stalks, as well as roots. The developed gene expression atlases and the associated resources offer a comprehensive insight into comparative gene expression patterns across several organs and tissue types between significant olive tree cultivars. The comparative analyses presented in this work between the "Koroneiki" cultivar, which performs better in olive oil production, and the "Chondrolia Chalkidikis," which grows larger fruits, will be essential for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying olive oil production and fruit shape and size development. The developed resource is also expected to support functional genomics and molecular breeding efforts to enhance crop quality and productivity in olive trees. The transcriptome data were generated using paired-end Illumina Next-Generation Sequencing technologies. The sequencing yielded approximately 13 million reads per sample for "Chondrolia Chalkidikis" and around 24 million reads per sample for "Koroneiki." The transcriptomes were comparatively analyzed to reveal tissue-specific and differentially expressed genes and co-expression gene modules within and between cultivars. The comparative analysis unveiled tissue-specific and differentially expressed genes within and between cultivars. Hierarchical gene clustering revealed intra- and inter-cultivar expression patterns, particularly for the endocarp and fruit tissues relevant to olive oil production and fruit development. Additionally, genes associated with oil production and fruit size/shape development, including those in fatty acid metabolism and developmental regulation, were identified. To facilitate accessibility, the GrOlivedb (www.GrOlivedb.com) database was developed, housing the comprehensive transcriptomic data for all of the analyzed organs and tissue types per cultivar. This resource will be a useful molecular tool for future breeding studies in olive oil production and fruit development and a valuable resource for crop improvement.

GROWTH AND WOOD TRAITS EVALUATION OF 15-YEAR-OLD TENGKAWANG (Shorea spp.) TREE STANDS IN GUNUNG WALAT UNIVERSITY FOREST, WEST JAVA, INDONESIA

Gunung Walat University Forest (GWUF) in Sukabumi Regency, Indonesia, plays a crucial role in providing various ecosystem services. Five important Shorea trees, i.e., S. stenoptera, S. mecisopteryx, S. pinanga, S. palembanica, and Shorea leprosula have been planted in GWUF as an effort for its conservation and object of research. An evaluation of the adaptability and suitability of these species to the GWUF ecosystem, as well as their wood characteristics, needs to be carried out regularly. Therefore, the study aimed to examine the growth performances and physical wood properties of five Shorea species, i.e., Shorea stenoptera, S. mecisopteryx, S. pinanga, S. palembanica, and S. leprosula at the age of 15-year-old planted in GWUF. The results indicated that S. leprosula exhibited the best growth performance in terms of average diameter (19.64 cm), volume (0.27 m3), slenderness (126.58), and wood density (0.94 g/cm3), and S. stenoptera showed the best performance in average height (23.35 m). While the poor performance was shown by S. palembanica in terms of average diameter (6.73 cm), height (11.15 m), volume (0.02 m3), wood density (0.87 g/cm3), and specific gravity (0.45), and S. stenoptera in terms of average slenderness (202.73). In addition, significant differences in tree height, diameter, volume, wood density, specific gravity, and moisture content were found in S. palembanica compared with other species. The relationship between the growth and physical wood properties parameters varied between species. The study revealed that planting the five Shorea species in GWUF is suitable for increasing vegetation cover and conserving the species.

Seed Morphology and Tetrazolium Quick Seed Viability Test of Malabar Neem (Melia dubia Cav.) Under Laboratory Condition

Melia dubia Cav. commonly known as Malabar Neem, is an economically important fast-growing indigenous multipurpose tree species of India. It has a wide range of applications from medicinal utilities such as treating pain, fever, and infections, to agricultural and industrial uses viz., fodder, seed oil, resin, fuel wood, timber and its wood being utilized in the paper, matchbox, and plywood industries. Malabar Neem generally is distributed in tropical and sub-tropical regions of India and introduced in many countries of South Africa, the Middle East, North and South America, Brazil, Bermuda, Argentina, Southern Europe, Southeast Australia, and Asia Pacific regions. Nevertheless, it is a most promising tree species which is highly suitable for agroforestry or farm forestry with a life cycle of 8 to 12 years that gaining economic importance both in domestic and global markets and plantations in degraded lands. Consequently, the demand of Melia seedlings among Indian farmers has been increased, however the poor seed viability and very low seed germination hampered the good quality nursery production and large-scale plantations. Before seed sowing in nursery, there is need to determine the actual seed viability and to know the required seed quantity of Melia to be sown in forest nursery. Therefore, the present research study was conducted at Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh of India to study the seed morphology and seed viability testing protocol using tetrazolium (TZ) test. The seeds of Melia species stained with 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 % solution of TZ and incubated at 30°C temperature for 24 hours. The tetrazolium test performed with 100 seeds in 4 replications in CRD design and analyzed with OPSTAT statistical software. The length, width and weight of fruit, drupe and seed were recorded in the range of 9.40-12.97 mm, 6.55-9.70 mm & 2.84-2.99 g; 5.84-14.32 mm, 2.76-9.72 mm & 1.672-1.798 g; and 1.2-1.98 mm, 1.02-2.98 mm & 3.12-3.74 g, respectively. The colour of fruit was yellow with oval shape having smooth surface. The result of TZ test showed that the seeds of Malabar Neem soaked in 0.5 % tetrazolium solution at 30 °C temperature for 24 hours found to be the highest seed viability percentage (40.25 %) which is recommended as a quick seed viability protocol in M. dubia. Overall, the results of the present research study fulfilled all the gaps to test quick seed viability of a seed lot before seed sowing in nursery for accurate knowledge of the seed requirement in quantity for the purpose of quality seedling production in nursery.

A practical framework for applied forestry assisted migration

Recent and projected changes in climate over this century pose an unprecedented threat to the health, diversity, and productivity of forest ecosystems. Forests have migrated and adapted to long-term changes in climate over thousands to millions of years; however, natural migration rates and adaptive responses of tree populations cannot match the rapid pace of current climate change. Consequently, more climate-informed approaches to reforestation are needed as current reforestation strategies using local seed sources may no longer be adequate to meet forest management objectives. Assisted migration is a climate change adaptation technique that can help maintain the ecosystem services and economic value that forests provide. Forestry assisted migration (FAM) focusses on the movement of populations of widespread, commercially, or ecologically important forest tree species within or just beyond their current ranges as a way to maintain forest productivity and health in the face of climate change. Although the forestry community recognizes FAM as a reforestation tool, guidance for planning and implementation of FAM is lacking and a framework that provides this guidance can prove useful to land managers with limited time and resources available who want to undertake FAM. We developed a practical framework (the FAM Framework) to provide a structured approach to ensure the most important considerations and best available science are utilized by land managers wanting to implement FAM on their land base. The FAM Framework incorporates multiple factors for the application of FAM in four sequential phases: assessment and analysis, climate-based plant material selection, seed procurement and deployment, and documentation and monitoring. The FAM Framework was tested by developing an assisted migration plan for the Superior National Forest, Minnesota (MN), and lessons learned from the development of this specific plan were used to revise and improve the FAM Framework for suitability across all lands. While originally designed to meet the needs of National Forest System land managers, it is relevant and applicable across the spectrum of land ownership because it incorporates consideration of critical elements in planning and implementing FAM on any landscape while facilitating adaptive management for active learning and future implementation.

Formulation and evaluation of herbal face scrub

Herbal face scrubs have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their ability to improve skin health and are available at a low cost. These scrubs contain natural ingredients such as rice powder and orange peel powder, ficus riligiosa etc. Which work to exfoliate, whiten, and prevent free radical damage. Vitamin E, rose Oil, and almonds are used to hydrate and exfoliate the skin. Neutralizers and herbal preservatives like neem, and rosemary are used in the variuos formulations. The preparation was evaluated for various parameters, such as colour, odour consistency, pH, spreadability, viscosity, and foamability. The results from the evaluation indicated that the scrub was satisfactory after application and was non-irritating to the skin. Ficus religiosa L., commonly known as Peepal tree known to be a native Indian is a medicinally important tree species belonging to the Moraceae family. It is a large evergreen tree found throughout the India. This tree is popular indigenous system of medicine like Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Homeopathy. Ficus religiosa is sacred tree, which is having great traditional uses as well as pharmacological activities. Almost all parts of the tree are useful in traditional system. The various parts like leaf, bark, fruit, and seeds are beneficial in treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, healing and curative, heart diseases, constipation, mumps and boils, gynaecological problems, fever and joint pains, respiratory problems, skin diseases orodental and ear problems. Ficus religiosa tree shows pharmacological activities analgesic, antioxidant, anticonvulsant, antimicrobial, wound healing, ant amnesic, anti-acetyl cholinesterase, proteolytic activity. The present review is hence an effort to give detailed survey of the literature on its pharmacognosy, photochemistry and medicinal applications.

Optimization of Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. Ex Benth. Seed Germination Using Pretreatment Analysis

Agroforestry resources play a crucial role in conserving biodiversity, stabilizing soils and improving the livelihoods of rural populations. This study investigates the impact of different treatments on the germination of Acacia auriculiformis, an important tree species for soil restoration in Côte d'Ivoire. The work was carried out at the University Jean Lorougnon GUEDE in Daloa. The seeds used for this work were subjected to four treatments, including a control (T0); those soaked for 3 days in ordinary water (T1); a hot water treatment at 60°C (T3); a boiling water treatment at 100°C and a flame treatment (T4). A randomized block design consisting of four treatments in three blocks. The results showed that seed treatment in hot water at 100°C until cooling gave the best germination percentages and germination speed. The results also showed that soaking the seeds in water for three days produced seedlings with the shortest germination time. The study underlines the importance of pregermination for the selection of better-performing varieties and the implementation of effective reforestation programs. It also highlights the need for further research into the impacts of climate change on tree germination and growth. However, for a better policy of extension, production and improvement of this endangered forest species of socio-economic interest, mastery of the requirements of this species while maintaining optimal conditions for its germination in the nursery is more necessary.

Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals the Mechanism by Which RpACBP3 Overexpression Contributes to the Response of Robinia pseudoacacia to Pb Stress.

Acyl-CoA-binding protein (ACBP) genes have been implicated in lead enrichment and translocation in plants; however, the mechanisms by which these genes contribute to the response to heavy metal stress in various taxa have not been determined. In this study, the molecular mechanisms underlying the response of Robinia pseudoacacia, an economically important deciduous tree, to Pb stress were examined using transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. RpACBP3 overexpression increased Pb enrichment, translocation, and tolerance. After Pb stress for 3 days, 1125 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 485 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were identified between wild-type and RpACBP3-overexpressing R. pseudoacacia strains; after Pb stress for 45 days, 1746 DEGs and 341 DAMs were identified. Joint omics analyses showed that the DEGs and DAMs were co-enriched in α-linoleic acid metabolism and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways. In particular, DEGs and DAMs involved in α-linoleic acid metabolism and flavonoid biosynthesis were up- and down-regulated, respectively. Moreover, RpACBP3 overexpression enhanced the ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species and repair cell membranes under stress by regulating LOX gene expression and increasing the phosphatidylcholine content, thereby improving the tolerance to Pb stress. These findings lay a theoretical foundation for the future application of RpACBP3 genes in plant germplasm resource creation and phytoremediation of Pb contaminated soil in which R. pseudoacacia grow.

Water Stress Adaptations by Rhododendron arboreum Smith in The Himalayan Treeline Environment

Drought is amongst the most important climatic events which can severely impact natural ecosystems. The under-canopy Indian Himalayan tree species are less studied on water stress in harsh climatic conditions. Rhododendron arboreum is an ecologically and economically important tree species and distributed between 1500–3500 m asl in the Himalayan ecosystems. In this study, we have tried to assess the water stress adaptations by R. arboreum near the treeline ecotone located at 30°11´02˝N and 79°39´36˝E between 3100 and 3500 m asl elevation. Water potential (Ψ) was measured using a Pressure chamber and leaf conductance with the help of AP4 porometer. Soil moisture (Sm) across the depths was highly variable (p<0.05). The pre-dawn water potential (ΨPD) of R. arboreum tree varied between -0.12 and -0.91 MPa. ANOVA showed that the ΨPD of R. arboreum seedlings varied significantly across the years, seasons, and sites (p<0.05). The decline in osmotic potential at full turgor (Ψπ100) was -1.18 to -1.20 MPa in trees and -1.42 to -1.72 MPa in seedlings. The morning leaf conductance (gwAM) of R. arboreum trees ranged from 58.00 to 271.68 m mol m-2 sec-1. Correlation showed that the maximum leaf conductance in R. arboreum trees was observed when the ΨPD was -0.5 to -0.9 MPa. Water uptake function in plants is generally affected by winter frost which can change the Ψ, osmotic potential, and leaf conductance of plants. The ΨPD in the species was relatively high across all seasons in the treeline areas to disrupt physiological activities.