Leucocephala Trees Research Articles

PENGUKURAN TINGGI DAN TUTUPAN KANOPI POHON DI TAMAN SAINS, KECAMATAN DUREN SAWIT, KOTA JAKARTA TIMUR

PENGUKURAN TINGGI DAN TUTUPAN KANOPI POHON DI TAMAN SAINS, KECAMATAN DUREN SAWIT, KOTA JAKARTA TIMUR

Economic-environmental assessment of silvo-pastoral systems in Colombia: An ecosystem service perspective

Cattle production in Colombia has an important social and economic role but causes considerable environmental impacts, such as deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions by ruminants, particularly methane. Thus, technological innovations aimed at reducing these impacts must focus on both economic and environmental sustainability. Silvo-pastoral systems (SPS) offer productivity increases while generating environmental benefits and ecosystem services and are therefore at the center of debate around sustainable production alternatives. The objective of this article is to evaluate the economic-environmental performance of two proposed SPS for a cattle fattening system for the Colombian context: (i) Urochloa brizantha cv. Toledo and (ii) Urochloa hybrid cv. Cayman, both in association with Leucaena leucocephala trees for browsing and shade provision. They are compared with the respective base scenarios of only using the grasses in monocultures. The study consists of a financial analysis, which estimates potential profitability increases in beef production in the SPS, and an environmental evaluation, which estimates the monetary values of microclimatic regulation and reduction of methane emissions. The value of methane emission reductions is then integrated into a combined economic-environmental evaluation. Results show that both SPS improve the profitability indicators of the production system and reduce the probability of economic loss. Likewise, the reduction of methane emissions in the SPS is estimated at US$6.12 per cattle, and the economic value of microclimatic regulation at US$2,026 per hectare.

Leucaena leucocephala oil-based poly malate-amide nanocomposite coating material for anticorrosive applications

Abstract This article describes the synthesis of polyesteramide (PEA) resin from Leucaena leucocephala oil (LLO) obtained from seeds of L. leucocephala tree, locally grown in King Saud University Campus. LLO was transformed into amide diol by based catalyzed amidation reaction, followed by esterification reaction with malic acid (MA), that resulted in LLO-based PEA (LPEA). The synthesis was performed without using any solvent or catalyst. Fourier-transformation infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance confirmed the formation of LPEA by the introduction of amide and ester moieties. LPEA was further reinforced with nano graphene oxide (GO) and fabricated into nanocomposite corrosion protective coatings (LPEA/GO). LPEA/GO coatings obtained were tough, flexibility retentive and showed good corrosion resistance performance toward 3.5 w/w% NaCl medium. Thermogravimetric analysis confirmed good thermal stability of coatings with safe usage up to 200°C.

Comparative study of individual and Co-application of pyrolysis products of Leucaena Leucocephala tree wastes as natural resources to control the rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Comparative study of individual and Co-application of pyrolysis products of Leucaena Leucocephala tree wastes as natural resources to control the rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

A review on: Extraction of mimosine from Leucaena leucocephala tree and their phytochemical study and pharmacological activity

Mimosine [α-amino-β-(3-hydroxy-4-oxo-1, 4- dihydropyridin-1-yl)-propanoic acid] is toxic element, that found naturally in Leucaena (Leucaena-leucocephala de Wit) tree. Leucaena leucocephala trees are commonly known as White Lead tree. It has been used for medicinal purposes because of possessing multiple pharmacological properties. Studies have shown the presence of various secondary metabolites such as alkaloid, cardiac glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, and glycosides in this species. Phytochemically, this plant has been reported to contain numerous alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and triterpenoids. Pharmacologically this plant has been reported as antibacterial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anthelmintic, antioxidant. In the present review article is to explore extraction method of mimosine, pharmacological study and phytochemical study.

Recent advances in use of 4- coumarate coenzyme a ligase (4CL) as target gene for improving delignification of paper pulp in Leucaena leucocephala in Indian perspective: A review & case study

Lignin provides support to plants by filling the gaps in cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin components but it is an undesired ingredient of pulp as it imparts black to brown colour to the pulp during paper making process. To remove lignin a lot of chemicals and bleaching agents are used which contribute to major fraction of environmental pollution as well as cost determination of paper making process. In India majorly Leucaena leucocephala is employed for obtaining pulp raw material owing to its properties suited for paper production such as vessel percentage, felting power, runkel ratio, tensile strength etc which is better than other commonly employed sources for paper pulp as raw material. In this review paper we focused on recent advances in the use of 4CL enzyme as target gene towards achieving model designer Leucaena leucocephala trees which can be a possible solution to this problem significantly minimizing the environmental pollution and cost of production. It is known from previous studies that better S/G lignin monomer ratio favours easy extractability of lignin from pulp. Different isoforms with different substrate specificities are known in different plants and knowledge of this differential substrate specificity in conjunction with regulation of expression of these isoforms can help in attaining desired S/G lignin monomer ratio. Thus, these model designer plants would be capable of naturally producing easily amenable lignin towards delignification by altering the S/G lignin ratio and can significantly cut the environmental pollution and cost determining factors for paper production.

Isolation and characterization of mimosine degrading enzyme from Arthrobacter sp. Ryudai-S1.

Leucaena leucocephala growing in the tropics and subtropics serves as potential forage for livestock because its foliage is rich in protein, fiber, and minerals. However, its use for livestock feed has been hindered by toxic nonprotein amino acid mimosine. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a method to reduce or eliminate mimosine from foliage. A previous study found that the fermentation of L. leucocephala foliage reduced the mimosine content and prompted the authors to isolate potent mimosine degrading microorganisms and characterize the mimosinase for the complete elimination of mimosine in the L. leucocephala foliage. The soil screening of the L. leucocephala tree surroundings led to the isolation of Arthrobacter sp. Ryudai-S1, which can degrade and assimilate mimosine as a nitrogen and carbon source. Mimosinase in this strain was found to be thermostable and showed strong activity. Docking model's inspection and the interaction energy calculation between mimosine-pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (PLP) complex and the active site of this enzyme identified 11 important amino acid residues that stabilized the binding. Of these amino acid residues, mutation experiment suggested that Tyr-263' and Phe-34 stabilizes the substrate binding and play a critical role in guiding the substrate to proper positions to accomplish high catalytic efficacy and selectivity. These observations suggest that Arthrobacter sp. Ryudai-S1 could be potentially useful for the development of L. leucocephala feed with reduced mimosine content.

Laboratory evaluation of four types of biochar to manage some stored product insects

Four types of biochars were prepared from rice husk as farm waste, sugarcane bagasse as sugar cane juice store waste, residues of Leucaena leucocephala tree as horticulture waste and chicken manure as chicken farm reduce at 700οC, then evaluated as a alternative to control Tribolium castaneum, Rhyzopertha dominica, Oryzaephlius surinamensis and Sitophilus oryzae. The character of each type has been defined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with an Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to identify the elemental composition and functional groups distributed on biochars surface. The elemental compositions refer to the chicken manure biochar exhibited a decrease in Carbon concentration and increase Oxygen content; there is a negative correlation between C and O contents. On the other hand, the chicken manure biochar is the only tested biochar that contains Ca, P, and Cl. The chicken manure biochar has the largest number of functional groups on its surface, the mortality of insects was recorded after 10 days which showed that the chicken manure biochar was the most effective which contains more different elements and functional groups on its surface. The most affected insects were O.surinamensis and R. dominica with mortality percentages 86.66 and 73.33. Smaller particles of chicken manure biochar were more effective than larger particles against both R. dominica and O. surinamensis, the smaller particles (1.80—0.94 µm) recorded LC50 1.29 and 0.56 g/kg against R. dominica and O. surinamensis. SEM images for the affected insects showed the adhesion of biochar particles on insect’s body parts, also, the sensilla were disappeared as a result of the friction between biochar particles and insect cuticle. Our results may indicate the promising features of biochar as an alternative method to control some stored product insects with considering the source of biochar which affect its elemental and functional groups contents. Biochar had different efficacy depending upon its moisture contents, with increased moisture the toxicity of biochar decreased.

Seasonal Abundance and Population Fluctuation of Leucaena Tree Beetle, Acanthoscelides macrophthalmus (Schaeffer) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) and its Accompaniment Parasitoids

The data presented in this study provide some basic information regarding seasonal abundance and population fluctuation, the influence of temperature and relative humidity, monthly population and emergence percentages, time and peacks number, and emergence ratios of population density of each leucaena pods and seeds beetle, Acanthoscelides macrophthalmus and its accompaniment parasitoids (Dinarmus basalis Rondani and Lyrcus sp.) emerged from infested Leucaena leucocephala trees. Insects are abundant throughout the year. The highest monthly population of beetles recorded during November, followed by May and December, the highest population of parasitoids observed during February, followed by March and January (D. basalis) also January and August (Lyrcus sp.).Nine peaks for beetles are recoded, the higher peak observed at 4th week Nov. followed by 3rd week of May, then 4th week of January, the same number of peaks recorded for D. basalis parasitoid, the highest peak noticed at 3rd week of Jan. and March, whereas Lyrcus sp. parasitoid has 8 peaks, the higher found at 3rd week of Jan.General ratio of insect’s emergence was 1:0.384:0.047 (beetles: Dinarmus: lyrcus). Highest ratios between beetles: parasitoids noticed during February (1:2), July (1:1.774) and March. (1:1.287). The dominant weather factors (MaxTemp., Min.Temp. & RH%.) evidently showed effective changes in the population density of beetles and parasitoids during annual activity months. The correlation between parasitoids and beetles population differed during the different seasons. The current work shows that Dinarmus basalis (26.8% seasonal emergence) and Lyrcus sp. (3.3% seasonal emergence) parasitoids develop within infested leucaena seeds with A. macrophthalmus beetle. Numerous numbers of each beetle (69.9% seasonal emergence) and parasitoids (31.3% seasonal emergence) were observed throughout the year, therefore A. macrophthalmus beetles can be used as a substitute host for mass rearing of D. basalisparasitoids, which are biological agent to control stored seed bruchids.

Adsorption of chromium (III) ion on biosorbents prepared from Leucaena leucocephala tree

Biosorbents (fiber, treated fiber, and charcoal) from the Leucaena leucocephala tree were prepared in this study. The potential of the biosorbents as metal capture (removal percentage %R) for chromium (III) (Cr+3) from aqueous solution was examined. The concentrations of the Cr+3 solutions were measured before and after the adsorption to investigate the %R using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Moreover, the specific surface area (A) of the biosorbent samples was evaluated after measuring the adsorbed acetic acid onto the samples. From the results, A and %R were found in the order of charcoal > treated fiber > fiber. The highest values of A and %R were about 423 m2g−1 and 97%, respectively. This finding suggested the high potential of Leucaena charcoal usage as chromium ions capture compared to fibers and treated fibers.

A new species of Raffaelea from beetle-infested Leucaena leucocephala

Species of Raffaelea (Ophiostomatales: Ascomycota) are obligate symbionts of ambrosia beetles, some of which pose a substantial threat to forest trees. Leucaena leucocephala is a small mimosoid tree species that is considered as an invasive weed in most of its introduced range globally. During a field expedition on the French island of Réunion, dying L. leucocephala trees were observed. Samples were taken from these trees and isolations made from symptomatic wood tissues that included beetle tunnels, but in the absence of the beetles themselves. Multiple isolates of a fungus resembling a Raffaelea species were obtained from the discoloured wood associated with the beetle tunnels. To determine their identity, microscopic examination was performed and DNA sequences for three gene regions (ITS, LSU, TUB) were obtained. Phylogenetic analyses based on these gene regions revealed that the isolates represent a new species of Raffaelea, described here as R. borbonica sp. nov. A pathogenicity test was conducted with the fungus, which was shown to cause lesions on the inoculated seedlings, but with a low level of aggressiveness.

Effect of Silvopastoral Systems in the Thermoregulatory and Feeding Behaviors of Water Buffaloes Under Different Conditions of Heat Stress.

Buffaloes use wallowing behavior to release excess heat in tropical conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of silvopastoral systems in the feeding and thermoregulatory behavior of water buffaloes under moderate and intense heat stress. The behavior of water buffaloes was evaluated in two different production systems. The conventional system with Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus) only, and the silvopastoral system with Guinea grass and Leucaena leucocephala trees. The relation between the frequency of animal activities and the length of time the animals engaged in each activity was measured during the day time (6:00–18:00 h) by visual observations at 10-min intervals. The results obtained suggest that buffaloes use tree shade to partially supplement wallowing. Feeding behavior increased under intense heat stress in the silvopastoral system indicating that it can be a promising alternative to improve the buffaloes rearing conditions in the tropics.

Forage availability in a silvopastoral system having different densities of Leucaena leucocephala under Voisin grazing management

Available forage biomass, botanical and forage chemical compositions, stocking rates, and resting times of plants after grazing were assessed in a silvopastoral system (using Voisin grazing) having 15,000 (D15) and 25,000 Leucaena leucocephala trees ha−1 (D25), associated with Digitaria eriantha. A randomized complete block design with two replicates was used. Biomass samples were collected from July 2017 to July 2018, when grass (during rainy and transition seasons) and trees (during the dry season) achieved their optimal resting points and sheep grazed paddocks (stock density: 34–204 AU ha−1 according to season). Biomass yield was higher in D25 (15,958 ± 1190 kg DM ha−1, p < 0.05) with higher carrying capacity (2.93 ± 0.43 AU ha−1 year−1). Yield fluctuated over time (p < 0.0001) with greater biomass (p < 0.05) during the rainy (up to 3722 ± 121 kg DM ha−1), than in the transition (1800 ± 121 kg DM ha−1) and dry seasons (511 ± 121 kg DM ha−1). Between 59 and 65% of the biomass was grass during the transitional and rainy seasons, while during the dry season, 100% of the biomass was from the trees and crude protein was greater in trees (24%) than in grass (10%) biomass. Rest periods for the paddocks varied according to grazing season (from 31 to 120 days). Higher tree density increased forage biomass and yield in the silvopastoral system, which was maintained throughout the year even with seasonal precipitation because the trees sustained growth for an extended period during the year.

Influencia de la densidad de árboles de Leucaena en la producción lechera y nitrógeno ureico en vacas F1 Gyr x Holstein

The objective of this research was to evaluate the chemical composition, selectivity, partial intake, milk production and concentration of urea nitrogen in blood and milk in Gyr x Holstein dairy cows on silvopastoral systems with different densities of Leucaena leucocephala trees. The study was carried out in the Chaco Farm - department of Tolima - Colombia. The treatments were: T1: Cynodon nlemfluensis pasture without trees; T2: C. nlemfluensis + 1264 trees / ha of L. leucocephala; T3: C. nlemfluensis + 4255 trees / ha of L. leucocephala and T4: C. nlemfluensis + 9899 trees / ha of L. leucocephala. Four experimental periods of 32 days were evaluated and 16 F1 (Gy r X Holstein) cows were used. Differences (P &lt;0.05) were observed in relation to the dry matter of both C. nlemfluensis and L. leucocephala. There was high selectivity for grass (P &lt;0.05). The dry matter intake decreased with the increase in the density of L. leucocephala trees in period 3, in the other periods no differences were observed (P&gt; 0.05). As the density of L. leucocephala trees increased, the values of urea nitrogen in blood and milk increased (P &lt;0.05). Milk production was not altered by treatments. It is concluded that F1 (Gyr X Holstein) cows in silvopastoral systems have a high selectivity and partial intake of grass, and higher levels of blood and milk urea nitrogen.

REVIEW ARTICLE ON LEUCAENA LEUCOCEPHALA AS ONE OF THE MIRACLE TIMBER TREES

Leucaena leucocephala trees are commonly known as White Lead tree. It is native to Southern Mexico and Northern Central America and spread across many tropical and sub-tropical locations. It has multipurpose uses, such as generation of firewood, timber, greens, fodder, and green manure, as well as to provide shade and control soil erosion. It has been used for medicinal purposes because of possessing multiple pharmacological properties. Studies have shown the presence of various secondary metabolites such as alkaloid, cardiac glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, and glycosides in this species. In traditional medicine, it is used to control stomach ache and as contraception and abortifacient. In the present study, the global distribution, taxonomy, chemical composition, pharmacological activities, and potential uses of Leucaena leucocephalaare discussed.

Spatial Distribution of Phytophagous Insects, Natural Enemies, and Pollinators onLeucaena leucocephala(Fabaceae) Trees in the Cerrado

Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit (Fabaceae) is widely used to regenerate degraded landscapes in tropical and subtropical regions and serves as a protein source for animals in agrosilvopastoral systems. Thus, our objective was to assess the spatial distribution of insects on the tree crown (vertical: upper, middle, and basal canopy; horizontal: north, south, east, and west) and leaf surfaces (adaxial and abaxial) of L. leucocephala. Phytophagous insects, natural enemies, and pollinators were quantified fortnightly in 20 trees for 2 yr. North-facing tree branches had the greatest numbers of phytophagous insects, natural enemies, and pollinators. Branches facing west had the most species-rich and biodiverse phytophagous and pollinator assemblages, whereas for natural enemies, species richness and biodiversity were greatest on branches facing north or south. The greatest numbers of individuals and highest levels of species richness of phytophagous insects, natural enemies, and pollinators were observed in the upper and middle parts of the L. leucocephala canopy. The most individuals and highest levels of species richness and biodiversity for phytophagous insects, natural enemies, and pollinators were observed on the abaxial face of L. leucocephala leaves. The species with the highest abundance and k-dominance (common or constant species) on L. leucocephala trees were the phytophagous insects Trigona spinipes F. (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponinae) and Tropidacris collaris Stoll (Orthoptera: Romaleidae) and the natural enemies Camponotus sp.2 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and Brachymyrmex sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). These results can inform strategies related to pest control and maintenance of natural enemies and pollinators in L. leucocephala plantations. Biopesticide application, for example, may be more effective at eliminating target organisms if directly applied on their preferred sites, and a targeted application can minimize negative effects for non-target organisms.

Early emergence of axons and formation of accessory nerve (XI) in avian embryos

A research work was undertaken to evaluate the feeding effect of tree forages on performance of growing sheep. Twenty growing sheep (in 4 groups) were fed three different tree forage diets. Tree forages Melia azardirachta, Leucaena leucocephala and Artocarpus heterophyllus were supplied in three treatments except one consisted no tree forages which was considered as control. There were significant (p&lt;0.05) differences among the animal groups in terms of total DM and ME intake, although there were no significant differences in the digestibility of DM, OM, CP and ADF. Feeding of tree forages had significant (p&lt;0.05) effect on live weight gain of sheep. Animals fed with tree forage based diets significantly increased weight gain (60.70 and 50.70 g/d for L. leucocephala and A. heterophyllus, respectively) compared to that (45.66 g/d) of control group fed with silage. Feed conversion efficiency (kg feed/kg gain) also showed that animals fed with tree forage of L. leucocephala and M. azardirachta based diets were having significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher efficiency (11.33 and 11.47, respectively) compared to those of A. heterophyllus and control diet (13.77 and 13.33, respectively). The results of nitrogen balance of M. azardirachta and L. leucocephala tree forage had significantly (p&lt;0.05) positive effect on the nitrogen retention in the body of the animals. Intake of all the tree forages was not similar which indicated that all of them were not accepted to the lamb in same level. So, diets with tree forages of L. leucocephala resulted better in terms of weight gain, digestibility and nitrogen balance compared to A. heterophyllu, M. azardirachta and silage (control).Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2015, 1(3): 654-659

Effect of feeding tree forages on productive performances on growing sheep

A research work was undertaken to evaluate the feeding effect of tree forages on performance of growing sheep. Twenty growing sheep (in 4 groups) were fed three different tree forage diets. Tree forages Melia azardirachta, Leucaena leucocephala and Artocarpus heterophyllus were supplied in three treatments except one consisted no tree forages which was considered as control. There were significant (p&lt;0.05) differences among the animal groups in terms of total DM and ME intake, although there were no significant differences in the digestibility of DM, OM, CP and ADF. Feeding of tree forages had significant (p&lt;0.05) effect on live weight gain of sheep. Animals fed with tree forage based diets significantly increased weight gain (60.70 and 50.70 g/d for L. leucocephala and A. heterophyllus, respectively) compared to that (45.66 g/d) of control group fed with silage. Feed conversion efficiency (kg feed/kg gain) also showed that animals fed with tree forage of L. leucocephala and M. azardirachta based diets were having significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher efficiency (11.33 and 11.47, respectively) compared to those of A. heterophyllus and control diet (13.77 and 13.33, respectively). The results of nitrogen balance of M. azardirachta and L. leucocephala tree forage had significantly (p&lt;0.05) positive effect on the nitrogen retention in the body of the animals. Intake of all the tree forages was not similar which indicated that all of them were not accepted to the lamb in same level. So, diets with tree forages of L. leucocephala resulted better in terms of weight gain, digestibility and nitrogen balance compared to A. heterophyllu, M. azardirachta and silage (control).Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2015, 1(3): 648-653

Fine root distribution pattern of different aged Leucaena leucocephala trees in debris flow source area in Jiangjia Gully, China

Fine root is critical to restrain soil erosion and its distribution pattern is of great influence on the restraining effects. This study studied the fine root biomass (B (r) ) distribution of different aged Leucaena leucocephala (5, 10, 15 years) in debris flow source area in Jiangjia Gully by digging downward to the bottom at different distances to stem in three directions on slope. The results showed the B (r) increased dramatically by 143% from 5 years to 10 years and then rose slowly by 38% from 10 years to 15 years. The B (r) of 5 years was significantly asymmetric between uphill and alonghill directions, but there was little difference among directions for other ages, and a concentration trend appeared to exist in downhill and alonghill directions. Moreover, fine root (Da parts per thousand currency sign1 mm) was significantly heavier than that of fine root (1mm < Da parts per thousand currency sign2 mm), playing a leading role in the vertical distribution of the whole fine root, with a logarithmic or an exponential function. The results presented may shed light on fine root distribution pattern and evaluation of its effect on slope stability in debris flow source area.

The adoption of silvopastoral systems promotes the recovery of ecological processes regulated by dung beetles in the Colombian Andes

Abstract 1. Conventional cattle ranching with low plant diversity and a high dependence on chemical fertilisers and herbicides, simplifies ecosystems and negatively affects their functioning. In tropical regions, the cattle ranching systems that use fodder trees and shrubs along with grasses offer a useful landscape management tool that may contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and the stability of ecological processes. 2. Given the functional importance of dung beetles in natural and anthropogenic ecosystems, this study evaluates the recovery of some of the ecological services in which these insects play a role by comparing treeless improved pastures (IP) with those that have been converted into silvopastoral systems (SPS: two species of grass, Cynodon plectostachyus and Pannicum maximum, in association with Leucaena leucocephala trees) in a cattle ranching landscape of the Colombian Andes. 3. The results reveal an increment in the abundance of dung beetles in SPS and, as a consequence, an increase in dung, soil and seed removal, as well as a reduction in the number of adult flies and their larvae compared with IP. 4. This suggests that SPS offer suitable refuges for the dung beetle fauna that complement the role of protected forest remnants, riparian forests and live fences in conserving the integrity of key ecological processes in cattle ranching landscapes.