Maesopsis Research Articles

COMPOSITION, STRUCTURE, AND CARBON SEQUESTRATION OF DIFFERENT RAINFOREST ECOSYSTEMS IN THE GUNUNG GEDE PANGRANGO NATIONAL PARK, INDONESIA

ARTICLE HIGLIGHTS- High demand for environmental services makes the park vulnerable to human activities.- Both ecosystems are well regenerated; seedling > sapling > pole > tree (inverted J)- Both ecosystems show normal diversity conditions and stable species distribution.- Growth of Maesopsis eminii needs monitoring to preserve forest purity.- Montane forests have greater biomass, carbon stocks, less anthropogenic disturbanceABSTRACTThe Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park (GGPNP) area is one of the vital ecosystems that support the environment in West Java Province, Indonesia. It is a unique area that has multiple forest ecosystems, including lowland rainforest and montane rainforest ecosystems. Despite the GGPNP’s status as a conservation area, the high demand for the GGPNP’s environmental services makes the region vulnerable to disturbances from human activities. Several studies have been conducted in the GGPNP area (lowland and montane forest ecosystems), however, the results of this study are still necessary to explain the forest dynamics and forest carbon sequestration in this location. The objective of this research was to analyze the structure, composition, and carbon sequestration of stands in the lowland and montane rainforest ecosystems in the GGPNP area. Data processing and analyses were conducted using diversity indices, biomass-carbon stock estimation, and carbon dioxide sequestration estimation. The results showed that the GGPNP lowland and montane rainforest ecosystems were well regenerated. The number of seedlings > saplings > poles > trees and the graph showed a reverse “J” pattern. The GGPNP lowland rainforest ecosystem was dominated by Neonauclea lanceolata and had relatively higher species diversity. The GGPNP montane rainforest ecosystem was dominated by Castanopsis acuminatissima with a higher individual density, denser canopy, and more complex canopy strata. The lack of regeneration in several species of trees heightens the threat to these species’ existence in the future. Biomass, carbon stocks, and carbon sequestration in the GGPNP montane rainforest were greater than those in the GGPNP lowland rainforest. The GGPNP montane rainforest ecosystem had older forest stands, a larger average tree diameter, and lower potential for anthropogenic disturbances.

Species selection in unfamiliar terrain: participants’ preferences and practices around Mount Elgon, Uganda

Efforts to restore the world forests and trees are obviously significant and still increasing. Selection of tree species in this context is based on prevailing challenges impacting on livelihood needs. A study was conducted around Mount Elgon between January 2018 and July 2020. The objectives were to; i) document the socio-economic factors of participants in tree multiplication and planting, ii) identify the farmers practices and choice of species used under farming contexts iii) assess the relationship between the participants socio-economic factors, practices and choices of tree species. A multi-stage sampling approach was followed to select a total of 150 participants. The participants were engaged through semi-structured and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed in MINITAB 19. Results show that tree multiplication and planting activities were dominated (84%) by a vibrant group of males between the ages of 15 and 40 years old. Up to 60% of this group were illiterate or inexperienced in tree planting and multiplication. Exotic trees (containing Eucalyptus grandis, Grevillea robusta and Neolamarckia cadamba) were highly valued for firewood, timber and small stems used to support food crops including Musa spp., Phaseolus vulgaris and Solanum lycopersicum. The indigenous species (mainly Cordia africana, Maesopsis eminii, Albizia spp. and Ficus spp.) were on the other hand treasured for shade in the coffee-banana farming systems as well as serving social-cultural benefits, counting medicine and rituals. The participants gender significantly influenced the choice of tree species adopted (P<0.001). For example, the men were more interested in timber and carbon related tree species while the women and the youths were generally involved in apiculture and fruit tree growing. With all the anticipated benefits and publicity about the exotic trees in this region, the participants have no choice but to follow the advice from the various tree planting campaigns. We recommend co-operation of the stakeholders especially during tree germplasm selection in order to meet performance expectations. The expectations include developing individual species breeding protocols based on site conditions for tree seed collection, seedling multiplication and planting.

Ectoparasites of wild rodents in forest sites invaded and uninvaded by Maesopsis eminii in Amani nature forest reserve, Tanzania

Parasites are important component of communities in a forest ecosystem with profound effects on trophic interactions such as food web. Modification of the forest structure (e.g. changes in species composition and abundance of key species) can have a strong impact on the occurrence, diversity, and abundance of parasites, with subsequent repercussions for ecosystem functioning. In this study, we compared the occurrence and abundance of wild rodents’ ectoparasites from forest sites invaded and uninvaded by an invasive tree, Maesopsis eminii in Amani Nature Forest Reserve, Tanzania. Three large plots (40 m × 100 m) were randomly established in each forest sites invaded and uninvaded by M. eminii. In each plot, 50 Sherman traps were systematically placed at 10 m interval for capturing wild rodents through a capture-mark-recapture technique. Wilcox rank sum test was used to compare for differences in the abundance of infested rodents and ectoparasites between the invaded and uninvaded forest sites. A total of 297 individual rodents were captured and screened for ectoparasites, including 174 rodents from uninvaded forest site and 123 rodents from invaded forest site. The number of infested rodents were significantly (W = 8592, P < 0.001) greater in uninvaded forest site (66.27%) than in the invaded forest site (36.2%). Furthermore, a significant greater number of Echinolaelaps echidninus (W = 1849, P < 0.01) and Dinopsyllus ellobius (W = 2800.5, P < 0.05) ectoparasites were found in uninvaded as compared to the invaded forest sites. The results of this study suggest that the invasion and dominance by, M. eminii in Amani Nature Reserve has created unfavorable conditions for rodents and ectoparasites and therefore impacting the diversity and function of the forest ecosystem. We recommend prevention of further introduction of the M. eminii outside their natural range and mitigating the impact of the established M. eminii in Amani Forest Nature Reserve.

Planting patterns in rubber agroforestry (Hevea brasiliensis) developed by the communities of Menggala Mas Village, Lampung Province, Indonesia

Abstract The agroforestry system provides important economic and ecological benefits for local communities, one of which is obtained from the application of planting patterns and plants species in it. This research aims to explain the planting pattern of rubber agroforestry developed by the community in Menggala Mas Village, Lampung Province, Indonesia. The approach in this research is qualitative. Data collection methods included observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation studies. The planting patterns of agroforestry system on their rubber plants were analysed. The research results showed that there are three agroforestry planting patterns implemented by the community, namely, alley cropping, trees along border and random mixture. The dominant combinations in alley cropping were rubber/karet (Hevea brasiliensis) – pulai (Alstonia scholaris) and rubber–mentru (Schima wallichii) – kayu afrika (Maesopsis eminii). The dominant combinations in trees along border were rubber–akasia (Acacia auriculiformis), rubber–jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) – cempedak (Artocarpus integer) and rubber–petai (Parkia speciosa) – jati (Tectona grandis). The dominant combinations in the random mixture were rubber–jengkol (Pithecellobium lobatum), rubber–petai–jengkol–akasia, rubber–jackfruit–cempedak, rubber–pulai–mengkudu (Morinda citrifolia L.) – jengkol and rubber–banana (Musa paradisiaca) – gadung (Dioscorea hispida) – sungkai (Peronema canescens Jack). Forty-one plant species were found. The local community wants to develop this planting pattern because the rubber agroforestry planting pattern can provide direct and indirect benefits such as a greater variety of plants which can increase their income; also, the products can be sold or consumed by the family, as a fence, fire break or barrier to other farmers’ land, can provide shade to reduce hot temperatures when farmers are working, and can reduce the risk of flooding and soil erosion to support soil and water conservation within the ‘Omou’ (garden/forest). The government and agricultural extension workers need to carry out regular guidance and outreach programmes regarding rubber agroforestry development strategies to increase public knowledge.

Biodeterioration Field Test and Mechanical Properties of Maesopsis eminii Wood Treated with Boron Preservative and Plant Oils

Boron preservatives have insecticidal and fungicidal effects. The leaching problem of boron preservative-treated wood can be overcome using oil treatment. This study evaluated the resistance in a biodeterioration field test and the mechanical properties of manii wood (Maesopsis eminii Engl.) treated with boric acid and plant oils. Manii wood samples were impregnated in two stages with boric acid and vegetable oils (neem, tamanu, and candlenut oils). The impregnation process was performed in a chamber at a pressure of 7 kg cm−2 for approximately 4 h. Next, the sample was heated at temperatures of 60 °C, 120 °C, and 180 °C. The biodeterioration field test was conducted in ground contact for 100 days. In addition, mechanical tests in terms of modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), and hardness were conducted using an Instron universal testing machine. The test results prove that the combination of boric acid preservation with neem, tamanu, or candlenut oil treatment increases the resistance of manii wood to subterranean termites, especially when the treatment is accompanied by heating at 120 °C. The combination treatment of boric acid and plant oils also increases the MOE, MOR, and hardness values of manii wood.

Wood decomposers on six community timber species in two different locations

Abstract. Nurhadi MW, Arinana A, Rahmawati AI, Herliyana EN, Andika R, Himmi SK. 2023. Wood decomposers on six community timber species in two different locations. Biodiversitas 24: 6629-6640. Wood has a close relationship with termites and fungi as decomposers. Decomposers are important as dead organic matter is broken down into elements and returned to the soil. This study aims to analyze the amount of wood attacked by termites and fungi on six types of community timber during six months of testing at two different locations, analyze the degree of damage, and identify the species of termites and fungi that attack them. The research was conducted in two locations: the Arboretum of the Faculty of Forestry and Environment of IPB and a residential area in Bogor Asri, Cibinong Sub-district, Bogor District. The wood tested were Acacia mangium, Falcataria moluccana, Anthocephalus cadamba, Maesopsis eminii, Pinus merkusii, and Hevea brasiliensis. Tests were conducted based on ASTM D 1758-06. Infested wood increased with the time tested, and infestation was higher in the arboretum (75%) than in the residential area (39.4%). The highest level of wood damage in the arboretum was Hevea brasiliensis (35.4 g); in residential, it was Pinus merkusii (18.9 g). The subterranean termite types found during the six months of testing are Macrotermes sp., Microtermes sp., Schedorhinotermes sp., and Odontotermes sp. The weathering fungi types found during the six months of testing were Aspergillus sp., Mucor sp., Trichoderma sp., Gliocladium sp., Mycelia sterilia, and red fungus. Soil type, moisture, and ambient temperature also strongly favored the development of decomposer life found in the two research sites.

Impacts of edge effects on the invasion of alien plant species in Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park, Indonesia

Abstract. Mas’ud W, Maulany RI, Putra PS, Ngakan PO. 2023. Impacts of edge effects on the invasion of alien plant species in Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 6160-6168. Invasive Alien Plant Species (IAPS) are a threat to biodiversity and natural ecosystems. Factors influencing the IAPS distribution are well-known, but the impact of edge effects on the distribution is rarely discussed. This study aims to reveal the effect of differences in physical environmental factors along the edge effect gradient on the distribution of IAPS in Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Twenty-five line transects were established where 125 plots (20m x 20m) were systematically located to analyze the density, dominance, and distribution of IAPS on the edge bordering natural forest ecosystems and anthropogenically disturbed areas. Of the 21 IAPS found, 95.2% were distributed in clumps and 4.8% at random. As the light intensity decreases significantly (r = 0.042; p = 0.029) with the increasing distance from the edge to the forest interior, the IAPS density decreases significantly (r = -0.512; p = 0.0001). Species of IAPS that experienced a decrease in individuals were those with a habitus of herbs and shrubs. Considering that the seedlings were found to spread outside their mother tree stands, Swietenia macrophylla King. and Maesopsis eminii Engl. are suspected to be long-lived IAPS that have the potential to spread to natural karst forest ecosystems, so they need to be monitored continuously.

Local community perception towards invasive alien plant species utilization in Bodogol – Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park

The spread of invasive alien species in Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park is considered causes disturbance and damage threats to ecosystems, habitats, and native plant species. There are three invasive alien plant species spread in Bodogol area, a part of Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park, namely Maesopsis eminii, Calliandra calothyrsus, and Austroeupatorium inulifolium. Two out of these three species, i.e Maesopsis eminii and Calliandra calothyrsus are well known as useful plants and have a high Index Cultural Significance (ICS). In 2019 a study was conducted to quantify the perception of the community in Bodogol towards Maesopsis eminii and Calliandra calothyrsus utilization. Data were collected through interview and filling out questionnaire by 42 respondents using tri-stimulus amar framework. The results of the study obtained total value of quantifying the perception is 2.24 out of 4.00 in Likert’s scale. The value shown that community in Bodogol had positive perception towards these invasive alien plant species. The factors that affected community perceptions are the level of knowledge about invasive species and the benefits of the species. Therefore, this study is important as input for decisions in determining appropriate management of invasive species in Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park area.

Potential contribution of urban roadside plant nurseries to forest plant conservation and human well-being in the face of climate change, Uganda

ABSTRACT Plant diversity is one of the fundamental cornerstones for human well-being and sustainable development in countries where household livelihoods are highly dependent on land resources. Given their vulnerability to the impacts of climate change and increasing threat to plant diversity sustainability efforts to conserve plant diversity through ex-situ strategies like plant nurseries management are crucial for those countries. We surveyed 70 roadside plant nurseries across Kampala District, to understand their contribution to plant conservation and human livelihoods in the face of global change. One hundred and nine species representing 55 families including exotics and indigenous were recorded. The most frequent indigenous species were Musanga cecropioides, Elaeis guinensis, Maesopsis eminii, and the endangered Encephalartos hildebrandtii. Over 94% of the respondents depended on plant nursery business for their economic needs. Over 92% of the respondents lacked the technical capacity to manage plant nurseries for conservation and as a business. Yet with proper management, the plant nurseries can enhance plant conservation, urban forestry development, and act as green businesses. Hence, contributing to livelihood improvement of the low-income urban households; and achieving assisted plant migration as an adaptation strategy for plant conservation in the face of global change.

Modelling of mechanical roots on slope stability

Root system mechanical reinforcement through root-soil cohesion on slope stability is important. However, the root cohesion of &lt;em&gt;Tectona grandis&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;Maesopsis eminii&lt;/em&gt;, and shrubs (&lt;em&gt;Chromolaena odorata&lt;/em&gt;) on slope stability is rarely studied and modelled. This study aimed to model the mechanical effect of vegetation through root cohesion, namely teak (&lt;em&gt;Tectona grandis&lt;/em&gt;), &lt;em&gt;Maesopsis eminii&lt;/em&gt;, and shrubs (&lt;em&gt;Chromolaena odorata&lt;/em&gt;). The study was conducted in a simultaneous landslide on January 1, 2020, that dominantly occurred on vegetated slopes of Sukajaya District, Bogor Regency, West Java. The Wu model's root cohesion (&lt;em&gt;C&lt;sub&gt;R&lt;/sub&gt;&lt;/em&gt;) was modelled on slope stability using a modified Bishop model. The modelling used the data from field and laboratory-measured. The study found that the presence of a root system increases slope stability's factor of safety (FOS). The root system of young &lt;em&gt;Maesopsiss eminii&lt;/em&gt; produces the largest effect of FOS compared to the root system of shrubs, teak, and old &lt;em&gt;Maesopsis eminii&lt;/em&gt;. The slope stability of vegetated slopes is a function of the &lt;em&gt;C&lt;sub&gt;R&lt;/sub&gt;&lt;/em&gt; and the effective root zone depth. The highest total &lt;em&gt;C&lt;sub&gt;R&lt;/sub&gt;&lt;/em&gt; of vegetation was teak with 0.398 kPa, followed by shrubs, young &lt;em&gt;Maesopsis eminii, &lt;/em&gt;and&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;old &lt;em&gt;Maesopsis eminii&lt;/em&gt; with 0.202 kPa, 0.191 kPa, and 0.087 kPa, respectively. The effective root zone of teak, young &lt;em&gt;Maesopsis eminii&lt;/em&gt;, and shrub were 500, 230, 140, and 66 cm, respectively.

VARIATION IN THE COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE OF NATURAL LOWLAND FORESTS AT BODOGOL, GUNUNG GEDE PANGRANGO NATIONAL PARK, WEST JAVA, INDONESIA

An analysis of the composition and structure of lowland natural forests was carried out in Bodogol, Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park (GGPNP). The two study plots (P1CS and P2CS) were located on Cisuren and one plot (P3CP) on Cipadaranten hill. We recorded 107 species and 48 families with an average basal area of 19.73 m2/ha, and an average density of 348 trees/ha. The species richness was poorer than those of the typical lowland rainforests of Kalimantan and Sumatra but comparable to those of the montane forests of Java. The IUCN-Red Listed species were Castanopsis argentea and Castanopsis tungurrut (critical) and Saurauia bracteosa (vulnerable). Based on the two dominant species, the forests can be designated as the Maesopsis eminii-Syzygium acuminatissimum association and Syzygium acuminatissimum-Lithocarpus korthalsii association. Maesopsis eminii was dominant in P1CS (IV= 56.46%) and P3CP (IV=55.94%), while Syzygium acuminatissimum in P2CS (IV= 43.67%). Maesopsis eminii was a strongly aggressive and invasive species, that endangered the purity of the natural forest GGPNP, therefore, it must be eradicated. Vertically, P2CS and P3CP consisted of four strata, while P1CS had three strata. This one-hectare study can be considered as a minimal area to reflect the floristic representation of lowland forest and submontane forest.

FLORISTIC COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE OF VEGETATION IN GUNUNG SALAK GEOTHERMAL POWER PLANT, WEST JAVA, INDONESIA

This research had been conducted in the forest area around the Gunung Sa-lak Geothermal Power Plant of PT. PLN Indonesia Power. Plant diversity data in the geothermal power plant area had yet to be fully available. This study aimed to analyze the composition and structure of vegetation in the conservation forest area around the Gunung Salak Geothermal Power Plant unit. This study used a quadrat plot with a purposive sampling method. We sampled 873 individuals from 56 families of 110 species, consisting of native and introduced species. Some introduced flora species that have the potential to become invasive include Calliandra houstoniana, Asystasia gangetica, Bellucia pentamera, Miconia crenata, Maesopsis eminii, and Solanum torvum. The families with the highest number of species at each growth level were Fagaceae (tree), Fagaceae (pole), Arecaceae and Moraceae (sapling), also Acanthaceae, Arecaceae, Melastomataceae, and Poaceae in the understory. Several species of plant at the site are listed as Endangered (EN) based on the IUCN Red List, including Alpinia scabra, Castanopsis argentea, and Dipterocarpus hasseltii. These endangered plants are expected to become priority for conservation strategies and action plans. The Important Value Index (IVI) analysis shows different values at each growth stage. The highest IVI at the seedling and herb was Selaginella plana (29.74), the sapling was Macaranga triloba (20.59), the pole was Ficus fistulosa (43.27), and the tree was Schima wallichii (54.90). The value of the Shannon-Wiener (H') diversity index was 3.784, which indicates that the level of diversity is high.

Adoption of novel climate-smart farming systems for enhanced carbon stock and carbon dioxide equivalent emission reduction in cattle corridor areas of Uganda

Climate change remains the single major threat to the realization of increased livestock production because of its impact on the quantity and quality of feed crops and forages, water availability, animal reproduction, and biodiversity. To minimize the negative impacts of climate change on livestock, an agroforestry project was implemented in the cattle corridor areas of Uganda. Predominant agroforestry tree species and improved grass were planted. At the age of 1.5 years, the aboveground biomass, aboveground carbon stock, and carbon dioxide equivalent emissions sequestrated by each sapling species strand and grass species were determined. From the results, the aboveground biomass (F = 92.21, p = 0.020), aboveground carbon stock (F = 101.01, p = 0.035), and the carbon dioxide equivalent emissions sequestrated (F = 71.02, p = 0.0401) varied significantly among the studied species. Among the agroforestry saplings, Calliandra callothyrus (10.0 ± 0.7 ton/acre) had the highest aboveground biomass, while Markhamia lutea (4.3 ± 0.3 tons/acre) and Albizia chinense (4.1 ± 0.2 tons/acre) had the lowest aboveground biomass. Similarly, the aboveground carbon stock was the highest in Calliandra callothyrus strand (4.70 ± 0.1 tons/acre) and lowest in the Albizia chinense strand (1.94 ± 0.2 tons/acre). At a strand level, Calliandra callothyrus (17 ± 0.4 ton/acre) sequestrated the highest quantities of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, followed by Maesopsis eminii (10 ± 0.2 ton/acre) and Grevillea robusta (9 ± 0.5 ton/acre) species strands. Markhamia lutea (7 ± 0.2 ton/acre) and Albizia Chinense (7 ± 0.1 ton/acre) strands sequestrated the lowest quantities of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. At the age of 1.5 years, the grass species were fully grown but only stored 0.51 ± 0.0 and 0.47 ± 0.0 tons/acre of Aboveground carbon for Chloris gayana and Centrosema pubescens, respectively. The carbon dioxide equivalent emissions sequestrated by the grass: Chloris gayana (1.9 ± 0.0 ton/acre) and Centrosema pubescens (1.7 ± 0.0 ton/acre) were also less than that of the agroforestry saplings. From this study, the agroforestry species with higher wood biomass and fast growth rate are recommended for carbon dioxide emission sequestration.

The effect of laminate configuration on the mechanical properties of model glued-laminated timber composed of single and mixed tropical fast-growing tree species

ABSTRACT The effects of laminate configuration on mechanical properties were investigated for model glued-laminated timber (GLT) composed of single and mixed fast-growing tree species (Acacia mangium Willd., Maesopsis eminii Engl., and Melia azedarach L.), which were grown in community forests in Indonesia. The simulation of lamina yield was decreased in graded GLT compared with that in GLT with randomly designed, while the mean values of simulated dynamic Young’s modulus (DMOE) in graded GLT were higher than those of GLT with randomly designed in each species. Graded GLT with mixed species should be produced to effectively utilize wood resources from fast-growing tree species. All mechanical properties showed higher values in single-species GLT especially for graded GLT, compared with solid lumber, suggesting that laminate configuration was effective for increasing mechanical properties. However, the factors that increase mechanical properties in single-species GLT differed among species. These factors can be evaluated by load-deflection curves. In GLT composed of single and mixed species produced with the same DMOE, almost all other mechanical properties were similar among laminate configurations. It is concluded that laminate configurations with different species and grades are useful for efficiently producing GLT with higher mechanical properties from multiple fast-growing tree species.

Vegetation cover changes and species composition: preliminary results from agroforestry system in Gunung Halimun Salak National Park, Indonesia

As a mitigation target for Indonesia’s Forestry and Other Land Use (FOLU) Net Sink 2030, Gunung Halimun Salak National Park (GHSNP) has a high potential. However, there is a lack of data on tree species composition and vegetation cover, particularly in the traditional zone (TZ). This study aims to estimate the vegetation cover of GHSNP in 2016, 2019, and 2022, as well as tree species composition in the TZ compared to the wilderness zone (WZ). This study used Sentinel-2 imagery and plot establishment for vegetation analysis in both zones. The most dominant class of vegetation cover in GHSNP from 2016 to 2022 is in class 5 which has highly dense vegetation. The large area class 5 increased by around 2.17% from 2016 to 2022. There were 17 species found in TZ and 24 species in WZ. Local communities are applying the traditional agroforestry of Poh-pohan (Pilea trinervia) as the main commodity and Pinus merkusii for the shade trees. P. merkusii and Maesopsis eminii are the most frequently found in TZ and WZ due to the former status of GHSNP as a production forest. Agroforestry systems can enhance biodiversity as a conservation effort and Indonesia’s FOLU Net Sink 2030 actions.

The Color Changes in and Termite and Fungal Resistance of Modified Maesopsis eminii Engl. Wood with Boric Acid and Seed Oil

Manii (Maesopsis minii) is a fast-growing wood that is mainly produced for light construction and woodworking. The wood has low durability properties and requires improvements in quality. This research aims to evaluate the combination effect of boric acid, seed oil, and heating on the color of manii wood and its resistance against subterranean termites and decay fungi. The wood samples were modified by combining boric acid, neem oil, tamanu oil, and candlenut oil and heating at 70 °C and 140 °C for 4 h. The color change in the wood was evaluated using the CIELab method, while the resistance against subterranean termites (Coptotermes curvignathus) and decay fungi (Schizophyllum commune) was tested according to the SNI 7207-2014 standard. The results show that a significant color change occurred after the oil treatments. L and b values generally decreased, while the a values usually slightly increased after treatment. Boric acid significantly increased the resistance of manii wood against tested termites and fungi. The seed oils also improved wood resistance against termites, while the wood resistance against fungi significantly improved from the combination of boric acid and seed oil treatment. The lowest weight loss in termite and fungal tests occurred with the combination of boric acid and candlenut oil with heating at 140 °C.

Understory floristic diversity and soil seed bank status of planted and unplanted portions of South Busoga Forest Reserve, Eastern Uganda

South Busoga Central Forest Reserve, an isolated reserve in Uganda has been degraded for over forty years. To restore the reserve, the National Forestry Authority established plantations in some parts of the reserve and plans to reserve 40% under native vegetation. Until now, no study exists to inform management of the availability of native species in the degraded area to support natural forest regeneration. The objectives of this study were to: (i) establish if there are seeds of native forest species in the soil seed bank of plantations and unplanted areas (ii) assess the potential of the understory of plantations to serve as ‘seed sources’. A seed bank assay of soils from plantations; Eucalyptus grandis, Maesopsis eminii and Pinus caribaea and unplanted areas was performed. Understory vegetation was sampled in 125 subplots of 5 × 5 m, randomly distributed in the plantations. In the seed bank, we recorded a total of 56 species in plantations and 22 in unplanted. There were more species in soils under E. grandis (12) > M. eminii (10) > P. caribaea (9) > unplanted area (3). Apart from Ficus sp. and Drypetes sp. that are woody, the rest of the species were non-woody. In the understory, we encountered a total of 56 species but only fifteen were native tree species with occurrence of less than five individuals each. These results show that sustained forest degradation depletes soil seed banks of native forest species and that plantations of exotic species can also nurse native species in their understory.

Preference of Subterranean Termites among Community Timber Species in Bogor, Indonesia

Many methods have been explored to increase the palatability of pine (Pinus merkusii), the most common wood used for termite baiting. However, because of the undersupply of pine in Indonesia, it is crucial to vary the wood species for termite baiting and look for potential alternatives. Furthermore, various studies have shown that baiting time influences the intensity and pattern of termite attacks. Therefore, the present research aimed to study the preferences of subterranean termites and find the ideal baiting time among community wood species from Bogor, West Java, as a baiting alternative to pine. The woods tested were Acacia mangium (acacia), Falcataria moluccana (sengon), Anthocephalus cadamba (jabon), Maesopsis eminii (manii), Swietenia mahagoni (mahogany), Hevea brasiliensis (rubberwood), and P. merkusii (pine). Field tests were carried out based on the American Society for Testing and Materials D 1758-06 at the Arboretum, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, IPB University, with a baiting time of one to six months. The results led to the identification of four species of termites, namely Microtermes sp., Macrotermes sp., Shedorhinotermes sp., and Capritermes sp.. The frequency of termite attacks on the test site reached 93.1%. Rubberwood was the most potential wood bait for subterranean termites, indicated by the highest average weight loss value (65.8%) with a shorter optimal baiting time (up to one month) than that of other tested woods.

Polystyrene-Impregnated Glulam Resistance to Subterranean Termite Attacks in a Laboratory Test.

This study aimed to enhance tropical fast-growing tree species’ resistance to subterranean termite (Coptotermes curvignathus) attacks through the manufacturing of polystyrene glued-laminated timber (glulam). Three young tropical wood species, namely manii (Maesopsis eminii), mangium (Acacia mangium), and rubber-wood (Hevea brasiliensis), were cut into laminae. After drying, the laminae were impregnated with styrene monomer, then polymerized using potassium peroxydisulfate as a catalyst and heat. The polystyrene-impregnated laminae were constructed using isocyanate glue and a cold press for three-layered glulam. Untreated or control glulam and solid wood specimens were also prepared. The specimens of each wood species and wood products (solid wood, control glulam, and polystyrene glulam) were exposed to the termite in a laboratory test according to Indonesian standards. The results showed that mangium wood had better resistance to the termite attack than manii and rubber-wood, with both of those woods performing the same. Among the wood products, the glulams were equal and had higher resistance to the termite attack than solid wood. To enhance the termite resistance of polystyrene glulam, we suggest that the polymer loading of polystyrene on each lamina should be increased. In our evaluation of the products’ order of priority, polystyrene glulam emerged as performing best towards subterranean termites attack.

Determination of Boundary between Core and Outer Wood by Radial Variation Modeling in Tropical Fast-Growing Tree Species

ABSTRACT Boundary between core and outer wood should be clarified for tropical fast-growing tree species to utilize its wood resources under sustainable forestry. This study aimed to determine the boundary between core and outer wood based on the mixed-effects models for radial variations of anatomical characteristics and wood properties in three fast-growing tree species grown in community forests in Indonesia – Acacia mangium Willd., Maesopsis eminii Engl., and Melia azedarach L.. On the basis of the results of the radial variation modeling, almost all anatomical characteristics and wood properties were shown to increase or decrease from pith to bark and then become almost stable. The boundary values between core and outer wood based on exponential function with plateau for absolute changing ratios of estimated properties were 6.1, 6.8, and 5.5 cm for A. mangium, M. eminii, and M. azedarach, respectively. In conclusion, boundary between core and outer wood in respect to multiple characteristics and properties in tropical fast-growing tree species can be determined by combination of mixed-effects modeling and exponential function with convergence.