Moderate Growth Rate Research Articles

First Report of Neofusicoccum nonquaesitum Causing Branch Dieback of English Walnut (Juglans regia) in the Maule Region, Chile

English walnut (Juglans regia) cultivation has been expanding in recent years in Chile, with a surface of 9,000 ha planted in the Maule Region (35° 26' S, 71° 40' W), central Chile. In a field survey conducted between August (2022) and January (2023) in three localities of the Maule Region, several declined trees were observed. English walnuts exhibited small chlorotic leaves, cankers, dead twigs, and dieback of branches, with an incidence of 10 to 35% of trees affected per orchard. Internally, diseased branches exhibit brown to dark brown wood cankers. Symptomatic branches (n = 30) were collected and surface disinfected with 96% ethanol, and flamed. Pieces of wood (approximately 5 mm) were placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA), supplemented with 0.005% tetracycline, 0.01% streptomycin, and 0.1% Igepal CO-630 (Díaz et al. 2018), and incubated at 22°C for 5 days in darkness. Four isolates (VLC-1-6-20, VLC-1-10-20, VLC-1-12-20, and VLC-1-15-20) exhibited moderate growth rates (16.4 mm/day), developing a white hue to olivaceous black colonies after 7 days at 22°C on PDA. Chlamydospores were absent. Black pycnidia were formed individually or in clusters. The isolates produced aseptate, hyaline, and fusiform, with base truncate conidia measuring 24.8 ± 1.6 x 6.8 ± 0.63 µm (l/w = 3.1; n = 50). The four isolates characterized were amplified using of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS1/ITS4), a portion of beta-tubulin (Bt2a/Bt2b), and part of the translation elongation factor 1- α (EF1-728/EF1-968) genes (Phillips et al. 2013). Blast analyses showed 100, 99 and 100 % identity with ex-type isolate PD-484 of Neofusicoccum nonquaesitum for ITS (deposited as GenBank accession no. PP697845 to PP697848), Bt (PP789576 to PP789579) and EF1 (PP830824 to PP830827) regions, respectively. Combined phylogenetic analysis using MEGA 7 software and the maximum likelihood test clustered the four isolates with ex-type of N. nonquaesitum. Pathogenicity was performed using two isolates (VLC-1-6-20 and VLC-1-10-20), which were inoculated in healthy tree walnuts cv. Chandler (8 years old), using 40 μl of mycelial suspension (105 fragments of mycelium/ml) on rounded wounds in the middle of each attached young branch (n=30 branches) (Twizeyimana et al. 2013). Sterile distilled water was used as a control treatment. Pathogenicity tests were repeated twice. After 6 months, necrotic streaks with mean lengths of 13 mm and 28 mm were observed in the middle of wounded young branches. No necrotic lesions were observed in the control treatments. Reisolation of N. nonquaesitum was positive (100%) only from inoculated branches and molecularly identified (EF1-a), fulfilling Koch’s postulates. Previously, N. nonquaesitum has been reported causing dieback on English walnut in California (Chen et al. 2014). To our knowledge, this is the first report of N. nonquaesitum causing canker and branch dieback of English walnut in central Chile. Previously, Diplodia mutila, Dothiorella sarmentorum, and N. austral have been associated with walnut dieback in Chile (Díaz et al. 2018; Iqbal et al. 2023; Barcos et al. 2023). In conclusion, it is imperative to implement epidemiological studies to avoid the spread and severity of branch dieback of walnuts in the Maule region, central Chile.

Growth of homoepitaxial single crystal diamond by microwave plasma CVD in H2-CH4-O2 gas mixtures at high microwave power densities

Single crystal diamond growth by microwave plasma assisted CVD in oxygen-containing gas mixtures is attractive in view of possibility to realize a prolonged non-stoped synthesis process and to minimize defects and impurities in the produced material. We studied the homoepitaxial diamond growth on (100) oriented substrates in H2-CH4-O2 environment at high pressures (300 Torr) and high microwave power density (≈400 W/cm3) at variable O2 content (up to 3.5 %) in the plasma. A low-coherence optical interferometry and optical emission (OE) spectroscopy was used to measure in situ the growth rate and probe the plasma chemistry, respectively. Depending on CH4 content the growth rate dependence on the concentration [O2] either shows a maximum at certain [O2], or a monotonic decline, up to complete stop of the growth at some critical O2 percentage (specific for each methane content) in the mixture. We found CH, Hβ, C2 and C3 lines in OE spectra from the plasma to monotonically quenched with O2 adding, particularly, disappearance of the C2 line coincidences with growth rate going to zero. High-quality homoepitaxial diamond layers were produced at moderate growth rate at optimal gas composition and characterized with Raman spectroscopy. Moreover, a significant reduction in the stress on (111) oriented substrates owing to O2 addition was observed.

Adaptive Seedling Strategies in Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests: A Comparative Study of Six Tree Species.

This study examines seed germination strategies and seedling establishment in six tree species typical of seasonally dry tropical forests. We focused on how interspecific and intraspecific differences in seed size and germination speed influence biomass allocation and seedling growth. Using generalized linear models, we analyzed the effects of these traits on root/shoot ratios and growth rates. Our findings reveal two main strategies: slow germination, high root/shoot ratio, and low growth rate in Erythrina velutina Willd and Terminalia valverdeae A.H. Gentry, associated with enhanced drought tolerance. In contrast, Cynophalla mollis (Kunth) J. Presl and Coccoloba ruiziana Lindau exhibited rapid germination, lower root/shoot ratios, and low to moderate growth rates, favoring competition during early establishment. Centrolobium ochroxylum Rose ex Rudd partially aligned with this second strategy due to its fast growth. Vachellia macracantha (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) Seigler & Ebinger presented a unique case, displaying slow germination and a broad range in both root/shoot ratios and growth rates. At the intraspecific level, significant variation in biomass allocation and growth rate was observed, influenced by germination speed and seed weight. We discuss the adaptive significance of seed traits in SDTFs and their role in seedling establishment under varying environmental conditions, providing insights for strategies for conservation and restoration in these ecosystems.

Tibouchina granulosa Purple Glory Tree

This document provides an overview of Tibouchina granulosa, commonly known as the purple glory tree. It describes the plant’s characteristics, including its moderate growth rate, dense foliage, and large, vibrant purple flowers that bloom throughout much of the year. The plant can be trained into a small tree or maintained as a shrub, making it versatile for various landscape uses such as screens, specimen plants, or container gardening. The document also covers the plant’s cultural requirements, including its preference for full sun and well-drained soil, as well as its propagation methods and pest resistance. Emphasis is placed on its suitability for USDA hardiness zones 10B through 11. Original publication date October, 1999.

ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКИЙ ПОРТРЕТ КАЗАХСТАНА: НОВЫЕ ВЕХИ

Recent years have been marked by steady growth of the Kazakh economy, which is supported by the dynamic development of key sectors and the active introduction of new technologies. In 2024, the country continues to successfully adapt to the changing global economic environment, including commodity price volatility and global economic turmoil. The Kazakh economy has demonstrated steady positive dynamics, which is due to the stable growth of key industries and innovative development. Despite global economic challenges and fluctuations in commodity prices, the country continues to demonstrate adaptability and sustainability of economic growth in 2024. International financial institutions and analytical centers agree that the Kazakh economy will maintain moderate growth rates in 2024. This indicates a gradual recovery from global economic turmoil. An important factor contributing to such development is the diversification of the economy, aimed at reducing dependence on commodity exports and stimulating domestic consumption, infrastructure projects and innovation. The Kazakh government is actively working to improve the country's investment attractiveness, support small and medium-sized businesses and develop human capital. These measures are aimed at ensuring sustainable economic growth and improving the well-being of the population. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the current economic state of Kazakhstan, including the dynamics of GDP and GRP, as well as development prospects.

Ecological transformation of capitalism

The UN Conference COP 28 (2023) showed the failure of the global strategy contained in the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. This encourages us to return to the problem of additional measures to protect natural habitats through a transition to moderate rates of economic growth, population growth and anthropogenic pressure on the environment. The article analyzes the ecological limits of growth of the world capitalist system, its economy and the global population. In order to preserve the natural habitat, capitalism inevitably faces transformation into a new post-capitalist formation capable of providing a moderate anthropogenic load on the environment accompanied by an increase in welfare and the preservation of the natural habitat for future generations. In dangerous proximity to the ecological limits of growth, it is necessary to abandon the prevailing goals of maximizing the scale of global economy and population, to reorient the population of the developing countries towards moderate fertility due to an increase in human development and quality-of-life indices, especially in the countries with low levels of above-mentioned indices accompanied by high population growth rates. A three-dimensional system of measuring economic growth is proposed. The conditions for economic growth balanced with the state of the environment are formulated.

Transforming Wastewater into Biofuel: Nutrient Removal and Biomass Generation with Chlorella vulgaris

This study investigates the potential of Chlorella vulgaris for nutrient removal and biomass production in synthetic wastewater. The experiments were conducted in 2 L photobioreactors under controlled aeration, agitation, and lighting conditions for 19 days. Despite a moderate growth rate (0.137 d⁻¹), C. vulgaris achieved efficient pollutant removal, with 97% of nitrate, 90% of nitrite, and 90.6% of COD eliminated. Additionally, the biomass was processed to extract fatty acids, yielding a 20% extraction rate, indicating its potential as a biofuel feedstock. These results demonstrate C. vulgaris’s dual function in wastewater remediation and biofuel production, presenting a sustainable and economically viable approach to addressing environmental challenges.

Pittosporum tobira 'Wheeleri' Wheeler's Dwarf Pittosporum

This document provides an overview of Wheeler’s dwarf pittosporum, an evergreen shrub known for its compact, rounded form and dark green foliage. It details the plant’s characteristics, including its moderate growth rate, dense texture, and specific leaf and flower attributes. The document also covers the plant’s preferred growing conditions, such as its need for well-drained soil and partial to full sun exposure, and highlights its uses in landscaping, particularly in coastal areas. Additionally, it notes the plant’s susceptibility to certain pests and diseases, emphasizing the importance of proper maintenance and care. Original publication date October 1999.

Growth and life history of freshwater chelydrid turtles (Testudines: Cryptodira): A bone histological approach.

The current study examines the growth pattern and lifestyle habits of the freshwater snapping turtles Chelydra and Macrochelys based on limb bone histology. Femora, humeri, and tibiae of 25 individuals selected from a range of ontogenetic stages were assessed to determine inter-element and intraskeletal histological variation. Osteohistological assessment of multiple elements is consistent with overall moderate growth rates as revealed by the dominance of parallel-fibered bone. However, the growth was cyclical as shown by deposition of multiple lines of arrested growths in the compacta. It appears that the bone tissue of C. serpentina is more variable through ontogeny with intermittent higher growth rates. M. temminckii appears to grow more slowly than C. serpentina possessing compact and thick cortices in accordance with their larger size. Overall, vascularization decreases through ontogeny with humeri and femora being well-vascularized in both species. Contrarily, epipodials are poorly vascularized, though simple longitudinal and radial canals are present, suggesting differences in growth patterns when compared with associated diaphyseal sections. The tibiae were found to be the least remodeled of the limb bones and therefore better suited for skeletochronology for snapping turtles. Intra-elementally, femora and humeri preserved higher cortical vascularity ventrally, suggestive of faster relative growth. We hypothesize that the differential growth pattern in limb bones of snapping turtles may relate to differential functional constraints, where forelimbs are operational in swimming while the hindlimbs provide stability.

URBANIZATION AND SOCIAL CRIME: A STUDY ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC DIMENSIONS OF THE MANIPUR CENTRAL VALLEY

Geography is concerned to provide accurate, orderly, and rational description and interpretation of the earth's surface. The study of population dynamics and its impact on social crime is crucial for understanding regional development and planning. The present study examines the dynamics of population growth, urbanization, and social crime in Manipur's Central Valley. Utilizing, the data from the primary and secondary sources (such: NCRB, Superintendent of Police, Manipur central Valley, and Census of India). The research adopts technique, such as Decadal Growth method, Principal component Analysis. Over a 70-year period from 1951 to 2021, the region witnessed a consistent rise in population, growing from 3,87,523 to 18,77,416. Despite this growth, the pace has decelerated, reflecting a shift from high to moderate growth rates due to factors such as birth rates, mortality rates, and migration patterns. Urban population data from the 2011 Census reveals significant regional disparities, with Imphal West being the most urbanized and Bishnupur the least. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of social crime data identifies three key patterns: "Anomie Violence," "Marginalized Deviance," and "Economic Strain Deviance," each associated with different regions and types of crime. A comparison of social crime patterns with urban population sizes highlights varying correlations, suggesting complex interactions between demographic changes and crime rates. This analysis underscores the need for targeted urban planning and crime prevention strategies in response to evolving socio-economic dimensions.

The Tet-on system for controllable gene expression in the rock-inhabiting black fungus Knufia petricola

Knufia petricola is a black fungus that colonizes sun-exposed surfaces as extreme and oligotrophic environments. As ecologically important heterotrophs and biofilm-formers on human-made surfaces, black fungi form one of the most resistant groups of biodeteriorating organisms. Due to its moderate growth rate in axenic culture and available protocols for its transformation and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing, K.petricola is used for studying the morpho-physiological adaptations shared by extremophilic and extremotolerant black fungi. In this study, the bacteria-derived tetracycline (TET)-dependent promoter (Tet-on) system was implemented to enable controllable gene expression in K. petricola. The functionality i.e., the dose-dependent inducibility of TET-regulated constructs was investigated by using GFP fluorescence, pigment synthesis (melanin and carotenoids) and restored uracil prototrophy as reporters. The newly generated cloning vectors containing the Tet-on construct, and the validated sites in the K. petricola genome for color-selectable or neutral insertion of expression constructs complete the reverse genetics toolbox. One or multiple genes can be expressed on demand from different genomic loci or from a single construct by using 2A self-cleaving peptides, e.g., for localizing proteins and protein complexes in the K.petricola cell or for using K. petricola as host for the expression of heterologous genes.

Evaluation of arsenic phytoremediation potential in Azolla filiculoides Lam. plants under low pH stress conditions

The Azolla filiculoides plants were challenged with different arsenic (As) concentration under low pH stress conditions. The growth rate and doubling time of the plants were severely affected by higher As treatments at pH 5.00 when compared with stress pH 4.75 treatments. Hence, pH 5.00 was considered for further studies. In 10–30 μM As treated cultures, after 6 days, the relative growth rate (RGR) of Azolla plants was significantly reduced and in higher concentration of As, the RGR was negatively regulated. The root trait parameters were also significantly affected by increasing concentrations of As. Further, photosynthetic performance indicators also show significant decline with increasing As stress. Overall, the plants treated with 40 and 50 μM of As displayed stress phenotypes like negative RGR, reduced doubling time and root growth, browning of leaves and root withering. The total proline, H2O2, POD and Catalase activities were significantly affected by As treatments. Meantime, 30 μM of As treated cultures displayed 15 μg/g/Fw As accumulation and moderate growth rate. Thus, the Azolla plants are suitable for the phytoremediation of As (up to 30 μM concentration) in the aquatic environment under low pH conditions (5.00). Furthermore, the transcriptome studies on revealed that the importance of positively regulated transporters like ACR3, AceTr family, ABC transporter super family in As (10 μM) stress tolerance, uptake and accumulation. The transporters like CPA1, sugar transporters, PiT were highly down-regulated. Further, expression analysis showed that the MATE1, CIP31, HAC1 and ACR3 were highly altered during the As stress conditions.

Reproductive cycle, fecundity and growth of the freshwater mussel Unio tumidus (Bivalvia: Unionidae) from Lake Viinijärvi, Finland

ABSTRACT Freshwater mussels have a substantial role in aquatic ecosystem function and provide valuable ecosystem services, including water filtration, nutrient cycling, habitat creation and sediment stabilization. While they face population declines globally that can negatively affect an ecosystem's health, such as reducing the water quality and increasing the turbidity, lack of information about the basic reproductive biology for most species makes their conservation much more difficult. Here, we monitored a population of Unio tumidus for a year to study its reproductive biology, gonad-dwelling parasites and growth rate in Lake Viinijärvi, Finland. Our data revealed that this species was dioecious with no evidence of hermaphroditism and was non-significantly female-biased (a male to female ratio of 1:1.3). Both sexes of U. tumidus had continuous gametogenesis during the study period with two peaks in the gonadosomatic index (GSI%) during November and May, followed by two clear declines in December and June. Gravidity period (brooding) of embryos or glochidia in the female's outer gills lasted from June to July. Therefore, this population of U. tumidus can be classified as a short-term breeder (tachytictic). The clear decline of GSI% in December might be a strategy that individuals of U. tumidus use to resorb resources back from the gonad for somatic maintenance during winter. Mean length of glochidia was 391 ± 0.049 µm, being among the largest known glochidia for Unionidae. No gonad-dwelling trematode parasites were detected and the population exhibited high fecundity (numbers of oocytes per female), with an average oocyte production of 242,000 ± 18,000. The studied population had a moderate growth rate with a maximum predicted age of 13 years and asymptotic length (the length at which growth slows down while the mussel continues to age, L∞) of 114 mm. Our study provides the first quantitative data and histological analysis of the reproductive biology of U. tumidus, serving as a basis for future research and conservation.

Ecological dynamics and conservation implications of Indo-Pacific Tarpon (Megalops cyprinoides) in Lake Siombak, North Sumatra, Indonesia

This study presents a comprehensive examination of the Indo-Pacific Tarpon (IPT) population in Lake Siombak, North Sumatra Province, Indonesia. Through a year-long investigation, we analyzed various facets of IPT ecology, encompassing population structure, growth dynamics, reproductive behavior, feeding habits, and mortality parameters. Male dominance in collected specimens, coupled with consistently immature gonads in females, suggests a unique reproductive pattern influenced by the brackish nature of Lake Siombak. Utilizing the von Bertalanffy method, we determined a moderate growth rate in IPT, with a predominance of medium-sized, sexually immature individuals. The dietary analysis revealed an omnivorous nature, with a notable reliance on zooplankton, particularly Cladocera and Copepods. However, the most significant concern arises from the estimation of the exploitation rate (E), surpassing the annual optimum exploitation threshold, indicating a state of overexploitation. This underscores the urgent need for regulatory measures to ensure the sustainability of IPT resources in Lake Siombak. Our findings contribute to a nuanced understanding of IPT ecology in this specific ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of balanced conservation and management practices. The documented reproductive, growth, and feeding patterns provide crucial insights for informing targeted conservation strategies and safeguarding the enduring viability of the IPT population in Lake Siombak. This research serves as a foundational contribution to the broader field of fisheries science, advocating for evidence-based management to preserve the ecological balance of aquatic ecosystems.

Do wolves control their own numbers? Understanding and updating the long debate

The population dynamics of animals involve a complex interplay between intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic regulation, characterized as population self‐regulation, encompasses mechanisms that moderate growth rates before reaching maximum food‐dependent densities. Conversely, extrinsically regulated populations are constrained by environmental variables such as food availability, predation, and disease. What regulates wolf populations has been debated for decades, with most publications concluding that wolves are extrinsically regulated, despite evidence of intrinsic mechanisms. This paper summarizes one perspective from a debate at the 'Wolves Across Borders' conference in Stockholm, Sweden in May 2023. Since this paper is a summary of a public debate, the paper is neither a review nor research paper, rather a research history and a recommendation on how the long‐term disagreement might be resolved. Wolf population regulation is likely an interplay between both intrinsic and extrinsic factors which is best studied longitudinally by monitoring one population through time.

Central Bank Independence, Inflation and Money Growth: Evidence from South Africa

Purpose: This article evaluates the impact of the de jure independence of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) on the credibility and discipline of domestic monetary policy. Credibility captures the extent to which economic agents trust the SARB to pursue its price stability mandate and is measured by the relationship between the SARB’s independence and domestic inflation. Discipline relates to the effect of independence on money growth rates, while independence is associated with a more disciplined central bank and moderate money growth rates. Methodology: A simple autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) econometric specification and Granger causality tests are employed. Following the extant empirical literature, existing indexes of central bank independence (CBI) are regressed on annual rates of inflation and M2 money growth. Findings: A statistically significant negative relationship is established between both i) CBI and inflation and ii) CBI and money growth for the South African economy. This suggests that the SARB’s legal independence plays an important role in containing inflation (credibility) and limiting excessive money growth (discipline). Contribution: This article fills a gap in the extant literature by being the first attempt at formalising the empirical link between de jure CBI, inflation, and the rate of money growth in the South African economy.

Semi-Analytical Solution for a Single-Phase Conduction Problem of a Finite-Slab With a Growing or Receding Boundary

Abstract Thermal conduction considerations of a solid media with moving boundaries are of great interest in many research areas. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to find analytical or semi-analytical solutions for the single-phase heat equation in real-time with a growing or receding boundary. While non-numerical solutions for infinite and semi-infinite domains are available, these cannot accurately model many common situations. In order to overcome this shortcoming, an approximate semi-analytical solution for the heat equation for a single phase, homogeneous, and finite-slab with a growing or receding boundary under unit loading was derived using the Laplace transform method and Zakian series representation of the inverse Laplace transform. Predictions were compared to finite element solutions with good agreement obtained for low to moderate growth or recession rates with improvements shown to be possible by using a heuristic approach. Applications of this work could include direct or inverse prediction of temperatures during machining, wear, corrosion, and/or additive manufacturing via cold spray.

Review on ultrahigh growth rate GaAs solar cells by metalorganic vapor-phase epitaxy

The aim of this review paper is to summarize a decade of research focused on enhancing metalorganic vapor-phase epitaxy (MOVPE) growth rates of GaAs, driven by the imperative for most cost-effective and energy-efficient III–V compounds’ production. While MOVPE is renowned for producing high-quality devices, it has been constrained by production cost. For example, MOVPE was traditionally thought to have moderate growth rates that limit the throughput of the cost-intensive reactors. Recent research endeavors, however, have demonstrated ultrafast growth rates, exceeding 280 μm/h, with a remarkable group III precursor utilization efficiency of over 50%. It is worth noting that even with increased growth rates, the surface quality remains unaffected in terms of roughness and morphology. Nonetheless, optoelectronic properties, such as minority carrier lifetime, deteriorate for both p- and n-doped materials under constant growth conditions. This is attributed to an increase in the defect density of arsenic antisites, particularly EL2 and HM1 defects, as revealed by deep-level transient spectroscopy investigations. Some of these losses can be mitigated by optimizing growth conditions, such as elevating the temperature and reducing the V/III ratio. The latter not only restores some of the material quality but also increases the growth rate and reduces precursor consumption. Still, fully recovering the original reference lifetimes remains a challenge. Solar cell results indicate that structures with predominantly n-type absorbers are less affected by reduced minority carrier lifetimes. A remarkable 24.5% efficiency was achieved in a GaAs single-junction solar cell grown at 120 μm/h, representing less than 1 min of growth time for the absorber layers.

The Mass Spectrometry Identification, Antimicrobial Genes Detection, and Proteomics Analysis of Stutzerimonas stutzeri Strain Was Isolated from Industrial Wastewater

A large amount of organic matter, heavy metals, and even antibiotics are present in industrial wastewater, aquaculture waters, and various types of sewage, along with abundant microorganisms. To date, only a few studies involving the resistance and proteomics of Stutzerimonas stutzeri in high-salt wastewater are available. Herein, a comprehensive assessment of a newly isolated Stutzerimonas stutzeri strain, which is present in high-salt wastewater, was performed using mass spectrometry, genetic identification, and biochemical analysis to characterize the genetic and biochemical properties. Growth experiments revealed that the Stutzerimonas stutzeri strain had a moderate growth rate in nutrient broth, and the bacterial count was not high. Further analysis highlighted an apparent susceptibility of this strain to most antibiotics but some resistance to chloramphenicol and minocycline. A resistance gene assay results showed that the gene gyrB was associated with antibiotic resistance in this Stutzerimonas stutzeri strain. Proteomic analysis revealed for the first time the co-existence of two drug-resistance-related proteins (Multidrug/solvent RND membrane fusion protein and MexE) in Stutzerimonas stutzeri. Moreover, Stutzerimonas stutzeri isolated from high-salt wastewater was subjected to drug resistance gene detection, and the total protein of Stutzerimonas stutzeri was detected by protein mass spectrometry analysis. The subcellular classification shows that the 50 proteins with the highest abundance are divided into cell inner membrane, cell outer membrane, cytoplasm, cytoplasmic side, membrane, multi-pass membrane protein, and peripheral membrane protein, among which the proportion of cytoplasmic components is the highest. Overall, this study’s findings provide a new perspective for further research on the characteristics of Stutzerimonas stutzeri in high-salt wastewater.

TREE HEALTH ASSESSMENT FOR ROADSIDE TREE IN KOTA KINABALU CITY CENTRE, SABAH

This study aimed to assess the health of main tree in the Kota Kinabalu City Centre, Sabah. In this study, principal evaluation standards were made by using visual observation of trees or Visual Tree Assessment (VTA). This study was conducted to identify any effect of damage or defect on trees via the observation of trees at their roots, stems, branches and leaves. There were five zones in the study area, namely from KK Lama and Jesselton Point (Zone 1) to Pasar Besar. The tree health parameters were evaluated from the presence of pests and diseases, trees health, foliage colour, the growth rate of trees, infections of the trees and potential failure of tree roots. In this study, nine of pathogens, pests and diseases of trees were observed, which were termites, fungi, aphid, mushrooms, epiphytes, parasites, ants, weeds and Whiteflies. This study showed that there were 23 species from the 688 stand of trees in the study area. The study found that the state average foliage colour was normal, a moderate growth rate and infection of the tree was still under controlled. The potential failure of tree root was found in low level as well. In a nutshell, the overall health of trees was found to be in good and moderate levels. This study was conducted as a reference in health detection of tree for The City Hall management (DBKK) and also as a reference for University students in conducting tree health assessment.