Family Moraceae Research Articles

Ex situ conservation of the Moraceae Family in the Bogor Botanical Gardens, West Java

Abstract. Sahromi. 2020. Ex situ conservation of the Moraceae Family in the Bogor Botanical Gardens. Pros Sem Nas Masy Biodiv Indon 6: 505-511. Moraceae belongs to a family of flowering plants and is a large family that has many species of around 1000 species. In the world, this family is known as Mulberry (mulberry family) or Ara family (fig family), in Indonesia is known as beringin-beriginan family. Bogor Botanical Gardens as an ex situ plant conservation institution has collected Moraceae species in the form of botanical gardens with the aim of preservation and research. The research aim was to re-identify the collection of species of Moraceae in the Bogor Botanical Gardens, West Java by carrying out a re-inventory and secondary data search in the Bogor Botanical Gardens Registration units, as well as exploring their potential uses. The results of inventorization in the Bogor Botanical Gardens collection, there were about 56 species of Moraceae family or about 9.33% of species of Moraceae in the Asia tropics and Australasia, and there were 12 genera, namely Ficus, Artocarpus, Morus, Streblus, Taxotrophis, Antiaris, Brosimum, Castilla, Milicia (Chlorophora), Dorstenia, Parartocarpus, and Piratinera. Habitus of species of family Moraceae in the Botanical Gardens collection which is mostly in the form of trees, then shrubs, semi-epiphytes and herbs. Potential uses of Moraceae family, include: (i) the genus Artocarpus as a producer of edible fruits and seeds, young fruit as a vegetable, a good source of carbohydrates, a good producer of wood, (ii) the genus Ficus as a producer of fruit (edible fruit), plants medicine, ornamental plants, protective plants and as a key species (keystone), (iii) genus Morus as a producer of fruit and its leaves as food for silkworms.

Growth development and structural changes of Malaysian jackfruit cv. Tekam Yellow syncarp

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) that belongs to the family Moraceae is an important fruit crop in Malaysia. The planting acreage of jackfruit especially cv. Tekam Yellow has increased by 17.08 % from 2014 until 2018. Jackfruit is highly nutritional with rich phytochemical composition where the flesh and seeds are used as a cooling tonic and as a remedy for overcoming the influence of alcohol in the body. The dietary fibres in jackfruit protect the colon mucous membrane by binding to and eliminating cancer causing chemicals from the colon. Despite the importance of jackfruit to human dietary, little is known about the growth and structural changes during the inflorescence and syncarp development of jackfruit. The study was conducted at a jackfruit commercial farm in Bukit Beruntung (latitude 3°25′32.7432 N; longitude 101°33′21.0240 E), Selangor, Malaysia from January to December 2017. A total of 120 inflorescences and 64 syncarps were used in this study with a randomized complete block design. The earliest phase of the inflorescence involves the development of the ovary and decision to abort or to proceed with further cell division and fruit development, known as syncarp set. In the second phase, the growth of syncarp involves primarily cell division. The third phase begins after cell division ceases. During this phase, syncarp growth continues, mostly by cell expansion, until the syncarp reaches its final size. This growth phase is more prominent and physiologically most significant because of the strong sink activity exerted by the expanding cells. Each stage of syncarp development is marked differently by its cellular activities. A comprehensive study on the phenology growth stage of jackfruit has been published by Kishore (2018). However, the study on growth stage and changes in the cellular structure of jackfruit has yet to be published. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine growth stages and structural changes in the inflorescence and syncarp development of jackfruit cv. Tekam Yellow. Knowledge of cellular structure changes during the syncarp development is crucial especially for growers to apply proper cultivation practices at different growth stages according to industrial demands for optimum yields and profits.

Antioxidant, Anti-Diabetic and Phytochemical Screening of Dried Ficus carica Linn Fruit Powder

Ficus carica L. or the common name is red figs that belong to the Moraceae family or the Mulberry family. Every part of the fruit or the tree has been able to treat different types of common diseases, for example, it is used as a natural laxative or a supplementary food for diabetes. Thus, this research uses four different solvents, ethyl acetate, ethanol, hexane, and water, to obtain the respective crude extracts in order to investigate the anti-diabetic properties by determining the inhibition of the activity of the diabetic enzymes, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase; and the DPPH assay determines the antioxidant activity while qualitative phytochemical screening was for phenols, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and flavonoids; total quantitative phenolic and total flavonoid content was done. The phytochemical screening showed the presence of the compounds tested in different types of crude extracts. For the total phenolic content, ethyl acetate extract exhibits the highest content. In contrast, hexane extract shows the highest total flavonoid content. For the DPPH assay, ethyl acetate extract has the highest scavenging activity at 13.351 µg/mL with corresponding with the data of total phenolic content. For the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, water extract has the lowest IC50 value among the four extracts but higher value than the standard. For α-amylase inhibitory activity, only ethanol extract showed the IC50 value, but it was a high value. In conclusion, there is potential for figs to be a natural source of medicine, and the extracts tested can be used for future studies.

The plastid genome of winter cropping plants Ficus tinctoria (Moraceae)

Ficus tinctoria subsp. gibbosa (Blume) Corner is a hemiepiphytic dioecious fig species of the genus Ficus in the family Moraceae. To better determine its phylogenetic location with respect to the other Ficus species, the complete plastid genome of F. tinctoria was sequenced. The whole plastome is 160,342 bp in length, consisting of a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 25,859 bp, one large single-copy (LSC) region of 88,526 bp, and one small single-copy (SSC) region of 20,098 bp. The overall GC content of the whole plastome is 35.9%. Further, maximum likelihood (ML) phylogenetic analyze was conducted using 23 complete fig plastomes, which support close relationships among F. tinctoria, F. heteropleura, F. obscura, and F. deltoidea.

Isolation, Characterization, Modification of Artocarpin Compound from Pudau Plant (Artocarpus kemando Miq.) and Bioactivity Antibacterial Assay of Artocarpin Compound and Their Modification Result

Artocarpus kemando Miq. is a species from the family Moraceae in Indonesia known as the Pudau plant. The purpose of this study is to isolate, characterize, modify and test the antibacterial activity of artocarpin compounds isolated from pudding plants. Stages of research include sample preparation, extraction, isolation, and purification of compounds using chromatographic techniques (TLC, VLC, and CC), characterization of compounds using spectroscopy. The isolated compound was obtained as a yellow crystal with a melting point of 185-187 °C. Based on the results of spectroscopic analysis, showed that the prenylated flavonoids had been successfully isolated, artocarpin in an amount of 35.2 mg. Modification of artocarpin with acetic anhydride produces artocarpin acetate as a yellow crystal. Artocarpin and modified compounds showed antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli.

Anti-Metastatic Effect of Gold Nanoparticle-Conjugated Maclura tricuspidata Extract on Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells.

PurposeWe aimed to study green-synthesized gold nanoparticles (GNPs) from Maclura tricuspidata (MT) root (MTR), stem (MTS), leaf (MTL), and fruit (MTF) extracts and evaluate their anti-metastatic properties in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Maclura tricuspidata belongs to the Moraceae family and is widely used as a traditional medicinal plant given its biological activities.MethodsWe quantified the phenolic and flavonoid contents, reducing capacity, and antioxidant activity of all four extracts. The facile and optimum synthesis of MT-GNPs was visualized using UV-vis spectra and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Surface morphology, selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and fast Fourier transform (FFT) pattern of MT-GNPs were assessed using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). The crystallized gold pattern of MT-GNPs was evaluated using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The functionalizing ligands of MT-extracts and MT-GNPs were determined using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The photocatalytic capabilities of MT-GNPs were assessed by measuring the reduction of rhodamine B and methylene blue. Cell viability assay was detected using Cell Counting Kit-8 solution. Anti-migratory and anti-invasive effects were assessed using cell migration and invasion assays. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and phospholipase D (PLD) enzymatic activities were measured using gelatin zymography and Amplex Red PLD assay, respectively. Western blotting and luciferase assay were used to detect protein expression.ResultsAll extracts had high phenolic and flavonoid contents and strong antioxidant and reducing capacities. Results from UV-Vis spectra, DLS, HR-TEM, EDS, XRD, and FT-IR showed the successful formation of MT-GNP with surface morphology, crystallinity, reduction capacity, capsulation, and stabilization. MTR-GNPs and MTS-GNPs had better catalytic activities than MTL-GNPs and MTF-GNPs for reduction of methylene blue and rhodamine B. Moreover, MTS-GNPs and MTR-GNPs exhibited the highest anti-migratory and anti-invasive potential and seemed to be more biologically active than the MTS and MTR extracts. Treatment with MT-GNPs decreased the enzymatic activity, translation levels of MMP-9 and PLD1. Our results showed that MTS-GNPs and MTR-GNPs could dramatically reverse transforming growth factor-β-induced vimentin and N-cadherin upregulation and E-cadherin downregulation.ConclusionThe application of GNPs as a potential treatment approach for hepatocellular carcinoma can improve therapeutic efficiency.

PENGARUH SUBTITUSI TEPUNG TERIGU DENGAN TEPUNG SUKUN (Artocarpus altilis) TERHADAP MUTU KIMIA KUE SEMPRONG

Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) is one of the main fruit producing plants of the Moraceae family. This plant has long been cultivated by the people of Indonesia and even in several countries in the Pacific region such as Fiji, Tahiti, the Samoan Islands, and Hawaii, breadfruit has been used as a traditional staple food. The consumption of breadfruit is generally still limited as a snack and a vegetable and as an alternative food source, breadfruit is proven to have a high nutritional content. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of substitution of wheat flour with breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) on the chemical quality of semprong cake or egg roll. The treatment design in this research on the substitution of wheat flour with breadfruit flour (Artocarpus altilis) on the chemical quality of semprong cakes, namely: P0 (100 grams of wheat flour), P1 (75 grams of wheat flour + 25 grams of breadfruit flour), P2 (50 grams of wheat flour + 50 grams of breadfruit flour), P3 (75 grams of wheat flour + 25 grams of breadfruit flour), and P4 (100 grams of breadfruit flour). The experimental design used was a randomized randomized design (CRD) with 5 treatments and 4 replications. The results of the proximate analysis test included moisture, ash, fat, protein and carbohydrate content, with an average value of 3.50% water content, 1.07% ash content, 26.97% fat content, 4.21% protein content, and 63.88% carbohydrate content.

Morin treatment for acute ethanol exposure in rats

ABSTRACT Ethanol intoxication increases oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory proteins, which cause neurodegeneration. Morin is a natural flavonoid obtained from plants of the Moraceae family that exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anticancer and cardioprotective properties. We investigated the neuroprotective effect of morin on ethanol intoxicated rats. Rats exposed to ethanol exhibit increased cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, free fatty acids, and lipid oxidative byproducts, and decreased the activity of antioxidant enzymes and membrane ATPase. We found that ethanol increased activation of microglia and astrocytes in the brain. Administration of morin to rats exposed to ethanol significantly decreased lipid oxidative byproducts, enhanced antioxidant enzymes, normalized lipid levels and decreased microglia and astrocyte activation. Morin exhibits neuroprotective properties against ethanol intoxication by increasing the antioxidant defense mechanism and decreasing the inflammatory response caused by neuroglia and astrocytes.

Potential enzyme inhibitory properties of extracts and fractions from fruit latex of Ficus carica-based on inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase

Ficus L. is one of the widespread genera of the Moraceae family. We aimed to evaluate the inhibiting effect on digestive enzymes linked to diabetes, the antioxidant activity and the phytochemical composition of active extract/fraction of fruit latex of Ficus carica L. subsp. carica (All.) Schinz Et Thel. The inhibition effect of extracts and fractions tested with α-amylase and α-glucosidase methods and the antioxidant effect investigated with ABTS·+ and FRAP tests. The qualitative determination of compounds within the active extract/fraction was carried out by LC–MS/MS. In a result, the highest α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity found in F2 fraction of fruit latex (IC50 = 195.205 ± 0.015 µg/mL and 6.920 ± 0.026 µg/mL, respectively). Moreover, the highest total phenolic (26.816 ± 0.007 mgGAE/gextract) and total flavonoid content (8.615 ± 0.009 mgCA /gextract) was found in S1extract and this extract showed the highest antioxidant activity on FRAP (at a concentration of 1 mg/mL equivalent to 179.802 ± 2.201 mmol Fe2+) and ABTS+· (at a concentration of 1 mg/mL equivalent to 0.296 ± 0.055 µM Trolox) tests. Besides that, a preliminary examination of the mass spectrums of active F2 fraction and S1 extract revealed the presence of one xanthone, one organic acid derivative, one chromone derivative, one fatty acid and one phenolic acid. It is the first report on α-amylase, α-glucosidase and antioxidant activities, and phytochemical analysis of fruit latex of F. carica subsp. carica and these studies could contribute to the advanced pharmacological activity studies of this species.

The plastid genome of a large hemiepiphytic plants Ficus altissima (Moraceae)

Ficus altissima Blume is a hemiepiphytic monoecious fig species of the genus Ficus in the family Moraceae. To better determine its phylogenetic location with respect to the other Ficus species, the complete plastid genome of F. altissima was sequenced. The whole plastome is 160,251 bp in length, consisting of a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 25,886 bp, one large single-copy (LSC) region of 88,470 bp, and one small single-copy (SSC) region of 20,009 bp. The overall GC content of the whole plastome is 35.9%. Further, maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses was conducted using 29 complete fig plastomes, which support close relationships among F. altissima, F. benjamina, F. microcarpa, and F. consociata.

ISOLATION AND PRELIMINARY SCREENING OF ENDOPHYTIC FUNGI FROM Ficus carica FOR BIOCONTROL AND PHOSPHATE SOLUBILIZATION

Fungal endophytes are a special group of symbionts that invade the internal environment of the host organism without causing any pathogenic symptoms. They increase the vigor of the plant while protecting them from several biotic and abiotic stress conditions such as herbivory, disease, and drought. In this study, endophytic fungi were isolated from fig (Ficus carica), a beneficial plant belongs to the family of Moraceae. This study was conducted to determine the potential of fungal endophytes of F.carica as biocontrol agents against selected phytopathogens Ganoderma boninense, Magnaporthe oryzae, and Fusarium verticillioides. Besides, endophytic fungi isolates were also screened to assess their ability as a phosphate-solubilizing agent. Results obtained revealed that a total of 11 fungal endophytes was successfully isolated from leaf, root, and stem samples of F.carica. The cultural-morphological identifications were carried out on the unknown fungal isolates. For the antagonistic test, S2-1 and R3-4 show a promising potential against those phytopathogens with more than 20% Percentage Inhibition Radial Growth (PIRG). Endophyte S2-1 exhibits the competition mechanism, while R3-4 expresses the antibiosis mechanism in suppressing the mycelium growth of phytopathogens. As for phosphate solubilization, 8 of 10 isolates show positive results as phosphate solubilizer with the highest PSI value 3.02±0.05 (S2-4).

Adverse reaction to Ficus Carica: reported case of a possible cross-reactivity with Der p1

BackgroundFicus carica is an edible fruit, belonging to the Moraceae family, rarely described as cause of food allergy. We describe the first case of fig allergy that occurred as a cross-reactivity between fig and Derp 1.Case presentationWe present a case of a 10-years-old-girl, with a history of no-seasonal mild intermittent rhinitis, who experienced an immediate reaction after ingestion of a fresh fig. Skin prick tests (SPT) with commercial extracts of food, airborne allergens, latex and panallergens (profilin, PR-10 and lipid transfer protein) were performed. SPT revealed a sensitization only for dermatophagoides farina and dermatophagoides pteronyssinus which was then confirmed with by specific IgE assay (UniCAP, Phadia, Uppsala, Sweden). We also carried out a positive SPT with a commercial fig allergen (Lofarma, Milan, Italy) and prick-by-prick (PBP) both with skin and pulp of green raw and cooked fig. Fig specific serum IgE levels were 1.08 U/ml and specific IgE for rDer p1 was 16.20 U/ml (total serum IgE = 377 U/ml). In contrast specific IgE levels for latex, LTP, profilin, PR-10 and pollen allergens were negative.ConclusionThe ficin, the major fig allergen, belongs to cysteine protease family like Der p 1. The symptoms presented by our patient could be related to a cross reactivity between these two proteins which present a structural homology.

Broussonetia papyrifera Promotes Hair Growth Through the Regulation of β-Catenin and STAT6 Target Proteins: A Phototrichogram Analysis of Clinical Samples

Broussonetia papyrifera (B.papyrifera), belonging to the Moraceae family, is known to elicit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, anticancer, antinociceptive, and antimicrobial effects. The present study has been designed to examine the effects of B. papyrifera extract on hair growth through in vitro and clinical samples. Real-time cell growth assay, T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer-binding factor (TCF/LEF), activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription-6(STAT6) and STAT3 reporter gene function, and Western blotting was performed to examine whether B. papyrifera regulates the expression of target proteins implicated in the proliferation of human hair follicle dermal papilla (hHFDP) cells. In this human trial, using a phototrichogram, the effect of B. papyrifera on hair growth was examined by reconstitution analysis after shaving the hair of the clinical subject’s dorsal skin. B. papyrifera promoted growth equally in hHFDP cells, which is comparable to that of minoxidil and tofacitinib. Treatment with B. papyrifera extract enhanced the TCF/LEF-luciferase activity and increased the level of β-catenin protein. Moreover, B. papyrifera extract significantly suppressed interleukin-4 (IL4)-induced STAT6 phosphorylation. In clinical trial, using a phototrichogram, we assessed the hair density and total hair counts at 0, 6, and 12 weeks after the use of hair tonic containing B. papyrifera extract. After using the hair tonic for 12 weeks, the total hair count was significantly increased as compared with the subjects at the start date (n = 11). B. papyrifera promotes dermal papilla cells proliferation in vitro and clinically among human volunteers through the regulation of WNT-β-catenin and STAT6 pathways.

Isolation of Quarcetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside from the ethanol leaf extract of <i>Ficus sycomorous L.</i> (Moracaea)

Ficus sycomorous (Sycamore fig.) Family Moraceae is a plant used in African traditional medicine to treat mental illness, dysentery, cough, diarrhea, tuberculosis and Cancer. In this research work the leaf of the plant was subjected to cold maceration using 75% ethanol. The extract was fractionated using n- hexane, chloroform ethylacetate and n-butanol. The ethylacetate fraction was subjected to column chromatographic separation and purification. Quarcetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside was isolated and the structure of the compound was elucidated by various spectral techniques such as1 and 2D NMR and mass spectrometry.
 Keyword: Ficus sycomorous, Moraceae, NMR, Quarcetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside

A PRELIMINARY CHECKLIST OF Ficus L. SPECIES IN KUANTAN, PAHANG

Ficus is the largest genus in the Moraceae family, with more than 700 species worldwide. It was classified into a distinct genus based on the unique nature of its inflorescence. Until recently, there was no official record of the Ficus checklist in Kuantan, Pahang. Therefore, this study aims to develop the preliminary checklist of Ficus species in Kuantan Pahang. Plant samples were collected from selected areas of Kuantan. Plant samples were pressed, dried and mounted on a herbarium board and processed as specimen vouchers. Based on this study, 14 species of Ficus were recorded. The list of Ficus presented in this study could be used for future research and as a reference source for conservation activities.

Underlying mechanism of vasorelaxant effect exerted by 3,5,7,2′,4′-pentahydroxyflavone in rats aortic ring

Morin (3,5,7,2′,4′-pentahydroxyflavone) is a yellow coloured natural flavonoid found in plants of the Moraceae family. This favonoid is easily sources from readily available fruits, vegetables and eve certain beverages. Among the sources that was identified, it is clear that morin is most abundantly found in almond, old fustic, Indian guava, and Osage orange. Multiple studies have suggested that morin has multiple therapeutic actions and possess potential to be a functional potent drug. Previous studies demonstrated that morin is capable of resolving deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt-induced hypertension and possess strong vasorelaxant properties. However, the exact mechanisms remains unknown. Therefore, this study is designed to investigate the in vitro mechanism of morin-induced vasorelaxant effects. The underlying mechanisms of morin's vasorelaxant activities were evaluated on thoracic aortic rings isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats. Results from the study demonstrated morin causing vasodilatory reaction in phenylephrine and potassium chloride pre-contracted endothelium-intact aortic rings with the effect being significantly affected in endothelium-denuded aortic rings. Pre-incubation of the aortic rings with ODQ (selective cGMP-independent sGC inhibitor), indomethacin (nonselective COX inhibitor), L-NAME (endothelial nitric oxide inhibitor), propranolol (β2-adrenegic receptors blocker), and atropine (muscarinic receptors blocker) significantly reduced the vasorelaxant effect of morin. It was also found to be able to reduce the intracellular calcium level by blocking VOCC and calcium intake from the extracellular environment and the intracellular release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The present study showed that the vasorelaxant effect of morin potentially involves the NO/sGC, muscarinic receptors, β2-adrenegic receptors, and calcium channels.

Optimization of in vitro culture conditions affecting propagation of mulberry plant

BackgroundMulberry Morus spp. L. Family Moraceae is a perennial tree crop cultivated worldwide for foliage, fruit, fuel wood, and medicine, as well as for several other sericulture and industrial purposes. Mulberry trees are grown in more than 50 countries covering temperate, subtropical, and tropical zones as a plantation crop.MethodologyIn this study, different stages of in vitro propagation mulberry plant were investigated. In the sterilization stage, different concentrations 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 (%) of mercuric chloride (MC) for 10 min were used. Also, the effect of supplementation of the Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with different concentrations 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg/l of BAp or TDZ on the multiplication stage was investigated. Moreover, the impact of the fortified MS medium with 1 mg/l IAA or NAA or IBA on enhancement of root system proliferation was studied. Furthermore, the effect of reculturing in vitro derived plantlets on peatmoss, perlite, and/or vermiculate for in vivo acclimatization and hardening was investigated.ResultsA simple and efficient protocol for in vitro propagation of different varieties of Morus alba (yue 11, sha 2x lun 109, morittina, kokuso 27, and kantava 2) was established. Sterilization of shoot tips and auxiliary buds with 0.2% of mercuric chloride (MC) for 10 min was the best to get sterilized and survival explants. In vitro mulberry multiplication of yue 11, sha 2x lun 109, morittina, kokuso 27, and kantava auxiliary buds cultured on the MS medium fortified with 1.5 mg/l BA gave the best results of the multiplication rates, maximum number of shoots/explant, and highest shoot length (cm), respectively. Moreover, culturing of derived mulberry shoots on the MS medium supplemented with 1 mg/l NAA enhanced totally growth figures of root system formation suitable for acclimatization and hardening of in vitro derived mulberry plants. Acclimatization and hardening successfully processed with canava 2, morittina, yue 11, sha2x, and kokuso of mulberry cultivars, respectively.ConclusionThe described protocol in this investigation ensures a round-the-year in vitro propagation of mulberry plant with faster rate of multiplication of true-to-type plants, which will provide a useful tool for large-scale multiplication of other mulberry varieties.

Plant species used for birdlime-making in South Africa

Plants used for making birdlime and indigenous knowledge associated with the practice in Soutpansberg region, Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, Limpopo province, South Africa have been documented. Twelve birdlime-making plant species belonging to Apocynaceae, Celastraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Loranthaceae, Moraceae and Sapotaceae families were recorded. The common species included Maytenus peduncularis (Sond.) Loyes cited by 23.6% informants, Euphorbia pulvinata Marloth (17.2%) and Landolphia kirkii Dyer (12%). Plant parts used were latex (50%), fruit (34%), root (8) and the mixture of latex and fruit (8%). Documentation of plant species used for birdlime-making is of great interest, not only for preservation of the Vhavenḓa's traditional culture, but also for promoting economic subsistence, nutritional value and livelihood amongst poor and marginalized people.

Agroforestry practices and its contribution to combat climate change in subtropical region of Pakistan

Agroforestry systems could have an indirect impact on Carbon (C) sequestrations by reducing the pressure on natural forests, which are the largest C sink in the terrestrial ecosystem. This research was conducted in subtropical region of Pakistan (Tehsil Takht Bhai District Mardan). Two types of sampling methodologies were used for data collection. A questionnaire was compiled for the collection of information on Agroforestry practices, while a stratified random sampling method was used to collect data and made measurements about carbon contents stored in these agroforestry systems. Total 15 trees species were found associated with agricultural practices belonging to 7 families. Four (4) species were belonging to Moraceae family. One (1) specie belonged to Meleiaceae, Myrtaceae and Simaroubaceae each, 4 species belonged to Fabaceae and 2 species belonged to Rhamnaceae family. Total area under Agroforestry practices was about 22,866.4 hectares. Major Agroforestry system was Agrisilviculture system under practice in 11433.2 hectares land area, followed by Silvopastoral system which occupied 6859.9 hectares while area covered by Agrisilvipastoral system was 4573.2 hectares. 275 farmers were interviewed. Through final analysis it was found that 67% farmers were practicing pure Agrisilviculture system, 21% farmers were in favor of Silvopastoral system and 12% farmers practiced Agrisilvopastoral system. The greatest amount of carbon was stored by Silvopastoral system (76.33 t.ha-1) followed by Agrisilvopastoral system (68.05 t.ha-1) while the least carbon was stored by Agrisilvicultural system (11.61 t.ha-1). Keywords: Agroforestry practices; Agrisilviculture; Agrisilvipastoral; Biomass; Carbon stocks; Climate change; Silvopastoral http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2020.90042

Evaluation of Genetic Diversity among Some Common Fig Using RAPD and ISSR Molecular Markers

The common fig (Ficus carica L.), one of the most important fruit species, belongs to Moraceae family and is widely distributed in Iran. In this study, genetic variations among some genotypes of common fig collected from six different regions of Ilam province (Iran) were evaluated based on RAPD and ISSR markers. A total of 73 and 29 alleles were produced by 14 RAPD (with their sizes ranging from 350 to 2500 bp) and 5 ISSR (with their sizes ranging from 150 to 1500 bp) primers, respectively. The number of observed alleles for RAPD primers ranged from 1 (OPA-03) to 9 (OPA-09 and UBC-429), with an average of 5.21 alleles per locus. Also, the number of observed alleles for ISSR primers ranged from 3 (UBC-807) to 8 (UBC-810 and UBC-414), with an average of 5.8 alleles per locus. The highest and lowest values of Shannon's information index (I) was observed in the UBC-429 (2.18) and OPA-03 (0.12) primers, respectively. The Jaccard's genetic similarity coefficient ranged from 0.12 to 0.73 among genotypes based on RAPD data, while for ISSR it was recorded from 0.07 to 1. Also, based on RAPD and ISSR data at a similarity coefficient of 0.45, the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) cluster analysis divided the genotypes into six major groups. As a conclusion, there is a high genetic variability among fig genotypes, which is an important consideration for classification, utilization of germplasm resources and breeding programs of fig.