Native Tree Research Articles

Harnessing Nature's Resilience through Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration for Climate Change Adaptation in the Central Rift, Kenya

Climate change affects nations differently according to their natural environment and economic structure. Communities living in arid and semi-arid lands, such as in Central Rift Valley of Kenya, who heavily rely on natural resources for livelihood, bear the heavy brunt of climate change impacts. This study focuses on these regions, where communities face challenges of water scarcity, erratic rainfall patterns, land degradation, increased frequency of floods and droughts. These climatic changes negatively affect crop yields, diminish animal fodder production, and reduce availability of firewood, exacerbating the vulnerability of these communities to food insecurity and economic instability. FMNR (Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration) is a land restoration method where farmers foster growth of native trees and shrubs on their land by selectively pruning and protecting existing vegetation. It enhances soil fertility, water retention, and biodiversity while providing benefits of increased crop yields and additional income sources for farmers. Despite promotion of FMNR, a systematic presentation of evidence regarding its success in enhancing adaptation to climate change impacts in Central Rift, Kenya, has been notably absent. Using theory-based evaluation, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, transect walks, questionnaire, and documentary reviews, this study sought to assess the effectiveness of FMNR as an adaptation strategy in World Vision implementation sites within the Central Rift Valley including; Ndabibi in Nakuru; Marigat in Baringo and Ng’oswet in Elgeiyo Marakwet Counties. The study’s quantitative data was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) while the qualitative data was analyzed using NVivo software. The findings revealed notable improvements in forest cover with direct impacts of FMNR in forest cover from 500 acres at baseline to 6938 acres at the end line, increased average tree cover in farmlands from 79.5% to 122.6%, and in community lands from 89.9% to 109.2%. The indirect impacts, which may not solely be attributed to FMNR, include improved food security from 42.6% at the baseline to 73.6% at the end line, improved livelihoods by about 68% per annum, and improved capacity building/stakeholder engagement, all positively contributing to climate change adaptation. A situational analysis before the implementation of FMNR had highlighted environmental deterioration; food insecurity, increased poverty and negative effect on livelihoods. The study concludes that FMNR is an effective strategy for mitigating and adapting to the adverse impacts of climate change. Policymakers are urged to integrate FMNR into national agroforestry and climate change policies, ensure broader adoption and long-term sustainability, while further research is needed to address existing limitations constraining the technique.

Lessons Learned From Direct Seeding to Restore Degraded Mountains in Cauca, Colombia

ABSTRACTDirect seeding is a technique frequently used to restore degraded lands worldwide. Direct seeding is attractive to restore degraded lands mainly because of its low cost compared to planting seedlings. However, this technique has been poorly studied in tropical mountains. Here, we investigated the outcomes of direct seeding at four degraded sites in the Andean mountains of Cauca, Colombia. We used 45 native tree species, most of them commonly used in restoration projects in the Andean region of Colombia. After 150 days of sowing, we evaluated seedling emergence, survival and establishment costs. Performance of direct seeding was markedly different across sites. Most species had low seedling emergence, with Guayaba (Psidium guajava) and Matachande (Bocconia frutescens) showing the highest emergence. Species with large seeds showed higher emergence compared with medium and small seeds. Seedling density was considerably variable among sites, ranging from 496 to 5550 ind. ha−1. Our results evidence the need for long‐term monitoring at mountain restoration sites and that restoring tropical degraded mountains using direct seeding is a challenge that can be complemented with native tree planting. Further research is required to explore the advantages and disadvantages of direct seeding in mountain terrain.

Mechanical characterization of novel lightweight bio and bio-inspired sandwich composites: Investigating the impact of geometrical parameters and reinforcement techniques

ABSTRACT This study examines the mechanical performance of bio- and bio-inspired composite sandwich panels under out-of-plane compressive loading. Using balsa wood face sheets and natural oak tree cupules for core reinforcement, the research aims to develop lightweight, sustainable structures. Three different cupule arrangements and geometries were tested, with and without polyurethane (PU) foam infill, to compare natural and commercial cores. The results show that cupule geometry significantly influences mechanical behaviour, demonstrating notable load-bearing and energy absorption capabilities, though with a tendency towards brittle fracture. Reinforcement techniques, such as cupule duplication and the integration of commercial PU foam, were explored to enhance load-bearing capacity and energy absorption while mitigating sudden failure. Panels reinforced with oak tree cupule-filled PU foam cores exhibited superior mechanical properties compared to non-reinforced cores. This study highlights the potential of using oak tree cupules to improve mechanical performance and sustainability in sandwich panel design. Furthermore, bio-inspired structures were fabricated via Multi Jet Fusion additive manufacturing, harnessing the unique properties of cupules to achieve superior mechanical performance in printed structures, emphasising their potential in structural engineering applications.

Worldwide comparison of carbon stocks and fluxes between native and non‐native forests

ABSTRACTClimate change is one of the main challenges that human societies are currently facing. Given that forests represent major natural carbon sinks in terrestrial ecosystems, administrations worldwide are launching broad‐scale programs to promote forests, including stands of non‐native trees. Yet, non‐native trees may have profound impacts on the functions and services of forest ecosystems, including the carbon cycle, as they may differ widely from native trees in structural and functional characteristics. Also, the allocation of carbon between above‐ and belowground compartments may vary between native and non‐native forests and affect the vulnerability of the carbon stocks to disturbances. We conducted a global meta‐analysis to compare carbon stocks and fluxes among co‐occurring forests dominated by native and non‐native trees, while accounting for the effects of climate, tree life stage, and stand type. We compiled 1678 case studies from 250 papers, with quantitative data for carbon cycle‐related variables from co‐occurring forests dominated by native and non‐native trees. We included 170 non‐native species from 42 families, spanning 55 countries from all continents except Antarctica. Non‐native forests showed higher overall carbon stock due to higher aboveground tree biomass. However, the belowground carbon stock, particularly soil organic carbon, was greater in forests dominated by native trees. Among fluxes, carbon uptake rate was higher in non‐native forests, while carbon loss rate and carbon lability did not differ between native and non‐native forests. Differences in carbon stocks and fluxes between native and non‐native trees were greater at early life stages (i.e. seedling and juvenile). Overall, non‐native forests had greater carbon stocks and fluxes than native forests when both were natural/naturalised or planted; however, native natural forests had greater values for the carbon cycle‐related variables than plantations of non‐native trees. Our findings indicate that promoting non‐native forests may increase carbon stocks in the aboveground compartment at the expense of belowground carbon stocks. This may have far‐reaching implications on the durability and vulnerability of carbon to disturbances. Forestry policies aimed at improving long‐term carbon sequestration and storage should conserve and promote native forests.

Recticladiella inexpectata gen. et sp. nov. (Nectriaceae) Pathogenic to Native Cinnamomum camphora (Lauraceae) Trees in Southeastern China.

The ascomycete family Nectriaceae includes soil-borne saprobes, plant pathogens and human pathogens, biodegraders, and biocontrol agents for industrial and commercial applications. Cinnamomum camphora is a native tree species that is widely planted in southern China for landscaping purposes. During a routine survey of Eucalyptus diseases in southern China, disease spots were frequently observed on the leaves of Ci. camphora trees planted close to Eucalyptus. The asexual fungal structures on the leaf spots presented morphological characteristics typical of the Nectriaceae. The aim of this study is to identify these fungi and determine their pathogenic effect on Ci. camphora. Of the isolates obtained from 13 sites in the Fujian and Guangdong Provinces, 54 isolates were identified based on the DNA phylogeny of the tef1, tub2, cmdA, and his3 regions and morphological features. Two isolates were identified as Calonectria crousiana, and fifty-two isolates were described as a new genus, including a single species. These fungi were named Recticladiella inexpectata gen. et sp. nov. The identification of the new genus was based on strong DNA base differences in each of the four sequenced gene regions. The conidiophores of this fungus had several avesiculate stipe extensions tapering toward a straight, occasionally slightly curved terminal cell, distinguishing it from other phylogenetically close Nectriaceae genera. The results indicate that R. inexpectata is distributed in wide geographic regions in southern China. Inoculation showed that R. inexpectata and Ca. crousiana caused lesions on the leaves of Ci. camphora seedlings within 6 days of inoculation, indicating that they are pathogenic to native Ci. camphora in China.

Effects of canopy management of umbrella tree (Terminalia brownii Fres.) on microclimate and maize (Zea mays L.) yield in agroforestry parkland of South Ari District, southern Ethiopia

IntroductionTraditionally, some smallholder farmers in the South Ari District of southern Ethiopia retain natural forest remnant trees on their crop fields, and they manage them through pruning and pollarding techniques. Among these, the umbrella tree (Terminalia brownii) is one of the most preferred and dominant species, with numerous multipurpose uses. However, the effects of canopy management on microclimate and crop yield have not yet been investigated. Here, we present the effects of Terminalia brownii canopy management on microclimate and maize yield in agroforestry parkland.MethodsMicroclimate and maize yield data from three radial distances from the tree trunks to the open field: D1 (0–4.1 m), D2 (4.1–8.2 m), and D3 (>15 m outside the tree canopy cover) were collected. Three tree canopy management treatments (pollarding, pruning, and control) were considered and replicated three times in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) for applying canopy management treatments.Results and discussionOur results revealed that the canopy management of the tree affected the microclimate, which in turn influenced maize yield. In all treatments, there were statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) observed in maize yield and yield components under tree canopy and open fields of both canopy-managed trees and control. The mean highest grain yields were observed in plots with pruned (3,717 kg ha−1) and pollarded (3,718 kg ha−1) trees, while the lowest yield (2,146 kg ha−1) was obtained from the control plot. The observed differences in yield might be due to a higher accumulation of soil nutrients, modified microclimate under the tree canopy, and reduced shading effects via canopy management. Therefore, we conclude that either pruning or pollarding of Terminalia brownii enhances maize yield by modifying microclimate and improving soil nutrients. Pruning, in particular, offers a balance of shade and light, creating a stable microclimate with consistent seasonal light and reduced temperature fluctuations, which supports better maize growth in agroforestry systems.

Práticas educativas ambientais em biodiversidade nativa

The article proposes to report on the development and discuss the results of a university extension project carried out among undergraduate and graduate students in Architecture and Urbanism and students from the 2nd stage of basic education in a public school on the outskirts of São Paulo city. The project aimed at sharing knowledge and practices regarding urban afforestation, tree species, and native birdlife. The initiative is justified by the understanding that planning and actions focused on sustainable urban design benefit from the participation of populations, while also revaluing ecosystems and integrating them into society has a real impact on local life, strengthening the sense of recognition and potentially providing lasting economic and environmental benefits. The activities involved literature review on native bird and tree species, holding discussion meetings with the school community, giving lectures on Brazilian flora and the animals attracted to them, and planting seedlings of native trees in the school's open area to start a garden. As a result of the project, based on the identified challenges, it is argued that environmental education practices involving the school community, related to the afforestation of native species, can be understood as: (I) a strategy for counter-colonization of knowledge; (II) a possibility for exploring multisensorial experiences; (III) a gesture of intergenerational and planetary responsibility; and (IV) the building of alliances and practicing the common.

Post-fire negative relationship between a native tree and an invasive pine at the Coastal Maulino Forest in Central Chile

Coastal Maulino Forest, a biodiversity hotspot, is increasingly threatened by frequent and higher-severity wildfires. Endangered tree species, including Nothofagus spp., inhabit small, isolated native forest fragments surrounded by extensive Pinus radiata plantations, a non-native species that often colonises fire-affected areas. However, the seedling density of the native Chilean wineberry, Aristotelia chilensis, negatively correlates with the abundance of P. radiata seedlings in post-fire areas. This pattern emerged across areas burned at varying fire severities, sampled 8 and 24 months following the 2017 “Las Máquinas” megafire in Chile. The high proportion of plots lacking P. radiata seedlings, coupled with this negative relationship, suggests that A. chilensis may play a role in limiting P. radiata invasion. The negative relationship was most pronounced in areas with moderate fire severity, likely reflecting differences in shade tolerance between the species. While A. chilensis, a light-demanding species with some shade tolerance, can persist in partially shaded environments, P. radiata, a strictly light-demanding species, struggles under significant shade. In low-severity areas, no significant relationship was observed since the substantial native canopy remaining likely limits P. radiata establishment by shading. Conversely, in high-severity fire areas, the absence of a significant relationship might result from the detrimental effects on both species, including potential microbiome dependence for A. chilensis. Given the successful establishment of A. chilensis at low fire severity, enhancing its post-fire recruitment, particularly in moderately burned areas, could be a valuable strategy for mitigating P. radiata invasion and restoring fire-affected Mediterranean ecosystems.

Repeated fuel treatments fall short of fire-adapted regeneration objectives in a Sierra Nevada mixed conifer forest, USA.

Fire exclusion over the last two centuries has driven a significant fire deficit in the forests of western North America, leading to widespread changes in the composition and structure of these historically fire-adapted ecosystems. Fuel treatments have been increasingly applied over the last few decades to mitigate fire hazard, yet it is unclear whether these fuel-focused treatments restore the fire-adapted conditions and species that will allow forests to persist into the future. A vital prerequisite of restoring fire-adaptedness is ongoing establishment of fire-tolerant tree species, and both the type and reoccurrence of fuel treatments are likely to strongly influence stand trajectories. Here, we leveraged a long-term study of repeated fuel treatments in a Sierra Nevada mixed-conifer forest to examine the regeneration response of six native tree species to the repeated application of common fuel treatments: prescribed fire, mechanical, mechanical plus fire, and untreated controls. Our objectives were to (1) quantify differences in forest structure and composition following the repeated application of alternative fuel treatments that may influence the establishment environment and then (2) identify the stand structure and climate conditions influencing seedling dynamics. We found that both treatment type and intensity are highly influential in shifting forests toward more fire-adapted conditions and determining species-specific regeneration dynamics. Specifically, the conifer species tracked here increased in either colonization or persistence potential following repeated applications of fire, indicating fire may be most effective for restoring regeneration conditions broadly across species. Fire alone, however, was not enough to promote fire-adapted composition, with concurrent mechanical treatments creating more favorable conditions for promoting colonization and increasing abundances of fire-tolerant ponderosa pine. Yet, even with repeated fuel treatment application, establishment of fire-intolerant species far exceeded that of fire-tolerant species over this 20-year study period. Moreover, increasing growing season water stress negatively impacted seedling dynamics across all species regardless of treatment type and intensity, an important consideration for ongoing management under heightened climatic stress. While repeated treatments are waypoints in restoring fire-adapted conditions, more intense treatments via gap-creation or hotter prescribed fires targeting removal of fire-intolerant species will be necessary to sustain recruitment of fire-tolerant species.

Assessing the impact of urban parks across Köppen climatic zones: a systematic review

This review article addresses the gap in the literature concerning the role of urban parks in providing cooling effects in hot and arid climatic zones. Using systematic review and content analysis of manuscripts from 1999 to 2023 in Scopus and Web of Science databases, elements and indicators of landscape architecture and their impacts on mitigating urban heat islands (UHIs) have been explored. Our data mining revealed 190 manuscripts categorised into four Köppen climatic zones: tropical/mega thermal, arid, temperate/mesothermal, and continental/microthermal. Results indicate a scarcity of studies on hardscape elements’ impact, particularly in desert and semi-arid zones, and limited recognition of landscape architecture’s role in urban park cooling, especially in hot desert climates. Green areas emerged as the most cost-effective cooling strategy, with grass planted to minimise water elements and enhance tree cooling effects. However, the lack of softscape in hot, arid zones poses a significant challenge in mitigating UHI. These findings bridge the literature gap and suggest avenues for future research, including investigating native urban tree species and optimising park area, shape, and orientation.

Tree populations show low regeneration of valued species in West Africa

Tree populations have declined substantially in West Africa in recent decades, raising concerns since trees provide numerous ecosystem goods and services. Regional information on the population status of tree species could guide more effective conservation and regeneration of natural vegetation. Here, we report results of the first regional analysis of tree population structure across the Sahel and Sudan zones, a meta-study of vegetation inventories, including 23,586 individual trees sampled across nine countries. We evaluated current status and forecast future trends of 16 species and one genus of trees of ecological and socio-economic importance. Size class distribution (SCD) reflects the population structure of an individual species and can provide early warning of composition change and population decline. SCD is analysed widely at a local scale, but analysis at a regional scale is needed to detect widespread population changes. Many native species lacked trees in the smaller size classes, implying unsustainable populations and future decline. Some species show sound regeneration at the regional scale, but high variation among sites. Eight species, including Adansonia digitata and Afzelia africana, show regional declines in regeneration and risks of future extirpations. Four of these severely lack regeneration. Protected areas show higher tree regeneration, but protected status did not assure good regeneration. Our results identify priority tree species across West Africa, indicate a more urgent need for conservation and regeneration of native tree species, and highlight the benefit of effective conservation. More widespread protection could increase tree populations, conserving biodiversity, and ecosystem services essential for people's livelihoods.

Satellite imagery reveals widespread coconut plantations on Pacific atolls

Abstract Efforts to mitigate tropical deforestation overlook coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.) plantations on atolls—low island ecosystems that represent the most common landforms in the Pacific basin. Coconut palms have a deep history in the Pacific and were planted extensively over the last two centuries to meet the surging demand for coconut oil exports. But despite wide interest in the global footprint of palm crops, the distribution of coconut palms on Pacific atolls has remained unknown. We applied a supervised machine learning classifier to satellite imagery to produce 2 m resolution vegetation maps of 235 of 266 Pacific atolls. Despite the abandonment of many plantations in recent decades, we find that coconut palms surpass native broadleaf trees in terms of canopy area: coconut presently covers 58.3% of the mapped atolls’ total forested area and 24.1% of their total land area. 51.2% of these coconut canopies occur in monocultures indicative of plantation agriculture and drastic ecological changes. Even among atolls with climates equally suitable for coconut palms, coconut canopy coverage is 32.1 percentage points greater on those that historically exported coconut products, demonstrating the significant and persistent effects of plantations on forest compositions in the tropical Pacific. Coconut palms are most dominant on large, wet islands, reflecting their high rates of water use and thus their potential to deplete critical groundwater resources. The spread of coconut plantations also came at the expense of native vegetation critical for wildlife habitat, nutrient cycling, and soil formation. The severe environmental impacts of coconut plantations urge ecosystem management in a region uniquely exposed to climate change.

Antibacterial activity modulation of silver nanoparticles prepared by green synthesis with aqueous extracts from different organs of native Argentinean trees

Antibacterial activity modulation of silver nanoparticles prepared by green synthesis with aqueous extracts from different organs of native Argentinean trees

Invasive shrubs amplify seasonal granivory, revealing optimal windows for seed survival following invasive shrub removal

AbstractInvasive shrubs dramatically reduce the biodiversity of native plants, making invaded areas important targets of conservation and restoration. Adding seeds of native plant species, in addition to the removal of invasive plants, is a potentially promising means for restoration of native plant communities. However, because seed survival may vary among seasons, it is essential to understand temporal patterns of seed survival. For example, dense habitats created by invasive shrubs exhibit seasonal changes in structure and food resources that could create seasonal variation in seed survival by altering the activity and abundance of native seed‐eating rodents. Despite the potential for invasive shrubs to generate seasonal changes in granivory, we lack experimental studies to evaluate changes in granivory caused by invasive plants over a full year. We mechanically removed the widespread invasive species common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) from half of 14 sites (20 × 20 m) in a deciduous oak‐maple forest to track rodent and arthropod granivory of three native tree species, basswood (Tilia americana), black cherry (Prunus serotina), and sugar maple (Acer saccharum), and the invasive shrub R. cathartica over a year. Our results reveal that the effect of invasive shrubs on granivory changed across seasons. Seeds in invaded habitats experienced, on average, 25.9% higher seed removal than seeds in areas with R. cathartica removed, with the largest difference in removal occurring in winter. Seed removal was almost entirely due to rodent granivores that removed seeds at similar rates among species. These results indicate that, following removal of invasive shrubs, sowing seeds in winter may optimize seedling establishment by minimizing granivory. Our findings further reinforce the importance of removing invasive shrubs as an important restoration tool because invasions may amplify granivory throughout the year. Understanding the mechanisms that could be affecting seasonal granivory within invaded systems, the important role of rodent granivores, and the similarities in seed consumption between native and nonnative seeds is critical for continual conservation and restoration efforts aimed at promoting forest regeneration.

Intraspecific plant-soil feedback in four tropical tree species is inconsistent in a field experiment.

Soil microbes can influence patterns of diversity in plant communities via plant-soil feedbacks. Intraspecific plant-soil feedbacks occur when plant genotype leads to variations in soil microbial composition, resulting in differences in the performance of seedlings growing near their maternal plants versus seedlings growing near nonmaternal conspecific plants. How consistently such intraspecific plant-soil feedbacks occur in natural plant communities is unclear, especially in variable field conditions. In an in situ experiment with four native tree species on Barro Colorado Island (BCI), Panama, seedlings of each species were transplanted beneath their maternal tree or another conspecific tree in the BCI forest. Mortality and growth were assessed at the end of the wet season (~4 months post-transplant) and at the end of the experiment (~7 months post-transplant). Differences in seedling performance among field treatments were inconsistent among species and eroded over time. Effects of field environment were detected at the end of the wet season in two of the four species: Virola surinamensis seedlings had higher survival beneath their maternal tree than other conspecific trees, while seedling survival of Ormosia macrocalyx was higher under other conspecific trees. However, these differences were gone by the end of the experiment. Our results suggest that intraspecific plant-soil feedbacks may not be consistent in the field for tropical tree species and may have a limited role in determining seedling performance in tropical tree communities. Future studies are needed to elucidate the environmental and genetic factors that determine the incidence and direction of intraspecific plant-soil feedbacks in plant communities.

Innovative bioinspired hydrogel scaffolds enabling in-situ hybrid nanoflower integration for dual-mode acetylcholinesterase inhibitor profiling.

This study introduces an innovative bioinspired hydrogel scaffold tailored to facilitate the in-situ integration of hybrid nanoflowers (HNFs) into the sensing interface, thereby establishing a versatile dual-mode platform for the sensitive profiling of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, a pivotal aspect in the pursuit of Alzheimer's disease therapeutics. Mimicking the tenacious anchoring of natural tree roots, our design employs magnetic bead imprinting with Strep-Tactin-coated magnetic beads (STMBs) to shape the hydrogel, which is then complemented by the integration of AChE-specific aptamers. This configuration creates a stable and biomimetic environment that nurtures HNF growth, thereby enhancing the binding integrity of HNFs with sensing interfaces. The platform's dual-mode detection capability, integrating both colorimetric and electrochemical sensing, is demonstrated through the effective evaluation of galantamine's inhibitory potency, with IC50 values that highlight its therapeutic potential. The hydrogel's exceptional reusability, maintaining over 95% of its initial activity after multiple uses, and its long-term stability, retaining 91% of its initial performance, further highlight its practicality and cost-effectiveness. In summary, this bioinspired hydrogel scaffold offers a novel, efficient, and dependable biosensing strategy for HNF-based biosensors, showing great potential for broad applications in medical diagnostics and advanced biosensing technologies.

Evaluation of nutritional composition of major available feed resources for backyard sheep fattening in southern Ethiopia

The study was conducted in the Bule district of Gedeo zone in southern Ethiopia to assess the available feed resources for sheep fattening and their chemical composition in backyard sheep fattening operations. A reconnaissance study identified the main sources of feed, followed by a multi-stage sampling procedure to select kebeles and households involved in sheep fattening. Six kebeles were specifically selected based on sheep population, experienced fatteners and accessibility. A total of 126 households were randomly selected for the study. The main food sources included natural pasture, stubble pasture, forage, bamboo leaves, enset (Ensete ventricosum), crop residues, desho grass (Pennisetum pedicellatum), tree alfalfa, kitchen residues and mill products. Feed samples were taken for laboratory analysis, and the average values for dry matter (88.3%), ash (10.71%), organic matter (77.25%), crude protein (11.21%), neutral detergent fibers (60.2%), and acidic detergent fibers yielded (39.42%) and acidic detergent lignin (10.22%). Tree alfalfa (26.06%), mill products (16.11%), green fodder (13.88%), and bamboo leaf (12.45%) had the highest crude protein content. Bamboo leaves (21.15%), forage (15.17%), and stubble pasture (12.36%) provided suitable ash levels for mineral intake. However, concerns arise regarding fiber content in crop residues, grazing practices, and bamboo leaf quality, affecting feed intake, digestibility, and absorption. Promising feeds such as alfalfa, mill products, and forage boost high protein content, but better fiber management is essential for feeds with excessive fiber. Tailored feeding strategies, enhanced feed conversion, and thorough training for sheep fatteners are pivotal to address these challenges.

Harnessing the past: Vibration analysis of organic additives in ancient plasters for sustainable building solutions

This study investigates plant-based organic additives and grains used in ancient earthen plasters from the caves of Karla, Bhaja, Pitalkhora, Ellora, and Aurangabad in Maharashtra, India, highlighting their relevance for sustainable modern construction. Stereo microscopy, FTIR spectrophotometry, and phytochemical analysis identified rice husk, millet, wheat, Chenopodium album, Paspalum, barnyard millet, foxtail millet, and Fumaria seeds as key organic components. Starch grain analysis confirmed the presence of wheat, millet, and mung bean starches, while polarized light microscopy revealed distinctive birefringence patterns, such as the Maltese cross. FTIR analysis of solvent extractions identified natural compounds, including starches, gums, proteins, oils, waxes, and tree resins. These organic additives, especially rice husk, prevalent in Karla, Bhaja, and Pitalkhora samples, and the balanced composition of hemp fibers, seeds, and gums in Ellora samples, contributed significantly to the strength and durability of the plasters. The use of beeswax and tree resins as natural binders further underscores the ingenuity of these ancient techniques. This research not only highlights the botanical diversity in ancient construction but also draws critical connections to modern sustainable practices. The carbon-negative potential of these materials, combined with their renewability and resilience, aligns closely with contemporary green building strategies, offering inspiration for eco-friendly construction rooted in traditional Indian architecture.

Genetic Diversity Analysis and Core Collection Construction of Ancient Sophora japonica L. Using SSR Markers.

Sophora japonica is an important native tree species in northern China, with high ornamental, medicinal, and ecological value. In order to elucidate the genetic resources of ancient S. japonica, 16 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used to evaluate its genetic diversity and population structure and build a core collection of 416 germplasms from the Shandong, Shanxi, and Hebei provinces. A total of 160 alleles were detected, the mean major allele frequency (MAF)was 0.39, and the mean effective number of alleles (Ne) was 4.08. Shannon's information index (I), the observed heterozygosity (Ho), the expected heterozygosity (He), and the polymorphism information content (PIC) were 1.58, 0.64, 0.74, and 0.70, respectively, indicating relatively high genetic diversity in ancient S. japonica germplasms. Low genetic differentiation coefficient (Fst = 0.04) and frequent gene flow (Nm = 9.74) were found in the tested S. japonica populations, and an analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that the genetic variation mainly came from within individuals (84%). A genetic structure and cluster analysis indicated that 416 ancient S. japonica germplasms could be divided into five subgroups, and there were obvious genetic exchanges among different subgroups. A core collection consisting of 104 (25% of the original collection) germplasms was constructed using the R language package Genetic Subsetter version 0.8 based on the stepwise regression method. The retention rates of the number of alleles (Na), Ne, I, He, and PIC were 87.50%, 106.24%, 103.02%, 102.50%, and 102.74%, respectively. The t-test analysis suggested that there were no significant differences between the core collection and the original collection. The principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) showed that the core collection was uniformly distributed within the initial collection and was able to fully represent the genetic diversity of the original collection. These results provide a scientific basis for the conservation and utilization of ancient S. japonica germplasms.

Panga-panga (Millettia stuhlmannii Taub.) responses to atmospheric demand and water availability

Mozambique government plans to expand the national forestry planted area to 1 million ha in the next decades. However, the lack of information on how native trees respond to Mozambique main climate is an obstacle to forestry expansion. The limitation in water availability combined with adverse temperature are the main constraints to tree growth in the country. Thus the objective of this study was to characterize the effect of atmospheric demand combined with water availability levels on the morphological and physiological characteristics of Panga-panga (Millettia stuhlmannii). To do that, the seedlings were put in pots inside air-conditioned greenhouses under two atmospheric conditions: high demand (T = 21.2 and VPD = 0.29 kPa) and low demand (T = 26.9 and VPD = 1.49 kPa), and under four water availability conditions in the soil (100, 80, 60 and 40% of the water holding capacity in the substrate). In addition, growth, gas exchange and pigment analysis were performed after 86 days of experimentation. The highest values of photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and transpiration occurred under high atmospheric demand combined with 100% of water availability. Our results revealed that the magnitude of growth losses due to individual effects of water availability limitation or low atmospheric demand were similar, but worsen when Panga-panga seedlings were exposed to both conditions combined.