Nursery Establishment Research Articles

Modulation of C:N:P stoichiometry is involved in the effectiveness of a PGPR and AM fungus in increasing salt stress tolerance of Sulla carnosa Tunisian provenances

Sulla carnosa (Hedysarum carnosum Desf.) is an important legume grown as animal feed on salt-affected areas. Here, we assess the influence of plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPR) (Bacillus subtilis) with or without the mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) Rhizophagus intraradices on four S. carnosa Tunisian provenances (Sidi khlif, Thelja, Kalbia and Kerker) grown in the greenhouse under saline and non-saline conditions. Plant growth, mineral nutrition, C:N:P stoichiometry in plant shoots, and soil enzymatic activities were considered. Microbial effectiveness on plant (roots and shoots) growth ranged from insignificant in Kerker to highly positive in the provenances Sidi khlif and Kalbia. In the latter provenance, the positive effect on growth was more pronounced under dual than single inoculation. Plant growth declined significantly under salt stress compared to the control, but Sidi khlif provenance was the most severely impacted. Especially in Kalbia, shoot mineral (N, P, K, Mg, Cu, and Fe) concentrations increased significantly in salt-stressed plants inoculated with R. intraradices as compared to the salt-stressed and non-inoculated plants. This suggests that inoculation with R. intraradices during nursery establishment contributes to salt stress alleviation by maintaining a favourable nutrient profile in Kalbia provenance. Shoots of Sidi khlif plants inoculated with B. subtilis demonstrated distinct C:N:P stoichiometry as compared to salt-treated and non-inoculated plants, indicating that B. subtilis could increase plant tolerance to salt stress through nutrient allocation patterns. The efficiency of B. subtilis in Kalbia and Thelja was due to the high IAA production by this strain under stress conditions. Application of PGPR and AMF improved soil quality by increasing the activities of soil enzyme such as urease, alkaline phosphatase, β-glucosidase and dehydrogenase compared to their respective non-inoculated controls. From this study, we conclude that microbial inoculation was necessary for S. carnosa provenances to reach their optimal nutrition under saline and non-saline conditions. Thus, the use of adequate microbial inocula and provenance could be a critical issue for the successful ecological stability of this Mediterranean legume, thereby improving its suitability for the remediation of saline lands.

Adoption of improved agricultural technologies among rice farmers in Ghana: a multivariate probit approach

The need for practising modern techniques in rice production has become increasingly important in Ghana as the per capita cultivable land continues to shrink. This study employed a multivariate probit model to estimate the determinants of adoption of improved agricultural technologies using household data collected from 543 rice farmers in the Upper East and Northern region of Ghana. There was complementarity among all the improved rice production technologies (i.e. nursery establishment, harrowing, line planting, spacing, urea briquette, irrigation, and bunding). Among the socio-economic variables, education, household size, experience, farm size, sex, and age of the farmer play significant roles, with differing signs across technologies. Among the institutional factors, membership of farmer-based organisation, access to research service, training and credit were significant with differing signs across the improved technologies. Location also had significant and differing influence on adoption. Also, demonstration, TV, radio, video, mobile phones, and household extension methods had significant and differing influence on the adoption of improved technologies, providing significant justification for the review of the agricultural extension methods and approaches of Ghana to include new ICT and mass media approaches. To improve the output of rice, farmers are advised to jointly adopt the identified improved rice production technologies. Keywords: Adoption, Agricultural Technologies, Multivariate Probit, Rice Farmers, Northern Ghana

Зміни анатомо-морфологічних показників рослин роду Аcer L. в умовах м. Дніпро

Вивчено видоспецифічні особливості анатомо-морфологічних показників одно-річних пагонів представників роду Acer L. Показано різницю параметрів гістологіч-них елементів пагонів дерев, що зростають на узбіччі автострад, та дерев з умовночистої зони. Виявлено пряму залежність між розмірами короку, первинної і вторин-ної кори та здатністю дерев протидіяти антропогенному впливу. Встановлено, що заанатомічною будовою найбільш толерантним до впливу техногенних емісій виявив-ся A. pseudoplatanus L., найбільш чутливим – A. negundo L.

Observations on seed embryo and germination, seedling morphology and development of Vitellaria paradoxa (C. F. Gaertn.)

ABSTRACTCotyledon morphology and subsequent establishment of V. paradoxa seedlings that account for its cryptohypogeal germination were studied. To identify the embryonic axis, fresh and partially dry seeds were deshelled and their distal ends transversely cut off. Cut seeds were immersed in 1.0 % tetrazolium chloride (TTC) solution for 24 hours and kept in the dark for staining. To study cotyledon morphology, 50 seeds were deshelled, air-dried for 3–5 days and split open from the distal end. Another batch of 50 seeds were sown directly. The sprouted seeds or seedlings were sampled at 5-day intervals and their cotyledonary tubes sectioned to observe morphological and anatomical features. Morphologically the seed bears a cotyledonary raphe, which lies vertically with distally schizocotylous and proximally syncotylous cotyledons. Large seeds sprouted earlier (7 days) followed by seedling emergence within 61 days, while small seeds sprouted almost a week later (12 days) with seedling emergence within 75 days. The location of the embryos at the proximal ends cause germinating seeds to produce long cotytedonary tubes which bury the plumules deep into the soil, a protection against bushfires. This germination study will enhance nursery establishment for plantation development of V. paradoxa.

Porphyra umbilicalis in applied and basic research: reproductive phenology, development, seed stock culture, and a field trial for aquaculture

Porphyra umbilicalis is being developed in the North Atlantic for aquaculture; however, information on nursery stock establishment and maintenance is needed, including when to collect spores (phenology), how to maintain healthy seed stock over multiple generations, and whether reproductively mature blades can be stored at low temperature (− 20 °C) for immediate use “on demand” to seed lines and nets. We evaluated whether spore damage would occur by documenting early developmental patterns of germlings from cold-stored parent blades to control blades. Phenological studies over 300 km of Maine, USA, shore indicated that successful NS production by P. umbilicalis peaks in winter, is greatly reduced in summer, and may be affected by amphipod (Apohyale prevostii) grazers in fall and spring. The pattern of early cell division in germinating neutral spores was affected by donor parent (blade) for a few minor patterns of cell division, but not by cold storage (− 20 °C) of reproductive blades for 6 weeks. Linear development was about four times more common in neutral spore germlings than bilateral development, but variations in pattern of cell division were observed, and these may help to explain the variable morphology of the adult blade. The minimal time required to grow neutral spores to reproductively mature blades in laboratory culture was 62 days; vigorous water motion provided by aeration and immobilization of blades by holdfast clips (versus tumbling) were essential to spore production. Seeded lines produced blades of harvestable size with a substantial understory in a preliminary field trial.

Constraints encountered by nursery operators in establishing agroforestry tree nurseries in Burundi

A nursery operator survey was conducted to identify major constraints encountered by nursery operators for tree nursery establishment in Burundi. The survey covered two main contrasting agro-ecological zones of the country in Muruta commune and Bugesera region in Bugabira and Busoni communes. It was found that most planting materials used by nursery operators were collected from sources of unknown genetic quality. It was also noted that few tree species were raised in nurseries of Muruta and Bugesera areas. The growing medium used in individual and group nurseries was of low quality. The lack of capital and nursery material inputs was another impediment to small-scale nursery sustainability. Most nursery operators lacked sufficient technical knowledge on nursery establishment techniques and had limited skills on vegetative propagation techniques. The low involvement of non-governmental organizations and government agencies impedes the sustainability of nursery operations in the two areas of study. Finally, the low demand and price for tree seedlings do not motivate nursery operators to produce seedlings for income generation. The government intervention may develop a well-structured nursery management system to support sustainable production of high-quality seedlings. It is then necessary to organize trainings of nursery operators on source and collection techniques of germplasm or planting material. The establishment of seed orchards and seed production areas of a large number of tree species is also of great importance. The support of nursery operators in financial and material inputs may promote tree species diversity and increase seedling production. The link of tree operators to good market may improve the sustainability of tree nursery operations.

Revisiting Participatory Forest Management and Community Livelihoods in the Kilum-Ijim Montane Forest Landscape of Cameroon

The natural resource –livelihood sustenance link has received significant scientific attention. Specifically, the question of how forests should be managed in relation to the livelihoods of adjacent communities has been one of the burning issues in the field of conservation and rural development. Thus, participation in forest management is not a recent issue in human history. The concept has evolved significantly since the 1970s due to the alarming rate of deforestation and forest degradation which was registered in most forest regions of the world. Given the significant interest, several approaches to forest management have been applied. For instance, the leviathan approach compelled adjacent communities to adhere to conservation considerations with limited consideration for community livelihoods. Participatory Forest Management (PFM) as a concept has been applied in different contexts with diverse outcomes. Although it is considered relevant in conservation and poverty alleviation, in the context of humid montane forest ecosystems such as the Kilum-Ijim, a scientific analysis of its potential contribution to rural livelihoods is required against the backdrop of increasing demographic pressure and the need to secure livelihoods. In this study, we undertake a systematic sample involving 250 household representatives around the Kilum-Ijim forest Landscape. This was complemented by field observations, interviews of local conservation groups and the consultation of secondary data sources. The data were analysed using the Z-test. The results showed that at 0.05 level of significance, a significant relationship does not exist between aspects of participatory forest management such as tree planting and nursery establishment, and the generation of income in the Kilum-Ijim montane forest landscape. Equally at 0.05 level of significance, a link was established between the creation of forest management institutions and employment generation. Finally, at 0.05 level of significance, there is significant relationship between the exploitation of forest resources and standards of living of communities adjacent to Kilum-Ijim montane forest landscape. The conclusion drawn is that considering the inextricable link between the forest and livelihoods, local coordination efforts should be stepped up to restrict further encroachment into the forest. In addition, trees that are economically and environmentally attractive should be considered during re-afforestation as they can support livelihoods.

A Comparative Study of Gender Roles in Tea Sector in Embu and Murang’a Counties, Kenya: A Case Study of Smallholder Tea Farmers

<div><p><em>Men and women perform different roles within the household and in agricultural sector. However, women’s roles are more strenuous and more pronounced and they work extra hours in providing the much needed labour on the tea farms than the men counterpart. But in spite of women’s much involvement in agricultural sector, they undergo discrimination in all aspects not only related to land ownership but also kept out when it comes to control and access to the benefits accrued from tea farming. This study therefore sought to determine gender roles in tea production in Embu and Murang’a counties and also to assess the accessibility and control over the benefits accrued from tea farming by gender. Stratified random sampling; simple random sampling and Purposive sampling techniques were used to sample 276 respondents from estimated target population of </em><em>18,000 tea growers from the two counties under study. </em><em>The study established that women perform more roles in tea plantation than their male counterparts. The findings clearly demonstrated that the most tedious and difficult roles that took long hours to accomplish were assigned to the women for instance, the plucking of tea, taking green leaves to the buying centre and collecting/receiving pay slips from the factory or buying centre was majorly done by the women but it’s men who goes to the bank to earn bonus and monthly payments for the work didn’t participate and also attending annual general meetings (AGMs) or any meetings at the factory or buying centre and even organized educational forums and surveys since they knew that at the end of it they would either receive certificate of participation and more importantly sitting allowance. The finding further revealed that, men were assigned themselves roles that lighter duties that might require bit of skills such as pruning of tea bushes and nursery establishment. On the other hand women are unable to attend the forums or meetings because of numerous roles waiting for them ranging from household chores to agricultural production. Although conflicts have been in arise over the control of proceeds of tea sales because men receive the benefits and women who worked for them do not seem to benefit much, this gender discrimination had negatively affected tea production and by extension resulted in decline of tea yields and neglected tea bush. This study recommends that Kenya tea development agency to increase its sensitization forums and conducts regular workshops to educate the tea growers on gender balance in regards to distribution of proceeds from tea sales, access to and control over tea benefits. This could not only help to empower and motivate women but also demystify the gender stereotypes that men have about women and therefore eliminate gender discrimination in tea growing communities.</em></p></div>

Use of Reflectance Spectroscopy as a Tool for Screening Viroid-Inoculated Oil Palm Seedlings

Reflectance spectroscopy was assessed as a new diagnostic tool for screening oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) seedlings inoculated with Coconut cadang-cadang viroid (CCCVd). This study was aimed at non-destructive diagnosis of Orange Spotting (OS) disease of oil palm under glasshouse conditions. Leaf reflectance (in the detection range of 325-1075 nm) was acquired from oil palm seedlings with and without inoculation (control) of CCCVd. Spectral reflectance was measured at 15 and 30 days after inoculation using a non-imaging spectroradiometer, ASD FieldSpec® HandHeld™ 2. The red-edge region (680-780 nm) was investigated, and two spectral bands (i.e. 680 nm and 754 nm) were selected. Reflectance Sensitivity (RS) analysis was performed over these spectral bands. The far red band at 680 nm was found to be markedly sensitive to CCCVd infection while the spectral band at 754 nm was found to be insensitive. The 680 nm band gave an RS of 35.4% while the 754 nm band registered an RS of -5%. This study demonstrates the potential of screening CCCVd infection at an early stage (nursery establishment) non-destructively.

Onion ( Allium cepa L.) Seedling Quality Parameters as Affected by Soil and Seed Treatment at Adami Tulu, Mid Rift Valley of Ethiopia

The integrated effects of soil and seed treatment on onion (Allium cepa L.) were investigated at Adami Tulu mid rift valley of Ethiopia during hot warm season (March, April and May) 2015. Leaf number, seedlings length, weed abundance, percentage of strong and weak seedling were tested for their response. Accordingly interaction effect of seed and soil treatment affected percentage of strong and weak seedling significantly at (P < 0.01). The main effect of seed treatment was found non-significantly affected all seedling quality parameters except seedling length whereas the main effect of soil treatment affected seedling length, and leaf number at (P < 0.05) weed abundance, percentage of strong and weak seedling at (P < 0.01). The maximum percentage of strong seedling was attained while solarization combined with treated seed (seed treated with apron star) (85%) followed by treated seed with burning (77.4%) and untreated seed with solarization (77.4%). The interaction of burning and untreated seed (4) was found to maximize leaf number followed by combined effect of burning and treated seed (4). Mean weed abundance reduced from 65.9% and 41.7% when soil is treated with solarization and burning as compared to control plot, respectively. In general increased quality of onion seedling was achieved due to combined application of soil solarization and seed treated with apron star. Therefore, combined treatment of soil solarization and seed treatment with apron star is recommended for onion nursery establishment at Adami Tulu mid rift valley of Ethiopia.

25 year results of a dryland tree trial, and an invasive risk assessment of introduced species

Tree species elimination trials were planted in 1988 and 1989 in Almeria, south-eastern Spain, and the driest part of mainland Europe. The aim was to test the adaptability of exotic species to local conditions and compare their performance with native species. Of the 50 species initially selected, 12 exotics failed to germinate or exhibited poor nursery establishment. Of the 38 species outplanted (574 trees in total, between 14 and 29 of each species), 11 exotics died within the first year, and a further 18 recorded 100% mortality after 24-25 years, when only 9 species remained with a total of only 40 surviving trees. The best performing species were the native/naturalised Pinus pinea and Pinus halepensis with 79% and 65% survival, respectively, followed by the exotic Acacia salicina with 38% survival, and most trees were 2.0-4.5 m tall. Apart from these dryland trials, trees were also planted on better terrace sites. Of these, Acacia salicina and Casuarina spp. were the largest (to 15 m tall), with an 11 m Prosopis chilensis and a Robinia pseudoacacia of 10 m. On the edge of the nationally recognised ‘Karst en Yesos de Sorbas’ Natural Area, special measures should be taken regarding potentially invasive alien species, and all non-native trees should be removed from the dryland site if further self-seeding is observed. This paper reports the first records of naturally regenerating Prosopis chilensis and P. velutina in Europe. On the terrace sites where natural regeneration were pronounced, it is strongly recommended that all exotic and potentially invasive species of Acacia, Casuarina, Leucaena, Gleditsia, Parkinsonia, Prosopis and Robinia are cut down immediately and stumps removed. On the irrigated ‘arboretum’ site, however, some stumps could be retain be retain for educational purposes, though regrowth must be cut as soon as they flower and before any further fruiting.

AMF Inoculation Enhances Growth and Improves the Nutrient Uptake Rates of Transplanted, Salt-Stressed Tomato Seedlings

The study aimed to investigate the effects of commercially available AMF inoculate (Glomus sp. mixture) on the growth and the nutrient acquisition in tomato (Solanumlycopersicum L.) plants directly after transplanting and under different levels of salinity. Inoculated (AMF+) and non-inoculated (AMF−) tomato plants were subjected to three levels of NaCl salinity (0, 50, and 100 mM·NaCl). Seven days after transplanting, plants were analyzed for dry matter and RGR of whole plants and root systems. Leaf tissue was analyzed for mineral concentration before and after transplanting; leaf nutrient content and relative uptake rates (RUR) were calculated. AMF inoculation did not affect plant dry matter or RGR under fresh water-irrigation. The growth rate of AMF−plants did significantly decline under both moderate (77%) and severe (61%) salt stress compared to the fresh water-irrigated controls, while the decline was much less (88% and 75%,respectively)and statistically non-significant in salt-stressed AMF+ plants. Interestingly, root system dry matter of AMF+ plants (0.098 g plant–1) remained significantly greater under severe soil salinity compared to non-inoculated seedlings (0.082 g plant–1). The relative uptake rates of N, P, Mg, Ca, Mn, and Fe were enhanced in inoculated tomato seedlings and remained higher under (moderate) salt stress compared to AMF− plants This study suggests that inoculation with commercial AMF during nursery establishment contributes to alleviation of salt stress by maintaining a favorable nutrient profile. Therefore, nursery inoculation seems to be a viable solution to attenuate the effects of increasing soil salinity levels, especially in greenhouses with low natural abundance of AMF spores.

Factors determining the adoption of agroforestry practices in north western parts of Tamil Nadu

The purpose of this study was to assess the adoption level of agroforestry in North western parts of Tamil Nadu. This study was conducted from January to May, 2013. Data was collected from 240 households randomly selected from North western parts of Tamil Nadu. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Office Excel and the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) where Freidman test was applied. The results showed that the agroforestry species planted on farmland were Textonagrandis (100%) followed by Tamrindus indicus (76.1%). Freidman test showed that Textonagrandis is more preferred by farmers with 2.38 mean rank. The most influencing factors are: Nitrogen fixation with 5.12 mean rank followed by soil erosion reduction, waste assimilation, changing climatic conditions, carbon storage, soil cover improvement, increasing soil fertility and then improving soil structure with mean rank of 4.55, 4.40, 4.28, 3.27, 3.17, 2.77 and 1.88 respectively diversification of products was the most important economic factor influencing farmers to adopt Agroforestry species with mean rank of 2.63 and training and agricultural extension with 2.69 as mean rank as the first social factors influencing farmers to adopt agroforestry species. The lack of seedlings was the most critical constraint faced by famers in adoption of agroforestry species with 3.62 mean rank value. Agroforestry nursery establishment, training on agroforestry practices and availability of bank credit loan were the major suggestions given by respondents to resolve the mentioned constraints with respective percentages of 100, 64.2 and 17.9. This research showed many factors influencing the farmers to adopt agroforestry species.

Micro-cloning of an economic rattan palm Calamus thwaitesii for eco-restoration programme

Axillary shoots were induced from shoot tip of Calamus thwaitesii suckers on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 0.4 mg/L N6-benzylaminopurine and 0.1 mg/L each of thidiazuron and α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). The shoots initiated were subcultured to fresh media of the same composition for shoot multiplication and multiplied shoots were transferred to half strength MS hormone-free media for shoot elongation. The elongated shoots (∼5cm) were then re-cultured to the media supplemented with 3.0 mg/L indole-3-butyric acid/4.0 mg/L NAA to raise plantlets which were subsequently analysed for genetic fidelity using inter simple sequence repeat markers. Out of 183 bands scored, 178 bands were monomorphic indicating 97.2% similarity. The observed low level of polymorphism between genotypes supports genetic consistency of these micro-clones that are likely to be genetically true to their parental origin. The clones thus obtained were hardened in the specially fabricated mist house at 29 ±2°C and 80±5% relative humidity for 3 months followed by shifting to green house for another 3 months of nursery establishment. The established plants when reintroduced to the selected forest segments of the Western Ghats, Kerala (India) showed 79.3% survival rate after 2 years of field transfer. The viable and highly reproducible in vitro cloning protocol demonstrated here for the first time can be used for the production of elite female clones for aforestation activities and sustained delivery of high quality raw materials to cane processing units for strengthening cane industry.

Perception of Smallholder Farmers on fodder Tree Utilization and Management for Livestock Production in the Mid-Hills of Nepal

A field survey was conducted in 2009 at Sundarbazar and Anppipal village development committees (VDC) of Lamjung and Gorkha districts to understand the indigenous fodder trees utilization and management practices in the middle hills of Nepal. 50 households from each VDC were selected randomly, whilst a pre-tested and adjusted questionnaire was used to collect the primary information by direct interview. 55% respondents responded that fodder trees contributed greater than 40% of total annual feed requirement. The year-round fodder availability, nursery establishment for fodder trees and agroforestry management activities were found well organized in Anppipal than Sundarbazar. Farmers\' order of preferences of fodder trees remained on top for those having high nutritive values attributing to higher milk production on their perception. On an average, 33% of the respondents utilized community forest for livestock production. Likewise, 50% of the respondents had fodder tree planted in farmland system was highly beneficial for conservation of the soil and degraded land; and to support livestock production by 1/3rd of the respondents. Farmers\' indigenous knowledge on fodder trees management was impressive in the survey sites in order to improve fodder tree utilization and management practices.

Cellular differentiation, regeneration, and secondary metabolite production in medicinal Picrorhiza spp.

Picrorhiza kurroa and P. scrophulariiflora are two important endangered medicinal plant species of the Indo-China Himalayan region. These species contain several bioactive compounds that have therapeutic properties. In vitro culture studies have been conducted for developing protocols for shoot proliferation via apical/axillary meristem culture, rhizogenesis, acclimatization of plantlets, and nursery establishment. Moreover, successful efforts have been made to induce somatic embryogenesis from callus cultures as well as synchronous maturation of somatic embryos and plantlet conversion. In addition, regeneration has also been achieved via de novo shoot organogenesis, callus-mediated organogenesis, and from synthetic seeds following nutrient-alginate encapsulation. Factors impeding successful in vitro micropropagation have also been investigated. Clonal fidelity of micropropagated plants have been assessed using DNA markers. More recently, genetic transformation of P. kurroa has been reported via Agrobacterium tumefaciens or A. rhizogenes. Hairy root cultures (rhizoclones) containing higher levels of the bioactive compounds kutkoside and picroside I have also been identified. Two genes involved in picroside biosynthesis in P. kurroa have been identified, and these are found to be up-regulated under illumination and low temperature. High throughput de novo transcriptome sequencing has revealed abundance of trinucleotide simple sequence repeat markers associated with temperature-dependent biosynthesis of picrosides. Progress made in developing regeneration, transformation, as well as biochemical and molecular analysis of valuable bioactive compounds present in Picrorhiza species will be reviewed.

Leaf To Uplift Mindoro: Rehabilitation And Propagation Of Nipa (Nypa Fruticans Wurmb) In Occidental Mindoro

Nypa fruticans wurmb commonly called nipa is the only palm considered as mangrove. It plays an important role in stabilizing river banks preventing, soil erosion and producing various useful products. In Occidental Mindoro, this species is dwindling and might be considered endangered if not given utmost attention at this point in time. The location of the site was mapped out using GPS coordinates. The assessment of nipa was conducted along Amindan River, Bubog, San Jose, and Occidental Mindoro with a plan table area of 7,800 sq m. Nipa species density shows 379 plants on the right side of the river bank and 414 plants on the left side. The seaward zone has the highest density of 770 plants/ha and middle ward zone of 630 plants/ha. The least dense is the landward zone of 247 plants/ha. A survey questionnaire and unstructured interview were administered and conducted respectively among 30 randomly selected stakeholders. Continuous consultation and partnership with the community and other stakeholders; provision of financial and technical support from collaborating agencies, nursery establishment and additional trainings and seminar to enhance the participation of the community are the most important strategies done in the implementation of the project.

Cycad propagation by rural nurseries in Mexico as an alternative conservation strategy: 20 years on

Propagation of the cycad Dioon edule aimed at sustainable management in the state of Veracruz, Mexico has been ongoing since 1990 under the supervision of staff at Francisco Javier Botanic Garden, with the principal objectives of addressing illegal trafficking and habitat destruction. Plant sales have been limited. Nevertheless these, along with the sale of other managed forest products, have given the cycad producers and other villagers enough incentive to conserve 80 hectares of cycad habitat and to discourage illegal collecting. This model was taken up by four similar nurseries in the buffer zones of two biosphere reserves in Chiapas for the propagation of four additional cycad species and two endangered Chamaedorea palms. A further biosphere reserve in Puebla hosts a similar nursery for the critically endangered D. caputoi. Here the producers are paid through the Reserve authority for cultivation and reintroduction of the cycad. All species were studied at the population level prior to and during nursery establishment. Cultivation knowledge has been passed on to the farmers as well as limited help in marketing. Seedling reintroduction experiments have been carried out but further demographic studies of D. edule and C. mirandae have given reason to re-think reintroduction strategies. There is great potential for these nurseries to act as shelter for rescued plants during civil engineering projects. The marketing problem is still an issue and has been approached by the involvement of conservation authorities in Chiapas to assist the producers with permit paperwork and to seek markets. This experience is an important example of botanic garden extension to rural communities in Mexico that covers several articles of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Response to Selfing in Seed Set, Seedling Establishment and Nursery Growth Based on Controlled Crosses of Abies nordmanniana Clones

Abstract Nordmann fir (Abies nordmanniana) is used for production of high value Christmas trees in short rotation. Potentially all trees are intended to be sold - no thinnings are normally applied. A high proportion of saleable trees per ha is the main key to secure economic return to the growers. Consumers demand a symmetric and rather uniform tree and, dependent on local traditions, it should be more or less dense and narrow. In Denmark, breeding of Nordmann fir and establishment of seed orchards focus on seed supply and improved Christmas tree quality - aiming at adaption and a rather uniform ideotype Christmas tree. Benefits from employing rather few clones, to maximise gain and uniformity, may potentially be counteracted by increased selfing. The objective of this study was to quantify the effect of selfing on percentage of filled seed and nursery establishment of seedlings. Inbreeding depression was seen for filled seeds (40%), growth traits (5-17%), plus mortality and axial damage (5-12 percent units). Many selfed seedlings survive and develop into marketable seedlings, although with a depression in numbers of 23-37%, or 9-12 percent units. Nursery sorting procedures can only partially reduce the number of inbred seedlings in Nordmann fir. The large variation among clones in the response to selfing indicates that knowledge of the behaviour of selfed progeny from specific clones in ‘small number seed orchards’ is of practical interest. Trade-offs between increased gain by selection of few clones and a penalty paid for increased inbreeding need further studies during a full Christmas tree rotation.

Participatory agent-based modeling and simulation of rice production and labor migrations in Northeast Thailand

Rainfed lowland rice production in lower Northeast Thailand is a complex and adaptive farming activity. Complexity arises from interconnections between multiple and intertwined processes, affected by harsh climatic and soil conditions, cropping practices and labor migrations. Having faced a spatially heterogeneous and dynamic environment for centuries, local rice farmers are very adaptive and are used to adjusting their behavior in unpredictable climatic and economic conditions. Better understanding is needed to manage the key interactions between labor, land and water use for rice production, especially when major investments in new water infrastructure are now being considered. Based on the principles of the iterative and evolving Companion Modeling (ComMod) approach, indigenous and academic knowledge was integrated in an Agent-Based Model (ABM) co-designed with farmers engaged in different types of farming practices over a period of three years to create a shared representation of the complex and adaptive social–agroecological system in Ban Mak Mai village, in the south of Ubon Ratchathani province. The ABM consists of three interacting modules: Water (hydro-climatic processes), Rice, and Household. “Household” is a rule-based agent; it makes daily decisions based on its available means of production, taking into account the stage of the rice crop, and water and labor availability. Key decisions made are related to: i) rice nursery establishment, ii) rice transplanting, iii) rice harvesting, and iv) migration of household members. The spatially explicit model interface represents a virtual rainfed lowland rice environment as an archetypical toposequence made of upper to lower paddies in a mini-catchment farmed by 4 different households, and also includes water bodies and human settlements. Thanks to intensive communication, the participating farmers, made sure that the ABM adequately represents their rice farming and labor migration management practices. They found the model useful to deepen their understanding of the interrelations between labor migrations and rice production, which helped to strengthen their adaptive management ability.