Parts Of Tree Research Articles

Response of hibiscus mealybug (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) to citrus volatiles induced by mechanical injury.

Hibiscus mealybug, Nipaecoccus viridis (Newstead) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), is a recent invasive pest of citrus and many other crops in Florida. Nipaecoccus viridis attacks all above ground parts of citrus trees and heavy infestation can cause leaf drop and premature abortion of developing fruits. We quantified greater captures of N. viridis in cardboard band traps on areas of citrus trees that were intentionally injured by mechanical rasping of epidermal tissues as compared with similar but uninjured citrus branches. Direct field collection of headspace volatiles from mechanically injured or intact citrus branches revealed both qualitative and quantitative differences. Certain volatiles (γ-terpinene, citronellal, citronellyl acetate, β-E-farnesene, α-humulene, and α-E-E-farnesene) were only present in samples from damaged citrus branches. Behavioral assays using a laboratory Y-tube olfactometer revealed attraction of N. viridis to volatiles associated with mechanical damage of citrus including synthetic β-ocimene, γ-terpinene, sabinene, isomers of farnesene, and citronellal when loaded into lures at either of 2 concentrations (0.01 or 0.1 µg/µl). Subsequent field trapping experiments confirmed increased captures of various life stages of N. viridis in cardboard band traps baited with a 10.0 µg/µl concentration of farnesene:ocimene:sabinene blend (in 7:13:17 ratio), as well as those releasing either farnesene or ocimene alone at this same concentration, as compared with the mineral oil (diluent) negative control. Our results indicate that common plant related terpenes released by citrus following mechanical damage may be useful for development of an effective monitoring trap for N. viridis.

Reaction of Wood Ants to a Large-Scale European Spruce Bark Beetle Outbreak in Temperate Forests

In the Białowieża Forest, Norway spruce is the preferred host tree species for wood ants, both in coniferous and mixed stands; thus, spruce mortality as a consequence of a continuous spruce bark beetle outbreak in the Białowieża Forest since 2012 could have severe consequences for wood ant colonies, as well as their vitality and distribution. The main aim of this study was to assess whether the bark beetle outbreak had any effects on wood ant nest density and abundance and whether we could find any factors affecting the dead spruce distribution around ant nests. A re-inventory of active and abandoned wood ant nests in our study area was conducted from April to July 2022, using the same procedure as the previous inventory performed in 2016. The wood ant nest density was 0.11 per ha and remained practically the same relative to that determined in 2016. Our results indicate that, despite the importance of spruce for wood ants, in situations when only part of the spruce trees die, natural forest disturbances such as bark beetle outbreaks can actually have positive effects because more light can reach the forest floor, thereby promoting the establishment of new nests.

Conceptualization and First Realization Steps for a Multi-Camera System to Capture Tree Streamlining in Wind

Forests and trees provide a variety of essential ecosystem services. Maintaining them is becoming increasingly important, as global and regional climate change is already leading to major changes in the structure and composition of forests. To minimize the negative effects of storm damage risk, the tree and stand characteristics on which the storm damage risk depends must be known. Previous work in this field has consisted of tree-pulling tests and targets attached to selected branches. They fail, however, since the mass of such targets is very high compared to the mass of the branches, causing the targets to influence the tree’s response significantly, and because they cannot model dynamic wind loads. We, therefore, installed a multi-camera system consisting of nine cameras that are mounted on four masts surrounding a tree. With those cameras acquiring images at a rate of 10 Hz, we use photogrammetry and a semi-automatic feature-matching workflow to deduce a 3D model of the tree crown over time. Together with motion sensors mounted on the tree and tree-pulling tests, we intended to learn more about the wind-induced tree response of all dominant aerial tree parts, including the crown, under real wind conditions, as well as dampening processes in tree motion.

Saraca asoca (Roxb.) de Klilde, a sacred tree: its nutritional value, elemental composition and anti-nutritional content

The sacred Saraca asoca (Roxb.) de Klilde tree holds significant medicinal value and is utilized in ayurvedic preparations to treat various health conditions. This research investigated the nutritional, elemental and anti-nutritional properties of S. asoca leaves and flowers. The nutritional qualities of the tree parts were examined using the muffle furnace and micro-Kjeldahl techniques. Titration techniques were used to assess the anti-nutritional content of plants, whereas EDX (Energy dispersive X-ray) was used to determine the mineral content. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, phenols and flavonoids, along with antioxidant properties that could neutralize free radicals generated by metabolic processes in the body. Nutritional analysis indicated that the floral parts of S. asoca had higher moisture, carbohydrate and crude fat content than the leaves. Conversely, the leaves had elevated ash levels, crude fiber and protein. Leaf samples showed higher concentrations of minerals like calcium, phosphorus, sodium, iodine, iron and manganese compared to the floral samples. In contrast, flower samples exhibited higher potassium, copper, silicon and zinc levels. These findings highlight the rich nutritional profile, abundant phytochemicals and essential minerals in both tree parts, with low anti-nutrient content. This information could be instrumental in developing phytopharmaceuticals and nutritious food products. Additionally, utilizing these tree parts could offer a cost-effective way to enhance nutrient intake and address nutritional deficiencies in humans and animals.

Histopathologic and ultrastructural findings in oak (Quercus spp.) toxicity on 2 beef cattle farms in Colorado.

Natural oak toxicity, a phenomenon sporadically reported in the United States, is due to consumption of any part of most oak trees (Quercus spp.). Ruminants, mainly cattle, are disproportionately susceptible to oak toxicity. Toxicity is attributed to degradation of the oak plant hydrolysable tannins by rumen microbes and enzymes into absorbable low-molecular-weight metabolites, which are postulated to bind and damage endothelial cells by unknown mechanisms. The clinical manifestations of acute toxicosis are nonspecific or broadly suggestive of renal disease due to acute tubular injury. Here we document the clinical, gross, histopathologic, and novel ultrastructural features of natural acute oak nephrotoxicity in 3 beef calves on 2 farms in Colorado, USA. Gross postmortem findings included perirenal edema with renomegaly and hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. Histologically, renal tubular epithelial necrosis was severe, with hemorrhage and intratubular hyaline casts. Transmission electron microscopy revealed extensive involvement of proximal and distal convoluted tubules, with predominantly intact basement membranes, and glomerular and interstitial endothelial injury and necrosis. The ultrastructural details of toxic nephropathy and vasculopathy induced by oak metabolites in natural cases of bovine oak toxicosis have not been described previously, to our knowledge.

Serotype independent protection induced by a vaccine based on the IgM protease of Streptococcus suis and proposal for a new immunity-based classification system

The IgM protease (IdeSsuis gene; Gene ID 8153996) of Streptococcus suis is a putative virulence factor that has been shown to be a protective vaccine antigen for pigs (Seele et al. Vaccine 33:2207–12, 2015). To assess its potential as a cross-protective antigen, the amino acid variability among prevalent clinical isolates in various regions and among various serotypes was investigated. Multi-sequence alignment of full-length amino acid sequences of S. suis IgM protease, available in the public domain (status Jan-2022) supplemented with in-house sequences, i.e. a total of 1999 sequences, revealed that the IgM protease of S. suis clusters into three main evolutionary distinct branches: groups A, B and C. Group A, 82% of the sequences in the database, was associated with clinical isolates of various serotypes. Group B, 6% of the strains in the database, was associated with clinical isolates mainly in the EU and mainly belonging to serotype (st) 9. Group C, 12% of the strains in the database, was largely associated with healthy carrier isolates, i.e. nose or tonsil isolates of various serotypes but in particular with st9 and un-typable strains. Within the groups A, B and C, high levels of amino acid identity were observed (> 75%), whereas between groups A and B, the percentage amino acid identity was approximately 30% and between groups A and C approximately 55%. Experimental Escherichia coli expressed recombinant subunit vaccines based on the IgM protease group A sequence of st1 strain B10-99, st2 strain 10 or st7 strain 14009-1, induced serotype independent protection in pigs against challenge with all group A strains tested, i.e. strains of different parts of the phylogenetic tree and of different serotypes including st1, 2, 9 and 14. Protection was observed after vaccination of piglets at 3 and 5 weeks of age and subsequent challenge at 7 weeks but also after vaccination of gilts at 6 and 2 weeks before anticipated parturition and challenge of the offspring up to at least 8 weeks of age. No protection was observed against challenge with st9 strain SZ2000-6264 having group B IgM protease. A recombinant subunit vaccine based on the group B IgM protease sequence, also did not protect against challenge with the homologous group B st9 challenge strain. The results indicate that a vaccine based on a group A IgM protease induces protection against all S. suis strains that express the group A IgM protease. Depending on the geographical region such a vaccine is expected to protect against 60–100% of the virulent S. suis strains. Since the novel proposed IgM protease classification is highly relevant, a PCR was developed and validated, to be able to classify clinical isolates into IgM protease groups A, B and C and predict the cross-protection that can be expected from a group A based IgM protease vaccine.

VALORIZATION OF BANANA FLOWER RESIDUES: POTENTIAL THERAPEUTIC AND ANTIOXIDANT APPLICATIONS

Various parts of the banana tree (Musa spp.), such as leaves, fruits, inflorescences, roots, peels and stems are used in traditional medicine, in several cultures around the world, for the treatment of diarrhea, ulcers, pain, inflammation, and diabetes mellitus. The inflorescence, in turn, stands out as a promising by-product of the banana agroindustry, since it is rich in micronutrients and bioactive compounds relevant to the human health, such as β-sitosterol, flavonoids, saponins, and phenolics like catechin and isoquercetin. Studies reveal that the consumption of banana inflorescences can provide various health benefits, including improved intestinal function, weight management and reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. For this work, a bibliographic narrative review was carried out with a focus on the valorization of banana flower residues, exploring its therapeutic and antioxidant potential. The research was developed through the analysis of scientific articles and relevant studies, highlighting the bioactive properties of these by-products and their potential applications in the pharmaceutical and food industries. This review showed that banana inflorescences are rich in phenolic compounds, flavonoids and terpenoids, which have antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Therefore, these by-products can be used by the pharmaceutical and food industries and can contribute to the circular economy and sustainable management of agricultural resources.

Simultaneous quantitative analysis of some main components in cinnamon leaves (Cinnamomum cassia) by HPLC-PDA

Cinnamon leaves, a part of the cinnamon tree, are used as raw materials to extract cinnamon essential oil and as a spice in food processing. Trans-cinnamaldehyde is the main ingredients that have biological effects and high concentration in cinnamon, cinnamic acid is often used as a marker in the quantification methods of cinnamon, coumarin is the ingredient that needs to be controlled due to risk of liver toxicity. So that, cinnamaldehyde (CAL), cinnamic acid (CA) and coumarin (CM) have been choosen to determin quality of cinnamon leaves. The analytes in the test sample were extracted with methanol:water ratio 9:1 by ultrasound twice 30 minutes and resting for 30 minutes between extractions. The ultrasonic extract was analyzed using an HPLC-PDA, C18 column (250×4.6 mm, 5 µm) at 25°C, mobile phase system consisting of acetonitrile and 0.05% phosphoric acid is eluted according to the program's gradient, detection wavelength 280 nm. The method was determined according to AOAC 2016 guidelines with appropriate specificity and linearity ranging from 51.90-691.31 µg/mL for coumarin, 1.00-20.10 µg/mL for cinnamic acid and 52.45-609.8 µg/mL for trans-cinnamaldehyde, good repeatability with RSD from 0.46% to 0.61%, accuracy of coumarin, cinnamic acid and cinnamaldehyd were 101.0%, 100.7% and 100.7% respectively, meets AOAC requirements at 3 concentration levels. The study applied quantitative research methods to quantify coumarin, cinnamic acid and transcinnamaldehyde on 17 C. cassia leaves samples collected in provinces in Vietnam. In result, analyte concentrations varied widely between samples, with coumarin ranging from 0.53- 2.47%, cinnamic acid from 0.01-0.08%, and cinnamaldehyde from 0.95-2.56%.

Heavy Metals in Tree Parts (Roots, Bark, Leaves) and Fruits Grown in Mechanic Workshops in Nigeria

The day-to-day activities carried out at the mechanic workshop like panel beating, welding, and automobile battery servicing may result in high amounts of heavy metals in the soil near mechanic workshops. Spent engine oils also emit a huge number of toxic metals, when disposed of on the floor at workshops, they settle on soil and are absorbed into nearby trees and plants. Therefore, making the tree parts and fruits at mechanic workshops prone to attack by heavy metals. This work is focused on testing if the presence of heavy metals would have adverse effects on the tree parts (roots, shoots, upper leaves, lower leaves) and fruits of mechanic workshops. A mechanic village in Abeokuta, Ogun State was chosen as the case study. The tree parts were oven-dried, ground, digested, and taken for analysis using AAS. Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb), and Mercury (Hg) were found in higher amounts than the recommended allowable limits by WHO/FAO. Results show that the upper bark had the highest heavy metal concentration. In general, the tested heavy metals were recognized in the order: Zinc (Zn) > Lead (Pb) > Mercury (Hg) > Nickel (Ni) > Manganese (Mn) > Iron (Fe) > Copper (Cu). It is recommended that mechanic villages should be sited far from residential areas. Remediation of polluted soil should be encouraged. Phytoremediation was suggested to be the best method for reducing the concentration of heavy metal in the soils and tree parts at mechanic workshops. Continuous education and training should be provided for automobile repairers/ mechanics, emphasizing the environmental implications of their poor occupational waste management and the dangers of eating fruits and taking herbs from trees planted in workshops.

Effect of a Phytochemical-Rich Olive-Derived Extract on Anthropometric, Hematological, and Metabolic Parameters.

Extra virgin olive oil is a fundamental component of the Mediterranean diet. It contains several molecules that sustain human well-being by modulating cellular metabolism and exerting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ageing effects to protect normal tissues, and it can exert anti-angiogenic and pro-apoptotic effects on cancer cells. Metabolites found in different parts of the olive tree, including leaves, also possess properties that might help in cancer prevention and promote wellness in aging. Olive mill wastewater (OMWW), a liquid residue produced during olive oil extraction, represents an environmental issue. However, it is rich in phytochemicals with potential beneficial properties. Dietary supplements based on OMWW can be produced for nutritional supplementation with advantages to the ecology. This work aims to measure hematochemical, anthropometric, and metabolomic parameters in volunteers taking an OMWW dietary supplement, Oliphenolia® (OMWW-OL). The supplementation of OMWW-OL 25 mL twice daily for 30 days was tested on a pilot cohort of volunteers with characteristics close to metabolic syndrome. Hematochemical, anthropometric, serum biomarkers and serum metabolomic parameters were analyzed before the intervention, at 30 days, and 30 days after stopping consumption. A total of 29 volunteers were enrolled, and 23 completed the study. The participants' parameters at baseline were measured, and then twice daily at 30 days of treatment and 30 days after assumption discontinuation. Although treatment was with an olive derivative, their weight did not increase. Their body mass index, instead of augmenting, slightly decreased, particularly in the women. Also, hydration increased, especially in the women, while blood pressure, glycemia, and insulin decreased. Cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins, and triglycerides were stable, and LDL levels decreased, while vitamin D levels, alongside calcium, perceptibly increased. Albumin also increased. All the values were in support of an equilibrium, with no damaging effects. By mass spectrometry analysis, we also found favorable changes in the vitamin D/histamine and homocysteine/methionine ratios, an increase in a new metabolite of unknown formula, and the vitamin D/unknown metabolite ratio. Supplementation of OMWW-OL has no detrimental effects and might imply the beneficial modulation of several biological parameters. Although this is a small pilot study, with limited potency, it preliminarily suggests that the OMWW extract use could be potentially valuable for people at risk of metabolic syndrome. Some of these parameters could also be relevant in supporting healthy ageing and in cancer prevention.

Restoration of stand on the site of burnt spruce forest in the Central Forest reserve

With the warming of the climate, the intensification of droughts and the drying up of coniferous forests, the number of forest fires is also increasing. Therefore, the study of the post-fire dynamics of stands and prospects for reforestation on burnt areas is especially relevant. The research was carried out in the Central Forest State Natural Biosphere Reserve (southern taiga) on the burnt area formed in 1999 as a result of a thunderstorm. The purpose of the work was: to describe the state of vegetation 22 years after burnout; to find out the characteristics of the stand formed on the burnt area and the possibility of their use for reconstructing the history of disturbancies in old spruce forests. The objectives of the study included: monitoring vegetation changes in the 1999 burnt area; studying the growth of spruce undergrowth in the burnt area; finding out the number and ratio of preliminary and subsequent renewal of tree species; analyzing the distribution and amount of coals in the sample plots (depending on the intensity of burnout and the state of the pre-fire stand). To study the state of vegetation after the burnout of the blueberry-wood sorrel and wood sorrel – nemoral-herb spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) forests, 14 sample plots (100 m2 each) were laid in the northwestern part of the burnt area. The sample plots covered 1.5 hectares. 22 years after the fire, a mixed small-leaved forest with a predominance of birch and a significant participation of spruce has been forming on the site of burnt spruce forests. Spruce is represented mainly by post-fire renewal. In the undergrowth, the ratio of pre- and post-renewal spruce is about 1 : 3. In the ground cover, a small number of nemoral herb species is recorded, and in the stand and undergrowth – almost complete absence of broad-leaved species. A lot of coals were found in soil digs in 4 sample plots (30%); there were no coals in 3 (20%) sample plots, and small coals in small amount were found in 7 (50%) sample plots. Assessing the possibilities of identifying the first post-fire generation of spruce in old stands, it must be said that none of the characteristics of a post-fire spruce stand is universal for its recognition. Only a set of features allows to identify the history of the stand. Distinctive features of the first post-old generation: the presence of coals in 30% of samples or more; a large admixture of birch and aspen; a large diversity of the aspen part of the stand; if there are broad-leaved species, they will be much younger than the spruce; the presence of a sharp decline, and then a rise in growths in a significant part of the oldest spruce trees; the main generation of spruce has initial radial growths on an average of 2.1 mm/year, and the absence of synchronous sharp rises of the growths at the beginning of life. The age of aspen most accurately corresponds to the year of the fire.

Comparison of different parts of tangerine (Citrus tangerina) for DNA extraction

The tangerine, a citrus fruit, is grown commercially worldwide in tropical, semitropical, and warm temperate countries, including the Mediterranean region. Tangerine cultivation and production are crucial for the economy of many countries, where genomic DNA plays a critical role in genetic diversity and molecular analysis of this tree. Therefore, this study was conducted in 2022 at Limpopo University to compare DNA extraction from three different parts of the tangerine tree: fresh leaves, stems, and fruit. The Chelex method was used to extract DNA from three samples of C. tangerine from South Africa. The quantity and purity of DNA were measured using a spectrophotometer. PCR amplification with 28S primers was used to confirm and evaluate the extracted DNA. The results from the spectrophotometer showed that the highest quantity of nucleic acid was extracted from the stem (98.18± 12 mg/mL), with a 260/280 ratio for DNA quality (1.85 ± 0.01). The fruit showed a high level of protein (5.8 ± 1.8 mg/mL), but the DNA concentration was lower. In conclusion the amplification of the samples indicated that the stem had high purity and concentration of DNA, which can be suitable for PCR amplification.

Financial Feasibility of Palm Sugar Business in Ogomoli Village, District Galang Tolitoli Regency

Sugar palm (Arenga pinnata) is a type of plant that has been known for a long time because almost all parts of this palm tree can be used and contribute to people's income. Sugar palm as an NTFP product has a very important role in the development of NTFPs in Indonesia can support the economy of rural communities and has a bright market and high demand. This research aims to determine the financial feasibility of the palm sugar business and determine community income from selling palm sugar in Ogomoli Village, Tolitoli Regency, Galang District. The method used in this research is the census method (which is studied in measuring variables), namely, all individuals in the population are enumerated (investigated or interviewed) as respondents. Results of research carried out in Ogomoli Village, Galang District, Tolitoli Regency. Took a sample of 44 people. Based on the research results above, the average income from the palm sugar business in Ogomoli Village, Galang District, Toli-Toli Regency obtained by respondents was equal to. Rp. 19.584.00/ year with an average NPV of Rp. 105.950.39, with a Net B/ C of Rp. 5.33. The IRR value is 11.50% and the payback period (PP) in the palm sugar business is the profit earned or returned in the sixth year.

Non-Invasive Assessment of the Internal Condition of Urban Trees Infested by Two Cerambycid Beetles, Aromia bungii and Massicus raddei, Using Sonic Tomography

The introduction of wood-boring insects to non-native areas can pose a significant threat to global forest ecosystems. Aromia bungii and Massicus raddei, native to Asia including Korea but potentially important in urban forestry worldwide, are severe trunk borers that have recently infested host trees in urban landscapes of Korea. The signs of external injury can help identify cerambycid-infested trees. However, assessing the internal condition of trees without causing damage is challenging, which hinders the management of infested trees that are still alive. This study evaluated the potential use of sonic tomography to assess injury characteristics in the woody parts of trees, such as Prunus × yedoensis and Quercus palustris infested by A. bungii and M. raddei, respectively. Among the 45 investigated trees, the number of holes on external parts was recorded by visual examination. Sonic tomography images revealed decayed areas, allowing for a comparison of internal damage between infested and non-infested trees. The internal status of trees infested by the two cerambycid beetles differed from that of healthy trees. While some healthy trees exhibited minimal internal damage, those that were not infested by beetles showed decayed areas, potentially caused by non-biological factors such as frozen cracks. In conclusion, sonic tomography equipment can potentially be used for non-invasive assessment of internal injuries caused by wood-boring insects in urban trees.

Estimation of phloem conductance at tree level in young, middle-aged and old-aged Scots pine trees growing in different climatic conditions in boreal forests.

In forests, a significant proportion of the carbon fixed by trees during photosynthesis is transported belowground along the conducting phloem, so variations in phloem anatomy can lead to variations in transport capacity. Phloem conductance at tree level (Ktree) is also affected by tree height. Both the phloem anatomy and the tree size change during ontogeny, and also differ under different environmental conditions. The goal of our work was to identify the main drivers of variation in Ktree in Scots pine trees growing in natural boreal forests. We conducted a phloem anatomical study and calculated Ktree in trees of three age groups growing in different climatic conditions along a latitudinal gradient from south to north. We found that Ktree was maintained at the same level in actively growing pine trees (25-80-years-old) but increased in old-aged trees (180-190-years-old), possibly reflecting the shift in source-sink relationships of aboveground and belowground parts of trees. Trees of the same age group growing in different climatic conditions demonstrated similar values of Ktree due to coordinated changes in the phloem anatomy and the tree height. In general, the negative influence of tree height on Ktree is offset by the positive influence of phloem width (or trunk diameter) and sieve cell diameter. The exception was young trees growing in the transition zone of the northern taiga subzone to the tundra, where Ktree was the highest in its age group and even exceeded Ktree of middle-aged trees.

SAT-based Decision Tree Learning for Large Data Sets

Decision trees of low depth are beneficial for understanding and interpreting the data they represent. Unfortunately, finding a decision tree of lowest complexity (depth or size) that correctly represents given data is NP-hard. Hence known algorithms either (i) utilize heuristics that do not minimize the depth or (ii) are exact but scale only to small or medium-sized instances. We propose a new hybrid approach to decision tree learning, combining heuristic and exact methods in a novel way. More specifically, we employ SAT encodings repeatedly to local parts of a decision tree provided by a standard heuristic, leading to an overall reduction in complexity. This allows us to scale the power of exact SAT-based methods to comparatively very large data sets. We evaluate our new approach experimentally on a range of real-world instances that contain up to several thousand samples. In almost all cases, our method successfully decreases the complexity of the initial decision tree; often, the decrease is significant.

PELATIHAN PEMBUATAN PRODUK DIVERSIFIKASI PELEPAH PISANG BAGI WARGA DESA DUWET KAB.MALANG

Banana fronds or Gedebog in Javanese, banana fronds are one part of the banana tree that is rarely 'touched', even though banana fronds themselves contain many vitamins and are rich in health benefits. Therefore, it is feasible to increase the value of the product and its selling value so that it can be enjoyed by the wider community as a healthy snack product through diversification of banana fronds into banana frond chips that can be accepted by the community. Duwet Village as a good banana producing village, has not yet understood the diversification of products that can be processed from banana fronds. The methods used in this activity are a) Initiation of PPM Activity Program, b) Transfer of Knowledge, c) Discussion and Q&A, d) Problem Discussion. The training participants were mothers of Duwet villagers who were housewives, farmers, and who did not have a fixed income. The results of this activity found several obstacles that not all types of bananas, the fronds can be diversified into banana frond chips, for the process of making this product also has special criteria related to down time production time.

Allometric equations for estimation of above- and below-ground biomass of Acacia mearnsii in northwestern Ethiopia

Correct estimation of tree biomass is important when calculating uptake or emission of CO2 in relation to land-use and land-use change. The objectives of this study were (1) to estimate the root/shoot ratio for the estimation of root biomass based on the above-ground biomass (AGB) of Acacia mearnsii, and (2) to develop allometric equations for the estimation of the above-and below-ground biomass (BGB) of Acacia mearnsii. To estimate the AGB and BGB, twenty-four trees of varying ages (3, 4, 5, and 6 years) were harvested, with six trees per age group. We measured the dry biomass for different tree parts and developed allometric models using tree height (H) and diameter at breast height (DBH) as independent variables. The results showed that the biomass of the stem accounted for 69% of the total biomass, followed by branches (14%), roots (8.1%), and leaves (7.3%). The recorded mean root/shoot ratio was 0.11. The biomass of the stem and coarse roots increased with increasing tree age, while a contrary trend was observed for the other tree components. Each component has its unique allometric model.

Development and validation of an oil palm model for a wide range of planting densities and soil textures in Malaysian growing conditions

A semi-mechanistic oil palm growth and yield model called Sawit.jl was developed to account for a wide range of planting densities and soil textures under Malaysia's climate conditions. The model comprises components related to meteorology, photosynthesis, energy balance, soil water content, and crop growth. The model simulates instantaneous meteorological properties using daily weather data, calculates simultaneous evaporation from crop and soil with the Shuttleworth-Wallace model, determines soil water content through Darcy's law, and adapts a biochemical C3 model for photosynthesis. The model is also parameterized using updated measurements from the newer tenera oil palm, including temperature-dependent Rubisco kinetics, specific leaf area, and the partitioning of nutrients and dry matter between various tree parts. Sawit.jl was validated using historical field measurement data from seven Malaysian oil palm sites, encompassing palm ages spanning 1–23 years. These seven sites differed in soil type (Inceptisols and Ultisols), planting density (82–299 palms ha−1), soil texture (27–59 % clay and 7–67 % sand), and rainfall (1800–2800 mm yr−1). The model showed overall good accuracy in simulating oil palm parameters (except for trunk weight) across diverse conditions, with model agreement metrics ranging from 6 to 27 % for model absolute errors, −22 to +17 % for model bias, and 0.38 to 0.98 for the Kling-Gupta Efficiency index. The model also predicted the response of oil palm yield to abrupt rainfall changes, such as those during El Niño and La Niña events, while accounting for how soil texture, rainfall, and other meteorological factors influence water deficits and crop photosynthesis. However, model accuracy varied by site, planting density, and oil palm parameter. Model accuracy can be increased by more accurately representing the oil palm microclimate, incorporating fruiting activity, and refining the dry matter partitioning mechanism for the trunk.

Labile glutamate synaptic transmission in the adult CA1 stratum-lacunosum-moleculare region.

The excitatory monosynaptic activation of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells is spatially segregated such that the proximal part of the apical dendritic tree in stratum radiatum (SR) receives input from the hippocampal CA3 region while the distal part in the stratum-lacunosum-moleculare (SLM) receives input mainly from the entorhinal cortex. The AMPA receptor-mediated (AMPA) signalling of SLM synapses in slices from neonatal rats was previously found to considerably differ from that of the SR synapses. In the present study, AMPA signalling of SLM synapses in 1-month-old rats has been examined, that is, when the hippocampus is essentially functionally mature. For the SR synapses, this time is characterized by a facilitatory shift in short-term plasticity, in the disappearance of labile postsynaptic AMPA signalling, a property thought to be important for early activity-dependent organization of neural circuits, and the expression of an adult form of long-term potentiation. We found that the SLM synapses alter their short-term plasticity similarly to that of the SR synapses. However, the labile postsynaptic AMPA signalling was not only maintained but substantially enhanced in the SLM synapses. The long-term potentiation observed was not of the adult form but like that of the neonatal SR synapses based on unsilencing of AMPA labile synapses. We propose that these features of the SLM synapses in the mature hippocampus will help to produce a flexible map of the multimodal sensory input reaching the SLM required for its conjunctive operation with the SR input to generate a proper functional output from the CA1 region.