Pinus Gerardiana Research Articles

Chilgoza Pine: A Comprehensive Review on Ecology, Cultivation, and Economic Potential of an Underutilized Nut Crop

Chilgoza pine (Pinus gerardiana L.) is an underutilized nut crop native to the high-altitude regions of South Asia, particularly the western Himalayas. This comprehensive review aims to provide an in-depth understanding of Chilgoza pine's ecology, cultivation practices, and economic potential. The review synthesizes current knowledge on the tree’s ecological requirements, including its adaptation to arid and mountainous environments. It examines cultivation techniques, challenges faced in agronomic practices, and recent advancements in improving yield and quality. Additionally, the economic potential of Chilgoza pine is explored, highlighting its role in local economies, market trends, and opportunities for commercialization. This review underscores the significance of Chilgoza pine in sustainable agriculture and its potential as a high-value nut crop.

In vitro Study of the Synergistic Effect of Different Concentrations of Chlorhexidine Mouthwash and Ethanolic Extract of Pinus Gerardiana on Oral Pathogens (Streptococcus Mutans and Candida Albicans)

Introduction: Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in the world. Streptococcus mutans is the most important bacteria that cause tooth decay. The most common chemical method to prevent tooth decay is using mouthwash. Chlorhexidine is used as a standard mouthwash. The use of herbal compounds with antibacterial effect is preferable to chlorhexidine due to less side effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the combination of different concentrations of chlorhexidine mouthwash and ethanol extract of Pinus gerardiana medicinal plant on oral pathogens (Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans). Method: A combination of different concentrations of chlorhexidine mouthwash and ethanol extract of Pinus gerardiana medicinal plant was prepared and its effect in different dilution against Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans was investigated by disc diffusion, well diffusion, and prevention of biofilm formation methods. Results: The results of disc diffusion, well diffusion, and biofilm method showed that the ethanolic extract of Pinus gerardiana medicinal plant alone had no significant antimicrobial effect on Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans and it was not comparable to chlorhexidine. Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, the antibacterial and antifungal effects of chlorhexidine gradually increased with the increase in concentration, and 0.2% chlorhexidine had the highest inhibitory effect on bacteria and fungi under the present study.

Assessing Chilgoza Pine (Pinus gerardiana) forest fire severity: Remote sensing analysis, correlations, and predictive modeling for enhanced management strategies

Forest fires represent a critical global threat to both humans and ecosystems. This study examines the intensity and impacts of Chilgoza (Pinus gerardiana) Pine Forest fires by using advanced remote sensing techniques comprising Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR) and Difference Normalized Burn Ratio (dNBR) analyses based on Landsat 9 datasets. The study highlights the severe effect of these fires, resulting in noteworthy losses of livestock and private properties and widespread damage to 10,156.53 acres of the Chilgoza Pine Forest. A comprehensive variable correlation analysis is conducted to gain deeper insights into the influencing factors causing forest fires. Spearman's Rank Correlation Coefficient was used to assess the association between burnt and unburnt areas and various independent factors. The analysis reveals compelling evidence of significant correlations with forest fire prevalence. This study found moderate negative (-0.532, p < 0.05) and positive (0.513, p < 0.05) correlations with elevation and Land Surface Temperature (LST), respectively, and a weak positive correlation (0.252, p < 0.05) with a Wind Speed (V). To predict forest fire susceptibility and better understand the contributing factors, three machine learning models, Random Forest (RF), XGBoost, and logistic regression, are applied to assess variable importance scores. Among the considered factors, LST is the most critical variable, with consistently high variable importance scores (100 %, 96 %, and 59 %) across all three models. Wind Speed (V) also proved influential in all models, with variable importance scores of 78 %, 83 %, and 61 % for RF, XGBoost, and logistic regression, respectively. Moreover, elevation significantly influences the frequency of forest fires, as evidenced by variable importance scores ranging from 26 % to 100 %. Comparatively, the Random Forest model outperforms XGBoost and Logistic Regression in predicting forest fire vulnerability. During the training stage, the Random Forest (RF) model achieves an impressive classification accuracy of 99.1 %, followed by XGBoost with 94.5 % and Logistic Regression with 85.6 %. On evaluation with the validation dataset, the accuracies remain promising, with RF at 96.4 %, XGBoost at 91.1 %, and Logistic Regression at 84.6 %. Based on the Random Forest model, the identified high-risk sites offer valuable insights for proactive fire management and prevention strategies. This study provides a robust predictive model and a comprehensive understanding of forest fire severity and impacts. Future research should consider climate change scenarios and account for human activities to enhance fire behavior predictions and risk assessment models.

Growth and Survival of Chilgoza Seedlings as Influenced by Different Types and Size of Sowing Media

Chilgoza pine (Pinus gerardiana Wall.) is an important but endangered tree species in Afghanistan. Due to poor natural regeneration, seed-related dormancy and anthropogenic factors, the IUCN put this species on the red list. Therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate the effect of growing medium and polybag sizes on seedling growth and survivability. In this study, four growing media of soil (So), compost (Co), forest soil (Fs) and sand (Sa), viz., M1 (So + Co + Fs); M2 (Fs + Co + Sa); M3 (So + Fs + Sa); and M4 (Sa + Co + Fs) and three polybag sizes including P1 (16 cm×16 cm), P2 (18 cm×18 cm), and P3 (21 cm×26 cm) were used and arranged in the frame of 4×3 factorial design to assess their effects on seedling growth and survivability. The results revealed that among different growing media treatments, higher seedling growth parameters and survival rate percentage were observed on treatment M4 (Sand + Compost + Forest Soil). Seedling growth parameters and survivability were significantly affected by polybag size, and the highest seedling growth parameters and survival rate were obtained for Large Polybag size (P3).

Multi-century (635-year) spring season precipitation reconstruction from northern Pakistan revealed increasing extremes

The Hindu Kush Himalaya region is experiencing rapid climate change with adverse impacts in multiple sectors. To put recent climatic changes into a long-term context, here we reconstructed the region’s climate history using tree-ring width chronologies of climate-sensitive Cedrus deodara and Pinus gerardiana. Growth-climate analysis reveals that the species tree-growth is primarily limited by moisture stress during or preceding the growing season, as indicated by a positive relationship between the chronology and precipitation and scPDSI, and a negative one with temperature. We have reconstructed 635 years (1384–2018 CE) of February–June precipitation using a robust climate reconstruction model that explains about 53% variance of the measured precipitation data. Our reconstruction shows several dry and wet episodes over the reconstruction period along with an increase in extreme precipitation events during recent centuries or years. Long, very wet periods were observed during the following years: 1392–1393, 1430–1433, 1456–1461, 1523–1526, 1685–1690, 1715–1719, 1744–1748, 1763–1767, 1803–1806, 1843–1846, 1850–1855, 1874–1876, 1885–1887, 1907–1909, 1921–1925, 1939–1944, and 1990–1992, while long dry periods were observed during the following years: 1398–1399, 1464–1472, 1480–1484, 1645–1649, 1724–1727, 1782–1786, 1810–1814, 1831–1835, 1879–1881, 1912–1918, 1981–1986, 1998–2003, and 2016–2018 CE. We found predominantly short-term periodicity cycles of 2.0, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.6–2.7, 2.9, 3.3, 4.8, 8.1–8.3, and 9.4–9.6 years in our reconstruction. Spatial correlation analyses reveal that our reconstruction is an effective representation of the precipitation variability in the westerly climate-dominated areas of Pakistan and adjacent regions. In addition to the influence of regional circulation systems like western disturbances, we found possible teleconnections between the precipitation variability in northern Pakistan and broader-scale climate modes or phases like AMO and ENSO. The study also highlights the prospects of tree-ring application to explore linkages between western disturbance, increasing intensity and frequency of extreme climate events, and analysis of long-term atmospheric circulation over the western Himalayan region.

Aseptic In vitro Synthesis of Pinus gerardiana Ectomycorrhizae with Amanita ceciliae and Lactarius sanguifluus

ABSTRACT: The present investigations are aimed to synthesize in vitro ectomycorrhizae between Pinus gerardiana and two gilled ectomycorrhizal (ECM) mushrooms (Amanita ceciliae and Lactarius sanguifluus). To carry out in vitro synthesis, pure cultures of ECM mushrooms (A. ceciliae and L. sanguifluus) were isolated on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and Modified Melin-Norkans (MMN) Medium respectively. The synthesis was achieved successfully in the surfaced sterilized seedlings of P. gerardiana geminated under aseptic conditions by using vermiculite, peat, medium for ECM fungi and inoculum of each fungus in the test tubes. Mycorrhization was checked periodically in the test tubes. P. gerardiana seedlings were lifted from test tubes after five months to observe ectomycorrhizae formation on the root system with A. ceciliae and L. sanguifluus. The synthesized ectomycorrhizae were dark brown in case of A. ceciliae whereas in case of L. sanguifluus the colour of ECM roots was yellowish brown. Anatomy of synthesized ectomycorrhizae with both ECM fungi showed fully developed fungal mantle and Hartig net. The seedlings with ECM synthesis showed a significant effect on the growth and development.

Assessment of Various Gibberellic Acid Concentrations on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Chilgoza (Pinus gerardiana Wall. ex D. Don)

Chilgoza (Pinus gerardiana) forests naturally exist on the highest elevations of the Himalaya Mountains in the provinces of Paktia, Kunar, Nangarhar, Nuristan, and Paktika in the southeast of Afghanistan. These natural chilgoza forests provide a sizable source of income for the people living in these areas. The spread and natural regeneration of chilgoza pine forests is declining in the natural environment as a result of overharvesting, erratic annual seed production, and prolonged dormancy; therefore, it is necessary to find an effective method to enhance seed germination and seedling growth. Different Gibberellic Acid (GA3) hormone concentrations (50 ppm, 75 ppm, and 100 ppm), the removal of the seed coat, and control (untreated) treatments were used to conduct an experiment for this study. For each treatment, seedling growth parameters and the percentage of seeds that germinated were examined. The results showed that the T4 treatment had the highest average length of seedling, shoot, and root, measuring 13.34 cm, 8.1 cm, and 8.4 cm, respectively; whereas the T1 treatment had the shortest average lengths of seedling, shoot, and root, measuring 11.22 cm, 6.5 cm, and 6.2 cm, respectively. The greatest percentage of germination (78.66%) was observed in T4 (100 ppm), whereas the lowest percentage (26%) was documented in T1 (Control). The highest average number of leaves was recorded in T4 (22.25) and the lowest in T1 (15.02) treatment. The results indicated that treating chilgoza pine seeds in a 100 ppm solution of GA3 for 24 hours enhances both the seed germination and sprouting seedling growth.

Sowing Media and Gibberellic Acid Influences Germination and Seedling Growth of Chilgoza Pine (Pinus gerardiana. Wall)

Pinus gerardiana Wall. recognized for its significant contribution to nut production, holds ecological and economic importance as a forestry species with limited range primarily found in Afghanistan. The species displays either extremely low or non-existent levels of natural regeneration. Due to irregular and uncommon seed years, problems with dormancy, and other factors, this species' natural habitat renewal is slowed down. Hence, we conducted a study to examine how different substrates and gibberellic acid (GA3) affect the germination and growth of Chilgoza pine seedlings. The substrates were grouped into three types, each containing varying proportions of soil, sand, and farmyard manure (FYM): M1 (1:1:1), M2 (1:1/2:1/2), M3 (1:1/3:2/3). Additionally, three concentrations of GA3 (0, 50, and 100 ppm) were used to assess their impact on germination and seedling growth. The results revealed that, with the exception of mean germination time (MGT) at 42.36 days, the highest values for final germination percentage (FGP) at 58.66%, germination index (GI) at 274, germination rate index (GRI) at 75.01, shoot fresh weight (SFW) at 8.74 g, shoot dry weight (SDW) at 4.78 g, shoot length (SL) at 219.80 mm, and seedling vigor index (SVI) at 1291926.02 were achieved when seeds were initially soaked in a 100 ppm GA3 solution for 6 hours and then planted in a medium with equal proportions of soil, sand, and FYM. The effects of GA3 concentrations were significant in influencing seedling growth, while substrate effects strongly impacted seed germination. This indicates that Chilgoza seeds possess ample gibberellin for germination but this is reduced during the seedling growth phase. The response of seedling vegetative growth to GA3 concentrations exhibited a notable linear trend, whereas the relationship between FGP and MGT with GA3 concentrations showed a significant quadratic pattern. This suggests that GA3 concentrations can effectively promote seedling growth. The substrate choice notably influenced FGP and MGT due to its role in nutrient provision and aeration. The highest GA3 concentration led to the greatest enhancement in seedling vegetative growth, implying that prolonged usage might yield further benefits over time. In conclusion, the findings suggest that both GA3 and substrate have the potential to enhance Chilgoza seed germination and subsequent seedling growth, and their combined application could be a beneficial approach.

Influence of aspect on vegetation dynamics: insights into the understory vegetation diversity of the dry temperate forests of South Waziristan Agency, Pakistan

The dry temperate forests of Pakistan exhibit rich diversity of understory floral species. These important and endemic plant species play a pivotal role in ecosystem functioning and providing livelihoods to the forest communities. South Waziristan, located in the southwest of Pakistan, is known for its rare pure stands of Pinus gerardiana Wallichex. D. Don forests. The rapidly expanding population and current state of affairs are leading to deforestation and causing disturbance to the understory vegetation of this valuable forest. The current study aims to fill the currently scanty information present in the literature regarding the diversity status of understory vegetation in P. gerardiana forests. Data of understory vegetation diversity were gathered for the northern and southern aspects of the forest. A 50 m2 sampling plot along with the placement of fifty 1x1m2 quadrats on both sites were laid out to determine species dominance, diversity, and evenness using Simpson, Shanon, Marglef, and Buzas–Gibson indices. The study depicted 612 individuals of about 29 species representing 23 families from the study site. The most abundant species in all of the sites was Salvia Glutinosa cccIV = 0.52. The southern aspect depicted the lowest diversity, but had high species dominance. Allium carolinianum DC. in this site was the most important species (IV = 0.74). The most abundant species were medicinal plants (75%), followed by edible plants (25%). Aspect had a significant effect on the understory vegetation and different categories of plants with respect to their diversity, dominance, and evenness as predicted by the various diversity indices. This study provides essential insight in to the florisitic diversity and community structure of the fragile pine nut understory vegetation in South Waziristan, which was hitherto not available. It was concluded that the southern aspect of understudy dry temperate forests depicted lower diversity and density as compared with the northern aspect. But it was observed that the southern aspect more specifically had more density and diversity of medicinal plants. It is therefore the need of the hour that conservation of these species from grazing and unsustainable harvesting must be ensured to sustain the livelihood of the inhabitants.

Assessing regeneration strategies for sustaining intensively used Chilgoza pine-dominated community forests in Afghanistan

Income from Chilgoza pine (Pinus gerardiana) nut harvests, grazing, and the collection of firewood support forest communities within Afghanistan's Eastern Forest Complex. Persistent instability, frequent incidence of armed conflict, limited capacity of Indigenous communities, and inaccessibility to scientific expertise on forest regeneration limit options for addressing forest degradation. Representatives from forest communities in 16 districts in Khost, Paktia, and Paktika Provinces were surveyed to assess community user perceptions of Chilgoza pine regeneration status, forest protection, and acceptability of potential regeneration strategies (rotational stand harvesting, group seed tree protection, individual seed tree protection, partial cone harvesting, and integrated method). Human activity management, primarily via fine systems and forest guards, was widely reported and was regarded as important in managed forests. Respondents who reported current implementation of regeneration methods were more likely to regard natural regeneration as important and most regarding natural regeneration as very important reported the use of partial cone crop harvest as the prevailing regeneration method. Among proposed strategies, partial cone harvesting was the most frequently chosen option where regeneration was regarded as very or somewhat important. In light of the previously reported decline of forests under prevailing management practices, these results indicate a general awareness of regeneration as a forest management issue but also a significant gap among forest users in identifying the limitations of partial cone crop harvesting without additional protection for seedlings, as a potential remedy. We offer integrated rotational harvesting and grazing management strategies as a means to promote sound silviculture practices and provide a next step for community-based forest management to sustain Chilgoza pine. The context of this work in a region where tribal politics has limited outsider input allows it to serve as a model to address natural resource management issues in similar conflict-prone settings.

Effects of Type and Size of Growing Media on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Pinus gerardiana

Chilgoza pine (Pinus gerardiana Wall.) is an important but endangered tree species in Afghanistan. Due to poor natural regeneration, seed-related dormancy and anthropogenic factors, the IUCN put this species on the red list. Therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate the effect of growing medium and polybag sizes on seed germination and seedling growth. In this study, four growing media of soil (So), compost (Co), forest soil (Fs) and sand (Sa), viz., M1 (So + Co + Fs); M2 (Fs + Co + Sa); M3 (So + Fs + Sa); and M4 (Sa + Co + Fs) and three polybag sizes including P1 (16 cm×16 cm), P2 (18 cm×18 cm), and P3 (21 cm×26 cm) were used and arranged in the frame of 4×3 factorial design to assess their effects on germination and seedling growth. The results revealed that among different growing media treatments, higher germination and seedling growth parameters were observed on treatment M4 (Sand + Compost + Forest Soil). Seedling growth parameters were significantly affected by polybag size, and the highest seedling growth parameters were obtained for Large Polybag size (P3).

Habitat distribution modeling of the Pinus gerardiana under projected climate change in the North-Western Himalaya, India

Habitat distribution modeling of the Pinus gerardiana under projected climate change in the North-Western Himalaya, India

Effect of Sowing Media and Gibberellic Acid on seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Chilgoza pine nut (Pinus gerardiana. Wall)

Chilgoza is currently propagated only by seed, which shows very low and uneven germination, and slower seedlings growth that causes poor natural regeneration. Therefore this study was undertaken to investigate the effects of gibberellic acid and sowing media on seed germination and seedling growth. Two factors i.e., sowing media (three media with various proportions of soil, sand, and animal manure) and GA3 (0, 50, and 100 mg. L-1) were included in the study. This greenhouse experiment was run as 3×3 factorial in frame of CRD design with 3 replications. Results showed that apart from MGT (42.36 days), the higher FGP (58.66%), GI (274), GRI (75.01), and SFW (8.74gr), SDW (4.78gr), SL (219.80 mm), SVI (129192602) were obtained when seeds were initially immersed for 6 h at 100 mg. L-1 GA3 solution and then sown in the medium of equal proportions of soil, sand, and animal manure. In terms of simple effects, GA3 concentrations had a significant effect on the vegetative growth of seedlings, whereas media effects on seed germination were highly significant which means that chilgoza seed contains sufficient amount of gibberellin for germination and thereafter is reduced during seedling growth stages. The results also revealed that the vegetative growth response of the seedling to the concentrations of GA3 had a significant linear response but response of FGP and MGT against GA3 concentrations were significantly quadratic i.e. the use of GA3 concentrations can stimulate the growth of seedlings. Overall the results showed that the media had obvious effect on FGP and MGT which may be due to nutrients and ventilation. On the other hand, as the highest concentration of GA3 increased the vegetative growth of the seedling, so additional use may be necessary over time. In light of the results, it is suggested that GA3 in addition to media may be used for betterment of chilgoza seed germination and subsequent seedling growth.

Nutritional and mineral analysis of the ultimate wild food plants of Lotkuh, Chitral, the Eastern Hindukush Pakistan

Wild food plants (WFPs) are designated as functional foods owing to their nutritional potential and as a source of bioactive compounds vital for human health. In times of geopolitical upheaval and nutritional imbalance in mountainous areas of the world, the contribution of WFPs is extraordinary. Lotkuh is a remote mountainous region in the Eastern Hindukush that supports distinctive global plant biodiversity. The documentation and nutritional analysis of the wild edible plants have not yet been subjected to scientific investigation, even though WFPs make up a significant component of the inhabitant’s diet. The current study is the first scientific investigation of the nutritional profile of 16 WFPs in the Hindukush region of Pakistan. Plants were collected from different parts of the study area and were subjected to proximate analysis adhering to the standard protocols of AOAC international. Proximate analysis revealed higher moisture in Rheum webbianum (91.5 g/100 g FW) and Oxyria digyna (90.5 g/100 g FW), while Elaeagnus angustifolia had the lowest (25.4 g/100 g FW). Mentha longifolia and Pinus gerardiana had (23.2 g/100 g) and (14.0 g/100 g) protein, whereas Berberis lyceum contained (3.6 g/100 g). Pinus gerardiana had the highest lipid (56.50 g/100 g), followed by Hippophae rhamnoides (45.50 g/100 g), and Berberis lyceum (0.91 g/100 g). Crataegus songarica with high carbohydrate (87.50 g/100 g) was followed by Eremurus stenophyllus (80.83 g/100 g), whereas Berberis lyceum had the least (18.51 g/100 g). High crude fiber (19.33 g/100 g) was found in Ziziphora clinopodiodes followed by Cotoneaster nummularia with (15.50 g/100 g). Pinus gerardiana and Prunus prostrata had low fiber of 1.387 and 1.377 g/100 g. Vitamin C was high in Mentha longifolia (90.63 mg/100 g), Eremurus stenophyllus (86.96 mg/100 g), and Ziziphora clinopodiodes (90.45 mg/100 g). Ca concentration was (948.33 mg/100 g) in Oxyria digyna followed by Cotoneaster nummularia whereas the lowest Ca (20.03 mg/100 g) was recorded in Diospyros lotus. Mg was high in Oxyria digyna (994.00 mg/100 g) and lowest (10.01 mg/100 g) in Diospyros lotus. Berberis lyceum (54.30 mg/100 g), Oxyria digyna (34.33 mg/100 g), and Rheum webbianum (26.04 mg/100 g) had the maximum iron. Mn was high in Berberis lyceum (14.33 mg/100 g), Pinus gerardiana (6.33 mg/100 g), and Elaeagnus angustifolia (4.60 mg/100 g). Prunus prostrata (12.16 mg/100 g), Oxyria digyna (10.30 mg/100 g), and Pinus gerardiana (4.16 mg/100 g) were the leading in Zn concentration whereas Ziziphora clinopodiodes (0.22 mg/100 g). The current study establishes the hitherto unidentified nutritional profile of the WFPs in the area. The prospect of nutritional research on WFPs in the Eastern Hindukush is established by this study.

Quantitative ethnobotanical appraisal of Shawal Valley, South Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Background: This study's primary goal was to collect and document uses of plants by local residents of Shawal Valley, South Waziristan, Pakistan. Methodology: A semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview 65 residents (24 women and 41 males). The Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Use Value (UV), Fidelity Level (FL), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), and Jaccard Index (JI). Results: The research region is abode of 60 plant species belonged to 32 families of ethnobotanical significance. Lamiaceae family contributed maximum number of species (7), followed by Pinaceae (6 species). The most preferred plant parts among the reported species were the leaves (60%), followed by the stem (28.3%).&nbsp;Thymus mongolicus&nbsp;was found to have the highest RFC (0.86), while&nbsp;Adiantum capillus-veneris&nbsp;had the lowest (i.e. 0.02).&nbsp;The UV was between 0.02 and 1.&nbsp;Thymus mongolicus&nbsp;was found to have the greatest UV (UV=1); whereas,&nbsp;Adiantum capillus-veneris&nbsp;had the lowest UV (0.02). Twelve plants had a fidelity level of 100% while&nbsp;Quercus dilatata&nbsp;had the lowest (33.3%). Plants' ICF values varied from 0.87 to 0.96. The Average Direct Matrix Ranking revealed that&nbsp;Quercus dilatata&nbsp;received the highest rating (1st) for its many uses, followed by&nbsp;Pinuswallichiana&nbsp;(2nd),&nbsp;and Rumex dentatus&nbsp;(3rd),&nbsp;Pinus gerardiana&nbsp;(4th),&nbsp;and Zingiberofficinale&nbsp;(5th). Conclusion:Ethnomedicinal research indicates that indigenous people in the studied area are knowledgeable on the use of plants. These plants and indigenous knowledge must be preserved.

The Effect of Chilgoza Pine Nut (Pinus gerardiana Wall.) on Blood Glucose and Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Rat

Purpose: Diabetes can increase oxidative stress in various tissues of the body, and the progress of this process is associated with intensification of the complications of diabetes. The current study purposed to evaluate the protective effect of Pinus gerardiana (PG) seed on oxidative stress induced by diabetes in the liver and serum of streptozotocin (STZ)- induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: This interventional study was performed on 36 male Wistar rats. The rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (healthy controls, healthy treated with 3% and 6% (PG), diabetic control, diabetic treated with 3% and 6% (PG) doses). After 6 weeks of intervention, weight, glucose, and oxidative stress parameters in serum and liver including total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, total thiol and superoxide dismutase activity were measured. Data analysis was done by statistical software version 16 and Tukey’s one-way ANOVA tests. Results: Diabetic rats showed significantly higher malondialdehyde and fasting glucose levels (12±1.2 mmol/L) and significant reductions in fasting insulin serum, weight (−37%), and activity of superoxide dismutase enzymes, total thiol groups, and total antioxidant capacity of serum and liver (about +49% in liver and +16% in serum) (p &lt; 0.001) compared with the healthy groups. Oral administration of PG nuts to diabetic rats caused a significant reduction in malondialdehyde and fasting glucose levels (−43%) and weight loss (+15%), and a significant increase in activity of superoxide dismutase enzymes, total thiol groups, and total antioxidant capacity of serum and liver (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: The present study concluded that PG can decrease fasting blood glucose, improve insulin resistance, reduce weight loss, and improve oxidative stress indices in the serum and liver of STZ-induced diabetic rats. It is a potential therapeutic food supplement for the treatment and prevention of hyperglycemia and high oxidative stress of diabetes.

Nutrient status of rhizosphere soil and Pinus gerardiana seedlings inoculated with Scleroderma polyrhizum

Nutrient status of rhizosphere soil and Pinus gerardiana seedlings inoculated with Scleroderma polyrhizum

The effect of chilgoza pine nut (Pinus gerardiana Wall.) on blood glucose and oxidative stress in diabetic rat

The effect of chilgoza pine nut (Pinus gerardiana Wall.) on blood glucose and oxidative stress in diabetic rat

In vitro Mycorrhization of Two Wild Edible Bolete Species with Pinus gerardiana - An Economically High Altitude Conifer

This paper describes for the first time in vitro mycorrhization between the two wild edible boletes (Boletus edulis and Suillus sibiricus) with Pinus gerardiana. The synthesis was carried out in a controlled growth chamber using peat, vermiculite, fungal medium and mycelial inoculum of each fungi in test tubes. The test tubes were regularly observed for mycorrhization. The seedlings of P. gerardiana were picked after five months of inoculation to examine symbiotic association between its root system with B. edulis and S. sibiricus. The B. edulis formed dark reddish brown whereas S. sibiricus synthesized light brown orange coloured mycorrhizae. The transverse sections of synthesized mycorrhizae showed a well developed fungal mantle and Hartig net for both (B. edulis and S. sibiricus) ectomycorrhizal fungi tested. The mycorrhization has significant effect on the overall growth of seedlings as compared to control.

Growth enhancement in containerized Pinus gerardiana seedlings inoculated with ectomycorrhizal fungi

Mycorrhizal fungi boost host plant growth by improving roots' ability to absorb nutrients and water from the rhizosphere soil. In this study, a mass inoculum of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Scleroderma polyrhizum was produced on wheat grains and incorporated into polybags during seed sowing of Pinus gerardiana, with the expectation that the roots of the germinating seedlings would form a mycorrhizal association with S. polyrhizum. For 2years, the seedlings' growth parameters were measured at 3-month intervals. The seedlings raised in inoculated bags exhibited ectomycorrhizal anatomy and higher growth indices like absolute growth rate, relative growth rate, sturdiness quotient, volume index, quality index etc. The growth parameters of 2-year-old inoculated seedlings were 44.36 to 94.36 percent higher than control. Shoot dry weight increased the most (94.36 percent), followed by root volume (93.59 percent), shoot fresh weight (91.42 percent), root fresh weight (79.46 percent), and collar diameter increased the least (49.30 percent). Two-year-old seedlings were outplanted in two locations: one within and one beyond its normal zone of occurrence. Inoculated seedlings fared better at both sites in terms of survival and growth. S. polyrhizum inoculation has accelerated the growth metrics of P. gerardiana seedlings. Thus, it can be recommended that the P. gerardiana nursery should be raised by artificial inoculation with S. polyrhizum toproduce healthy, tall planting stock in a shorter nursery time while also lowering maintenance costs.