Point-centered Quarter Method Research Articles

Geoinformatics and Modeling Approaches for Estimating Above-Ground Biomass in the Moist Deciduous Forests of Uttara Kannada, Karnataka, India

The present study aims to estimate Above-Ground Biomass (AGB) in the moist deciduous forests of Mundgod Taluk, Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka, India using a combination of field sampling and remote sensing techniques. AGB was assessed using Sentinel-2A satellite imagery with a spatial resolution of 10 meters. Field data were collected using the Point-Centered Quarter (PCQ) method, it includes measuring tree girth at breast height (GBH), tree height, and canopy density. AGB was calculated using artificial form factor and specific gravity of tree species and further modelled using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) derived from satellite data. The results showed a significant correlation between canopy density and biomass, with very dense forests exhibiting the highest AGB values. The field-measured AGB was 436.96 t/ha for very dense forests, 259.89 t/ha for moderately dense forests, and 161.67 t/ha for open forests. A linear regression model developed between AGB and NDVI showed a high R² value of 0.91 for open forests, 0.87 for moderately dense forests, and 0.85 for very dense forests. The total area-weighted biomass for the study area was estimated at 8.87 million tons, with 4.79 million tons in very dense forests, 3.44 million tons in moderately dense forests, and 0.76 million tons in open forests. The regression model validation indicated low Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) values, with the moderately dense forests 8.81 t/ha and the in very dense forests 7.54 t/ha. This study highlights the effectiveness of integrating field measurements with remote sensing for rapid, reliable AGB estimation. The approach offers valuable insights into biomass distribution and carbon sequestration potential, providing a scalable method for carbon inventories at state and national levels, contributing to forest management and climate change mitigation efforts.

A comparison of forest structural methods of semiarid mangrove species using a field-based approach

The data obtained from field-based forest inventories, mainly basal area and stem density, are relevant for the analysis of aboveground biomass and forest fragmentation. Due to its persistently flooded ground, fieldwork in mangrove forests is time-consuming and complicated. Since mangroves are sensitive to the effects of climate change, selecting a reliable field method is of utmost importance. To this end, we analyzed 4 mangrove classes: Rhizophora mangle (RM), Laguncularia racemosa (LR), Avicennia germinans (AG), and AG shrub. We georeferenced and counted all mangrove stems within four 0.04 ha (20 × 20 m square). We analyzed data from 3 circular area plots and the plotless point-centered quarter method (PCQM) based on the original square plots. Depending on the mangrove class, PCQM overestimated basal area by up to 34% and stem density by 21%. The 3 circular plot surveys underestimated basal area from –1% to –29% and stem density from –3 to –25%. Based on the results, we suggest using a circular plot of 0.04 ha (r = 11.28 m) in less dense forests (RM and AG) and a circular plot of 0.015 ha (r = 6.9 m) with forest densities greater than 3,500 stems/ha (LR and AG shrub). The advantages of using the circular plot approach over PCQM are that mangrove inventories can be quantified quickly and do not require a minimum number of sampling points.

Mangrove Tree Community Structure And Community Participation Of Mangroves In Ciletuh-Palabuhan Ratu Geopark, Sukabumi

The Cikadal mangrove forest area is part of the Ciletuh-Palabuhanratu Geopark in Mandrajaya Village. The area of ​​this mangrove forest is 5 ha and has been reforested. The purpose of this research is to describe the community structure of mangrove plants after reforestation and the participation of the community in the Ciletuh-Palabuhanratu Geopark. Mangrove structure data collected using PCQ (Point Centered Quarter Method) as well as a questionnaire for community knowledge and participation in managing mangroves. The results showed that there were two types of mangroves in this area, namely Avicinnea officinalis and Rhizophora apiculata. The results of the Important Value Index with the highest score being 182.7, Rhizophora apiculata while for Avicinnea officinalis was 117.3. Knowledge of local communities about mangroves and their conservation and local community participation is in the medium-high category.

Diversity, Composition and Economic Importance of Herbaceous Plants within the Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda Campus, Zamfara State, Nigeria.

The diversity, composition and economic importance of herbaceous species within the federal polytechnic Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State was studied. The study's objective was to identify, document and evaluate the diversity and abundance of herbaceous species in the study area. The point-centered quarter (PCQ) method was employed in each sampling point. All nearest living herb species encountered were listed. Data obtained were quantitatively analyzed for Relative density (RD) and relative frequency (RF). Species diversity was calculated using Simpson’s index and the Shannon-Weiner index. A total of 64 species of herb were identified belonging to 19 Families. Acanthaceae, Aizoaceae, Cleomaceae, Connaraceae, Laminaceae, Oxalidaceae, and Plantaginaceae had (1) species each. Convolvulaceae, Cucurbitaceae and Euphobiaceae had (2) species each. Apocynaceae, Asteraceae, Malvaceae, Pedaliaceae and Poaceae had (3) species each. Solonaceae is the only family with (4) species. Fabaceae is the only family with the highest number of species (32). A total of 494 individuals of herbaceous species were in the study area. Site A has the highest number of individuals (117), followed by Site D (103), Site C (95) and E (82). Tephrosia pedicellata has the highest species density of 3.2. Leptadenia hastata, Centaurea perrottetii, Gynandropsis gynandra, Euphorbia balsamifera, Senna obtusifolia, Abrus precatorius, Desmodium velutinum, Crotalaria goreensis, Crotalaria pallida var.obovata, Tephrosia pedicellata, Indigofera oblongifolia, Tephrosia vogelii, Tephrosia linearis, Biophytum petersianum, Sesamum radiatum, Solanum lycopersicum has the highest Frequency (100%). Senna tora has the highest relative abundance (5), and Euphorbia balsamifera has a Relative Density of 3.8. Euphorbia balsamifera has the highest relative density of 5, and Ipomea asarifolia has an IVI of 7. Shannon Weiner's diversity index for herbaceous species showed a total of 4.0097. Herbaceous plants are of economic importance; they serve as food, fooder, medicine, fuel, and other purposes. We recommended that there is a need for the conservation of herbaceous species within the Polytechnic to avoid harvesting the herbs for medicinal purposes and animals foraging on the grasses.

Effect of Tree Species Composition and Food Selectivity on the Population Density of Sclater’s Guenon (Cercopithecus sclateri Pocock 1904) in Forest Patches of Lagwa, Aboh-Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria

Aims: Effect of tree species composition and food selectivity on the population density of the Sclater’s guenon was carried out to determine how habitat composition and food preferences affect population density of the Sclater’s monkeys in the study area.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in forest patches of Lagwa community in Aboh-Mbaise Local Government Area, Imo State (December 2019-November 2021).
 Study Design: The point centered quarter method was used to collect data on trees species, while the visual observation and line transect methods was used to collect data on food preference and population density of the monkeys.
 Methodology: The research was carried out within the wet and dry season. Faecal examination was used for collecting information on plant and fruit species consumed.
 Results: The most dominant tree species were Khaya ivorensis and Treculia africana with important value index (IVI) of 35.13 and 26.73 respectively, while Bosqueia angolensis was the least dominant species with IVI of 0.99. Tree species with diameter at breast height class of 41cm and above were absent in Eziudo, Obo and Umunekere communities. Dacryodes edulis, Elaeis guinensis, Mangifera indica and Musa balbisiana were the most consumed plant species. The mean troop sizes were 3.21±1.42 for the dry season and 2.78±1.25 for the wet season, with troop density for both seasons as 0.03±0.02.
 Conclusion: The findings presents the relationship between the Sclater’s monkey’s diet and their habitat, and how habitat changes can cause changes in the feeding pattern, type of food and meals consumed. Sensitization campaigns and provision of alternative food sources for humans can reduce disturbance of the habitat and further sustain the population of the monkeys.

Study of Biomass in Two Mangrove Ecosystems

This study aims to determine the storage of biomass in the mangrove ecosystem of Jakarta Bay compared to Ambon Bay. This research used descriptive quantitative method. Sampling technique using the Point Center Quarter Method (PCQM) which was measured around the chest height of mangrove trees (DBH). Data analysis was performed using an allometric equation where each mangrove plant has a specific gravity. The results of this study indicated that the composition of mangrove species in Ambon Bay consists of 6 mangrove species, namely: Bruguiera cylindrica (L.) Bl, Rhizophora apiculata Bl, Sonneratia alba Smith, Aegiceras corniculatum (L.) Blanco, Avicennia officinalis L, Ceriops tagal. In the ecosystem, Rhizophora apiculata Bl and Sonneratia alba Smith had higher biomass values compared to the other four species. Meanwhile, in Jakarta Bay, the composition of mangrove plants is dominated by Sonneratia alba Smith. The subsurface biomass in the Jakarta Bay and Ambon region is lower than the aboveground biomass.

POTENSI VEGETASI PADA EMBUNG DI DESA BANFANU KABUPATEN TIMOR TEGAH UTARA SEBAGAI PENDUKUNG KETERSEDIAAN DAN KONSERVASI AIR

Nowdays, the necesity of the water go up on every sectors, so that it caused the water go down because of the management is not good enough. The purpose of this study is to know the kinds of the vegetation that found in the haze, that can be benefit to suport the water availibility and conservation, to know the potency of the vegetacy as the water availibility and conservation an also to know the society role to support it. This study is started from December 2020 until March 2021 placed in haze Banfanu village, North Central Timor regency. This study is used the qualitative and quantitave method. To collect the data and analysing the writer used an interview, observation and documentation. The determination estimasy data analysing is used point center quarter method (PCQM) to count point index value (PIV), the variety index shanon winner and averrage index. This study is made on twelve simpling with the vegetation data that is pick out from the tree, pilar and seedling. The result of this study is indicated that there are 28 species in the haze at the Banfanu village that consist of 16 families from 404 individu is devided in seedling, pilar and tree. The vegetation that could be benefit the water availibility and concervation is Switenia mahagoni, Casuarina junghuniana, Syzygum aqueum, Bambusa vulgaris, Ficus benjamina, Pandanus dubius Spreng, Paraserianthes falcataria (L) Nielsen, Anacardium occidentae L, Psidium Guajava L, Timonius sericeus (Deft) K. Schum, Syzygium cimunu L. The vegetation that indicate to keep up the water avalibility concervation is Bambusa vulgaris, the vicus kind is switenia mahogani, and iti is supported by the data analysis is higher index point value to tree strata is tectona grandis with IPV 74.50% and the lower IPV is Musa paradisiaca with IPV 1.80%. The higher point value for the pilar is Gliricidia sepium with IPV 92.13% and the lower is Vachellia leucophloea with IPV 2.99%, the high IPV for seedling is Tectona grandis with IPV 46.80% and the lower is switenia mahogani L and Sesbiana grandiflora with IPV 0.90%. The variety index value Shanon Winner and the averrage index categorize is lower. The vegetacy kind in the haze of Banfanu village categorize lower variety vegetacy, bad productivities, the condition is not rateable and lower pressure, but the ratebale index happend because of the domination on the kind certain species and in generally the kind of plant that growth up is limited. In other hand, the knowledge of the society is not enough to keep the water availibility and concervation and also the vegetacy is a polemic to the society.

Tree Diversity in Home Gardens in the Bogor Regency, West Java

We used the point-centered quarter method for trees and quadrats for saplings in home gardens of 42 hamlets within 40 districts in the Bogor Regency, West Java, to investigate the floristic composition and structure of home garden tree communities. We found a diverse range of fruit trees. A total of 64 fruit tree species were identified accounting for 93.2% of all tree species. Artocarpus heterophyllus and Nephelium lappaceum were the two species with the highest importance value, frequency, and degree of association. The Artocarpus heterophyllus–Nephelium lappaceum association or in the local names Nangka– Rambutan association is justified based on these species’ characteristics. The distributional patterns of tree species support categorizing them into six groups: very common, common, rather common, rather rare, rare, and very rare. Annona squamosa, Phyllanthus acidus, Syzygium polyanthum, Glochidion borneense, Mangifera foetida, and Diospyros philippensis were the fruit tree species that made up the extremely rare group. Nephelium lappaceum, Artocarpus heterophyllus, and Lansium domesticum, had the highest importance value (40%) at the tree level, whereas Punica granatum, Annona muricata, and Averrhoa bilimbi at the sapling stage. Species diversity indices for trees and saplings in the sampled home gardens fell into the H' = 1 to 3 categories, while similarity indices among the home gardens species composition were quite low (IS 64%). The fruit tree species had a low ability to regenerate.

Assessment of Population Abundance, Density and Habitat Preference of Sclater’s Guenon (Cercopithecus sclateri Pocock 1904) in Aboh-Mbaise Communal Forest, Imo State, Nigeria

Aims: We assessed the population abundance, density and habitat preference of sclater’s guenon (Cercopithecus sclateri) in Aboh-Mbaise communal forest to inform conservation efforts for the species now and in the future.
 Study Design: We used the point count sampling method to estimate population size.
 Place and duration of study: The study was carried out in Lagwa communal forest, Aboh-Mbaise Local Government Area, Imo State, between December 2019 and November 2021.
 Methodology: We laid-out eight 2.5-km transects in a land area of 28,500km2. We enumerated and measured trees using the point-centered quarter method. 
 Results: Results of this study indicated that they were 738 individual monkeys, 392 in dry and 346 in the wet seasons. The population density was 0.04 ± 0.01 individuals/km2, with troop sizes of 4.09±0.83 and 3.68 ± 0.75 for dry and wet seasons, respectively. The monkeys were sighted mostly in secondary forest, sacred groves, and economic trees. Most of the trees were within the diameter-at-breast-height class of 21cm-30 cm. A total of (304) plant species were used by the monkeys for cover in both seasons; these included Dacryodes edulis, Elaeis guinensis, Magnifera indica, Treculia africana and Pterocarpus erinaceous.
 Conclusion: The findings of this research is a prelude to understanding the population dynamics and habitat structure of the sclater’s guenon in the study area. Massive sensitization of the locals, regeneration of the remaining fragmented habitat and establishment of a wildlife sanctuary are needed to allow conservation of the species and its habitat.

A comparative study of mangroves in degraded, natural, and restored ecosystems in Guyana

ABSTRACT Mangrove ecosystems are subject to multiple environmental stresses which often challenge their resistance and resilience. In this study, comparisons were made between mangrove trees and seedlings in natural, degraded, and restored mangrove ecosystems found on the coastline of Guyana. Biophysical measurements were made using the point-centred quarter method (PCQM) in both the wet and dry seasons. The density of seedlings and trees varied between locations, with natural mangrove ecosystems having the highest density while degraded ecosystems had the lowest. Significant differences were also reported for biophysical measurements for seedlings (df = 5, p < 2.2e-16) and trees (height; diameter at breast height) [F(10, 564) = 112.47, p < 2.2e-16] between all three types of mangrove ecosystems with biophysical measurements showcasing positive correlations (p < .05, rs < 0.5) in most locations. Regression analysis results further established strong relationships between biophysical measurements of plants and their locations.

Vulture Abundance and Habitat Association Following Major Hurricane Disturbance in the Tropical Dry Forest of Western Mexico

Scavenger birds are common species frequently associated with open habitats, but sympatric vulture species have differing natural history traits that may influence seasonal habitat relationships and responses to natural disturbances, such as hurricanes. We evaluated seasonality and habitat relationships of Black Vultures (Coragyps atratus) and Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura) at sites within and outside the path of maximum winds of Hurricane Patricia in western Mexico. We used 1.5-km line transects to survey vultures during dry and rainy seasons in four habitats of the tropical dry forest biome over a 2-yr period after hurricane landfall. We measured habitat structure along each transect using the point-centered quarter method, and determined landscape composition within a 3000-ha circular plot centered around the midpoint of each transect. Vulture abundance was influenced by habitat structure variables of open areas, but at sites affected by hurricane disturbance vulture abundance was positively associated with increased cover of wetlands and agricultural land. Both species of vultures had low abundance in forests, and Black Vultures had significantly higher abundance in agricultural land and wetlands. Season significantly influenced vulture abundance by habitat: agricultural land and wetlands had higher vulture abundance in the rainy season, but forests had higher abundance in the dry season. Disturbance by a major hurricane induced species-specific changes in spatial-temporal abundance of vultures: the Black Vulture in particular had higher abundance in all habitats except wetlands during the dry season, and greater abundance in the first months after hurricane landfall. Hence, although vultures occur predominantly in open areas, they show species-specific habitat associations and responses to hurricane disturbance.

Carbon Potentials in Biomass of Fruit Trees in Home Gardens in the Bogor Regency, West Java

A study using the point centered quarter method for trees and quadrats for saplings in homegardens of 41 hamlets within 40 districts in the Bogor Regency, West Java, revealed a rich diversity of fruit trees. Artocarpus heterophyllus, Nephelium lappaceum, Mangifera indica, and Durio zibethinus were the dominant and widely distributed fruit tree species. Above ground biomass of trees and saplings were calculated using allometric equations and the C (carbon) stocks were estimated by assuming that C constitutes 50% of biomass. The total biomass of trees with diameter at breast height ≥ 10 cm amounted to 1,081.7 tons, varied between hamlets from 10.1 to 66.7 tons/ha and the mean per hamlet of 26.4 ± 9.9 ton/ha, while that of saplings with diameter of 2 to 9.9 cm recorded to be 390.4 tons with a range between hamlets of 3.9 to 12.9 tons/ha and the mean per hamlet of 9.5 ± 3.7 tons/ha. The total aboveground C stocks was 540.9 tons for trees with a range between hamlets of 5.1 to 33.4 tons/ha and the mean per hamlet of 13.2 ± 4.9 tons/ha, while that of saplings was 195.2 tons with a range between hamlets of 0.7 to 9.4 tons/ha and the mean per hamlet of 4.9 ± 1.8 tons/ha. The main fruit trees with highest carbon sequestration capacity were Artocarpus heterophyllus, Mangifera indica, Mangifera foetida, and Sandoricum koetjape.

Land-Use Impact on Stand Structure and Fruit Yield of Tamarindus indica L. in the Drylands of Southeastern Ethiopia.

In this study, we evaluated stand status, dendrometric variables, and fruit production of Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) trees growing in bushland and farmland-use types in dryland areas of Ethiopia. The vegetation survey was conducted using the point-centered quarter method. The fruit yield of 54 trees was also evaluated. Tree density and fruit production in ha were estimated. There was a significant difference in Tamarind tree density between the two land-use types (p = 0.01). The mean fruit yield of farmland trees was significantly higher than that of bushland trees. However, Tamarind has unsustainable structure on farmlands. Differences in the dendrometric characteristics of trees were also observed between the two land-use types. Predictive models were selected for Tamarind fruit yield estimations in both land-use types. Although the majority of farmland trees produced <5000 fruit year−1, the selection of Tamarind germplasm in its natural ranges could improve production. Thus, the development of management plans to establish stands that have a more balanced diameter structure and thereby ensure continuity of the population and fruit yields is required in this area, particularly in the farmlands. This baseline information could assist elsewhere in areas that are facing similar challenges for the species due to land-use change.

Arboreal community of an Atlantic Forest hillside fragment in São Sebastião/SP

The urban expansion and the growth of economic activities related to tourism added to the port and maritime ones, resulted in the occupation of the Serra do Mar, in the municipality of São Sebastião/SP, increasing environmental degradation. The objective of the study was to evaluate the arboreal patterns in a 0.111 ha fragment around a 4.8 ha clearing in an area of Atlantic Forest in the city of São Sebastião (SP), allowing the revegetation plan to include native species observed in the region. The phytosociological analyses used the Point-Centered Quarter Method (PCQM), using 50 sampling points (30 in close areas, 10 in the forest edge, and 10 near one of the areas drains), with a minimum distance of 20 meters between them. The main variables analyzed were commercial height, diameter to chest height, successional category, and dispersion syndrome. Also, the number of individuals of each species was observed, as well as their basal area (G), absolute and relative density (DA and DR) and dominance (DoA and DoR), relative frequency (FR), and importance value (VI). The results indicate a higher proportion of non-pioneer species, with Guapira oppositte (Vell.) presenting the highest value of importance and density, and the Schizolobium parahyba (Vell.) Blake with the highest basal area. The survey data indicate the richness of species in the study area, serving as a basis for strategies for management and conservation of the environment. Phytosociological studies, although scarce, are important to support the analysis of preservation and the use of nature.

Vegetative structure and zonal distribution of true mangroves in Shwe-Thaung-Yan coastal areas, Myanmar

The survey was conducted in the mangrove forests around the Magyi and Utto Creeks at Shwe-Thaung-Yan coastal areas in Ayeyarwady Delta region, April 2018. Transect lines were laid as lower, middle and upper, and quadrate plots based on Point Center Quarter Method (PCQM) P-DATA PRO were used. A total of 15 species of true mangrove was recorded. Rhizophora apiculata and Bruguiera gymnorhiza are the most dominant and distributed species in the study area. Followed by Bruguiera sexangulata, Cerop tagal and Rhizophora mucronata then remaining species. Zonation pattern of mangroves species as lower, middle, upper was also examined in study areas. Among than 1 species in Near Threaten (NT), 1 species in Critically Endangered (CR), 1 species in Endangered (EN) and remaining species are Least Concern (LC) had been considered according with IUCN red list. The environmental parameters such as water salinity and temperature, soil salinity, soil temperature and soil pH of study area were also recorded.

Diversity of Tree Species Within an Urban Forest Fragment in Albay Province, Eastern Philippines

Forest fragments in urban areas are important in many aspects of the urban landscape. In this study, tree species within the Bicol Kalikasan Park—an urban forest fragment in the province of Albay, Eastern Philippines—were accounted for the first time. Its community structure was assessed using the PointCentered Quarter Method (PCQM). Diversity, dominance, and evenness indices were likewise computed. Results indicated that the 25 recorded tree species were distributed to at least among 25 families. There is moderate diversity (H’ = 2.84), very high evenness (J = 0.88) and very low dominance (D = 0.08) in the sampled forest. The species Ficus septica (IV = 28.93), Melanolepis multiglandolosa (IV = 9.74) and Omalanthus populneus (IV = 2.94) are indicative of a facilitated regrowth forest. Invasive species such as Gmelina arborea (IV = 40.12) and Swietenia macrophylla (IV = 21.75) were recorded, with importance values (IV) ranked first and sixth, respectively. Tree diversity within the Bicol Kalikasan Forest Park was suggestive of the diversity of other organisms that were dependent on the tree species. Existing threats to the forest fragment, such as the expansion of the city and an adjacent university campus may be addressed by a strong policy that defines the extent of expansion and urbanization.

Carbon sequestration potential of the secondary growth forest along the Abuan watershed at Ilagan, Isabela

The Abuan watershed had experienced deforestation due to illegal deforestation, poaching and land conversion. This has resulted to the loss of its ecosystem services. In the watershed area, restoration efforts showed encouraging results where secondary forest is flourishing. Secondary forest growth provides tremendous potential for large amounts of carbon sequestration.This study aimed to determine the carbon sequestration potential of the secondary growth forest along Abuan watershed in Ilagan, Isabela. Specifically, it was conducted to identify the tree species present in the area and estimate the amount of carbon sequestered annually by the above ground carbon cover of the trees in the study area. Ten (10) sampling points measuring 20m x 20m were established using Point center quarter method (PCQM). Tree census was conducted and identification was done up to its species level. The amount of carbon sequestered by the trees was measured.Twenty six (26) species was documented. The above ground carbon by the trees in the watershed is calculated at 18,452 kg. The species Shorea concorta (White lauan) has the highest amount of carbon sequestered while Dipterocarpus validus (Hagakhak) species sequestered the lowest. The age, height and DBH are directly proportional to the amount of carbon sequestration. Thus, the younger the tree, the higher the amount of carbon sequestered and the older the tree, the lower the amount of carbon sequestration. In addition, the taller and wider the tree, the higher carbon sequestration potential per year. It is recommended that below ground potential including the carbon-sink function of the soil be included in estimating the carbon sequestration potential of the secondary growth forest to understand fully this ecosystem function.

The Structure, Composition, and Health of Remnant Forest Vegetation of West Timor, Indonesia

Aims: The forest of West Timor has been cleared for different purposes for decades, leaving only small patches of remnant forest vegetation. Understanding tree-shrub composition and structure of this remnant forest vegetation is a vital instrument in assessing the sustainability of forest, species conservation, and management of forest ecosystems. This research was therefore conducted to investigate the current structure and composition pattern of tree-shrub species in such remnant forest vegetation.&#x0D; Study Design: This research project was designed using a vegetation survey employing the Point Centered Quarter Method.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The research project was conducted in five sample stands of remnant forest vegetation, namely Oliana, Tablolong, Fatukoa, Oenesu, and Alak, the District of Kupang, West Timor, Indonesia, between April to July 2020.&#x0D; Methodology: In each sample stand, the tree-shrub vegetation was surveyed using Point Centered Quarter Method by placing three 100-m-long transects. The first transect was placed at random and the second and third transects were placed parallel to the first, with a distance of 100 m between two transects. Sample points were then determined in an interval of 10 m along each transect to construct four quarters. In each quarter, the nearest tree or shrub (≥ 1 m height) to the sample point was identified and the distance measured. For each tree or shrub species, number of individual, dominance, frequency, Importance Value Index (IVI), stem diameter at 0.5 m height, and average value of plant height for each species were determined. Index Similarity (IS) between stands were also calculated using Sørensen Coefficient.&#x0D; Results: Of the 600 invidual tree and shrub measured in a total of about 1,500-m-long line transect, about 28 tree-shrub species of 16 families were identified. The number of plant/hectare was 833 and the mean number of species/stand was 9.60 (sd = 1.94). Generally, the number of species and families found in the remnant vegetation community was relatively low compared to that of commonly found in rain forests. The IS between stand was 28.21 (sd = 14.40)%. The highest IS were between stand 1-2 (IS 55.56%) and between stand 1-4 (IS 47.62%). The lowest IS were between stand 3-4 and 3-5 (IS 10.53%). Based on the number of species, the five stands of remnant vegetation was dominated by families of Fabaceae, Arecaceae, and Anacardiaceae, but based on the IVI, they were dominated by families of Lamiaceae, Fabaceae, and Sapindaceae. On the basis of plant height, about 6.15% of the total individual was within the category of small plant (≤2 m) and 3.32% was of big tree (&gt;14 m). However, on the basis of stem diameter, about 27.86% of the total individual was on the category of small plant (≤10 cm) and about 2.99% was of big tree (&gt;130 cm). Most existing species were within the category of small and very small IVI, only about 14.26% of the existing species were within the category of very high IVI (&gt;20%) and 71.43 were within the category of low and very low IVI (&lt;10%). Four most prominent species, namely Tectona grandis Linn., Schleichera oleosa (Lour.), Vachellia nilotica (L.) P.J.H.Hurter &amp; Mabb., and Spondias pinnata (L.f.) Kurz contributed to more than 50% IVI in the five stands of remnant vegetation. Among all species found, Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit, Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Sw., Sesbania grandiflora (L.) Poiret, Syzygium cumini (L.), Pterocarpus indicus Willd., Pinus mercusii Jungh. &amp; de Vriese, and Acacia auriculiformis A.Cunn. ex Benth. were present in very small IVI. In general, the contribution of invasive species in the stands of remnant vegetation was relatively high (total IVI 56.96%), about a quarter of which were invasive weedy shrub species.&#x0D; Conclusion: Based on this result it can be concluded that the five stands of remnant forest were in the state of poor health as indicated by the low number of species and families, the low species diversity, the heterogeneous floristic composition as most of species present were in the category of low occurrence, and the dominance of invasive non-native tree and shrub species. Therefore, the forest needs immediate intervention by taking conservation and restoration action to prevent further destruction.

Differentiation of ectomycorrhizal morphology in Abies faxoniana along an elevation gradient in a subalpine forest of western Sichuan Province, China

Ectomycorrhizal fungi are an important group of symbiotic fungi beneficial to plant growth and their environmental adaptation. An explicit clarification of the trait of ectomycorrhizal fungi would facilitate our understanding of plant responses to environmental change. We set up sampling plots at five elevations (2850, 3000, 3194, 3413, 3593 m) in the Balong Mountain within the Wolong Nature Reserve of Sichuan Province, and collected cubic soil samples (10 cm×10 cm×10 cm) from those plots by point centered quarter method. Based on examination of the morphological types and diversity of ectomycorrhizal roots of Abies faxoniana in each soil sample, we examined the variations in morphological traits of ectomycorrhizal roots of A. faxoniana along the elevational gra-dient and the effects of soil environmental factors. Results showed that: 1) The major ectomycorrhizae of A. faxoniana in Wolong Nature Reserve was orange or yellow in color, with smooth mantle and no or few extensional hyphae, and cylindric or inflated root tips. This type of ectomycorrhizae occurred with highest rate of colonization (12.4%) in the study area. 2) With the increases of elevation, the morphological diversity of ectomycorrhizae in A. faxoniana declined and the morphological types per cubic soil sample significantly decreased. 3) There were significant differences between the ectomycorrhizae of contact exploration type (CE) and short distance exploration type (SDE) at different elevations, while the colonization rate of CE increased significantly with elevation. 4) Soil factors drove the variations of ectomycorrhizal morphology in A. faxoniana along the elevational gradient. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that soil total nitrogen (TN), soil temperature (Ts), soil water content (SWC), pH, soil acid phosphatase (ACP) and soil total phosphorus (TP) had significant effects on ectomycorrhizal morphology in A. faxoniana, among which TN and Ts being the greatest and explaining 5.4% and 4.9% of the total variations. Our results clari-fied the variations in the occurrence of ectomycorrhizal morphology in A. faxoniana along elevational gradient, which provided scientific evidence for further studying the mechanisms underlying the responses to environmental changes in mycorrhizal strategy in coniferous species of subalpine forests.

Plant Diversity and Composition of Three Different Altitudes in Sikka Forest Area - East Nusa Tenggara

East Nusa Tenggara located in the Wallacea area that has many endemic species. However, the existence of germplasm diversity in this area has been threatened due to landscape changes and deforestation. The research was conducted to identify floristic composition in Sikka forest area. This research also aimed to compare that plant composition in Sikka forest area on each of the different altitudes, including their diversity richness and environmental factors. Two sampling methods were used, which are Point-Centered Quarter (PCQ) method that applied for trees and nested sampling method 5x5 m2 for sapling and 2x2 m2 for ground cover. Measured parameters were Relative Density (RD), Relative Frequency (RF), Relative Coverage/dominance (RC), Important Value Index (IVI), Diversity Index (H'), and Jaccard Similarity Index (J’). Research results showed that the diversity index of each region was relatively low. Plant composition of tree, sapling, and groundcover in three different altitudes was quite different. This result indicates that the plant composition in the Sikka, East Nusa Tenggara is very diverse. The temperature and relative humidity in each altitude area observed was significantly different. One of the endemic species of Flores Island, Eucalyptus urophylla, was only found at 500-700 m asl. There are very limited research on the vegetation diversity held in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. This research can be the basic for further research in order to explore the potential diversity of flora in this area.