Rattan Research Articles

Extracellular enzymatic activity of endophytic fungi isolated from spines of rattan palm (Calamus castaneus Griff.)

Extracellular enzymatic activity of endophytic fungi isolated from spines of rattan palm (Calamus castaneus Griff.)

Attack by Augosoma centaurus (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae) adults on rattan palm Laccosperma secundiflorum (Arecaceae) in Plateaux Batéké, Gabon

An unusual phenomenon consisting of attacks once every two years by adults of a horned beetle on the rattan palm Laccosperma secundiflorum (Arecaceae) (known as ‘French palmier-asperge’) was observed in the Plateaux Batéké (Gabon) over the past decade. Residents reported repeated devastation of rattan palm from May to June, pointing to Pandanus beetle as the pest killing many shoots within populations of this palm species, which is used as a non-timber forest product (NTFP) for alimentary purposes. The ecological area of these attacks includes gallery forests and groves surrounding Ossouele village and neighbouring villages across the border in Congo Brazzaville. The insect fed on and destroyed the rattan heart, starting at its tip, leading to the deterioration and death of L. secundiflorum. Our observations in 2022 allowed us to identify Augosoma centaurus (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae) as the insect pest devastating this climbing palm, reducing the resource quality and quantity for household consumption and trade. Further studies are needed to increase our understanding of the trophic relationship between the pest and its new adult host/feeding plant.

Evaluation of the pathogenicity of endophytic fungi isolated from spines of rattan (Calamus castaneus) against other plant hosts

In this study, we sought to determine the pathogenic ability of endophytic fungi recovered from the spines of Calamus castaneus, a common rattan palm growing in the forests of Peninsula Malaysia. Ten endophytic fungal isolates were selected for pathogenicity tests: Colletotrichum boninense, Colletotrichum fructicola, Colletotrichum cliviae, Diaporthe hongkongensis, Diaporthe arengae, Diaporthe cf. nobilis, Neopestalotiopsis saprophytica, Neopestalotiopsis formicarum, Fusarium solani and Fusarium oxysporum. These endophytes were tested against leaves of bertam (Eugeissona sp.), oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) and mango (Mangiferae indica) and the fruits of chilli (Capsicum annum), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and banana (Musa acuminata). The fungal isolates showed infectivity against bertam, oil palm and mango leaves with degrees of virulence ranging from low to moderate, whereas infectivity against chilli, tomato and banana ranged from low to very high. Fungal endophytes isolated from the spines of C. castaneus are pathogenic to different crop plants with differing degrees of virulence or aggressiveness. Spines of C. castaneus can harbour fungal pathogens of a number of different crops as endophytes. The ability of the fungal endophytes to colonize and infect different crops demonstrate their importance towards agricultural crops. There is a possibility the endophytes behave as latent pathogen. When conditions become favourable, the fungal endophytes transform to pathogenic form and potentially infect other plants.

Influence of Various Surface Treatments on Mechanical, Thermal, Morphological, and Water Absorption Properties of Rattan (Calamus beccarii) Fiber

ABSTRACT The goal of this study is to thoroughly comprehend the advantages of rattan (Calamus beccarii) as potential reinforcement in polymeric composites. The influence of various chemical treatments on thermal, morphological, mechanical and water absorption characteristics of natural rattan (RA) stem fiber were investigated. In this research, RA fiber surface was modified through different chemical treatments such as alkalization, bleaching, and benzoylation. The presence of voids and rough surfaces was investigated on SEM micrographs which are due to removal of lignin, wax, and oils from the fiber surface to a large extent. The results obtained from Fourier transform infrared may indicate the presence of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin compounds in the case of untreated and treated RA fiber. The increase in tensile strength and Young’s modulus confirms improvement in the mechanical properties of the RA fiber after chemical treatment. It was observed that alkali-treated RA fibers exhibit highest mechanical properties (295.28 MPa tensile strength, 8.23 GPa Young’s modulus). Also, X-ray diffraction analysis gives a higher crystallinity index (62.50%) for treated RA fiber. Thermogravimetric analysis confirms that there was an increase in the thermal stability of the fiber after chemical treatment. Overall results confirm that the RA fiber is appropriate for use as a reinforcing phase in composite materials for prospective engineering semi-structural applications such as roofing sheets, bricks, door panels, furniture panels, interior paneling, storage tanks, and pipelines.

Rustling ants: Vibrational communication performed by two Camponotus species in Borneo

Interactions between ants and plants are classic examples of cooperation between individuals of different species. Usually, plants provide shelter or food for ants and in turn are defended against herbivores by their insect allies. To coordinate attacks, ants use multi-modal alarm signals consisting of vibrational and chemical components. This can also be observed in Borneo, where two Camponotus species inhabit the ocreas (diverging, tubular leaf sheaths) of the rattan palm Korthalsia robusta. When ants are disturbed, they beat or scratch mandibles and abdomens on the plant surface resulting in loud rustling sounds. To describe the characteristics of these signals, we recorded them with a Laser-Doppler-vibrometer in the field. Analyses of temporal patterns and dominant frequency revealed that the signals of the two species differ fundamentally. To assess transmission characteristics of the rattan palm, we conducted experiments under controlled lab-conditions. We show that the ocrea is an adequate structure for converting airborne sound into substrate vibrations, acting as a mediator between these two modalities. We hypothesize that the ants' vibratory signal has multiple functions, with the substrate-borne component used as an alarm signal for conspecifics, and the airborne component acting as vibro-acoustic aposematism against predators or herbivores to protect the host plant.

Direct comparisons of logging and agroforestry influence on tropical mammals in Sarawak, Borneo

AbstractTropical regions are undergoing rapid land use change, with major implications for global biodiversity. Selective logging and agroforestry are particularly widespread across tropical forests, often occurring in close proximity. But while a number of studies have addressed their impacts separately, few have directly compared how they influence forest vertebrates. Here, we assessed the occurrence of medium‐ to large‐bodied mammals in logged forest, unlogged forest, and agroforestry areas in three study areas in interior Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. We detected 34 species across 99 camera trap locations and used multi‐species occupancy models to estimate species‐specific occurrence while accounting for imperfect detectability, spatial autocorrelation, natural habitat heterogeneity, and metrics of site accessibility (distance to human infrastructure) as proxies for potential hunting pressure. We found that species occurrences were unaffected by the distance to the nearest road or village and only responded to elevation and the distance to the nearest river in a single species each. Detection rates tended to vary with micro‐habitat characteristics such as the size of tree stumps and the prevalence of trees and rattan palms, which are often not considered in camera‐based occupancy studies. Occurrence rates of five species varied across habitat types but were not detectably lower in agroforestry sites than in unlogged forest for any species. Our results indicate that without unsustainable hunting, agroforestry and logged forest provide usable habitat for some, though not all, rainforest mammals. We also suggest that camera trap studies may benefit from the incorporation of fine‐scale habitat information into detectability estimation.Abstract in Malaysian is available with online material.

Effect of Boiling Times on Polyphenol, Flavonoid, Tannin, Vitamin C and β-carotene contents of African Asparagus (Laccosperma secundiflorum): Their Contribution to Overall Antioxidant Activity

Aims: Laccosperma secundiflorum is a very important rattan species for certain populations in the Ivory Coast. They use the apical meristem in their food and the stems to make various items such as furniture, carpets and baskets etc. However, there is a gap in the study of its nutritional value and its nutritional potential before and after boiling.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Food Science and Technology (UFR-STA), University nangui abrogoua, between December 2019 and November 2020.
 Methodology: African asparagus was boiled for 5, 10 and 15 minutes respectively. The effect of boiling on the total polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, vitamin C and β-carotene contents, and further on the antioxidant activity of the heart of rattan palm (African asparagus) was studied quantitatively at this different times. Standardized methods were adopted for phytochemical, antioxidant activity of this samples.
 Results: Vitamin C content, which was estimated initially at 37.04 g/100 dry matter, decreased as the cooking time in water increased. Indeed, it is noted 40, 72, and 81% of loss respectively for the cooking times of 5, 10, and 15 min in the water. Also, these different heat treatments affected the β- carotene content of African asparagus with losses ranging from 76.80 to 84%. Polyphenols were also affected by cooking. The values obtained were 5104.80 mg GAE/100g for fresh African asparagus, 5284.09 mg GAE/100g for 5 min cooking (CE5), 5233.31 mg GAE/100g for 10 min cooking (CE10), and 3536.44 mg GAE/100g for 15 min cooking (CE15). On the other hand, the tannin content of fresh African asparagus was 1954.84 mg/100g DM. However, this rate decreased continuously with heating and was estimated at 1699.93 mg/100g DM, 1429.977548 mg/100g DM, and 1035.42 mg/100g DM respectively for CE5, CE10, and CE15 samples with losses of 13.04, 26.85 and 47.03% respectively. For flavonoids, the losses were varied from 7.41 and 19.92%. In our study, the scavenging activity was found to be highest in the fresh sample, followed by CE15 and CE5.
 Conclusion: Finally, boiling reduces the levels of the different parameters studied, but the antioxidant activity of African asparagus increased at the end of the 15 min heat treatment. However, a cooking time of less than or equal to 5 min in water can be advantageous for the consumer.

Molecular Phylogeny of Endophytic Fungi from Rattan (Calamus castaneus Griff.) Spines and Their Antagonistic Activities against Plant Pathogenic Fungi.

Calamus castaneus is a common rattan palm species in the tropical forests of Peninsular Malaysia and is noticeable by the yellow-based spines that cover the stems. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of fungal endophytes within C. castaneus spines and whether they inhibit the growth of fungal pathogens. Twenty-one genera with 40 species of fungal endophytes were isolated and identified from rattan palm spines. Based on molecular identification, the most common isolates recovered from the spines were Colletotrichum (n = 19) and Diaporthe spp. (n = 18), followed by Phyllosticta spp., Xylaria sp., Trichoderma spp., Helminthosporium spp., Penicillium spp., Fusarium spp., Neopestalotiopsis spp., Arthrinium sp., Cyphellophora sp., Cladosporium spp., Curvularia sp., Bionectria sp., and Acremonium spp. Non-sporulating fungi were also identified, namely Nemania primolutea, Pidoplitchkoviella terricola, Muyocopron laterale, Acrocalymma fici, Acrocalymma medicaginis, and Endomelanconiopsis endophytica. The isolation of these endophytes showed that the spines harbor endophytic fungi. Most of the fungal endophytes inhibited the growth of several plant pathogenic fungi, with 68% of the interactions resulting in mutual inhibition, producing a clear inhibition zone of <2 mm. Our findings demonstrate the potential of the fungal endophytes from C. castaneus spines as biocontrol agents.

Current status of Aceh jernang (Daemonorops sp.) and its traditional conservation efforts

Dragon’s blood or ‘jernang’ (in Indonesian language) is referred to the deep and bright red resin obtained from the seeds of rattan palm (Daemonorops). Three species of this genus, i.e. D. draco (Willd.) Blume, D. didymophilla and D. Micracantha, are highly value commodity due to their larger fruits and longer fructescences. Dragon’s blood has been known in the traditional ancient Chinese medicines as haemostatic agent, antidiarrheal, antiulcer, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. Particularly the dracorhodin, a valuable bioactive substance, is closely associated with antitumour and wound healing activity and other industrial need. The distribution of Daemonorops is limited to Malaysia, Thailand and western Indonesia, especially in Sumatra. Harvesting D. draco seeds has been served as traditional livelihood for some local tribes and farmers in Aceh Province. Resin extracted from Aceh jernang is classified as excellent due to higher content of dracorhodin, but its processing method is still conducted in a very traditional way. The forests in Aceh are suitable for jernang to thrive, but jernang population is decreasing due to deforestation and inappropriate harvesting. Unless conservation efforts are done, jernang might extinct in the near future. Over the past few years, some local farmers have realized the importance of jernang in their livelihoods, and hence they take part in the conservation. This paper dealt with the efforts between a local jernang company, CV Draco Industrial Agribusiness (DIA Group), with Unsyiah in the traditional jernang conservation program.

An Assessment of the Impact of Spatial Agglomeration on the Quality of China’s Wood Processing Industry Products

The influence of industrial agglomeration on corporate export behavior has been widely studied by both industry and academia. However, few studies have explored the impact of the spatial agglomeration of China’s wood processing industry on the quality of its products at the micro level. In this study, we analyzed data from the China Customs Database to determine the quality of wood processing industry products at the enterprise level. Then, we matched the China Customs Database with the data in the China Industrial Enterprise Database. Based on this, we analyzed the impact of the spatial agglomeration on the quality of wood products using panel data regression. According to our results, spatial agglomeration of the wood processing industry can significantly improve product quality. Also, private enterprises are more likely to benefit from the advantages conferred by agglomeration than state-owned enterprises. Moreover, trade method does not significantly modulate the effect of spatial agglomeration on the quality of wood products. Last but not least, the agglomeration has the most significantly positive impact on the quality of products produced by the wood chip processing industry, followed by the wood products industry and the wood panel industry. Agglomeration of the bamboo and rattan palm industry actually decreases product quality. Therefore, we encourage agglomeration of timber processing enterprises, especially privately owned wood chip, wood product, and wood panel enterprises, to fully realize the benefits of the agglomeration economy. We also make policy recommendations to improve wood product quality.

Embryogenesis followed by enhanced micro-multiplication and eco-restoration of Calamus thwaitesii Becc.: an economic non-wood forest produce for strengthening agroforestry system

The present study is focussed on development of a high-frequency micro-multiplication system in Calamus thwaitesii, through somatic embryogenesis from immature zygotic embryos cultured in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 31.68 µM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). The semi-friable calli when cultured in the same medium augmented with 2.22 µM 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 1.07 µM α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) induced ~ 12 discrete globular embryoids in 6 weeks. The isolated embryoids in hormone-free media yielded 65% plantlets. Furthermore, embryoids and axenic shoots exhibited maximum shoot induction in medium supplemented with 0.45 µM Thidiazuron (TDZ). The shoot initials after subculture in media supplemented with 1.78 µM BAP and 0.45 µM TDZ produced shoot proliferation followed by elongation in basal medium. The elongated shoots produced roots in media supplemented with 16.11 µM NAA. With this established protocol, ~ 5940 rooted plantlets could be harvested after 40 weeks from a single embryoid. Genetic stability analysis of the plantlets using inter simple sequence repeat markers recorded only 0.05% genetic polymorphism. The plantlets were hardened in a mist house for 8 weeks, and then to 50% shade house for another 16 weeks, and the well-established 6-month-old nursery plants, reintroduced to selected forest segments, exhibited 86% field establishment even after 3 years of observation. Thus, the mass multiplication system developed could be a breakthrough for large-scale multiplication of C. thwaitesii to ensure continuous supply of quality planting material to the cottage industry through the development of agroforestry systems. Furthermore, the in vitro culture system developed here can be replicated for research activities related to the long-term–short-term conservation, micro-multiplication and sustainable utilization of rare, endangered, endemic, monopodial/single stemmed rattan palms.

An endangered West African rattan palm: Eremospatha dransfieldii.

Eremospatha dransfieldii is a robust rattan palm, climbing up to 40 m in length. It is only known to occur in the south-western region of Ghana, south-eastern part of Cote d'Ivoire and in Sierra Leone. The species' Area of Occupancy (AOO) is restricted to just 40 km². This species is confined to moist-evergreen forests with high rainfall. It is known to be facing habitat loss and over-harvesting of its stems. We assess Eremospatha dransfieldii as Endangered based on criteron B2ab(iii), according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (ver 3.1).

Integrated Chinese and Western medicine for the treatment of chronic atrophic gastritisHtype

PurposeObserve the combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine treating chronic atrophic gastritis combined withHThe effect of senile hypertension.methodSelect2015year2month~ 2016year2Month Our hospital chronic atrophic gastritis MergeHType hypertensive senile patient112case as Research object,randomly intoObservation Group vs control group,allExample.control group treated with Western medicine,Observation Group on the basis of oral medicine to add Tianma June rattan drink,treatment to4Week.Observe the effect of comparing two groups of patients.resultscomparison of blood pressure treatment in two groupsof patients,Observation Group superior to control group,difference has statistically significantCP<0.05.conclusioncombined Chinese and Western medicine treating chronic atrophic gastritis mergeHtype hypertension,Effective.

RATTAN DIVERSITY AND BROAD EDAPHIC NICHES IN A TROPICAL RAINFOREST OF BUTON, SULAWESI, INDONESIA

PRITCHETT, R., PHILLIPS, A., MARDIASTUTI, A. &amp; POWLING, A. 2016. Rattan diversity and broad edaphic niches in a tropical rainforest of Buton, Sulawesi, Indonesia. Reinwardtia 15(2): 99 – 110. — This paper attempts to answer the question: how can at least 20 species of rattan palms in the genus Calamus (family Palmae (Arecaceae)) co -exist in a rainforest? A survey of rattans was made in Lambusango Forest on Buton, an island close to south east Sulawesi, in Indonesia. Rattan species and numbers were recorded in 87 quadrats of 30 × 10 m, laid out along linear transects in habitats with a variety of soils. Evidence for edaphic (soil) niches was sought. Different rattan species were found to be adapted to soils with different conductivity and pH values. Standardised mean difference (d) scores were calculated for pairs of species based on their response to soil pH. Of the 66 pairs tested, 61 were found to be significantly different statistically. Such differences suggest, but do not prove, that many species occupy different edaphic niches. It was found that species which show a preference for soils with intermediate pH values (5.0 to 6.5) can grow in soils with a wide range of pH values, implying broad edaphic niches and that competition between these species is weak. Correspondence analysis shows that many species do not distinguish greatly between many soils with intermediate pH values. It is concluded that rattan species show evidence for having different edaphic niches, although the niches for many species are broad. It is speculated that many rattan species may be ecologically equivalent and that a weak version of ecological neutrality theory may apply.

Botryosphaeriaceae from palms in Thailand II - two new species of Neodeightonia, N. rattanica and N. rattanicola from Calamus (rattan palm)

Botryosphaeriaceae from palms in Thailand II - two new species of Neodeightonia, N. rattanica and N. rattanicola from Calamus (rattan palm)

PENGARUH KINERJA LOGISTIK TERHADAP KINERJA OPERASIONAL PADA UKM ROTAN DI KOTA PALU

The aim of this research is to describe the influence of logistic performance on operational performance in the rattan small-medium business in Palu. Population of this research is 24 Rattan small-medium business, which consists of 24 business owners as respondents, and 24 active employees. In total, the sample of this research is 48 people who selected with census method. Method of analysis is multiple linear regressions by using software of SPSS for Windows Release 16.0. Hypothesis test shows significance level of α = 0.05 and reliability test using the coefficient values shows cronbach alpha with coefficient of α = 0,60. The result indicates that logistic performance simultaneously have significant influence on operational performance, with adjusted R-square value of 46.4%. Partially, with the standard of α = 0.05, X1, X2 and X3 have significant influence on Y with sig. value of 0.033, 0.037 and 0.000 respectively. The correlation test shows a correlation coefficient by 0.706, which means that the variable of logistic performance has a strong relationship with the operational performance of 70.6%. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mendeskripsikan pengaruh kinerja logistik terhadap kinerja operasional pada UKM industri rotan di Kota Palu. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah 24 Usaha Kecil Menengah Rotan yang terdiri dari 24 pemilik usaha sebagai responden, dan 24 karyawan aktif sehingga sampel penelitian ini adalah 48 responden dengan teknik sampel yang digunakan adalah Sensus. Metode analisis yang digunakan adalah analisis regresi linier berganda dengan menggunakan perhitungan dari software SPSS for Windows Release 16,0. Uji hipotesis yang digunakan memiliki tingkat signifikansi α = 0,05 dan untuk uji reliabilitas menggunakan nilai koefisien alan croanbach dengan koefisien nilai batas α = 0,60. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kinerja logistik secara simultan menghasilkan pengaruh yang signifikan terhadap kinerja operasional, dengan nilai Adjust R-square sebesar 46,4%. Secara parsial dengan standar α = 0,05 hasil penelitian X1, X2 dan X3 berpengaruh signifikan terhadap Y dengan sig masing-masing yaitu 0,033, 0,037 dan 0,000. Hasil korelasi tersebut menunjukkan koefisien korelasi sebesar 0,706 yang berarti bahwa variabel kinerja logistik memiliki hubungan yang kuat dengan kinerja operasional sebesar 70,6%.

Can we go beyond timber and manage for both timber and non-timber forest products? The case of rattans near Kisangani, DR Congo

Rattans, one of the major non-timber forest products used by the population in and around Kisangani (Democratic Republic of Congo), are a significant source of income and the basis of a very active informal sector focused towards supplying the city with raw canes. We present the effects of harvest and light availability on the demography of two common rattan species in the Yoko forest reserve, near Kisangani: Eremospatha haullevilleana De Wild. and Laccosperma secundiflorum (P. Beauv.) Kuntze. We studied clump demography for a year, under variable light condition and harvesting regimes (control, partial harvest and complete harvest of adult stems). We show a positive effect of full and partial light availability on the dynamic of individuals for both species but with variable treatment responses. We also demonstrate that a partial harvest of two-thirds of adults cane is beneficial or nondetrimental to the production of new shoots under partial or full-light conditions. These results suggest opportunities for multiple-use management that integrate timber and rattan harvesting in forest around Kisangani. Resume Le rotin, un des principaux produits forestiers non ligneux utilises par la population de Kisangani (Republique Democratique du Congo) et des environs, est une source de revenus importante a la base d'un secteur informel tres dynamique qui se charge de fournir la ville en cannes brutes. Nous presentons ici les effets de la collecte et de la disponibilite en lumiere sur la demographie de deux especes de rotin, Eremospatha haullevilleana De Wild. et Laccosperma secundiflorum (P. Beauv.) Kuntze, communes dans la foret de Yoko, pres de Kisangani. Nous avons etudie la demographie des massifs pendant un an, sous differentes conditions de luminosite et de regimes de recoltes (controle, recolte partielle et collecte complete des plants adultes). Nous montrons qu'il y a un effet positif de la disponibilite totale et partielle de lumiere sur la dynamique des individus dans les deux especes mais avec des reponses variables aux differents traitements. Nous montrons aussi qu'une recolte partielle de 2/3 des cannes adultes est soit profitable, soit non dommageable pour la production de nouvelles pousses en cas de luminosite partielle ou totale. Ces resultats suggerent des possibilites pour une gestion multi-ressources qui integre la collecte de grumes et du rotin dans les forets autour de Kisangani.

Influence of spatial and environmental variables on rattan palm (Arecaceae) assemblage composition in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

Rattan palms are dominant elements of Southeast Asian rainforests and of high economic importance, yet little is known about the ecological factors determining the spatial distribution of species and assemblages. We studied rattan palm assemblages at two sites at different elevations in Lore Lindu National Park, Sulawesi, Indonesia (Pono: 958–1,266 m; Bariri: 1,390–1,507 m). At each site, we established a transect of 1.29 km consisting of 65 study plots of 10 × 10 m2 each, regularly spaced 20 m from each other. In total, we recorded 5,081 rattan individuals belonging to 22 species, with 1,367 individuals of 16 species at Pono and 3,714 individuals of 8 species at Bariri. Variance partitioning explained 29–49 % of community variation at Pono and 40–72 % at Bariri, with most variation jointly explained by spatial and environmental variables. Within the environmental influence, soil factors dominated over local topographical ones. RDA ordination allowed the discrimination of four species groups at Pono and three groups at Bariri. These groups were related to soil and less clearly to topographic variables. Our study is the first documentation of the importance of soil parameters in determining the spatial distribution of rattan palms. Interestingly, juvenile palms ( 1 m tall), calling for further studies on the demography of rattan palms.

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

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

Comparative development of the rattan ocrea, a structural innovation that facilitates ant–plant mutualism

The ocrea is an extension of the leaf sheath that occurs in a wide range of angiosperms, including some rattan palms (Arecaceae/Palmae). In some rattan species, the ocrea is an inflated sac-like structure that acts as a domatium. Typically, ants occupy this domatium, tending their young and husbanding aphids, and potentially providing a defence mechanism for the rattan. We present a comparative study of early leaf development in five palm species, including both ocreate and non-ocreate taxa. Early leaf development was examined using SEM in Calamus longipinna, which has a pronounced ocrea, and compared with two other Calamus species with an inconspicuous ocrea, and two non-ocreate palms, Chamaedorea pochutlensis and Rhapis humilis. All three Calamus species examined develop an extension from the top of the leaf sheath, in contrast with the non-ocreate palms examined for comparison. The ocrea is a vascularized outgrowth from the top of the leaf sheath, initiated shortly after differentiation of the lamina and sheath. Calamus longipinna differs from the other two Calamus species in that plications develop on the surface of the ocrea, and persist as folds on the ocrea surface. The highly unusual ocreate plications of C. longipinna form axial folds that permit the sac-like ocrea to become inflated, and give it the properties of a domatium, thus facilitating the ant–plant interaction in this species. The homologies of the ocrea in rattans require further review because the interpretation of leaf-derived appendages such as ligules and stipules remains controversial based on contradictory evidence from location and vasculature.