Selected Plant Species Research Articles

Sociodemographic, environmental and biological factors affecting uses of plants from open ecosystems: Insights for improved livelihoods and biodiversity conservation

The sustainable management of open ecosystems requires the committed participation of the neighboring people. Attention should be given to plant species ecology, which conditions the rate of vegetation growth. Sociocultural and ecological factors contribute to both the loss and the conservation of fragile ecosystems. Owing to the importance of traditional medicine in Benin, a focus has been made on the selection of species in this field as a case study for highlighting the factors that drive the selection of plant species in Benin. Further inferences highlight the conservation status of the selected woodlands and savannas. The study assessed the effects of people’s sociodemographic status and species’ ecological parameters on the variation in people’s knowledge associated with species’ usefulness in traditional medicine in Benin. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted through semi-structured individual interviews with 590 specialists in traditional medicine. A conditional inference tree model was combined with a generalized linear model to determine the factors associated with traditional medicinal knowledge (TMK). It was found that TMK varied with informant ethnicity, source of knowledge, membership position, age, instruction level, and professional activity. As for the ecological and species accessibility factors, phytodistrict, mode of reproduction of the species, reasons for the species’ disappearance, availability, and conservation status influenced TMK. When combining the two categories of factors, phytodistrict, habitat of species conservation, source of knowledge, and membership position of the informants were highlighted as the principal factors that influenced TMK. These identified factors should be integrated into a comprehensive management plan for TMK conservation and biodiversity management, and the sustainable use of savanna resources. Through this, sustainable management of open ecosystems, resulting in biodiversity conservation, livelihood improvement, and climate change mitigation, will be achieved. Such a plan should be based on the mix of ethnicities and the diversity of the species’ habitat in each phytodistrict.

Pollen Visualization of Turkish Flora of Selected Plant Species under Light, Scanning, and Transmission Microscopy

This study aims to examine pollen morphologically via studies of 16 plant taxa from Turkish flora. The pollen structures of the taxa examined, and their microscopic relevance, was discussed and studied with the help of microscopic visualization using scanning and transmission microscopies. Pollen grains were first acetolyzed, and then quantitative and qualitative pollen features were used to evaluate the species. The pollen grains were prolate, spherical, elliptic, tricolporate, 3-colpate, and hexacolpate. Sculpturing patterns of surfaces vary from reticulate, micro-reticulate, and striate regulate. As the findings reveal, palynological data can aid in the taxonomic classification of Turkish floral species. Microscopic implications can be made via micromorphological examination to correctly identify the species. While the pollen morphology of 16 taxa collected from the study area was studied for the first time from this region, the palynological research of some taxa was introduced to the literature for the first time with this study. Pollen morphology and photographic and statistical data of the taxa in our study were determined. This study contributed to bee plant research, melisapalinological studies, and systematic botanical flora studies.

Exploration of new and alternative sources of targeted bioflavonoids using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry

AbstractBioflavonoids have exhibited remarkable pharmacological and biological properties. Moreover, many plants rich in flavonoids have been used as natural medicine or functional foods for thousands of years. Here, we introduce a liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry‐based approach for the exploration of new/alternative sources of targeted bioflavonoids from plants of the Fabaceae family. The approach includes a selection of the plants from the Digital Library of Indian Medicine Plants and their Metabolites database, the literature survey of selected plant species, and a liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry‐based experiment design for targeted analytes. Bioflavonoids were identified and structurally characterized based on tandem mass spectrometry fragmentation, comparing the retention time of authentic standard and multiple reaction monitoring transition for quantitative assessment. As a result of this study, 10 plant species were identified as a new sources of catechin, epicatechin, quercetin‐3 4'‐di‐O‐glucoside, isoorientin, orientin, vitexin, isovitexin, rutin, luteolin 7‐O‐glucoside, isoquercitrin, isorhamnetin‐3‐O‐rutinoside, quercetin, luteolin, and kaempferol. Moreover, 24 plant species were also recognized as alternative sources of targeted bioflavonoids. Moreover, the semi‐quantitative analysis of analytes revealed huge variations in the quantity of the analyzed flavonoids among the plants of the Fabaceae family. Consequently, the liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry‐based approach was successfully utilized for the exploration of chemical diversity in the Fabaceae family and to identify new/alternative sources of targeted flavonoids.

An Appraisal of Plants Used as Health Foods in Mozambique

A third of Mozambique is considered conservational area and is extremely rich in animal, plant, and marine biodiversity ecosystems. Over 90% of the 33 million population still depends on traditional medicine to meet its primary healthcare needs. While diagnosis has been based on symptoms for lack of laboratories and healthcare staff, respiratory diseases have been rising and with the pandemics the prevalence and assistance to these disorders has increased. Readily available natural plants have been used for many decades as valuable agents due to their content in unknown and also well described phytochemicals. This short but concise research project aimed at supplying an overview of the currently known efficacy of some plant species used traditionally in the north of Mozambique specifically for respiratory diseases. Several secondary metabolites were investigated in some commonly used medicinal plants. This primary work on phytochemical profiling will be useful for future pharmacological, molecular, toxicological, and pre-clinical assessments, contributing to public health pursuits and for guiding future investigations. An oral questionnaire in local language, included questions about the popular name of the plant, therapeutic indication, part used, form of preparation, route of administration, dosage/ingredients, duration of treatment, and adverse effects. Pre-treatment, extract collection, and qualitative phytochemical analysis were investigated on 5 main selected plant species. The most cited species used were Ficus religiosa L, Olax dissitiflora Oliv, Eucalyptus globulus Phil., Catunaregam spinosa (Thunb.) Tirveng, and Eulychnia acida Phil. which revealed several secondary metabolite classes such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, with a general absence of coumarins. Plant remedies were prepared mainly as infusion, decoction and maceration, and the ways of administration were oral, inhalation and bath. The most commonly used parts in the treatment were the roots and leaves, with the bark and stem least used.

Complexity of plant–pollinator interaction networks in East African high‐elevation wetlands

AbstractFor six selected Afromontane wetlands in Volcanoes National Park (VNP), Rwanda, located at varying elevations, we present preliminary insights into the pollination biology of six selected plant species. We found bees and flies to be particularly common flower visitors across plants and wetlands, followed by five species of birds, beetles, butterflies, and moths. We observed no obvious elevational trends in visitation rates, but pollinator specialisation did seem to vary across both plant species and wetlands. We provide insights into a partial pollinator network as a baseline reference for further studies or monitoring efforts of plant–pollinator interaction patterns and processes.

A new insight about the selection and intake of forage by ewes and lambs in different production systems on pasture

Keeping lambs with their dams and providing concentrate supplement for weaned lambs are two strategies used in lamb meat production systems on pasture that may affect the way that lambs explore, select, and ingest the forage while grazing. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the selection and intake of forage by ewes and lambs using the continuous bite monitoring method in two pasture-based production systems: non-weaned and non-supplemented lambs (NW); and weaned lambs supplemented with concentrate (WS). Continuous bite monitoring is based on a bite-coding grid that allows the estimation of bite mass, intake rate, selection of plant species and plant parts by grazing animals. Two experiments were carried out during September–November of two subsequent years on a mixed pasture of black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb.) and annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) established over a perennial Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.) pasture. On the second year, a third treatment including only the dams of weaned lambs – dry ewes – was also evaluated. In the WS system, lambs were supplemented with concentrate feed at 2% of body weight (BW)/day on a dry matter (DM) basis. Both experiments lasted 46 days, and a continuous stocking management with the forage allowance maintained at 16% BW in DM/day for all treatments. There was a high degree of variability on botanical and morphological composition of forage that was ingested by lambs and ewes, with ranges of 3–14 and 8–11 bite categories for NW lambs and ewes, respectively; 12–15 bite categories for WS lambs, and 8 bite categories for dry ewes. There was similarity between the forage ingested by lambs and ewes in the NW system, except for inflorescences of black oat and annual ryegrass, that were ingested in greater proportions by ewes. WS lambs ingested the most diverse forage diet, which appeared to explore the superior strata of pasture (above 10–15 cm of height) more frequently, and grazed inflorescences and senescent material in higher proportions than NW lambs. Dry ewes showed higher intake of Paspalum spp., Kikuyu grass and other voluntary species and weeds compared to NW ewes. These results suggest that the production system affects the way that lambs explore the pasture and compose their forage diet, with WS lambs ingesting the most diverse diet. The increased intake of inflorescence and, eventually, voluntary species and weeds may be a strategy used by lactating and dry ewes to extend the vegetative stage of high-quality forage species and reduce the population of low-quality plant species on pasture.

Water use patterns of dominant species of riparian wetlands in arid areas

AbstractWater resource shortage in arid areas is the main cause of ecological problems. Understanding plant water use patterns is essential for understanding soil–plant interactions and assessing the adaptability of plants in ecosystems with limited water resources. Riparian wetlands are functional transition areas connecting aquatic ecosystems and terrestrial ecosystems. Wetland vegetation restoration is of great significance to water conservation and ecological balance. Using isotope tracing method, our study clarified the water use patterns of dominant plants in typical riparian wetlands in arid areas. The results showed that the dominant herbal species ofSalsola affinismainly used 0–60 cm soil water (48.96%).Salsola affinis, which continuously obtains water from shallow soil, may be difficult to survive in extreme drought conditions. If it withered significantly aged in the dry season, it would have a negative ecological impact. The dominant tree species ofSalix matsudanaKoidz mainly used 20–100 cm soil water (43.99%) and groundwater (23.16%). With increasing water stress,S. matsudanaKoidz had a greater degree of ecological plasticity and can use water from deeper soils. However,S. matsudanaKoidz can continuously obtained water from deep soil and groundwater, which may weaken the water and soil conservation capacity of the wetland. In addition, the lc‐excess value of soil water showed that the soil evaporation intensity of grassland was higher than that of forest land, and the surface evaporation depth reached 60 cm. Our findings will help better understand the impact of vegetation restoration plan (artificial forest land and natural grassland) on the hydrological process of riparian wetland in arid areas, and provide reference for plant species selection and water resources management.

Effect of Biofertilizers and Organic Amendments on Germination and Seedling Growth of Common Dry Zone Forest Species in Sri Lanka: Sustainable Reforestation Practices in Sri Lanka

Most of the dry zone forests in Sri Lanka are arisen after unsustainable farming practices. Therefore, the natural regeneration of plant species in these forests reported to be very poor due to the reduced soil fertility. This study was conducted to find possible measures for the successful seed germination and seedling establishment of common dry zone forest tree species by sustainable soil fertility management. A pot trial was carried out in a greenhouse at the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Rajarata University, Mihintale, Sri Lanka. The experiment comprised of 128 pots and four replicates. Pots were assigned with different soil fertility managements: T0: control (Top soil only), T1: Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), T2: a traditional mixed microbial culture (Jeewamurthum), T3: Compost, T4: Biochar, T5: T1+T2, T6: T1+T3, T7: T1+T4; and different forest plant species: Manilkara hexandra, Feronia limonia, Pterospermum conscens and Bauhinia racemosa. Seed germination percentage was measured two weeks after sowing, and shoot biomass, relative plant growth rate, and AMF colonization percentage were measured after four months of germination. The results revealed that inoculation of AMF enhance the seed germination percentage of all the selected plant species. Both sole and combined application of AMF and compost gives more benefits to all the tested plant species by enhancing all the measured growth parameters. The findings of present study would be useful in reforestation programs of dry zone forests in Sri Lanka by practicing sustainable procedures.

Peanut and sorghum are excellent phytoremediators of 14C-tebuthiuron in herbicide-contaminated soil

Background Phytoremediation is a technique used in soils contaminated with residual herbicides, such as tebuthiuron. However, the herbicide presence in the soil and plant matrices are not generally quantified. Objective This study aimed to select plant species to evaluate the phytoremediation of 14C-tebuthiuron by showy rattlepod (Crotalaria spectabilis), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), radish (Raphanus sativus), peanut (Arachis hypogaea), and alfalfa (Medicago sativa) in herbicide-contaminated soil. Methods The selection of the five herbicide phytoremediation plants was with the application of five [...]

Effect of Plant Seed Mixture on Overwintering and Floristic Attractiveness of the Flower Strip in Western Poland

In order to increase biodiversity in cultivated areas, the implementation of agri-environmental programs is proposed, including interventions and eco-schemes. Flower strips are one such proposal. In order to achieve satisfactory results, the appropriate selection of plants is crucial. In flower strips, the number and diversification of overwintering plant species are important. Our observations suggest that the species diversity observed in the second year of the strip’s presence in western Poland composed of mostly annual 14 plant species did not overlap in the next year. The flower strip was established on soils in a very good rye complex. The average monthly air temperature in both seasons was similar. In the winter months after the establishment of the flower strip, the lowest temperature at the ground level and the lowest air temperature were recorded in December (−5.4 °C and −13.7 °C, respectively). Hydrological conditions were not favorable, including a very dry March. Wild species originally from the soil seed bank were dominant. The selection of the appropriate species composition of mixtures intended for flower strips should take into account not only the preferences of beneficial insects but also environmental conditions. The possibilities of the selected plant species are important. A large variety of spontaneously emerging species (considered weeds) can also successfully colonize existing gaps in the flower strips, providing an increase in biodiversity. From the beginning of June to the end of July, the share of flowering plants from the seed bank ranged from 42.59% to 88.19%, while among originally intended plant species, it was only 11.81–57.41%. In May and at the beginning of June, two intended species that were intensively flowering, Trifolium incarnatum L. (over 70.5%) and Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth. (26.47%), were definitely dominant. In later observations, it was noted that, unfortunately, the sown plants had a low level of flowering compared to the wild plants found in the flower strip. It is very important that flower strips include species that also bloom in July and August, and wildflower plants can highlight the attractiveness of the flower strip to beneficial insects and are a valuable addition. This paper evaluates the suitability of a commercially available seed mixture in terms of the floristic attractiveness and overwintering potential of annual plants.

Investigating the Effects of Air Pollution on Plant Species Resistance in Urban Areas

Context: Air pollution is a serious concern for environmental and human health, especially due to increasing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of air pollution on plant species resistance in urban areas. Evidence Acquisition: This narrative review was conducted by searching the databases of Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Springer. Sixty-five articles were screened by reading their abstracts and full texts. In the end, 12 relevant papers published from 1993 to 2021 were finally selected. Results: The literature review showed that the green spaces created by municipalities in different areas of the city included a set of trees and shrubs compatible by the climate, grass, soil, and water of the region, leading to a significant improvement in air quality. Based on the results, urban green space has the ability to reduce the amount of artificially produced pollutants, and the use of natural potential of trees can improve the quality of the environment depending on various factors such as the climatic condition of the region and the density and amount of vegetation cover. Conclusions: The most effective ways to reduce health and economic costs include reducing the emission of pollutants from cars and industries, extending urban green space, educating citizens, and organizational planning and cooperation. The findings of this study may have important implications for selecting plant species for vegetation traffic barriers.

Essential Oils from Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Cupressaceae and Lamiaceae Families Grown in Serbia: Comparative Chemical Profiling with In Vitro Antioxidant Activity.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the chemical profile and antioxidant activity of essential oils obtained from the most commonly grown plant species in Serbia. Aromatic and medicinal plants from Lamiaceae (Mentha x Piperita, Ocimum basilicum, Origanum majorana, Origanum vulgare, Salvia officinalis, Satureja hortensis, Satureja montana and Thymus vulgaris), Asteraceae (Ehinacea purpurea and Matricaria chamomilla), Apiaceae (Anethum graveolens, Carum carvi, Foeniculum vulgare, Petroselinum crispum and Pimpinella anisum) and Cupressaceae (Juniperus comunis) were selected as raw material for essential oils (EOs)' isolation. Hydrodistillation (HD) was used for the isolation of EOs while they were evaluated in terms of yield and terpenoid profiles by GC-MS. In vitro radical scavenging DPPH and ABTS+ radical activities were carried out for all EOs. Finally, a principal component analysis (PCA) was performed with the experimental results of the composition and antioxidant activity of the EOs, which showed a clear distinction between the selected plant species for the aforementioned responses. This work represents a screening tool for the selection of other EO candidates for further processing by emerging extraction techniques and the use of EOs as natural additives for meat products.

Composted sewage sludge utilization in phytostabilization of heavy metals contaminated soils

In phytostabilization, heavy metal-tolerant plants (e.g.,grasses) can be used to reduce the mobility of heavy metals in soils. The most important step in phytostabilization is the selection of the suitable plant species, in which growth and development can be supported by soil amendments. Sewage sludge compost could be a suitable additive, which provides nutrients for the plant species used for phytostabilization and contributes to an alternative solution for sewage sludge utilization. The aim of the study was to examine the potential of sewage sludge compost in phytostabilization for heavy metal contaminated matrices: identify the optimal ratio of sewage sludge compost to decrease phytotoxicity of the matrices, and assessment of feasible plant species for phytostabilization based on its bioaccumulation properties. In this research, perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), broad-leaved sorrel sorrel (Rumex acetosa), lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) were used for phytotoxicity experiments as well as for testing sewage sludge compost amended phytostabilization of polluted flotation sludge and mine tailings. Sewage sludge compost increased the pH and electric conductivity of the matrices. High salt content and low acidity, altogether with heavy metals caused harmful physiological effects on plant species grown without any compost addition. In the root development test, as in the germination test, the application of 5% sewage sludge compost proved to be optimal. The lower translocation factors of broad-leaved sorrel and perennial ryegrass showed a higher rate of heavy metal accumulation in the roots. Perennial ryegrass, cabbage, and lettuce plant species reached their maximum biomass by adding 5% of sewage sludge compost. Based on the bioaccumulation, translocation and biomass properties, application of perennial ryegrass is recommended for phytostabilization of heavy metal contaminated sites. Furthermore, composted sewage sludge also had a significant effect on the reduction of heavy metal uptake by cabbage and lettuce, which highlights their role as indicator plants in ecotoxicological measurements.

Plant-Based Solutions for Non-Productive Sites Useful in the Management of Dry Land.

The article presents an overview of research conducted in recent years, i.e., from 2004 until now. The study has been prompted by the threat of drought over large land areas which, as a result of current climate change, may lead to desertification in dry and hot regions of the world. For the same reason, large areas of farmland are affected by drought stress. At the same time, rising air temperatures result in a significant intensification of evaporation and a gradual increase in soil salinity. This applies in particular to acres of farmland, forested areas, and green areas of cities, as well as degraded land or brownfields. As the crop stability is threatened, the food base of the world's population is at risk and, additionally, in areas of industrial districts, people's health is in decline. Due to these multistress conditions for plant growth, we propose a review of the current literature which addresses the possibility of counteracting these unfavorable phenomena through the appropriate selection of plant species and, when only applicable, also through specific agroecological treatments. A selection of herbaceous and woody plants useful for cultivation on saline marginal lands was proposed.

Cleaning up black carbon using plant strategies

Black carbon aerosol is able to absorb solar radiation and the earth's surface, which results in warming of the air. In addition, aerosols that are directly absorbed through inhalation can have a negative impact on human health. Meanwhile, the ability of air to reduce the level of pollution is the deconcentrating of pollutants through abiotic mechanisms in the form of distribution, dilution, precipitation and washing when it rains. To strengthen the abiotic approach, this study aims to develop a biotic strategy by preparing plants capable of deconcentrating black carbon. The research method is based on a literature review, which specifically addresses the issue of black carbon. Literature is collected from the Mendeley platform and enriched through resource searches in open access journals. The results obtained are cleaning priorities for the closest source of aerosol generation, plant placement in priority areas, selection of plant species, intensification of vegetation quality and management of land cover extensification. The contribution of biotic strategies and phytoremediation pathways enhances the aerosol cleaning process. Plant maintenance and regeneration determine the sustainability of aerosol phytoremediation.

MANAGEMENT OF INVASIVE ALIEN WEED (PARTHENIUM HYSTEROPHORUS L) THROUGH ALLELOPATHIC AND COMPETITIVE PLANTS AND CHEMICALS IN ETHIOPIAN AGRICULTURE

The study conducted evaluated potential of extracts of selected plant species and chemicals on growth of P. hysterophorus. Since the impact of parthenium weed has become to the status of being an extensive economic and social problems of Ethiopian farmers. The experiment identified herbicidal potential of Aregemon mexicana leaf, stem and root extracts and 2, 4-D on seed germination and early seedling growths of parthenium at under field pot condition. Aqueous extracts of 6, 8 and 10 % (w/v), obtained from dry leaves, stem root of Aregemon mexicana plants and 0.3, 0.5 and 0.7 % of 2, 4-D herbicide. The overall germination, shoot and root growth means of A. mexicana extract and 2, 4-D, herbicidal treatments were significant (p<0.0001). Germination hinder by 2, 4-D and A. mexicana stem extracts, which inhibited the germination by (74.4 and 69.3 %) respectively from the control (82.2 %) and the lowest was A. mexicana root extract (54.8 %) in invitro. In the pot experiment the overall growth parameter means of plant extract and herbicidal treatments were significantly lower than the distilled water treated plants. A. mexicana stem resulted 100 % mortality at active growth stage of the parthenium plant, and 2, 4- D also showed best suppressed growth effects. A. mexicana leaf and root gave remarkable seed suppression of (93-94%) at 10 % concentration. Then we conclude that species like A. Mexicana and chemicals like 2, 4-D and are good candidates for future parthenium management. The Small holder farmers adopted mechanical control measures, while, it is most serious is not tackled by these farmers, integrate with other management options such as competitive plants and chemicals may appear to be satisfactory. However further research is required to progress our understanding of the interference mechanisms between parthenium and these species, on how to integrate with other management options and cost effectiveness of the methods.

The Vegetation Composition and Carbon Stock of Old Shrub Typology to Support the Rehabilitation Program in Sumatra and Kalimantan Islands, Indonesia

The typology of certain old shrubs assists with the selection of suitable plant species for rehabilitation. The carbon stock dynamic in old shrubs is fundamental due to their high uptake during the growth process phase. A plot of 100 m × 100 m (1 hectare) was created in each location, referring to the work of Mueller-Dombois and Ellenberg. The plot was further divided into subsquares measuring 20 m × 20 m; in each plot, there were 25 subplots. Research results showed that the diversity index of old shrubs at the tree, pole, and seedling stage is 2.50–2.66, 1.23–1.50, and 0.67–1.11, respectively. For Kalimantan, the diversity index is lower than that on Sumatra Island, which is 1.64–1.80, 1.00–1.02, and 0.52–0.81, respectively. The carbon stock of the old shrub forest in Sumatra has an average of 36.61 Mg C per ha (standard deviation 14.54 Mg C per ha) to 72.50 Mg C per ha (standard deviation 25.61 Mg C per ha), while Kalimantan has an average of 47.94 Mg C per ha (standard deviation 13.30 Mg C per ha) to 144.07 Mg C per ha (standard deviation 54.64 Mg C per ha). The dynamics of the vegetation composition and carbon stock in each old shrub’s typology are considered when choosing a suitable model, including high carbon stock content, to provide optimal results for rehabilitation activities.

Combining phytoremediation with bioenergy production: developing a multi-criteria decision matrix for plant species selection

The use of plants to extract metal contaminants from soils has been proposed as a cost-effective means of remediation, and utilizing energy crops for this phytoextraction process is a useful way of attaining added value from the process. To simultaneously attain both these objectives successfully, selection of an appropriate plant species is crucial to satisfy a number of imporTant criteria including translocation index, metal and drought tolerance, fast growth rate, high lignocellulosic content, good biomass production, adequate calorific value, second generation attribute, and a good rooting system. In this study, we proposed a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) to aid decision-making on plant species based on information generated from a systematic review survey. Eight species Helianthus annuus (sunflower), Brassica juncea (Indian mustard), Glycine max (soybean), Salix spp. (willow), Populus spp. (poplar), Panicum virgatum (switchgrass), Typha latifolia (cattails), and Miscanthus sinensis (silvergrass) were examined based on the amount of hits on a number of scientific search databases. The data was normalized by estimating their min–max values and their suitability. These criteria/indicators were weighted based on stipulated research objectives/priorities to form the basis of a final overall utility scoring. Using the MCDA, sunflower and silvergrass emerged as the top two candidates for both phytoremediation and bioenergy production. The multi-criteria matrix scores assist the process of making decisions because they compile plant species options quantitatively for all relevant criteria and key performance indicators (KPIs) and its weighing process helps incorporate stakeholder priorities to the selection process.

Plant selection for pollinator restoration in seminatural ecosystems

Individual plant species play valuable roles in meeting restoration goals for pollinators. However, the selection of plant species for pollinator restoration is rarely informed using empirical evidence and is usually developed in agroecosystems, which experience frequent human interventions to ensure plant success as compared to seminatural ecosystems. We highlight concepts and future research needs to design planting mixes that fulfill the ecological requirements of pollinators in seminatural ecosystems. Native plants that are attractive to pollinators, increase the stability of pollination services, and provide consistent floral resources across the landscape and growing season should be prioritized in pollinator restoration projects in seminatural ecosystems. Furthermore, condensing criteria of desirable plant traits into a composite score can aid managers in selecting plant species that meet restoration goals. Developing restoration strategies for pollinators on seminatural lands is important for preserving organisms essential for biodiversity maintenance and ecosystem function.

Community preferences for agroforestry patterns in supporting future forestry development

Through the selecting cropping patterns can be used as a strategy to regulate the success rate of land management it can contribute to deciding the level of the earth’s temperature through the selection of plant species. The high level of the earth’s temperature causes various impacts such as an increase in drought, which affects the agricultural industry, changes in weather that affect the success of planting, to the food crisis. Therefore, the selection of plant species must be done correctly and in accordance with the preferences of farmers. The choice of plant types that are by following the wishes of farmers can increase the motivation of farmers to maintain and caring for plants so that the success rate of planting will be higher. Therefore, it is essential to research farmers’ preferences in choosing crop types and agroforestry cropping patterns (simple agroforestry and complex agroforestry) because the amount of carbon stored by plants will depend on farmers’ preferences. The purpose of this study is to determine the preferences of farmers in choosing types of crops and agroforestry cropping patterns by using decision-making analysis methods. The study was conducted from December 2020 to February 2021 at the Batutegi Forest Management Unit, Tanggamus Regency, and Lampung Province. Research results show that the aspects considered by farmers are the aspects considered by farmers in choosing plant types and cropping patterns were production orientation (100%), time and labor (95.65%), biophysical conditions (80.43%), knowledge (80.43%) and the ability to invest in plants (36.96%). The reasons for farmers choosing crop types and cropping patterns are income (100%), productivity (88.89%), production speed (82.22%), and ease of harvesting (37.78%). As many as 73% of farmers who choose complex agroforestry cropping patterns have a more significant role in minimizing the impact of global warming. This happens because complex agroforestry cropping patterns are able to minimize the effects of global warming more optimally with larger stored carbon stocks of 765.61 tons/ha when compared to simple agroforestry planting patterns with carbon stocks of 356.21 tons/ha.