Cassia Siamea Research Articles

In Vitro Efficacy of Aqueous and Methanol Extract of Cassia siamea Against the Motility of Caenorhabditis elegans.

Gastrointestinal nematode infections can cause great losses in revenue due to decrease livestock production and animal death. The use of anthelmintic to control gastrointestinal nematode put a selection pressure on nematode populations which led to emergence of anthelmintic resistance. Because of that, this study was carried out to investigate the efficacy of aqueous and methanol extract of Cassia siamea against the motility of C. elegans Bristol N2 and C. elegans DA1316. Caenorhabditis elegans Bristol N2 is a susceptible strain and C. elegans DA1316 is an ivermectin resistant strain. In vitro bioassay of various concentrations of (0.2, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 and 2.0 mg mL−1) aqueous and methanol extracts of C. siamea was conducted against the motility of L4 larvae of C. elegans Bristol N2 and C. elegans DA1316. The L4 larvae were treated with 0.02 μg mL−1 of ivermectin served as positive control while those in M9 solution served as negative control. The activity of the extracts was observed after 24 h and 48 h. A significant difference was recorded in the extract performance compared to control at (P < 0.001) after 48 h against the motility of the larvae of both strains. The methanol extracts inhibited the motility of C. elegans Bristol N2 by 86.7% as well as DA1316 up to 84.9% at 2.0 mg mL−1 after 48 h. The methanol extract was more efficient than aqueous extract (P < 0.05) against the motility of both strains of C. elegans. Cassia siamea may be used as a natural source of lead compounds for the development of alternative anthelmintic against parasitic nematodes as well ivermectin resistant strains of nematodes.

Characterization of non polar-polar solvent extracts from some tea plantation shade tree leaves with special reference to antioxidant and antibacterial activities

Beneficial properties of shade trees of tea plantations other than their medicinal properties have been extensively studied. This research was initiated to explore the properties of some shade trees with special emphasis on their antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Leaves from shade tree like Dalbergia sissoo (DS), Cassia siamea (CS), Derris robusta (DR), Leucaena leucocephala (LL), Acacia lenticularis (AL) and Melia azedarach (MA) were used for the study. Characterization of shade tree leaves by determination of moisture, crude fibre and ash content and tests of non polar – polar solvent extracts for steroid, tannins, cardiac glycosides and coumarin, free radical scavenging, ferric reducing power, NO scavenging activities, quantification of Flavonoids and antibacterial activity were conducted. The average moisture, crude fibre and ash percentage of shade tree plants were found to be 62.95, 11.28 and 1.86 respectively. Methanol, ethanol, acetone and ethyl acetate respectively proved to be the most potent solvent for various phytochemical extractions as it gave positive results for tests like tannin, steroid, cardiac glycosides and coumarin. AL (91.46%), DR (92.69%), LL (94.32%) and MA (93.34%) leaf extracts showed a high level of DPPH scavenging activity in their water extracts. In DS (88.11%) and CS (83.23%) maximum DPPH scavenging activity was observed in Diethyl ether and Methanol extracts respectively. Acetone extracts were more active than the water extracts in exhibiting ferric reducing power and NO scavenging activity. Summation of the quantity revealed that DS showed maximum presence of flavonoids and acetone as most potential for isolation of flavonoids. The decreasing order of summative antibacterial activity was recorded in DS, followed by CS, DR, AL, MA and LL. Chloroform showed the highest summative inhibition zone followed by ethanol, ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, acetone, water, hexane, benzene and methanol. The antioxidant and antibacterial potential of shade trees were established.

Senna siamea Seed Provenance of Zimbabwe: A Potential Oleic- and Linoleic-Acid-Rich Dietary Protein and Energy Source for Livestock and Poultry Feeds

In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), off-veld ruminant livestock and commercial poultry production fail to meet the demand for meat and eggs. Intensified production to meet the demand requires nutritionally balanced feeds. Competition between humans, livestock and poultry for feed resources present a challenge hence the need for alternative feed resources. Indigenous trees seeds are potential sources of nutrients. Senna siamea, widely distributed in SSA, produces an abundance of seed. We evaluated, by chemical analyses, the potential of hulled (HSSM) and dehulled (DSSM) in S. siamea seed meal to supply nutrients in feeds. DSSM had higher DM, CP, EE, ash, P and gross energy (92.71±0.08%, 47.89±0.03%, 11.39±0.16%, 6.17±0.07%, 1.01±0.03% and 23.13±0.05 MJ/kg DM, respectively) content than HSSM (P&lt;0.05). Amino acids were more concentrated (P&lt;0.05) in the DSSM. HSSM’s CF, NDF, ADF and Ca content was significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) compared to that of the DSSM. The DM, CP, EE and gross energy (GE) content (89.48±0.09%, 21.75±0.09%, 4.71±0.41%, and 20.46±0.04 MJ/kg DM, respectively) of the HSSM though lower compared to in DSSM, are within range of conventional plant-derived dietary protein and energy sources for feeds. DSSM’s CP and GE is higher than that of conventional dietary protein and energy sources for feeds. The TSFAs (27.88±1.36% vs 27.53±0.59%) and TPUFAs (50.42±5.18% vs 53.42±2.12%) proportion of the HSSM and DSSM, respectively were similar. HSSM (21.69±0.18%) had a significantly higher proportion of TMUFAs than DSSM (19.03±0.21%). DSSM had a higher concentration of the fatty acids per unit mass since it had more than double EE content of the HSSM. In HSSM and DSSM palmitic (19.18±0.44% vs 18.63±0.37%), oleic (21.15±0.09% vs 18.45±0.01%) and linoleic acid (43.35 vs 50.62%), respectively were the dominant saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. S. siamea seed meals can potentially be exploited as oleic- and linoleic acid-rich dietary energy and protein sources in livestock and poultry feeds.

Estimation of Above Ground Carbon Sequestration in Trembesi (&lt;i&gt;Albizia saman&lt;/i&gt;) and Johar (&lt;i&gt;Senna siamea&lt;/i&gt;) at PT Multi Harapan Utama, East Kalimantan

The open-pit mining method has a very large ecological impact. It causes the loss of forest vegetation which decreases CO2 absorption. Measuring the amount of carbon stored in plant biomass can represent the amount of CO2 that can be absorbed in the atmosphere. The objective of this research is to determine the carbon sequestration of Albizia saman and Senna siamea in different age classes at PT MHU Busang Jonggon Block, Kukar, East Kalimantan. Estimation of carbon sequestration in the stands of A. saman and S. siamea was carried out by non-destructive methods using biomass allometric equations while in understorey and litter using the destruction sampling. The results showed that the highest carbon absorption value of A. saman was 314.28 tons/ha which appear at six years old stands and the lowest value was 193.31 tons/ha at three years old stands while the highest carbon absorption value of S. siamea was 113.65 tons/ha which appear at nine years old stands and the lowest value was 24.64 tons/ha at three years old stands. A. saman could be more promising plant species than S. siamea according to its higher level of carbon sequestration and their high adaptation level. All data from this study could suggest several information for increasing carbon sequestration level in forest ecosystem as well as achieving forest rehabilitation purpose.

Determination of Cassiarin A Level of Cassia siamea Leaf Obtained from Various Regions in Indonesia Using the TLC-Densitometry Method.

Cassia siamea leaf has been proven in vitro and in vivo to have a strong antimalarial activity with Cassiarin A as its active compound. To obtain a source of C. siamea medicinal plant with high level of active antimalarial compound (Cassiarin A), a valid method for determining Cassiarin A level is needed. For this reason, this research conducts the validation of the Cassiarin A content with determination method using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) densitometry which includes the determination of selectivity (Rs), linearity (r), accuracy, precision, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantification (LOQ). Cassiarin A was chromatographed on silica gel 60 F254 TLC plate using chloroform : ethanol (85 : 15 v/v) as a mobile phase. Cassiarin A was quantified by densitometric analysis at 368 nm. The linear regression analysis data for the calibration plots showed good linear relationship with r = 0.9995. The method was validated for precision, recovery, repeatability. The minimum detectable amount was found to be 0.0027 μg/spot, whereas the limit of quantitation was found to be 0.008 μg/spot. The results of this validation are then used to determine the Cassiarin A level of C. siamea leaf from various regions in Indonesia. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the TLC-densitometry method can be used to determine level of the Cassiarin A compound with the advantages of being fast, easy, accurate, and inexpensive. In addition, it showed that C. siamea leaves from Pacitan have the highest level of Cassiarin A compared to other areas studied.

Green synthesis of antimicrobial silver nanoparticles using aqueous leaf extracts from three Congolese plant species (Brillantaisia patula, Crossopteryx febrifuga and Senna siamea)

In the present study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using aqueous leaf extracts of three Congolese plant species, namely Brillantaisia patula (BR-PA), Crossopteryx febrifuga (CR-FE) and Senna siamea (SE-SI). The obtained AgNPs were studied for their optical, structural, surface morphological and antibacterial properties. The prepared AgNPs were characterized by using UV-Visible spectra, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD). The synthesized nanoparticles were spherical shaped and well-dispersed with average sizes ranging from 45 to 110 nm. The AgNPs derived from BR-PA, CR-FE and SE-SI exhibited higher antibacterial activity against three bacterial pathogens of the human skin compared to their respective crude extracts and AgNO3. This indicated that the biomolecules covering the nanoparticles may enhance the biological activity of metal nanoparticles. Hence, our results support that biogenic synthesis of AgNPs from Congolese plants constitutes a potential area of interest for the therapeutic management of microbial diseases such as infectious skin diseases.

IN VITRO ANTIMALARIAL ACTIVITY AND TOXICITY STUDIES OF JOHAR (CASSIA SIAMEA) LEAVES FROM THREE DIFFERENT LOCATIONS.

Background:Antimalarial activity of Cassia siamea leaves has been proven by the active compound that has been found, i.e. Cassiarin A. It is known that the quantity of the content of a compound that has the potential as a raw material for medicine can be influenced by various factors including differences in plant origin. This study aims at comparing the antimalarial activity and toxicity of C.siamea leaves from three regions with different meters location values above sea level (asl), i.e Pariaman (1,000 m asl), Palu (60 m asl), and Surabaya (2 m asl).Materials and Methods:The materials used in this study were Johar leaves from Pariaman, Surabaya, and Palu extracted with n-hexane, and 90% ethanol containing 1% tartaric acid. The antimalarial activity test was done with Plasmodium falciparum 3D7. The toxicity test applied MTT ELISA method.Results:C.siamea leaf that had highest antimalarial activity came from Pariaman with IC50 value of 0.006μg/ml, then from Palu was 0.037μg/ml, and the lowest antimalarial activity was from Surabaya that was 0.09μg/ml . In testing the toxicity to get CC50, the highest toxicity came from Surabaya with CC50 value of 135.81μg/ml, Pariaman with CC50 value of 220.82 μg/ml, and the least toxic came from Palu with CC50 value of 235.52μg/ml .Conclusion:C.siamea leaf obtained from Pariaman had a selectivity index value that satisfies the requirements of a promising antimalarial effect.

Potensi Biomassa Dan Karbon Tersimpan Tegakan di Ruang Terbuka Hijau Kota Polewali, Sulawesi Barat

Global warming is one of the major environmental issues of this century. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are the main cause of global warming. Green open space (RTH) such as urban parks, urban forests and green lines play an important role in mitigating global warming and climate change in urban areas because it is able to reduce CO2 from the atmosphere. This study aims to determine the potential of biomass and carbon stored in the Green Open Green Space of Polewali, West Sulawesi. Data collection for stored biomass and carbon is carried out at three green space locations including; Urban forest and city park and green lane each made three plots measuring 20 m x 20 m, and three plots on the Green Line measuring 1200 m. Retrieval of data by measuring tree height and diameter, analysis to obtain the dry volume, biomass and carbon stored for each tree species contained in the Polewali green space. Biomass is obtained by the formula M = BJ x Vk x BEF, the stored carbon value is obtained from the product of biomass by 0.47. The magnitude of the relationship of volume with biomass and carbon uses a regression equation (Ŷ=a+bX). The results show there are types of Glodokan (Polyalthia longifolia), Johar (Senna siamea), Mahogany (Swetenia sp) and Trambesi (Samanea saman) which are spread in the Polewali open green space. Trambesi is a type that has dominant biomass and stored carbon of 381.95 (tons / ha) and 179.52 (ton/ha). Green lane is the type of green space that has the most stored carbon and is currently 440.94 (ton/ha) and 207.24 (ton/ha). The overall green space biomass is 571.83 (ton/ha) and stored carbon is 268.76 (ton/ha) found in urban forests, urban gardens and green belt. The relationship of volume with biomass and stored carbon shows a very strong relationship with the coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.96.

Soil carbon stock and nutrient characteristics ofSenna siameagrove in the semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana

AbstractWe report soil carbon stock (SCS) and nutrient characteristics of a pure stand ofSenna siameagrove in comparison with adjacent cropland usingt-test. This study was conducted in 2018 at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi. Soil sampling up to 50 cm depth was carried out from five subplots in each ecosystem. The SCS of the grove at 0–15 cm depth was over 100% greater (30.78 Mg/ha) than that of the cropland (15.16 Mg/ha). Soil pH and total N content of the grove were 5.75 ± 1.22 and 0.10 ± 0.03% in the topsoil (0–15 cm) and 5.52 ± 0.80, 0.06 ± 0.01% and 5.03 ± 1.22, 0.04 ± 0.01% in the 15–30 and 30–50 cm depths, respectively. Although these values were greater in the grove than the cropland, the available phosphorus content was 3–4 fold greater in the latter soil. The two ecosystems affected soil organic carbon and total nitrogen contents significantly (p&lt; 0.05) only in the topsoil, but had a significant influence on soil available phosphorus in both the topsoil and the subsoil. Sand content of the grove seemed to explain greater variability in its SCS (R2= 0.81) than clay content. The greater SCS of theSennagrove demonstrates its role in soil carbon storage in tropical climate in the era of climate change.

Environmental and financial assessment of producing bioenergy from Bambusa balcooa, Anogeissus leiocarpa and Senna siamea in Ghana

To evaluate environmental impacts and financial profitability of producing 1 MJ energy of charcoal from bamboo - Bambusa balcooa in comparison with two commonly used local species - Anogeissus leiocarpa and Senna siamea were analyzed. Environmental impacts were assessed using the Life Cycle Analytical (LCA) approach while financial viability of the various systems was evaluated using the financial benefit cost ratio (FBCR) and net present value (NPV). Emissions from all the charcoal production stages were calculated using GaBi 4 LCA software and the Ecoinvent V3 and Idemat 2015 life cycle inventory databases. Emission contributions from all four stages in the charcoal production cycle were analyzed using the CML 2001 method. Environmental impacts were analyzed based on the potential for global warming, atmospheric acidification, eutrophication, depletion of abiotic resources, human toxicity, ozone layer depletion and eco-toxicity. The LCA revealed that compared with S. siamea and A. leiocarpus, production of charcoal from B. balcooa (bamboo) was the more environmentally friendly option after S. siamea, recording lower in five out of the seven (86%) impact categories used in the LCA. This was attributed to the relatively low use of chemical inputs (fertilizer, pesticides, fossil fuel etc.) in the bamboo charcoal production cycle. Nonetheless, the financial analysis revealed that despite recording the lowest production cost, charcoal production from B. balcooa was least profitable (FBCR = 1.1) compared with the two traditional species. This was primarily due to the low market price of bamboo charcoal in the study region. While bamboo charcoal may be encouraged for purposes of environmental sustainability, increased sensitization on the economic potential of bamboo charcoal and the environmental benefits it brings may improve local adoption and market value.

Evaluation of legume shrubs improved fallow for abandoned agricultural land rehabilitation

The experiment was conducted on abandoned agricultural land at Bena-Tsemay District, Southern Ethiopia. It was designed to evaluate legume shrubs growth performance, and its potential for soil fertility enhancement through improved fallow practice. The results of the current study showed that the growth performance of legume species reveals variation in different growth parameters. The mean height of Sesbania sesban was significantly higher than the other species except for Senna siamea. Senna siamea recorded the highest mean stem diameter followed by Sesbania sesban, 3.47 cm, and 2.86 cm, respectively. Legume shrub species for soil fertility enhancement under improved fallow showed an increase in soil pH, organic carbon, organic matter, phosphorus level, available potassium, and total nitrogen during the growth period. Sesbania provides a large amount of nitrogen (2.91 t ha- 1) within two years fallow period, linked with the carbon to nitrogen ratio (11.22) having better mineralization potential. The growing of promising legume shrub species as an improved fallow practice has an important contribution in the restoration process of abandoned agricultural land and used as an option to grow crops in a rotational cropping system.&#x0D; Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 10(1): 64-70, June 2020

Tree species suitable for roadside afforestation and carbon sequestration in Bilaspur, India

The CO2 stocks in roadside trees in Bilaspur, India, were estimated using a systematic sampling method on 30 sample plots. The sampling plots covered a total area of 3 ha. The region housed 438 trees of 37 species and 17 families, with an accumulated biomass of 101.44 t, 48.18 t of carbon and 176.64 t of CO2. Delonix regia had the largest amounts of species-specific biomass and CO2 stocks, followed by Tamarindus indica, Ficus religiosa, Albizia lebbeck and Ficus benghalensis. Azadirachta indica, Peltophorum pterocarpum, Samanea saman and Senna siamea had the highest numbers and relative abundances in roadside plantations. The 10 tree species that sequestered more than 80% of Bilaspur’s CO2 were, in order of highest to lowest sequestration, Delonix regia, Samanea saman, Tamarindus indica, Azadirachta indica, Ficus religiosa, Peltophorum pterocarpum, Albizia lebbeck, Terminalia catappa, Ficus benghalensis and Terminalia arjuna. These tree species are therefore recommended for roadside plantations to sequester large amounts of CO2 from the city and contribute to offsetting warming and mitigating the impact of climate change.

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of Senna bicapsularis (Leguminosae), an ornamental plant

Senna bicapsularis is an important flowering, ornamental plant. The extracts showed antioxidant activity and antibacterial properties. In addition, S. bicapsularis can be used as a model woody plants. In the present study, the complete chloroplast genome was sequenced. The result showed that the length of circular chloroplast genome was 162,744 bp, containing a large single-copy region of 91,176 bp, a small single-copy region of 18,264 bp, and two inverted repeat regions of 26,652 bp. The chloroplast genome contained 128 genes, including 83 protein-coding, eight rRNA, and 37 tRNA genes. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that S. bicapsularis has closely relationship with Senna occidentalis, Senna tora and Senna siamea.

Diversity of Flora as Affected by Time Consequences of Revegetation Age in Post Coal Mine Area at PT Berau Coal Tbk, East Kalimantan Indonesia

This study aims to examine the diversity of flora in various age classes of revegetation of post-mining coal. This research was conducted at PT. Berau Coal, Binungan block, East Kalimantan. Sampling plots were applied on revegetation land of post-mining coal aged 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 years, and natural forest as a control. Flora observations were carried out on sample plots of size 25m x 40m for sapling, poles and trees, while sub-plots 1m x 1m for seedlings and understorey. In natural forests observations were made on sample plots measuring 20m x 20m for trees with sub plot 2m x 2m for uderstorey and seedlings, 5m x 5m for saplings, 10m x 10m for poles. The analysis results show that the highest individual density per ha is found in natural forests (seedlings, saplings and poles). The highest of flora index of diversity, richness and evenness were found in natural forests. The flora from revegetation of eight-year has been able to approach to natural forests conditions. The species of plants that predominate in some revegetation age classes are Rhynchospora corymbose (understorey), Senna siamea (seedling, sapling, pole and tree). Acacia mangium and Macarangan hypleoca grow naturally in some revegetation age.

Effectiveness of Nitrification Inhibition through Addition of Local Litter to Corn Plants in Andisols

Nitrification is the oxidation process of NH4+ to NO3- microbially. The nitrification process can produce compounds in the form of NO3-, N2O, or NO which can cause environmental pollution through water, soil, or air, thus harming living things. The research was conducted to find ways to inhibit or control nitrification effectively and sustainably. The experiment was carried out in a plastic greenhouse located in Plesungan, Karanganyar until the maximum vegetative planting period of corn around May-June using a completely randomized design three replications. Andisols soil media was taken from Tegalrejo Village, Tengaran District, Semarang Regency 07&amp;ordm;25&amp;#39;28.3 &amp;#39;&amp;#39; LS and 110&amp;ordm;31 &amp;#39;35.7 &amp;#39;&amp;#39; BT with an altitude of 760 meters above sea level. There are 5 treatments, one control, four are natural inhibitor treatments in the form of litter addition. The litter used was Gliricidia maculate, Albizzia falcataria, Senna siamea, and Tithonia diversifolia. Statistical analysis showed that treatment just significantly affect NO2- concentrations (potential nitrification), not significantly affect NH4+, NO3- concentrations, and efficiency utilization of N. However, measurement results in the laboratory and field showed that the addition of local litter could inhibit nitrification, which was demonstrated through the efficiency of N utilization. Tithonia diversifolia because it has the highest average N utilization efficiency of 25.79%, 58.71% more efficient than control treatments. Also followed by plant growth results showed that the root&amp;rsquo;s dry weight and canopy&amp;rsquo;s dry weight positively correlated with NH4+ concentrations and efficient utilization of N, also canopy&amp;rsquo;s dry weight negatively correlated with NO2- concentrations (potential nitrification). The highest results occurred in the Tithonia diversifolia treatment.

Comparative studies of fibres of woody species selected in relation to their paper-making potentials

The wood fibre used by the paper industry originates primarily from forests. Apart from Gmelina arborea, there are other fast-growing plant species whose fibre characteristics are yet unknown. In order to relieve the pressure and demand on G. arborea, this work was aimed at characterizing and comparing the fibres of four tree species (Parkia biglobosa, Arzadirachta indica, Alstonia boonei and Cassia siamea) to G. arborea, with the intention of elucidating their suitability for the pulp and paper industry. The trunk wood samples used in this study were collected from the Botanical Garden of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, while the study was conducted in the Plant Anatomy Laboratory in the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State-Nigeria. The results showed that the mean fibre length ranged from 1.00 mm in P. biglobosa to 1.70 mm in A. boonei. The fibre lengths of G. arborea and A. booneidid do not vary significantly (P &lt; 0.05). The Runkel ratio ranged from 0.624 to 3.227 across the species with G. arborea and A. boonei recording the lowest values. Conclusively, A. boonei is another pulp wood with good paper-making potential that could substitute the already known G. arborea.

Phytochemical screening, Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) and &lt;i&gt;in vitro&lt;/i&gt; antiplasmodial analysis of &lt;i&gt;Senna siamea&lt;/i&gt; leaves as antimalarial, Yobe State, Nigeria

Poverty and lack of access to health facilities had necessitated the less privileged to depend on herbal remedies to treat a number of diseases including malaria. The successes recorded from the discovery of novel antimalarials from plant sources had paved the way for the search of antimalarial compounds from traditional pharmacopeia. Phytochemical analysis as well as GC-MS analysis of crude leaves extract of Senna siamea was conducted, with a view to identifying compounds with biological activities. Further antimalarial assessment of the crude extracts was also performed in an in vitro assay. The phytochemicals; phenols, tannins, anthraquinones, alkaloid and flavonoids were detected from hexane and methanol extracts. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of Saponins specifically, triterpenoids (Lupeol, α-amyrin), Sesquiterpene (Octadecane), Diterpenes (Eicosane), Esters of pthalic acids (Diethyl phthalate) Squalene, α-Tocopherol (a fat soluble Vitamin E) and hexadecanoic acid butyl ester. A dose dependent suppression of parasite growth was observed for all extracts, with methanolic extract showing less antimalarial potency (IC50= 3.74 μg/mL) when compared to the hexane extract (IC50=4.349 μg/mL). Extracts and compounds detected from the leaves of this plant could be used as novel lead compounds to develop new drugs.&#x0D; Keywords: Phytochemical analysis; GC-MS; antimalarial; Senna siamea; medicinal plants.

Determination of raw biomass, yield and income from intercropping models of coffee (Coffea canephora Pierre) compare with perennial trees in tropical climate

This is the first report of evaluation of 4 Robusta coffee intercropping models (Coffea canephora Pierre var. Robusta) with perennial trees (Siamese cassia and durian) on Rhodic ferrasol soil and tropical climate. The models were: T0 - sole coffee, T1 - intercrop of coffee with Siamese cassia (Cassia siamea Lam.), T2 – intercrop of coffee with durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.) at 9 x 9 m distance and T3 – intercrop of coffee with durian at 9 x 6 m distance. The results showed that the raw biomass increased from 71.6 tons ha-1 (T0) to 101.4 tons ha-1 (T1) or to 176.4 tons ha-1 (T2) or to 178.6 tons ha-1 (T3). The yield of dry coffee beans in T2 model was reduced by 300 kg ha-1 and by 1,000 kg ha-1 in T3 model, respectively, compared with T0 (4,120 kg.ha-1). However, they are in the same level with T1 (4,202 kg ha-1). The T2 and T3 models produced 22 and 23 tons ha-1 of durian fruits, respectively. Currently, planting of coffee solely or intercropping with forestry trees are popular methods of growers. We recommend that farmers should intercrop coffee with perennial fruit trees, which creates higher total-income and larger raw biomass.

EFFECT OF GIBBERELLIC ACID ON SEED GERMINATION PERCENTAGE AND GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF TWO CASSIA SPECIES

The experiment was conducted in the plastic-house of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape at the College of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Mosul, Iraq during the period of 10/4/2018 and 31/1/2019 on two species of Cassia. Seeds were planted each seed depth twice the length of the seed in a plastic bowl (8 cm height, 6 cm diameter) full with a medium consisting of perlite, peat moss and sand with 1:1:1 (v/v/v) ratio. The developing seedling were then transferred to plastic pots with a diameter of 15 cm and a height of 12 cm in the same agricultural medium and transplanted into the plastic house after germination. The experiment was carried out by using two factors in split-plot design within randomized complete block design (RCBD). The first factor was two species of Cassia: Cassia surattenesis and Cassia siamea, while the second factor was soaking seeds in gibberellic acid at three levels of (0, 500 and 1000 mg L-1) for 48 hrs. The results showed that C. surattensis was superior in all seedling traits except for the leaf area, which was higher than C. siamea. Gibberellic acid had an important role in improving seedling properties and when used at (1000 mg L-1) on C. siamea the seedling height and leaf area were increased. There were no significant differences in both species of Cassia in some traits including seedling height. C. surattensis was characterized by its ability to flower in November after the appearance of flower buds at the beginning of the same month. Species differed in their tolerance to environmental conditions C. surattensis survived under cold waves, however, C. siamea was unable to survive under the same conditions in January.

English

West African Guinean forests are among the most diverse and threatened ecosystems in the world. The study aims to provide new insights about tree species patterns, abundance, and diversity for better management in Togo. Species diversity and density of trees were assessed in 170 plots randomly selected in the study area. Each tree with DBH >10 cm was identified and measured. Stem density, basal area, and diversity indices were calculated. In total, 243 species belonging to 170 genera and 44 families were identified in the study area. Five floristic groups were recognized. They are characterized respectively by Lophira lanceolata, Pterocarpus erinaceus and Daniellia oliveri association in Group 1; Theobroma cacao, Elaeis guineensis and Morinda lucida association in Group 2; Elaeis guineensis, Persea Americana and Albizia zygia association in Group 3; Cola gigantea, Senna siamea and Erythrophleum suaveolens association in Group 4 and Pycnanthus angolensis, Ceiba pentandra and Pseudospondias microcarpa association in Group 5. The Fabaceae, Moraceae and Malvaceae are the most represented families in the study area. The highest tree species diversity was observed in Group 4 (2.05 ± 0.61) and the lowest diversity in Group 2 (1.19 ± 0.64). Mean tree density ranges from 408.96± 202.17 (Group 1) to 273.90 ± 193.19 (Group 4). The highest tree basal area (27.99 ± 25.58 m2/ha) is obtained in Group 3 and the lowest (15.84 ± 13.44 m2/ha) is in Group 4. The presence of pioneer species in the study areas proves that the habitat has undergone serious anthropogenic disturbance events, which contribute to species loss. Key words: Diversity, sub humid mountains ecosystems, Togo, richness, tree species, disturbance factors.