Species Richness Index Research Articles

Vegetation diversity pattern during spring season in relation to topographic and edaphic variables in sub-tropical zone

BackgroundThe present study was conducted to explore the diversity pattern of spring vegetation under the influence of topographic and edaphic variables in sub-tropical zone, District Malakand. In the present vegetation study, 252 species of 80 families were recorded in the study area. It included 39 species of trees, 43 species of shrubs, 167 species of herbs and 3 climber species. As a whole, 12 communities were established on the basis of topographic and edaphic characteristics in 12 different stations.ResultsThe results of the present study revealed that all diversity indices (species diversity, evenness index, species richness index, maturity index) during spring showed that the communities in plains lying at lower altitudes had higher diversity while the communities formed at high altitudes had lower diversity. The results of the similarity index showed that there was low similarity (below 50%) amongst the communities in different stations.ConclusionsIt can be concluded that variations in topographic and edaphic factors affect species diversity and communities pattern.

Linking Vegetation Diversity and Soils on Highway Slopes: A Case Study of the Zhengzhou–Xinxiang Section of the Beijing–Hong Kong–Macau Highway

The rapid development of highways has caused a series of ecological problems, the restoration of which is an important part of highway construction. However, most related studies have focused only on the early stages of slope restoration. The present study investigated the Zhengzhou–Xinxiang section of the Beijing–Hong Kong–Macau Highway, which has been restored over more than 20 years, examining nine representative vegetation communities within this section and investigating their species diversity and soil physicochemical properties. Redundancy analysis and the grey correlation degree model were used to determine the relationship and coupling mechanism between vegetation diversity and soil physiochemical properties. The results showed some differences in the diversity of different vegetation communities and soil physicochemical properties; vegetation diversity was mainly influenced by organic material, total and available nitrogen, total and available phosphorus, slope, available potassium, and soil bulk density. Overall, environmental factors had a strong correlation with the Simpson dominance index and a weak correlation with the species richness index. The degree of coordination between vegetation community diversity and the soil coupling of the road slope remained on low and medium levels. Artificial vegetation restoration can regulate water and fertilizer resources and promote the restoration of highway slope vegetation.

Spatial and temporal pattern of benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in two large Chinese freshwater lakes subjected to different degrees of eutrophication

Freshwater lakes are subjected to increasing eutrophication and algal blooms worldwide, which have dramatically impacted the aquatic biodiversity. This situation is especially true in the Yangtze River Floodplain, China. However, few researches have been focused on differences in the spatial and temporal patterns of benthic macroinvertebrates assemblages between the two adjacent lakes in this floodplain. In this study, we conducted seasonal investigations in 2021 to compare the spatial and temporal patterns of macroinvertebrates in Lakes Taihu and Lake Chaohu. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analyses showed Lake Taihu was found to have differences in assemblages within the lake, but Lake Chaohu was found to have uniform assemblage across the entire lake. Macrophyte-dominated lake regions (eastern Lake Taihu) were characterised by the highest species richness and diversity indices than those in other lake regions. The pollution sensitive species (e.g. EPT: Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera) were only distributed in the macrophytic areas of Lake Taihu. Corbicula fluminea, polychaetes Nephtys oligobranchia and Capitella sp. were dominant in the middle central lake regions in Lake Taihu. Lake Chaohu and the northern Lake Taihu, with turbid algal-dominated state, were characterised by dominance of Oligochaetes and Chironomids. These differences were attributed to varying habitats and environmental parameters among different lake regions. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) demonstrated that macrophytes, chemical oxygen demand (CODMn), temperature, ammonium (NH3-N) and electric conductivity (EC) were detected as important factors influencing such macroinvertebrate assemblage patterns between these two lakes. This study contributes to the scientific knowledge of within lake habitats, community assemblages, nutrients and pollution within these lakes.

Diverse Interactions: Root-Nodule Formation and Herb-Layer Composition in Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) Stands.

The black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) is the second-most abundant deciduous tree in forest plantations, and one of the most important invasive woody species worldwide. The species has a strong transformer capacity, especially expressed by its nitrogen enrichment effect caused by nitrogen-fixing bacteria living in its root-nodules. The aim of this study was to explore the mutually interacting factors of nitrogen-fixing root-nodules, site characteristics, and herb-layer composition of 28 North Hungarian black locust stands. In the herb-layers of the study sites, a total of 121 plant species were identified, representing a relatively low species richness. The studied black locust stands showed high variability both in their herb-layer compositions and root-nodule formation, but no clear relationship could be demonstrated between these characteristics. The PCA component with which the species richness and Shannon-Wiener diversity index were strongly correlated was negatively associated with all root-nodule parameters (number, surface area, and weight), supporting the biodiversity-reducing effect of black locust by its nitrogen-fixing bacteria. All of the root-nodule parameters were negatively correlated with the PCA factor predominantly determined by stand age, confirming that the root-nodule biomass decreases as time progresses.

Composition of bacterial microbiome in sputum of patients with localized forms of pulmonary tuberculosis

Recent studies have shown that the respiratory bacterial microbiome has an impact on the development of pulmonary tuberculosis. Changes in the composition of the microbiome have been associated with the pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, response to therapy, and clinical outcomes of the disease. To date, the composition of the respiratory microbiome has not been studied in patients with localized forms of pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods. In the present study, the taxonomic composition of the sputum microbiome of 14 patients with localized forms of pulmonary tuberculosis (tuberculomas) and 14 healthy donors in the comparison group was analyzed by sequencing (NGS) of the V3 – V4 region of the bacterial gene encoding 16S rRNA. Results. The sputum microbiomes of the patients and the control group did not have significant differences in the species richness index (Shannon). However, the patients showed a decrease in the uniformity index, another parameter of alpha diversity. Bacterial community structures (beta diversity) did not differ significantly between patients with localized forms of tuberculosis and healthy subjects. In patients with limited forms of tuberculosis, contrary to the decrease in the content of representatives of the phyla Fusobacteria, TM7, Tenericutes, Spirochaetes, and SR1, and of the genera Dialister, Mycoplasma, and Filifactor in the sputum, no clear dominance of any bacterial taxon was observed. Conclusion. Certain alpha and beta diversity parameters that characterize the sputum microbiome of patients with localized forms of pulmonary tuberculosis need to be confirmed in independent large-scale studies to further understand the role of the sputum microbiota in the development of localized forms of pulmonary tuberculosis. Determination of Prevotella titers in the sputum of these patients holds promise for the diagnosis of localized forms of pulmonary tuberculosis and the search for their genomic markers.

Comparison of species diversity of mammals and herpetofauna between burnt and unburnt land after one year of fire in RAJ Oil Palm Estate, South Sumatera

Frequent fires are common in Indonesia, particularly within oil palm plantations, and are believed to negatively affect the diversity of native plants and animals. In 2018, the RAJ oil palm plantation in South Sumatra experienced a fire incident. This study aimed to assess the contrasting diversity of mammal and herpetofauna species and the impact of fire on species abundance over one year. Data were collected in burnt and unburnt areas with two land cover types, grass and gelam. Transect strips, 1 km long and 50 m wide, were established in each land cover for mammal observations, while the Visual Encounter Survey (VES) method was used for herpetofauna. Data were collected during active animal hours: 06:00-08:00 and 16:00-18:00 for mammals, and 19:00-21:00 for herpetofauna, with three observation rounds each. The analysis included number of eah species, species richness and evenness indices, community similarity index, and percentage of species loss and gain. Results revealed 5 mammal and 5 herpetofauna species in both land cover types. Species Diversity (H′) and Richness (Dmg) Indices differed for each animal group. Generally, H′ and Dmg were higher in burnt areas for mammals, while for herpetofauna, values were greater in unburnt land. Mammal species loss was lower than in burnt areas, with 20% loss and 60% gain in grassland, and 33% loss and gain in gelam land. Herpetofauna loss and gain percentages were similar in unburnt and burnt lands, at 20% for grassland and 33% for gelam land.

English

Urban parks are an important part of the city's green infrastructure and serve as an indicator for the city's natural environment. Six urban parks in Faisalabad were evaluated, split into two categories: Old parks (OP) and New parks (NP). A thorough census of tree populations was conducted in specified urban parks, and many parameters were studied. The composition of trees, species richness, and distribution of native and exotic trees were evaluated among two types of parks. Tree stem count was used to calculate the diversity benchmark (10/20/30) for tree inventories in selected urban parks. The major objective of the study was to determine the difference in species richness and diversity indices of selected urban parks in both categories. Evaluation of the plantation of Urban parks on the basis of the proposed benchmark (10/20/30) was also the key objective of the present study. The results revealed that 2978 trees from 52 species, 45 genera, and 22 families had been counted, with 2004 trees in the OP and 794 in the NP. A few common species hold the majority of the distribution. OP have higher share of native trees (67.07%) while NP have higher share of exotic trees (59.32%). The dominance of exotic tree species in NP depicted that change in time has significantly affected the plantation pattern of urban parks in Faisalabad. OP had higher tree species richness (47) as compared to NP (36). The dominance of exotic species in new parks is the major cause of low tree diversity. Results of the tested benchmark indicated that the plantation of selected urban parks approximately failed to achieve the proposed diversity benchmark. In urban parks, more attention should be paid to the plantation design and species selection. The pressing need of the hour is to have a tree mix that promotes biodiversity while also maximizing ecological services

Species richness and diversity of pteridophytes along the vicinity of Mt. Kibuwa, Impalutao, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon

Bukidnon being in a tropical country is composed of the richest and most diverse ecosystems. Mt. Kibuwa, the location of this study exhibits this diversity through its vast vegetation of pteridophytes or ferns along its area. Ferns are important ecological indicators since they can live in different niches and they have a variety of commercial uses—thus, there is a need for these species to be conserved. This study assessed the species richness and diversity of ferns along the vicinity of Mt. Kibuwa, Impalutao, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon to heighten up ecological conservation efforts within the area. In this study, Mt. Kibuwa was divided in to ten (10) sampling quadrats measuring 10m by 10m. The researchers collected seven (7) fern species and were confirmed and identified by the Central Mindanao University- Center for Biodiversity Research and Extension in Mindanao (CMU-CEBREM) as: Sphenomeris chusana, Pteridium aquilinum, Pityrogramma calomelanos, Culcita sp., Cyathea dregei, Nephroliphios exaltata, and Dricanopteris linearis. Using Menhinnick’s index of species richness and Shannon-Weinner species diversity index, results show that the species richness in all the sampling sites are closely similar with Pteridium aquilinum being the richest species and Site 1 on the lower elevation being the richest site. In terms of species diversity, this research concludes that Mt. Kibuwa has a good diversity of fern species and can be promoted for high ecological conservation and protection.

Woody species diversity and carbon stock potentials in homegarden agroforestry and other land use systems, northern Ethiopia

Homegarden agroforestry (HGAF) provides wider ecosystem services in the agricultural landscapes in the tropics. However, the potentials of the homegardens for floristic species conservation and climate change mitigation were less empahsized. The present study was designed to investigate woody species diversity, carbon stock, and the relationships between woody plant species and carbon stock in the HGAF and other land use types. Three land use types were purposively selected, totalling 60 nested sample plots. The stand structure and woody plant species diversity were determined. Biomass carbon stocks were estimated employing appropriate allometric equations. Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) stocks (at 0–30 and 30–60 cm layers) were calculated. The result of the study showed a total of 38 woody plant species recorded from both HGAF and exclosures, but no report from cropland. The abundance, basal area, stem density, species richness, and Shannon and Simpson diversity indices were significantly higher in the HGAF than in exclosures. The mean SOC stock was the highest in HGs (122.13 ± 19.12 Mg ha-1). The estimated mean total ecosystem carbon stock of HGAF, cropland, and exclosure was 171.17 ± 37.25, 78.06 ± 11.97, and 92.5 ± 17.33 Mg ha-1, respectively, which was statistically significant among land use types. A positively significant correlation was observed between diversity, richness, and abundance of woody species and carbon stocks both in the HGAF and exclosure land use systems. The current study confirmed that increased woody species diversity in HGAF enhanced carbon sequestration. The HGAF land use in the northern parts of the country is scanty as compared to the southern part, where there is a rich woody species diversity. Therefore, it is recommendable to promote HGAF across agricultural landscapes of the study area, which enhances biodiversity conservation and mitigation of climate change impacts.

Assessing the “Scale of Effect”: The Impact of Multi-Scale Landscape Characteristics on Urban Bird Species Taxonomic and Functional Diversity

The influence of landscape structure on species communities is intimately connected to the spatial scales at which measurements are made. If we do not measure landscape structure at its most impactful scale, otherwise known as the “scale of effect”, we might fail to detect crucial community–landscape relationships. In our study, we focused on the “scale of effect” as it pertains to the relationship between urban bird diversity and landscape structure. We investigated eight types of landscape structure variables alongside elevation attributes across 16 spatial scales around 28 sampling sites in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China. Our objective was to identify the most influential scale at which the environmental variables under investigation affect the taxonomic and functional diversity of bird species. We utilized PLSR and VIP scores to overcome challenges posed by multicollinearity among predictors. We found that the influence of landscape characteristics on bird species richness and functional dispersion index (FDis) was scale-dependent. Notably, the influence of the area of open water on FDis is most pronounced at smaller scales, while at larger scales, open water dispersion becomes more essential. Additionally, in a highly fragmented urban matrix, the importance of forest connectivity may exceed that of patch size at medium scales. However, the significance of forest coverage increases with scale, which underscores the importance of preservation efforts at larger scales to prevent forest fragmentation. We also noted a considerable impact from landscape-level subdivision across almost all scales. These findings highlight the importance of shifting urban conservation planning towards a multi-scale approach, which would allow for the identification of priority intervention scales.

Keanekaragaman Vegetasi pada Sistem Agroforestri Berbasis Kopi di Desa Rowosari Kecamatan Sumberjambe Kabupaten Jember

The coffee-based agroforestry system is one of the agroforestry systems that has a varietyof plants and support ecosystem services. This study aims to determine the diversity of vegetation in coffee-based agroforestry systems in Rowosari Village, Sumberjambe District, Jember Regency. The research was conducted on simple agroforestry and complex agroforestry using purposive sampling to collect vegetation data using the single square method. The results showed that the highest importance value index was for undergrowth, namely Oplismenus hirtellus in complex agroforestry lands (INP = 36,607%) and simple agroforestry lands (INP = 36,301%). The highest importance value index was for trees in complex agroforestry, namely Coffea canephora (INP = 101,158%) and in simple agroforestry, namely Pinus merkusii (INP = 107,104%) and Coffea canephora (INP = 105,832%). The index of species diversity, evenness, and species richness of the undergrowth had the highest value.
 Keywords: agroforestry, diversity, vegetation structure

Phytosociological Studies of Tree Species Biodiversity in Sabarkantha District, Gujarat

The present work aimed to study the “Phytosociological Studies of Tree Species in Sabarkantha District, Gujarat” was conducted in the rural area 14 sites under Sabarkantha district village during the period of January to May 2022 have been presented and discussed in this chapter. Several field trips of duration 2 to 3 days were made at regular intervals to various part of Sabarkantha district, Gujarat. The study was done to assess the tree diversity ad species richness of the rural areas. A grand total 2085 tree presenting 55 species and 27 families were identified from the total area. Fabaceae was the dominant family. Each sampled trees was evaluated in the field in terms of species, species identification was done by on the basis of local and regional flora. All tree > 10 cm girth at breast height (dbh, 1.37m from the ground) were measured. The Shannon-Wiener index value increases with biodiversity. The higher the value of H, the higher the diversity of species in a particular community. The lower the value of H, the lower the diversity. The overall values for Shannon-Weiner index ranged between 0.99 and 1.16. Sites Chitariya and Kanadar have higher Shannon-Weiner index values whereas lower values have been recorded for sites Balisana and Chotasan. The values recorded in this index characterize the relative distribution of species in different sites. The value of Margalef index of species richness for the sites 1 to 14 varied between 5.78 and 8.61. Sites Nadri and Mahor had higher values, 8.61 and 8.32 respectively, while sites Balisana and Sitvada recorded relatively lower values, 5.78 and 6.39. The greater Margalef index of species richness values were proportional to the number of species found at each site.

Tree diversity and regeneration dynamics toward forest conservation and environmental sustainability: A case study from Nawabganj Sal Forest, Bangladesh

The objective of this study was to examine the regeneration dynamics and population structure of the most prevalent tree species, Shorea robusta (Sal), alongside four other dominant tree species (Tectona grandis, Syzygium cumini, Trema orientale, and Cassia fistula) in the Nawabganj Sal Forest in Bangladesh. The regeneration status and tree diversity of all documented tree species were assessed using a simple random sampling technique. Among the 30 species, 5 species (Shorea robusta, Tectona grandis, Trema orientale, Gmelina arborea, and Artocarpus heterophyllus) exhibited favorable regeneration state, whereas 15 species had moderate regeneration status. However, the absence of the condition 'no regeneration' was due to the absence of the adult stage, which resulted in the absence of seedlings and saplings. The quantity of seedlings was greater during the rainy season compared to the dry season. The girth class distribution of Shorea robusta and all other studied tree species combined exhibited a reverse J-shaped population curve. There was a decline in tree density as the girth class increased, and trees with a larger girth class accounted for 34 individuals per hectare, indicating a strong ongoing regeneration capability. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index, Simpson's dominance index, Pielou's evenness index, and Margalaf's species richness index had values of 0.223, 0.937, 0.077, and 2.249, respectively. These values imply a limited diversity of tree species in the examined forest. Shorea robusta has the highest dominance (m²/ha), followed by Tectona grandis (0.091), Syzygium cumini (0.087), Trema orientale (0.022), and Cassia fistula (0.008). The cumulative basal area of the tree species examined amounted to 40.04 m²/ha, with Shorea robusta accounting for 39.81 m²/ha. This indicates that Sal is the prevailing tree species in the forest. Nevertheless, this study offers fundamental data regarding the current condition of the tropical Sal Forest toward forest conservation and environmental sustainability.

Senyawa Bioaktif Bioinsektisida Daun Sirsak (Annona mucirata) dan Pengaruhnya terhadap Keanekaragaman Artropoda pada Tanaman Padi (Oryza sativa L.)

The aim of the study was to determine the content of bioactive compounds in soursop leaf bioinsecticides and their effect on the diversity of arthropods in rice. This research began from July to October 2022 at the Plant Protection Laboratory and Bioscience Laboratory of the Jember State Polytechnic and Rice Cultivation Land in Balung Lor Village, Balung District, Jember Regency. Arthropod samples were observed visually using Sweep Net Trap, Yellow Pan Trap, Sticky Trap and Pitfall Trap. The GCMS test results detected 29 compounds in soursop leaves. The highest compounds as repellent and antifeedant detected were palmitic acid, oleic acid and acetic acid at 18.39%, 17.40%, 13.83%. The result of probit analysis of LC95 toxicity was 28.92%. The number of individuals in the bioinsecticide treatment was 2036 individuals, 32 species consisting of: 10 herbivores, 13 predators, 3 parasitoids, 4 pollinators, and 3 detrivores. Fipronil numbered 1198 individuals, 26 species consisting of: 10 herbivores, 10 predators, 2 parasitoids, 3 pollinators, and 1 detrivore. Diversity index (H`) shows moderate category in both treatments, dominance index (C`) does not show dominance in both treatments, species richness index (R) in both treatments is moderate, species evenness index (E) is evenly distributed in both treatments and Sorensen The Similarity Index (ISS) is classified as the same with a value of 89.66%. The yield of dry grain in the soursop leaf bioinsecticide treatment was higher (38.25 g per clump) than Fipronil 33.29 gr per clump.

KOMPOSISI DAN KEANEKARAGAMAN JENIS POHON DI KAWASAN IZIN USAHA PERTAMBANGAN PT. ANTAM UBPE PONGKOR, BOGOR

Post-mining land revegetation is one of PT. ANTAM UBPE Pongkor committed to restoring the impact of both mining and non-mining activities in its concession area, comprising 3 locations (GHSNP Critical Land, Cepu Landslide Block, and Mount Puntang Block). This study aimed to identify the species composition, diversity, evenness, and richness of tree species. This research was carried out by observation at 12 locations following checkered paths, parallel to intersecting contour lines. Observation sample plots for the tree, pole, sapling, and seedling were measured on areas 20x20 m, 10x10 m, 5x5 m, and 2x2 m, respectively, with maximum sampling intensity of 10%. Vegetation composition and structure were observed by measuring the Importance Value Index (IVI), the Biodiversity Index (H'), Species Evenness Index, and Richness Index (Dmg). Sixty species of trees were found in the IUP area of PT. ANTAM UBPE Pongkor, in the growth phase of trees, saplings, poles, and seedlings, dominated by Puspa, Rasamala, Waru Lot Mara, Calik Angin, Huru, Kaliandra, and Ganitri, which were spread almost evenly in each location, with IVI value of 50% -300 %. Species diversity with a high category (H' =3.23) was found in the natural forest in the Baching Plant, the medium category was in the cepu landslide block reclamation area (2.67), while the small diversity was in the reclamation area around the administration office (1.61). The evenness index (E) ranged from 0 to 1, and the species richness index (Dmg) ranged from 0 – 7.58, indicating that the IUP area is quite diverse regarding its biodiversity.

An Ecological Assessment of Tree Species Diversity, Richness and Status in Faculty of Agriculture Shabu-Lafia, Nasarawa State University Keffi, Nasarawa State Nigeria

Trees are very important to mankind in different capacity. This study was carried out to assess the diversity, richness and status of tree species in Faculty of Agriculture Shabu-Lafia Campus Nasarawa State Keffi, Northern Nigeria. The study area was divided in four independent site. A line transect of 1000M were established at each site by passing through the center of the site along which 10 sample plots of 50 m × 50 m in size were established in alternate position along each transect at 80m interval. Species diversity richness were measured using Shannon-Weiner index (H) and Margalef species richness index (D), respectively, percentage relative density was used to measure trees status. Thirty six (36) tree species belonging to twenty one (21) families were recorded. Family Fabaceae had the highest number of species. From the results of the study invasive tree species are the most dominat. The Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H) were 2.74 for total site, 2.18 for site A, 2.10 for site B, 2.24 for site C and 2.29 for site D. The Margalef species richness index (D) values for the species were; total site = 4.89, site A = 2.66, Site B = 2.60, Site C = 2.28 and Site D = 2.50. The result of the status showed that 19.44% of tree species were abundant, 5.55% of the species were occasional, 27.77% of the trees species were rare, and 47.22% were threaten or endanger. In conclusion tree species diversity ranging 1.5-3.5 is in line with standard. The tree species richness is low. Majority of the species were either rare or endanger. The study recommended that, there should be legislation against felling or cutting down of any tree that is ≥ 10cm in diameter be it local or invasive species in the study area. Annual enrichment planting of trees species should be adopted. Awareness on the potential ecological benefits of tree stands on farmlands to the people within and surrounding the study area will play a vital role in conserving the tree species.

Analisis Vegetasi Penyusun Asmin Tropical Rain Forest Conservation 2, PT. Asmin Bara Bronang, Kapuas, Kalimantan Tengah

Asmin Tropical Rain Forest Conservation 2 is a tropical natural forest which is a conservation area of ​​PT Asmin Bronang Kapuas, Central Kalimantan. The designation of new areas was carried out in 2018 and there was no research in the area that required data collection on the types of constituents of the area. The purposes of this research were to determine species composition, species diversity index, species evenness index, species richness index, and species dominance index. The method used in this study was collecting data on plants in area of ​​54.6 hectares with a sampling intensity of 1% using the Uniform Systematic Distribution Sampling with Random Start pattern. There are 14 plots in the form of nested samples with designations for 4 levels of plants (seedlings, saplings, poles, and trees). Results of the research showed that vegetation species composition was dominated by Shorea smithiana (Mahambung) of the Dipterocarpaceae family. Shorea parvifolia (Red Meranti), Euzyderoxylon zwageri (Ulin), Shorea smithiana (Mahambung), Mezzetia parviflora (Pisang-pisang), Syzygium spp. (Jambu-jambu), and Memecylon sumatrense (Kamasulan) are the 6 species that have the best regeneration rate, which are found at all plant levels. The highest IVI was Shorea smithiana (Mahambung) at the seedling was 46.55, pole 55.68, and tree 32.02 levels. At the sapling level, the highest IVI was Baccaurea bracteata Muell (Rambai forest) was 28.76. The species diversity index from seedling to pole level was moderate. At the tree level, the species diversity index was high (3.23). Species evenness index from seedling to tree level including height (0.82-0.92). The species richness index from seedling to pole was moderate. At the tree level, the species diversity index was high (7.45). The species dominance index of all levels was included in the low category (0.05-0.15).

A root-knot nematode effector manipulates the rhizosphere microbiome for establishing parasitism relationship with hosts.

Root-knot nematode (RKN; Meloidogyne spp.) is one of the most infamous soilborne plant diseases, causing severe crop losses every year. Effector proteins secreted by RKNs play crucial roles during plant-nematode interaction. However, less is known about whether RKN effector proteins can impact the rhizosphere microbial environment. In this study, we investigated the rhizosphere microbiome community of MiMIF-2 (a plant immunity-modulating effector) transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana with or without nematode infection using the Illumina high-throughput sequencing analysis. The results showed that the bacterial species richness index increased, while the fungi species richness index decreased in M. incognita-infected MiMIF-2 transgenic A. thaliana plants. The relative abundance of genera such as Clitopilus, Komagataeibacter, Lactobacillus, Prevotella, Moritella, Vibrio, Escherichia-Shigella, and Pseudomonas was reduced in MiMIF-2 transgenic A. thaliana plants compared to wild type, but was significantly increased after inoculation with M. incognita. The Cluster of Orthologous Genes (COG) function classification analysis revealed a decrease in the relative abundance of defense mechanisms, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, transport, and nematode infection catabolism-related functions in MiMIF-2 lines compared to the wild type. These differences may be the reason for the increased susceptibility of MiMIF-2 transgenic A. thaliana to nematode infection. Our results provide a new insight into RKN effector proteins and their association with the microbial community, host, and plant pathogens, which will lead to the exploration of new innovative ideas for future biological control of RKNs.

Keanekaragaman Jenis Kupu-Kupu Di Air Terjun Kedung Kandang Nglanggeran

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui keanekaragaman jenis kupu-kupu di kawasan Air Terjun Kedung Kandang. Jenis penelitian yang dilakukan adalah deskriptif-eksploratif dengan pengambilan data menggunakan metode jelajah atau cruising method secara luring yang dilakukan pada bulan Maret-Agustus 2021. Waktu pengambilan data dilakukan pukul 08.00-12.00 WIB dilanjutkan pukul 14.00-16.00 WIB dan berlokasi di Air Terjun Kedung Kandang Nglanggeran, Kabupaten Gunungkidul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta. Berdasarkan data pengamatan diperoleh hasil keberadaan Nymphalidae sebesar 59%, Pieridae 20%, Papilionidae 12%, dan Lycanidae 9%. Jenis kupu-kupu yang melimpah yaitu Papilio memnon dari famili Papilionidae. Mycalesis sp. dari famili Nymphalidae, Eurema sp. dari famili Pieridae, dan Jamides alecto dari famili Lycanidae. Sementara, hasil nilai H’ menunjukan angka 0,34. Nilai kemerataann jenis menunjukan nilai 0,113. Nilai tersebut mendekati 0 maka sebaran individu antar spesies tidak merata. Indeks dominansi sebesar 0,126 atau mendekati 0 maka tidak ada spesies yang mendominasi di kawasan Air Terjun Kedung Kandang. Sedangkan indeks kekayaan jenis menunjukan nilai 3,63 atau tergolong sedang. Berdasarkan penelitian yang telah dilakukan, dapat ditarik kesimpulan bahwa Keanekaragaman Jenis Kupu-Kupu Di Air Terjun Kedung Kandang tergolong kecil/rendah.

Identification of Diversity of Medicinal Plants in Bukit Mayana Forest Area, Kuningan Regency

Bukit Mayana Forest Area is a forest area in Kuningan Regency with an area of ±43 ha with a diversity of medicinal plant species that have not been fully identified. The purpose of this study was to identify the diversity of medicinal plants in the Bukit Mayana Forest Area, Kuningan Regency. The method used is a single-plot method that is placed by purposive sampling with a size of 100 x 80 meters which is divided into sub-plots with a total of 20 plots. The data obtained are then analyzed using the important value index (INP), species diversity index (H'), species richness index (R'). The results showed that medicinal plants were found in 34 types from 23 families. The highest important value index (INP) at the tree, pole, and stake levels is Ficus fistulosa with index values of 38.16%, 91.13%, and 64.68% and seedling levels are Coffea with an index value of 15.26%. The species diversity index (H') is medium with values of 1 < H' > 3 and the species wealth index is low with R' < 3.5.