Subtropical Conditions Research Articles

Implications of water management on methane emissions and grain yield in paddy rice: A case study under subtropical conditions in Brazil using the CSM-CERES-Rice model

Implications of water management on methane emissions and grain yield in paddy rice: A case study under subtropical conditions in Brazil using the CSM-CERES-Rice model

Long-term impact of different prevalent cropping systems on soil physico-chemical characteristics under subtropical climate conditions of Punjab, Pakistan

Lack of site-specific nutrients information for different cropping systems has been a major challenge in addressing declining soil fertility levels and enhance crop productivity in Punjab, Pakistan. Therefore, the study was designed to assess and quantify soil physico-chemical characteristics, crop yield and economic feasibility of different cropping systems (CS), including groundnut-wheat (G-W), rice-wheat (R-W), fallow-gram/wheat (F-G/W), mix cropping (Mix C) and cotton-wheat (C-W). A total of 470 georeferenced soil samples were collected using a random survey approach, and the samples were analyzed for soil texture, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter percentage (OM), total nitrogen percentage (TN), accessible phosphorus (AvP) (mg kg−1) and extractable potassium (ExK) (mg kg−1). For crop yield and economic feasibility, the data collected for each crop were summed up and mean data for every cropping system were compared. Cotton-wheat cropping system had the highest mean value of EC (1.57 dS/m), while mix cropping showed the maximum level of OM (0.53%), TN (0.028%), AvP (5.16 mg kg−1), yield (10.09 t ha−1), gross revenue (PK Rs. 87,883) and benefit cost ratio (2.2). The R-W cropping system had the highest pH (8.37), ExK (127.39 mg kg−1) and total cost (PK Rs. 46,882.25). Curiously, the fallow-gram/wheat cropping system had lower value of OM, TN, AvP, ExK, yield, GR and BCR, highlighted its poor performance compared to mix cropping system. Deficiencies in OM were widespread across all cropping systems, with only 3.1% of samples under mix cropping system being in the medium range. Similarly, TN %, AvP and ExK were deficient in varying degrees across all cropping systems, particularly in the fallow-gram/wheat cropping system. Spatial variability maps showed that nutrient deficiencies were more pronounced from the southern to northern side of study area. Our findings indicate that mixed cropping can improve soil health and enhance crop productivity, supporting the need for targeted nutrient management in Punjab agriculture systems.

Evaluation of Bivoltine Silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) Hybrids for Disease Resistance and Suitability in Subtropical Conditions

The disease outbreak in silkworm generally hampers the silkworm larvae during the late larval period causing high mortality, formation of poor-quality cocoons or even the complete loss of entire crop, posing a significant challenge to sericulture industry. The current study was undertaken to screen the native silkworm hybrids for their resistance or susceptibility to flacherie (caused by bacterial infection) and grasserie (caused by a viral infection), particularly harmful to silkworm health and their yield potential in the subtropics of Jammu division. 12 hybrids namely U-8×PO1, ND3×PO1, PO1×U-8, U-3×U-1, JD6×U-6, U-4×U-6, PO3×ND5, U-6×ND3, ND3×NSP, ND2×NSP, SH6×NB4D2 and FC1×FC2 were selected and reared with proper rearing practices. The data was recorded for various parameters pertaining performance against disease outbreak and yield potential. The hybrids namely FC1×FC2 and U-4×U-6 demonstrated superior resistant hybrids and less susceptibility. Both the hybrids showed an incidence less than 2% for flacherie and 4% for grasserie respectively. The study found that the hybrids FC1×FC2 and U-4×U-6 can be utilized commercially to reduce disease-related losses and promote sericulture sustainability in subtropical regions. Incorporating such resistant hybrids into local practice would also provide more economic stability for farmers, reducing the hazards associated with silkworm rearing. Therefore, on the basis of current results, same two hybrids can be recommended for commercial exploitation at farmer level specifically for autumn rearing in subtropics of Jammu division. These resistant hybrids hold great promise for improving silkworm productivity thereby enhancing the sustainability of sericulture in the region.

Aonla based agroforestry system- Ecologically and economically viable option for farmers in subtropical conditions of Himachal Pradesh, India

Aonla based agroforestry system- Ecologically and economically viable option for farmers in subtropical conditions of Himachal Pradesh, India

Integrated nitrogen nutrition with vermicompost and storage duration affect grain quality characters of aromatic rice under subtropical condition

Integrated nitrogen nutrition with vermicompost and storage duration affect grain quality characters of aromatic rice under subtropical condition

Rare earth element (REEs) imprints and provenance of wetland sediments from Oaxaca coast, Mexico.

REEs in wetland sediments from the Oaxaca coast in southern Mexico were used to infer the sources and depositional processes by involving both the geochemical characteristics and geostatistical approaches. Statistically strong positive correlation between REEs confirmed similar origin in all the cores. Light REEs (LREEs) represented >84% of ΣREE mean concentrations varies between 47.95 (C1) and 87.84mg/kg (C3). NASC normalized La/Yb, La/Sm, and Gd/Yb ratios indicated more Middle REEs in sediments of C1 and C3 cores and more LREEs in C2 and C4 cores indicating the different mineralogical associations. The absence of Ce anomaly and significant negative Eu anomalies is due to the presence of Fe/Mn oxy-hydroxide, humid subtropical conditions and a strong leaching process. Comparison with REE and possible sources revealed contributions from the Sierra Madre del Sur Mountains with major influences of igneous rocks such as andesite, basaltic andesite, dacite, rhyolitic tuff and rhyolitic vitrophyre.

Investigating the impact of oligo-chitosan on the growth dynamics and yield traits of Oryza sativa L. 'BRRI dhan29' under subtropical conditions.

Reducing the harmful chemical use along with obtaining potential yield in field is a worth exploring practice in rice cultivation. To mitigate the prevailing yield gap, the current study was designed to evaluate the effect of chitosan in improving growth, yield contributing characters and yield of rice. The experiment comprised eight different treatments viz. control (no fertilizer and Chitosan) (T0), conventional method (with fertilizers) (T1), conventional method with foliar spray of 100ppm chitosan solution (T2), conventional method with foliar spray of 300ppm chitosan solution (T3), conventional method with foliar spray of 500ppm chitosan solution (T4), only foliar spray of 100ppm chitosan solution (T5), only foliar spray of 300ppm chitosan solution (T6), and only foliar spray of 500ppm chitosan solution (T7). The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized block design containing three replications. Data on different vegetative and yield contributing characters were recorded to evaluate the treatments effectiveness in improving rice yield. Different growth and yield contributing characters showed significant improvement after applying chitosan in addition to the conventional production system. The conventional method with foliar spray of 500ppm chitosan solution had a greater positive effect on yield contributing characters and yield. In vegetative characters, the highest plant height became (87.3cm), number of tiller hill-1 (13.7), Total dry matter (12.9), leaf area index (1.35), and chlorophyll content (57.73). On the basis of assessed treatments in yield contributing characters and yield, the highest plant height was (91.8cm), no. of grains panicle-1 (145.29), grain yield (6.37tha-1), straw yield (6.47tha-1). Results showed that the conventional method with foliar spray of different concentration of chitosan solution was able to increase yield up to 26% in comparison to the conventional method. Overall, our findings suggest that additional foliar spray of chitosan with previously recommended cultivation practice can increase the yield per unit area and offers promising technology to achieve potential yield in farmer's field.

Effect of the intrinsic and extrinsic factors on the growth and development of young foals under subtropical conditions of Pakistan.

This study was designed to explore the impact of intrinsic (breed of foal, age of dam, and age of foal at weaning) and extrinsic (season of birth and housing type) factors on the growth and survival of foals in the subtropical conditions of Pakistan. For the growth study, retrospective data analysis of foals (n = 150) born from purebred brood mares of Thoroughbred, Arabs, and Percheron breeds (n1, n2, and n3 = 50 each) was made. Six hundred and twenty-four (n = 624) foals born between 2020 to 2022 were observed for the study of foal survival rate. The survival of these foals till the age of one year was considered. To study the growth and development of foals, height, bone, and girth measurements were taken at multiple developmental stages (3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 months of age). Statistical analysis revealed that late-weaned foals demonstrated superior growth metrics compared to early-weaned foals (P = 0.001) and sheltered housing conditions markedly enhanced growth parameters across all breeds and measurement intervals (P = 0.002). However, no significant effect of season (P > 0.05) on the growth measurements across breeds was found. Arab and Thoroughbred breeds demonstrated significant early growth advantages in foals from middle-aged dams, with marked differences in height, bone width, and girth; however, by 15 months, these differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). In contrast, Percheron foals showed consistent growth regardless of the dam's age, suggesting breed-specific developmental influences (P = 0.885). Regarding the effects of extrinsic and intrinsic factors on foal survival, environmental conditions, and maternal age significantly impacted survival rates. Extreme winter conditions were associated with a notably lower survival probability (P = 0.002), and middle-aged dams exhibited significantly enhanced survival odds (P = 0.03). However, the influences of housing conditions and weaning age on survival were not statistically significant (P > 0.05), indicating these factors do not substantially affect foal survival within the first year. These results underscore the critical roles of weaning age, housing conditions, and age of dams in influencing foal growth and survival, highlighting the importance of tailored management practices in optimizing outcomes for the growth and development of young equines under subtropics.

Effect of varying levels of phosphorus and bio-fertilizers on growth and yield of chickpea under sub-tropical condition

A field experiment was conducted at the Crop Research Centre of School of Agriculture, ITM University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh during rabi 2021–22 and 2022–23 to study the influence of phosphorus and bio-fertilizers on growth and yield of chickpea under sub-tropical condition of Madhya Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (factorial experiment) by taking four levels of phosphorus, viz. 0 kg P2 O5 /ha, 30 kg P2 O5 /ha, 40 kg P2 O5 /ha, 50 kg P2 O5 /ha and bio-fertilizers (No inoculation, PSB (B. thuringiensis) @ 20 g/kg of seed, Rhizobium (Mesorhizobium) @ 20 g/kg of seed PSB (B. thuringiensis) + Rhizobium (Mesorhizobium) which were replicated thrice. The chickpea variety “JG-16” was uniformly fertilized by 20 kg N/ ha through Urea. However, phosphorus and bio-fertilizers were applied as per the requirement of the treatments. The crop was managed as per the recommended package and practices. The experimental study revealed that among the phosphorus levels, the application of 50 kg P/ha recorded significantly highest plant height, number of nodules, shoot dry matter accumulation, number of primary and secondary branches. Further, it also produced highest seed, stover, biological yield and harvest index. Similar, result showed in N, P, K uptake. However, among the bio-fertilizers, application of Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (B. thuringiensis) + Rhizobium Mesorhizobium resulted in highest plant height, number of nodules, shoot dry matter accumulation, number of primary and secondary branches, seed and stover yield, biological yield and harvest index of chickpea. Application of 50 kg ha-1 phosphorus and combined treatment of Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (B. thuringiensis) + Rhizobium (Mesorhizobium) resulted in highest gross return, net return and Benefit: cost ratio.

Effect of varying levels of phosphorus and bio-fertilizers on growth and yield of chickpea under sub-tropical condition

A field experiment was conducted at the Crop Research Centre of School of Agriculture, ITM University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh during rabi 2021–22 and 2022–23 to study the influence of phosphorus and bio-fertilizers on growth and yield of chickpea under sub-tropical condition of Madhya Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (factorial experiment) by taking four levels of phosphorus, viz. 0 kg P2 O5 /ha, 30 kg P2 O5 /ha, 40 kg P2 O5 /ha, 50 kg P2 O5 /ha and bio-fertilizers (No inoculation, PSB (B. thuringiensis) @ 20 g/kg of seed, Rhizobium (Mesorhizobium) @ 20 g/kg of seed PSB (B. thuringiensis) + Rhizobium (Mesorhizobium) which were replicated thrice. The chickpea variety “JG-16” was uniformly fertilized by 20 kg N/ ha through Urea. However, phosphorus and bio-fertilizers were applied as per the requirement of the treatments. The crop was managed as per the recommended package and practices. The experimental study revealed that among the phosphorus levels, the application of 50 kg P/ha recorded significantly highest plant height, number of nodules, shoot dry matter accumulation, number of primary and secondary branches. Further, it also produced highest seed, stover, biological yield and harvest index. Similar, result showed in N, P, K uptake. However, among the bio-fertilizers, application of Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (B. thuringiensis) + Rhizobium Mesorhizobium resulted in highest plant height, number of nodules, shoot dry matter accumulation, number of primary and secondary branches, seed and stover yield, biological yield and harvest index of chickpea. Application of 50 kg ha-1 phosphorus and combined treatment of Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (B. thuringiensis) + Rhizobium (Mesorhizobium) resulted in highest gross return, net return and Benefit: cost ratio.

Morphological Characterization of Citrus Leaves (Citrus species) under Sub-tropical Conditions of Punjab, India

A field experiment was conducted during 2019-2021 at Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh sahib, Punjab to study the morphological characterization of citrus leaves (Citrus species) under sub-tropical conditions of Punjab. For morphological studies, leaves samples collected from the Citrus orchard. Samples were randomly collected from 10 leaves samples which were randomly collected from 5 plants in order to obtain a representative sample. All leaves sample were observed for integrity and absence of dust and insect contamination. The leaves of six different citrus species were used for the morphological characterization. Morphological characters of citrus accessions were observed on basis of UPOV (International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants) descriptors. The experimental results revealed that there were significant variations for morphological characterization in different citrus species. There are no variations in vegetative life cycle, leaf division, leaf colour, leaf lamina attachment in lime, lemon, pummelo, mandarin, grapefruit and sweet orange leaves. Vegetative life cycle was evergreen and leaf division was found to be simple in all the six citrus species. However, maximum mean leaf lamina length, leaf lamina width and leaf lamina length to width ratio was recorded in pummelo followed by grapefruit and mandarin. The maximum leaf area was observed in pummelo which was statistically at par with grapefruit, mandarin, sweet orange, lemon. Thus, there was no significant variation morphological characterization among citrus leaves.

Effect of Sowing Environment and Varieties on Soil Fertility and Nutrient Uptake of Rainfed Wheat under Sub-tropical Conditions

Effect of Sowing Environment and Varieties on Soil Fertility and Nutrient Uptake of Rainfed Wheat under Sub-tropical Conditions

Antioxidant Activity from the Leaves of Different Citrus (Citrus species) under Sub-tropical Conditions of Punjab

The lab experiment was conducted during 2019-2021 to assess the antioxidant activity from the leaves of different citrus (Citrus species) in the laboratories of Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU). The leaves of different citrus species were procured from the orchard of Department of Agriculture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib world University, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab. The antioxidant activity of leaves of different citrus species (lime, lemon, pummelo, mandarin, grapefruit and sweet orange) were measured using the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. For anti-oxidant properties studies, about 35 leaves/species were collected from the orchard of citrus. They were cleaned with running water, freed of dust and then shadow dried in the shade and then transferred to a hot air oven for 24 hours at 40. Until a stable weight. Drying leaves will be formed into fine powder by using grinder method. After it, the powder was closed in a tight container and stored in a cool and dry place. The results of lab analysis revealed that the antioxidant activity of leaves extract of citrus species in both assays viz. DPPH scavenging activity and FRAP assay showed that the highest activity was displayed by grapefruit with an IC₅₀ = 2.492 mg/ml and EC₅₀=0.835 mg/ml whereas, the least activity was revealed by sweet orange species with an IC₅₀= 4.113 mg/ml and EC₅₀ = 2.240 mg/ml. Thus, this knowledge could be utilized subsequently by food ingredients industries for various applications and innovation, specifically related to flavour compounds.

A glimpse into the Late Cretaceous (Cenomanian) palynology of the Arlington Archosaur Site, Texas, USA

The Arlington Archosaur Site between Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, USA, is known as a rich fossiliferous section. The age of these rocks is generally considered to be Middle Cenomanian, but conflicting evidence suggests they may be as young as the Late Cenomanian–Early Turonian. To address the issue, a palynological study was designed and conducted based on close sampling of the four lithofacies associations, labelled A to D, in ascending order. The study was quantitative and focused on palynological associations to determine the palaeoenvironment, palaeoclimate, biostratigraphy and age of the exposure. The rich palynological assemblages comprise spores from seedless plants, gymnosperms, angiosperms, fungi, freshwater algae, acritarchs and dinoflagellate cysts. Bryophyte spores were abundant mainly in Facies A and B, with Zlivisporis cenomanianus taking over the habitat of bryophytes in Facies D. Lycophytes abundant in the alluvial and coastal plains are considered to have been transported. Conifer pollen represent the predominant group of gymnosperms, mainly transported into the section. Freshwater algal remains include Schizophacus laevigatus/Ovoidites parvus, Schizosporis reticulatus, Botryococcus sp. and Pediastrum sp. The overall terrestrial vegetation represented in the palynological assemblages indicates tropical to subtropical palaeoclimatic conditions. In addition, the assemblage richness and abundance peaks of dinoflagellate cysts are interpreted as increased marine influence and possible flooding surfaces. The results support the alternation of marine incursions within deltaic and floodplain sequences related to short-term climate oscillations that affected the vegetation on the upland and lowland drainage areas. Key palynological markers point to an early Late Cenomanian age whereas the Cyclonephelium compactum–membraniphorum (Ccm morphological plexus) presence signals the incursion of boreal waters during the Plenus Cold Event of the Ocean Anoxic Event 2 reaching the southern coast of Appalachia.

Integrated nutrient management for sustainable cultivation of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) in northern Ganges River floodplain soils of Bangladesh

Diminution of land and a decline in soil health with fertility due to intensive agricultural practices are the limiting factors for sub-tropical agriculture. Therefore, Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) is an option to fight against traditional farming practices by improving crop yields and managing soil fertility status for long-term sustainability through the combined and careful use of all possible sources of plant nutrients. This study, aimed to investigate the effects of INM tactics to maximize the vegetative and reproductive qualities of Okra under sub-tropical conditions. The entire study was performed in a pot experiment where replications were thrice with 12 INM treatments arranged in a completely randomized design. The results of our investigation revealed that combined application of inorganic fertilizer (75% recommended doses of NPK fertilizer) and 25% organic fertilizer (Compost + Vermicompost + Trichocompost). T9 significantly enhanced the growth of okra plants at different stages as expressed in terms of numbers of flowers, fruits, average fruit weight, 100 seed weight and yield plant-1. We also tested the physiochemical properties of the soil before planting and after the harvesting period. Profitability analysis was performed considering only the variable production costs. Our results suggest that the judicious combination of organic and synthetic fertilizers was more sustainable and productive than other studied treatments.

Optimizing soil properties, water use efficiency, and crop yield through biochar and organic manure integration in organic soil.

Speedy decomposition of organic manure and efficient utilization of rice husk waste are two critical challenges for sustainable environment and soil health management. However, understanding the synergistic effects of rice husk biochar (B) and organic manure (OM) on soil properties and crop growth in subtropical conditions remains unclear. A field study was conducted to investigate the impact of sole and combined application of rice husk biochar (0tha-1, 3tha-1), farmyard manure (FYM), and vermicompost (VC) on soil aggregation, aggregate-associated carbon, water use efficiency (WUE), economic benefits, and yield of radish crop in sandy clay loam organic soil. Biochar application enhanced the macroaggregate stability and aggregate associated C contents. Soil moisture, infiltration rate (IR) and WUE were significantly improved by 9.2%, 20.8% and 13.6%, respectively, with addition of biochar, which might be related to improved aggregate-associated carbon and water retention in the soil. Similarly, improved soil properties, WUE were noticed in the treatment receiving combination of FYM+VC over the control. 16% and 30.9% higher radish yield was observed with biochar and FYM+VC amended treatments compared without B0 and manure OM0, respectively. The integrated use of biochar (3tha-1) and OM (FYM+VC) resulted in highest economic benefits of net return (₹ 138,325ha-1) and B:C (1:5) ratio and least in control plots. These results indicate that adding biochar in organic management practices considerably improved the soil properties, WUE which resulted in increased organic radish production.

Effect of post-milking teat dipping on milk quality and udder health of crossbred cows.

We aimed to determine the efficacy of different post-milking teat dips in the prevention of intramammary infection and teat condition scores in common crossbred cows (Holstein Frisian × Tharparkar) found in Indian sub-tropical conditions. Eighty healthy crossbred cows were selected and randomly divided into four groups: untreated control, 1% w/v iodine, 5% v/v lactic acid and finally essential oil mix (eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, and tea tree oils). Samples were collected quarter-wise (n = 308). Sampling as well as teat scoring was done simultaneously. 1st sample was collected before starting teat dipping, followed by 15th day in milk (DIM), 45th DIM and 90th DIM, respectively. The study found that post-milking teat dipping significantly reduced the mean California mastitis test score, somatic cell count and electrical conductivity of the milk in the treatment groups compared to the control group, and also improved milk yield in the treatment groups. There were no differences between the individual treatments. The study also found a significant reduction in teat end condition and teat skin condition after 90 d of post-milking teat dipping.

The haplotype-phased genome assembly facilitated the deciphering of the bud dormancy-related QTLs in Prunus mume.

Bud dormancy is a vital physiological process in woody perennials, facilitating their adaptation to seasonal environmental changes. Satisfying genotype-specific chilling requirements (CR) and heat requirements (HR) through exposure to specific chilling and warm temperatures is essential for dormancy release and the subsequent resumption of growth. The genetic mechanisms regulating bud dormancy traits in Prunus mume remain unclear. In this study, we first assembled the genome of 'Nanko', the leading P. mume cultivar in Japan, in a haplotype-resolved manner. Using an F1 segregating population from a cross between 'Nanko' (high-chill) and 'SC' (low-chill), a cultivar adapted to subtropical conditions, we identified quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for vegetative bud dormancy traits on chromosome 4 (LG4 QTLs) in the 'Nanko' genome and for CR and HR on chromosome 7 (LG7 QTL) in the 'SC' genome. A notable 5.6Mb chromosome inversion was overlapped with LG4 QTL interval in one of the 'Nanko' haplotypes. We also identified candidate genes based on haplotyping, differential expression between the parents or the presence of trait-correlated variants in coding regions. Notably, genes such as PmuMAIN, PmuNAC2, PmuDOG1, PmuSUI1, PmuATG8CL, PmubZIP44, and PmuSAUR50 were identified. This study provides valuable insights into the genetic regulation of vegetative bud dormancy in Prunus species.

Effects of urbanization on the ephemeral lake flood risks under subtropical humid monsoon climate

Study regionPoyang Lake region, China. Study focusThis study focuses on addressing severe summer monsoon floods in the Poyang Lake region under subtropical monsoon climate conditions. Employing the Seasonal Water Yield analysis within the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs framework to investigate and assess the impacts of subtropical monsoon climate and urban dynamics on regional flood risk. By combining simulation results with analysis of regional urban distribution, the study aims to identify sensitive changes in flood hazard characteristics. Ultimately, the research seeks to enhance regional flood resilience to address climate change and urban development challenges. New hydrological insights for the regionUpon analyzing the model simulation results, we discovered that the subtropical humid monsoon climate contributes significantly, accounting for 35.98 % of surface runoff variability during the ephemeral lake region's flood season. Rapid urbanization amplifies the negative impact of land use change on surface runoff (with a contribution rate of 26.00 %). In urban agglomeration areas, surface runoff increased by 30 mm, and the area with surface runoff production of 60–90 mm increased by 120.33 km2. Implementing proactive ecological management measures around lakes and riverbanks has mitigated flood risks across 22 administrative regions, reducing high-risk flood areas by 92.15 km². Restoration of lake flood storage capacity has significantly bolstered resilience against flood disasters.

First finding of a fossil leaf imprint from the sedimentary rocks hosted the Underwater Petrified Forest natural phenomenon (Sozopol Bay, East Bulgaria)

Here we report the first fossil leaf imprint part of a leaflet of Gleditsia cf. lyelliana (Fabaceae). The studied leaf fragment was obtained from the sedimentary successions at the bottom of the Sozopol Bay hosted the Underwater Petrified Forest natural phenomenon. This is the first fossil record of Gleditsia cf. lyelliana collected from the territorial waters of Bulgaria. The recent species Gleditsia aquatica, which is a nearest living relative of the fossil species, inhabits swamps, sloughs, bottomland forests in the Southeastern United States, suggesting close to subtropical climatic conditions at the time of deposition of the fossil material.