Wild Tree Species Research Articles

Current State of Wild Pistacia lentiscus in Azerbaijan

Information is provided on Pistacia lentiscus L. belonging to natural forest vegetation, Anacardiaceae family, Pistacia genus. Information is given on the modern status and importance of Pistacia lentiscus L., which is one of the wild tree species in the flora of Azerbaijan. Due to its resin content, the Pistacia lentiscus is a valuable plant that is resistant to pests and used in various fields. The Pistacia lentiscus is a long-lived tree that coexists with other forest plants.

A Five-Step Framework for Creating Forests for the Future

Changing environmental conditions, disturbances, and escalating demands for forest ecosystem services require foresters to restore present forestlands with new forest generations that will exhibit ecological integrity, diversity, high adaptive capacity, and the ability to provide essential ecosystem services. Establishing such forests requires careful consideration of the forest landscape and site dynamics. In pursuit of these requirements, we developed a novel framework that enables the restoration of forest sites and promotes the desired features of the forest complex at the same time. This framework was designed with the methods of system engineering and was organized in the same way as the forest planning process. It was tested in the habitat type of Illyrian Fagus sylvatica forests belonging to the Natura 2000 network. The environmental, vegetation, and site conditions were investigated via field inspections, available forest management plans, and simple GIS analyses. Additionally, we established a seminatural stand composed of European beech, sessile oak, sycamore maple, silver fir, and some wild fruit tree species. The survival of planted species was assessed using census and simple random sampling, the performance of provenances by the Student’s test, while microhabitat factors were explored by a one-way ANOVA. The survival rate of key species was estimated to be 55.6%, while that of fruit species was estimated to be 94.5%. Our framework demonstrated satisfactory performance and contained sufficient benchmarks to facilitate consistent decision-making. In the discussion, we elucidate the framework’s primary features and attributes of the mixed stand, where we also expose some open issues to be addressed in the future.

Effects of leaf silicon on drought performance of tropical tree seedlings.

Elevated leaf silicon (Si) concentrations improve drought resistance in cultivated plants, suggesting Si might also improve drought performance of wild species. Tropical tree species, for instance, take up substantial amounts of Si, and leaf Si varies markedly at local and regional scales, suggesting consequences for seedling drought resistance. Yet, whether elevated leaf Si improves seedling drought performance in tropical forests is unknown. To manipulate leaf Si concentrations, seedlings of seven tropical tree species were grown in Si-rich and -poor soil, before exposing them to drought in the forest understorey. Survival, growth and wilting were monitored. Elevated leaf Si did not improve drought survival and growth in any of the species. In one species, drought survival was reduced in seedlings previously grown in Si-rich soil, contrary to our expectation. Our results suggest that elevated leaf Si does not improve drought resistance of wild tropical tree species. Elevated leaf Si may even reduce drought performance, suggesting differences in soil conditions influencing leaf Si may contribute to soil-related variation of tropical seedling performance. Furthermore, our results are at odds with most studies on cultivated species and show that alleviative effects of Si in crops cannot be generalized to wild plants in natural systems.

Genome assembly provides insights into the genome evolution of Baccaurea ramiflora Lour.

Baccaurea ramiflora Lour., an evergreen tree of the Baccaurea genus of the Phyllanthaceae family, is primarily distributed in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and southern China, including southern Yunnan Province. It is a wild or semi-cultivated tree species with ornamental, edible, and medicinal value, exhibiting significant development potential. In this study, we present the whole-genome sequencing of B. ramiflora, employing a combination of PacBio SMRT and Illumina HiSeq 2500 sequencing techniques. The assembled genome size was 975.8 Mb, with a contig N50 of 509.33 kb and the longest contig measuring 7.74 Mb. The genome comprises approximately 73.47% highly repetitive sequences, of which 52.1% are long terminal repeat–retrotransposon sequences. A total of 29,172 protein-coding genes were predicted, of which 25,980 (89.06%) have been annotated, Additionally, 3452 non-coding RNAs were identified. Comparative genomic analysis revealed a close relationship between B. ramiflora and the Euphorbiaceae family, with both being sister groups that diverged approximately 59.9 million years ago. During the evolutionary process, B. ramiflora exhibited positive selection in 278 candidate genes. Synonymous substitution rate and collinearity analysis demonstrated that B. ramiflora underwent a single ancient genome-wide triploidization event, without recent genome-wide duplication events. This high-quality B. ramiflora genome provides a valuable resource for basic research and tree improvement programs focusing on the Phyllanthaceae family.

Башкирские дримонимы: лексико-семантическая классификация, структура, этимология

Introduction. The paper examines the cluster of toponyms derived from drymonyms. The relevance of the research topic is determined by the poor knowledge of this type of toponyms in the toponymic system of Bashkortostan (Russia). Goals. The study seeks to classify Bashkir toponyms derived from names of forests, groves, wild trees and shrubs, to describe their word-formation structure, semantics, origin and features of functioning in the toponymic system of the Southern Urals. Materials and methods. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the fact that the paper is the first to identify toponyms associated with drymonyms using the method of continuous sampling — in the Dictionary of Toponyms of the Republic of Bashkortostan. The work also attempts to describe those systematically, traces new drymonyms of foreign origin, and reveals the latter’s role in the toponymy-related processes. Furthermore, the paper is the first to outline a lexical/semantic classification of such toponyms, defines their structure, semantics, and origin. Results. In addition to toponyms of common Turkic origin, the article identifies drymonymic toponyms formed from Indo-Iranian, Finno-Ugric, and Mongolian word stems. The insight into some drymonymic toponyms associated with beliefs of Bashkirs reveals their function in creating the unique toponymic picture of Bashkortostan. The analysis of related material shows the designated type of Bashkir toponyms characterize primarily natural landscapes of Bashkortostan, habitats of certain species of wild trees and shrubs. The toponymic substratum of Indo-Iranian, Finno-Ugric and Mongolian origin reflects historical backgrounds of the language and ethnos, while toponyms associated with deification of ancestral trees are indicative of specific ancient beliefs of Bashkirs.

Dalbergia odorifera, a new host of Colletotrichum tropicale causing anthracnose in China.

Dalbergia odorifera T. Chen (Family: Fabaceae) is an endangered, wild and second class key protected tree species in China. It has been cultivated widely in south China because of its valuable rosewood and pharmacological uses. During January and September 2022, anthracnose was observed on D. odorifera in Chikan, Zhanjiang, Guangdong (N21°15' 9.4" E110°22' 25.9"). All of the D. odorifera plants were infected and the leaf disease incidence was above 30%. The lesions were 0.35 to 0.65 cm in size, greyish-white, and gradually expanded into brown black circular spots surrounded by a yellowish halo. Later, the centers of spots were white with dark-brown borders. In severe cases, the leaves turned yellow, withered and fell off. To isolate the pathogen, about 5×5 mm tissues at the disease-health junction of spots were sterilized with 75% ethanol for 30s and 3% hydrogen peroxide for 3 min, rinsed with sterile water three times, and plated onto PDA for incubation at 25-28℃ in the dark. Isolates were obtained by picking the tip of hypha growing from the tissues, further purified by coating the diluted spore suspension to obtain single-spore isolates. Colonies with abundant aerial mycelium were white to light gray, 4.0 to 5.0 cm in diameter after 5 days at 25 to 28℃ in the dark. Conidiogenous cells were hyaline, cylindrical and monoblastic. Conidia were unicellular, subcylindrical, hyaline, guttulate, 3.5 to 5.6×11.1 to 16.8 (av. 4.6±0.48 × 14.0±1.25) μm (n>50). Appressoria were dark brown subglobose, clavate, fusiform, occasionally lobed, terminal, 7.8 to 16.3×4.6 to 8.9 μm. No swollen cells and setae were observed. To further confirm identity of the fungus, partial regions of six genetic loci of isolate ACCC 35246 (stored in Agricultural Culture Collection of China) were amplified and sequenced: actin (ACT), chitin synthase (CHS), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH), histone (HIS), beta-tubulin (TUB) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) utilizing the primer pairs (Damm et al. 2012; Weir et al. 2012; White et al 1990) (OP314900-OP314904 and OP269660, respectively). Based on a BLAST analysis, the six sequences were about 99% identical to those of Colletotrichum tropicale holotype strain CBS124949 (ACT: JX009489 270/272; CHS: JX009870 295/299; GPDH: JX010007 274/279; HIS: KY856395 638/670; ITS: JX010264 546/548 and TUB: JX010407 494/497, respectively) (Weir et al. 2012). Phylogenetic analyses, using a combined dataset of ACT, CHS, GPDH, ITS and TUB were carried out in MEGA X using the maximum likelihood method, placed the fungus within the C. tropicale clade. Based on morphogical and molecular analyses, the fungus was identified as C. tropicale (Rojas et al 2010). To test the pathogenicity, five healthy leaves of 1 year-old potted plants were stab-wounded with a sterile needle and inoculated with 10 µL of spore suspension (105 conidia/mL). Another five healthy leaves were inoculated with sterile water as the control. Symptoms expressed by the inoculated leaves, 10 days after inoculation, were the same as those of the diseased plants, while the non-inoculated leaves remained asymptomatic. The same fungus based on morphogical and molecular criteria was re-isolated from the spots. As an endophyte or plant pathogen, C. tropicale inhabits a wide host range of plant species belonging to 31 genera in 25 families (Farr and Rossman 2022), D. odorifera is a new host of C. tropicale causing anthracnose in China. This work will be helpful for the diagnosis and control of this disease.

Urban trees of the Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu, India

The study presents the current status of trees in urban landscapes of the Nilgiris district. In this study, 171 species belonging to 127 genera and 59 families were identified. The angiosperms were represented by 156 species and the gymnosperms by 15 species, identified as potential urban trees, including both wild and ornamental tree species. Among the 171 species, the Fabaceae were the dominant family (19 species), followed by the Myrtaceae (13 species) and Cupressaceae (6 species). Ornamentals accounted for 24% of all the species. A complete list of the recorded urban trees is provided, supplemented with their potential economic value.

Перспективы использования видов яблони коллекции ГБС РАН в озеленении

Wild apple tree species are promising for use as ornamental plants in urban and private landscaping due to the abundance of flowering, a long growing season, attractive fruiting, as well as resistance to diseases and pests. The research was carried out in the laboratory of cultivated plants of the MBG RAS from 2011 to 2022. An assessment of economically valuable traits and a morphological description of 20 apple tree species that entered the collection from 1958 to 1961 were carried out. According to the results of the study, the most promising types of apple trees for use in urban conditions were identified: Malus baccata, M. neidzwedzkyana, M. x zumi, M. sargentii, M. mandshurica by a set of parameters. The types of apple trees that, according to some of the parameters, are promising for urban gardening in Moscow: M. ioensis (low frost resistance), M. fusca, M. sievesii (scab infestation). Keywords: APPLE TREE, ORNAMENTAL, URBAN LANDSCAPING, FROST RESISTANCE, RESISTANCE TO SCAB

In vitro propagation of threatened therapeutic tree Buchanania lanzan Spreng (Anacardiaceae)

Embryo rescue refers to an in vitro technology have been used for propagating plants under in vitro from poorly developed embryos by avoiding embryo abortion. The aim of the present study was to in vitro regeneration of a medicinally wild tree species Buchanania lanzan through embryo rescue method. Isolated immature poorly developed embryo dissected out from de-coded seeds collected from 15 years old trees were cultured an Woody Plant Medium (WPM) was used to test in vitro germination. 100% embryo germination were recorded when the embryos inoculated on the medium supplemented with 1.5 mg/L-1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 50 mg/L-1 adenine sulphate (AS). Further, a week-old seedling derived explants viz embryo axis and cotyledonary node were selected to study in vitro clonal propagation. On medium augmented with 1.5 mg/L-1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) showed maximum mean shoots numbers (4.2±1.80) with 4.0±0.98 cm shoot height were achieved in cotyledonary node. Compare to Kinetin (Kn) BAP was to be better in shooting response and multiple shoot induction. Healthy regenerated shoots was separated from multiple shoots cluster and transferred to a rooting medium containing half strength WP medium fortified with Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). IBA at 0.5 mg/L-1 showed 90% rooting response and maximum mean roots (4.9±0.98) per shootlet was obtained. The rooted in vitro plantlets were transferred to polythene bags containing autoclaved humus, red soil and farmyard manure (1:1:1 ratio) for acclimation at 25 ± 2 ᵒC. Later, these plantlets were gradually transferred to field condition. About 70% survival rate was recorded after three months period. The protocol developed in the present study was to restore the viable embryos from poorly developed immature embryos and rapid multiplication can help to ex situ conservation of this threatened tree B. lanzan.
 Keywords: Woody plant medium, In vitro seedlings, 6-benzylaminopurine, Adenine sulphate, Indole-3-butyric acid

Diversity of insects associated with the fruits of four tree species of Lauraceae from Los Tuxtlas region, Mexico: an annotated and illustrated taxonomic list

Besides recruitment and dispersal, fruits are key resources for the maintenance of insect communities. This study is focused on the insects inhabiting the fruits of 4 wild Lauraceae species. Although the trees of this family are important elements of tropical forests, their interaction with insects, especially in association with fruits, remains poorly studied in wild tree species. Our study aims to characterize the diversity of insects associated with fruits of Damburneya ambigens, Damburneya gentlei, Damburneya salicifolia, and Nectandra turbacensis, in the rainforest of Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz. We present an illustrated taxonomic list of species, annotated with a comprehensive review of the insects’ natural history and their interactions with Lauraceae species. We reared 54 insect species from approximately 6,500 fruits, some of which represent potential new species and records for Mexico. Insect species diversity was high and differed between Lauraceae species. The reared insects comprise a wide variety of distributional ranges, feeding types, and habitats. This research provides novel information about the interactions among insects and fruits of Lauraceae and the complexity of their trophic networks in tropical rainforests. Furthermore, it evidences the importance of wild fruits as resources for insect communities.

Tree species diversity of Chittagong University Campus flora in Bangladesh

Investigation has been carried out to the flora of Chittagong University Campus from July 2021 to February 2022 to recognize the diversity of wild tree species as well as the species planted in campus area. A total of 304 tree species (both wild and planted) belonging to 201 genera under 69 families was recognized from the Chittagong University Campus flora. These species were categorized as angiosperms (297 species under 196 genera and 64 families) and gymnosperms (7 species under five genera and five families). Furthermore, the angiosperms were classified as dicot (95% species) and monocot (5% species). Among 69 families, top 10 families represented 47% of all species and remaining 59 families represented by 53% of the species. The study revealed that 12% of species were found in natural habitat, 32% in conservation programs, 20% both in natural and conservation areas, and 36% were exotics. Among 304 species, 13% were regarded as Vulnerable, 4% as Endangered and 3% as Critically Endangered, and collectively treated as threatened (20% of all recorded species). A checklist is prepared with updated nomenclature; each species is annotated with local name(s), family name, habitat, status of occurrence (wild/planted), and conservation status. J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2022, 8(1): 57-72

Forest trees of Odisha, India: An updated checklist

An exhaustive taxonomic inventory of forest trees of Odisha in the Eastern Ghats of India was made during 2015–2020, which revealed the presence of a total of 501 species of wild and naturalised trees belonging to 284 genera under 80 families. The family Euphorbiaceae was the most species-rich represented by 45 species, followed by Rubiaceae (28), Mimosaceae (27), Moraceae (26) and Meliaceae (23). The genus Ficus (Moraceae) had highest number of 21 tree species, followed by Diospyros (10 species), Syzygium (8 species), Albizia (8 species), Senegalia (7 species), Vitex (7 species) and Terminalia (6 species). Nothopodytes nimmoniana, Alphonsea madraspatana, Lasiococca comberi, Siphonodon celastrineus, Searsia paniculata, Syzygium schmidii, Cassipourea ceylanica, Prunus pygeoides, Sonneratia griffithii, Eriolaena hookeriana var. viridis, Dimorphocalyx glabellus, Garcinia xanthochymus and Litsea glutinosa have been identified as regionally threatened species needing conservation intervention. Cocculus laurifolius is reported here as a new distributional record for the state. Field observation on the occurrence and dominance of tree species in different forest types of Odisha has been discussed. A checklist of the tree species of Odisha is presented in this article, along with the correct botanical name, synonym(s), local name, flowering and fruiting time, locality of occurrence and citation of voucher herbarium specimens.

Floristic composition, structure and ecological drivers of woody stands of Detarium microcarpum Guill & Perr. and Detarium senegalense J.F.Gmel. in Benin

Detarium microcarpum Guill & Perr. and Detarium senegalense J.F.Gmel. are two species of wild trees that contribute significantly to the livelihoods of local communities in sub-Saharan Africa. Exploration of the ecological patterns of their population structure is, therefore, necessary to ensure long-term management. The aims of this study were to: (i) determine the floristic composition of the habitats of D. microcarpum and D. senegalense, (ii) assess the population structure of both species, and (iii) assess the influence of biotic and abiotic drivers on the structural parameters of these species. A total of 177 plots were installed in eight sites in Benin. The data collected included the dbh1.30 m, the crown diameter, the total height, and the type of regeneration (generative, sprout, and sucker). The topographical and soil parameters of the plots were also recorded. A generalized linear model (binomial negative regression) and ANOVA were used for the analysis of density and morphological features data, respectively. The floristic composition of D. microcarpum habitats was found to be relatively distinct (p = 0.001) from one zone to another. A significant difference (p = 0.001) in heterospecific individuals was also observed between the habitats of both species. The density of individuals of D. microcarpum decreased significantly from the Sudanian zone (4594 ± 207 stems/ha) to the Guinean zone (93.60 ± 11.90 stems/ha; p < 0.001). In the Sudano-Guinean zone where both species were found, the density of D. senegalense was very low (19.07 ± 7.64 stems/ha). The density of adult individuals of D. microcarpum was significantly high on gravelly soils. The regeneration of the species was negatively correlated with the slope, soil texture and basal area of heterospecific individuals. In D. senegalense, its regeneration was negatively correlated with elevation and positively with the density of its adult individuals. The height of both species of Detarium was positively associated with altitude. This study showed the effect of biotic and abiotic factors determining the population dynamics of Detarium spp. species and could be considered in the sustainable management of these species.

People’s Attitudes and Emotions towards Different Urban Forest Types in the Berlin Region, Germany

In an era of urbanization, forests are a key component of the urban green infrastructure, providing multiple benefits to urban residents. While emerging forests on urban wasteland could increase the urban forest area, it is unclear how residents view such novel forest types. In a comparative self-administered online survey, we assessed attitudes and emotions of residents (n = 299) from the Berlin region, Germany, towards forest types that represent transformation stages from natural to novel forests: (1) natural remnants, (2) silvicultural plantings, (3) park forests and (4) novel wild forests in wastelands. Respondents expressed positive attitudes and emotions towards all forest types, including the novel wild forest. Ratings were most positive towards natural remnants and least positive towards the novel wild forest. The indicated prevalence of non-native trees (Ailanthus altissima, Robinia pseudoacacia) did not evoke negative responses. Women and younger people were more positive towards the novel wild forest compared to other respondents, and men were most positive towards natural remnants. Place attachment was positively related to the park forest. Results indicate support for a wide range of forest types, including novel wild forests and non-native tree species, which can be used to expand urban forest areas and enhance opportunities for nature experience in cities.

EFFECT OF PRE-TREATMENTS AND DRYING METHODS ON NUTRITIONAL QUALITY OF RHODODENDRON ARBOREUM, WEST HIMALAYA

Rhododendron arboreum belong to the family Ericaceae is a medicinally and economically important wild edible tree species from the Himalayan region. The fresh flowers of R. arboreum after harvesting were treated at different temperatures separately. The study revealed that a quick- drying process was found for the maximum harnessing of phenolics, flavonoids, flavanols, antioxidant activity (FRAP assay and DPPH assay) and protein content. Likewise, shade drying; a common method for drying was obtained best for nutritional attributes. Correlation analyzed that total phenolic content shows a positive relationship with ABTS and FRAP. However, phenolic content showed non-significant relationship with carbohydrates and protein. The biochemical parameters showed significant variation among drying processing techniques. The report suggested that the quality of a dried product is strongly dependent on the conditions used in the drying process.

English

Ricinodendron heudelotii is a wild oil tree species native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is also found in Benin. Its oil is rich in the essential fatty acids (Omega 3, 6), fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) and trace elements, essential for human health. Currently, few people know about this oil, likely explaining its almost total absence in rural markets in Benin. The species is also neglected, as little scientific data is available on it in Benin, particularly regarding knowledge on its uses where it occurs. With the aim of filling this gap, ethnobotanical surveys were undertaken to assess the uses of the species, identify factors explaining the variation of its ethnobotanical value, and determine its availability and accessibility for local people. Data were analysed using the relative frequency of citation and generalised linear models. In total, eight uses were enumerated, of which six were for medicinal uses and one for cosmetic and handcraft respectively, and mainly based on its stem. The stem of R. heudelotii was mainly used for handcraft by Nagot and Holli socio-linguistic groups and mainly by men from the Pobe phytodistrict. Although individuals of R. heudelotii were absent in southern Benin, its kernel is mainly used for cosmetics and medicine by people from the Fon socio-linguistic group in this region. Field data suggest that the kernels and oil of R. heudelotii in this region mainly come from Cameroon and C&ocirc;te d&rsquo;Ivoire. The distance travelled to access the species at the time of this study is two times higher than 30 years before and positively correlated with the use-value (r=0.66, P-value&lt;0.001). Our findings suggest that R. heudelotii is marginally used in Benin, and this might be a threat for its conservation and related knowledge. &nbsp; Key words: Commercial value, ethnobotanical value, phytodistrict, seed oil, kernel, use-value, West Africa

SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF EDIBLE WILD FRUIT BEARING WOODY SPECIES UNDER DIFFERENT LAND USE TYPES &amp; MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN DANGUR DISTRICT, NORTH WESTERN ETHIOPIA

The traditional and indigenous knowledge on sustainable management and utilization of wild edible fruit bearing woody species is not well documented in Ethiopia. There are many plants species which are most popular and widely used for various socio-economic purposes including as supplementary food items and medicinal plants by local community. Wild edible fruit bearing woody species are highly inhabited on agricultural landscape and natural forests in which their diversity is threatened due to deforestation and forest degradation. Moreover, the traditional knowledge of using these wild edible fruit bearing woody species is being eroded through acculturation and loss of plant biodiversity in most of indigenous people. Hence, conducting research is crucial to generate useful information for ensuring food security and to maximize the socio-economic benefits through biodiversity conservation. This study was conducted to analyze socio-economic benefits of wild edible fruit bearing woody species and management under different use type in Dangur. A systematic sampling method was employed to locate the sample plots following the transect line in order to study the species diversity and socio-economic benefits, where the first transect line and plot were selected randomly inside the land use types. For wood land use type a plot size of 20 m × 20 m were used to encompass all edible wild fruit tree species inside the plots. For parkland agroforestry a plot size of 50 m × 100 m making a total of 144 plots were used for data collection. For socioeconomic study, 90 households were interviewed through structured questionnaire from three sample villages. Most prevalent species used as traditional medicine comprised plant families of Balanitaceae, Rhamnaceae and Apocynaceae under both woodland and parkland agroforestry types. The most frequently recorded species include Syzygium guineense, Ziziphus mauritiana. Ficus sur, Ficus sycomorus, Carissa spinarum, Balanites aegyptiaca and Gardenia ternifolia. From the recorded edible wild fruit woody species, fruits of 90% were trees that were most frequently used for different plant parts for various economical uses. Farmers retained edible wild fruit bearing woody species in their parkland agroforestry for the purpose of fuel wood, food, improving soil fertility, fodder, timber, shade and construction. The local communities employ management practices such as thinning, pruning and protection. The relative presence of high number of edible wild fruit bearing tree species in the study area is a good indicator of biodiversity conservation for food and nutrition and medicinal plants which needs good effort of in-situ conservation and applying of appropriate management practices.

Variability of Phenological Behaviours of Wild Fruit Tree Species Based on Discriminant Analysis.

Vegetation phenology is considered an important biological indicator in understanding the behaviour of ecosystems and how it responds to environmental cues. The aim of this paper is to provide information on the variability of phenological behaviours based on discriminant analysis using the R software package with the following libraries: ggplot2, heplots, candisc, MASS, car, and klaR. Three phenological phases were analysed with eight wild fruit tree species from a forest ecosystem in the southwestern part of Romania (44°05′19.5” N 23°54′03.5” E). It was found that there is a large and very large variability for the “bud burst” phenophase, medium and low for “full flowering”, and reduced for the “all petals fallen” phenophase. For the analyzed data, the discriminant analysis model has high accuracy (accuracy: 0.9583; 95% CI: (0.7888, 0.9989). Partition plots show the results of “full flowering” and “all petals fallen” as a function of the “bud burst” of pockmarks when separated into eight clusters and eight clusters of “full flowering” as a function of “all petals fallen”. The differences observed, from a phenological point of view, are not only due to the different cold requirements of these species but also to the temperatures during the spring.

Evaluation of the aesthetic qualities and adaptability of introduced ornamental apple trees from the genetic collection of the Orenburg Branch of the Federal Horticultural Research Center for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery

The study of ornamental and adaptive qualities of Malus Mill. from the genetic collection of ornamental crops of the Orenburg branch of the Research Center of Horticulture was carried out to assess the gene pool of introduced wild apple tree species and forms and identify suitable for the urban landscaping and the breeding process. Such characteristics as habitus, abundance of flowering, color and number of flowers in the inflorescence, color of vegetative organs, flowers and fruits during the season were taken into account; resistance to major diseases and adverse abiotic factors was evaluated. Additionally, the color of buds and flowers was characterized on the basis of the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society Color Chart). As a result of a preliminary survey on the complex of ornamental qualities and the level of adaptability, 5 most promising species were identified, which received the best ratings on the ornamental scale. Malus sikkimensis (Wenz.) Koehne ex C. K. Schneid. (31 points) was characterized by an attractive habit, the presence of flowers with a diameter of up to 40 mm and subsequently fruits that acquire a yellow-red color. Malus sargentii Rehder (29 points) was notable for its compact rounded crown, a large number of flowers with a diameter of 30 mm, followed by the formation of fruits with a dark red color. Malus floribunda Siebold ex Van Houtte (28 points) was distinguished by a large number of fragrant flowers in an umbrella-shaped inflorescence (5 — 7 pcs) with an average diameter of 30 mm, as well as attractive red-yellow fruits. Malus sieboldii (Regel) Rehder, M. toringo Siebold (28 points) was interesting primarily by the presence of 5 -7 flowers of 20 — 30 mm in the inflorescence and decorative fruits, the color of which varies from yellow to red. Malus niedzwetzkyana Dieck (28 points) attracted attention to the rich purple color of all organs due to the presence of a large number of anthocyanins, it was also worth noting the presence of a pleasant aroma during flowering and large flowers with an average diameter of 40 mm. The selected ornamental types of apple trees are favorable for use in landscaping of various scales, they are recommended for breeding work as initial parent forms.

Complete chloroplast genome of Baccaurea ramiflora (phyllanthaceae), a promising underutilized species

Baccaurea ramiflora is a high economic value for the exploitation and utilization of wild fruit tree species with edible and medicinal values in Southeast Asia. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome sequence of B. ramiflora was assembled and characterized. The chloroplast genome was 161,089 bp in length, consisting of a large single copy (LSC) of 89,515 bp and a small single copy (SSC) region of 18,826 bp, which were separated by a pair of 26,374 bp inverted repeat (IR) regions. The overall GC content was 36.71%. A total of 132 genes, including 84 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes were identified. A low intraspecies variation within B. ramiflora was found with 22 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 17 insertions and deletions (INDELs). Phylogenetic tree reconstructed by 14 chloroplast genomes revealed that B. ramiflora clusters together with species of Phyllanthus, Glochidion, and Flueggea.