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The fern species richness assessment was done along environmental gradients in Ayer Hitam forest reserve, Johor, Peninsular Malaysia. This was done to ascertain the distributional pattern of the ferns as influenced by the environmental gradients in this forest. The collection of the fern species was done using a preferential non-random sampling technique. Temperature, humidity, light intensity, and elevation data were obtained at each point of collection of the ferns. The influence of these environmental gradients on the distribution of the species was determined using detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) and general linear model (GLM). A total of 67 ferns were identified at all the study sites. Two ferns namely Asplenium antiquum and Pteris longipinnula were first recorded in this study. In all the sites, light intensity ranges from 337.9 - 8098 lux, temperature ranges from 28.5 - 33°C, humidity ranges from 66.24 - 88.80%, and elevation ranges from 14-33m. Tectaria singaporeana and Nephrolepis biserrata are the only species that are widely distributed across all the study sites. The DCA revealed that the light intensity influences the distribution of the fern species in this forest. However, the GLM showed that temperature had a positive influence on the distribution of the ferns while light intensity had a negative influence on them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable urban ecosystems require healthy green spaces that provide ecological services to meet social and environmental needs. This study evaluates the proportion of green areas in the urban campus and assesses the effects of pavement on the health of Samanea saman. The MAPIR Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) camera mounted on a drone captured a proportion of green areas of approximately 27.80%, which is roughly a quarter of the total study sites. However, the significance of green areas depends on the health of the trees. Therefore, the pavement effects on the health status of trees in green areas were studied using Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) and aerial image analysis using the MAPIR (NDVI) camera on a drone. Although both methods evaluate health status, the final outputs differed. VTA produced categorical outputs, which assigned trees into health categories based on a visual assessment of factors. In contrast, NDVI produced linear outputs, which provided a numerical value to demonstrate tree health. Both methods indicate that trees in non-paved areas are healthier, particularly for the excellent trees identified by the VTA, which suggests that pavement negatively impacts tree health. However, the effects of paved and non-paved areas on tree health status analysis using the aerial image are not significant (p>0.05), which may be due to the low quality and accuracy of the images. The study provides insights into the importance of green areas and tree health in creating sustainable urban ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, documentation of the diversity of orchids from the limestone hills in the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia, particularly in the states of Kedah and Perak, is still lacking, with limited literature available. There is indeed an urgent need to fill this knowledge gap, so that proper documentation of the diversity of orchids from this unique karst habitat can be prepared. In this study, a series of 12 months of diversity assessments on five limestone hills in Kedah and Perak has resulted in the discovery of 56 orchid species from 37 genera. From this account, 12 species are new records within Kedah and 2 species are new records within Malaysia, namely Bulbophyllum meson J.J.Verm., Schuit. & de Vogel and Luisia brachystachys (Lindl.) Blume. Three species are endemic to Peninsular Malaysia which are Anoectochilus sanguineus P.T.Ong & P.O'Byrne, Cheirostylis goldschmidtiana Schltr. and Phalaenopsis appendiculata Carr. Findings of two keystone species, the long-lost Cheirostylis goldschmidtiana and the endangered snow-white slipper orchid, Paphiopedilum niveum (Rchb.f.) Stein, have catalyzed the need for a more comprehensive study to unveil the species richness and endemism within a limestone habitat. Heat maps using geographical data produced from ArcGIS software have enabled precise determination of the areas with the highest concentration of orchid diversity. Results from this study have shown that Gunung Fakir Terbang houses the greatest number of orchid species, followed by Gunung Batu Putih and Gunung Baling. Meanwhile, lower species occurrences were recorded from Gunung Pulai and Gunung Pong. However, lack of attention and delayed conservation action on this unique karst habitat would only lead to more habitat loss, leading to the decline of limestone orchid populations. Orchids as well as other plants are threatened by anthropogenic activity such as quarrying and forest clearing for agriculture. Thus, the results of this study will serve as baseline data for future work in documenting and conserving limestone orchids and their karst habitat in northern Peninsular Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phenological events of rattan were seldomly studied due to its nature of survival by climbing on other trees (i.e., liana). However, some rattans are non-climbing and found to produce fruits throughout the year. Therefore, it aimed to record Calamus castaneus duration of flowering and fruiting over a year and identify which environmental variables affect the duration. This study was conducted for 12 months in three forest reserves, namely Bukit Mertajam Forest Eco-Park (BMFEP), Teluk Bahang Forest Reserve (TBFR), and Segari Melintang Forest Reserve (SMFR). Five study plots (10 m x 10 m each) were established, and overall, 53 C. castaneus individual palm in the plots were monitored. Findings have revealed that female inflorescences bloomed shorter than males. Also, C. castaneus fruits take about three to four months to get matured. The canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) highly regulated the event by microclimate and locality. Thus, the flowering and fruiting duration may not directly be affected by a very specific environmental factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Hoya from the western part of Peninsular Malaysia is described and illustrated as H. peninsularis. It has long been confused with Hoya finlaysonii because both have leaves with prominent darker venation, but can be distinguished on the corona lobe size and corolla pubescence. In addition, Hoya maingayi, a species earlier considered 'doubtful and excluded' is typified and illustrated for the first time, and its distribution is shown to extend to Thailand. Gongronema wrayi is recognised as an earlier name and a new synonym for Hoya omlorii, a species previously considered to occur only in Borneo and Sumatra. The name is typified. An updated checklist of Hoya of Peninsular Malaysia is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulchrana rawa is a peat swamp specialist that was described from eastern Sumatra in 2012 based on a single specimen. Since then, no confirmed records have been forthcoming; thus, virtually nothing is known about this species. Recent fieldwork at peat swamp forests in southwestern Peninsular Malaysia led to the discovery of a frog that morphologically resembled P. rawa. Despite having relatively high mitochondrial divergence (6.6%) that was consistent with interspecific divergences of other closely related species, results from species delimitation analyses indicated that the Malaysian specimen was conspecific with P. rawa. In addition to extending the geographic distribution of this species to a different country, we also provide the first quantitative characterization of its call. This study provides novel insights into the distribution and natural history of this enigmatic species that will inevitably aid in threat assessments and conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

In Malaysian forests, the population dynamics of rattan has not been fully documented. Hence, this study was aimed to investigate the population dynamics pattern of the Calamus castaneus, a non-climbing rattan. The association of growth and phenology cycle to environmental variables on the population dynamics were studied for one year. Three forest reserves were selected as the study sites: Segari Melintang Forest Reserve (SMFR) in Perak, Teluk Bahang Forest Reserve (TBFR), and Bukit Mertajam Forest Eco- Park (BMFEP) in Penang. The fieldwork was conducted from March 2017 until March 2018. With the plot size of 10 m × 10 m (100 m?), five plots were established in each study site. All the C. castaneus individuals inside the plots were marked with numbered plastic tags. A total of 180 individuals were evaluated: TBFR (52 individuals), SMFR (86 individuals), and BMFEP (42 individuals). The findings have revealed that the C. castaneus abundancy is comparatively similar in all sites, as shown by the Kruskal-Wallis test with no significant difference (p > 0.05) between all life stages. The canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) for all sites has displayed that the rattan growth parameters are closely associated with the microclimate parameters and soil properties. Overall, SMFR showed the fastest growth increment and the largest population size of C. castaneus among all three sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendrobium Sabin Blue is an important orchid hybrid that has been grown extensively as cut flower, potted plant and is also popular for its deep purplish blue flowers. The most efficient long term conservation method of this hybrid is through cryopreservation. Cryopreservation involving the vitrification method consists of explants exposure to highly concentrated cryoprotective solution followed by freezing rapidly in liquid nitrogen. However, these treatments involved highly concentrated cryoprotectant that could incur toxicity to the explants. Hence, cryopreservation protocol requires biochemical analyses in understanding the damages or injuries occurred during cryopreservation treatments. In this study, biochemical analyses revealed a general reduction in chlorophyll, carotenoid and porphyrin content to 0.40 µg/g F W (thawing stage), 31.50 µg/g F W unloading stage and 2230.41 µg/g F W (thawing stage), respectively in comparison to the control treatments. In addition, increased level in proline content were obtained at different cryopreservation stages with highest level (5.42 µmole/g F W) recorded at the PVS2 dehydration stage. Fluctuated outcomes were obtained in catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and peroxidase (POX) enzyme activities in PLBs exposed to different cryopreservation stages. Lowest values recorded for CAT enzyme activity were obtained at the dehydration stage (3.94 U/g). Lowest POX enzyme activities were obtained at the dehydration (122.36 U/g) and growth recovery (106.40 U/g) stages. Additionally, lowest APX enzyme activities values were recorded at the thawing (7.47 U/g) and unloading (7.28 U/g) stages. These have contributed to low regeneration of Dendrobium Sabin Blue protocorm like bodies (PLBs) following cryopreservation. Hence, in the future experimental design, exogenous antioxidant could be included in the cryopreservation procedures to improve the existing protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anoectochilus sp. and Ludisia discolor are known as Jewel orchids. Both species are terrestrial wild orchids that grow in shaded areas of forests. The Jewel orchids are renowned for the beauty of their leaves, which are dark-green laced with silvery or golden veins. The orchids are used as a cure in various parts of Asia. Overharvesting and anthropogenic disturbances threaten the existence of the Jewel orchids in the wild, necessitating human intervention in their survival. An understanding of the structure and adaptations of a plant may assist in its survival when propagated outside of its habitat. In this study, ex vitro leaves of Anoectochilus sp. and L. discolor were subjected to freehand sectioning, and then inspected through brightfield and fluorescence microscopy. The study indicated that all parts of both plants presented typical monocotyledonous characteristics except the leaves. The leaves displayed dorsiventrality with distinct palisade and spongy mesophyll layers. The spongy mesophyll layer contained cells which fluoresced a bright red when exposed to ultraviolet, blue, and green light wavelengths, hinting at the presence of anthocyanins for photoprotection. Cyanidin was detected in the leaves of L. discolor, as enumerated through high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The observations indicated that Anoectochilus sp. and L. discolor are well-adapted to live under shaded conditions with minimal exposure to light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Besides extraction stresses, rattans (climbing palms) are harshly undermined by human-induced forest fragmentation and their habitat loss. However, there is lack of data on rattan distribution patterns, species abundance and species composition from Malaysian forests. To reduce the gap of information and documentation, specifically on rattan ecology and diversity, we assessed the diversity and abundance of rattans using the taxonomic diversity and distinctness analysis in both island and mainland of northern Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 5482 individuals representing five genera and 21 species of rattans were recorded from 40 randomly selected sample plots covering an area of 3.6 ha. Higher species richness was recorded on the mainland (Margalefs (R1) and Menhiniks value (R2) - R1=1.91, R2=0.3151). In contrast, Penang island recorded a higher value of dominance (D=0.40101). The species evenness is moderately high in all forest reserves. The highest number of rattans (11 species) was recorded in Bukit Panchor. Penang hill forest reserve had the highest taxonomic diversity and distinctness (Δ=1.406, Δ*=1.8000). The lowest taxonomic diversity (Δ=1.260) and taxonomic distinctness (Δ*=1.636) was obtained for Bukit Panchor. The other locations featured the average diversity line of the funnel analysis. Implications for rattan abundance and species composition for proper management of depleting resources are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout the cryopreservation process, plants were exposed to a series of abiotic stresses such as desiccation and osmotic pressure due to highly concentrated vitrification solution. Abiotic stress stimulates the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which include hydrogen peroxide, superoxide radicals, and singlet oxygen. Higher production of ROS may lead to oxidative stress which contributes to the major injuries in cryopreserved explants. Antioxidant enzymes in plant such as ascorbate peroxidase (APX) can protect plants from cell damage by scavenging the free radicals. This study was determined based on APX enzyme activity of Aranda Broga Blue orchid's protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) in response to PVS2 (Plant Vitrification Solution 2) cryopreservation treatments at different stages. PLBs that were precultured at 0.25 M sucrose for 3 days were subjected to vitrification cryopreservation method. Results obtained showed that the highest APX activity was achieved at PVS2 cryoprotectant treatment prior liquid nitrogen (LN) storage. This phenomenon indicating that accumulation of osmotic and dehydrating stress throughout the cryopreservation treatment resulted in oxidative burst which in turn leads to higher APX activity in order to control the excess production of ROS. To conclude, PVS2 treatment was revealed as the most detrimental step throughout cryopreservation treatment. Thus, this research also suggested that exogenous antioxidant such as ascorbic acid can be added throughout cryopreservation procedure especially at PVS2 treatment in the future experiments to aid in regrowth of cryopreserved explants by reducing oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The terrestrial Ludisia discolor, also referred to as the jewel orchid is prized for the quality of its leaves. L. discolor is known as a medicinal herb and is touted for its heatand pathogen-resisting qualities. L. discolor is valuable in the production of both flavonoids and anthocyanins, antioxidants that are exalted in the health industry. Plant cell cultures have emerged as alternative sources of anthocyanin production. Plant protoplast cultures are used frequently in transient gene expression studies and in the establishment of callus and cell suspension cultures. Benefits of plant protoplast system include similarity to cells found in plant tissues, reproduction under controlled conditions, and prevention of masking of stress responses to previous handling techniques. A study was conducted to assess the amenability of the stem and leaves of L. discolor to protoplast isolation. The stem and leaf segments were weighed, sliced into thin layers, immersed in a digestion medium, washed and then cultured onto a recovery medium. Results indicated that the production of plant protoplasts from L. discolor may be viewed as an alternative in the generation of cell cultures and ultimately in the production of anthocyanins from the cell cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the distribution of Anacardiaceae in Teluk Bahang Permanent Forest Reserve (TBPFR) in Pulau Pinang, all trees with a diameter at breast high (DBH) ≥ 5 cm were enumerated in a study site constituting 0.4 ha of the reserve. Seventy five individuals of Anacardiaceae (14% of all trees) are recorded. These individuals represent 4 genera and 5 species, namely, Mangifera pentandra, Mangifera macrocarpa, Gluta elegans, Campnosperma auriculatum and Swintonia floribunda. The mean density of Anacardiaceae within the study plots is 7.50±8.14 (mean±S.D.) per ha whereas the basal area (BA) calculated is 0.97 m2/0.40 ha. The importance value (IVi) for Anacardiaceae is 81%. The estimated total aboveground biomass (TAGB) for Anacardiaceae is 24.24 ton/0.40 ha. A total of 333 Anacardiaceae saplings with a DBH < 5 cm are recorded. These saplings have been identified as juveniles of the genera Gluta (9.99%), Swintonia (84.90%) and Mangifera (5.11%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Woody species of the coastal forest of Penang island have received substantial focus in term of their diversity, composition and spatial distribution. In comparison, comprehensive data on the non-woody plant species component, specifically the palms and pandans, are relatively lacking. The objective of this study was to provide baseline data on the non-woody component of Penang coastal forest flora which would become a platform for more extensive research on their population dynamic. In order to provide these baseline data, an assessment of the diversity and distribution of two non-woody families, namely palms and pandans, was conducted in Teluk Bahang Permanent Forest Reserve (TBPFR) located in Penang, from February 2005 to January 2008. One ha plot (100 metre x 100 metre) was established in the TBFR and all palms and pandans were enumerated and individual positions were recorded. A total of seven species of palms and two species of pandans (i.e. Pandanus ovatus and Pandanus penangiensis) were recorded. The most abundant palm species is Eugeisona tristis, with a total count of 551 individuals, whilst a total of 312 P. ovatus were also enumerated. Based upon the Morisita Standardized Modified Index of Dispersion, the distribution of the two monocots ranged from random to clumped distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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