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Shade trees in coffee farms are promoted worldwide for ecological sustainability and adaptation to climate change. However, contradicting reports on the effects of shade trees in coffee agroforestry systems are emanating from Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica) farmers. Therefore, this study: (1) characterized the shade trees in Arabica coffee-based agroforestry system; (2) identified the tree selection criteria used; (3) identified the sources of planting materials; and (4) determined the major factors affecting the growing of shade trees under the Arabica coffee-based system of Mount Elgon. A cross-sectional survey was carried out in randomly selected coffee farms with and without shade trees. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 107 coffee farmers. Fourteen shade tree species were recorded, and the six most abundant were: Albizia coriaria, Cordia africana, Ficus ovata, Ficus synchromonous, Maesopsis eminii and Grevillea robusta. Least abundant species were Eucalyptus species, Antiaris toxicaria, Artocarpous heterophylus, Mangifera indica and Milicia excelsa. Farmers selected shade trees which were fast growing, had small leaf sizes, with wide crowns, ever-green and of medium height. Fellow farmers were the main source of shade-tree planting materials (P ≤ 0.05). Barriers to shade tree use included resource competition and falling trees damaging the understorey. The results underscore the need for site-specific provision of appropriate shade tree coffee mixes and strategies by policy and development partners for transformation of shaded coffee farming landscapes and livelihoods for improved coffee production.

Seed germination and seedling growth performance of Maesopsis eminii and Terminalia catappa under different water soaking treatments were evaluated for 120 days under nursery conditions. A total of 1400 seeds were pre-treated with hot (95oC) and cold water (ambient temperature) by soaking for 12, 24 and 48 hours with a control of no soaking. The seeds were sown directly into polythene pots filled with uniform growth medium (top forest soil, sand and clay soilmixed in a ratio of 5:3:2) to avoid disturbance of the root system after germination. The seeds were sown in a randomized block design with seven treatments and three replicates. Data were analysed using ANOVA in GenStat v18. Results indicated that soaking enhanced seed germination. Soaking of seeds in cold water for 12 hours resulted into higher germination (90% for Terminalia catappa and 85% for Maesopsis eminii) than the control (48%). Soaking period and water temperature significantly influenced seedling vigour (F value = 0.962; p = 0.038). Soaking seeds in cold water for 24 hours enhanced Maesopsis eminii seedling growth by 8.0 cm Terminalia catappa seedlings by 7.4 cm. Seed dormancy, germination percentage and growth performance in hard coated seeds such as Maesopsis eminii and Terminalia catappa can be broken by soaking in cold water for 12-24 hours. Pre-germination treatments significantly influences the germination and seedling growth. Keywords: Maesopsis eminii, Terminalia catappa, seeds, pre-germination, soaking.

Despite Ugandan coffee farmers’ preference for Maesopsis eminii as a shade tree, the species is an alternate host for the black coffee twig borer, Xylosandrus compactus (Eichhoff)—a major insect pest of coffee in the country. Wilting and drying of leaves and branches of young M. eminii trees (

The study was conducted to investigate the population structure and regeneration status of South Nandi forest and document uses of trees using 35 nested - plots of size 600 m2 (30 m × 20 m) each. A total of 68 species from 37 families and 60 genera of woody plants were encountered in the study area. The plants were categorized into seedlings, saplings and adults based on DBH classes then status of natural regeneration category determined. A Shannon-Weinner index mean value of 2.64 was obtained suggesting high species diversity in South Nandi forest. About 16.2% of woody species in the forest showed none to poor regeneration; good to fair regeneration (36.6%) and new regeneration of 47.2%.The population structure of the woody species showed an inverse-J curve when all species were considered. However, individual species showed varying patterns; for example, Olea capensis, Albizia gummifera, Maesopsis eminii and Mimulopsis arborenscens did not show the inverse -J curve. The density and basal area for whole forest was 537.3 ± 74.8 stems ha−1 and 26.8 ± 12.0 m2ha-1 respectively. Solanum mauritianum has become invasive in the forest and quick action is required to check its spread. Species with low Importance Value indices and those species with none to poor regeneration status should be prioritized for conservation. Over 78% of the plant species had multiple uses suggesting that this forest played an important role in the household's subsistence and income contribution. Detailed regeneration studies are recommended to fully understand the causes and probable mechanisms that could promote natural regeneration. Keywords: Basal area, Conservation, Density, Population structure, Regeneration status, Tropical forest

Environmentally friendly slow-release fertilizers (SRF) based on Borassus aethiopum starch (BAS-SRF) and Maesopsis eminii (ME-SRF) hydrogels were formulated by encapsulating urea into biomaterials using borax as a binder. The SRFs were characterized by FT-IR, SEM and XRD techniques. The gel ratios of the hydrogels were found to be 71.27 ± 0.31 and 57.43 ± 2.27 for BAS-SRF and ME-SRF respectively. Swelling and water retention capacity of the SRFs in distilled water, NaCl, CaCl2, and FeCl3 solutions were evaluated. The water retention ratio at 4 days was similar 14.76% for both BAS-SRF and ME-SRF in soil and 4.67% for soil without the SRFs. The swelling ratio of the SRFs in solution, followed the order Water > NaCl > CaCl2>FeCl3. The swelling kinetics fitted with Scott's second order swelling kinetic model. The fertilizer release of the standard urea (un-capsulated) in distilled water revealed a cumulative release of about 97% within an hour. Whereas the formulated BAS-SRF and ME-SRF (encapsulated) had a cumulative release of 76% and 68% at 24 h and 96 h respectively. Interestingly, a sustained cumulative urea release was observed in soil; about 95% and 92% at 36 days for BAS-SRF and ME-SRF respectively.

Plantations of tropical species are becoming an increasingly important source of wood. However, it is important that research trials focus not only on tree growth performance, but also on wood quality. The aims of this study were to assess the growth performance of six commercially and ecologically important tree species from separate plantation trials in Indonesia and to determine the relationships between tree growth and wood quality in terms of the dynamic modulus of elasticity (MOE) and wood density. Forty-eight 7-year Maesopsis eminii Engl. and thirty-five 9-year specimens (7 each of 5 Shorea spp.) were selected from two trials. The MOE, based on acoustic velocity, was indirectly measured to evaluate wood stiffness. Tree-growth performance was evaluated, and correlations between growth traits and acoustic velocity as well as density and wood stiffness properties were estimated. The growth performance of M. eminii in terms of tree volume was significantly different in three different categories of growth (i.e. fast, medium, slow). Of the five Shorea spp. studied, Shorea leprosula Miq. had the highest growth rate, as expected since it is known to be a fast-growing Shorea species. Indirect measurement of wood quality by means of non-destructive ultrasonic methods showed a weak negative correlation between tree volume and acoustic velocity and dynamic MOE. Although each fast-growing tree could reach a merchantable size faster than other varieties or species, wood traits of various species tested were not significantly different based on tree growth rate performance. The findings from this study could be used to improve selection criteria in future breeding trials; indirect measurements of the dynamic modulus of elasticity can be used in mass pre-selection of genetic materials, to choose the most-promising material for in-depth evaluation.

Maesopsis eminii is referred to as one of the most widely distributed African tree species. However, its occurrence in Africa has never been mapped and little is known as to how this species can sustain in different environments. To gain insight into Maesopsis' ecology, we (i) made a synthesis of its functional trait data from the literature, (ii) investigated phenological patterns using data on four M.eminii trees from Yangambi, DR Congo, (iii) assessed an empirical provenance trial from Uganda on 600 Maesopsis trees and (iv) synthesized geo-referenced point location maps of Maesopsis entailing WorldClim precipitation and temperature and FAO soils, rainfall and ecological zones for Africa. We found M.eminii to straddle the equator equidistantly in terms of latitude (10.97 degrees N and 10.98 degrees S) covering five forest types where twenty soil types and variable rainfall regimes support complex plant biodiversity. Maesopsiseminii was, however, largely concentrated in the tropical rainforest ecosystem which contains fertile Orthic Ferralsol soils. More than 97% of the point locations were found where annual precipitation was >1000mm, and 82% occurred where average annual temperature was 22-28 degrees C. Its functional traits, phenology and provenance trial findings explained its occurrence in Africa.

Tailing from mining activity contains heavy metal that can be managed by phytoremediation. Plant selection to be used in phytoremediation plays important role that determine the success of these activities. The objective of this research is to study the growth of four forest tree species in media containing tailings from gold mining. Four fast growing tree species, i.e. Swietenia macrophylla King., Anthocephalus macrophyllus (Roxb.) Havil., Maesopsis eminii Engl., and Toona sureni (Blume) Merr., and two kinds of growing media, i.e. tailings and mixture of tailings + compost with 3:1 ratio, were used in a Completely Randomized Factorial Design. The growth parameters measured were plant height and diameter, leaf length and width, number of leaves, stomata density, total wet and dry biomass, also root-shoot ratio, and percentage of survival. The results of the research showed that plant types significantly affect all parameters observed. Media treatment had significant effect on total wet and dry biomass only. Interaction between plant types and media gave significant effect only on total wet biomass. Based on survival and growth parameter observed A. macrophyllus gave best performance.Key words: A. macrophyllus, M. eminii, phytoremediation, S. macrophylla, tailings, T. sureni

Timber from plantation forest mostly contains sapwood, and the heartwood part has a lot of juvenile wood, which has low resistance to attack by subterranean termites (Coptotermes curvignathus). Wood smoke created through pyrolysis contains numerous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that could prevent termite attack. Three-layer glued laminated lumber (glulam) was created using either the same wood species (mangium [Acacia mangium], manii [Maesopsis eminii], or sengon [Falcataria moluccana]) for all layers or a combination of mangium as the face and back layers and a core layer of manii or sengon. Glulam samples were exposed to smoke from mangium wood for 15 days, preserved with imidacloprid, or left untreated. All glulams were tested against subterranean termites according to the Indonesian standard. Gas chromatography revealed that smoke from mangium predominantly contained acetic acid, cyclobutanol, and phenolic compounds. Smoked glulam was more resistant to subterranean termite attack than untr...

Withaningsih S, Parikesit, Iskandar J, Putri R. 2019. Socio-ecological perspective of local bio-resources based production system of palm sugar and palm flour from aren (Arenga pinnata): Case study of Sukaresmi Village, West Bandung, Indonesia. Biodiversitas. 20: 1990-1997. The heterogeneity of landscapes, from a socio-ecology viewpoint, has resulted in the emergence of various systems of production for the same end products, which have developed with wide variations and distinctiveness and are based on the local availability of bio-resources. Even on landscapes with extreme biophysical and social conditions, various systems of production can still be encountered. Bio-resource-based systems generally exist on a small scale and in poorly-resourced communities. This study aimed to determine the use of local bio-resources and palm management techniques in different systems used for the production of palm sugar and palm flour. This study utilized a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. Primary data were collected using structured and semi-structured interviews, observations, and participants’ observations. The results showed that palm sugar was processed by peeling the midrib, passing, tapping, and making the midrib into sugar, whereas palm flour was processed by cutting down trees, grating, squeezing, and precipitating the end product. The local bio-resources used in the production of both included Chinese albizia (Albizia chinensis), giant bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus), tali bamboo (Gigantochloa apus), kemang (Mangifera kemanga), jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), and sobsi (Maesopsis eminii). Local knowledge regarding the processing of palm sugar was passed from generation to generation, whereas the knowledge regarding the processing of palm flour was achieved through independent learning and asking questions.

Generally, tree species load photoassimilates passively into the phloem, while herbaceous species load actively. These phloem loading strategies have implications for phloem sugar concentration and growth potential. Whereas, in previous research, phloem loading identification was performed with C-14-autoradiography, we suggest C-11-autoradiography, because of its compatibility with plant-PET (positron emission tomography) scans. Because C-11-autoradiography has been hardly used in plant sciences so far, it was tested in contrasting plant species: one temperate tree species, Populus tremula L., three tropical tree species, Erythrophleum suaveolens (Guill. & Perr.) Brenan, E. ivorense A. Chev., and Maesopsis eminii Engl., and two herbaceous crop species Solanum lycopersicum L. and S. tuberosum L. Our results confirmed that P. tremula is a passive loader, and Solanum spp. are active loaders. Erythrophleum spp. and young leaves of M. eminii showed the expected passive loading strategy, but the mature leaves of M. eminii showed an uncommon pattern. Images corrected for leaf tissue thickness supported that mature leaves of M. eminii used active phloem loading, which is linked to continuous investment in growth and new leaves, supporting the lower carbon storage levels often observed in tropical tree species. With this study, we demonstrate that C-11-autoradiography is a powerful tool to acquire detailed tracer distribution in leaves to typify phloem loading strategies in plant species.

Many stakeholders including the Ugandan government are growing trees and contributing to increasing tree cover in Uganda. Whereas the contribution of large-scale tree growers to increasing tree cover has been documented, that of smallholder tree growers (STGs) is not known. But because STGs make up the majority of tree growers, it is possible that their contribution to tree cover in the country is significant. In this study we have addressed this gap for Kaliro District. We have also explored the factors that influence tree planting by STGs. Data was collected in the months of January–June 2017 using interviews with 206 tree growers. Included in the survey were all smallholder farms with 20 or more trees. The tree growers planted 39 species, in the period 1997–2016, the most popular of which were Pinus spp., Eucalyptus spp., Grevillea robusta and Maesopsis eminii. Few STGs planted trees in that time (n = 206) and those who did tended to plant few trees (median 175 trees). Despite the average low contribution by STGs, tree cover is increasing due to a few STGs who planted very many trees. Growers who planted the most trees were male or engaged in small-scale business, possessed a university degree and received support from the government. New approaches may be necessary that provide better access to a greater diversity of smallholder farmers such as women and those without low income and education access. STGs affiliated to tree-growing associations appear to have planted fewer trees than those outside tree-growing associations. Tree growers associations should be redesigned to provide maximum benefit to STGs and local ecology. Income generation was cited as the STGs planters’ main motivation for planting trees. However, the key immediate benefit was firewood. These may be important points to consider when developing interventions that target tree planting in the region and throughout Uganda. We conclude that the contribution of STGs to tree growing in Kaliro District is low and that tree planting campaigns should be inclusive and focus on STGs perceived benefits in order to achieve successful reforestation.

In this study, the central composite design of response surface methodology was employed as a design of an experiment to optimize the extraction of oil from Maesopsis eminii seeds using ultrasonic-assisted solvent extraction (UASE). The most appropriate values of operating variables such as extraction time and n-hexane to biomass ratio and its effects on oil yield were analyzed. The 7:1 n-hexane-to-biomass ratio (140 mL n-hexane/20 g seed powder) and the 20 min extraction time were found as optimum conditions to get an oil yield of 47.86 ± 0.09 %. Oil’s chemical characteristics and compositions include yellowish color, 0.90 g/mL density, 5.40 pH, 47.9 mm2/s kinematic viscosity, 39.63 MJ/kg high heating value, >200 °C flashpoint, and 0.36 ± 0.05 % free fatty acid content. The analyses of Fourier Transform Infrared Radiation (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrophotometry (GC–MS) revealed that oil from the M. eminii seeds has esters and looked-for fatty acids signifying its potential for biodiesel production. Major fatty acids include oleic (36.7 %), linoleic (24.3 %) and stearic (22.6 %) with minor components shared by palmitic (10.2 %), arachidic (2.6 %), y-linolenic (1.5 %), cis-11-eicosenoic (1.5 %) and behenic (0.5 %). The exploratory oil refining via UASE and transesterification resulted in 84.6 % biodiesel yield indicating its high conversion rate and demonstrating its potential as a feedstock for green diesel production. Hence, the coming of the liquid biofuel from the unexplored non-edible M. eminii seeds would benefit humanity and the environment as this would reduce the use of petroleum-based fuels that are known for producing much air pollution in the atmosphere.

Few studies have attempted to identify factors that contribute to aboveground carbon offset additionality in forest restoration planting in the tropics. Moreover, those that have compared aboveground carbon offset potential of naturally regenerating secondary forests and plantation forests have yielded conflicting results regarding the ability of the latter to attain carbon offset additionality, thus limiting broad adoption of carbon-driven forest restoration interventions. We assessed woody species diversity, stem density, stem diameter and wood specific gravity of secondary and plantation forests in Kakamega Forest in western Kenya to identify determinants of aboveground carbon offset additionality in plantation forests. Secondary forests comprised old-growth, middle-aged and young vegetation stands. Plantation forests consisted of mixed indigenous, Maesopsis eminii indigenous monoculture and Cupressus lusitanica , Pinus patula and Bischofia javanica exotic monoculture stands. Assessment was carried in 135 sample plots in three forest blocks using stratified systematic sampling in nested plots. Analysis of variance indicated that there was no significant difference in woody species diversity between secondary and plantation forests due to natural forest succession in both forest types. Mixed indigenous plantation had more aboveground carbon stock than secondary forest stands of comparable stand age due to its greater proportion of tree species with high wood specific gravity and large tree diameter. Old-growth secondary forest had more aboveground carbon stock than monoculture forest plantations due to its relatively higher wood specific gravity. Middle-aged secondary forest had relatively lower aboveground carbon stock than plantation forests of comparable stand age because of its smaller tree diameter. The results suggest that stem diameter and wood specific gravity are the most important determinants of aboveground carbon offset additionality. Thus, forest managers and investors in carbon offset projects can achieve aboveground carbon offset additionality in forest restoration interventions by planting tree species with relatively higher wood specific gravity and manipulating them to attain large stem diameter through silvicultural management.

Root zone geometry research is usually done in a conventional way which is destructive, time-consuming, and requires a considerable cost. Several non-destructive measurements used geophysical methods have been developed, one of which is the Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) method. Tree root zone determination using ERT has been carried out in Kiara Payung area, Sumedang, West Java, with Maesopsis eminii tree as the object study. A total of 29 ERT lines were measured using dipoledipole configuration with electrodes spacing of 50 cm. The results of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) inversion modeling show that the ERT method has been successfully imaging the tree root zone. The root zone is characterized as 100-700 Ωm with an elliptical shape geometry of the root plate. The root radius is estimated to be 4-5 m from the stem, the root zone diameter reaches 8-9 m at the shallow soil surface and the root zone depth is approximately 2-2.5 m. ABSTRAK Pencitraan geometri zona perakaran pohon menggunakan electrical resistivity tomography. Penelitian geometri zona perakaran biasa dilakukan dengan cara konvensional yang destruktif, memakan waktu, dan membutuhkan biaya yang tidak sedikit. Beberapa pengukuran non-destruktif menggunakan metode geofisika telah dikembangkan, salah satunya adalah metode Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT). Penentuan zona perakaran pohon menggunakan metode ERT telah dilakukan di daerah Kiara Payung, Sumedang, Jawa Barat, dengan pohon Maesopsis eminii sebagai objek studi. Sebanyak 29 lintasan ERT diukur menggunakan konfigurasi dipole-dipole pada dengan jarak antar elektroda 50 cm. Hasil pemodelan inversi dua dimensi (2D) dan tiga dimensi (3D) menunjukkan bahwa metode ERT telah berhasil mencitrakan zona perakaran pohon. Zona perakaran teridentifikasi berada pada nilai resistivitas 100-700 Ωm dengan root plate dan root cross-sections berbentuk elips. Radius akar diperkirakan sejauh 4-5 m dari pangkal batang, sedangkan diameter zona perakaran mencapai sekitar 8-9 m di permukaan tanah dangkal dan kedalaman zona perakaran diperkirakan antara ~2-2.5 m.

Maesopsis eminii (Engl.) is a commercial wood that is classified as fast-growing multifunctional species. The disease will inhibit plant growth as well as decrease the quality of timber. This research was aimed to identify types of pathogens, disease incidence, and severity of leaf blight disease in Maesopsis eminii seedlings. The methods were included field observations, isolation of symptomatic leaf blight, and subsequent test of Koch’s postulates. The isolates then observed both macroscopically and microscopically. The results of observations were indicated that the incidence of the disease was 99.44%, while the severity of the disease 8.85%. The isolation of symptomatic leaf blight was founded on eight kinds of isolate that have different colors. Then, the isolates were inoculated to Maesopsis eminii. Almost the entire of isolates can cause the symptoms of leaf blight. The result of Koch’s postulates was founded on two types of isolates that identically the same with the initial isolation. Finally, the pathogenicity test showed that isolates with 1.1 codes have the highest percentage value of disease incidence and severity than the other isolates. The identification results show that the isolate with 1.1 code is a type of fungus characterized by having sectional hyphae and contained conidia, which is included in the Deuteromycetes class.

Globally, invasive plant species cause negative impacts to human livelihoods and natural ecosystems, particularly in biodiversity hotspots. Maesopsis eminii invasion in Amani Nature Forest Reserve, Tanzania, was considered an ecological disaster in the 1980s. After >50 years have elapsed since the species was first introduced in the reserve, there is yet little information available on its invasion progress. We assessed spatio-temporal invasion dynamics using forest inventory data collected in 1998 and resurveyed 60 (20 m × 50 m) sample plots in 2018. Among resurveyed plots, 30 had been invaded by M. eminii in 1998 and other 30 sample plots as control, which had no M. eminii in the year 1998. We also assessed vegetation cover change over a 20 year period between 1998 and 2018 using Landsat satellite images. Over the last 20 years, 23% of control plots were newly invaded by M. eminii. Tree species richness was 25% lower in invaded versus control plots (U = 1490, z = 2.9, p = 0.04). Large trees (DBH ≥ 31–50 cm) of Maesopsis eminii were most abundant (62%) in invaded plots whereas small trees (DBH ≤ 10 cm) were most abundant (>50%) in control plots, indicating that the tree species might be prone to self-thinning. Woody species diversity was significantly lower in invaded (1.63 ± 0.49) vs control plots (1.87 ± 0.35; t(58) = −2.19, p = 0.03). The number of M. eminii individuals ha−1 was positively associated with higher altitudes ranging above 800 masl (ρ = 0.33, P = 0.011) but there was no correlation with distance away from the forest reserve boundary (ρ = 0.11, P = 0.394;) nor with distance away from village centers (ρ = −0.08, P = 0.502). Change detection analysis indicated about 1,108 ha of non-forest vegetation had regrown into forest over the last 20 years, particularly in the south - western region of the reserve. The region included 4 sample plots newly invaded by M. eminii. We conclude that there is an increase in spatial distribution of M. eminii individuals between the year 1998 and 2018. Furthermore, M. eminii has low regeneration potential in already invaded sites of high invasive density and only slowly invading gaps in uninvaded sites.

The condition of social, economic, and culture of forest community has effect to forest condition. Desa Sindulang is one of village that community forest in Taman Buru Masigit Karembi that has majority of farmer and low economic condition. But c ommodity planting is carried out without an evaluation of the land to determine the level of suitability of the land with the commodities planted. The method by overlay Land Mapping Unit with society land use then analyze of matching suitability land. The results of evaluation divided in 3 units, are : 1) unit I which have land suitability class values with forestry commodities such as Suren (Toona sureni) and Coffee (Coffea Arabica) while agricultural commodities such as Broccoli (Brassica oleracea), Chili (Capsicum annum), Banana (Musa acuminate) and Cabbage (Brasica oleracea). 2) Units II which have land suitability class values with forestry commodities such as Suren (Toona sureni) and Coffee (Coffea arabica) while agricultural commodities such as Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). 3) Units III which have land suitability class values with forestry commodities such as Suren (Toona sureni), Africa (Maesopsis eminii) and Coffee (Coffea arabica) while agricultural commodities such as Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), Eggplant (Solanum melongena) Broccoli (Brassica oleracea), Chili (Capsicum annum), Cabbage (Brasica oleracea) and Pineapple (Ananas Comosus). Keywords : Agroforestry, Land suitability, Sindulang Village

Studies on germination behavior are important tools for understanding how environmental factors affect geographic distribution and colonization of invasive plants. Particularly seedlings of invasive plant species benefit from high light intensity, as often found in disturbed areas of low canopy cover. We investigated the effect of various shade levels on seed germination and early growth of the invasive tree Maesopsis eminii at the nursery of a biodiversity hotspot, the Amani Nature Forest Reserve, Tanzania. Shade houses provided forest-like sun flecks of four categories (0%, 50%, 65% and 85% shade), representing light regimes found in tropical natural forests throughout the entire growing season. The average germination rate across the four different shade levels differed significantly during the dry season (F3,12 = 48.74, P

Maesopsiseminii Engl. is a commercial wood which classified as fast-growing multifunctional species. The disease will inhibit plant growth as well as decrease the quality of timber. Botryodiplodiatheobromaeis disease-producing pathogen which is harmful and has many hosts. This study aims to examine the pathogenicity of Botryodiplodiatheobromae, which harms the plant seedling leaves both macroscopically and microscopically. The experimental used a completely randomized design. The treatments consisted of inoculation without wounding, wounding, wounding with inoculation. The results showed that there was a symptom of brownish-colored spot occurred on plant seedling leaves. According to the Duncan’smultiple range test (DMRT), wounding with inoculation provided the greatest average value of disease severity by 27.56% and disease incidence by 82.67%. The results of macroscopic observation on PDA showed that colony of isolates until seven days old had white-colored mycelium, while the old mycelium looked grayish to black. Mycelium colony had a texture which is similar to the fine threads with thick aerial mycelium and dispersed unevenly from the middle part of mycelium. Microscopic observation on the symptomatic leaf disease pathogens result showed Botryodiplodiatheobromae characteristics, such as sectional hyphae and ellipsoidal conidia hyaline.

Photoassimilate distribution inside leaves is less studied than photosynthesis, and yet the topic is important as it gives insights into the vital roles played by leaves in plant survival. We combined greenhouse measurements of light response curves with 11C-labelling using leaves of 3-year-old potted Maesopsis eminii Engl. trees to improve our understanding of its leaf carbon physiology. This fast-growing pioneer tree species showed low photosynthetic rates for a common tropical pioneer during well-watered reference conditions (5.0 ± 0.7 µmol m−2 s−1), which further decreased in response to drought. 11C-autoradiography indicated active phloem loading and/or rapid phloem transport rates. Active loading is uncommon in tree species, but might be related to deciduousness traits and continuous investment in growth, like in herbaceous active loaders. Active loading involves higher carbon allocation to growth, which might explain why low photosynthetic rates were observed in this fast-growing species. These findings suggest that examining photoassimilate distribution and transport may be critical for understanding the role tree physiology plays in terrestrial carbon cycling.

Coffee production in Uganda is done on small-scale farms containing a very significant tree component. However, there is little information on how tree species abundance, richness and diversity change in coffee farms as distance from forest changes. The main objectives of this study, therefore, were to assess (a) abundance and (b) diversity of tree species in the coffee production systems in proximity to disturbed and undisturbed forest around Mabira forest, one of Uganda’s Robusta coffee-growing areas. Seventy-nine 0.1 ha plots were established in nine villages close to undisturbed and disturbed forest, and over 5 km from the forest. A total of 875 trees belonging to 63 species were recorded. There was significant similarity in species composition among the three study sites (analysis of similarity R = 0.09, p F3,12 = 0.353, p = 0.79). Non-metric dimensional scaling supported these findings (stress value = 0.224 at k = 2) and showed that tree species composition in the three proximity categories was very similar. These results demonstrate that tree species composition and diversity is similar in coffee farms regardless of their distance from the nearest natural forest and forest exploitation history.

The aim of this study was to determine the physical and mechanical properties of glued laminated timber (glulam) manufactured from small-diameter logs of three wood species, Acacia mangium (mangium), Maesopsis eminii (manii), and Falcataria moluccana (sengon), with densities of 533, 392, and 271 kg/m 3 , respectively. Glulam measuring 5 cm by 7 cm by 160 cm in thickness, width, and length, respectively, was made with three to five lamina, or layers, and isocyanate adhesive. The glulams contained either the same wood species for all layers or a combination of mangium face and back layers with a core layer of manii or sengon. Solid wood samples of the same size for all three species were included as a basis for comparison. Physical-mechanical properties and delamination tests of glulam referred to JAS 234:2003. The results showed that the properties of same species glulam did not differ from those of solid wood, with the exception of the shear strength of glu-lam being lower than that of solid wood. Wood species affected glulam properties, but three- and five-layer glulams were not different except for the modulus of elasticity. All glulams were resistant to delamination by immersion in both cold and boiling water. The glulams that successfully met the JAS standard were three- and five-layer mangium, five-layer manii, and five-layer mangium-manii glulams.Keywords : Glulam, solid wood, small-diameter logs, physical and mechanical roperties, delamination

This research focused on the natural durability of twenty one lesser known tropical wood species planted in West Java, Indonesia against subterranean termite (Coptotermes curvignathus). It was observed that both heartwood and sapwood of Kiara payung (Filicium decipiens); heartwoods of Nangka (Arthocarpus heterophyllus), Mahoni (Swietenia macrophylla) and Simpur (Dillenia grandifolia); and sapwood of Bungur (Lagerstroemia speciosa) were rated as resistant (natural durability class II) according to Indonesian standard SNI 01.7207.2006 (BSN 2006). Both heartwood and sapwood of Salam (Syzigium polyanthum), Pasang (Lithocarpus sundaicus), Bisbul (Diospyros discolor), Rukam (Flacourtia rukam) and Trembesi (Samanea saman); heartwood of Puspa (Schima walichii), Bungur, Tanjung (Mimusops elangi) and Angsana (Pterocarpus indicus) were rated as moderately resistant (natural durability class III). Both heartwood and sapwood of Sungkai (Peronema canescens), Pine (Pinus merkusii), Mangium (Acacia mangium) and Afrika (Maesopsis eminii); sapwoods of Mahoni, Puspa and Tanjung were rated as poorly resistant (natural durability class IV). Both heartwood and sapwood of Agathis (Agathis dammara), Durian (Durio zibethinus), Ki sampang (Evodia latifolia) and Jabon (Anthocephalus cadamba); sapwoods of Nangka and Angsana were rated as very poorly resistant (natural durability class V). This reserach showed that woods with lower resistance against C. curvignathus attack (natural durability class IV and V) tend to have lower termite mortality values compared to woods with higher resistance against C. curvignathus attack (natural durability class II and III). Results of the study will provide some valuable information on termite resistance of twenty one lesser known tropical wood species planted in Indonesia.

This paper identifies the plant species used traditionally by Karo people in North Sumatra, to cure diabetes, analyses the cultural significance index of those plants for the Karo, and clarifies phytochemical contents of the plants. Data were collected using survey method from selected respondents (n=54) based on their knowledge and practices in utilising medicinal plants to cure diabetic disease. Index of Cultural Significance (ICS) of plants was determined using the method proposed by Turner. Results showed that twelve woody plant species have been used to cure diabetes: loning leave ( Psychotria sp.), kacihe leave ( Prunus accuminta Hook), umbrella tree leave ( Maesopsis eminii Engl), mutamba leave ( Guazuma ulmifolia Lamk), cepcepan leave ( Villebrunea subescens Blume), pirdot/cepcepan lembu leave ( Saurauia vulcani Korth), raru bark ( Cotylelobium melanoxylo ), breadfruit leave ( Artocarpus altilis ), salam leave ( Syzygium polyanthum Wight), mahogany seed ( Swietenia mahagoni (L.) Jacq), cinnamon bark ( Cinnamomum burmani ), and yellow bamboo rod (B ambusa vulgaris Schrad). Five of those plants: loning, umbrella tree, mutamba, raru and salam have the highest cultural significance level. These five plants are highly needed in large quatities by the Karo people, so their availability in the forest should be securely conserved and protected. The plants used contained alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics and terpenoids which can help to lower blood sugar level.

A better understanding and prediction of the impact of changing climate on tree stem growth could greatly benefit from the combination of anatomical and ecophysiological knowledge, yet the majority of studies focus on one research field only. We propose an approach that combines the method of pinning (cambial wounding) to timestamp anatomical X-ray computed microtomography images with continuous measurements of sap flow and stem diameter variations. By pinning the cambium of well-watered and drought-treated young African tropical trees of the species Maesopsis eminii Engl. we could quantify wood formation during a specific period of time and relate it to tree physiology and prevailing microclimate. Integrating continuous plant measurements and high-frequency pinning proved very useful to visualize and quantify the effects on stem growth of drought in M. eminii. Wood formation completely stopped during drought, and was associated with a strong shrinkage in stem diameter. Next, an unexpected increase in stem diameter was observed during drought, probably caused by root pressure, but not accompanied by wood formation. Our proposed approach of combining continuous plant measurements with cambial pinning is very promising to relate ecophysiology to stem anatomy and to understand the mechanisms underlying tree stem growth and bridge the gaps between the two research fields.

With increased drought events affecting forests globally, little is known about their future impact on Africa’s forests. In particular, we need to gain a better understanding of how key African forest species will respond to drought stress. In this study, we investigated functional traits and physiological responses to drought of the light-demanding pioneer species Maesopsis eminii Engl. The study involved an experiment on potted M. eminii seedlings with three different drought treatments in which sap flow (SF), stem diameter variation (SDV) and stomatal conductance (g s ) were measured. Whereas low g s rates (39 ± 30 mmol m −2 s −1 ) and pronounced SF-VPD (vapour pressure deficit) and g s -VPD hysteresis loops during well-watered conditions indicated conservative stomatal control on water loss, nocturnal sap flow implied M. eminii is not able to completely block transpiration. At the onset of drought, the pioneer seedlings retained high stem diameter growth despite highly reduced soil moisture (>−0.95 ± 0.03 MPa) and SF rates, indicating that growth was prioritised. Contribution of stored stem water to daily water use was limited both during drought and control conditions, which was confirmed by the absence of time lags between photosynthetic active radiation (PAR)-SDV, PAR-SF and SDV-SF in all treatments. Below a soil water potential of −0.95 ± 0.03 MPa, leaves were gradually shed, but diurnal and nocturnal SF did not turn zero, and absolute stem diameter kept decreasing for the entire experimental period (115 days), portraying that M. eminii seedlings can survive only limited drought periods. In sum, this study demonstrated that species-specific traits, as opposed to species ecological strategy, govern drought performance. For M. eminii , its leaf traits proved pivotal to its drought performance.

The impact of drought on the hydraulic functioning of important African tree species, like Maesopsis eminii Engl., is poorly understood. To map the hydraulic response to drought-induced cavitation, sole reliance on the water potential at which 50% loss of xylem hydraulic conductivity (Psi(50)) occurs might be limiting and at times misleading as the value alone does not give a comprehensive overview of strategies evoked by M. eminii to cope with drought. This article therefore uses a methodological framework to study the different aspects of drought-induced cavitation and water relations in M. eminii. Hydraulic functioning of wholebranch segments was investigated during bench-top dehydration. Cumulative acoustic emissions and continuous weight measurements were used to quantify M. eminii's vulnerability to drought-induced cavitation and hydraulic capacitance. Wood structural traits, including wood density, vessel area, diameter and wall thickness, vessel grouping index, solitary vessel index and vessel wall reinforcement, were used to underpin observed physiological responses. On average, M. eminii's Psi 50 (+/- SE) was -1.9 +/- 0.1 MPa, portraying its xylem as drought vulnerable, just as one would expect for a common tropical pioneer. However, M. eminii additionally employed an interesting desiccation delay strategy, fuelled by internal relocation of leaf water, hydraulic capacitance and the presence of parenchyma around the xylem vessels. Our findings suggest that exclusive dependence on Psi 50 would have misdirected our assessments of M. eminii's drought stress vulnerability. Hydraulic capacitance linked to anatomy and leaf-water relocation behaviour was equally important to better understand M. eminii's drought survival strategies. Because our study was conducted on branches of 3-year-old greenhouse-grown M. eminii seedlings, the findings cannot be simply extrapolated to adult M. eminii trees or their mature wood, because structural and physiological plant properties change with age. The techniques and methodological framework used in this study are, however, transferable to other species regardless of age.