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Nauclea diderrichii is a tree species of economic importance. However, its plantation establishment is limited by inadequate seedling production. Hence, there is ample scope of tissue culture for its mass propagation. Its in vitro plantlets development as affected by media strengths indicated that 100 % seed germination was obtained in full MS basal medium while the least (3.35 %) was from quarter-strength at 8 Weeks after inoculation (WAI). The effects of BAP and NAA assessed on the growth of its sub-cultured plantlets showed that highest number of leaves (17) and adventitious shoots (3) were obtained from MS basal medium supplemented with 0.1 mg/l BAP only. Whereas, highest shoot length (3.61 cm) and average number of roots (5/plantlet) were obtained from the same medium without hormone(s) at 8 WAI. Further sub-culturing into MS with 0.05 mg/l NAA resulted into plantlets having optimum shoot and massive root growth ready for acclimatization in 6 WAI. The plantlets were successfully acclimatized using coconuthusk/ topsoil mixture with 90 % survival. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 31(1): 51-60, 2021 (June)

The research work examined the effect of horse dung and pig dung on the early growth of Nauclea diderrichii seedling. The experiment was carried out at the back of library of Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan. The experiment consisted of five treatments which were replicated nine times in a completely Randomized design (CRD). The following materials were used: Topsoil, Polythenepot, seeds of Nauclea diderrichii, Horse dung and pig dung, sieve, wheel barrow, venier caliper, ruler, field record book and pen. Data on the number of stem girth, height, leave production and leave area were recorded fortnightly starting from a week after transplanting. The data collected were analyzed through Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The result revealed that 15g of horse dung + 2kg of top soil had the highest mean number of height value of 12.49cm followed by 10kg of horse dung +2kg of topsoil,(10.15cm). While topsoil only had the least mean number of height (8.25cm). The result further showed the highest mean stem girth (0.30cm) followed by 0.27cm and produced least mean stem girth of 0.24cm in treatments T12, T1 and T5 respectively. Also, in the leaf production the result revealed that 15g of horse dung +2kg of topsoil had the highest mean number of 16.69cm followed by treatment one 12,56cm and topsoil only produce the least mean leaf production of 9.40cm. The result further showed highest mean leave area (134.50cm2 ) followed by treatment one 124.60cm2 and (T5) produced the least mean leaf area of 108.06cm2. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) for plant height, stem girth, leaf production and leaf area also indicated that the treatment applied Nauclea diderrichii seedlings showed no significant effect. Generally 15g of horse dung + 2kg of topsoil produced the best result in terms of plant height, stem girth, leaf production and leave area of Nuclea diderrichii seedlings, hence treatment two (T2) is best suitable for raising Nuclea diderrichii seedlings. Keywords: Forest, Horse dung, Pig dung, Nauclea diderrichii

Investigation was carried out to develop protocol for in vitro propagation of Nauclea diderrichii (De Wild.) Merr using nodal cuttings. It is a sun-loving species, found in tropical rainforest of West Africa and used for heavy construction, railway sleepers, and veneers, round timbers and transmission poles. Single node cuttings (explants) were obtained from 1-year-old seedlings of N. diderrichii and inoculated on Murashige and Skoog (MS); and Woody Plant Medium (WPM) without modification, as well as MS and WPM supplemented with Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) at 1.0 mg/L; Kinetin (KIN) ranging from 1.0 to 5.0 mg/l and Benzylaminopurine (BAP) from 1.0 to 5.0 mg/l. The experiment was a 5-treatment combination with control (no treatment) cultured for four weeks. Regenerated plantlets were subcultured on the same initial combinations of MS and WPM basal media. Best results were obtained on unmodified WPM with highest mean shoot length, 2.34 cm, mean number of shoots/node, 2.67 and enhanced root initiation. With modified MS media, the best result was obtained from 1.0 mg/l IBA + 2.0 mg/l BAP with highest mean shoot length, 2.99 cm, mean number of nodes 2.40 with no root initiation. Woody Plant Medium is the best growth medium for shoot and root initiation for in vitro propagation of N. dideriichii.

The aim of this study was to investigate industrial logging in Businga Territory. The survey was carried out by means of a questionnaire addressed to 235 people including 150 men (64%) and 85 women (36%) between 31 and 100 years of age, on the basis of free and informed consent. It emerged from this study that 110 subjects out of the 235 (46.8%) were from SICOTRA company and its surroundings and 125 respondents (53.2%) belonged to from KKF company and its surroundings. Of the 235 people surveyed, only 104 (or 44.3%) were workers from two companies, the rest were heads of groups, capitas, local notables and those who had not worked in either company. 44.6% of the respondents had a primary level followed by 31.9% (or 75 people) with a secondary level. There are 55 illiterate people (23.4%). No university executives were met in the area during the survey. The logging by these two companies (KKF: from 1949 to 1998 (49 years of exploitation) and SICOTRA: from 1980 to 1998 (18 years)) has caused enormous destruction of the ecosystem and the population is today confronted with multiple difficulties and problems of supply of Non Timber Forest Products (caterpillars, snails, mushrooms, Cola acuminata, etc.) and the erosion of biodiversity. Of the 17 forest species exploited in this Sector, 03 have totally disappeared: Diospyros crassiflora Hiern, Nauclea diderrichii (De Wild.) Merr. and Prioria balsaminfera (Vermoesen) Breteler. The majority contacted had no notion of protecting the forest (67.2% vs. 32.8%); the population had no notion of drawing up specifications (95 vs. 5%). The results revealed that the indigenous population did not benefit from their forest, nor did they benefit from basic social infrastructures of community interest. In order to remedy this situation, a good regulation of the forestry exploitation code, the popularization of the new forestry code and the elaboration of specifications in collaboration with local communities are necessary to correct this situation in the future.

Remediation of environmental pollution has been of great concern in recent years. This study was carried out to investigate the potentials of Nauclea diderrichii seedlings to remediate heavy metals from spent engine oil (SEO) contaminated soil. SEO from diesel and petrol engines in different quantities were applied to each plant using 2 kg soil. Plant height, collar diameter, number of leaves, root length were assessed. Amount of lead and cadmium present in the leaves, stem and root of the seedlings were assessed at the end of the experiment. Result showed that 100 % of the seedlings subjected to various treatments survived for the duration of 5 months. There was no significant difference (α>0.05) in the height of N. diderrichii seedlings. Significant (α=0.05) negative reductions were observed in the seedlings collar diameter, no. of leaves and root length. There was significant difference (α>0.05) in the amount of lead and cadmium extracted by N. diderrichii seedlings. This study has been able to show that N. diderrichii has the ability/potential to phyto-extract heavy metals from soil. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res.55(4), 261-272, 2020

Many countries are seeking to expand their use of solid biomass for electricity and heat generation. Nigeria, too, is exploring its own potential energy crops and indigenous residues. The use of this biomass for energy production is, however, limited by factors such as high moisture content, low bulk and low energy density. This study examines the torrefaction and combustion properties of four readily available Nigerian woody biomass, Gmelina arborea, Terminalia superba, Nauclea diderrichii, Lophira alata and a residue, palm kernel expeller (PKE). They are considered for their suitability for use in large scale power stations, especially as pulverized fuels. The Fuels were torrefied at 270 and 290 °C for either 30 or 60 min, and assessed for pyrolysis and combustion characteristics in comparison to their untreated counterparts. Energy densities of the woods improved from 19.2 to 21.2 MJ/kg for the raw fuels to 21.5–24.6 MJ/kg for the torrefied fuels. The milling behaviour of the torrefied fuels improved upon torrefaction, especially for Nauclea; however, torrefaction had very little effect on the grindability of PKE. The apparent first order kinetics for pyrolysis were determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). After torrefaction, the fuels become less reactive; Nauclea and Gmelina were the most reactive fuels, whilst PKE was the least reactive. The combustion behavior of selected fuels was visually examined in a methane air flame. This showed that torrefaction resulted in shorter ignition delay, shorter duration of volatile combustion and longer duration of char burn out.

Background: Nauclea diderrichii is used in West and Central Africa countries for its insecticidal and antiparasitic properties. There is, however, no documentation on its activity against parasitic nematodes.Objectives: This study investigated N. diderrichii leaf extracts and fractions for anthelmintic activity against adult Haemonchus placei, an abomasal parasitic worm that infect cattle.Materials and Method: Pulverized dried leaves of N. diderrichii was defatted using n-hexane, followed by successive extraction using chloroform and acetone. The extracts were evaluated for anthelmintic activity by incubating ten (10) adult H. placei in a range of concentrations (1 ̶ 20 mg/mL) for 3h and then counting the number of confirmed dead worms. The most active extract was subjected to chromatographic fractionation, and the thin layer chromatographic (TLC) profile of the fractions was documented. The dried fractions were then evaluated for anthelmintic activity and anthelmintic data were fitted to a non-linear regression equation (Log [extract or fraction] vs. response; variable slope) to produce best-fit sigmoidal curves and LC50 values computed.Results: Anthelmintic assay shows that acetone extract is worm-active with a best-fit LC50 of 16.24 mg/mL, while the chloroform extract was inactive. Fractionation of the acetone extract yielded three fractions (FA, FB and FC) and TLC profile revealed the various secondary metabolites in the fractions. Of the fractions, only fraction B was active against H. placei with LC50 of 12.24 mg/mL.Conclusion: Acetone extract of N. diderrichii leaf possessed anthelmintic activity against adult H. placei, and could be useful as anthelmintic phytomedicine to deworm cattle. Keywords: Anthelmintic, Haemonchus placei, Nauclea diderrichii, Chromatography

Gambir ( Uncaria gambir (Hunter) Roxb.) is a superior commodity of West Sumatra that has many benefits and has been used as a drug. Plant identification carried out morphologically has many weaknesses, with the development of electronic and genetic technology now a new method of species identification has been developed. plants and animals, namely DNA barcoding technology that uses standard short pieces of DNA Species identification methods have been agreed to using standard DNA barcodes are rbcL genes and matK genes. The purpose of this study is to find out DNA Barkoding candidates between matK and rbcL which can identify gambier ( Uncaria gambir (Hunter) Roxb.) Which is good. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique is used to amplify rbcL and matK gene sequences through universal primers. The DNA sequences of the MATC sequence in the GR sample (Riau Gambir) produced a similarity rate of 98.79% with Nauclea diderrichii , for the rbcL sequence GC (Cubadak Gambir) samples produced a similarity rate of 99.81% with Uncaria macrophylla , and GR (Gambir Riau) samples produced the similarity rate was 96.84% with Uncaria macrophylla based on analysis with BOLD Systems. This similarity indicates the low variation in intraspecific genetics for the identification or confirmation of gambir species

This study was conducted to assess the suitability of forest models in Tectona grandis, Pinus caribaea and Nauclea diderrichii stands at Omo forest reserve, Ijebu East, Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria. Temporary sample plots of equal size (25 m x 25 m) were laid while complete enumeration were carried out in each sampled plot and tree growth variables such as diameter at breast height (dbh), diameter at the top (dt), diameter at the middle (dm) and diameter at the base (db) as well as total height of all trees were measured. Simple linear models and six non linear models were developed and assessed for the selected plantation. The linear model developed _ R-squared ranged from 77% to 93%. The least R- square was obtained in Tectona grandis plantation and the highest was obtained in 93% Pinus caribaea. All the models have high F values ranging from 234.71 to 2965.40. In Tectona grandis plantation, Logistic power model, gave a good fit in describing the relationship between diameter at breast height and volume with AICC values of -2368.92, 0.22 each. The Sigmond models that gave a good fit in describing the relationship between the diameter at breast height and volume in Pinus caribaea were Weibull model (-719.19, 0.09) while Gompertz relation is the best for Nauclea diderrichii, respectively. The various models generated in the study are highly recommended for use in estimating the growth characteristics of the plantation in the future.

We evaluated carbon stock accumulation on potential of tree species in five forest-types in Omo Forest Reserve of western Nigeria. This included four forest plantations and a natural forest of mixed species. The reserve was stratified into Gmelina arborea, Tectona grandis, Pinus carebeae and Nauclea diderrichii plantations as well as natural forest. Each forest-type was assessed using circular plot method. Plot points were pre-determined using remote sensing. For each point, two circular plots were established, the main plot with a radius of 12.61 m (500 m2 ) and the subplot with a radius of 5.64 m (100 m2 ). In each plot, tree Dbh and height were measured for trees with Dbh ≥10 cm, while only trees with Dbh 2 cm (i.e. 2 cm ≤ Dbh < 10 cm) were considered in the sub-plot. Soil samples were also collected at 10 locations with 2 each in the north, south, east, west and at the plot centre, in each forest-type. The samples were analysed to obtain soil organic carbon. Above- and belowground biomass and carbon stocks were estimated using the appropriate allometries formulated for the tropics. All empirical relationships were included in the existing allometries with Dbh and height as predictors. Landsat images of the reserve in 1991, 2000, 2014 and 2019 were processed and analysed to assess forest degradation. The results revealed that 23-year-old Pinus caribaea plantation sequestered more carbon (35.78±2.73 tons/ha) than 35-year-old Gmelina arborea (18.96±1.82 tons/ha), 43-year-old Tectona grandis (17.75±2.13 tons/ha) and 43-year-old Nauclea diderrichii (17.36±1.87 tons/ha) plantations and natural forest (21.98±2.38 tons/ha). The study showed that stand density influences carbon stock accumulation of forest. It was observed that individual stems of Pinus caribaea were better carbon accumulators than Gmelina arborea, Tectona gransdis and Nauclea diderrichii. The same trend was observed for CO2 captures as Pinus caribaea captured 131.31±10.02 tons/ha with Nauclea diderrichii the least, having a value of 63.71±6.9 tons/ha. Keywords: Biomass, Carbon stock, Degradation, Forest-type, Stand density

Nauclea diderrichii, is a common woody plant in Africa where it is traditionally used for the relief and treatment of multiple pain-related conditions. The aim was to evaluate the inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties of the aqueous extract of N. diderrichii stem bark. Carrageenan and formalin were used to induce inflammation while zymosan A was used to induce monoarthritis in rats. The extract was given orally at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg. The extract significantly reduced carrageenan-induced edema up to 6 h, with 61.94% (6th hour). The extract induces a significant inhibition of the formalin-induced edema from the 2nd to the 8th hour with 61.50% (2nd hour). In continuous treatment, the activity of the extract remains significant from the 2nd to the 10th day of treatment with 63.85% (9th day). The extract (400 mg/kg) induces a significant decrease of the organ weight while the body weight increases significantly. At 400 mg/kg, the extract significantly increases the levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin and proteins, as well as the catalase and SOD activities, then a significant decrease of the levels of white blood cells, lymphocytes, hematocrit, MDA and NO. Furthermore, the extract significantly inhibited zymosan A-induced edema from the 1st to the 5th day with 60.99% (5th day). The joints of the treated animals show a close to normal architecture compared to that of the untreated animals. These results demonstrate the anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties of N. diderrichii and confirm its traditional use to relieve pain and inflammation.

summary The photosynthetic performances of two tropical tree species, a pioneer Nauclea diderrichii (De Wilde.) Merrill, and a climax species Entandrophragma angolense (Welw.) C. DC., both from West Africa, were compared. Young plants were grown in controlled environments where photon flux density and nutrient supply were varied. A/C1 curves of the two species were very similar, both showing an increased initial slope and maximal rate of photosynthesis when the leaves had been grown at high photon flux density. Nutrient supply had a similar, but smaller, influence. However, the pioneer Nauclea showed a greater increase in initial slope in relation to both light and nutrient supply. It also showed greater anatomical response to light, developing a second layer of palisade mesophyll when grown at high photon flux density. Light response curves of photosynthesis were also determined. The apparent quantum efficiency was insensitive to growing conditions, but the carboxylation rate, dark respiration and tight-saturated photosynthetic rate were sensitive to the light climate of growth. The pioneer Nauclea displayed an increase in assimilation rate as the photosynthetic photon flux density was increased beyond 300 μmol m−2s−1, but Entandrophragma did not, and often showed a decline.

Bioactive peptides are known for health-promoting properties due to several pharmacological effects they modulate in physiological systems. Herein, the presence of peptides particularly cyclic peptides, was investigated in two Rubiaceae members; Nauclea diderichii (De Wild. and T. Durand) Merrill and Ixora brachypoda DC by thin layer chromatography (TLC) chemical detection, and their multifunctional bioactivity evaluated. Crude and pre-purified peptides were obtained from both plants using aqueous and solid-phase extractions, respectively. The peptide fraction of N. diderrichii showed good DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 = 3.43 µg/mL) compared to the standard Gallic acid (IC50 = 1.44 µg/mL). Peptide fractions of both plants displayed inhibitory effects (MIC = 6.25 μg/mL) against bacteria and fungi strains except Escherichia coli, relative to standard drugs (MIC = 0.31 µg/mL). Both displayed significant toxicity to brine shrimp nauplii (LC50 ≤ 220.8 μg m L−1) as well as MCF-7 and RD cancer cells (IC50 ≤ 34.0 μg m L−1). The enterovirus species B and C tested were remarkably susceptible to the peptide fractions (IC50 ≤ 3.20 μg/mL).

Dans le but de valoriser le savoir traditionnel des plantes utilisees dans l’artisanat, une enquete ethnobotanique a ete conduite chez quatre tribus Agni du Centre-est et du Nord-est de la Cote d’Ivoire. Les entretiens semi-structures a travers l’approche du « porte-a-porte » suivis de randonnees dans le milieu environnant ont permis d’obtenir les informations sur l’usage des plantes. Cette etude a montre que 104 especes reparties en 95 genres et 35 familles sont utilisees dans l’artisanat. Pour ces quatre tribus, seulement 14,42% des plantes ont un indice d’importance culturelle eleve. Il s’agit entre autres de Baissea multiflora, Holarrhena floribunda, Mansonia altissima, Nauclea diderrichii, Nesogordonia papaverifera, Pseudocedrela kotschyi, etc. L’analyse du coefficient de Jaccard a montre des differences majeures au niveau de l’usage des plantes entre ces quatre communautes, avec seulement 13,46% d’usage commun. Il a ete egalement observe que les savoirs lies aux plantes a usage artisanal s’erodent progressivement, a cause notamment de l’abondance des materiaux modernes et surtout de la rarefaction des plantes utilisees due a la degradation de l’environnement. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted among four Agni tribes in the central-eastern and north-eastern parts of Cote d’Ivoire. This study aimed to valorize the traditional knowledge of plants used in handicrafts. Semi-structured interviews through the "door-to-door" approach followed by walks in the adjacent vegetation provided information on the use of plants. This study showed that 104 species divided into 95 genera and 35 families are used in local handicrafts. For these four tribes, only 14.42% of the plants have a high index of cultural importance. These include Baissea multiflora, Holarrhena floribunda, Mansonia altissima, Nauclea diderrichii, Nesogordonia papaverifera, Pseudocedrela kotschyi etc. The analysis of Jaccard's coefficient showed differences in the use of plants between these four communities, with only 13.46% of these plants in common use. The knowledge related to plants for artisanal use is gradually deteriorating, for several reasons: obsolescence of uses, the unavailability of plants due to environmental degradation and competition with modern materials.

Nauclea diderrichii(De Wild and Th. Dür.) (common name Kusia and trade name, Opepe) is an evergreen tree found throughout the tropical rainforests of West Africa. It is heavily exploited for its timber and listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The shoot borerOrygmophora mediofoveataHamps, which attacks the nursery stage, has hampered attempts to establishN. diderrichiiplantations in Ghana. This study examined the potential of four insecticides to protectN. diderrichiiseedlings fromO. mediofoveataattack and damage. Four insecticides–Pyrinex (chlorpyrifos), Dursban (chlorpyrifos), Cerox (dimethoate) and Golan (acetamiprid)–were applied to four-month-oldN. diderrichiiseedlings growing in full sunlight and under shade (80% of normal light), to evaluate their effects on incidence of attack, survival, severity of damage and growth. Insecticide treatment and light conditions had variable effects on the damage and growth of the seedlings after six months of evaluation. Seedling survival was not significantly influenced by the insecticide treatment. Percent survival of insecticide-treated seedlings did not differ significantly from that of control seedlings in full sun; however, under shade survival of treated seedlings was significantly higher than control seedlings. Nonetheless, control seedlings in full sun had higher survival (92.5%) than those under shade (62.5%). Insecticide-treated seedlings in full sun had lower incidence of shoot borer attack than those under shade. In full sun, dieback incidence following shoot borer attack was significantly lower for insecticide-treated than control seedlings. Growth in height and girth of seedlings was influenced positively by both insecticide and light, with girth especially being significantly lower under shade conditions. Currently,N. diderrichiiseedlings are typically raised under shade; however, this study shows that raising seedlings in full sun with insecticide application could result in faster and better growth.

This paper aims to study the mechanical behavior and surface chemistry in relationship with moisture content of Iroko (Milicia excelsa), Bilinga (Nauclea diderrichii), and Tali (Erythrophleum suaveolens). Mechanical characterization was done experimentally using tensile and bending tests. Chemical semi quantitative analysis of the wood at 10%, 15%, 20% and 30% of moisture content was investigated using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The main chemical functions involved by the presence of water were identified as well as the other functional groups. The ratio between lignin and carbohydrates was estimated for all the wood species. The results indicated a negative correlation in the relation between moisture content and mechanical properties. Tali had the higher bending strength while Iroko had the lowest value. The average percentage change rate of the Young’s moduli induced by 1% of moisture content changes, especially between 10% and 20%, varied with the wood species: 1.69% in Tali, 1.65% in Bilinga and 2.54% in Iroko approximately. The infrared spectra obtained differed among species. The results also showed that Iroko contained higher lignin and were the least sustainable according to mechanical properties. The bands at 3340 cm−1 and 1635 cm−1 were more impacted by moisture content. Keywords: Tropical wood, Chemical component, Strength, Moisture content, ATR-FTIR

Acanthospermum hispidum, Alchornea laxiflora, Calyptrochilum christyanum, Heliotropicum indicum, Holarrhena floribunda, Ipomoea asarifolia, Nauclea diderrichii, Piper guineense, and Tetracera scandens were extracted into methanol and screened for the availability of alpha-amylase inhibitors. Plant extracts’ toxicity was determined by brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA). The most active plant, Nauclea diderichii, was fractionated into four solvent systems (n-hexane fractions, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, and n-butanol) and tested. All the extracts showed varying degrees of alpha-amylase inhibitory activity. N. diderrichii with IC50 = 248.30 ± 0.27 µg.mL–1 had the highest inhibitory activity, while its butanol fraction with IC50 = 137.8 µg.mL–1 had activity comparable to the standard α-amylase inhibitor acarbose (IC50 = 177.50 ± 0.42 µg.mL–1). LC50 values for BSLA ranged from 11.35 to 1,127.50 µg.mL–1, with T. scandens being the most toxic with 11.35 µg.mL–1 and N. diderrichii the least toxic wit...

Toxic Cr(III) which poses environmental hazard to flora and fauna was efficiently abstracted by low-cost Nauclea diderrichii seed biomass (NDS) with good sequestral capacity for this metal was investigated in this study. The NDS surface analyses showed that it has a specific surface area of 5.36 m(2)/g and pHpzc of 4.90. Thermogravimetric analysis of NDS showed three consecutive weight losses from 50-200 degrees C (ca. 5%), 200-400 C (ca. 35%), >400 degrees C (ca. 10%), corresponding to external water molecules, structural water molecules and heat induced condensation reactions respectively. Differential thermogram of NDS presented a large endothermic peak between 20-510 degrees C suggesting bond breakage and dissociation with the ultimate release of small molecules. The experimental data showed kinetically fast biosorption with increased initial Cr(III) concentrations, indicating the role of external mass transfer mechanism as the rate controlling mechanism in this adsorption process. The Langmuir biosorption capacity of NDS was 483.81 mg/g. The use of the corrected Akaike Information Criterion tool for ranking equilibrium models suggested that the Freundlich model best described the experimental data, which is an indication of the heterogeneous nature of the active sites on the surface of NDS. N. diderrichii seed biomass is an easily sourced, cheap and environmental friendly biosorbent which will serve as a good and cost effective alternative to activated carbon for the treatment of polluted water and industrial effluents. (C) 2012 King Saud University. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

This work investigated and quantified the calorific values of the main branches and trunks of eleven (11) tropical trees in correlation with their chemical composition in order to assess their suitability for use as credible sources of wood fuel. The determination of the carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur (CHNOS) content of the samples was done using an organic elemental analyser, while an oxygen bomb calorimeter was used to experimentally determine their corresponding gross heat values. The experimental gross heat values for the branches examined ranged from 18,703.37 kJ/kg in Lophira lanceolata to 21,350.35 kJ/kg in Afzelia africana while that of the trunks ranged from 19,747.74 kJ/kg in Tectonia grandis to 22,408.68 kJ/kg in Prosopis africana. These values were within and about the expected ranges observed for tropical trees and may be considered adequate for wood fuel. The general trend in both branches and trunks was that the higher the carbon content, the higher the gross heat value of sample. The absence of sulphur in almost all the samples except, Prosopis africana, (0.055%) was indicative of the fact that the negative environmental impact with respect to harmful emissions of oxides of sulphur is practically non-existent with respect to these species. In the light of the aforementioned variables, the main branches of Afzelia africana (21,350.35 kJ/kg), Nauclea diderrichii (21,157.30 kJ/kg) and Tectonia grandis (20,257.13 kJ/kg) could be used as credible sources of firewood and charcoal production. With respect to the trunks, the timbers in order of preference would ideally be Prosopis africana (22,408.68 kJ/kg), Nauclea diderichii (21,436.42 kJ/kg) and Brachstigia eurychoma (20,924.7 kJ/kg).

The aim of this research was to evaluate the natural durability of different wood species against marine organisms in the Messina strait to determine the most durable wood species for the replacement of wooden docks. The wood species tested were Bilinga/Opepe (Nauclea diderrichii Merril), Okan (Cylicodiscus gabunensis Taub (Harms), Demerara Greenheart (Ocota rodiaei Mez) and Azobe (Lophira alata Banks ex Gaertn), the current wood species used for docks. Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) was used for reference controls. The assessment was performed in accordance with EN 275 combined with a software for image acquisition called Nis D3.22. From the results of this experiment, it can be seen that Bilinga and Okan can well replace the current utilization of Azobe for wooden banking in the Sicilian strait. The Nis D3.22 software distinguished slight differences not perceived by the human eye in the assessment described in EN 275. These differences, which were lost in visual assessment associated with the wide nominal durability classes of EN 275, can contribute to the choice of wood species that are not suitable for their purpose, so the improvement of the assessment due to image analysis might be important even from an economic point of view.

This study aimed to evaluate the percentage variations of density and compressive strength of some selected timber species mostly used for constructional purposes in Southwestern Nigeria after undergoing fire exposure. The species are: Terminalia superba (Afara), Milicia excelsa (Iroko), Nauclea diderrichii (Opepe), Khaya ivorensis (Mahogany), Mansonia altissima (Mansonia), Tectona grandis (Teak). The densities and the compressive strengths of the species were determined at Moisture Contents (MC) of 9.0, 12.0, and 15.0%. Nine specimen per species, were exposed to fire at various temperature ranges. The results of analysis by variance revealed that at 9% MC, Mahogany had the lowest density value of 439±10.58Kg/m³. At 12 and 15% MC, Afara had the lowest density values of 444±4.18Kg/m³ and 469±7.07Kg/m³ respectively. At 9, 12 and 15% MC, Opepe had the highest density values of 630±28.85Kg/m³, 686±22.64Kg/m³ and 752±17.22Kg/m³ respectively. Afara of 9, 12 and 15% MC had the lowest compressive strength parallel to the grain values of 9.59±1.08N/mm 2 , 9.59±1.08N/mm 2 and 8.13±1.01N/mm 2 respectively, while Mahogany had the highest compressive strength parallel to the grain values of 16.57±0.50N/mm 2 , 15.17±0.49N/mm 2 and 12.12±0.42N/mm 2 at the three MC levels. Post fire exposure revealed that Afara had the highest percentage change in density and compression in parallel values, while both Iroko and Mahogany exhibited the lowest percentage change in density and compression in parallel values. This study indicated that Mahogany and Iroko species which had lowest post fire change in density and compression in parallel values are useful and recommended to ensure the safety in case of fire outbreaks.

gar dilution technique to determine the inhibition zone diameters (IZD) and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). The excision wound model was used to assess the wound healing properties of MDE (5, 10 and 20%) and compared it with that of bacitracin and neomycin powder (BNP, standard) in rats. Phytochemical screening and acute toxicity test were performed using standard procedures. Results showed that extract and fractions exhibited antimicrobial effect with IZD (mm, 40 mg/ml) against tested organisms. The EF exhibited the best antimicrobial activity with IZD of 30, 8, 15, 8 and 12 against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus cohnii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella aerogenes and Aspergillus flavus, respectively. The EF also gave an MIC (mg/ml) of 0.63, 20.00, 1.25, 20.00 and 0.63 for S. aureus, S. cohnii, P. aeruginosa, K. aerogenes, and A. flavus, respectively. The MDE showed a comparable wound healing effect with BNP, although with better effect on day 20 with 100% wound contraction while BNP gave 93.79%, post wound excision. Therefore, N. diderrichii root bark possesses antibacterial, antifungal and wound healing properties.

SUMMARY Stem cuttings of five tree species from dry and semi-arid woodlands (Acacia torti/is, Prosopisjuliflora, Terminalia spinosa, Terminalia brownii and Albizia guachapele) and seven species from moist tropical forests (Cordia alliodora, Vochysia hondurensis, Nauclea diderrichii, Ricinodendron heudelotii, Lovoa trichiliodes, Gmelina arborea, Eucalyptus deglupta) have been easily rooted in improved low­ technology, high humidity polythene propagators in Kenya, Cameroon, Costa Rica and Britain. These propagators, which are cheap to construct, are very effective and have no essential requirements for either piped water or an electricity supply. Experiments have tested different rooting media, auxin applications and compared mist versus non-mist propagation. Assessments of the physical and gaseous environment of the propagators has indicated ways of improving the rooting environment through an understanding of the sensitivity of the relative humidity to radiant energy and to opening the propagator for short periods (eg 2-3 minutes). RESUME Des boutures de tige de cinq essences forestieres de foret claire aride et semi-arirle (Acacia tortilis, Prosopis juliflora, Terminalia spinosa, Terminalia brownii et Albizia guachapele) et sept essences de foret dense humide tropicale (Cordia alliodora, Vochysia hondurensis, Nauclea diderrrichii, Ricinodendron heudelotii, Lovoa trichiliodes, Gmelina arborea, Eucalyptus deglupta) ont ete enracinees facilement dans des propagateurs polyethylene ahumidite elevee de technologie de base au Kenya, au Cameroun, au Costa Rica et en Grande-Bretagne. Ces propagateurs, qui ne sont pas chers aconfectionner, sont tres efficaces et n'ont pas d'exigences essentielles ou pour de I'eau canalisee ou pour une alimentation en electricite. Des experiences ont teste des milieux d'enracinement et des applications d'auxine differents et ont compare la propagation sous brumisation avec la propagation sans brumisation. Des evaluations de l'environnement physique et gazeux des propagateurs ont indique des moyens d'ameliorer l'environnement d'enracinement par une comprehension de la sensibilite de l'humidite relative a I'energie radiante et a l'ouverture du propagateur pour des periodes courtes (par exemple 2 - 3 minutes).

Biomass is the most utilized form of renewable energy, especially in developing nations, and is a possible replacement for fossil fuel in power generation. The most commonly used method for recovering energy from biomass is combustion. Many countries are exploring the utilization of energy crops and indigenous residues to deliver sustainable sources of biomass. For these bio-resources, detailed characterization of the fuel properties is essential in order to optimize the combustion processes. In this study, some potential energy crops and woods from Nigeria, namely Terminalia superba, Gmelina arborea, Lophira alata, Nauclea diderrichii, and also one abundant agricultural residue, palm kernel expellers (PKE), were characterized for their combustion properties. Standard characterization methods such as proximate and ultimate analyses, metals analysis, and ash fusion test were used for this purpose and the results were compared with some U.K. biomass. In addition, their thermal conversion was assessed by thermogravimetric analysis and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS). Finally, combustion studies were conducted by suspending single biomass particles in a methane flame to obtain information on reactivities and combustion characteristics. Results indicate that the ash fractions in the Nigerian woods were low in K, Si, and Ca, resulting in low calculated alkali indices, hence these fuels are not predicted to cause severe fouling problems. Furthermore, the analysis of the evolved product during devolatilisation from Py-GC-MS suggests that the content of oil is high in Gmelina. Finally, the results from the single particle combustion experiments revealed a longer char burn out rate for Lophira and Nauclea when compared with those of Terminalia and Gmelina.

West African tropical forests spread from Senegal to Togo. They are considered as one of the world biodiversity hotspots. But these forests are disappearing very quickly because of human activities. In Togo, tropical forests degradation has been increased since 1980 because of improved coffee cultivation; about 67% of forests in the sub-humid mountains zone disappeared between 1978 and 2000. Facing this fast deterioration of the forests, populations begin to plant teak (an exotic species) that is the only choice proposed by local forest service. This survey consists in valuing the potentialities to restore the Togolese tropical forest using the local commercial species, recognized on the wood market. The first species retained is Nauclea diderrichii (De Wild. & Th. Dur.) Merrill, that spreads in the African tropical forest from the Sierra Leonne to Uganda and through the Congo basin. In Togo, this plant species colonises the plain of the Litime. The objective of the present study is to analyze the distribution of the natural populations in the plain of Litime forest but also natural and artificial regeneration of the species. The perspective is to repeat this experiment with other local species in other regions of Togo in order to diversify the plantations and to protect the local forest biodiversity.

Nauclea diderrichii is a tropical African hardwood species and a suitable candidate for plantation development. However, attack by the Orygmophora mediofoveata, Hamps shoot borer threatens establishment of the species in plantations. A genotype * environment assessment of 15 N. diderrichii progenies from Ghana and Togo was conducted in the Wet Evergreen, Moist Semi-deciduous and Dry Semi-deciduous forest zones. Progeny performance (Attack intensity, survival and growth) varied significantly between sites, and marginally within sites after 2.7 years. Overall, incidence of shoot borer attack was lower at the wet zone than at the moist or dry zones. Percent survival was higher at the wet (79.5%) than at the moist (50.8%) or dry (55.0%) forest zones. Mean height across the 15 progenies was 5.40 m, 4.30 m, and 2.73 m at the wet, dry and moist forests, respectively. Similarly, mean diameter was 5.31 cm, 4.58 cm, and 2.83 cm at the wet, dry and moist zones, respectively. The relatively low growth rate recorded at the moist zone was attributed to the paucity of soil conditions at the experimental site. Three wet forest zone progenies (BS9, BS3 and BS2) and two moist forest zone progenies (BE2 and GA1) performed better than average and have been recommended for planting.

International audience; Abstract Key messageContent and type of extractives vary considerably among woody species in the Congo Basin tropical forest. They influence the natural durability of wood with respect to fungal and insect degradation. Species containing higher amounts of extractives and Klason lignin were generally less susceptible to fungal colonization. Phenolic extractives with large anti-fungal and high antioxidant activities were the main chemical family of compounds extracted from the tested species, which suggests a potential chemical valorization of these extractives.ContextSeveral woody species from the Congo Basin are known for their natural durability, but the causes of this natural durability are not always fully elucidated. This is particularly the case for the resistance to white rotting fungi decay.AimsThe chemical composition as well as the antioxidant activity of the heartwood extractives of several species were quantified and correlated to the ability of different fungi to colonize wood sawdusts in order to better understand their decay resistance.MethodsThe chemical screening of extracts was conducted using colorimetric methods. The quantity of lignin, extracts and total phenolic compounds, as well as antioxidant activities were determined. Extracted and unextracted heartwood sawdusts were exposed to two white rot fungi to assess the effect of extractives on their colonization.ResultsExtractives and lignin contents ranged from 2.7 to 16.0 % and from 26.5 to 35.9 %, respectively. Antioxidant activity was directly connected to total phenolic contents. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of different chemical groups in all extracts. Resistance to fungi was correlated to the amount of extractives and in most cases to the lignin content.ConclusionPhenolic compounds associated with antioxidant activities influenced the natural resistance of heartwood.

Logs of many species are imported into India either in dry or semi dry condition for uses ranging from structural material for construction to finished products including panel products and furniture. The common timber species imported are Tectona grandis (Teak), Intsia palembanica (Merbau), Dipterocarpus indicus (Gurjan), Shorea spp. (Sal) Nauclea diderrichii (Kussia) and Pinus radiata (Pine). 32 species of insects belonging to Coleoptera and Hymenoptera and 22 species of fungi reported on imported timbers were analysed for their family wise and timber-wise distribution and their status as to whether they are known in India or not. Among them one species of ant, Acanthomyrmex luciolae Emery is a new introduction to India as Acanthomyrmex as a genus itself is not known from India. Many of the identified insects and fungi are already known to have distribution in India. Some of them identified at genus level are also reported from India, but as the species were not identified, it could not be concluded whether those species are indigenous or exotic. All the fungi identified at least up to the generic level were found reported in India and none of them were found to be strictly exotic.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Bark extracts of Nauclea latifolia, Nauclea diderrichii, Nauclea pobeguinii and Nauclea vandergutchii are used in traditional medicine in West and South Africa for the treatment of fevers, diarrhea and malaria. Aim of the study To estimate the possible long-term toxicity and genotoxicity of plant extracts (dichloromethane, methanol, water/methanol, water) and saponins. Materials and methods The clastogenicity of plant extracts and saponins was assessed by the micronucleus assay performed on Chinese Hamster Ovary cells. The DNA-damaging activity of saponin mixture was assessed by the comet assay on Chinese Hamster ovary cells. Results Hydromethanolic extracts from Nauclea latifolia, Nauclea diderrichii and Nauclea pobeguinii exhibited a significant clastogenic/aneugenic activity without S9 mix. The hydromethanolic extract from Nauclea diderrichii was the most clastogenic/aneugenic fraction with a Minimal Active Concentration (MAC) of 23.1 μg mL−1. It was submitted to a separation step leading to six main saponins identified as quinovic acid glycosides (saponins A, D, E, G, J, K). None of the isolated saponins exerted a significant clastogenic/aneugenic activity by the micronucleus assay, however a mixture made with equal quantities of each of the six saponins exhibited a direct genotoxic/clastogenic activity as assessed by both the micronucleus assay and the comet assay on Chinese Hamster Ovary cells. Conclusion Saponins present in the hydromethanolic extracts of Nauclea induced synergistic in vitro DNA-damage and chromosome mutations in mammalian cells. This genotoxic activity was probably due to the capacity of Nauclea saponins to reduce cell defense against oxidative stress through the inhibition of glutathione-S-transferase activity.

The relationship between total extractive content and durability of Nauclea diderrichii (de Wild.) Merr. and Corynanthe pachyceras Welw. from the Rubiaceae and Nesogodornia papaverifera (A. Chev.) R. Capuron. from the Tiliaceae has been investigated. The extractive content of each wood was measured and blocks were exposed to Coriolus versicolor (Linnaeus) Quelet for 8 weeks. An inverse relationship was found between extractive content and weight loss. From the results, it was found that N. diderrichii (extractive content = 13.29–13.96%; weight loss = 1.02–1.91%) is the most durable species, followed by C. pachyceras heartwood (extractive content = 12.56–14.19%; weight loss = 5.80–8.21%) and N. papaverifera (extractive content = 10.18–10.65%; weight loss = 8.22–9.01%). For these species, total extractive content is consistently related to the durability of the hardwoods.

Questions: Do lianas alter the relative success of tree species during regeneration? Are the effects of lianas on tree seedlings moderated by canopy openness? How are patterns of biomass allocation in tree seedlings affected by liana competition? Location: Tropical moist semi-deciduous forest in Ghana. Methods: Seedlings of the trees Nauclea diderrichii (pioneer), Khaya anthotheca (non-pioneer light demander) and Garcinia kola (non-pioneer shade bearer) were planted with the lianas Acacia kamerunensis (fast growing) and Loeseneriella rowlandii (slow growing) in large and small gaps (ca. 15% and 8% PAR respectively) and in the forest understorey (ca. 4% PAR). Seedling survival, growth and biomass allocation were measured. Results: Canopy openness moderated the interaction between liana and tree seedlings. The nature of the interaction was both liana and tree species specific and displayed temporal variation. Acacia competition effects were stronger in sites with greater canopy openness. In big gap...

Adequate management of forest plantation requires estimation of growth and biomass yield and consequently, the fitting of functions for estimating biomass. Growth, biomass yield and biomass functions for estimating biomass of Nauclea diderrichii plantations in Omo forest reserve, Nigeria are described. Data were obtained from 30 temporary sample plots selected from stands that are 5-30 years old. A total of 81 trees were harvested for biomass estimation. Mean tree diameter at breast height (dbh), total height and stand bole volume ranged from 9.6 to 29.3 cm; 9.0 to 23.6m and 23.27 to 535.52 m(3)ha(-1), respectively while Total Above Ground Biomass (TAGB) varied from 32.5 t ha(-1) to 287.5 t ha(-1) between 5 and 30 years. Biomass allocations to stem, branch and foliage were 84.5%, 13.5% and 3%, respectively. All biomass components could be described precisely by dbh alone (R(adj)(2)>0.97), with very low standard errors of estimates. Little improvement in the precision of the functions was achieved by including total height. In addition, the residuals of regression functions with only dbh were generally more constrained than those that included total height. Consequently, the functions with dbh alone and its derivative as independent variables were recommended for estimating biomass of opepe in Nigeria.

Proliferation of lianas in canopy gaps can restrict tree regeneration in tropical forests through competition. Liana effects may differ between tree species, depending on tree requirements for above- and below-ground resources. We conducted an experiment in a shade house over 12 months to test the effect of light (7 and 27% external irradiance) on the competitive interactions between seedlings of one liana species and three tree species and the contribution of both above- and below-ground competition. Seedlings of the liana Acacia kamerunensis were grown with tree seedlings differing in shade tolerance: Nauclea diderrichii (Pioneer), Khaya anthotheca (Non-Pioneer Light Demander) and Garcinia afzelii (Non-Pioneer Shade Bearer). Trees were grown in four competition treatments with the liana: no competition, root competition, shoot competition and root and shoot competition. Both root and root–shoot competition significantly reduced relative growth rates in all three tree species. After one year, root–shoot competition reduced growth in biomass to 58% of those (all species) grown in no competition. The root competition treatment had a more important contribution in the effect of the liana on tree growth. Tree seedlings did not respond to competition with the liana by altering their patterns of biomass allocation. Although irradiance had a great effect on tree growth and allocation of biomass, the interaction between competition treatments and irradiance was not significant. Nauclea diderrichii, the tree species which responded most to the effects of competition, showed signs of being pot-bound, the stress of which may have augmented the competition effects. The understanding of the interaction of above- and below-ground competition between lianas and trees and its moderation by the light environment is important for a proper appreciation of the influence of lianas on tropical forest regeneration.

The over exploitation of Nauclea diderrichii, for its very resistant wood against the attacks of fungus (Coriolus versicolor), Lyctus, termites (Reticulitermes santonensis) and marine borers, leads to its disappearance in Togo. This forest species produces many fruits containing numerous seeds; unfortunately their seedling is laborious in its biotope. In vitro micropropagation trials were carried out for a faster and massive regeneration. The effect of carbon source on the rooting and the growth of seedlings were studied in the presence of sucrose, glucose, fructose, mannitol, maltose, galactose, mannose, lactose, sorbose and sorbitol. Woody plant medium (WPM) of Lloyd and McCown has been used. This medium was modified by supply of microelements and vitamins of Murashige and Skoog and supplemented by 30 g/L of these carbohydrates. The best plants’ growth and rooting were obtained with sucrose. Sucrose appears to be the most favorable sugar to ensure the in vitro micropropagation of N. diderrichii. Sorbose caused the necrosis of explants in culture. The mannose and the mannitol, did not cause the necrosis of explants, but their presence had an unfavorable role on roots initiation and slow down the plants’ growth. Key words: Sources of carbon, Nauclea diderrichii, in vitro micropropagation, Togo.

Nine quinovic acid glycosides and the alkaloid cadambine acid isolated from N. diderrichii, an evergreen endemic plant of West and Central Africa, were assessed for their in vitro antileishmanial activity against Leishmania infantum. Four quinovic acid glycosides and cadambine acid revealed a strong antileishmanial activity (IC (50) = 1 microM) highly specific for the intracellular amastigote form of the parasite. Quinovic acid glycosides were shown to inhibit parasite internalisation by interfering with promastigotes while cadambine acid exerted immunomodulatory activity by inducing NO production in human macrophages. The association of cadambine acid with amphotericin B demonstrated an interesting synergism, suggesting that cadambine acid could be used as a complement of such conventional therapy.