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Conservation and sustainable management of lineages providing non‐timber forest products are imperative under the current global biodiversity loss. Most non‐timber forest species, however, lack genomic studies that characterize their intraspecific variation and evolutionary history, which inform species' conservation practices. Contrary to many lineages in the Andean biodiversity hotspot that exhibit high diversification, the genus Parajubaea (Arecaceae) has only three species despite the genus' origin 22 million years ago. Two of the three palm species, P. torallyi and P. sunkha, are non‐timber forest species endemic to the Andes of Bolivia and are listed as IUCN endangered. The third species, P. cocoides, is a vulnerable species with unknown wild populations. We investigated the evolutionary relationships of Parajubaea species and the genetic diversity and structure of wild Bolivian populations. Sequencing of five low‐copy nuclear genes (3753 bp) challenged the hypothesis that P. cocoides is a cultigen that originated from the wild Bolivian species. We further obtained up to 15,134 de novo single‐nucleotide polymorphism markers by genotyping‐by‐sequencing of 194 wild Parajubaea individuals. Our total DNA sequencing effort rejected the taxonomic separation of the two Bolivian species. As expected for narrow endemic species, we observed low genetic diversity, but no inbreeding signal. We found three genetic clusters shaped by geographic distance, which we use to propose three management units. Different percentages of missing genotypic data did not impact the genetic structure of populations. We use the management units to recommend in situ conservation by creating new protected areas, and ex situ conservation through seed collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought may be more frequent in foreseen decades that will threat non-wood forest products (NWFP) in temperate forests. Plants cope with drought by increasing root foraging ability, which may be also impacted by exposure to light spectra (components of wavelengths in three colours of monochronic lights). In this study, three hybrid light spectra were provided by light-emitting diode (LED) in red (wavelength: 13.6% blue, 60.0% green, 26.4% red), green (2.9% blue, 84.6% green, 2.5% red), and blue (5.4% blue, 77.8% green, 16.9% red) lights for culturing potted Aralia elata seedlings in homogeneous (67.5 mg nitrogen [N] to both halves of pot) and heterogeneous (135 mg N to left half of pot) under drought and well-watered conditions. The red light spectrum was the unique illumination environment where height growth was promoted under well-watered condition and root biomass in fertilized patch was enhanced under drought. Compared to blue light spectrum, red light spectrum increased root foraging scale and precision and placement ratio. Red light spectrum also promoted aboveground biomass, but reduced root collar diameter. No interaction was detected between any pairs of factors among drought, light, and soil nutrient pattern. The heterogeneous pattern increased root to shoot biomass ratio with decreased shoot biomass and increased root foraging sensitivity and precision and fine root placement ratio. Drought enlarged the overall foraging scale with no effects on foraging sensitivity or precision. Overall, exposure to red light spectrum had the potential to promote fine root foraging behaviour under drought, but more trails deserve being tested in the future on a wider range of wavelengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bog bilberry (Vaccinium uliginosum L.) is considered a highly valued non-wood forest product (NWFP) species with edible and medicinal uses in East Asia. It grows in the northeastern forests of China, where stand attributes and structure jointly determine its population characteristics and individuals' growth. Mapping the regional distributions of its population characteristics can be beneficial in the management of its natural resources, and this mapping should be predicted using machine learning modeling to obtain accurate results. In this study, a total of 60 stands were randomly chosen and screened to investigate natural bog bilberry populations in the eastern mountains of Heilongjiang and Jilin provinces in northeastern China. Individual height, canopy cover area, and fresh weight all increased in stands at higher latitudes, and shoot height was also higher in the eastern stands. The rootstock grove density showed a polynomial quadratic distribution pattern along increasing topographical gradients, resulting in a minimum density of 0.43–0.52 groves m−2 in stands in the southern part (44.3016° N, 129.4558° E) of Heilongjiang. Multivariate linear regression indicated that the bog bilberry density was depressed by host forest tree species diversity; this was assessed using both the Simpson and Shannon–Wiener indices, which also showed polynomial quadratic distribution patterns (with a modeling minimum of 0.27 and a maximum of 1.21, respectively) in response to the increase in latitude. Structural equation models identified positive contributions of tree diameter at breast height and latitude to shoot height and a negative contribution of longitude to the bog bilberry canopy area. Random forest modeling indicated that dense populations with heavy individuals were distributed in eastern Heilongjiang, and large-canopy individuals were distributed in Mudanjiang and Tonghua. In conclusion, bog bilberry populations showed better attributes in northeastern stands where host forest trees had low species diversity, but the dominant species had strong trunks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maple syrup is an important nontimber forest product in the northern latitudes of North America but has regained popularity in more southerly regions, including Kentucky. We provide the first formal investigation of the relationships between tree attributes and sap production parameters for red maple (Acer rubrum) and sugar maple (Acer saccharum) in Kentucky. During the 2020 and 2021 maple syrup seasons, we monitored per-tap sap volume production and sugar content of seventy-five red maples and seventy-five sugar maples to understand regional trends in maple production. Positive interannual correlations (r = 0.69–0.71) for sap volume and sugar content indicated that individual-tree production was relatively consistent between years. Moderate to strong positive relationships between diameter at breast height (DBH) and both annual sap volume production and sugar content were identified for both species. Predictive equations for sap volume and sugar content based on dbh demonstrated satisfactory predictive power and probable generalizability to new data sets. Trends in sap volume production and sugar content during Kentucky's maple syrup season indicated that maple syrup production is closely related to weather patterns and site and tree characteristics, and the tools developed in this study will aid regional practitioners with feasibility analyses, operational implementation, long-term planning, and sugarbush management. Study Implications: Maple syrup production has become more popular in southern states in recent decades. Our study tracked yearly sap volume production and sugar content (the measures that control syrup yield) for red and sugar maples across two seasons in Kentucky. We found that both sap volume and sugar content increased with DBH and can be satisfactorily predicted by DBH. Trees in dominant and codominant crown classes yielded higher syrup volumes than intermediate and overtopped trees. The tools developed by this study will aid landowners and foresters in estimating the potential maple syrup yield of southern sugarbushes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Conservation and sustainable management of lineages providing non‐timber forest products are imperative under the current global biodiversity loss. Most non‐timber forest species, however, lack genomic studies that characterize their intraspecific variation and evolutionary history, which inform species' conservation practices. Contrary to many lineages in the Andean biodiversity hotspot that exhibit high diversification, the genus Parajubaea (Arecaceae) has only three species despite the genus' origin 22 million years ago. Two of the three palm species, P. torallyi and P. sunkha, are non‐timber forest species endemic to the Andes of Bolivia and are listed as IUCN endangered. The third species, P. cocoides, is a vulnerable species with unknown wild populations. We investigated the evolutionary relationships of Parajubaea species and the genetic diversity and structure of wild Bolivian populations. Sequencing of five low‐copy nuclear genes (3753 bp) challenged the hypothesis that P. cocoides is a cultigen that originated from the wild Bolivian species. We further obtained up to 15,134 de novo single‐nucleotide polymorphism markers by genotyping‐by‐sequencing of 194 wild Parajubaea individuals. Our total DNA sequencing effort rejected the taxonomic separation of the two Bolivian species. As expected for narrow endemic species, we observed low genetic diversity, but no inbreeding signal. We found three genetic clusters shaped by geographic distance, which we use to propose three management units. Different percentages of missing genotypic data did not impact the genetic structure of populations. We use the management units to recommend in situ conservation by creating new protected areas, and ex situ conservation through seed collection.

The diversity of sustainable certifications raises questions about the credibility, intentions, and impacts of Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS) on Global Value Chains (GVC). Few studies show the impacts of VSS on different sustainable dimensions in sectors such as the non-timber forest product (NTFP) sector. This paper aims to investigate in the value chain of the most important NTFP in the Amazon, açaí, whether VSS contributes to sustainable outcomes in the Governance, Environmental, Economic, and Social dimensions. Using case studies in enterprises of the açaí chain and the use of tools and indicators was possible to generate information that is currently scarce for NTFPs in the Amazon from the VSS perspective. The results show that there is a great distance that the weakest links of the GVC (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises – MSMEs) must walk to adopt VSS and be inserted into the global market. The requirements are based on bureaucratic management activities, which are extraordinarily complex and involve many issues and indicators. The VSS lacks supplements that evaluate and validate the results reported by the companies as sustainable. Finally, the VSS is still far from ensuring an inclusive and fully sustainable chain by itself.

Tropical Dry Forest (T-dF) is one of the most threatened ecosystems in the Neotropics, due to negative anthropogenic impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Bursera simaruba (L.) Sarg. (indio desnudo, resbalamono), is among the species most reported for the T-dF of the Colombian Caribbean. In this work, the chemical composition and antioxidant and biological activities of B. simaruba essential oil (EO) were determined. EO chemical analysis from leaves and, petiole, and young branches bark (PYBB) of B. simaruba was carried out by Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry; polar and apolar columns were used for component separation. The biological activity of B. simaruba EO (PYBB) against Lasioderma serricorne (Coleoptera, Ptinidae) was determined by the preference area method. EO (PYBB) antioxidant capacity was determined by Oxygen Free Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) assay. Reference antioxidant and standard terpenes were used for relative analysis of ORAC results. α-Terpinene (27.7% and 16.4%), p-cymene (22.8% and 44.0%), and g-terpinene (16.7% and 14.6%), were the main constituents in B. simaruba EOs (leaves and PYBB). EOs were represented by a high percentage of hydrocarbon monoterpenes (∼79.1% and ∼88.9%, leaves and PYBB); while hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes (∼3.1% and ∼4.6%, leaves and PYBB); contributed with a low percentage. B. simaruba EO (PYBB), showed attractant activity, at 0.4 μL.cm-2 (2h: -45%±7%; 4h: -50%±17%); in relation with Stay off, at 0.8 μL.cm-2, which was used as a positive control for repellent activity (2h: 66%±5%; 4h: 75%±21%). B. simaruba EO (PYBB) showed a very low antioxidant capacity (ORAC: 657.2±20.5 μmol Trolox/g sample), related to quercetin, used as reference antioxidant (50816.9±1559.1 μmol Trolox/g sample). However, EO ORAC was higher than the α-terpinene (68.0±10.8 μmol Trolox/g sample), γ-terpinene (51.2±2.0 μmol Trolox/g sample), p-cymene (105.6±6.4 μmol Trolox/g sample), used as standard terpenes. In conclusion, this is the first report on the chemical composition of the B. simaruba EO from Colombia, whose results differ from the previous ones from Jamaica and Guadeloupe. Chemical composition, reported here, with α-terpinene, γ-terpinene and p-cymene as principal compounds, could be used to establish a scientific support that explains some traditional uses. EO showed an attractive biological activity on L. serricorne. EO showed an antioxidant activity lowest quercetin (antioxidant reference), but higher that standard terpenes (α-terpinene, γ-terpinene and p-cymene). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies evaluating flowering phenology and reproductive success are necessary when we want to direct a domestication project in a species with a potential productive value. We studied flowering phenology and reproductive success of Berberis darwinii growing under different light conditions in its native distribution area in the Andean Patagonian forests of Argentina. We test the hypothesis that plants grown under conditions of high‐light availability exhibit advanced phenology and higher reproductive success than those grown under conditions of lower light availability. Phenology and reproductive success were determined in three contrasting light conditions at two forest sites, which were, canopy, gap and forest edge. Plants did not bloom under the forest canopy. Flowering and fruiting period lengths were similar in both sites and light conditions of gap and forest edge during spring and summer. Although gap plants had more racemes per shoot, racemes of edge plants had more flowers, fruits and a higher proportion of flowers producing ripe fruit. We show that B. darwinii reproduction studied in the Andean Patagonian forests is conditioned by the canopy openness. Regarding reproductive success, edge plants invest less resources in flower production than gap plants to have similar fruit production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distribution and abundance under climate change of particularly non‐timber forest product tree species is vital since they sustain many livelihoods, especially in rural sub‐Saharan Africa. The aim of the study was to determine the current and future natural range of mopane (Colophospermum mopane (J. Kirk ex Benth.) J. Léonard, Fabaceae), a dominant tree species in mopane woodlands of southern Africa. An ensemble model was built in 'biomod2' from eight algorithms and used to estimate the current and future distribution. Seven bioclimatic variables and 269 occurrence records were used to calibrate individual models that were later combined into an ensemble model. The ensemble model was projected to two time periods, 2041–2060 and 2081–2100, under two shared socio‐economic pathways (SSPs), SSP2‐4.5 and SSP5‐8.5, and three general circulation models (GCMs). The ensemble model showed high performance (KAPPA = 0.770, ROC = 0.961, TSS = 0.792, ACCURACY = 0.900). A map of the current distribution shows occurrence predominantly in low‐lying areas, including the Zambezi, Save and Limpopo valleys, Okavango and Cuvelai basins, and in southern and central Mozambique. Projection maps show expansion under all SSPs, GCMs and time periods. Averaged across GCMs in 2041–2060, the range expanded by 22.37% under SSP2‐4.5, and by 19.94% under SSP5‐8.5. In 2081–2100, the range expanded by 20.43% under SSP2‐4.5, and by 27.62% under SSP5‐8.5. Notably, the range expansion was highest under SSP5‐8.5, an SSP that envisages unmitigated greenhouse gas release and the largest mean global temperature increase. It is highly likely that mopane is not directly threatened by climate change. Indirect climate change threats, however, remain uncertain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Non-timber forest products are very important in providing basic needs, cash deposits, and home consumption to forest-adjacent communities. Several socio-economic factors influence household dependence on non-timber forest products. This study focused on analyzing the socio-economic factors determining a household’s dependency on non-timber forest products from the Chilimo forest in Dandi, Ethiopia. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were applied to analyze the data. The main NTFPs extracted by local communities in the study area included honey, fodder, wild vegetables, medicinal plants, firewood, and charcoal. Thus products are used for home both consumption and commercial purposes. Availability of the non-timber forest product also influenced its extraction from the forest (χ2 (2,432) = 4.973, p

As it is known that "reconnecting to nature" is essential for sustainability, there are few studies on why reconnecting humans to nature is essential and how it can be accomplished. This study is aimed at finding innovative, yet sustainable ways to reconnect people with nature. The objective of the paper is to enhance the biodiversity knowledge of local residents through conservation of non-timber forest products (NTFPs). In the study, urban respondents' knowledge about biodiversity with particular reference to non-timber forest products (NTFPs) was analysed for the first time. To achieve the objective of this study, participatory appraisal, one-on-one interviews, dual moderator focus groups, ethnographic field research, and semi-structured questionnaire were used. Plant name boards with local names and their NTFP values for the selected species were also installed. Results suggest that NTFP-producing species played a vital role in making people interested in biodiversity. It can be considered as one of the innovative ways to improve surrounding biodiversity, for further enhancing biodiversity knowledge, based on archival study and local community's knowledge about NTFP producing species, NTFPs plantation also done across the study area like parks, roadside, open space. This paper also explored how this study could contribute to the formulation of policies in terms of creating various urban green covers in Indian cities, following the strategies of joint forest management, social forestry, and agroforestry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Araucaria forests are currently threatened with extinction, due to the disorderly exploitation and disorderly sale of their wood in the easly 20th. In regions where these forests are available, farmers sell araucaria seeds, the pinhão nut, as a way of adding income. Non-timber forest products (NTFP) are a source of livelihood for traditional forest communities and local farmers, as well as an alternative for territorial development. To ensure the effective maintenance of forest germplasm sustainably, the collective participation of these communities, farmers, government, and society is necessary. This study analyzes the consumption of pine nuts and how this consumption can affect the conservation of araucaria forests. Free word association technique and exploratory research were performed and a questionnaire containing 18 questions. The exploratory factorial analysis showed that four factors were sufficient to measure the main characteristics that should be considered to helps in the development of a production chain that benefits communities dependent on these resources, thereby encouraging the protection of forests. It was concluded that the conservation of the araucaria is linked to the perception of the consumers and that the valorization of the pinhão is only possible through the integration of farmers who are adept at sustainable agriculture, and society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Golden camellia is a highly valued commercial plant owing to its flowers' medicinal substances. One species of golden camellia, Camellia quephongensis Hakoda et Ninh, is used as a non-timber forest product for value-chain forestry (VCF) in Que Phong District, Nghe An Province, North-Central Vietnam; its production and sale is an important business activity which contributes substantially to local livelihood improvement. According to previous studies and in situ observation, golden camellias, including C. quephongensis, inhabit regenerated forests, especially along streams and rivers. This encourages VCF with C. quephongensis to function as a driver of forest regeneration and conservation. However, the ecological aspect of this species in regenerated forests is poorly understood. Thus, this study aimed to determine this species' growth patterns and population expansion during forest regeneration. We surveyed the morphological characteristics of this species at different ages in several populations, and revealed that the plants reached a tree height of 150 cm and started blooming eight years after germination. Comparing C. quephongensis-populations inhabiting different succession-staged forests, we observed that the population in long-term regenerated forests was significantly larger and had a pyramid-shaped age distribution pattern to possibly expand its population size. Based on this, we conclude that C. quephongensis is a good indicator of forest regeneration and contributes to local livelihoods and forest regeneration and conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malawi, one of the poorest countries in the world, is mainly dependent on wood biomass for its energy supply. This biomass, in most cases, is procured in an unsustainable manner, such as from the country's dwindling natural forests. Under these circumstances, there is an urgent need to develop more environmentally friendly and reliable energy sources. Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) fruit shell, a waste product of baobab fruit pulp processing, has high lignin and cellulose contents with a good heating value. The main objective of this work is to determine the product characteristics desired by urban consumers of a substitute for firewood and charcoal. Using a discrete choice experiment, our work analyzes consumer preferences for Baobab fruit shell briquettes in Mzuzu City, as a potential alternative to current fuel sources for cooking and heating. A questionnaire divided into 3 parts was used to collect primary data from 203 consumers of fuelwood and/or charcoal. Apart from choice sets, respondents answered questions related to procurement issues of fuel sources, their relation to Baobab trees, and socioeconomic conditions. The results show that a higher willingness to pay is attached to the products with lower smoke formation, exclusion of children's help for procurement, and extensive time intervals for procurement needs. • The use of baobab biomass can alleviate fuelwood scarcity and add value to waste resources. • Better availability and affordability of fuel improve public health and nutrition. • Discrete choice method estimates willingness to pay for baobab briquettes. • Reduced smoke contributes the most to willingness to pay for baobab briquette. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resin tapping is an activity designed to extract resin from trees, especially species of the genus Pinus. Current systems of tapping and collecting resin are well known, but further study is needed to make these systems more efficient and profitable for producers. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the effect of five resin tapping systems during five different collection periods on the production and growth of resin trees for a population of Pinus elliottii var. elliottii planted in Itapetininga, SP. Resining affects tree growth, especially in diameter. Results showed that system 4, with eight panels on each plant and four on each side, presented the highest average production of resin per tree, while system 1, with 2 panels on each plant and 1 on each side, presented the lowest average resin production per tree. It was concluded that resin production is dependent on the system employed, time of collection, and their interactions.

This study analyzed the role of non-timber forest products in income enhancement of mountainous people of purposively selected two districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa namely Swat and Mansehra. From these districts six villages were selected purposively and from those villages sample size of 321 households was selected randomly. In the study areas majority (45%) of sample households had 5 to 10 family members which indicated joint family system. Literacy status in study areas was very low (30%). Sayed, Swati, Awan, Gujjar and Kohistani tribes were residing in the study villages. Crop production was their primary occupation, secondary livestock rearing; tertiary sale of non-timber forest products; fourth source of income was remittances and fifth was labor work respectively. Study results discovered that 69% of sample households had earned income from the sale of NTFPs above mean income (60458 Pakistani rupees) per season while 31% of sample households had earned income from the sale of NTFPs below mean income (60458 Pakistani rupees) per season. Sample households reported that during emergencies, only income earned from nontimber forest products stabilized their economy. Sample households identified certain market constraints that were responsible for low earning from NTFPs. These were lack of road infrastructure, communication, storage and market facilities, no information about product price, negative role of middleman and informal money lending process. Based on these findings this study made following recommendations. Road, communication and storage facilities should be built in the study areas. Villager’s access to information about certain NTFP price and its market should be enhanced through radio and other media. Forest department should design plan for management and sustainable extraction of NTFPs in study areas and also provide tools and trainings to local collectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, non-timber forest products (NTFPs) continue to contribute vastly to addressing the food, poverty reduction, income, and livelihood requirements of people in rural areas. However, as of now, there are no specific existing data highlighting the periodic contributions of NTFPs to the economy of the eastern region and the country. In Ghana, insufficient attention has been paid to the legislative and regulatory environments for the creation of NTFPs. Since forest policies continue to classify NTFPs as "minor" forest products, they receive less attention than wood in forest management initiatives and policies. The absence of a definitive policy on NTFPs has hampered their promotion, commercialization, and supply chain management. This study analyses the contribution of NTFPs towards economic development in the eastern region and the achievement of SDGs in Ghana. Through focus group discussions and a thematic analysis, it was concluded that NTFPs contribute immensely towards the economic development of the eastern region and the country through employment and direct taxes. Ultimately, it is evident from the study that the destruction of the Atiwa Forest Reserve for the purpose of bauxite mining will widely hinder the country's achievement of its SDGs. Additionally, the study found that residents will continue to exploit forest resources if the core concerns of institutional deficiencies and rural poverty are not addressed. To curb this situation, there should be the sustainable, regulated, and authorized harvesting of NTFPs/NWFPs, community/user empowerment, and sectoral education and training programmes, etc. Even though these are common solutions, the study found them extremely rare within the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contribution of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) to community sustainability remains an understudied topic of academic inquiry. Focusing on southern and central Ontario, Canada, the ways in which NTFPs may contribute to sustainable livelihoods are explored, along with how a fragmented sociopolitical landscape and the potential impacts of climate change might impede the development of the sector. Following interviews with twenty NTFP producers, four key themes highlighting the major challenges and opportunities are discussed. This paper contends that for an economically viable, socially just and environmentally sustainable NTFP industry to emerge, political-ecological power relations informed by critical social and environmental justice thinking must be understood and addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainable harvesting of resin yield from forests plays a crucial role in providing valuable renewable resources. Specifically, Pinus brutia forests in Türkiye are significant for their oleoresin, utilized in various industries. Yet, understanding how dendrometric and meteorological factors influence resin yield is essential for optimizing production while ensuring forest sustainability. This study aimed to estimate oleoresin yield in Pinus brutia plantations using dendrometric parameters (such as diameter at breast height and tree height, basal area, volume and canopy closure) and meteorological parameters (including monthly; minimum, maximum, and average temperature, precipitation, humidity, vapor pressure, and wind speed), to identify the key factors affecting resin production. Resin was collected from 389 Pinus brutia trees of varying diameters across 27 different plots using the bark streak tapping method, with data recorded every 15 days over a year. Weighted Leased Square regression analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between resin yield and the aforementioned dendrometric and meteorological parameters. The analysis revealed that diameter at breast height, monthly average temperature, wind speed, and precipitation significantly influence resin yield. The study underscores the intricate interplay between these factors and resin production, indicating that larger diameters and specific meteorological conditions—especially average temperature, wind speed, and precipitation—are positively correlated with increased resin output. The findings suggest that sustainable resin extraction practices in Pinus brutia forests should account for not only the physical characteristics of the trees but also the local meteorological conditions to maximize yield without compromising forest health. This research contributes to the development of more effective guidelines for oleoresin harvesting, ensuring both economic viability and ecological preservation. • Integrates both dendrometric and meteorological factors to estimate resin yield. • Identifies clear seasonal variations in resin production. • Provides actionable insights for optimal forestry management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Sericulture is a labor-intensive agro-industry business that can increase the community's welfare and support environmental improvement. In Indonesia, silk, as the final product of sericulture, is a potential non-timber forest product (NTFP) that provides benefits to livelihoods and the forest ecosystem. Silk is a fiber produced by the domestic silkworm or mulberry silk moth, Bombyx mori L., belonging to the Lepidopteran order, Bombycidae family, probably providing more than 99% of the world's silk. However, there are many challenges to its development at both upstream and downstream levels, including the availability of quality eggs, optimal and efficient cultivation, pest and disease control, a lack of policy support, unsustainable production, low product quality, and competition with imported products. This paper discusses the recent status and future directions of sericulture development in Indonesia. Improvements in technical and social-economic aspects can support the development of sericulture in Indonesia through increasing productivity in the upstream sector along with conducive downstream policies and governance. The domestic silkworm or mulberry silk moth, B. mori L., provides more than 99% of the world's silk. Silk, as a sericulture product, was first introduced in Indonesia through a trade mechanism and began to develop in 1953. Several factors (economic, ecological, market, and cultural) support sericulture and make it become one of the non-timber forest product priorities. However, the competitive advantages alone have not encouraged the development of prospective sericulture industry in Indonesia yet. This paper is a review of tropical sericulture development in Indonesia. The literature on the development of sericulture in Indonesia between 1989 and 2022 is used to describe conditions related to mulberry cultivation (moriculture), and silkworm rearing (sericulture), as well as the state of socio-economic development, culture, and institutions. Moriculture and sericulture techniques, socio-economic aspects, institutional arrangements, and community motivations are intertwined, creating a challenging atmosphere for sericulture development. There are potential resources, such as exploring quality mulberry production and quality silkworm production through research and development, valuable cultural aspects, and potential stakeholders to build network engagement. Commitment, cooperation, and action from all stakeholders are needed to enhance the development of sericulture in Indonesia. In this context, the central government can play an important role in facilitating multi-stakeholder partnerships in the development of integrated sericulture in Indonesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trees and forests in developing countries are primarily valued for timber, and their importance for minor forest products have been largely forgotten nowadays. In Myanmar, Acacia catechu (L.f.) Willd. forests are still treasured by catechu producers for the extraction of tannin (catechu). However, those forests have been controlled by the state to achieve sustained yields since colonial times. Previous studies have examined the historical conflicts among producers and foresters that have resulted from strict colonial forest management. However, literature on the socioeconomic conditions surrounding catechu production in the postcolonial era is lacking. Herein, we explore the demographics of catechu producers, their household characteristics and their current production situation under state control. This study draws on household surveys, focus group discussions, and informal interviews conducted in 2019 in a township in the Magway Region. The results revealed that catechu production was a male-dominant, farmer-centric, off-farm-income-generating, interhousehold, and seasonal activity. The observed property ownership gap between households involved in catechu production and those not involved was found to be narrower than expected, indicating that catechu production may play a wealth-equalizing role in the study community. The technical aspects of traditional catechu production are currently the same as those in the past. During the production season, in response to the limited resource availability resulting from state forest control, the catechu producers in the study community temporarily migrate to neighboring townships. Thus, considering social equity, poverty alleviation, and sustainability of catechu production, the present findings suggest that state forest control should be reconsidered.

Abstract: Babassu-nuts are one of the most important socio-biodiversity products in Brazil. Detailed and reliable information on the babassu value chain is essential for local and regional public policies to support the economy associated with the extraction of this product and vulnerable social groups that depend on it for survival. This study presents a methodology to analyze the babassu value chain and discusses results obtained in 2021 from the application of this methodology in Vale do Mearim, Maranhão, the region with the highest babassu production in the country. The study contributes to the evaluation of the accuracy of official statistics on production and involvement in babassu extractive activity and discusses implications for the most relevant public policy for non-timber forest products in Brazil, the Minimum Price Policy for Socio-biodiversity Products (PGPM-Bio). In a territory comprising 25 municipalities, we interviewed about 640 local traders, who purchased 6,000 tons of almonds from 9,000 extractivist families, with an annual average of 661 kg per family. These local traders passed the production to 23 regional traders, who transported it to 11 industrial pressing units for oil production, 8 of them located in the same territory. According to the field research, the volume commercialized corresponds to 27% of the official estimate for the previous year, denoting a reduction in production and in the number of persons engaged in extraction activity much higher than the downward trend indicated by official statistics. Considering that determining the Gross Domestic Product of municipalities, as well as planning and monitoring the implementation of policies such as PGPM-Bio should take into account outreach indicators based on official statistics, the analyses suggest reviewing procedures to obtain annual estimates of babassu extraction.

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are essential for community development, but their enormous demand has posed a serious threat to trees growing in their natural habitat. Copal resin is one of these products, which has a great deal of religious and ceremonial significance in Mexico and around the world. Resin extraction from a tree depends on its morphological and physiological characteristics, as well as its physical and sanitary condition. In this study, a methodology was proposed for determining the yield and health status of Copal trees, and a random forest (RF) model was developed to explain their resin production based on their morphological and condition characteristics. The experiment was conducted in the Agua Escondida watershed in Puebla, Mexico. With the training data, the average accuracy of the model was 99%, with a Kappa index of 98%, which is considered an excellent level of agreement beyond chance, and with the validation data, the average accuracy was 71% and 47%, which is considered a good level of agreement beyond chance. Tree condition was the most important factor affecting resin production in Copal trees, followed by stem diameter (33 and 38 cm), height (2 and 2.5 m), and diameter of secondary branches (from 8 to 15, 22 and 32 cm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement The Brazil nut is a highly valuable non‐timber forest product from a wild, hyperdominant, emergent tree species that is increasingly vulnerable and exposed to habitat degradation. We provide evidence for how Brazil nut genetic resources are negatively affected by forest degradation and discuss the consequences of this for reproductive success. To avoid negative effects of genetic erosion and inbreeding, we discuss the need to cease large‐scale forest conversion and to promote landscape connectivity. This could support gene flow, maintain genetic diversity across individuals reproducing in clustered patterns and contribute to securing the long‐termed reproductive viability and resilience of this high socio‐economically and ecologically valuable species. Summary Ecosystem degradation in the Amazon drives this biodiverse rainforest toward an ecological tipping point. Sustainable management and restoration of degraded rainforest therein are central to counteract this crisis. One hyperdominant, keystone species of high ecological and socio‐economic value, the Brazil nut tree, offers additional benefits as a major carbon sink and a nutritional source of the most prominent globally traded non‐timber forest product. Despite Brazil nut trees being protected by conservation regulation, forest degradation threatens sufficient gene‐flow among Brazil nut tree populations. This has impacts on the reproductive success, genetic diversity, and consequently on the resilience of this species to environmental change. We used 13 microsatellite loci to explore the consequences of forest degradation on the reduction in genetic diversity of Brazil nut populations. We examined the clustering of genetically related individuals as fine‐scale genetic structure (FSGS) and the variation in genetic diversity and inbreeding across adult trees and seedlings along a categorized forest‐degradation gradient ranging from conserved to degraded areas. In addition, we applied direct and indirect approaches to estimate contemporary pollen‐mediated gene flow. We found significant levels of FSGS, comparable to other similar tropical tree species. Brazil nut seedlings had consistently lower genetic diversity and higher inbreeding than adults, significantly associated with the degree of forest degradation of their origin. We observed limited pollen dispersal, differential patterns in pollen heterogeneity, and disproportionate paternal‐assignment rates from few individuals shaping the effective population size in our dataset. We discuss how this evidence for reproduction vulnerability may affect the genetic resources and undermine the resilience of this ecological and socio‐economic system in Peru.

The successful rehabilitation of Wanagama teaching forests, which began in the late of 1960s, has created a distinctive forest ecosystem. Currently the forests become the habitat of Apis cerana, enterprised by the surrounding villagers to produce natural forest honey as a non-timber forest product. This paper aims to explore the adoption of smallholder beekeeping of A. cerana, the beekeepers’ socio-economic characteristics, the potential and value of forest honey production, the distribution of bee-boxes inside the forests and potential tree sources of nectar and pollen. Data collection was carried out in July - September 2019 with in-depth interview techniques to 38 beekeepers. Field observations and ground checks were carried out on the sites where beekeepers were placing the bee-boxes in the forest. In addition, an analysis of aerial photograph images taken with drone was also carried out to identify the area of trees as sources of nectar and pollen. The results show that between 1982 and 2019 the development of the adoption of the A. cerana beekeeping increased significantly. The total production of honey from 506 bee-boxes reached 658 liters or 894.9 kg in year of 2018/2019. The number of bee-boxes placed in Wanagama was mainly distributed inside Compartment of 13, 17, 14, 16, 5, and 18. Acacia mangium, eucalyptus, cajuput and mahogany were the main types of nectar-producing trees, in addition to the abundance of flowering undergrowth plants. Many of the challenges faced by honey beekeepers included climate change, the shortage of nectar and pollen sources, pests and diseases and human disturbances. This research suggests the need for a social, institutional and technical approaches to increase the forest productivity as sources of nectar and pollen. It is suggested encouraging the smallholders to adopt beekeeping as the main livelihood alternatives in future and planting more trees in Wanagama forests.

Even though some Dracaena species are used as medicine, their utilization as food is rather unusual. In northern Angola, however, leaves and underground tubers of Dracaena camerooniana Baker are frequently consumed. In particular, the leaves are of increasing economic value in the region. But the anatomy and nutritional aspects of the plant have not been studied so far. Therefore, a detailed anatomic description of the plant was conducted. In a second step the nutritional value of the defined material was analysed, providing a basis for the discussion of a more intensive utilisation of this rainforest shrub. The leaf anatomy of Dracaena camerooniana differs from the species of the genus that have been examined so far, in showing adaptations to wet climatic conditions. The stems produce a secondary thickening meristem with amphivasal secondary vascular bundles. During tuber formation, the parenchyma of the pith in the vascular cylinder of the root markedly increases. From a nutritional point of view, leaves do not noteworthy contribute to vitamin intake. The nutritional composition of the tubers is comparable to that of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.). However, a high fructose value indicates inulin as a storage carbohydrate. Inspite of its rather moderate nutritional values, Dracaena camerooniana is an indigenous addition to the diet of the Angolan population that could also be cultivated in the future due to the easy vegetative propagation. [Display omitted] • Dracaena camerooniana is an underestimated unknown wild food from Northern Angola. • The leaf anatomy differs from other studied Dracaena species. • The root tuber formation, the parenchyma of the pith in the vascular cylinder of the root markedly increases. • The high fructose value of the tubers indicates inulin as a storage carbohydrate. • The nutritional composition of the tubers is comparable to cassava and potato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pest spillover from wildlands to farms can create conflict between habitat conservation and agricultural production. For example, the key economic pest of hazelnuts in Oregon's Willamette Valley is the filbertworm (Cydia latiferreana), a moth hosted by the native Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana). Oak habitat near hazelnut orchards can sustain source populations that compound pest load in hazelnuts throughout the growing season. This dynamic is of conservational concern as historical oak habitat has been greatly reduced and what remains is almost entirely on private land, often in proximity to hazelnut orchards. Here, we present a novel strategy to reconcile this regional conflict by using hogs (Sus domesticus) to reduce pest populations through prescribed foraging. From 2018 to 2020 we prescribed hog-foraging in early fall to glean filbertworm-infested acorns from an oak woodland understory. Hogs were both highly successful at reducing the total number of infested acorns and the ratio of infested acorns the following year. Despite an oak-masting year in 2019, foraging reduced both the emerging and adult mating population of filbertworm the following year. We did not measure significant changes in the woodland understory, suggesting intermittent hog-foraging may not entail tradeoffs for understory vegetation. Our results demonstrate that prescribed foraging in oak patches can be an effective strategy to reduce filbertworm source populations. By benefiting both conservation and farmers, this adaptive pest management approach provides a model for similar challenges and conflicts across the agricultural-wildland matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the current study is to evaluate deforestation in mangaba tree (Hancornia speciosa Gomes) growing areas and environmental valuation in fairs held in Sergipe State, in order to suggest environmental service payment mechanisms to help conserving natural mangaba tree-growing areas in the state. Land use and cover, as well as deforestation, were measured based on MapBiomas data. Information about annual mangaba production was extracted from data provided by IBGE on Vegetable Extraction and Silviculture Production. The environmental valuation by mangaba consumers at fairs was measured through questionnaire application. Natural mangaba tree-growing areas in Sergipe State have shown low rates of forest cover and natural non-forest sites in the last 34 years. However, these areas are mainly used for agricultural purposes, a fact that compromises mangaba production. Sergipe State has shown considerable reduction in mangaba production rates from 1995 to 2016; however, such a production presented remarkable recovery in the last three years. Contingent valuation has shown that potential stakeholders are willing to financially contribute to the conservation of both mangaba trees and the Atlantic Forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, non-timber forest products (NTFPs) continue to contribute vastly to addressing the food, poverty reduction, income, and livelihood requirements of people in rural areas. However, as of now, there are no specific existing data highlighting the periodic contributions of NTFPs to the economy of the eastern region and the country. In Ghana, insufficient attention has been paid to the legislative and regulatory environments for the creation of NTFPs. Since forest policies continue to classify NTFPs as “minor” forest products, they receive less attention than wood in forest management initiatives and policies. The absence of a definitive policy on NTFPs has hampered their promotion, commercialization, and supply chain management. This study analyses the contribution of NTFPs towards economic development in the eastern region and the achievement of SDGs in Ghana. Through focus group discussions and a thematic analysis, it was concluded that NTFPs contribute immensely towards the economic development of the eastern region and the country through employment and direct taxes. Ultimately, it is evident from the study that the destruction of the Atiwa Forest Reserve for the purpose of bauxite mining will widely hinder the country’s achievement of its SDGs. Additionally, the study found that residents will continue to exploit forest resources if the core concerns of institutional deficiencies and rural poverty are not addressed. To curb this situation, there should be the sustainable, regulated, and authorized harvesting of NTFPs/NWFPs, community/user empowerment, and sectoral education and training programmes, etc. Even though these are common solutions, the study found them extremely rare within the study area.

The diversity of sustainable certifications raises questions about the credibility, intentions, and impacts of Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS) on Global Value Chains (GVC). Few studies show the impacts of VSS on different sustainable dimensions in sectors such as the non-timber forest product (NTFP) sector. This paper aims to investigate in the value chain of the most important NTFP in the Amazon, açaí, whether VSS contributes to sustainable outcomes in the Governance, Environmental, Economic, and Social dimensions. Using case studies in enterprises of the açaí chain and the use of tools and indicators was possible to generate information that is currently scarce for NTFPs in the Amazon from the VSS perspective. The results show that there is a great distance that the weakest links of the GVC (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises - MSMEs) must walk to adopt VSS and be inserted into the global market. The requirements are based on bureaucratic management activities, which are extraordinarily complex and involve many issues and indicators. The VSS lacks supplements that evaluate and validate the results reported by the companies as sustainable. Finally, the VSS is still far from ensuring an inclusive and fully sustainable chain by itself., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Palm trees provide several non-timber forest products in the tropics and are commonly found in human-modified habitats. Land use and cover changes have impacted habitat climatic conditions, biodiversity, and the recruitment and survival of palm species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the seed fate and demographic structure of Syagrus coronata (Mart.) Becc. (Arecaceae) in natural (old-growth vegetation) and managed habitats (pastures for cattle ranching). This palm is widely found in Brazilian semi-arid regions, and there is no information on the impacts caused by fruit harvest, management practices and land use on the persistence of this species' population. We evaluated seed fate for two years, in which 400 ripe post-dispersal fruits were buried and evaluated after 10, 20, 40, 80, 160 and 240 days. We also established 20 plots (20 × 20 m), 30 m apart, in each habitat to obtain data on population demography. In general, greater seed mortality was found in the managed habitat, mostly as a result of desiccation. We found 2,090 S. coronata individuals in the natural habitat with seedling dominance, while only 45 individuals were found in the managed habitat with reproductive adult dominance. Human-modified habitats, like pastures, negatively affected seed survival and, consequently, plant recruitment. The future of this species is alarming given their current fruit harvesting levels, land cover change, and that climate changes predict desertification in the semi-arid region, making it even more difficult seed germination. The social and economic importance of this species reinforces the need for increasing biodiversity-friendly farming practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The domestic silkworm or mulberry silk moth, B. mori L., provides more than 99% of the world’s silk. Silk, as a sericulture product, was first introduced in Indonesia through a trade mechanism and began to develop in 1953. Several factors (economic, ecological, market, and cultural) support sericulture and make it become one of the non-timber forest product priorities. However, the competitive advantages alone have not encouraged the development of prospective sericulture industry in Indonesia yet. This paper is a review of tropical sericulture development in Indonesia. The literature on the development of sericulture in Indonesia between 1989 and 2022 is used to describe conditions related to mulberry cultivation (moriculture), and silkworm rearing (sericulture), as well as the state of socio-economic development, culture, and institutions. Moriculture and sericulture techniques, socio-economic aspects, institutional arrangements, and community motivations are intertwined, creating a challenging atmosphere for sericulture development. There are potential resources, such as exploring quality mulberry production and quality silkworm production through research and development, valuable cultural aspects, and potential stakeholders to build network engagement. Commitment, cooperation, and action from all stakeholders are needed to enhance the development of sericulture in Indonesia. In this context, the central government can play an important role in facilitating multi-stakeholder partnerships in the development of integrated sericulture in Indonesia.

Copaifera oleoresin is an important traditional non-timber forest product in the Amazon; however, the Carajás National Forest has no plans to harvest this product to benefit extractive families. The objective of this study was to determine Copaifera oleoresin extraction potential in the Carajás National Forest, Eastern Amazon, identifying variables that could increase the chances of finding oleoresin. We mapped 129 trees and formulated a multiple logistic regression model (logit) with the collected variables: diameter at breast height (DBH), tree crown, tree health, presence of termites, and presence of damage or bifurcation. Among the mapped trees, we perforated 50 trees to harvest the oleoresin. Most of the oleoresin production occurred in trees with a DBH between 50 and 75 cm. The logit model predicted that an increase in DBH, dense crown, unhollowed trunk, and presence of damage or bifurcation increased the chances of oleoresin extraction, whereas termites did not. The model could contribute to the sustainable management of forest resources by avoiding random perforation of trees and establishing rational routes and cycles of extraction. Since the variables are easily measured, the model can be continuously used for future extractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the first occurrence of Lasiodiplodia theobromae in Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa). Cankers were found on branches of 3-year-old Brazil nut plants in Belém, Pará, Brazil. The symptomatic plants displayed reddish vascular lesions. The pathogen was identified using morphological and phylogenetic analyses. Koch's postulates were fulfilled, confirming the first occurrence of L. theobromae in Brazil nut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rattan is the most important non-forest timber product utilized by communities adjacent Lore Lindu National Park (LLNP). The establishment community conservation agreement (CCA) in 2001 was unable to prevent rattan depletion. Then, a local institution called community conservation partnership (CCP) has been recently proposed. Therefore, the objective of this study is to explore how to craft a local institution of CCP for sustainable rattan governance in LLNP using Social-Ecological Systems (SES) Framework. The study was conducted in LLNP area and Ngata Toro, a buffer zone village of LLNP. We conducted rattan inventory and collected social data by interview for analyzing CCP development using SES framework. The results showed that CCP is most likely to be successful in implementing due to several reasons. Firstly, the establishment of constitutional-choice rules made clear the nested enterprise. Secondly, the reallocation of CCP location to the traditional zone increase the boundary clarity. Thirdly, transferring rights to the Ngata Toro community will make effective co-management, increase the legitimacy of rattan utilization, decrease potential conflicts among resource unit users and reducing monitoring cost. Finally, deciding the rattan harvesting quota will ensure the rattan ecological and livelihood sustainability. With the clarity of system boundaries and property rights, we argue that CCP institutions will bring many benefits in many ways. Overall, most variables of SES framework can be used to analyses the readiness of CCP institutional arrangement for sustainable rattan management in LLNP.

Societal Impact Statement: The Brazil nut is a highly valuable non‐timber forest product from a wild, hyperdominant, emergent tree species that is increasingly vulnerable and exposed to habitat degradation. We provide evidence for how Brazil nut genetic resources are negatively affected by forest degradation and discuss the consequences of this for reproductive success. To avoid negative effects of genetic erosion and inbreeding, we discuss the need to cease large‐scale forest conversion and to promote landscape connectivity. This could support gene flow, maintain genetic diversity across individuals reproducing in clustered patterns and contribute to securing the long‐termed reproductive viability and resilience of this high socio‐economically and ecologically valuable species. Summary: Ecosystem degradation in the Amazon drives this biodiverse rainforest toward an ecological tipping point. Sustainable management and restoration of degraded rainforest therein are central to counteract this crisis. One hyperdominant, keystone species of high ecological and socio‐economic value, the Brazil nut tree, offers additional benefits as a major carbon sink and a nutritional source of the most prominent globally traded non‐timber forest product.Despite Brazil nut trees being protected by conservation regulation, forest degradation threatens sufficient gene‐flow among Brazil nut tree populations. This has impacts on the reproductive success, genetic diversity, and consequently on the resilience of this species to environmental change.We used 13 microsatellite loci to explore the consequences of forest degradation on the reduction in genetic diversity of Brazil nut populations. We examined the clustering of genetically related individuals as fine‐scale genetic structure (FSGS) and the variation in genetic diversity and inbreeding across adult trees and seedlings along a categorized forest‐degradation gradient ranging from conserved to degraded areas. In addition, we applied direct and indirect approaches to estimate contemporary pollen‐mediated gene flow.We found significant levels of FSGS, comparable to other similar tropical tree species. Brazil nut seedlings had consistently lower genetic diversity and higher inbreeding than adults, significantly associated with the degree of forest degradation of their origin. We observed limited pollen dispersal, differential patterns in pollen heterogeneity, and disproportionate paternal‐assignment rates from few individuals shaping the effective population size in our dataset. We discuss how this evidence for reproduction vulnerability may affect the genetic resources and undermine the resilience of this ecological and socio‐economic system in Peru. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is critical need for more information on the status of forests in Central Asia, to inform conservation management. Here we assess the status and use of the globally important, threatened walnut–fruit forests of Dashtijum Nature Reserve, Tajikistan. We use a mixed methods approach combining a semi-structured interview based socio-economic survey with statistical analysis. Thirty-three tree species were recorded, with Rosaceae the most common family. The mean basal area of the forest was 20.8 m2 per ha and most tree species exhibited stable population structures. Resource use was prevalent throughout the community; most households harvested at least one fruit or nut species (78%), firewood (88%) and grazed livestock (85%). Most respondents noted declines in availability of fruits, nuts and firewood and reported a decrease in the overall area and quality of grazing. Statistical analysis and machine learning identified that distance to nearest settlement significantly affected forest total basal area, tree species richness and the Shannon index, a metric of diversity sensitive to rare species. Our results suggest that conservation management by the government and NGOs is partly effective but there is a need for increased enforcement of grazing restrictions, to prevent further forest degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to evaluate the annual variation in fruits and seed production and productivity of Brazil nut trees and to determine the association between diametrical structure and fruit/seed production in a semideciduous seasonal forest undergoing logging in Mato Grosso, Brazil. Data were collected in two permanent plots (300 m x 300 m) and all trees (n = 279) with diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 10 cm were monitored for fruit production from October to February during five harvest seasons between 2012 and 2017. Associations between seed dry weight (SDW) per tree and DBH, crown position and shape and fruit number were established using stepwise regression analysis. The model based on DBH was a good predictor of seed production and revealed that SDW tree-1 increased by 1.3 kg on average for every 10 cm increase in DBH. Trees reached the reproductive phase with DBH <50 cm. Characteristics and mean SDW values of the diameter classes were: 10 cm ≤ DBH < 30 cm - dominated/suppressed trees/malformed crowns (0.12 kg tree-1year-1); 30 cm ≤ DBH < 70 cm - dominant/co-dominant/good crown shape (1.23 kg tree-1year-1); DBH ≥ 70 cm - dominant/codominant/ well-formed crowns (4.8 kg tree-1year-1). DBH explained 34% of the variation in the mean SDW. Our results are important for the sustainable management of the study stands, allowing the assessment of current and future yields of Brazil nuts for the purpose of improving the economy of forest-dependent communities and associated enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bark of Daphne bholua is an important non-timber forest product and makes a substantial contribution to the Nepalese economy. A precise estimate of the amount of D. bholua bark in mountain forests is possible using a biomass model. We developed an allometric bark biomass model for naturally grown D. bholua in Baglung District in the mid-hills of Nepal. The model was based on data from 101 destructively sampled D. bholua on 20 sample plots representing different growth stages (regeneration, established, and matured), site qualities, and stand densities, and we used diameter and height–diameter ratio as predictors. Among 9 functions evaluated, a simple power function showed the best fit to the data. This model described most of the variations in bark biomass with no substantial trends in the residuals. Leave-one-out cross-validation also confirmed the high precision of this model, because it described most of the variations in bark biomass with no substantial trends in the prediction errors. The model can be applied for a precise prediction of bark biomass for individuals of D. bholua with diameters and height–diameter ratios similar to those used in this study. It is site-specific, and its application should therefore be limited to sites with growth stage, site quality, stand density, and species distribution similar to those that formed the basis of this study. Further validation and verification of this model, with a larger dataset collected from sites with a wider range of these characteristics, is recommended.

Wild edible mushrooms have been collected and consumed by human groups for centuries, and today they represent a relevant source of food and income for many rural families worldwide. Preserving these non-timber forest products is of great interest, and there is concern about the damage caused by intensive mushroom harvesting on macromycete communities. The aim of this study was to evaluate variation in diversity and composition of macromycete species between areas regularly used for mushroom harvesting and non-harvested areas in the Mixteca region of Oaxaca, Mexico, as well as to assess the influence of microclimatic and environmental factors on this variation. We selected two harvested and two non-harvested sites within the study area. In each one, we established 10 permanent plots of 10 m × 10 m where we sampled all the observed fruit bodies weekly from June to October 2017. We recorded a total of 856 individuals corresponding to 138 species, and 23 of these were identified as edible. Overall macromycete diversity, edible species diversity and composition were similar in Sites 1 (non-harvested) and 3 (harvested), and in Sites 2 (non-harvested) and 4 (harvested). Variation of diversity and species composition along the studied area was mainly related to microclimatic variables, while most environmental variables and variables related to vegetation structure similarly affected macromycete species in the four sites. Our results indicate that intensive harvesting of wild edible mushrooms is not affecting the diversity and distribution of macromycete species in our study area. Knowledge on the sustainability of mushroom harvesting practices can help improve current regulations regarding the management of these valuable non-timber forest products.

Wild edible mushrooms have been collected and consumed by human groups for centuries, and today they represent a relevant source of food and income for many rural families worldwide. Preserving these non-timber forest products is of great interest, and there is concern about the damage caused by intensive mushroom harvesting on macromycete communities. The aim of this study was to evaluate variation in diversity and composition of macromycete species between areas regularly used for mushroom harvesting and non-harvested areas in the Mixteca region of Oaxaca, Mexico, as well as to assess the influence of microclimatic and environmental factors on this variation. We selected two harvested and two non-harvested sites within the study area. In each one, we established 10 permanent plots of 10 m × 10 m where we sampled all the observed fruit bodies weekly from June to October 2017. We recorded a total of 856 individuals corresponding to 138 species, and 23 of these were identified as edible. Overall macromycete diversity, edible species diversity and composition were similar in Sites 1 (non-harvested) and 3 (harvested), and in Sites 2 (non-harvested) and 4 (harvested). Variation of diversity and species composition along the studied area was mainly related to microclimatic variables, while most environmental variables and variables related to vegetation structure similarly affected macromycete species in the four sites. Our results indicate that intensive harvesting of wild edible mushrooms is not affecting the diversity and distribution of macromycete species in our study area. Knowledge on the sustainability of mushroom harvesting practices can help improve current regulations regarding the management of these valuable non-timber forest products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The historically-established exploitation of resin from wild pistachio (Pistacia atlantica Desf.) plays a great role in the socioeconomic balance and livelihood of rural communities of Zagros forest region. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of resin exploitation on diameter increment of wild pistachio. Two stands including a 4.8 ha abandoned stand (in which resin exploitation was previously ceased between 1991 and 2013) and a 9.6 ha stand (currently undergoing resin exploitation) with similar physiographic conditions were selected in the villages Bivand-bala and Bivand-paeen in Javanroud, Kermanshah province. To evaluate the diameter increment, 18 tree samples in the abandoned stand and 16 samples in the utilized stand were taken, and increment cores were extracted from each tree at the height of 30 cm using increment borer. In the increment cores, current annual radial increment (CARI) was measured for a period between 1980 and 2013. Current annual diameter increment (CADI) and its percentage (PCADI) of all diameter classes were calculated for two periods of 1980-1991 and 1991-2013. The normal distribution of the data was tested using Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Comparing diameter increment of trees in the two stands was performed by independent-samples t test. The results indicated no significant difference in the average PCADI values between the abandoned and utilized stands during 1980-1990 (in which both stands had undergone relatively similar level of human interferences and resin extraction). The results for the period of 1991-2013 (in which resin exploitation was ceased in the abandoned stand) the average values of PCADI in diameter classes (35-60 cm) were significantly different between the two studied stands, where the abandoned stand showed higher values than the utilized stand. However, no significant difference was observed between the two stands between 1980 and 1991. Furthermore, the averages of PCADI in wild pistachio trees were significantly different for the period of 1991 to 2013 (P< 0.01).

BACKGROUND: Excessive production of free radicals causes direct damage to biological molecules such as DNA, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates leading to tumor development and progression. Natural antioxidant molecules from phytochemicals of plant origin may directly inhibit either their production or limit their propagation or destroy them to protect the system. In the present study, Monodora myristica a non-timber forest product consumed in Cameroon as spice was screened for its free radical scavenging properties, antioxidant and enzymes protective activities. Its phenolic compound profile was also realized by HPLC. RESULTS: This study demonstrated that M. myristica has scavenging properties against DPPH',OH',NO', and ABTS'radicals which vary in a dose depending manner. It also showed an antioxidant potential that was comparable with that of Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) and vitamin C used as standard. The aqueous ethanol extract of M. myristica barks (AEH); showed a significantly higher content in polyphenolic compounds (21.44 ±0.24 mg caffeic acid/g dried extract) and flavonoid (5.69 ± 0.07 quercetin equivalent mg/g of dried weight) as compared to the other studied extracts. The HPLC analysis of the barks and leaves revealed the presence of several polyphenols. The acids (3,4-OH-benzoic, caffeic, gallic, O- and P- coumaric, syringic, vanillic), alcohols (tyrosol and OH-tyrosol), theobromine, quercetin, rutin, catechine and apigenin were the identified and quantified polyphenols. All the tested extracts demonstrated a high protective potential on the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and peroxidase activities. CONCLUSION: Finally, the different extracts from M. myristica and specifically the aqueous ethanol extract reveal several properties such as higher free radical scavenging properties, significant antioxidant capacities and protective potential effects on liver enzymes.