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Sawdust, a wood waste was used to prepare activated carbon, and its adsorptive performance in removing Pb2+ from wastewater was investigated. Modification of Teak sawdust was carried out using orthophosphoric acid. Physicochemical and adsorptive parameters of activated sawdust (ASD) were examined using Scanning Electron Microscope, Fourier Transform Infra-red, and EDX respectively. SEM images of ASD revealed defined pores, adsorbing Pb2+ ions to its surface, while the spectra showed the presence of functional groups accountable for Pb2+ ions adsorption. Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and D-R Isotherm models were deployed to study the experimental data. Langmuir isotherm (R2 = 0.9891) described the data with an adsorption monolayer capacity of 112.4 mg/g at 303 K. The D-R isotherm model depicted the mean free energy ranging from 1.29 to 4.08 kJ/mol, suggesting physisorption adsorption. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model was best fitted for the sorption process with R2 values between 0.9996 and 0.9999. Adsorption thermodynamics reflected that the process was endothermic and spontaneous. Therefore, the utilisation of an economical activated carbon modified from Teak (Tectona grandis) sawdust was efficient for lead uptake from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Helminthiasis is a major concern in the livestock sector due to the immense afflictions in the production and economy of the farmer. Chemical anthelmintics are used to combat them and parasites are acquiring resistance against these drugs. Hence, the development of new drugs or alternatives is the need of the hour for combating such infestations. This study was undertaken to determine the effect of methanolic leaf extract of Tectona grandis on strongyles. Materials and Methods: The dried leaves of Tectona grandis were subjected to Soxhlet extraction using methanol, and the extract was tested for its anthelmintic activity in vitro using egg hatch assay and larval motility assay. A dose of 250, 125, 62.5, 31.25, 15.625, and 7.8125 mg/ mL was used for the study. Fresh strongyle ova were exposed to different concentrations of the extract and observed after 48 hours for the hatch. L3 larvae obtained from coproculture were subjected to treatment with extract at different concentrations, and mortality per unit time was calculated. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) were performed to identify the chemical nature of the extract. Results: There was a dose-dependent inhibition of hatch and larval mortality with a maximum inhibition of hatch at 250 mg/mL. There was a cent percent hatch in control wells and no loss of progressive motility in the larval motility test. On exposure to the extract, the larvae progressively lost their motility, and finally, there were caesurae of movement which indicated their death. The extract at 250 mg/mL killed all the larvae by 30 min, whereas, at 31.25 mg/mL, the mortality was 66.6% after 2 hr. Conclusion: The results suggest that methanolic extract from Tectona grandis leaves has a promising anthelmintic property and further studies are required for the isolation of active molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triple-negative breast cancer presents a global health concern due to its prevalence and treatment challenges. The heterogeneity of tumor subtypes and the lack of therapeutic targets contribute to treatment failure, compounded by adverse effects and resistance to conventional treatments. Consequently, there is an urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies. This study aims to develop a green-synthesized compound by conjugating Tectona grandis and Lactobacillus plantarum with PAMAM dendrimers, evaluating its efficacy against TNBC. The potent bioactive compounds identified, 1-naphthalenecarboxylicacid, -(3-furanyl) ethyl] decahydro-1,4a-didimethyl-6-methylene from T. grandis and 3-phenyl-1,2,4-benzotriazine from L. plantarum, were analyzed through GC-MS. Their interaction with the autophagy gene ATG5 was examined using the PyRX program, demonstrating potential for drug design. Characterization of the synthesized compounds was conducted through UV-Vis spectroscopy, TEM, DLS, Zeta Potential, and FTIR analysis, confirming the formation of negatively charged, polydispersed, multi-branched (5.71–7.54 nm) with an absorption peak at 351 nm nanoparticles (PDTgNP) and positively charged, monodispersed, multi-branched (11–17 nm), absorption peak at 258 nm nanoparticles (PDLpNP). The antitumor efficacy of PDTgNP and PDLpNP was evaluated through MTT assay, scratch assay, DAPI, and double-staining techniques on the MDA-MB-231 cell line, demonstrating dose-dependent cytotoxicity with IC50 values of 43.9 μg/ml and 54.90 µg/ml, respectively, along with its enhanced autophagic and apoptotic efficacy. Additionally, PDTgNP and PDLpNP downregulated LC3 while upregulating ATG3, ATG5, and ATG12 in MDA-MB-231 cells, indicating potential action of autophagy. Therefore, this green synthesis method holds promise as an effective approach, potentially yielding novel promising anticancer agents for the treatment of TNBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tectona grandis is a vital hardwood tree species with substantial industrial and economic importance. From 2020 to 2021, an unusual leaf blight disease was observed in T. grandis saplings planted in the Nursery of the Central Agroforestry Research Institute (CAFRI), Jhansi, India. Disease incidence was recorded as 50%–70% with 40%–82% severity over two consecutive years on over 1000 saplings. The leaf blight disease was extensive, leading to defoliation of young leaves and mortality of teak saplings in the nursery. The pathogen was identified as Alternaria alternata following standard laboratory procedures and sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal RNA (rRNA). The pathogenicity of two isolates, A. alternata TgAa1 and TgAa2, was proven under greenhouse conditions. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the close association of TgAa1 and TgAa2 with other pathogenic A. alternata strains in the NCBI database. A. alternata is considered a severe foliar pathogen, known to cause leaf spot and leaf blight diseases in many annual and perennial plant species. Correct diagnosis and prevention are emphasized to contain the spread of teak leaf blight to other regions in India. This is the first report of A. alternata causing Tectona grandis leaf blight in the Bundelkhand region of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The limited treatment options for triple-negative breast cancer are attributed to the absence of hormone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 gene expression. There is a growing need to explore novel therapeutic drugs or combination therapies that can enhance the efficacy of Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Tectona grandis, with its antioxidant properties and potential health benefits, holds promise in cancer prevention and therapy. The objective of this research is to evaluate the potential of the bioactive substances of T. grandis as cancer drugs. The matrix metalloproteinase-9 structure was obtained from Protein Data Bank, while the substances derived from T. grandis were sourced from various existing studies and screened using PASS database, Lipinski's rule of five, and Veber rule. The molecular docking was performed using PyRx and visualized using PyMOL. ProteinsPlus and LigPlus were used to visualize the interaction between protein and ligand in a diagram. Twelve active substances of T. grandis leaves (butyl acetate, 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone, glycerin monoacetate, glycerin diacetate, methyl decanoate, sinapic acid, gallic acid, ferulic acid, P-coumarate, cinnamic acid, vanillic acid, and quercetin) show potential as anticancer agents based on PASS screening from Lipinski's rule of five and Veber rule. Among these, quercetin (-10), gallic acid (-7.3), and ferulic acid (-7.3) demonstrate the lowest binding energies according to molecular docking. Notably, quercetin exhibits the most favorable activity potential in PASS screening for both anticarcinogenic (0.757/0.007) and antineoplastic especially against breast cancer (0.577/0.012). Quercetin demonstrated the highest potential to work as a Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 inhibitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clonal materials of Tectona grandis L. f. in fast-growing plantations exhibit faster growth than the seminal materials. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the differences in wood drying to ensure the quality and yield of the final product. This study evaluated the outdoor drying behavior of three genotypes of teak lumber. Two clonal genotypes (G1 and G2) and one of seminal origin (G3) were assessed. Boards measuring 30 × 150 × 1000 mm (thickness × width × length) were produced from the basal logs. The average moisture content (79.3, 64.9, and 60,1%), final moisture content (10.8, 9.8, and 11.6%), and mean drying rate (1.2, 0.97, and 0.85%.day-1) were observed in the wood from genotypes G1, G2 and G3, respectively. The clonal material crooked and bowed below 5 mm.m-1, which is considered the tolerance limit for both warpings. The seminal material had a greater incidence of splitting. The clonal genotypes G1 and G2 had similar qualities and presented higher drying rates, final moisture contents below 11% and a lower incidence of defects, especially splitting, compared to the naturally seeded material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The teak bee‐hole borer (Xyleutes ceramica (Walker, 1865)) is widespread in northern Thailand and is considered the most serious pest of teak (Tectona grandis) in the country. The present study investigated the factors affecting the infestation of teak trees by this species in three plantations in northern Thailand at different spatial scales, including the tree, plot and stand levels. At each plantation, 48 plots evenly distributed in three different young stands (1–10 years), three medium‐aged stands (11–20 years) and six old stands (exceeding 20 years) were sampled. At the plots, the number of current entrance holes of X. ceramica per teak tree was counted, and the characteristics of the trees and stands were assessed. A total of 1952 teak trees were sampled, 22.7% of which were infested by X. ceramica. According to our results, infestation was much more strongly affected by stand characteristics than by the characteristics of individual trees. Above all, understorey cover exhibited substantial effect with the infestation level being strongly limited in stands with dense understories. Additionally, young and medium‐aged stands on better quality sites were found to be the most susceptible to infestation, and well‐growing and/or damaged trees were preferred by the pest species. In conclusion, major recommendations for suppressing damage caused by X. ceramica include (a) promoting and maintaining the understorey above 30% cover, (b) planting mixed stands of commercial forest trees and (c) intensively monitoring the pest in young and medium‐aged stands, especially those growing at good‐ and medium‐quality sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of South China Agricultural University is the property of Gai Kan Bian Wei Hui and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Topolin cytokinins have emerged as valuable tools in micropropagation. This study investigates the metabolism of meta-topolin riboside (mTR) in three distinct tree species: Handroanthus guayacan and Tabebuia rosea (Bignoniaceae), and Tectona grandis (Lamiaceae). Employing labeled N15 mTR, we unraveled the complex mechanisms underlying cytokinin homeostasis, identifying N9-glucosylation as the principal deactivation pathway. Our findings demonstrate a capacity in T. rosea and H. guayacan to reposition the hydroxyl group on the cytokinin molecule, a previously unexplored metabolic pathway. Notably, this study reveals remarkable interfamilial and interspecies differences in mTR metabolism, challenging established perspectives on the role of callus tissue in cytokinin storage. These insights not only illuminate the metabolic intricacies of mTR, a cytokinin with interesting applications in plant tissue culture, but also enhances our understanding of cytokinin dynamics in plant systems, thereby enriching the scientific discourse on plant physiology and cytokinin biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant somatic embryogenesis (SE) is an efficient regeneration system for propagation. It involves the regulation of a complex molecular regulatory network encompassing endogenous hormone synthesis, metabolism, and signal transduction processes, induced through exogenous plant growth regulators. Previous studies have focused primarily on traditional propagation methods for Tectona grandis, but there is limited knowledge on SE and its hormonal regulatory mechanisms. In our study, different SE stages, including the nonembryogenic callus (NEC), embryogenic callus (EC), and globular and heart-shaped embryo (E-SEs) stages, were induced in teak cotyledons incubated on MS medium supplemented with 0.1 mg/L thidiazuron (TDZ). Morphological and histological observations indicated that EC primarily originates from the development of embryogenic cell clusters. During SE induction, the levels of six classes of endogenous hormones, IAA, CTK, ETH, ABA, SA, and JA, changed significantly. Transcriptome analysis revealed that endogenous hormones participate in SE induction in teak through various biological processes, such as biosynthesis, metabolism, and signal transduction pathways. We found that IAA biosynthesis primarily occurs through the IAM pathway during these three stages. The ETH receptor kinase gene SERF1 exhibited the highest expression levels in E-SEs. The ABA-, SA-, and JA-related signal transduction genes ABI3, NPR1, and JAZ exhibited no differential expression during different stages. Moreover, key encoding genes of SE regulators, including WUS, WOX and SERK, were differentially expressed during SE. In conclusion, this study offers insights into the roles of endogenous hormones and their interactions during SE induction.

This study intends to describe the use of modified Tectona Grandis seed powder (TG) and Mangifera Indica leaf powder (MI) as adsorbent materials in the process of removing Methylene Blue (MB) from the wastewater. Nitric acid (HNO3) was used to chemically modify the plant material. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were utilized to analyze the modified bio adsorbents (TG and MI). The adsorbents' ideal specific surface area and pore volume were measured using the N2 adsorption/desorption technique through detailed characterization. The efficiency of the adsorbents in eliminating the MB dye was investigated in relation to the effects of adsorbent dose (2–10 mg), pH (3, 7 and 10), exposure time (10–90 min), temperature (30 °C, 50 °C and 70 °C), and dye concentration (20–100 mg/L) through batch adsorption studies. The models proposed by Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin Raduskevich (D-R) could explain the binding results for MB on TG and MI. The adsorption process were more in line with the Langmuir model than the other models. At neutral pH (7), TG showed maximum percentage removal of 73.12 % whereas, MI powder showed a maximum percentage removal of 50.5 %. Time and adsorbent dosage have both led to an increase in the percentage of methylene blue elimination. The experimental results were confirmed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, which revealed energy gaps (ΔE) of 4.57 eV and 7.882 eV for MB and TG/MI, respectively. Following complexation, a change of 16.56 eV was observed, indicating a stronger MB adsorption tendency across the modified TG/MI surface. The primary components of the mechanism of MB adsorption include hydrogen bonds, n-π, π-π, and electrostatic interactions, as per the results of Monte Carlo (MC) simulation calculations. According to our findings, TG and MI are affordable biomaterials for treating wastewater in an ecologically responsible and green manner.

Tectona grandis has been reported for its composition of two 5a-reductase inhibitors, specifically (+)-eperua-8,13-dien-15-oic acid (1) and (+)-eperua-7,13-dien-15-oic acid (2). These compounds exhibit potential as markers, enabling the standardization of leaf extracts during pre-formulation and formulation development. This study examined the effects of solvent system, pH, temperature and light on the stability of compounds 1 and 2 in the ethanolic extract and the ethanolic extract in PG with PEG-40 as a solubilizer. The remaining amount of the compounds at all test conditions was analyzed using HPLC. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited greater stability in acidic solutions compared to neutral or basic environments. Their degradations were susceptible to light, particularly compound 1 of the ethanolic extract in PG. Both compounds in the solution form of the extract degraded rapidly at high temperature, whereas the present of PG minimized their degradation when the light was protected. According to the Q10 method, the calculated shelf-life of the extracts was 1.48 years. The extracts should be stored or prepared as a non-aqueous form or otherwise in a slightly acidic solution with appropriate light protection measures. The pre-formulation information obtained from this study holds significant value in informing the design and development of forthcoming anti-hair loss medications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Indonesian Journal of Forestry Research is the property of Indonesian Journal of Forestry Research and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Spacing is a silvicultural practice that affects the growth of trees in forest plantations. However, the yield depends on growth, which is determined by spacing. In addition, spacing influences the quantity of the final crop available for harvesting, specifically in forest plantations for sawlog production. Spacing is also used as a management practice to control the quality of trees, as dense stands are expected to have trees with good stem quality. However, little has been done to address the effects of spacing on the growth, yield, and stem quality of Tectona grandis until final harvesting age. Teak plantations in Tanzania are grown at a rotation age of 20 years. Thus, this study aimed to assess the effect of spacing on the growth, yield, and stem quality of 24-year-old T. grandis in a Longuza Forest plantation in Muheza, Tanzania. Data were collected from a spacing trial using a randomized complete block design with three treatments: 2 m × 2 m, 3 × 3 m, and 4 m × 4 m, with three replications. The growth and yield parameters assessed were diameter at breast height (dbh) total tree height, and stem quality. Data were analyzed to obtain the basal area, volume, and mean annual increment. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multiple comparisons among treatment means were performed using Tukey's honest significant difference test (pvalue = 0.05). The results showed that spacing did not significantly affect growth and yield parameters. The stem quality was significantly different in some treatments. The highest dbh and height growth were observed at 4 m× 4 m spacing. The highest values of basal area, volume, and mean annual increment were observed at a 3 m× 3 m spacing. Stem quality differed significantly between the 2 m× 2 m and 4 m× 4 m spacings. Because teak plantations in Tanzania are aimed at sawlog production, it is recommended to continue practising a spacing of 3 m× 3 m, which will ensure a higher mean annual increment with a higher volume at the stand level. In addition, a spacing of 3 m × 3 m ensured a higher percentage of trees with good stem quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Forest Research is the property of Forest Research Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a global health challenge with increased morbidity and mortality rates yearly. Herbal medicine has provided an alternative approach to treating T2D with limited access to formal healthcare. Tectona grandis is being used traditionally in the treatment of diabetes. The present study investigated the antidiabetic potential of T. grandis leaves in different solvent extractions, and the crude extract that demonstrated the best activity was further fractionated through solvent–solvent partitioning. The ethyl acetate fraction of the ethanol crude extract showed the best antidiabetic activity in inhibiting α-glucosidase, delaying glucose absorption at the small intestine's lumen, and enhancing the muscle's postprandial glucose uptake. The ethyl acetate fraction was further elucidated for its ability to reduce hyperglycemia in diabetic rats. The ethyl acetate fraction significantly reduced high blood glucose levels in diabetic rats with concomitant modulation in stimulated insulin secretions through improved pancreatic β-cell function, insulin sensitivity by increasing liver glycogen content, and reduced elevated levels of liver glucose-6-phosphatase activity. These activities could be attributed to the phytochemical constituents of the plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tectona grandis Linn f. is a species belonging to the Lamiaceae family, which grows in the Indian peninsula, Myanmar, Thailand, Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The present study offers a pharmacognostic evaluation (numerical indices) and evaluates the antioxidant power of the aqueous extract of the leaves of T. grandis. A drying study was carried out in the sun and in an oven to determine the most suitable method, and the oven method turned out to be the most appropriate, with a maximum drying time of 30 h. The numerical indices of residual moisture, total ash, water-soluble ash and hydrochloric acid-insoluble ash were used to guarantee the quality of the plant material and establish, for the first time, these parameters for the leaves of the species. The content of total phenols was determined, with values between 75 and 310 mg GAE·gDE-1, as well as the evaluation of the reducing potential of the radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and the antioxidant activity of the extract by the system β-carotene/linolenic acid. The extract obtained from T. grandis leaves showed promising antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the effect of thermal modification (TM) on teak wood color is well documented, few studies have been carried out on closed-system processes, and it remains unclear what the effect is of different processes on the same material. This work aimed to verify the effect of closed- and open-system processes of TM on the color of short-rotation teak wood. Thermally modified wood (TMW) was evaluated in a closed system at 160 °C (CS160) and in an open system at 185 °C and 210 °C (OS185 and OS210). We measured the moisture content (initial and final) of the wood and the corrected mass loss (CML). The chemical analyses encompassed the contents of alpha-cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin, and extractives (total, in acetone and dichloromethane). Wood color was measured before and after TM according to the CIEL*a*b* color space. It was possible to achieve the same color using different processes of thermal modification (CS160 and OS210). TM reduced wood lightness (L*), red–green chromaticity coordinate (a*), and yellow–blue chromaticity coordinate (b*). L* and a* had the biggest and smallest variations, respectively. TMW color was significantly changed, even at the mildest condition tested (OS185, 0.33% CML). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ball milling mechanochemical pretreatment stands out as it can be used for biomass processing without the use of chemicals. This pretreatment is recognized to alter the organization of the biomass components and to reduce the degree of crystallinity of cellulose structure. In this context, the study of characterization techniques that identify and quantify post-pretreatment alterations still deserves attention. In this study, the alterations caused by dry grinding in a planetary ball milling in sugarcane bagasse, Tectona grandis, and Eucalyptus saligna biomass were evaluated by 13C solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR). The biomasses were pretreated for 60, 150, and 180 min and enzymatically hydrolyzed. Saccharification results, at optimal conditions, were correlated to the cellulose crystallinity reduction, which was assessed by examining the relative C4 and C6 crystalline and amorphous areas using 13C CPMAS NMR. The cellulose crystallinity index (CI) measured through the C4 relative area in the NMR spectra decreased with the increase of glucose yield: CI from 33 to 15 (yield from 18 to 82%) for sugarcane bagasse, from 41 to 22 (yield from 4 to 87%) for Tectona, and from 41 to 26 (yield 2 to 80%) for Eucalyptus. The lignin phase, measured by the syringyl/guaiacyl ratio, and acetyl groups linked to the hemicellulose phase seem not to be affected by the pretreatment. This study reports the first-ever ball milling and saccharification and 13C CPMAS spectrum of Tectona grandis. 13C ssNMR proved to be a reference method for probing the deconstruction process promoted by mechanochemical pretreatment in plant biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The disposal of oily wastewater is a severe environmental problem faced by the metalworking and automobile industries. When released into the environment, oil-contained wastewater severely threatens plant, animal, and human life. Adsorption has emerged as a unique technique, and using natural adsorbents makes it further cheap and more eco-friendly. Removal of both free and emulsified oil from wastewater by using biosorbents was looked upon as an alternative. The present research aims to develop a novel biosorbent from teak (Tectona grandis) leaves suitable for removing oil from wastewater. Batch Sorption studies were carried out by varying pH, sorbent dosage, contact period, mixing speed, and initial oil concentration. The optimum conditions for maximum adsorption efficiency were determined. The results showed that the adsorption of oil onto teak leaf (Tectona grandis) adsorbent follows Freundlich isotherm with a maximum sorption capacity of 10.115 mg/g and a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The thermodynamic parameter (ΔH = 5033.75 KJ/mol) suggested oil adsorption's spontaneous and endothermic nature onto the teak leaf (Tectona grandis) adsorbent. The best regeneration efficiency was achieved with 0.01 M HCl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) is the well-known tropical timber species to meet the demand of wood-based industries. Choosing superior parents and developing technologies for its vegetative propagation is essential for promising better growth and yield. Production of epicormic shoots on live detached branches under high humidity and temperature, is an excellent propagation option widely practiced in trees. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of genotype on the development of epicormic shoots from branch cuttings and its rooting behavior. Epicormic shoot and root production was observed to vary significantly among the genotypes studied. Initiation of bud burst started from the 5th day and continued till the 9th day of planting. The number of epicormic shoots produced too significantly varied among the genotypes. The maximum number of epicormic shoots was observed in genotypes Aravallikkavu,Topslip-6, Nellikutha-2, and Nellikutha-7, whereas Nedumkayam-1 produced one or no shoots. The average shoot diameter from different genotypes varied from 2.85 cm to 5.43 cm. Significant variation among the genotypes in rooting was observed. The highest rooting percentage of epicormic shoots was recorded in the Nellikutha-3 genotype (57.11 %) followed by Tholpatti 01 (47.89 %) and Mananthavadi 02 (39.11 %). The present study confirms the genotypic influence on vegetative propagation by varied shoot and root production potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about C –N – P stoichiometries and content in teak (Tectona grandis) plantations in South China, which are mostly sited on hilly areas with lateritic soil, and the effect of slope position on the accumulation of these elements in trees and rhizosphere soils. Here we analyzed the C, N, P content and stoichiometry in leaves, fine roots and rhizosphere soils of trees on the upper and lower slopes of a 12-year-old teak plantation. The Kraft classification system of tree status was used to sample dominant, subdominant and mean trees at each slope position. The results showed that the C, N and P contents in leaves were higher than in fine roots and rhizosphere soils. The lowest C/N, C/P and N/P ratios were found in rhizosphere soils, and the C/N and C/P ratios in fine roots were higher than in leaves. Nutrient accumulation in leaves, fine roots and rhizosphere soils were significantly influenced by slope position and tree class with their interaction mainly showing a greater effect on rhizosphere soils. Leaf C content and C/N ratio, fine root C and P contents, and C/N and C/P ratios all increased distinctly with declining slope position. The contents of organic matter (SOM), ammonium (NH4+–N), nitrate-nitrogen (NO3−–N) and available potassium (AK) in rhizosphere soils were mainly enriched on upper slopes, but exchange calcium (ECa), available phosphorus (AP), and pH were relatively lower. Variations in the C, N and P stoichiometries in trees were mainly attributed to the differences in rhizosphere soil properties. N and P contents showed significant positive linear relationships between leaf and rhizosphere soil, and C content negative linear correlation among leaves, fine roots and rhizosphere soils. Chemical properties of rhizosphere soils, particularly C/N and NH4+–N, had significant effects on the leaf nutrients in trees on the upper slope. Correspondingly, rhizosphere soil properties mainly influenced fine root nutrients on the lower slope, and soil AK was the major influencing factor. Overall, these results offer new insights for the sustainability and management of teak plantations in hilly areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teak (Tectona grandis, L.f.) plants are known to have the best quality wood in the Lamiaceae family but are also known to contain bioactive compounds that are important for pharmacology, both cosmetics and medicines. One of the phytochemical compounds contained in teak is retinol, which is important in cosmetic technology as an antiaging agent. Retinol is a derivative of carotene and carotene is a derivative of terpenoids. At the gene level, in model plants, the mechanism of terpenoid synthesis is controlled by a family of genes known as Geranylgeranyl Pyrophosphate Synthase (GGPS). The basic science of the GGPS gene is important to develop retinol production in teak. This research aims to identify the GGPS gene family in teak plants and observe the expression profile of two GGPS genes in teak plants, GGPS3 and GGPS6. The approach taken in this study used de novo NGS-transcriptome and qRT-PCR analysis. The results of this research were the results of transcriptome analysis, there were 87,365 contigs and seven GGPS gene sequences were identified. GGPS3 and GGPS6 were tested for expression profiles in young and old leaves using qRT-PCR. There is an up and down-regulation mechanism of the GGPS3 and GGPS6 genes in old and young leaves, indicating a feedback mechanism for these two genes. These results provide a strong basis for engineering terpenoid and retinol synthesis in teak plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acne is generally associated with Propionibacterium acnes, which is treated by administering anti-acne medication. The anti-acne drugs currently available are synthetic ingredients that cause side effects. The side effects of this synthetic anti-acne drug can be eliminated by chemicals derived from natural plants, such as those found in teak flower (Tectona grandis) essential oil. Therefore, this study aims to determine bioactive compounds' content and test teak essential oil's anti-acne activity. The steps taken in this research: The extraction of teak flower essential oil is made by steam distillation. The teak flower essential oil was then analyzed using a Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrophotometer (GC-MS). The results were evaluated using the MASLAB program and then analyzed using the PubChem NCBI database and PASS Online. The results of the GC-MS analysis showed that there were 47 bioactive compounds. The PubChem analysis results showed that 13 compounds had antibacterial activity. The antibacterial activity as an anti-acne agent of teak flower essential oil was assessed using the disc diffusion method according to the Bauer method. The results of the PASS Online analysis showed that the antibacterial mechanism, Protein synthesis inhibitor, membrane permeability inhibitor and cell wall synthesis inhibitor, with the highest Pa value of 0.804 in the compound Benzyl benzoate Benzoic acid, phenylmethyl ester (CAS) and the lowest Pa value was 1H-Benzimidazole, 2-(methylthio)-(CAS) 2-thiomethylbenzimidazole. Based on the results of the antibacterial activity test, it has strong activity against Propionibacterium acnes with an inhibition zone value of 23.1; 15; 15.4; 11.3 which has the potential as an anti-acne. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spacing is a silvicultural practice that affects the growth of trees in forest plantations. However, the yield depends on growth, which is determined by spacing. In addition, spacing influences the quantity of the final crop available for harvesting, specifically in forest plantations for sawlog production. Spacing is also used as a management practice to control the quality of trees, as dense stands are expected to have trees with good stem quality. However, little has been done to address the effects of spacing on the growth, yield, and stem quality of Tectona grandis until final harvesting age. Teak plantations in Tanzania are grown at a rotation age of 20 years. Thus, this study aimed to assess the effect of spacing on the growth, yield, and stem quality of 24-year-old T. grandis in a Longuza Forest plantation in Muheza, Tanzania. Data were collected from a spacing trial using a randomized complete block design with three treatments: 2 m × 2 m, 3 × 3 m, and 4 m × 4 m, with three replications. The growth and yield parameters assessed were diameter at breast height (dbh) total tree height, and stem quality. Data were analyzed to obtain the basal area, volume, and mean annual increment. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multiple comparisons among treatment means were performed using Tukey's honest significant difference test (p-value = 0.05). The results showed that spacing did not significantly affect growth and yield parameters. The stem quality was significantly different in some treatments. The highest dbh and height growth were observed at 4 m× 4 m spacing. The highest values of basal area, volume, and mean annual increment were observed at a 3 m× 3 m spacing. Stem quality differed significantly between the 2 m× 2 m and 4 m× 4 m spacings. Because teak plantations in Tanzania are aimed at sawlog production, it is recommended to continue practising a spacing of 3 m× 3 m, which will ensure a higher mean annual increment with a higher volume at the stand level. In addition, a spacing of 3 m × 3 m ensured a higher percentage of trees with good stem quality.

Topolin cytokinins have emerged as valuable tools in micropropagation. This study investigates the metabolism of meta-topolin riboside (mTR) in three distinct tree species: Handroanthus guayacan and Tabebuia rosea (Bignoniaceae), and Tectona grandis (Lamiaceae). Employing labeled N15 mTR, we unraveled the complex mechanisms underlying cytokinin homeostasis, identifying N9-glucosylation as the principal deactivation pathway. Our findings demonstrate a capacity in T. rosea and H. guayacan to reposition the hydroxyl group on the cytokinin molecule, a previously unexplored metabolic pathway. Notably, this study reveals remarkable interfamilial and interspecies differences in mTR metabolism, challenging established perspectives on the role of callus tissue in cytokinin storage. These insights not only illuminate the metabolic intricacies of mTR, a cytokinin with interesting applications in plant tissue culture, but also enhances our understanding of cytokinin dynamics in plant systems, thereby enriching the scientific discourse on plant physiology and cytokinin biology.

Root system mechanical reinforcement through root-soil cohesion on slope stability is important. However, the root cohesion of Tectona grandis, Maesopsis eminii, and shrubs (Chromolaena odorata) on slope stability is rarely studied and modelled. This study aimed to model the mechanical effect of vegetation through root cohesion, namely teak (Tectona grandis), Maesopsis eminii, and shrubs (Chromolaena odorata). The study was conducted in a simultaneous landslide on January 1, 2020, that dominantly occurred on vegetated slopes of Sukajaya District, Bogor Regency, West Java. The Wu model's root cohesion (CR) was modelled on slope stability using a modified Bishop model. The modelling used the data from field and laboratory-measured. The study found that the presence of a root system increases slope stability's factor of safety (FOS). The root system of young Maesopsiss eminii produces the largest effect of FOS compared to the root system of shrubs, teak, and old Maesopsis eminii. The slope stability of vegetated slopes is a function of the CR and the effective root zone depth. The highest total CR of vegetation was teak with 0.398 kPa, followed by shrubs, young Maesopsis eminii, and old Maesopsis eminii with 0.202 kPa, 0.191 kPa, and 0.087 kPa, respectively. The effective root zone of teak, young Maesopsis eminii, and shrub were 500, 230, 140, and 66 cm, respectively.

The green synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) utilizing a green path is eco-friendly and profitable compared to traditional physical and chemical techniques. This research conducted a green synthesis of gold NPs (AuNPs) and silver NPs (AgNPs) using an extract of Teak (Tectona grandis) and their anticancer and anti-microbial activities. Various techniques like transmission-electron microscopy (TEM), UV–Vis spectroscopy, thermal-gravimetric analyses (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were used to analyze synthesized AuNPs and AgNPs. The effects of different factors like the amount of extract used, solution pH, and contact time were measured to obtain the best possible conditions for synthesizing NPs. The AgNPs showed significant anticancer activity against HepG2 with an IC50 of 6.17 mg/ml compared to Teak extract (>50 mg/ml) and AuNPs (44.1 mg/ml), while AuNPs (6 % Teak extract and 2.9 × 10−3 M HAuCl4) showed significant antibacterial and antifungal activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aspergillus niger, Bacillus subtilis, and Escherichia coli with an inhibition zone of 11 mm, 12 mm, 12.5 mm, and 15.5 mm, respectively as compared to other treatments. These findings confirmed the medical applications of AuNPs and AgNPs and might open new possibilities in this field.

The high population number of Indonesia has led to an increase in household organic waste. This organic waste has the potential to be processed into ecoenzymes that can enhance plant productivity. Currently, several farmers in Sugihwaras Village, Maospati District, Magetan Regency, East Java, face limitations in obtaining inorganic fertilizer (NPK) for their plants. This activity aimed to provide training in ecoenzyme production, analyze the change in farmers' knowledge about ecoenzyme production, and assess the effects of ecoenzyme application on the growth improvement of the teak (Tectona grandis) agroforestry system. This activity was carried out within the Subur Farmer Group in Sugihwaras Village, Magetan Regency, East Java, in 2022. The method used was a demonstration of ecoenzyme production, pre-test and post-test evaluations conducted on 20 members of the farmer group, as well as direct measurements of teak plant diameter growth and elephant grass plant height. The ecoenzyme production training in the teak agroforestry system enhanced the knowledge of the Subur Farmer Group, as shown by the average pre-test score of 45.1, while the average post-test score was 90.5. Based on the evaluation of the training activity, 74.3% of the farmer group members strongly agreed that the ecoenzyme production training was highly beneficial and aligned with their needs. Furthermore, according to the program evaluation, the ecoenzyme production training was deemed highly feasible for implementation with a score of 94%. The ecoenzyme production training provided to the Subur Farmer Group has been proven to enhance the partners' knowledge, increase the growth of teak plant diameter and elephant grass plant height, and holds the potential for enhancing the income of the community in Sugihwaras Village, Magetan Regency, East Java. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decade, the attention of researchers has been drawn to materials with enzyme-like properties to substitute natural enzymes. The ability of nanomaterials to mimic enzymes makes them excellent enzyme mimics; nevertheless, there is a wide berth for improving their activity and providing a platform to heighten their potential. Herein, we report a green and facile route for Tectona grandis leaves extract-assisted synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) decorated on Mg-Al layered double hydroxides (Mg-Al-OH@TGLE-AgNPs) as a nanocatalyst. The Mg-Al-OH@TGLE-AgNPs nanocatalyst was well characterized, and the average crystallite size of the Ag NPs was found to be 7.92 nm. The peroxidase-like activity in the oxidation of o-phenylenediamine in the presence of H2O2 was found to be an intrinsic property of the Mg-Al-OH@TGLE-AgNPs nanocatalyst. In addition, the use of the Mg-Al-OH@TGLE-AgNPs nanocatalyst was extended towards the quantification of Hg2+ ions which showed a wide linearity in the concentration range of 80–400 μM with a limit of detection of 0.2 nM. Additionally, the synergistic medicinal property of Ag NPs and the phytochemicals present in the Tectona grandis leaves extract demonstrated notable antibacterial activity for the Mg-Al-OH@TGLE-AgNPs nanocatalyst against Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Bacillus cereus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teakwood from fast-growth plantations is commercialized at increasingly younger ages for economic reasons. However, wood features are influenced by the age of the tree. This study examined how age affects heartwood proportion, color parameters, chemical composition, and natural teakwood durability. Trees with 5, 10, 15, and 20 years of fast-growth at commercial plantations located in Mato Grosso, Brazil were evaluated. The base diameter of the trees ranged from 13.1 (5 years) to 28.3 cm (20 years), and the heartwood percentage increased from 16.3 to 60.0%, respectively. The color parameters in the CIELab system indicated that wood became darker and more saturated, and the predominance of yellow color decreased compared with red as age advanced. The total extractive content ranged between 7.4 (5 years) and 9.6% (15 years), without a clear trend of age affecting the extractive content. The extractives from five-year-old wood were mainly composed of tectoquinone (43.3%), phthalic acid (19.1%), and 1,3-indandione (9.2%), while those from 20-year-old wood were mainly composed of tectoquinone (60.7%), lapachol (13.8%), and phthalic acid (9.7%). Teakwood can be classified as resistant (5 years) to very resistant (20 years) after being submitted to an accelerated decay test.

ABSTRACT The insertion of the tree component in coffee production is a strategy from an economic and environmental perspective. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the temporal influence on the agronomic and productive performance of the coffee crop under the interference of different tree species as a function of spacing. The experiment was set in the municipality of Santo Antônio de Amparo-MG, in 2012, and conducted in a randomized block design with four replications. The treatments were: cultivar ‘Catuai Vermelho IAC 99’ in monoculture (3.40 m x 0.65 m) and intercropped with African mahogany, teak and pink cedar, in two spacings (9 x 13.6 m and 18 x 13.6 m), in coffee rows. Three coffee rows were fixed between rows, totaling 13.6 m. The following variables were evaluated: height (m), stem diameter (cm), crown diameter (m), productivity (bags ha-1) and yield (l/sc) for coffee. From the evaluations, there is a significant effect of height, productivity and yield for the coffee crop. The system intercropped with tree species did not influence coffee productivity and yield until the 3rd harvest and, for the 5th harvest, intercropping with mahogany favored productivity, although the accumulated productivity did not show any treatment effect.

Abstract To test whether radial variation of wood specific gravity (WSG) is controlled by tree age or tree size in teak (Tectona grandis L.f) plantation trees, opposing different-length pith-to-bark strips which represents the differential lateral growth rate was compared using mixed-effects model which considers the heterogeneity of variances and dependency in the data to gain insight into the stochastic processes that govern the wood formation process. Various models were tested in devising an appropriate radial WSG model. Models that accounted for serial correlation in WSG data performed better than the simple structure that assumes zero correlation between measurements. The autoregressive plus random tree effect structure performed better in describing the radial variation pattern. The variability of the data related to random fluctuations during tree development and the wood formation process is modeled by the autoregressive parameter revealing the intrinsic complexity of wood formation. Since they cannot be attributed to observed factors, models should consider temporal or serial correlations when assessing wood quality. The results revealed that tree age is a decisive factor in controlling the WSG of wood, while tree size is statistically less important. Furthermore, the core wood production period varies with the growth rate. It is shown that the core wood area decreased with slow growth. Findings presented here appear to provide the first demonstration of radial variation in WSG with respect to growth rate and age for planted teak growing in Ghana.

Modeling diameter distribution is a crucial aspect of forest management, requiring the selection of an appropriate probability density function or cumulative distribution function along with a fitting method. This study compared the suitability of eight probability density functions—A Charlier, beta, generalized beta, gamma, Gumbel, Johnson’s SB, and Weibull (two- and three-parameter)—fitted using both derivative methods (Moments) fitted in SAS/STATTM and optimization methods (MLE) fitted with the ‘optim’ function in R for diameter distribution estimation in forest stands. The A Charlier and Gumbel functions were used for the first time in this type of comparison. The data were derived from 167 permanent sample plots in an Atlantic forest (Quercus robur) and 59 temporary sample plots in tropical forests (Tectona grandis). Fit quality was assessed using various indices, including Kolmogorov–Smirnov, Cramér–von Mises, mean absolute error, bias, and mean squared error. The results indicated that Johnson’s SB function was more suitable for describing the diameter distribution of the stands. Johnson’s SB, three-parameter Weibull, and generalized beta consistently performed well across different fitting methods, while the fits produced by gamma, Gumbel, and two-parameter Weibull were of poor quality.

The diversity of plants/vegetation in the UNHAS City Forest certainly has a positive impact on the environment. One type of plant species in the UNHAS urban forest is Teak (Tectona grandis L.f.). The community views Teak as a plant that only has economic potential because of the quality of its wood, but it is also necessary to know that this plant is suspected to have potential as an environmental service provider. So it is necessary to know more about the ability of teak plants to absorb carbon dioxide. Through this research, estimating carbon stored in Teak stands (Tectona grandis L.f.) was carried out by taking a case study in the City Forest at the Hasanuddin University Campus. The method of collecting emission data was collected from the Bapenas manuscript website, which was used to collect data on the potential of biomass in this study using non-destructive methods. The data collected includes the diameter, height, and specific gravity of teak trees. The diameter of the teak plant is obtained by surveying each individual teak plant. The emissions produced by Makassar City in 2022 are 6,944,242.74 tons of CO2eq. Teak trees located in the urban forest of Hasanuddin University then succeeded in reducing 455.93 - 482.48 tons of CO2eq according to carbon absorption calculations. The economic valuation of carbon reserves located in teak stands in the urban forest of Hasanuddin University ranges from USD 206.76 / Rp. 2,998,020 tons / ha to USD 218.8 / Rp. 3,172,600 tons / ha

he diversity of plants and vegetation in the UNHAS City Forest has a positive impact on the environment. One type of plant species in the UNHAS urban forest is Teak (Tectona grandis L.f.). The community views Teak as a plant that only has economic potential because of the quality of its wood, but it is also necessary to know that this plant is suspected to have potential as an environmental service provider. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the ability of teak plants to absorb carbon dioxide. In this study, carbon stored in teak stands (Tectona grandis L.f.) was measured using a case study in the City Forest at the Hasanuddin University Campus. The method of collecting Emission data were collected from the Aksara Bappenas website, which was used to collect data on the potential of biomass in this study using nondestructive methods. The data collected included the diameter, height, and specific gravity of teak trees. The teak plant diameter was determined by surveying each individual teak plant. The emissions produced by Makassar City in 2022 will be 6,944,242.74 tons of CO2eq. Teak trees located in the urban forest of Hasanuddin University then succeeded in reducing 455.93– 482.48 tons of CO2eq according to carbon absorption calculations. The economic value of carbon reserves located in teak stands in the urban forest of Hasanuddin University ranged from USD 206.76/IDR 2,998,020 tons/ha to USD 218.8/IDR 3,172,600 tons/ha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban forests play an important role in reducing the impact of pollutants in the air, such as carbon dioxide (CO2). Plants can absorb several kinds of pollutants, so they can play a role in cleaning the air from air pollution. Air pollution can also affect the morphology and anatomy of the leaves, such as chlorosis and necrosis. Thus, this study was conducted to characterize the morphology, stomata anatomy, and physiology of the Tectona grandis and Gmelina arborea tree species in their potential as CO2 pollutant absorbers in the Urban Forest of Hasanuddin University Tamalanrea Makassar. The method used was an analysis of leaves morphology characterization, longitudinal leaves stomata characterization using nail polish containing acetone, analysis of leaves chlorophyll content, and CO2 absorption; the data were analyzed descriptively. The results showed that the characteristics of leaves morphology leaves, stomata, and leaves chlorophyll content affected the absorption of CO2 pollutants in each type of tree. Tectona grandis has thick leaves morphology characteristics, roughly hairy leaves surface, leaves size 298.42 cm per leaves blade, abaxial stomata number 80.000 stomata/mm², stomata size 80.390 μm, chlorophyll a 0.016 mg/g, chlorophyll b 0.104 mg/g, and ability of CO2 absorption of leaves was 0.0138x10-4 g/cm². Gmelina arborea has thin leaves morphological characteristics, smooth leaves surface, leaves the size of 165.726 cm per leaves blade, several abaxial stomata of 488.667 stomata/mm², stomata size of 77.537 μm, chlorophyll a 0.015 mg/g, chlorophyll b 0.083 mg/g, and ability of CO2 absorption of leaves were 0.0441x10-4 g/cm². [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to examine the effectiveness of wood extract Tectona grandis (Teak) as preservative material against brown rot fungi on rubberwood. This is with a view to making rubber wood more resistant to fungi using an environmentally friendly treatment method like the natural extractives from Teak wood. The heartwood samples of Tectona grandis were extracted in hot water and used in the treatment of rubber wood. Samples of rubberwood were prepared in dimensions of 20mm x 20mm x 9mm for fungal tests. Before the fungal tests, rubberwood samples were oven-dried at 105°C till constant weight was attained. Teak heartwood was extracted using hot water and some of the oven-dried rubberwood samples were soaked in the extract for 24 hours. The chemical constituents of leached extracts of Teak heartwood were analyzed using the Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) method. The unextracted and extracted Teak samples (in the same dimension as the rubberwood samples for fungal tests), rubberwood samples soaked in Teak extracts and untreated rubberwood were all exposed to brown-rot fungus (Serpula lacrymans) for seven weeks. Visual ratings of the spread of the fungus mycelium on the samples were recorded weekly, while the weight loss due to fungal exposure was calculated after the exposure period. The density value of Tectona grandis wood samples (816.99kg/m3) was higher than the value (573.80kg/m3) reported for Hevea brasiliensis wood samples. Rubber wood was not dimensionally stabilized after treatment with Teak extracts (47%) as the water absorption values of rubber wood were not significantly different from those soaked in water (49%). However, rubber wood treated with Teak extracts showed higher resistance to brown-rot fungi (10.11%) compared to the untreated samples (24.89%). This result indicated that the treatment of rubber wood with Teak extracts enhanced its resistance to brown-rot fungi, and the level of protection may have been conferred by the presence of some chemicals compounds such as saponin and tannin in the extracts of Teak heartwood wood. This study has shown that it is feasible to extract Teak heartwood as a bio-preservative to improve the resistance of other non-durable wood species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to evaluate the effect of a closed system thermal modification process on some physical and mechanical properties of eucalypt and teak short-rotation wood. We assessed untreated eucalypt and teak (EW and TW) and thermally modified eucalypt and teak wood (TMEW and TMTW). The process was carried out at 160°C for 45 min, and we performed some physical and mechanical tests. Thermal modification reduced the mechanical resistance and hygroscopicity and increased the dimensional stability of wood. The normal density (ρ12) of TMTW was reduced, but no significant effect was verified for TMEW, although it had an absolute reduction of 7%. For both conditions (untreated and thermally modified), teak was more resistant to failure (higher MOR in static bending), and no difference between the species was verified for MOE. Eucalypt wood was more resistant to compression parallel to the grain in both conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanobiotechnology is a fast expanding scientific field with potential applications in life sciences and human health care. Silver is a precious metal that occurs naturally, most commonly as a mineral or in combination with other elements. Aqueous T. grandis plant seed extract was utilized in the current investigation as a reducing and capping agent in the biogenesis of silver nanoparticles. Nanoparticles were examined using different techniques like UV-visible spectral analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectra technique, X-ray diffraction technique, and transmission electron microscopy technique. The peak at 429 nm of the surface plasmon resonance by using UV-visible spectra, confirmed the synthesis of nanoparticles. Utilizing Fourier transforms infrared spectral analysis, the explicit functional groups that reduced silver nitrate to create silver nanoparticles in seed extract were found. X-ray diffraction analytical technique was utilized to found the crystalline nature and Face-centered cubic (FCC) configuration of green synthesized silver nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 32 to 62 nm are visible in images taken using transmission electron microscopy. Using disc diffusion technique, the generated silver nanoparticles showed remarkable antibacterial activity against selected organism, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. AgNPs demonstrated broad spectrum antibacterial action as a result at lower concentrations, and they may provide an effective therapeutic alternative in the future like, development of new antibacterial drugs. This research identified a quick and eco-friendly green synthetic method for producing stable silver nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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AbstractGenetic relationships among teak (Tectona grandis) seed sources have been found to be low, thus genetic materials from other sources are required to maintain broad genetic diversity. This study here is therefore aimed to assess the potency of teak genetic structure in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. Leaf materials were sampled from six populations: the villages of Angondara, Anduna (Konawe), Napabalano, Matakidi, Wakuru (Muna) and Wakonti (Buton). One population from Java Island (Kepek) was used as an outgroup. Genetic structures were assessed by using six microsatellite markers. The genetic diversity within populations was moderate (mean expected heterozygosity = 0.544; mean allelic richness = 3.752) as well as the genetic differentiation among the populations (mean FST = 0.085). Dendrogram analysis revealed that the populations were separated into two clusters; the first is Kepek-Angondara, Anduna-Napabalano-Matakidi, Wakuru, and the second is Wakonti. AMOVA showed that the genetic variation was insignificant between regions, but significant among populations. The structural analysis demonstrates the division of populations into two lineages (Java and Southeast Sulawesi populations). Differences in genetic structures indicated that the teak from Southeast Sulawesi may have originated from other sources. Thus, those populations are promising for broadening the genetic base of commercial teak in Java.

Teakwood from fast-growth plantations is commercialized at increasingly younger ages for economic reasons. However, wood features are influenced by the age of the tree. This study examined how age affects heartwood proportion, color parameters, chemical composition, and natural teakwood durability. Trees with 5, 10, 15, and 20 years of fastgrowth at commercial plantations located in Mato Grosso, Brazil were evaluated. The base diameter of the trees ranged from 13.1 (5 years) to 28.3 cm (20 years), and the heartwood percentage increased from 16.3 to 60.0%, respectively. The color parameters in the CIELab system indicated that wood became darker and more saturated, and the predominance of yellow color decreased compared with red as age advanced. The total extractive content ranged between 7.4 (5 years) and 9.6% (15 years), without a clear trend of age affecting the extractive content. The extractives from five-year-old wood were mainly composed of tectoquinone (43.3%), phthalic acid (19.1%), and 1,3-indandione (9.2%), while those from 20-year-old wood were mainly composed of tectoquinone (60.7%), lapachol (13.8%), and phthalic acid (9.7%). Teakwood can be classified as resistant (5 years) to very resistant (20 years) after being submitted to an accelerated decay test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GCMS) is a simple, rapid, and reliable analytical technique to assay lignocellulose biomass. This study aims to analyze the chemical content of various ages of platinum fast-grown teak wood using PyGCMS coupled with interdependence multivariate analysis. Fifty-eight peaks were shown in the pyrogram originating from carbohydrates, lignin, and extractive derivatives. Along with age, platinum fast-grown teak wood showed higher carbohydrate derivatives in heartwood than sapwood. Compared to teak wood grown in conventional (between 36.72-45.69%), platinum fast-grown teak wood has a higher content of carbohydrates (42.82-48.04%). A substantial amount of G-unit lignin was detected in the sapwood, while the S-unit lignin dominated the heartwood. The extractive content of 10-years-old teak wood heartwood was 4.82%, higher than 10- and 20-years-old heartwood from conventional wood (2.23% and 8.88%, respectively). Multivariate analysis of the chemical compound showed that Py-GCMS could be utilized to classify platinum fast-grown and conventional teak wood. 2-methyl anthraquinone (MAQ) content of 10-year-old fast-grown teak wood was 2.5 times higher than 20-year-old conventional teak wood. Based on the study, platinum fast-grown teak wood is promising as alternative wood material to fulfill the market demand for conventional teak wood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Subur farmer group is located in Sugihwaras Village, Maospati District, Magetan Regency, East Java which develops sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) and teak (Tectona grandis) with a monoculture pattern. Monoculture cultivationsproduce a single income for farmers, hence other adaptive intolerant commodities and sites that generate alternative income are needed. One of them is Porang (Amorphophallus muelleri Blume). The farmer group’s knowledge and skills related to porang cultivation are very limited. The aims of this activity were: 1) To train farmer groups related to porang cultivation planted with agroforestry patterns; 2) To analyze knowledge changes of farmer groups regarding porang cultivation; and 3) To evaluate the implementation of the training program. The results showed that training on porang cultivation and making agroforestry demonstration plots were able to increase the knowledge of the Subur farmer group. The pre-test score was 65,1 (55%) while the post-test was 88,6 (75%). Based on the evaluation of the assessment of training activities by farmers, as many as 74,3% of farmers stated that they strongly agreed that the porang cultivation training was very useful and suitable for their needs. In addition, the activity feasibility analysis showed that this training is categorized as very feasible to be implemented with a score of 94%. Porang cultivation training for the Subur farmer group was able to increase knowledge and the potential to earn additional income for the people of Sugihwaras Village, Magetan Regency, East Java. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The insertion of the tree component in coffee production is a strategy from an economic and environmental perspective. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the temporal influence on the agronomic and productive performance of the coffee crop under the interference of different tree species as a function of spacing. The experiment was set in the municipality of Santo Antônio de Amparo-MG, in 2012, and conducted in a randomized block design with four replications. The treatments were: cultivar 'Catuai Vermelho IAC 99' in monoculture (3.40 m x 0.65 m) and intercropped with African mahogany, teak and pink cedar, in two spacings (9 x 13.6 m and 18 x 13.6 m), in coffee rows. Three coffee rows were fixed between rows, totaling 13.6 m. The following variables were evaluated: height (m), stem diameter (cm), crown diameter (m), productivity (bags ha-1) and yield (l/sc) for coffee. From the evaluations, there is a significant effect of height, productivity and yield for the coffee crop. The system intercropped with tree species did not influence coffee productivity and yield until the 3rd harvest and, for the 5th harvest, intercropping with mahogany favored productivity, although the accumulated productivity did not show any treatment effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]