The influence of winds at high elevations varies depending on topography. We investigated leaf and bud morphology, needle moisture content, shoot growth, and shoot damage in spring across four coniferous species—Abies koreana, Picea jezoensis, Pinus koraiensis, and Taxus cuspidata—located in wind-exposed, wind-intermediate, and wind-protected sites in subalpine areas. We aimed to understand the effects of wind and topography on tree growth and to identify species-specific traits adaptive to windy conditions. Foliar damage was greater at wind-exposed sites than at wind-protected sites, while needle moisture content and foliar density were significantly higher at wind-protected sites than at wind-exposed sites (p < 0.001). Abies koreana exhibited low bud mortality (3.5%) but experienced high levels of leaf shedding. Picea jezoensis showed higher bud mortality (6%); however, its sharp callous tips strengthened the connection between leaf and stem, reducing leaf shedding. Leaf folding in Pinus koraiensis protected new leaves and buds, thereby reducing foliar damage and bud mortality through this adaptive morphology. Taxus cuspidata had the highest needle moisture content and the greatest levels of bud and cambium damage among the species; however, the high shoot damage was offset by a high recovery rate through sprouting. Principal component analysis revealed that the four species exhibited distinct patterns of shoot growth and damage correlated with their morphological characteristics, demonstrating that each species has developed unique growth, damage control, and survival strategies to persist under the windy conditions of subalpine ecosystems.
To support sustainable forestry and the wood industry in Mongolia, the growth and wood properties (oven-dry density, modulus of elasticity [MOE], modulus of rupture [MOR], and compressive strength parallel to the grain) were investigated for three Populus species, Populus laurifolia, Populus suaveolens, and Populus × sibirica, growing in Mongolia. The average annual growth rate was highest for P. × sibirica (0.37 cm y−1), followed by P. suaveolens (0.25 cm y−1), and P. laurifolia (0.14 cm y−1). The measured wood properties—oven-dry density, MOE, MOR, and compressive strength—were 0.43 g cm−3, 6.63 GPa, 54.4 MPa, and 31.8 MPa for P. laurifolia; 0.43 g cm−3, 5.71 GPa, 53.7 MPa, and 28.7 MPa for P. suaveolens; and 0.47 g cm−3, 6.91 GPa, 72.9 MPa, and 33.3 MPa for P. × sibirica. The mechanical properties tended to be higher in P. × sibirica, although only MOR showed a significant interspecific difference. In addition, regarding radial variation of wood, while the oven-dry density remained nearly constant from the pith to the bark side, the MOE and MOR were low around the pith side, increased sharply, and then remained nearly constant. Compressive strength increased from the pith to the bark side. A correlation analysis between growth rate and wood properties revealed that growth rate does not negatively affect wood properties. It was also found that wood density is a good indicator for estimating mechanical properties.
Magnetic biochar is widely used for wastewater treatment, but conventional modification routes often suffer from progressive pore blockage and severe particle aggregation. Emerging Fe/Mn co-modification offers a promising solution, where Fe provides magnetic separability while Mn optimizes surface morphology and enriches oxygen-containing groups for enhanced metal binding. To overcome these structural trade-offs in conventional synthesis, this study developed a simplified one-pot Mn/Fe co-modification route to synthesize a magnetically separable walnut-branch biochar composite (SO-BC). Compared to two-step and single-metal modifications, SO-BC exhibited an optimized mesoporous network (pore volume increased by 327.6% vs. pristine biochar) and an enriched presence of oxygen-containing functional groups as verified by FTIR. Notably, SO-BC possessed superparamagnetic-like behavior with a high saturation magnetization of 48.2 emu·g−1, ensuring facile recovery from solutions. Kinetic and isotherm data confirmed that Pb(II) adsorption on SO-BC was a monolayer chemisorption process. The removal mechanism was primarily attributed to surface complexation with oxygen/metal-oxide sites, as well as pore filling and electrostatic interactions. Ultimately, SO-BC reached a maximum adsorption capacity (Qm) of 157.7 mg·g−1. These results suggest that the integrated Mn/Fe co-modification route effectively capitalizes on bimetallic synergy while preserving biochar porosity, offering a streamlined approach for valorizing biomass waste into robust heavy metal adsorbents.
Forest roads play a critical role in Sweden’s forest transportation network but are increasingly exposed to higher traffic loads and variable environmental conditions. Compaction is widely recognized as an important factor influencing the mechanical behavior of unbound road materials, yet its performance under field conditions on Swedish forest roads remains insufficiently documented. This pilot study evaluates the influence of enhanced compaction on the short-term structural response of a forest road test section in Trosa, Sweden. Two adjacent sections were constructed: one compacted using an 8-ton roller and one left uncompacted. Field measurements included lightweight deflectometer (LWD) testing to determine the dynamic deformation modulus (Evd), road profile measurements using rotating laser leveling, moisture content assessments, and visual inspections. Measurements were conducted during three phases: immediately after construction, after several months of environmental exposure, and after a controlled traffic simulation involving multiple truck passes. The compacted section consistently exhibited higher Evd values than the uncompacted section during all measurement phases, with average differences of approximately 20–24%. Profile measurements and visual observations generally indicated less deformation and more stable surface conditions in the compacted section compared with the uncompacted section. Moisture content measurements showed a negative correlation with Evd values in both sections, highlighting the influence of water content on the measured response. The findings suggest that enhanced compaction may contribute to improved short-term structural behavior of forest road materials under field conditions.
This study utilized high-density, bi-temporal airborne laser scanning (ALS) data (late-autumn and early-spring) to quantify vertical and horizontal structural features of four vegetation layers (shrub, subtree, tree, and big-tree) in urban forests of Gwacheon-si, Republic of Korea. Field validation against 1,074 polygons showed that ALS-derived subtree coverage had the lowest bias, with overestimation in the tree layer and underestimation in the shrub layer. Clear species- and season-specific patterns emerged: deciduous species such as Castanea crenata showed substantial canopy loss in the early-spring period, whereas evergreen species like Pinus densiflora remained relatively stable across seasons. Significant positive associations between ALS-derived vertical point distribution and horizontal coverage were observed, particularly in the tree and big-tree layers, and these persisted after controlling for mean canopy height (partial r = 0.75-0.98 in the big-tree layer). Structural features consistently differentiated into two functional groups - an upper canopy group (tree/big-tree) and a lower strata group (subtree/shrub) - each with distinct correlation patterns and seasonal sensitivities. By resolving these associations across species, seasons, and layers, this study demonstrates the value of bi-temporal ALS for species-specific structural assessment in temperate urban forests.
Non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques are essential for assessing wood properties in standing trees to support genetic improvement programs. Ficus variegata Blume is a fast-growing native species in Indonesia with potential for plantation timber, but its low basic density (∼0.27 g/cm³) limits structural applications. This study aimed to: (1) evaluate the effects of growth rate on Pilodyn penetration (P), stress-wave velocity (SWV), and basic density; (2) examine correlations between P and SWV with basic density using two different wood density calculation methods; and (3) analyze radial variation of basic density in F. variegata. The study was conducted on 10-year-old progeny trials from two populations: West Nusa Tenggara (WNT; n = 395) and Cilacap-Pangandaran (C-P; n = 396), planted in Mangunan, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Trees were classified into slow-, medium-, and fast-growing categories, and wood properties were assessed using P, SWV, and basic density measurements. Results showed no significant effects of growth rate on SWV, basic density, indicating the absence of an inherent trade-off between growth rate and wood quality. Notably, P did not correlate with whole-core basic density; however, a significant correlation (p < 0.05) was found when density was calculated specifically along the P depth in the WNT population, indicating that Pilodyn predicts outerwood density rather than whole-core density. The non-significant correlation (p > 0.05) between SWV and outerwood density indicates that these traits reflect different wood properties and should both be measured in breeding programs for comprehensive wood quality assessment. Radial variation analysis revealed a gradual increase in basic density from pith to bark across all growth categories, with no significant differences among growth rates. The absence of a growth-wood properties trade-off supports simultaneous genetic improvement of productivity and wood properties, positioning F. variegata as a promising alternative species for joinery and light construction materials in tropical regions.
Forest fragmentation caused by land use changes has been linked to human-wildlife conflict. However, a clear understanding of how landscape configuration influences conflict incidents remains limited. In Sumatra, studies on human-tiger conflict (HTC) have mainly focused on broad indicators such as forest cover loss or distance to settlements. This has created a gap in understanding how detailed forest fragmentation features influence conflict patterns. This study aims to fill that gap by examining the relationship between spatiotemporal changes in forest fragmentation and HTC occurrences within the Maninjau Nature Reserve Landscape in West Sumatra. We analyzed forest fragmentation dynamics from 2005 to 2024 using fragmentation analysis tools and landscape metrics derived from land-cover data, subsequently correlating these metrics with the spatial distribution of 47 confirmed HTC incidents. Our results show a significant 62% reduction in large core forest areas, concomitant with an increase in perforated and edge-dominated forest typologies. The majority of HTC incidents occurred outside intact core forest, predominantly in agricultural and plantation areas adjacent to forest edges. Edge density exhibited the strongest and most consistent positive correlation with HTC density (ρ = 0.31). This suggests that expanding human-forest interfaces elevates the risk of encounters, even when overall fragmentation metrics show a decline due to landscape homogenization. Our findings highlight that spatial configuration, rather than sheer forest loss, significantly influences HTC patterns. By establishing Edge Density as a robust indicator of conflict risk, this study provides actionable insights for land use planning, particularly in prioritizing edge-buffer management and targeting interventions in high-risk zones. Integrating these fragmentation metrics into conservation planning is essential for mitigating human-tiger conflicts while sustaining ecological connectivity in a fragmented tropical landscape.
Private sector participation is increasingly important to the governance of forest-based climate mitigation, yet corporate engagement in REDD+ remains limited and uneven. This study examines how South Korean corporate actors perceive the constraints and enabling conditions for participation in REDD+ initiatives. We employed a sequential exploratory design. First, focus group interviews with eight stakeholders (four project implementers and four investors) were used to identify major themes and construct a 54-statement Q-set. Second, 15 private-sector participants with REDD+, ESG, or climate-strategy relevance completed a Q-sort using a forced distribution from –4 to +4, and the responses were analyzed using Q-methodology with principal component extraction. Three factors explained 49.0% of the total variance and revealed distinct perception typologies: Social Responsibility-Oriented, Economic Burden-Conscious, and Efficiency and Fairness-Driven. Across types, participation was shaped by different combinations of economic risk, institutional clarity, technical capacity, benefit-sharing, and community legitimacy. The findings show that private sector engagement in REDD+ cannot be mobilized through uniform incentives alone. Rather, the typologies indicate that firms require different entry conditions and governance assurances depending on whether they primarily seek ESG and co-benefit credibility, financial de-risking and clearer return pathways, or transparent procedures and fair implementation. Accordingly, differentiated governance strategies are required, including risk-mitigating financial instruments, clearer legal and administrative pathways, stronger public–private coordination, and more credible benefit-sharing and community engagement mechanisms. By situating corporate perceptions within South Korea’s evolving forest carbon governance framework, this study contributes to research on natural resource management and offers practical implications for expanding private participation in REDD+.
The present study evaluated fifteen superior Eucalyptus clones for their suitability in pulpwood industry and tropical farm forestry under rainfed conditions of eastern India, with emphasis on tree architecture, biomass productivity, fibre quality, and economic returns. The experiment was conducted in an 8-year-old clonal plantation at Rayagada, Odisha, India, using a randomized complete block design. Significant clonal variation was observed across all growth, root, biomass, fibre, and economic parameters, indicating strong genetic influence on plantation performance. Among all clones, JKSC-ECD (Eucalyptus camaldulensis × E. deglupta) emerged as the most outstanding genotype, recording the highest tree height (23.37 m), DBH (19.00 cm), crown volume (56.34 m³), collar girth (0.77 m), rhizosphere area (6.91 m2), and deepest root penetration (2.51 m). It also produced the maximum fresh stem wood yield (384.47 t ha−1), total fresh biomass (491.86 t ha−1), and dry biomass (335.25 t ha−1). Fibre analysis revealed superior pulpwood quality in JKSC-ECD with the highest cellulose content (45.56%) and cellulose yield (122.62 t ha−1), coupled with relatively low lignin content (24.36%), making it highly suitable for pulp and paper manufacture. Economic assessment over an 8-year rotation showed that JKSC-ECD generated the highest gross income (Rs. 12,07,114 ha−1), net return (Rs. 10,07,114 ha−1), and benefit:cost ratio (6.04), substantially outperforming all other clones. CTA-8GS274 ranked as the second-best clone in most parameters. The study establishes JKSC-ECD as the most promising elite clone for tropical pulpwood plantations, combining superior growth, fibre quality, and profitability, thereby offering a sustainable solution for industrial raw material supply and enhanced farmer income in tropical forestry systems similar to the tested site in east India.
Red cinchona (Cinchona pubescens Vahl, Rubiaceae) is one of the most widely distributed species in the Peruvian Amazon; however, its populations are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic pressures, highlighting the need for effective propagation strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of substrate composition and concentrations of the commercial rooting regulator Root-Hor® on the vegetative propagation of C. pubescens through mini-cuttings under nursery conditions. Three substrate mixtures were tested: S1 (soil:sand 1:1), S2 (2:1), and S3 (1:2, v/v), combined with four concentrations of Root-Hor® (0, 3, 5, and 7 mL L−1). Orthotropic shoots were collected from adult trees and established in a microtunnel system at 2,341 m a.s.l. Rooting, survival, callus formation, and root growth variables were evaluated after 60 days. The highest rooting percentage (95.7%) and superior root development (50 roots, 2.4 cm root length, and 60 mg fresh root weight) were achieved with the S2 substrate combined with 5 mL L−1 of Root-Hor®. In contrast, higher auxin concentrations promoted callus formation without improving rooting performance. These results demonstrate that the interaction between substrate physical properties and optimal auxin concentration is critical for successful adventitious root formation. The combination of soil:sand (2:1) and 5 mL L−1 Root-Hor® represents an efficient and low-cost strategy for the clonal propagation and conservation of C. pubescens in tropical ecosystems.
In response to climate change exacerbating tropical soil degradation and water stress, this study examines the importance of mineral fertilization for the productivity of teak (Tectona grandis) plantations. The main objective is to evaluate the effect of potassium fertilization on the growth parameters of the Indian provenance of teak in the Guinean zone (Zogbépimé station). The experiment was conducted on plots planted in 2018. The experimental design consisting of four plots, which were further structured into a total of eight sub-plots (four fertilized and four control) to capture within-plot variability. The treatment involved a manual application of 302 g of potassium chloride (KCl) per tree in 2020 and 2021. Dendrometric data, including diameter at breast height (DBH) and total height, were measured annually from 2020 to 2024 to compare the fertilized plots with the control plots.The results show that fertilization induced a progressive and cumulative positive effect, becoming statistically significant from 2021. In 2024, fertilized trees exhibited a diameter more than 10% greater (14.88 cm vs. 13.43 cm) and a total height 14% greater (16.71 m vs. 14.68 m) compared to the controls. Potassium efficacy peaked in 2023, with a maximum relative gain of 16.5% for diameter, before showing a slight decline in 2024 due to increased competition between trees and canopy closure. The study reveals that fertilization significantly weakened the natural allometric relationship between diameter and height; the coefficient of determination (R2) plummeted from 0.62 to 0.045 for treated trees by 2024, indicating a highly heterogeneous physiological response within the stand.In conclusion, the study confirms that potassium is a major limiting factor during the juvenile phase of teak in Togo. Regarding policy implications, these findings advocate for the integration of rational potassium fertilization protocols into national silvicultural guidelines, particularly for nutrient-deficient tropical soils, to enhance plantation profitability and mitigate economic losses from windthrow. To optimize wood production and plantation resilience, it is recommended to adopt an integrated management strategy combining rational potassium fertilization with early thinning operations. This research provides also a scientific basis for policy-driven genetic selection programs aimed at identifying genotypes highly responsive to potassium, thereby strengthening the forestry sector's resilience to climate variability.
The growing challenge of fungal diseases on world food security requires new technologies to ensure effective and sustainable control. This review discusses the disruptive nature of multifunctional nanoparticles (NPs) in the fight against plant fungal pathogens, their functioning, various uses, and environmental advantages. Nanotechnology opens the possibility of controlled fungal infections at the scale of a nanoparticle, and the technology will be a strong substitute for conventional fungicides, which will target fungal cell walls, membranes, DNA, and processes. Smallness of NPs will enable extensive infiltration into plant tissues, which will increase the effectiveness of fungicides and reduce environmental impact as well as the development of fungal resistance. Metal-based nanoparticles, including silver, copper, zinc, and iron oxide, and biogenic NPs produced by plant and microbial extracts show a wide spectrum of antifungal action, including not only spore germination prevention but also biofilm formation disruption. Also, synergistic relationships between NPs and biocontrol agents, including Trichoderma and Bacillus species, provide a two-fold system of control, a combination of short-term chemical control and long-term biological control, which improves the immunity and resilience of plants. Nonetheless, even with these developments, issues in the commercialization of nanoparticle-based technologies, such as toxicity issues, regulatory frameworks, and issues of perception by the people, still exist. The research of the future should aim at optimizing the production of NPs, providing their safety, and combining nanotechnology and precision farming with genome editing to establish more robust agricultural systems. The inclusion of intelligent nanomaterials in environmentally responsive systems offers a potential avenue to the accurate management of diseases, which in the long run will lead to greater yield and sustainability within global agriculture as a result of climate change and international agricultural demands.
One of the challenges in post-mining land is the acidic soil and high iron (Fe) content. This study aims to analyze the response and effects of Fe exposure on the early growth of Falcataria falcata seedlings and to determine the threshold of F. falcata to Fe exposure. This study used a completely randomized design with Fe concentration treatments of 9 levels (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, and 2 mM). The parameters observed included height, root length, dry weight of roots and shoots, total dry weight, tolerance index, chlorophyll pigment content, and MDA lipid peroxide content. The results showed that Fe exposure significantly affected all growth parameters. Fe concentrations of 0.25-0.75 mM increased growth, while concentrations of 1-2 mM decreased the growth of F. falcata seedlings. The tolerance index also increased when exposed to 0.25-0.75 mM Fe and decreased to 1-2 mM Fe. Fe exposure significantly affected chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll content. An increased Fe concentration of 1.5-2 mM reduced the chlorophyll pigment content of F. falcata seedlings. Fe exposure increased the MDA lipid peroxide content of F. falcata seedlings, peaking at 1.5 mM Fe exposure, which caused a very significant increase. Fe concentrations up to 0.75 mM were the threshold for F. falcata exposure to Fe, and further increases in Fe exposure had negative and potentially toxic effects. F. falcata could be one species used to rehabilitate degraded land, especially land with intermediate Fe Fe consentrations.
Forest ecosystems play an important role in climate change mitigation through carbon storage in biomass and soils. However, information on species-specific carbon sequestration in Mediterranean forests is still limited. This study evaluated biomass accumulation and carbon sequestration capacity of three native Mediterranean tree species (Quercus coccifera, Pinus halepensis, and Ceratonia siliqua) across different developmental stages, including young seedlings (1-3 years) and mature stands (20-80 years), in northern Jordan. Young seedlings were assessed using destructive biomass sampling, while mature stands were evaluated using species-specific allometric equations based on diameter measurements and soil carbon analyses. In addition, seedling and mature-tree evaluations were conducted under different environmental conditions. Carbon concentration varied significantly among plant organs, with generally higher values in leaves than in stems and roots. During early growth stages, young seedlings of C. siliqua exhibited greater annual carbon sequestration (0.55 kg tree(-1)year(-1)) than Q.coccifera and P.halepensis (0.1-0.2 kg tree(-1) year(-1)). In mature stands, P.halepensis showed the greatest aboveground carbon storage, reaching approximately 588 kg C tree(-1). Soil organic carbon stocks across the 0-60 cm soil profile varied among species, ranging from 17.9 kg m(-2) under Q.coccifera to 24.1 kg m(-2) under C.siliqua. Annual carbon sequestration rates derived from short-term field observations and allometric biomass estimations (including both above- and belowground components) differed markedly among species. P.halepensis showed the highest sequestration rate (>65 kg tree(-1) yr(-1)), followed by Q.coccifera (similar to 23-24 kg tree(-1) yr(-1)), whereas C.siliqua exhibited substantially lower rates (<5 kg tree(-1) yr(-1)). These findings suggest that carbon sequestration capacity in Mediterranean forests varies with species, growth stage, and environmental conditions. This variability highlights the need to consider both species selection and site characteristics when designing restoration and afforestation programs aimed at maximizing long-term carbon storage and climate change mitigation in dryland ecosystems.
Understanding how forest structure and species composition respond to anthropogenic pressure is essential for sustainable forest management in tropical protected landscapes. This study assessed variations in forest structure and plant species composition along disturbance gradients in the Lagonoy Natural Biotic area (LNBA), a multiple-use natural biotic area characterized by long-term human occupation. Vegetation data were collected from systematically established plots across upland and riparian forest zones, documenting species identity, abundance, and community composition. Anthropogenic pressure gradients were represented using indirect but robust proxies, including spatial accessibility, altitude, proximity to settlements and markets, forest resource dependence, and length of community residency. Results showed pronounced compositional and structural differentiation across pressure gradients. Forest areas characterized by higher accessibility and stronger livelihood dependence exhibited lower species diversity, reduced community heterogeneity, and a greater dominance of disturbance-tolerant and early-successional taxa. Multivariate ordination analyses revealed clear separation of plant communities along anthropogenic pressure gradients, indicating consistent ecosystem responses to cumulative human use. Cluster analysis further identified distinct forest condition classes corresponding to low-, moderate-, and high-pressure environments. Indicator species analysis demonstrated that late-successional and native species were strongly associated with less disturbed forest segments, whereas generalist and pioneer species dominated highly accessible areas. These findings indicate that anthropogenic pressure drives measurable simplification of forest structure and reorganization of species composition within protected landscapes. The study demonstrates the utility of integrating vegetation data with socio-spatial disturbance proxies to detect forest degradation patterns in data-limited tropical contexts. This approach provides a practical and scalable framework for informing adaptive forest management and conservation planning in human-inhabited tropical forests.
Biomass residue after the harvesting process naturally contains amounts of nutrients that can improve soil quality and increase stand productivity. However, the benefits of biomass residue in supporting forest management are rarely documented. This study investigated the effects of added residual biomass on the performance of an Acacia auriculiformis stand. Three levels of treatment were examined in a randomized complete block design, including fertilization without residual biomass addition, residual biomass addition without fertilization, and fertilization combined with residual biomass addition. Survival rate, tree diameter, tree height, timber production, carbon storage, and nutrient accumulation were evaluated. The results indicated significant differences in merchantable wood production, carbon storage, and nutrient accumulation (P < 0.05). The addition of residual biomass combined with fertilization generated significantly higher performance of A. auriculiformis than fertilization without residual biomass addition (P < 0.05), with increasing productivity of 18.8 - 24.5%. Therefore, this study concluded that residual biomass addition had a positive influence on improving the productivity of the A. auriculiformis stand. This treatment can be adopted as a nutrient management strategy in A. auriculiformis stands to minimize fertilizer costs and reduce environmental risks from overuse of fertilizers.
Sandalwood (Santalum album L.) is an endemic species of ENT - Indonesia, currently listed as a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List. The study seeks to understand the status of sandalwood among agroforestry farmers, on how the ecosystem balance of the sandalwood trade has been maintained for centuries under traditional management, and how current institutional arrangements or policies seem to be leading to unsustainable sandalwood production and trade. Primary data were collected through a survey of eight villages in the South Central Timor district, West Timor, purposively selected based on the distribution of the sandalwood ecosystem; secondary data and information were obtained from manuscripts and open-access sources. The research showed that the current sandalwood trees are mostly found in Mamar, a traditional agroforestry system, with dominant respondents (32%) maintaining populations of fewer than 15 trees, and only 2% respondents own more than 50 trees; however, accounted 80% respondents were willing to plant sandalwood. The paper highlighted that traditional sandalwood management practices during the early sandalwood trade contributed to the sustainable, environmentally sound nature of the sandalwood natural production system. Conversely, induced sandalwood management practices, in general, lead to overexploitation and social distrust, creating unsustainable sandalwood production. The paper suggested that sandalwood cultivation should focus on private land in Mamar, and that regulations and technical standards for sandalwood production and trade should be designed to increase participation and promote sustainable, environmentally friendly dryland management. Sandalwood trees should receive special consideration and be valued more in biodiversity and carbon credit schemes to attract more upland farmers to plant and conserve them.
Forest restoration in tropical montane ecosystems is often limited by the availability of planting material from native species. Cinchona glandulifera, a critically threatened Andean tree species, shows poor natural recruitment, which restricts its use in restoration programs. In this context, vegetative propagation may facilitate the large-scale production of planting material. This study evaluated the interactive effects of auxin type (IBA, indole-3-butyric acid; NAA, naphthaleneacetic acid; and IAA, indole-3-acetic acid) and concentration (1000, 2000, and 3000mg L-1) on the adventitious rooting of stem cuttings under controlled nursery conditions using a subirrigation chamber system. A completely randomized factorial design (3 x 3) plus a control treatment was implemented. Rooting performance was evaluated after 60 days based on survival rate, callus formation, rooting percentage, root number, and root length. Auxin type, concentration, and their interaction significantly affected rooting responses (p < 0.05). IBA at 1000 mg L-1 produced the highest rooting percentage (82.22%), root number (10.33), and root length (5.12mm), significantly outperforming the remaining treatments. Increasing auxin concentrations reduced rooting performance, indicating a relatively narrow optimal hormonal range. Although IAA promoted callus formation, it did not lead to functional root differentiation. These findings demonstrate that hormonal optimization can substantially improve clonal propagation efficiency in Cinchona. The propagation protocol identified here provides a practical framework for large-scale production of planting material that could support ecological restoration and conservation strategies targeting threatened Andean montane forest species.
Wetland ecosystems play important ecological functions but remain the least studied habitats for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) compared to terrestrial ecosystems. Prior studies were often conducted in a small spatial area and focused only on a single wetland type, limiting our understanding of wetland communities in large-scale wetlands. To address this gap, we conducted a meta-analysis of 380 wetland samples from the wetland habitat, targeting the 18S rDNA region, focusing on high-throughput sequencing (HTS) data. In this study, we deliver large-scale dataset syntheses of AMF across multiple wetland types using a standardized pipeline. We categorized wetlands into inland wetlands (freshwater wetland and rice farm) and coastal wetlands (mangrove forest and salt marsh). This meta-analysis study revealed clear differences in AMF richness between inland and coastal wetlands. AMF richness was significantly higher in inland wetlands (freshwater and rice ecosystems) than in coastal wetlands (mangrove and salt marsh), with mangroves showing the lowest richness among all habitats. Habitat explained broader variation, whereas sample type showed a smaller but more consistent effect. Moreover, soil pH showed a positive correlation (R = 0.18, p = 0.00043), while mean annual precipitation (MAP) (R= -0.42, p <2.2 & times; 10(-16)) and mean annual temperature (MAT) (R = -0.35, p = 1.1 & times; 10(-12)) were negatively correlated with richness. Beta diversity analysis indicated that species turnover was more dominant than nestedness across different wetland types. Overall, AMF communities in wetlands are associated with soil pH and climate (MAP), with differences mainly driven by species turnover. The insight from this study reveals that mangrove wetlands are hosts to unique AMF diversity pools, despite low local richness. Moreover, this this study provides insights into mechanisms that may contribute to ecosystem resilience.
Understanding seedling dynamics is essential for evaluating natural regeneration and guiding restoration strategies. This study monitored seedling emergence, survival, and growth of Lagerstroemia speciosa under natural forest conditions in Mizoram, Northeast India, using 10 permanent sample plots (1 m & times; 1 m) monitored fortnightly over a three-year period (2023-2025). Key microclimatic variables, including soil moisture, soil temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, air temperature, soil pH, and litter thickness were recorded alongside seedling performance. Across the monitoring period, the findings revealed that mean seedling emergence ranged from 2.4 +/- 2.01 to 5.6 +/- 7.62 seedlings per plot, with an overall survival rate of 53.85%, with significantly higher mortality (35.90%) during the dry winter months. Seedling growth increments were positively correlated with soil moisture (seedling height: r = 0.60, P < 0.001 and stem diameter: r = 0.44, P < 0.001) and soil temperature (seedling height: r = 0.52, P < 0.001 and stem diameter: r = 0.45 P < 0.001), while negatively correlated with soil pH (seedling height: r = - 0.27, P < 0.001 and stem diameter: r = - 0.22, P < 0.01). These results demonstrate that moisture availability and seasonal microclimatic variability are primary drivers of early regeneration. From a management perspective, these observational findings suggest that protecting microsite with adequate soil moisture and healthy accumulation of organic plant matter may improve establishment outcomes, though further research is needed to confirm the impact of canopy structure on the regeneration dynamics of L. speciosa.
