Baited pitfall traps represent a widely utilized method for dung beetle sampling. The effectiveness of this approach can be influenced by various factors, such as the type of bait used, trap size, and modifications to trap components. An important challenge during trapping is the inadvertent capture of non-target animals (such as: frogs, lizards, snakes, small rodents, and spiders), a concern that becomes more pronounced if endangered species are involved. To address these issues, incorporating a mesh panel into pitfall traps can help prevent unwanted intrusions. In this study, we assess the efficiency of baited pitfall traps covered with 2 cm mesh panels (BPTMP) for sampling dung beetles in tropical karst ecosystems within the Huu Lien Nature Reserve (northern Vietnam), comparing them with typical baited pitfall traps (BPT). The result revealed no significant differences in the species composition of dung beetles between the two trap types. Although the abundance of large-bodied dung beetles was significantly lower in BPTMPs compared to trap BPTs, the overall abundance and diversity of dung beetles did not significantly differ between the two trap types. Therefore, we strongly recommend adopting this sampling technique in studying on the diversity of dung beetles.
A comprehensive root database holds paramount importance for agro-forestry endeavours, providing valuable insights into the ecological characteristics and stability of plant species. However, the creation of such databases presents a formidable challenge. This study is devoted to shedding light on the spatial distribution characteristics of coarse roots (diameter ≥1 cm) in Populus simonii trees, which naturally flourish in Tongde County, Thanh Hai province, China. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technology was employed to investigate the distribution of these coarse roots, while tree root diameters were estimated through controlled experiments involving buried objects. A total of 40 P. simonii trees were meticulously selected for data collection, and the coarse roots of these trees were categorized into three diameter classes: 1-2 cm, 2-3 cm, and ≥3 cm. The study findings have unveiled a robust correlation between the density of coarse roots and the diameter at breast height (dbh) of the trees. Moreover, the total coarse root density moderately correlates with canopy width and tree height within a horizontal plane extending 3-5 m from the tree base and a vertical plane at a soil depth of 20-40 cm. This study underscores the effectiveness of GPR in elucidating the spatial distribution of tree roots and accurately estimating root diameters. This underscores the potential of GPR to significantly enhance investigations related to root ecology and below-ground biomass estimation.
Herb tea is tending to be consumed widely and increasingly in the world. In Vietnam, banana is one of the most popular fruits, but their peels are often wasted which can be reproduced in food processing. The purpose of this study was to determine the combination of banana-flavored water mixed with other herb extraction to create a kind of herbal drink meeting demand’s consumers. Therefore, banana peels were extracted directly in boiling water to create steam and condense water with a strong banana flavor. The optimal volume of banana-flavored water was 25 mL added into 100 mL herbal extract water. Among seven studied herbs, licorice with the number of 2 branches was accepted the most by panelists for herb tea’s sweetness and valued 3.8 for the taste sensory score in the 5 -point Hedonic scale. In addition, saffron with 3 branches was the best coloring agent for bright yellowness, determined 4.2 for the color sensory score. On the other hand, jujube (1 gram) was the best appropriate herb for the best flavour, well mixed with other herbs to produce the best acceptance by major panelists (the total sensory score of 14.6). The final herb tea product made by the selective recepi is potential to supply for the market a new healthy herbal drink.
The present study delved into the dynamics of tree communities in a specific area within Phou Khao Khouay National Park in Laos, distinguished by three distinct tropical forest types: Dry Evergreen Forest (DEF), Mixed Deciduous Forest (MDF), and Mixed Coniferous Forest (MCF). Conducted over a decade, from 2012 to 2022, we utilized data from a previous inventory carried out in 32 permanent plots, each measuring 50 m × 50 m. Trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 10 cm were identified, tagged, and measured for various parameters. In 2012, we documented 4,072 stems, amounting to 395 species existing within 155 families across the 32 plots, with a total area of 8 ha. By 2022, the number of stems had increased to 4,402, but the species and family counts had decreased to 311 and 135, respectively. Over the ten years, there was a notable increase in the number of stems, basal area (BA), and aboveground biomass (AGB), accompanied by a reduction in species and families. This study contributes valuable insights that can be utilized to enhance forest management practices. The observed trends provide a nuanced understanding of the dynamic nature of the forest ecosystems in the study area. The findings underscore the importance of considering individual forest types when implementing conservation strategies.
Understanding the maintenance of diversity and the assembly of communities is a primary concern in community ecology. This study explored the phylogenetic structure of an evergreen broadleaved tree community in Con Dao National Park, Vietnam. The survey, conducted in December 2023, encompassed all tree individuals with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 2.5 cm within a 4-ha study plot. These individuals were identified by species name, and their DBH was measured. Subsequently, a community phylogenetic tree was constructed using the Phylomatic online platform. The 4-ha study plot was subdivided into there different subplots based on three spatial scales (25 m × 25 m, 50 m × 50 m, and 100 m × 100 m) and all trees were classified into three different DBH classes (2.5 cm ≤ DBH < 10 cm representing small trees; 10 cm ≤ DBH < 20 cm as medium trees; and DBH ≥ 20 cm as large trees). The net relatedness index (NRI) and net nearest taxon index (NTI) were utilized to evaluate the phylogenetic structure and infer ecological processes. Our findings revealed a consistent decrease in both NRI and NTI with increasing spatial scales and tree sizes. These results suggest an overdispersed phylogenetic structure within the community across different spatial scales and tree sizes. Additionally, negative density dependence was found to have a pronounced effect on the phylogenetic structure, with a more significant impact on tree individuals from small and medium DBH classes than large ones. This study underscores the significance of phylogenetic density dependence as a primary mechanism governing species diversity and shaping the community structure of evergreen broadleaved forests in Vietnam.
