Aqueous extract of Sri Lankan Erythrina indica leaves has sedative but not analgesic activity

In contrast to what was reported for the Indian plant, the aqueous leaf extract of Sri Lankan Erythrina indica showed potent sedative activity but no analgesic effects, as claimed by Sri Lankan Ayurvedic physicians.     

Sedative activity of stem bark of the Sri Lankan endemic plant, Vateria copallifera

An aqueous bark extract of Vateria copallifera showed marked sedative activity, which supports the therapeutic effects claimed by Sri Lankan traditional physicians.     

Seed source variation for growth and stem form in the exotic species <Emphasis Type="Italic">Khaya senegalensis</Emphasis> in Sri Lanka

Khaya senegalensis is an increasingly important commercial plantation species in Australia, Sri Lanka and elsewhere. To address a problem of limited information on seed source variation from across its natural and planted range for key economic traits, two seed source trials were established in Sri Lanka in 2008. These included 3 Sri Lankan landrace and 21 natural stand sources from sub-Saharan Africa. Both trials were assessed for height and survival at age 2 years and then diameter at breast height, total height and stem form traits at age 6 years. Significant differences (P < 0.01) were found between seed sources for all traits at both sites. Significant differences were also found among seed sources in one trial for within seed source variability of tree volume and other traits, with two local Sri Lankan sources showing some of the highest variabilities. Whilst analyses of data pooled across the two sites revealed significant (P < 0.01) seed source by site interaction effects for most traits, such interactions will be of little practical significance for growth as correlations (r values) of seed source means across the two sites were moderate and positive, but for stem form traits correlations between the sites were low to very low and not significant. Options for future genetic improvement of the species in Sri Lanka are discussed.     

An Interdisciplinary Research Initiative Towards Sustainable Management of Forest Resources in Lowland Rain Forests of Sri Lanka

Ever-wet forests of SW Sri Lanka are biodiversity hot spots with a wealth of potentially useful and currently used species. Traditional peoples surrounding these forests depend on them for a variety of focds, medicinals and the like as well as for timber. Some of these forests are being preserved as storehouses of diversity that include rare endemics and wild relatives of useful plants. Other natural forests and plantations must be managed for multiple uses including timber and non-timber products used by the forest dependent villagers. Understanding the ecological, social and economic interdependence of forests and rural communities is vital for the future forestry sector development in Sri Lanka. As many of the plants used locally are characteristic of early stages of gap regeneration, timber and non-timber products are compatible uses, given sufficiently judicious management. Anthropological and biological research is now in progress to plan for multiple use management of Sri Lankan ever-wet forests.     

Antimicrobial activity of Psychotria microlabastra.

The methanol extracts of leaves, root and stem barks of Psychotria microlabastra showed a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity, that was increased on fractionation (petrol, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate), particularly in the ethyl acetate fractions. None of the extractives showed activity against the tested moulds.     

Restoration pathways for rain forest in southwest Sri Lanka: a review of concepts and models

In the last 10 years the Sri Lankan government has changed its policy regarding its remaining rain forest from one that promoted commercial exploitation to one of conservation. The growing importance of uplands as catchments for water production, biodiversity conservation and other downstream services has been recognized by the Sri Lankan government. It is therefore timely that we review 15 years of research investigating rain forest dynamics of southwest Sri Lanka with the objective of using this knowledge for forest restoration. We provide six common principles for understanding the integrity of rain forest dynamics in southwest Sri Lanka. The principles are: (i) disturbances provide the simultaneous initiation and/or release of a new forest stand; (ii) that disturbances are generally non-lethal to the groundstory vegetation; (iii) disturbances are variable in severity, type and extent across rain forest topography; (iv) guild diversity (habitat diversity) is dependent upon “advance regeneration”; (v) tree canopy stratification is based on both “static” and “dynamic” processes; and (vi) canopy dominant late-successional tree species are site specialists restricted to particular topographic positions of the rain forest. These principles are applied to determine effects of two rain forest degradation processes that have been characterized as chronic (continuous detrimental impacts) and acute (one-time detrimental impacts). Restoration pathways are suggested that range from: (i) the simple prevention of disturbance to promote release of rain forest succession; (ii) site-specific enrichment planting protocols for canopy trees; (iii) sequential amelioration of arrested fern and grasslands by use of plantation analogs of old field pine to facilitate secondary succession of rain forest, and plantings of late-seral rain forest tree species; and (iv) establishment and release of successionally compatible mixed-species plantations. We summarize with a synthesis of the restoration techniques proposed for reforestation using native vegetation on cleared conservation areas and parks, and for the stabilization of eroded upland watersheds. We conclude with a comparative analysis with restoration work done in other tropical forest regions.     

Alley cropping and analog forests for soil conservation in the dry uplands of Sri Lanka

The use of contour hedgerows of woody legumes to control soil erosion has been promoted amongst smallholders in the Upper Mahaweli catchment of Sri Lanka since 1988. The success of this program depends greatly on the properties of the different production systems occupying the alleys created by these hedgerows such as: profitability, time taken for profit to be realized, labour requirements, seasonal distribution of labour, environmental and economic stability, biophysical sustainability, the contribution of the system to the domestic needs of the farm family, adoptability of the system and successful management of the hedgerows. These properties were used to evaluate seven desktop farm models with different combinations of: seasonal crops, coffee-pepper intercrop, fodder-dairy, woodlot, and analog forest established in the alleys. The analog forest is a perennial polyculture which, like the traditional forest garden, is structurally and functionally analogous to the natural forest. It was found that a model with 40% seasonal crops, 20% perennial crops (coffee-pepper) and 40% analog forest made the best compromise between the properties under consideration. It is recognized that the socio-economic conditions that determine the appropriateness of this model in the Sri Lankan context are not universal and the extension of the analog forest concept into other tropical uplands is discussed.     

The role of nontimber tree products in household food procurement strategies: profile of a Sri Lankan village

Reliance on nontimber forest products from homegardens and forests in a Sri Lankan village is presented. Land and tree tenure in this village adjacent to the Sinharaja Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Reserve have shifted dramatically because of changing priorities in forest management recently shifting from utilization toward complete forest protection. Local residents must adapt to a new set of social circumstances. Household demographics, access to land, and income from nontimber forest products (NTFPs) and external employment are examined as pertinent to household food acquisition. Linear correlations show significant associations between income generated from the sale of agricultural produce and nontimber forest products and the amount of money allocated to food purchases. Fifty-five edible plant species were found in homegardens. Four forest tree species provide food regularly. Case studies are essential in increasing the natural resource manager's awareness about the role of agroforestry in protected areas management and his or her understnading of promoting protection without compromising subsistence needs.     

海南中部山区什运乡小斑块分布次生林的数量分类

应用DCA排序和TWINSPAN分类方法,将海南中部山区什运乡区域内分布的小斑块次生林划分为7个群落类型:毛叶青冈+香合欢+毛柿群系(Form.Cyclobalanopsis kerrii+Albiza odoratissima+Diospyros strigosa)、枫香+岭南山竹子+黄椿木姜群系(Form.Liquidambar formosana+Garcinia oblongifolia+Litsea variabilis)、黄牛木+九节+青梅群系(Form.Cratoxylumcochinchinense+Psychotria rubra+Vatica mangachapoi)、鸭脚木+木荷+短穗探柯群系(Form.Schefflera octophylla+Schimasaperba+Lithocarpus fenestratus)、长圆叶新木姜+南岛青冈群系(Form.Neolitsea oblongifolia+Cyclobalanopsis insularis)、黧蒴栲单优群系(Form.Castanopsis fissa)、黄叶树+皂帽花+美叶菜豆树群系(Form.Xanthophyllum hainanense+Dasymaschalontrichophorum+Radermachera frondosa)。DCA排序第1轴反映了群系自南向北的空间分布情况和温度变化梯度,第2轴上呈现的环境意义不明显。     

Strictosidinic acid, isolated from Psychotria myriantha Mull. Arg. (Rubiaceae), decreases serotonin levels in rat hippocampus

Psychotria is a complex genus whose neotropical species are known by the presence of glucosidic monoterpene indole alkaloids. These compounds are able to display a large range of effects on the central nervous system, such as anxiolytic, antidepressant, analgesic, and impairment of learning and memory acquisition. The aims of this study were to investigate the effects displayed by strictosidinic acid, isolated from Psychotria myriantha Mull. Arg. (Rubiaceae) leaves, on monoamine levels in rat hippocampus and on monoamine oxidase activity. A significance (p<0.01) of 83.5% reduction in 5-HT levels was observed after intra-hippocampal injection (20 μg/μl). After treatment by intraperitoneal route (10 mg/kg), a 63.4% reduction in 5-HT levels and a 67.4% reduction in DOPAC values were observed. The results indicate that strictosidinic acid seems to act on 5-HT system in rat hippocampus, possibly inhibiting precursor enzymes of 5-HT biosynthesis. The decrease verified in DOPAC levels suggests a role of strictosidinic acid in the dopaminergic transmission, probably due to an inhibition of monoamine oxidase activity, confirmed by the enzymatic assay, which demonstrated an inhibitory effect on MAO A in rat brain mitochondria.     

Factors influencing establishment by direct seeding of indigenous tree species in typical plantations and shrubland in South China

Seed limitation of desired indigenous species has constrained the succession of established plantations from an early successional stage, to more natural forests in South China. Because of its low cost and time-saving advantages, direct seeding has been considered a useful method in forest regeneration. To improve our understanding of whether and how direct seeding can lead to the establishment of indigenous tree species, we carried out an experiment in four typical plantations (eucalyptus, mixed-native, mixed-legume, mixed-conifer) and a shrubland in South China. We also tested the effect of understory vegetation and litter removal on seedling establishment and growth. Seeds of three indigenous tree species (Castanopsis chinensis, Cryptocarya chinensis, and Psychotria rubra) were sown with understory vegetation and litter either retained or removed. Seedling emergence, survival, and growth were recorded for 21 months. We found that conditions that favored seedling emergence often differed from those that favored seedling survival. While the removal of understory vegetation and litter did not influence the final seedling establishments for all the three introduced species, growth of Psychotria rubra was influenced at several sites. Seed mass was positively correlated with seedling emergence and subsequent growth. The large-seeded Castanopsis chinensis showed higher emergence and growth than the intermediate-seeded Cryptocarya chinensis or the small-seeded Psychotria rubra. Seedlings of Castanopsis chinensis grew better in plant communities with high understory light penetration and high soil exchangeable potassium. Growth of P. rubra seedlings decreased significantly with soil hydrolyzed nitrogen. In conclusion, direct seeding can be useful for the establishment of indigenous tree species into plantations and shrubland. Optimizing early seedling establishment and growth will require the selection of suitable native species for improving seedling establishment in different plantations. Additionally, understory vegetation and litter and fertilizer should be properly managed to enhance the establishment of certain indigenous tree species.     

我国南方四种植物的叶面积无损测定

利用阔叶图像分析系统WinFolia测定了我国南方阴香、三叉苦、九节和桃金娘4种植物的叶面积、叶周长、叶垂直长、叶水平宽和叶片长5项叶形态指标,通过方差分析和回归分析揭示各项指标的变异状况和指标间的相关性,探寻其叶面积无损测定方法及其可靠性。结果表明,叶面积的变异最大,其余4项指标变异程度接近,变异系数约为叶面积变异系数的1／2。叶面积与其余4项指标均呈极显著正相关（r〉0．90,P〈0．001）。综合考虑显示,叶垂直长、叶水平宽和叶片长均为准确可靠的叶面积无损测定指标。研究拟合出四种植物叶面积测定的回归方程,对今后开展叶面积测定及相关研究具有重要参考作用。     

宛田红锥林主要种群生态位研究

采用样方法、利用生态位宽度(Levins指数、Hurlbert指数、Feinsinger指数)、生态位相似性比例、生态位重叠对宛田红锥林不同资源位中20个主要种群的生态位进行了测定。结果表明,采用Levins,Hurlbert和Feinsinger三个生态位宽度计测公式结果基本一致;红锥,九节,倒挂铁角蕨的生态位宽度最大,对群落环境的适应和资源利用能力最强;宛田红锥林各主要种群间对生态因子的需求较相似,生态位相似性比例比较高,Cih值大于0.4的有109对,占57.4%;生态位宽度较大的种群间,生态位相似性比例一般较大,如红锥与球序鹅掌柴,九节与罗伞树的Cih值分别为0.709 7,0.741 6;宛田红锥林各主要种群间生态位重叠程度低,表明红锥林利用相同资源位而产生的种间竞争不激烈,群落处于稳定状态。     

Motivating factors and facilitating conditions explaining women's participation in co-management of Sri Lankan forests

Among South Asian countries, Sri Lanka has only recently ventured into community management of its forests. This paper focuses on a qualitative exploration of two communities in a rainforest conservation project in Sri Lanka. The high level of women's participation is attributed to motivating factors and facilitating conditions. Obstacles to forest co-management outcomes include reduced forest dependency and top–down decision making. Adaptive implementation strategies compensate for these obstacles by establishing strong networks and structural organizations in forest boundary communities. This suggests that an intervention addressing the actual needs of stakeholders, rather than focusing on perceived problems, would allow for increased participation.     

Provenance variations in seed-related characters and oil content of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Calophyllum inophyllum</Emphasis> L. in northern Australia and Sri Lanka

Seed morphometric characters and oil content were studied in multiple-use plant, Calophyllum inophyllum L. of two countries, Australia (southern hemisphere) and Sri Lanka (northern hemisphere). Seven provenances were selected which included three from northern Australia and four from Sri Lanka. Twelve Candidate plus trees (CPTs) each were selected from 2 to 3 different locations within each provenance based on the morphometric and qualitative traits (GBH > 100 cm). Seed collection in both hemispheres was carried out from May to August 2008. Calophyllum inophyllum L. provenances showed a distinct hemisphere variation in their seed-related characters and oil content. All provenances differed significantly (P < 0.05) with one another in seed length. Seeds from Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka and seeds from Cardwell Australia recorded the highest (≈57%) and the lowest oil (≈31%) content respectively. Strong correlations were found between seed morphometric characters. Relatively weaker correlations were found between seed morphometric characters and oil content. Variations in seed-related characters were largely attributed by the provenance contribution which shows the significance of the effect of genetic variability on above mentioned seed related characters.     

中国茶叶国际竞争力"国家钻石"模型的评价与分析

茶叶产业是中国的一个传统优势产业,但是自20世纪80年代以来,中国茶叶面临着印度、肯尼亚、斯里兰卡和印尼等国强有力的竞争,中国茶叶的国际竞争力不断下降。就这一问题,运用FAO的统计资料,利用国际市场占有率、显示性比较优势、生产者价格指数、单产4个评价指标,测算了20世纪80年代以来中国、印度、斯里兰卡、肯尼亚和印尼茶叶的国际竞争力变化。得出的结论是,中国茶叶在4个评价指标上基本处于劣势地位。在实证分析的基础上,基于茶叶国际竞争力的“国家钻石”模型中国际竞争力的5 个决定因素,从要素禀赋、公司策略与竞争、关联产业、需求因素和政府行为5个层面提出提升中国茶叶国际竞争力的相应对策与建议。在对策与建议中,重点明确了政府在茶叶产业国际竞争力提升中的职能边界。     

Essential oil content and composition of Indian sandalwood (Santalum album) in Sri Lanka

Santalum album (Indian Sandalwood) is found in the mountainous regions of the intermediate zone of Sri Lanka. Few studies have been conducted on sandalwood ecology in this region, and ours is the first recorded study of essential oil content and chemical composition of heartwood. We harvested two trees with State permission and took crosssections for analysis. We demonstrated a difference in the heartwood formation and oil yield of the trees. The composition of the oil was found to be consistent between trees and along the trunk of the tree. Main aromatic compounds were santalols and other compounds are recorded in lesser quantities. Results of this study comply with the other published work on sandalwood elsewhere. This initial study on S. album in Sri Lanka provided promising results for the future of sandalwood agro- forestry.     

Regeneration of Psychotria umbellata and production of the analgesic indole alkaloid umbellatine

Psychotria umbellata Vell. (Rubiaceae), a Brazilian coastal woody species, produces umbellatine (also known as psychollatine), an analgesic indole alkaloid. An in vitro embryogenic regeneration protocol capable of yielding alkaloid-accumulating plants was developed. Rhizogenic calli, which were obtained from stem segments derived from rooted apical cuttings, were cultured on Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium containing either 1 mg l(-1) NAA (naphthalene acetic acid) and no kinetin, or 5 mg l(-1) NAA + 1 mg l(-1) kinetin. Calli did not accumulate umbellatine. Segments of rhizogenic callus were cultured on complete MS medium with various concentrations of kinetin and sucrose. Plant regeneration was best in the light with 0.25 mg l(-1) of kinetin and 1.5% sucrose. After 3 months of acclimatization in soil mixture, plant survival was 81%. Leaves of 10-month-old regenerated plants yielded umbellatine concentrations equivalent to those of adult forest-grown plants.     

Intercropping under coconuts in Sri Lanka

Coconut is a major commercial crop of Sri Lanka. Growing a number of other crops in association with coconuts is a widespread practice in all coconut-growing areas of the country. The rationale for the practice is that other crops can profitably be grown between or under the coconuts during the different growth stages of the palms and thus the overall productivity of the land under this long-duration crop can substantially be increased. The paper gives a concise account of the practice in Sri Lanka indicating the crops most commonly grown as intercrops, arrangement of different crops and early research results on the productivity of the intercrops and their effect on coconuts. Adequate supplies of water and labour are the two major inputs needed for the success of the system. Drought, lack of funds, price instability, lack of technical know-how on intercrop management and problems of timely availability of inputs are the major constraints experienced by farmers in expanding intercropping. Research on both biological and socio-economic aspects is needed to overcome these constraints and extend this potentially attractive system.