Variability in pod and seed traits of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pongamia pinnata</Emphasis> Pierre ecotypes in North Karnataka,India

An evaluation of 30 naturally available candidate-plus trees (CPTs) of Pongamia pinnata was carried out to elucidate the genetic variability and relationship of pod and seed traits and progeny growth traits to select the best planting material with higher productivity. Significant variations were observed in pod and seed characteristics, oil content, and during the progeny trial studies. The highest values were found in 100-pod weight (410.4 gm) and 100-seed weight (195.92 gm) and the phenotypic and genotypic variance was found maximum in 100 pod weight (4364.71 and 4289.93) and 100 seed weight (813.8 and 768.93), respectively. Estimates of the phenotypic coefficient of variance were higher than the genotypic coefficient of variance for all the pod and seed traits and progeny growth traits, which depict the predominant role of the environment. Approximately 99 % of broad-sense heritability was revealed in oil content, followed by 100-pod weight (98.28 %), and canopy growth (96.93 %). Pod thickness shows the highest genetic advance of 56.61 %, followed by pod width (53.43 %) and canopy growth (49.3 %). Pod and seed traits have proven a positive correlation between each other and with progeny growth traits, except a few negative values. Hierarchical clustering by Ward’s minimum variance cluster analysis showed phylogeographical patterns of genetic diversity. K-means clustering revealed that trees from different geographical regions were grouped together in a cluster where as trees from the same geographical area are placed in a different cluster. Seven Pongamia ecotypes (GRP-8, 9, 13, 14, 18, 28, and 29) are found superior in traits, namely 100-pod weight, 100-seed weight, oil content, germination rate, plant height, canopy growth, and collar diameter. The traits 100-pod weight and 100-seed weight are highly correlated with the progeny growth traits and even have higher heritability and genetic advantages.     

Variation,inheritance and correlation of growth characteristics of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Populus deltoides</Emphasis> Bartr. at various ages in the central-plain region of Punjab,India

The growth performance of twenty poplar(Populus deltoides Bartr.) clones,planted in the central-plain region of Punjab in north-western India,was evaluated using a randomized block design with three replications and plot size of four plants.Significant differences among clones were observed for diameter at breast height(DBH),height and volume per tree at age five,six and eight years.Clone L-48/89 recorded significantly superior volume than the control(G-48) at all ages,with superiority of 51.4,43.9 and 48.5 per cent at age five,six and eight years,respectively.The phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were the highest for volume(26.55-34.66% and 15.84-26.00%) and the minimum for tree height(8.43-12.13% and 4.71-7.59%).The broad sense heritability was relatively higher for DBH(0.42-0.55) and genetic advance as per cent of mean was highest for volume(19.48-40.18).All genetic parameters increased with age.All traits showed significant positive correlation with each other.     

The severity and cause of leaf spot disease of Pongamia pinnata L. and fungicidal control of the pathogen

A survey on the symptom and severity of the leaf spot disease of Pongamia pinnata L. was conducted in the nurseries of the Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, University of Chittagong （IFESCU）, Bangladesh Forest Research Institute （BFRI） and Aronnak Nursery in Chittagong. The highest infection percentage and disease index were found in IFESCU nursery, followed by BFRI and the lowest was recorded in Aronnak nursery. The associated organism of leaf spot disease of P. pinnata was isolated from the diseased plant parts and the pathogenicity was established with the isolated fungus. Colletorichum gloeosprioides Penz was proved to be pathogenic. The inhibition of mycelial growth of C. gloeosporioides was observed and identified as suitable fungicides （Bavistin, Cupravite and Dithane M-45） and doses （0.05, 0.10, 0.50, 1.00, 1.50 and 2.00）. The lowest and highest mycelial growth were respectively found on Bavistin and on Cupravite at the concentration of 0.05 after 8th day of incubation. It indicates that out of the three tested fungicides, Bavistin showed most effective, followed by Diathane M-45, and Cupravite was ineffective for its very little inhibition on mycelial growth.     

Growth and heritability estimates among clones of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dalbergia sissoo</Emphasis> Roxb. in a clonal seed orchard

The study of genetic variability is a prerequisite for any tree improvement program. Screening of clones showing the effect of dominance in growth and tree form is essential to identify productive clones, matched to sites. Our study performed in a clonal seed orchard at Lacchiwala of India, represented by 31 clones of Dalbergia sissoo (Shisham) Roxb. from diverse locations revealed significant variability at the 0.1% level of significance in various morphological traits. At the age of 13 years, clone 196 (Gonda) revealed maximum height of 20.2 m and a girth at breast height of 74.2 cm. The five identified clones viz. 196, 198, 192, 123 and 235 were well adapted to the climatic conditions of this zone, hence survived well and showed good performance compared to other clones. Heritability estimates of 87%, 83% and 80% for height, crown width and crown length respectively coupled with high genetic gains indicated strong genetic control of these variables. A correlation matrix of various growth attributes revealed positive correlation among these attributes. On the basis of the entire set of growth variables, the clones were grouped into two major clusters with three subgroups.     

Successful <Emphasis Type="Italic">Agrobacterium</Emphasis>-mediated transformation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Populus tomentosa</Emphasis> with apple <Emphasis Type="Italic">SPDS</Emphasis> gene

The problem of salinized soils has become one of the most serious constraints to agricultural and forest productivity. With the purpose of enhancing salt stress tolerance of Populus tomentosa, we transformed this tree species with spermidine synthase （SPDS） genes derived from an apple by an Agrobacterium-mediated method. Four transgenic clones were confu＇med by PCR and Southern blot analysis. As well, the expression of introduced SPDS genes was analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR.     

Micropropagation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salvadora</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">persica</Emphasis>-a tree of arid horticulture and forestry

A micropropagation method for Jaal (Salvadora persica)—a tree of arid horticulture and forestry has been developed. Nodal segments of fresh shoot sprouts originated from axillary buds obtained from a plant around 35–40 years old lopped plant were used as explants for establishment of in vitro cultures. Surface-sterilized explants produced optimum number of shoots through activation of axillary buds on Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) medium containing 8.88 μM BA (6-benzyladenine) + additives (25 mgl⁻¹ each of adenine sulphate, arginine, citric acid, 50 mgl⁻¹ ascorbic acid). The shoot multiplication was influenced by the successive transfer of the mother explants for 4–5 passages. The maximum number (23.1 ± 0.73 shoots per explant) of shoots were regenerated on MS supplemented with 1.11 μM BA + 1.16 μM Kn (Kinetin) + 0.54 μM NAA (α-naphthalene acetic acid). About 90% shoots pulse-treated with a combination of 2460.27 μM Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) + 494.56 μM NOA (2-naphthoxy acetic acid) were rooted ex vitro on soilrite within 15–18 days. Over 80% cloned plantlets were hardened successfully in a green house and transferred to polybag/pots.     

The behaviour of the species mingling index<Emphasis Type="Italic"> M</Emphasis><Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">sp</Emphasis></Subscript> in relation to species dominance and dispersion

Ecosystem conservation plays an increasingly important role in forest management. The value for such conservation has been directly linked to high diversity of species and structure within systems. In the past, forestry inventory practices have concentrated on aspects that were primarily required for timber management. Now, however, much interest has arisen in measures that will indicate higher or lower diversity. The interspersion of trees of different species reflects diversity at a local level and may serve as an important indicator for the simplification of a forest or woodland system. This article shows that the mingling index M_sp is robust in describing the spatial dispersion of plants; some guidelines for interpreting M_sp are provided.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">D</Emphasis><Superscript>2</Superscript> analysis for estimating genetic divergence in different clones of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dalbergia sissoo</Emphasis>

Genetic divergence was studied in selected 36 genotypes of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. on the basis of seven morphological parameters. The divergence among genotypes was estimated by Mahalanobis method and genotypes were grouped into clusters by Tocher’s method. All the genotypes were classified into seven distinct clusters on the basis of seven morphological traits. Cluster 1 was the largest with 25 genotypes followed by Cluster 2 (four genotypes). Cluster 3, 5, 6 and 7 were the divergent clusters. The D ² analysis revealed that D ² value (39.42) between clone 5040 and clone 201 was recorded maximum. The intra-cluster distance ranged from 0.00 (Cluster 3, 5, 6 and 7) to 3.89 (Cluster 1), the Cluster 3 (clone 33) was the most divergent cluster with maximum inter cluster distance (13.97) with the Cluster 7. By the divergence analysis, the parents for hybridization from diverse clusters could be selected for heterotic hybrids.     

Insecticidal properties of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Thymus persicus</Emphasis> essential oil against <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tribolium castaneum</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sitophilus oryzae</Emphasis>

Red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) and rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae (L.) are considered to be the major insect pests in storage. Essential oils from aromatic plants are recognized as proper alternatives to fumigants. Thymus persicus (Ronniger ex Rech. f.) is one of these plants that have medicinal properties and is indigenous to Iran. The essential oil was obtained from aerial parts of the plant and analyzed by GC and GC–MS. Carvacrol (44.69%) and thymol (11.05%) were the major constituents of the oil extracted. In this experiment, fumigant toxicity of the essential oil was studied against T. castaneum, S. oryzae at 27 ± 1°C and 60 ± 5% RH in dark condition. The adult insects were exposed to the concentrations of 51.9, 111.1, 207.4 and 370.4 μl/l air to estimate median lethal time (LT₅₀) values. The fumigant toxicity was increased in response to increased essential oil concentrations. The LT₅₀ values at the lowest and the highest concentrations tested were ranged from 28.09 to 13.47 h for T. castaneum, and 3.86 to 2.30 h for S. oryzae. It was found that S. oryzae adults were much more susceptible to the oil than T. castaneum. After 24 h of exposure, the LC₅₀ values (95% fiducial limit) for T. castaneum and S. oryzae were estimated to be 236.9 (186.27–292.81) and 3.34 (2.62–4.28) μl/l air, respectively. These results suggest that T. persicus essential oil merits further study as potential fumigant for the management of these stored-product insects.     

Diversity of the calabash tree (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Crescentia cujete</Emphasis> L.) in Colombia

Germplasm of the calabash tree (Crescentia cujete L.) was collected in five major regions of Colombia, i.e. the Andes, Caribbean, Amazon, Orinoco, and Pacific regions. Collecting this multipurpose tree was guided by the indigenous knowledge of farmers and artisans in each region. Large variation in fruit shapes and sizes was found, of which some forms were typical for certain regions. Overall 56 accessions were collected and roughly classified into 22 types by eight fruit shapes and eight sizes. Molecular markers (Amplified fragment length polymorphisms) were applied to leaf tip tissue originating from vegetatively propagated plants in order to assess the diversity available in the germplasm collected as well as to detect patterns of geographical or morphological similarity. One accession each of C. alata H.B.&K. and C. amazonica Ducke were used as outgroups. Overall, genetic diversity was high (mean Nei and Li’s coefficient of 0.43). No relations could be established between either geographical provenance or fruit morphology and patterns of genetic diversity. Concerning the outgroups, the C. amazonica accession appeared to be a distinct species. The C. alata accession, however, did not seem to be sufficiently distinct from C. cujete to merit species status. The latter material may in fact be a hybrid or serve to challenge the validity of interspecific organization of the genus Crescentia.

Aboveground biomass equations for individual trees of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cryptomeria japonica</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chamaecyparis obtusa</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Larix kaempferi</Emphasis> in Japan

Generic equations are proposed for stem, branch and foliage biomass of individual trees in even-aged pure stands of Cryptomeria japonica, Chamaecyparis obtusa and Larix kaempferi. Biomass data was collected from a total of 1,016 individual trees from 247 stands throughout Japan, and five regression models were assessed by root mean square error, mean bias, fit index (FI), and AIC. The results show that a power equation using diameter at breast height (dbh) and height is the most suitable for all species and components. This equation is more accurate than the familiar power equation that uses ‘dbh² height’, and it expresses the greater volume of branch and foliage mass of trees with a lower height/diameter ratio. A power equation using dbh is more reasonable for models with dbh as the only independent variable and more accurate than a power equation using ‘dbh² height’ for estimating branch and foliage mass. Estimating error for branch and foliage mass is larger than that for stem mass, but the entire aboveground biomass can be estimated with an error of less than 19%, except in the case of small trees with dbh less than 10 cm.     

Cloning of <Emphasis Type="Italic">XET</Emphasis> gene from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Anthocephalus chinensis</Emphasis> and its plant expression vector construction

A full-length cDNA sequence of xyloglucan endotransglycosylase gene (XET), abundantly expressed in the cambium of Anthocepha-lus chinensis was cloned by conserved PCR, rapid-amplification of cDNA ends and by chromosome walking. Analytical results of the DNA sequence show that a 912 bp complete open reading frame (ORF) encoded a 303-amino acid protein was in the 1205 bp full cDNA sequence. The deduced amino acid sequence of AcXET, which contained the conserved specific EIDFE catalytic site sequence to XETs was homologous to the other known XET proteins. In order to study the gene function of AcXET and obtain transgenic plants, a plant expression vector pBIAcXET was constructed by recombinating the AcXET fragment from the cloning vector pMD19AcXET and the binary vector pBI121 between the XbaI and SmaI sites. The fragment of AcXET gene was inserted between the CaMV 35S promotor and the coding region of the GUS gene in pBI121. The identification results show that the plant expression binary vector pBIAcXET was constructed successfully. These results lay the foundation for studying the molecular mechanism of AcXET gene during wood formation.     

Chemical alterations induced by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pycnoporus sanguineus</Emphasis>/<Emphasis Type="Italic">Aspergillus flavipes</Emphasis> co-cultures in wood from different tree species

Chemical alterations following inoculation of Acacia mearnsii, Eucalyptus dunnii, E. grandis, and E. macarthurii with a Pycnoporus sanguineus/Aspergillus flavipes co-culture were investigated. Several wood chemical parameters were measured using standard methods from the pulp and paper industry. The data were described and analyzed using univariate as well as multivariate statistical techniques. Boxplots and in particular biplots show clearly how the chemical composition of each tree species was differently affected by the co-culture. Lignin content was significantly decreased in A. mearnsii, while E. dunnii showed a decrease in cellulose content. The results, therefore, indicate that the manner in which wood is degraded by a specific fungal co-culture depends on the tree species involved. This phenomenon should be considered when selecting fungi for bio-pulping.     

Bioremediation of CCA-treated wood by brown-rot fungi <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fomitopsis palustris</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Coniophora puteana</Emphasis>, and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Laetiporus sulphureus</Emphasis>

This study evaluated oxalic acid accumulation and bioremediation of chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood by three brown-rot fungi Fomitopsis palustris, Coniophora puteana, and Laetiporus sulphureus. The fungi were first cultivated in a fermentation broth to accumulate oxalic acid. Bioremediation of CCA-treated wood was then carried out by leaching of heavy metals with oxalic acid over a 10-day fermentation period. Higher amounts of oxalic acid were produced by F. palustris and L. sulphureus compared with C. puteana. After 10-day fermentation, oxalic acid accumulation reached 4.2 g/l and 3.2 g/l for these fungi, respectively. Fomitopsis palustris and L. sulphureus exposed to CCA-treated sawdust for 10 days showed a decrease in arsenic of 100% and 85%, respectively; however, C. puteana remediation removed only 18% arsenic from CCA-treated sawdust. Likewise, chromium removal in F. palustris and L. sulphureus remediation processes was higher than those for C. puteana. This was attributed to low oxalic acid accumulation. These results suggest that F. palustris and L. sulphureus remediation processes can remove inorganic metal compounds via oxalic acid production by increasing the acidity of the substrate and increasing the solubility of the metals.An erratum to this article can be found at     

Enzymatic saccharification and ethanol production of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acacia mangium</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Paraserianthes falcataria</Emphasis> wood,and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Elaeis guineensis</Emphasis> trunk

We examined the saccharification and fermentation of meals from Acacia mangium wood, Paraserianthes falcataria wood, and Elaeis guineensis trunk. The levels of enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose and ethanol production were highest for P. falcataria wood and lowest for A. mangium wood. Ultrasonication pretreatment of meal further increased the rates of hydrolysis and ethanol production in meal from P. falcataria wood. Through this pretreatment, hemicelluloses (xylan and xyloglucan) and cellulose were released in the meal from P. falcataria wood. Loosening of hemicellulose associations can be expected to make P. falcataria wood more useful for bioethanol production.     

Phenotypic plasticity blurs ecotypic divergence in the response of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus coccifera</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus halepensis</Emphasis> to water stress

The Mediterranean evergreen woody plants Quercus coccifera and Pinus halepensis grow in a range of environments where selection by drought, heat and high irradiance can drive genetic and phenotypic differentiation of populations. However, the role of these stresses in filtering out maladaptive genotypes remains unknown. We hypothesize that this filtering is an important process for woody Mediterranean species due to their low phenotypic plasticity reported in previous studies. We have studied the response of saplings of Q. coccifera and P. halepensis, originating from two contrasting populations (a rock outcrop and a garrigue formation), to water stress. Isozyme characterization of genetic diversity was done to determine whether populations were genetically distinct. Water response analysis was based on water relations, gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence, pigment content, antioxidant status and morphological and structural parameters. Ecotypic differentiation was found for both Q. coccifera and P. halepensis populations, with a higher population isozyme similarity and a higher frequency of dominance of a few genotypes at the rock outcrop in both the species. P. halepensis exhibited small but significant differences between populations for plastic responses to water, with lower phenotypic plasticity in saplings from the rock outcrop. Although it was not found in Q. coccifera, this pattern suggests that ecotypic differentiation rendering stress-tolerant ecotypes involves a decreased plasticity. Phenotypic plasticity was not high but it explained over 75% of the total variability among individual plants. Thus, and although evidence for ecotypic divergence was found in both the species, saplings were plastic enough to blur ecotypic differentiation. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Effects of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Verticillium nonalfalfae</Emphasis> on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ailanthus altissima</Emphasis> and associated indigenous and invasive tree species in eastern Austria

The naturally occurring Verticillium nonalfalfae shows promise for biocontrol of the highly invasive Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), but might also bear a risk for non-target tree species. In this study, we conducted inoculations on potted seedlings of A. altissima as well as on eight indigenous and two invasive tree species associated with Tree of Heaven in Austria. Although vascular discolourations developed in all inoculated tree species, V. nonalfalfae was reisolated from Ailanthus and eight of the ten non-target-species, whereas typical disease symptoms and mortality only occurred on A. altissima. Results confirmed high susceptibility (S) of A. altissima to V. nonalfalfae but indicated tolerance (T) of Acer campestre, Acer pseudoplatanus and Quercus robur, possible resistance (PR) of Fraxinus excelsior, Populus nigra, Tilia cordata, Ulmus laevis and Ulmus minor and resistance (R) of Fraxinus pennsylvanica and Robinia pseudoacacia to this potential biocontrol agent. Results from seedling inoculations were confirmed by cursory field observations in Ailanthus-inoculated forest stands, where admixed A. campestre, A. pseudoplatanus, F. excelsior, Populus alba, R. pseudoacacia and U. laevis canopy trees remained asymptomatic, while mortality was induced in Ailanthus.     

Genetic variation among 11 <Emphasis Type="Italic">Abies concolor</Emphasis> populations based on allozyme analysis

In order to obtain information on the genetic structure ofAbies concolor and the genetic variation among 11 populations introduced from America to China, allozyme analysis based on starch gel electrophoresis technology was used. 24 loci of 10 allozyme systems were mensurated, and the genetic structure and genetic diversity of the 11 populations of A. concolor evaluated. The results show that the genetic variation among is significant, and the genetic variation within A. concolor populations is more important. In contrast with other conifers, the variation of A. concolor is above the average level of conifers, and higher than the same level of Abies. The percentage of polymorphic loci (P) was 62.5%, the number of alleles per locus (A) 2.08, the number of effective alleles per locus (Ae) was 1.37, the expected heterozygosity (H) 0.204, and the Shannon information index (/) 0.351 7. There is a short genetic distance (D=0.061) and a low gene flow (Nm=0.839 4) among the 11 introduced populations ofA. concolor with high genetic variation. The genetic differentiation coefficient (Gst) was 0.229 5, which is higher than that of the mean in Abies or Pinus.     

Weed control measures in Christmas tree plantations of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Abies nordmanniana</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Abies lasiocarpa</Emphasis> on agricultural land

Abies nordmanniana and Abies lasiocarpa, established for Christmas tree production in southwestern Norway (58°44′N, 5°38′E), were treated with different weed control methods, including chemicals, use of black plastic mulch, grass or clover as ground cover, living mulch and mechanical hoeing. Ground cover with black plastic mulching resulted in the best growth and quality in A. lasiocarpa; the least favourable treatment was when grasses were allowed to grow close to the trees. Unless measures were taken to remove this competing vegetation, the ground cover grew over the trees, smothering 94% of them. A. nordmanniana plants grew to the same height on plots with no weed control as on plots with thorough weed eradication. Stem diameter decreased on plots with ground vegetation compared to seedlings grown in the weed-free environment. The use of Trifolium repens as ground cover decreased height growth by 30% compared to thorough weed control. Both grasses and clover sown as living mulch, damaged the trees more than did natural weed vegetation.     

Effects of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eucalypt</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acacia</Emphasis> plantations on soil water in Sumatra

Indonesia’s pulp and paper industry needs a large area of sustainably grown plantations to support its continued development. Acacia mangium has been the key species underpinning the pulp and paper industries in Sumatra, however increased disease pressure on A. mangium is expected to require large-scale conversion of Acacia plantations to Eucalyptus in the near future. The effect of such a large scale change in plantation species on soil moisture, for both tree production, and catchment hydrology is unknown. In this study we sought to characterize the impacts of plantation species (Acacia or Eucalyptus) and nitrogen management, on soil moisture, soil water depletion and depth to groundwater under stands of Acacia mangium and Eucalyptus pellita over the first 2–3 years after establishment. The study was conducted in experiments at four sites in Sumatra, Indonesia. Soil moisture and soil water depletion were not influenced by plantation species or fertilizer treatment. Soil moisture content and soil water depletion were strongly influenced by shallow groundwater at two of the four sites, however depth to groundwater did not influence stem growth. Results from the field trials cautiously suggest that large scale conversion of Acacia mangium to Eucalypt species in these regions is unlikely to result in increased moisture stress, nor is conversion of plantation species likely to lead to substantial differences in catchment hydrology. This study demonstrated the importance of conducting multi-site studies when investigating biophysical relationships in forest/plantation systems.