Effects of anthropogenic disturbances on natural regeneration and population structure of gum arabic tree(Acacia senegal)in the woodlands of Lake Baringo ecosystem,Kenya

Despite the ecological and economic importance of Acacia senegal, little is known about the effects of anthropogenic disturbances on its natural regeneration patterns and population structure. We investigated the effects of these factors within the Lake Baringo woodland ecosystem. Data was collected from 60 plots of 20 m 9 20 m systematically distributed in four A. senegal-dominated populations within the Lake Baringo woodland. Sample populations spanned a degradation gradient measured by a population disturbance index(PDI). Trees were measured for diameter at breast height(DBH) and categorized by growth stages: seedling, sapling and adult tree. Higher seedling and sapling densities were recorded in lightly than heavily disturbed populations, but only sapling density was significantly different between the two disturbance levels(P = 0.02). Lightly disturbed populations revealed a reversed J-shape size-class distribution(SCD) indicative of stable structure unlike the heavily disturbed populations.The quotient and permutation indices indicated unstable populations with episodic recruitment and mortality.Our study reveals that natural regeneration and population structure of A. senegal were affected majorly by selective harvesting and heavy browsing. Suitable management strategies to control livestock grazing and illegal tree harvesting within the woodland is required to promote conservation of the species genetic resources     

Mating patterns of the gum arabic tree (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Acacia senegal synonym Senegalia senegal</Emphasis>) in two different habitats

Understanding the variation of mating patterns in disturbed habitats provide insight into the evolutionary potential of plant species and how they persist over time. However, this phenomenon is poorly understood in tropical dryland tree species. In the present study, we investigated how Acacia senegal reproduces in two different environmental contexts in Kenya. Open-pollinated progeny arrays of 10 maternal trees from each environmental context were genotyped using 12 nuclear microsatellite markers. Overall, A. senegal displayed a predominantly allogamous mating pattern. However, higher multilocus outcrossing rate (tm) was found in Lake Bogoria (tm = 1.00) than in Kampi ya Moto population (tm = 0.949). Higher biparental inbreeding (t _m  ? t _s  = 0.116) and correlation of outcrossed paternity (rp = 0.329) was found in Kampi ya Moto than in Lake Bogoria population (t _m  ? t _s  = 0.074, rp = 0.055), showing the occurrence of mating among relatives. Coefficient of coancestry (Θ = 0.208) showed that full-sibs constitute about 21% of the offspring in Kampi ya Moto population compared to about 14% (Θ = 0.136) in Lake Bogoria population. The results demonstrate that low adult tree density of A. senegal may be promoting seed production through consanguineous mating and suggest that man-made disturbance can affect mating patterns of the species. Despite these mating differences, trees from both populations can contribute as seed source for conservational plans, and to support effective genetic conservation and artificial regeneration programs of A. senegal. We suggest collection of seeds from at least 42 and 63 trees in Lake Bogoria and Kampi ya Moto populations, respectively, to retain a progeny array with a total effective population size of 150.     

Regeneration in windthrow areas in hemiboreal forests: the influence of microsite on the height growths of different tree species

Natural regeneration of windthrow areas is an important issue when planning forestry measures after forest disturbances. Seedling recruitment was investigated in storm-damaged hemiboreal mixed forests in eastern Estonia. The establishment and growth of seedlings from natural regeneration was registered for tree species in soil pits and in mounds of uprooted trees in stands that were either heavily or moderately damaged. Seedling growth is expected to be better in large but shallow soil pits created by uprooted Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] and poorer in small but deep pits created by the hardwoods in the area, silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.) and European aspen (Populus tremula L.). The most abundant regenerating species was birch. Pits hosted larger seedling numbers than mounds, due to soil instability in mounds. Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia L.) showed significantly faster growth than the other seedling species. Norway spruce pits were preferred to pits of other species by both birch and spruce seedlings. Black alder [Alnus glutinosa (L.) J. Gaertn.] did not show a preference for pits of a certain species of uprooted tree. Both spruce and rowan preferred hardwood mounds over spruce mounds. Storm severity also affected species composition: birch predominantly occurred on pits and mounds in heavily disturbed areas, while spruce was more abundant in the moderately damaged areas. The effects of advance regeneration and surrounding stands on seedling microsite preferences should be considered in future research and subsequent management recommendations.     

Regeneration dynamics of mixed stands of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus pinaster</Emphasis> Ait. and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus pinea</Emphasis> L. in Central Spain

The dynamics of mixed stands are more complex and less studied than those of monospecific stands. The objective of this work was to analyze the variables involved in seedling occurrence and seedling survival in mixed stands of Pinus pinaster and P. pinea in Mediterranean areas. From 2011 to 2016, regeneration of both species was monitored at two sites located in Central Spain. We installed 72 regeneration plots where seedling dynamics were monitored. All the trees in the study areas were measured and mapped. Additionally, we took hemispherical photographs in each regeneration plot. The average density of P. pinea seedlings over the study period was almost 20 times larger than that of P. pinaster. Our results indicate that the seedlings of both species grow under moderate light conditions. In addition, we found that the occurrence of seedlings of both species was related to the structure of the stand. P. pinea seedlings grew where the density and size of P. pinaster trees were low and where P. pinea trees provided moderately sheltered conditions, whereas the number of P. pinaster seedlings was related to under intermediate densities of P. pinaster trees. Furthermore, seedling survival was positively associated with age of the seedlings and negatively with the August average maximum temperature. The temporal continuity of mixed stands of P. pinea and P. pinaster in the study area is compromised by the observed lack of regeneration of P. pinaster.     

Germination and early seedling growth of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus densata</Emphasis> Mast. provenances

We studied seed germination and early seedling growth of Pinus densata to explore the range of variability within the species and to inform afforestation practices. Phenotypes were evaluated at a forest tree nursery under conditions that support Pinus yunnanensis, one of the presumed parental species of P. densata. Seeds were collected from 20 open-pollinated trees within each of eight autochthonous populations representing the natural distribution of P. densata in China to assess variation in germination traits and early seedling growth, and to examine the relationships among these traits. Results showed that seeds from all populations germinated and seedlings established successfully. There were significant differences among populations in 13 of 14 traits evaluated. Seed germination and early seedling growth were strongly related to seed size and seed weight. Bigger seeds germinated earlier and faster than small seeds, and seedling size was positively correlated with seed size. Some germination traits were strongly and significantly correlated with climatic variables associated with the provenance of the studied populations. Based on these observations, we conclude there were large, significant, and biologically important differences among P. densata populations in seed germination and seedling growth traits. The observed variability probably reflects a high degree of adaptive differentiation among populations that is likely to be relevant for future afforestation.     

Low within-population genetic diversity and high genetic differentiation among populations of the endangered plant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tetracentron sinense</Emphasis> Oliver revealed by inter-simple sequence repeat analysis

Key message

Tetracentron sinense Oliver, an endangered species from China, displays a low within-population genetic diversity and high genetic differentiation among populations, and the existing populations could be divided into three conservation and management units.

Context

The endangered tree Tetracentron sinense Oliver has great value; however, little is known regarding the within-population genetic diversity and differentiation among T. sinense populations.

Aims

We examined the genetic diversity and differentiation of T. sinense wild populations, and we tested the effect of small-size population on the level of genetic diversity within these populations.

Methods

Using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR), we assessed the genetic variation and structure among 174 individuals from 26 natural populations of T. sinense sampled across its distribution range in China.

Results

The ISSR primers yielded 180 amplified loci (123 were polymorphic). At the species level, the percentage of polymorphic loci (PPL), Nei’s gene diversity (H), and Shannon’s information index (I) were 68.3%, 0.196 and 0.300, respectively. The average population level PPL was 20.0%, and the Na, Ne, H, and I were 1.20, 1.13, 0.076, and 0.112, respectively. AMOVA revealed high genetic differentiation among populations (52.0% of total variance, P?=?0.001), consistent with the gene differentiation coefficient (Gst?=?0.607) and gene flow (Nm?=?0.326). The 174 individuals of the 26 T. sinense populations clustered into three groups, and T. sinense geographic and genetic distance were significantly correlated.

Conclusions

T. sinense exhibited intermediate within-species genetic diversity, indicating preserved evolutionary potential. The low within-population genetic diversity and high genetic differentiation among T. sinense populations may be one of important factors causing endangerment. Three conservation units were determined based on genetic difference and structure. Inter-population introduction of individuals within units via appropriate propagation and seedling management might be an effective strategy for increasing T. sinense within-population genetic diversity and population size.

     

Biodiversity field trials to inform reforestation and natural resource management strategies along the African Great Green Wall in Senegal

Forest restoration is carried out with varying objectives in mind, one of which is biodiversity conservation. The present study examines the extent by which tree biodiversity could potentially be maximized in the context of the pan-African Great Green Wall for the Sahara and the Sahel Initiative (GGW). Towards this end, ten indigenous tree species were selected for study in the Ferlo region in Northern Senegal based on previous ethnobotanical studies in the zone. The species included Acacia senegal, Acacia nilotica, Acacia tortilis subsp. raddiana, Acacia seyal, Adansonia digitata, Balanites aegyptiaca, Dalbergia melanoxylon, Sclerocarya birrea, Tamarindus indica and Ziziphus mauritiana. Germination experiments were first performed in the laboratory on seed lots from Senegal, Burkina Faso, Kenya, and South Africa prior to in situ sapling production in the nursery in Northern Senegal situated along the GGW. A split plot field design was employed and the effects of seed provenance (two per species) and the addition of organic fertilizer at the timing of planting were determined. Over the course of the 2 year experimental period, the newly planted trees, in addition to the naturally regenerating woody vegetation and herbaceous grasses were monitored in the fenced-in experimental field plot. Of the ten species, only B. aegyptiaca, A. tortilis subsp. raddiana, and S. birrea exhibited moderate survival rates. The effects of provenance and fertilizer addition were sporadic and species-dependent. Natural regeneration of woody species was abundant albeit characterized by low biodiversity whereas herbaceous grass species showed extensive biodiversity, especially under tree canopies as compared to open areas.     

Genetic diversity and population structure analysis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pistacia</Emphasis> species revealed by <Emphasis Type="Italic">phenylalanine ammonia</Emphasis>-<Emphasis Type="Italic">lyase</Emphasis> gene markers and implications for conservation

Information on population genetic structure and crop genetic diversity is important for genetically improving crop species and conserving threatened species. The PAL gene sequence is part of a multigene family that can be utilized to design DNA marker systems for genetic diversity and population structure investigation. In the current study, genetic diversity and population structure of 100 accessions of wild Pistacia species were investigated with 78 PAL markers. A protocol for using PAL sequences as DNA markers was developed. A total of 313 PAL loci were recognized, showing 100% polymorphism for PAL markers. The PAL markers produced relatively more observed and effective alleles in Pistacia falcata and Pistacia atlantica, with a higher Shannon’s information index and expected heterozygosity in P. atlantica, Pistacia vera and Pistacia mutica. Pairwise assessment of Nei’s genetic distance and genetic identity between populations revealed a close association between geographically isolated populations of Pistacia khinjuk and Pistacia chinensis. The accessions of wild Pistacia species had more genetic relationship among studied groups of species. Analysis of molecular variance indicated 19% among-population variation and 81% within-population variation for the PAL gene based DNA marker. Population structure analysis based on PAL revealed four groups with high genetic admixture among populations. The results establish PAL markers as a functional DNA marker system and provide important genetic information about accessions from wild populations of Pistacia species.     

Seed bank and regeneration dynamics of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Emmenopterys henryi</Emphasis> population on the western side of Wuyi Mountain,South China

Emmenopterys henryi Oliv. (Rubiaceae) is an endangered tree species that is native to China. The wild populations of E. henryi have declined rapidly because of its poor natural regeneration, but the actual regeneration processes are not yet understood. In field tracking surveys and experiments in the Wuyishan Nature Reserve in Southeast China to determine the most important stage that affects the regeneration process, seed bank characteristics, seed germination, and seedling growth dynamics were studied in the typical habitats of E. henryi, Phyllostachys pubescens and broad-leaved forests. Results showed that in both P. pubescens and broad-leaved forests, more than 70% of the E. henryi seeds were distributed in moss and litter layers, and few were found in the soil beneath them. However, seed germination in the soil layer was significantly higher than in the moss and litter layers. Seed density, overall seed quality, and germination rate in the broad-leaved forest were significantly higher than in P. pubescens forest. Seed germination was highest in the microsites around the edge of the crown projection area of E. henryi mother trees. The order of survival rate of the seedlings on different ground surfaces was soil > moss > litter. In both habitats, the average seed density was 24.9 seeds m^?2, and the total germination rate was less than 3.5‰. However, seedlings developed from only 1% of the germinated seeds, indicating that the seed germination is the most important stage in the natural regeneration of E. henryi.     

In vitro germination and shoot proliferation of the threatened species <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cinchona officinalis</Emphasis> L (Rubiaceae).

Cinchona officinalis (Rubiaceae) is an endemic species of the Loja Valley in southern Ecuador with medicinal uses. Because of over-exploitation in the nineteenth century and more recent disturbances to its ecosystem, C. officinalis populations are threatened. Currently, natural regeneration of the populations is low, despite its high plant regeneration and seed formation capacity. In the present study, an efficient protocol for germination, shoot proliferation and plantlets regeneration was developed for this species. Phenolic content and germination rate of C. officinalis seeds were compared with a control species, C. pubescens. Nodal segments from seedlings of C. officinalis were cultured on Gamborg medium supplemented with different combinations of plant growth regulators. Because the phenol content is high in C. officinalis, the phenolic should be removed with hydrogen peroxide or water washes to stimulate germination. Shoots and callus developed from nodal segments within 45 days using most of the tested combinations of plant growth regulators. The best rates of shoot proliferation, callus formation and adventitious buds were obtained in medium supplemented with 5.0 mg L^?1 6-benzyl-aminopurine and 3.0 mg L^?1 indole-3-butyric acid.     

Genetic effects of historical anthropogenic disturbance on a long-lived endangered tropical tree <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vatica mangachapoi</Emphasis>

The endangered Vatica mangachapoi, a long-lived, tropical tree with economic and ecological importance found in Hainan, China, was used to assess the hypothesis that historical human activities in Hainan’s tropical rain forest could have negative effects on the genetic diversity of V. mangachapoi. Three hundred and twenty individuals from 11 natural populations—which were classified into three groups according to levels of disturbance—were sampled and analyzed with ISSR markers. Although genetic diversity of V. mangachapoi is high at the species level, it is relatively low within populations. A significant genetic differentiation occurs among different disturbance levels. Significant isolation-by-distance indicated relevant historical anthropogenic changes. Our findings showed that historical human disturbances significantly increase the genetic differentiation and slightly decrease the genetic diversity of long-lived tree V. mangachapoi. Relevant targeting conservation actions were recommended.     

Understanding biological characteristics of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acacia melanoxylon</Emphasis> in relation to fire to implement control measurements

Key message

Acacia melanoxylon produces abundant seeds leading to large seed banks in the soil. These seeds display a large viability and their germination is stimulated by heat. To control the populations, it is necessary to remove adults and young individuals, and to prevent seedling establishment after fire occupying the space with rapid growth and high competitive native species.

Context

Acacia melanoxylon displays a widespread distribution in South West Europe, and an improved knowledge of its reproductive characteristics is required in order to control its expansion.

Aims

This experiment was designed to provide useful indicators for an efficient management of A. melanoxylon populations based on its biological cycle in relation to fire.

Methods

We explored the reproductive biology of A. melanoxylon, from seed dissemination—–quantifying seed rain over a year, their germination with and without fire—the seedling and sapling banks and the structure of the adult population. We analysed the effects of fire, seed maturation and scarification on the viability of seeds and the stimulation of seed germination in the aerial seed bank and in the different strata of the soil seed bank.

Results

Our results indicate that A. melanoxylon produced millions of seeds per ha and per year, half of which germinated and the other half went to the soil seed bank, maintaining the viability many years. The germination was the most critical step in the population dynamics of this species, and fire stimulates germination up to 90%.

Conclusion

A. melanoxylon adults and seedlings removal, followed by colonization of rapid growth and high competitive native species that cover the ground very quickly would be a good control action.

     

Regeneration patterns of the late-successional <Emphasis Type="Italic">Abies alba</Emphasis> Mill.: inhibition in monospecific stands and colonization in mixed stands

Key message

In Abies alba Mill. stands and mixed stands of A. alba and Picea abies L. (H. Karst), microsites neighbouring the trunks of adult trees were more conducive to A. alba regeneration. Although at the stand level, the effect of Fagus sylvatica L. was positive; the local effect of the adult F. sylvatica neighbourhood was insignificant. Hence, forming mixed stands with a fine-grained mosaic of admixed species might better facilitate natural regeneration of A. alba than monospecific stands.

Context

The establishment of natural regeneration in Abies alba Mill. stands is a slow, spatially heterogeneous and stochastic process. Recent studies based on inventory data indicate that A. alba more readily regenerates in mixed stands than in monospecific stands.

Aims

The objective was to examine how this positive association evidenced at the stand level operates on the scale of microsites with contrasting local species composition and stand density.

Methods

In 8 monospecific and 22 mixed stands with Fagus sylvatica L. or Picea abies L. (H. Karst), microsites with a contrasting density of A. alba seedlings were selected and compared in terms of local species composition, stand density, canopy characteristics and topsoil properties.

Results

In A. alba stands, seedling density was positively associated with the proximity of adult trees. In mixed stands of A. alba and P. abies, adult trees of both species exerted a positive effect on A. alba regeneration, but the P. abies neighbourhood influenced regeneration occurrence more strongly than the A. abies neighbourhood. In mixtures with F. sylvatica, however, the effect of local stand density and local species composition was not evidenced at all.

Conclusion

Although at the stand level, P. abies and F. sylvatica exert a positive effect on A. alba regeneration, on the microsite scale, their influences differ. In stands with a dominance of A. alba, the hampered seedling establishment in gaps may be considered an inhibitive effect that facilitates the emergence of other species.

     

Genetic diversity in two threatened species in Vietnam: <Emphasis Type="Italic">Taxus chinensis</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Taxus wallichiana</Emphasis>

Taxus chinensis and T. wallichiana in have been threatened in their distribution areas in recent decades because of their over-exploitation and reduction and destruction of native habitats. Determining the genetic diversity in populations of the two species will provide guidelines for their protection and preservation. Two hundred and fifteen trees from six populations of T. chinensis and 150 sampled trees of T. wallichiana were sampled. Six microsatellite primer pairs selected from 16 primer pairs were used to investigate genetic variation at the population and species levels. Five yielded polymorphic alleles, and among the 13 putative alleles amplified, 11 were polymorphic (accounting for 76.33 %).Shannon’s information index (I) and percentage of polymorphic bands (PPB) (I = 0.202 and PPB = 67.22 % for T. chinensis; I = 0.217 and PPB = 65.03 % for T. wallichiana). Both species had low levels of genetic diversity (mean H _o = 0.107, H _e = 0.121 for T. chinensis; H _o = 0.095, H _e = 0.109 for T. wallichiana). Genetic differentiation among populations was higher (F _ST = 0.189) for T. chinensis and lower (0.156) for T. wallichiana, indicating limited gene flow (Nm) among populations for T. chinensis (0.68) and T. wallichiana (0.65). Variation among individuals of T. chinensis was 63.59 and 73.12 % for T. wallichiana. Thus, the threatened status of the two conifers is related to a lack of genetic diversity. All populations are isolated in small forest remnants. An ex situ conservation site should be established with a new population for these species that comprises all the genetic groups for the best chance to improve their fitness under environmental stresses.     

Morphometric study confirms the presence of only <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vatica mangachapoi</Emphasis> on Hainan Island,China

To date only one species of the genus Vatica Linn. (Dipterocarpaceae) has been identified, and a subspecies and three varieties have been reported on Hainan Island, China. However, it remained controversial whether the species was Vatica mangachapoi or a new species Vatica hainanensis, and whether the subspecies or varieties are taxonomically valid. We evaluated here morphometric variations of 133 trees collected from nine populations and herbarium specimens of Vatica spp. using 16 traits of leaf and fruit. Among these, leaf traits varied more within and among populations than did fruit traits. Four traits of ratios were more stable than directly-measured traits within and among populations. The ranges of lamina length, lamina width and height of maximum lamina width point were the greatest among the 16 traits, while number of lateral veins varied least among the 12 directly-measured traits. Measurements from all 9 populations overlapped for each morphological trait, and variation of each trait was continuous among both individuals and populations. The range of variation did not distinguish any specimen from V. mangachapoi as described in the flora of Southeast Asia. By cluster analysis, individuals of each population as well as specimens of each variety formed no distinct clusters. The published varieties thus were characterized by no distinguishing variations in comparison with the nine sampled populations. In conclusion, the new species V. hainanensis as well as the subspecies and varieties were not supported by our comparisons, and only V. mangachapoi without any subspecies or varieties occurs on Hainan Island, China.     

Natural stands diversity and population structure of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lophira lanceolata</Emphasis> Tiegh. ex Keay,a local oil tree species in Burkina Faso,West Africa

Non Timber Forest Products play an important role as source of food and income generation in developing countries. In Burkina Faso, many wild tree species provide various useful products, among them the local oil tree, Lophira lanceolata which occurs in the western part of the country. This study aimed at assessing the habitat diversity and population structure of L. lanceolata’s natural stands according to land cover types. Two sites were considered: Banfora, where the use value of fruits is unknown and Orodara, where fruits are exploited for oil production. A stratified and oriented sampling scheme based on the occurrence of L. lanceolata and land cover was applied using rectangular plots of 50 m × 20 m. Phytosociological and quantitative inventories were carried out to assess the woody species diversity of stands and L. lanceolata population structure, respectively. Species diversity indices, structural parameters were computed and analyses of variance, Chi square test were performed to compare sites according to land cover types. The results showed high woody species diversity associated with L. lanceolata stands (H = 3.2–3.6). The densities of L. lanceolata ranged between 94 and 280 trees per hectare, with significant differences between land cover types and sites. The population pattern showed a good regeneration potential and high resource availability. L. lanceolata was fairly resilient to human pressure and tended to recolonize disturbed lands. With a high potential for sustainable management, L. lanceolata is a promising NTFP species which can contribute to improve the local and national economy.     

Host specificity of Asian parasitoids for potential classical biological control of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Drosophila suzukii</Emphasis>

The Asian spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, has recently become a serious pest of soft fruits in Europe. Classical biological control through the introduction of larval parasitoids from its native range in Asia is presently being considered. However, host specificity of potential biological control agents has to be determined to avoid releasing species that may have unintended non-target impacts. Larvae of six different European non-target fly species and the target D. suzukii were exposed either on diet or blueberries to three Asian larval parasitoids, Asobara japonica, Leptopilina japonica, and Ganaspis cf. brasiliensis, and one European species, Leptopilina heterotoma. Asobara japonica showed the lowest specificity, attacking and developing in all Drosophilidae. Leptopilina japonica successfully parasitized two non-target Drosophilidae, D. melanogaster and D. subobscura, with one singly progeny emerging from D. immigrans. Ganaspis cf. brasiliensis had the highest level of specificity but variations occurred between two geographical populations tested. A Japanese population was strictly specific to D. suzukii, whereas another population from China parasitized D. suzukii, D. melanogaster and sporadically D. subobscura. The European L. heterotoma successfully developed in D. melanogaster, D. subobscura and occasionally in D. immigrans, but nearly all eggs and larvae in D. suzukii were encapsulated. These results show that Ganaspis cf. brasiliensis is the species with the highest potential for biological control, but more studies are needed on its taxonomic status and the existence of biotypes or cryptic species varying in their specificity before field releases can be conducted in Europe.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Santalum</Emphasis> molecular biology: molecular markers for genetic diversity,phylogenetics and taxonomy,and genetic transformation

Species of the Santalum genus are well known for their fragrant hardwood, which has great value in medicinal, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Sandalwood oil is derived from the heartwood of Santalum sp. and contains α-, β- and epi-β-santalols, which are responsible for its pleasant fragrance. Oil content can vary from species to species. Pressure on natural populations due to habitat loss, legal and illegal harvesting and disease is increasing. This paper highlights the development of molecular markers for the refinement of phylogenetic studies, identification of various Santalum and adulterant species, assessment of genetic diversity, genetic differentiation, clonality and management units within species, and for marker-assisted breeding. The identification of quantitative trait loci for sandal spike disease and for other traits such as specific rare secondary metabolites in the essential oil and related to its fragrance, would also benefit from molecular advances. RNA sequence analyses have already identified changes in gene expression and metabolic pathways in developing Santalum album L. haustoria.     

Effects of acorn attack by curculio weevils on the germination and early growth of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pasania edulis</Emphasis> (Makino) seedlings

We conducted field studies to evaluate the impact that curculio weevil attacks on Pasania edulis (Fagacea) acorns have on the regeneration of this tree. The germination ratio of weevil-attacked acorns was significantly lower than that of sound acorns. The number and position of the attacks on acorns affected the germination ratio. The seedlings from weevil-attacked acorns were shorter and had a smaller leaf area than those from sound acorns. The negative effects on seedling height lasted for at least three years after germination. We also studied the handling of the two types of acorns by granivorous Apodemus mice in a broad-leaved forest dominated by P. edulis. The mice picked up, transported, hoarded, and recovered sound and weevil-attacked acorns similarly. In the study site, the seedlings from weevil-attacked acorns were estimated to account for 1.5–20.4 % of the total seedlings for cohorts of mast years and 0–3.7 % for those of poor or medium acorn production. From these results, we conclude that acorns with the lower part of their cotyledons slightly damaged by weevil larvae might still be able to contribute to the regeneration of P. edulis in the field but that their contribution would be negligible or small even in mast years in this study site.     

Lethal and sublethal responses of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sitophilus zeamais</Emphasis> populations to essential oils

The present study aimed to assess the lethal and sublethal responses of five populations of S. zeamais to the essential oils of Ocimum basilicum and Piper hispidinervum, through toxicity, locomotor behavior (flight and walking activities) and physiological (respiration rate and body mass) evaluations. The populations of S. zeamais were obtained from Machado—MG, Paracatu—MG, Piracicaba—SP, Recife—PE and Tunápolis—SC. To estimate the LC₅₀ of each oil for each population, fumigation tests were performed. The population from Recife exhibited the lowest instantaneous rate of increase (ri) as well the lowest consumption of grain mass. However, Piracicaba was considered the susceptibility pattern, presenting the lowest LC₅₀ for both essential oils, no statistical difference was observed among populations or treatments in the flight activity bioassays. The essential oils effect on walking activity and respiration rates varied among populations. The population from Recife presented the highest walked distance and walk speed, with the lowest resting time and number of stops, as well as the lowest respiration rate and body mass. The present study highlights the importance of the study on population responses, as the five populations of S. zeamais exhibited different patterns of toxic and behavioral effects when subjected to the essential oils of P. hispidinervum and O. basilicum.