Therapeutic use of plants by local communities in and around Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary: implications for protected area management in Bangladesh

Traditional systems of medicine have become a topic of global importance recently. Increased commercialization of economically important medicinal plants has resulted in overharvesting, threatening their survival. The present study was carried out to document the indigenous uses of medicinal plants by the local communities in and around Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary, Bangladesh. Data collection was predominantly qualitative recording the species use, identifying their relative importance (RI) and assessing the informants’ consensus factor (F_ic) on associated knowledge. We interviewed 140 households of the local community and 5 local herbal practitioners. A total of 44 plant species were in use to treat 33 ailments under 10 broad disease categories. Five species were found to have high use versatility (RI > 1), Emblica officinale L. being the most versatile. Respiratory problems scored the highest F_ic value (0.56) involving the use of 30% of the species recorded. Terminalia bellerica Roxb., Sterculia villosa Roxb., Dillenia pentagyna Roxb. and Terminalia arjuna Bedd. were being harvested commercially. Use by the community, particularly for subsistence consumption, seemed to be sustainable, but commercial extraction of some species appeared unsustainable. Buffer zone-based commercial farming of medicinal plants with a commercial value could serve a dual purpose of assuring sustainable alternative income generation for local communities as well as conserving the natural resources in protected areas.     

The framework tree species approach to conserve medicinal trees in Uganda

Framework species are indigenous tree species planted in a mixed stand to accelerate natural regeneration of forest and encourage biodiversity regeneration. In this study we used the framework species method to make multipurpose tree gardens to provide traditional healers with woody species used for medicine and other needs like food and firewood. We specifically determined the phenology, germination behaviour, survival and growth after planting 19 indigenous and 8 introduced woody species. The species were planted in a mixed stand together at a density of 3125 ha⁻¹. Field performance was assessed by monitoring survival, height and crown width once every month for 13 months after planting. Eleven species (Artocarpus heterophyllus, Calliandra calothyrsus, Callistemon citrinus, Carica papaya, Carissa spinarum, Leucaena leucocephala, Markhamia lutea, Sarcocephalus latifolius, Senna siamea, S. spectabilis and Terminalia schimperiana) proved to be excellent framework species. Eight species qualified as ‘acceptable’ FWS (Albizia coriaria, Ceiba pentranta, Entada abyssinica, Erythrina abyssinica, Eugenia jambos, Ficus sycomorus, Maesopsis eminii and Milicia excelsa), while seven species were ranked as ‘marginally acceptable’ (Acacia macrothyrsa, Calpurnia aurea, Canarium schweinfurthii, Capparis tomentosa, Ficus natalensis, Senna sp. and Warburgia salutaris). Annona squamosa was the only species rejected since both germination and survival was low. Trees with good reforestation traits could be recommended for planting while the species that were marginally acceptable or rejected require extra research since some of them are important medicinal woody species of conservation concern.     

Variation analysis of seed and seedling traits of cross combination progenies in Populus

Twenty-five species and hybrids in Populus were used as parents, and 26 cross combinations, including more than 5 000 seedlings, were obtained by artificial cross breeding. The length of infructescence, number of seeds per infructescence, thousand-seed weight, germination rate of seeds among these cross combinations were tested. The results indicated that the cross combinational effects were significant for these traits, and demonstrated that the length of infructescence, thousand-seed weight were positively affected by female parent. In addition, seedling height, diameter above ground, diameter at breast height (DBH) of 17 cross combination progenies were investigated. The analysis of mean and standard deviation of these three traits showed that seedling height, diameter above ground, DBH had extensive variation among combinations and individuals within combination. Variance analysis and estimate of heritability indicated that the three traits had wide variation and were controlled by heredity. It was feasible to select superior cross combinations and seedlings. Further more, the result of multiple comparison showed that P. deltoides ‘Lux’ × P. deltoides ‘D324’, P. ussuriensis cl. ‘U4’ × P. deltoides ‘T66’, P. ussuriensis cl. ‘U4’ × P. deltoides ‘T26’, P. deltoides ‘Lux’ × P. ussuriensis cl. ‘U3’, (P. tomentosa × P. bolleana) × (P. alba × P. glandulosa), (P. alba × P. tomentosa) × (P. alba × P. glandulosa), and (P. alba × P. glandulosa ‘No. 2’) × P. tomentosa ‘Lumao 50’ were superior cross combinations with higher growth rate. Finally, 123 elite seedlings were selected for further test. [Supported by the Doctoral Foundation of Ministry of Education (Grant No. 200220022004) and the National “863” Project (Grant No. 2002AA241071)]     

Plant and bird diversity in rubber agroforests in the lowlands of Sumatra,Indonesia

Plant and bird diversity in the Indonesian jungle rubber agroforestry system was compared to that in primary forest and rubber plantations by integrating new and existing data from a lowland rain forest area in Sumatra. Jungle rubber gardens are low-input rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) agroforests that structurally resemble secondary forest and in which wild species are tolerated by the farmer. As primary forests have almost completely disappeared from the lowlands of the Sumatra peneplain, our aim was to assess the contribution of jungle rubber as a land use type to the conservation of plant and bird species, especially those that are associated with the forest interior of primary and old secondary forest. Species-accumulation curves were compiled for terrestrial and epiphytic pteridophytes, trees and birds, and for subsets of ‘forest species’ of terrestrial pteridophytes and birds. Comparing jungle rubber and primary forest, groups differed in relative species richness patterns. Species richness in jungle rubber was slightly higher (terrestrial pteridophytes), similar (birds) or lower (epiphytic pteridophytes, trees, vascular plants as a whole) than in primary forest. For subsets of ‘forest species’ of terrestrial pteridophytes and birds, species richness in jungle rubber was lower than in primary forest. For all groups, species richness in jungle rubber was generally higher than in rubber plantations. Although species conservation in jungle rubber is limited by management practices and by a slash-and-burn cycle for replanting of about 40 years, this forest-like land use does support species diversity in an impoverished landscape increasingly dominated by monoculture plantations.     

Ethnobotanical knowledge of Philippine lowland farmers and its application in agroforestry

Complex agroforestry systems that mimic local forest structure, so-called ‘analogs’, are assumed to be of specific value to rural people as well as the environment. The objective of this study was to document and evaluate the utilization of plant resources by Philippine lowland farmers to identify native species suitable for integration in such a system. The interviewed farmers maintain a comprehensive ethnobotanical knowledge. They reported using 122 plant species for 77 purposes. Eighty species have medicinal value, 35 provide food, and 32 serve other uses. About 64% of the identified species are Philippine natives. The life form composition of these species is dominated by trees but also includes herbs, lianas, and graminoids, thus providing the structural elements required in analog systems. Nevertheless, only a few of the species seem to be promising for cultivation. Many of them are ubiquitous in the vicinity of villages. Some species are also not much appreciated but act as staple food only during food shortage. Even though several of the species have proven market value, such as rattan (e.g. Calamus merrillii), or are reputed medicines, such as ‘Philippine ginseng’ (Sarcandra glabra), no cultivation could be observed. This shows that usefulness in itself cannot be the only criterion to promote species but that it requires a careful analysis of the marketability of the respective species. In this context we suggest the following three species that are of proven medicinal value for in-depth study: the liana Tinospora crispa (Menispermaceae), the tree Picrasma javanica (Simaroubaceae), and the herb Sarcandra glabra (Chloranthaceae). They represent three different life form strategies and would thus fit well in vertically structured agroforestry systems.     

A plant nutrition strategy for ex-situ conservation based on ＂Ecological Similarity＂

This paper reviewed a large scale conservation work of rare and endangered plants currently conducted in main botanical gardens in China, and the existed, predictable and neglected problems on plant growth and reproduction in ex-situ conservation process. Considered the status quo in plant ex conservation, a nutritional strategy on the plant conservation was proposed based on ＇Ecological Similarity＇. Its main idea was that the ex-situ conservation plants coming from natural ecosystem were compulsively allocated in the agro-ecosystems and would return to natural ecosystem ultimately. Therefore, research on plant nutrition of the ex-situ conservation plants should neither just pursue yield and quality as that in agro-ecosystems nor merely stay on intrinsic natures without human intervening. We should give attentions to both of their attributes as in natural ecosystems and in agro-ecosystems, i.e., taking full advantage of plant nutritional measures as in agro-ecosystems to solve actual survival problems of the ex-conservation plants, and ensuring the final goal of returning to nature and playing its ecological role.     

Predicting field performance of five irrigated tree species using seedling quality assessment in Burkina Faso,West Africa

Five exotic tree species (Acacia angustissima (Mil.) Kuntze, A. mangium Wild, Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Alp., Leucaena hybrid (L×L), and Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit) were investigated to determine whether parameters of nursery seedling stock quality could be used to predict their field performance in a plantation irrigated with treated waste-water to produce fodder and wood. Plants were grown in the nursery in two contrasting rooting substrates (ordinary nursery soil and sand), predicted to have different effects on resource allocation. Three categories of morphological indicators were measured, i.e., plant dimensions (height, diameter, root length), plant weights (shoot, root and whole plant weights) and indices (sturdiness quotient ‘SQ’, shoot:root dry weight ratio ‘SRR’ and Dickson’s quality index ‘DQI’). In the nursery, all species performed better in the ordinary nursery soil for all growth parameters except root length. Thus ordinary nursery substrate appeared superior to sand in terms of plant quality. However, a follow up at plantation phase revealed that only some morphological attributes or ratios were suitable to predict field performance for the five tested species in irrigated plantation. In addition, the effect of the substrate observed at the nursery stage had disappeared 12 months after out planting due to the availability of water and nutrients provided by the treated waste water used for the irrigation. The results showed that root collar diameter and DQI appeared to be the most appropriate indicators to predict the outplanting performance of the five tested species in a short-rotation irrigated plantation in semi-arid Burkina Faso. The former measure is simpler and non-destructive.     

Effects of salt-alkali stress on active oxygen metabolism in roots of Spiraea × bumalda ’Gold Mound’ and Spiraea × bumalda ’Gold Flame’

Under artificially-simulated complex salt-alkali stress, the levels of active oxygen metabolism in roots were studied using three-year-old cutting seedlings of Spiraea × bumalda ’Gold Mound’ and Spiraea × bumalda ’Gold Flame’. The present study aimed at exploring the antioxidant capacity in roots of spiraeas and revealing their adaptability to salt-alkali stress. Results indicate that the oxygen free radicals contents, electrolyte leakage rates and MDA contents in roots of Spiraea × bumalda ’Gold Mound’ and Spiraea × bumalda ’Gold Flame’ show an increasing tendency with the increases of the salinity and pH value, whereas the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) all increased firstly and then decreased. With the increase in intensity of salt-alkali stress, the CAT activity in roots of Spiraea × bumalda ’Gold Flame’ is higher and the increasing extents in the oxygen free radicals contents, electrolyte leakage rates as well as MDA contents are lower compared with Spiraea × bumalda ’Gold Mound’, indicating that Spiraea × bumalda ’Gold Flame’ has a stronger antioxidant capacity.     

Growth,biomass allocation,and water use efficiency of 31 apple cultivars grown under two water regimes

Plant growth, biomass allocation, carbon isotope composition (δ¹³C), and water use efficiency (WUE) of 31 cultivars of apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) grown under two water regimes were measured. Drought-stressed plants showed significant declines in tree height, trunk diameter, biomass production, and total leaf area, the extent to which depended upon cultivar. Also, gas exchange rates, instantaneous and long-term efficiencies (WUE_I and WUE_L, respectively), and values for δ¹³C differed among cultivars and watering regimes. Variations in WUE_I were mainly due to changes in stomatal conductance (g _s) under drought condition. ‘Qinguan’ and ‘Golden Delicious’ had greater trunk diameter, tree height, and had higher biomass production and WUE_L under drought stress, implying that they are more suitable for arid and semi-arid regions. Moreover, WUE_L was significantly and positively correlated with δ¹³C under two watering regimes, which suggests a potential for evaluating water use efficiency of Malus by measuring carbon isotope composition.     

Human responses to flower fragrance of Lilium ‘Siberia’ and Rosa ‘Escimo’

The objective of our study was to lay a foundation for the effect of flower fragrance on human emotions and to provide a theory for the choice of indoor plants and the improvement of the olfactory environment. Specifically, our purpose was to study human physiological responses to flower fragrance of Lilium ‘Siberia’ and Rosa ‘Escimo’. The participants were 31 college students. Blood pressure, pulse rate, finger temperature (FT) and galvanic skin response (GSR) were measured. The results show that the fragrance of Rosa ‘Escimo’ causes the diastolic pressure and pulse rate of the participants to reduce significantly. The average decrease was 0.37 kPa and 2.23 beats per minute, which indicates that sympathetic nervous activity increases, physiological arousal decreases and emotional alleviation occurs. Furthermore, the GSR of participants significantly increased by smelling the fragrance of Lilium ‘Si-beria’, indicating that both sympathetic nervous activity and physiological arousal increased. But the data could not prove that flower fragrance stimulation has an effect on changes in systolic pressure and finger temperature. Some other factors, such as basic emotion and weather, may have an effect.     

Assessment of morphological and genetic diversity in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gmelina arborea</Emphasis> Roxb.

Gmelina arborea is an important timber-yielding tree that grows naturally in the tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia and has also been introduced as a plantation species outside these regions. Genetic diversity in this tree species was observed in stone/seed-related traits and in vitro responses of cultured nodal segments from plants of eight different populations representing natural forests, fragmented forests and plantations. Variance analysis showed significant differences between populations for these traits. However, it was not possible to separate the different populations using these traits by multivariate analysis, even after environmental variation was reduced over six subcultures. Genetic diversity was therefore analysed using molecular markers. Inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers yielded 95% polymorphic loci among the eight populations and UPGMA analysis enabled separation of these populations on the basis of their genetic distances. Diversity was also analyzed using population genetics parameters like Nei’s genetic diversity and gene differentiation. Nei’s genetic diversity was 0.29 between populations and 0.11 within populations. AMOVA analysis indicated 41 and 59% within- and between-population genetic diversity, respectively. Mantel test suggested that genetic differentiation between six Indian populations was positively correlated to geographic distance (r = 0.626, P = 0.029). Assessment of the genetic variation in G. arborea populations is an important step in selection of conservation strategies for this species since diversity forms the basis for species adaptation.     

In vitro regeneration of clonally uniform plants of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Crataeva magna</Emphasis>: a high value medicinal tree by axillary branching method

Crataeva magna (Lour.) DC (synonym C. nurvala) is a high-value Indian medicinal tree. The multiple uses of C. magna have resulted in its over-exploitation. Erratic seed germination combined with destructive harvesting and habitat destruction in the form of deforestation has added to the enormity of the problem. Therefore, the need for conservation of this plant is vital. Development of an efficient micropropagation protocol will play a significant role in meeting the requirement of quality planting material for commercial cultivation thereby conserving the species in its natural habitat. In the present study, shoot multiplication was achieved by culturing single node segments derived from a field grown tree on Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) medium supplemented with 2.66 μM N6-benzyladenine, 1.39 μM Kinetin (Kn), 0.57 μM indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), 3% sucrose and 0.2% gelrite. 96% rooting was achieved within 22 days by culturing the in vitro formed shoots on half strength MS medium with 11.42 μM IAA, 9.8 μM indole-3-butyric acid, 0.46 μM Kn and 198.25 μM phloroglucinol. Following a simple hardening procedure involving sequential transfer of plants to a greenhouse, polyhouse, and shade net, the tissue-cultured plants were transferred to the field where the survival rate was 100%. To this date 500 plants have been produced. Inter simple sequence repeat analysis has confirmed genetic uniformity of the tissue-cultured plants.     

Genetic analysis and conservation of endangered medicinal tree species <Emphasis Type="Italic">Taxus wallichiana</Emphasis> in the Himalayan region

Taxus wallichiana is one of the most important medicinal tree species of the Himalayan region. Leaf and bark of the species yield an important drug called taxol, which is used for treatment of many types of cancer. There is a serious threat to the existence of the species due to over exploitation in its native habitat. Adequate information on the nature and the extent of genetic diversity in this important species is required for developing suitable strategy for its conservation. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) were used to assess genetic variation in nine natural populations of T. wallichiana from western part of the Himalayan ranges. Both the markers revealed low genetic diversity in these populations. Average heterozygosity for AFLP and RAPD were 0.3715 and 0.3072, respectively. Φ_ST values derived from molecular variance were 0.0855 and 0.1005 for AFLP and RAPD, respectively, whereas the corresponding G_ST values were 0.1796 and 0.2140. Most part of the genetic variation was present within the populations. However, between population variation was low but statistically significant, which suggested that the sampled populations might not constitute a single panmictic population. Cluster analysis and Mantel’s correlation revealed that genetic differentiation broadly followed geographic distribution of the populations. T. wallichiana thus urgently needs to be conserved using both in situ and ex situ conservation approaches.     

Traditional agroforestry systems as tools for conservation of genetic resources of Milicia excelsa Welw. C.C. Berg in Benin

The potential contribution of agroforestry systems to the management and genetic resources conservation in iroko (Milicia excelsa), an important and valuable timber tree species in sub-Saharan Africa, is addressed in this paper. The structure and dynamics of traditional agroforestry systems and the ecological structure of Milicia excelsa populations in farmlands were studied through a survey carried out in 100 farmlands covering the natural range of iroko in Benin. Forty-five species belonging to 24 plant families were recorded in traditional agroforestry systems. Average tree density varied from 1 to 7 stems ha⁻¹ with diversity index ranging from 2.6 to 2.9. Milicia excelsa occurred sparsely in agroforestry systems in all regions, with density ranging from 1 to 4 stems ha⁻¹; stand basal area varying from 33.10⁻⁴ to 129.10⁻⁴ m² ha⁻¹, and negligible seedling regeneration. However, male and female trees were apparently evenly distributed on farmlands in all regions (F/M > 0). Iroko trees produced viable seeds with moderate germination rate and early growth (germination rate 22% and height 7.29 cm after 3 months). Suggestions are made regarding optimal densities for iroko conservation in farmlands, according to farmers’ socioeconomic conditions in different regions, in order to improve traditional agroforestry systems and their use as biological corridors in conservation of Milicia excelsa genetic resources.     

Concepts and perceptions of biodiversity in community forestry,Nepal

International and national development programs in Nepal place high priority on management of forests for biodiversity. Communities are expected to embrace and cooperate in this endeavour for biodiversity conservation, yet little research has been carried out to understand community viewpoints on biodiversity conservation, or even to ascertain people’s understanding of the concept of biodiversity. This paper explores perceptions and concepts related to biodiversity and its conservation held by people involved in community forestry in Nepal. Data were obtained from in-depth individual interviews and focus group discussions carried out in two contrasting geographical districts. The results show that the Western term ‘biodiversity’, translated into Nepalese as jaiwik bibidhata, is new and confusing to most forest people, who interpret the term in a variety of ways. People’s perceptions of biodiversity vary widely and a considerable gap exists between policy-makers and forest users in the understanding and interpretation of this Nepalese term and its related concepts. These findings have important implications for the design and implementation of development programs and in formulation of forest policy in Nepal.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Allanblackia floribunda</Emphasis>: a new oil tree crop for Africa: amenability to grafting

Three Allanblackia species (A. floribunda, A. stuhlmannii and A. parviflora) with high nutritive, medicinal, cosmetic and economic values are currently being domesticated as new oil tree crops. Allanblackia seeds contain a hard white fat consisting mostly of stearic (52–58%) and oleic (39–49%) acids. This unusual fatty acid content has the right properties for many different food and cosmetic products making them commercially interesting. Vegetative propagation studies on A. floribunda, which grows naturally in the moist forest of Cameroon and Nigeria, were initiated aimed at evaluating its amenability to grafting. Scions were grafted onto 18 month old rootstocks of A. floribunda using side tongue, top cleft, side veneer, whip-and-tongue methods under nursery conditions in Cameroon. In parallel, side tongue and inverted ‘T’ budding methods were also tested in situ on young A. floribunda wildings growing under semi-deciduous and evergreen tree covers. In addition, the effects of protecting side tongue new grafts with non perforated translucent plastic, perforated translucent plastic and aluminium foil were assessed. Under nursery conditions, side tongue grafts were significantly more successful (80.0 ± 6.3%), than grafts of side veneer (52.5 ± 7.9%), top cleft (55.0 ± 7.9%) and whip and tongue (50.0 ± 7.9%). The success of side tongue graft was further increased (86.7 ± 6.2%) under the shade of evergreen trees when protected by non perforated translucent plastic. These results indicate the potential for in situ grafting and ‘top working’ to promote cultivation of more productive germplasm of Allanblackia within multifunctional agricultural systems.     

Growth and photosynthetic responses of Gallesia integrifolia (Spreng.) Harms and Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi seedlings in dense shade

We analyzed the growth and photosynthetic behavior of Gallesia integrifolia (‘pau-d’alho’) and Schinus terebinthifolius (‘aroeirinha’) under shade, seeking to obtain ecophysiological information for introducing seedlings of those species in previously established cacao agroforestry systems. Considering that light intensity under the shade of cacao trees varied between 5 and 10% daylight, 5 months old seedlings were exposed to four irradiance levels (25, 17, 10 and 5% daylight) for 92 days. With shade increase both species displayed trends of decrease leaf mass per unit leaf area, leaf area per plant (LA), relative growth rate (RGR) and net assimilation rate (NAR), and increase leaf area ratio (LAR). The mean values of light-saturated net photosynthetic rate (P _nmax) in 25 and 5% daylight were 12.8 and 8.0 μmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹ for G. integrifolia and 17.9 and 7.4 μmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹, respectively, for S. terebinthifolius. Based on the measurements of photosynthetic photon flux density and estimated values of photosynthetic saturated irradiance (Is) we concluded that, in all shaded conditions, the leaves of both species were under sub optimal light conditions to reach P _nmax. In spite of the lowest P _nmax values, RGR and NAR were significantly higher for G. integrifolia in all irradiance levels. Differences in growth rates can be explained by the higher values of LA, LAR and leaf mass ratio (LMR), as well as by the lower values of Is, photosynthetic compensation irradiance and dark respiration rates observed for G. integrifolia. Even though seedlings of G. integrifolia presented higher capacity to adapt under conditions of dense shade, we concluded that both species were under stress conditions induced by shade in light environments below 25% daylight. On a practical point of view it is possible to conclude that seedlings of both species should be introduced in light gaps, formed after the fall of big trees, or in places in which cacao trees are cultivated using large plant spacing.     

Genetic variation and genotype-environment interactions in short rotation <Emphasis Type="Italic">Populus</Emphasis> plantations in southern Europe

Growth and production in the first year, as additional selection criteria, were assessed for nine poplar clones to be used as short rotation woody crops (SRWC) in the production of biomass for energy purposes. In order to identify the most promising clones in terms of growth and yield and also to assess their stability, trials were established at different locations in Spain. The majority of these clones, which form part of the European list of base materials, have frequently been used in plantations aimed at timber production but not for biomass in Mediterranean conditions. Others, such as those selected in Italy specifically for biomass production (currently provisionally admitted), are being tested for the first time under different soil and climatic conditions in Southwest Europe. The early selection of clones for rapid juvenile growth provides a valuable additional input to the clonal selection process, especially where very short rotations are desired (no more than 3 years). In any case, determining clonal stability in terms of growth is of great use not only when deciding on the clones to be used in plantations but also when developing breeding programs. ANOVA and Genotype plus Genotype × Environment (GGE) biplot analyses were used to analyse the growth and stability of the clones, which were then ranked according to mean performance and stability. Differences were detected between clones as well as between the different environments tested. The biplot analysis allowed different groups of clones to be identified according to their performance and degree of interaction displayed, thus providing useful information for the selection process. The production of aboveground biomass in the first vegetative period ranged from 1.7 to 8.0 Mg DM ha⁻¹ at the different sites. ‘Monviso’, ‘Guardi’, ‘AF2’ and ‘2000 verde’ were the most productive clones whereas ‘Unal’, ‘Pegaso’ and ‘USA 49-177’ were the least productive. The stability analysis identified ‘AF2’, ‘Guardi’, ‘I-214’ and ‘MC’ as more stable clones while ‘Monviso’, ‘2000 verde’, ‘Unal’, ‘Pegaso’ and ‘USA 49-177’ were found to be specifically adapted to certain environments. This implies that where information on site conditions is not available, the ‘AF2’ and ‘Guardi’ clones offer greater assurance of successful establishment and higher initial growth. The growth of ‘Monviso’ ‘2000 verde’ ‘Unal’ ‘Pegaso’ and ‘USA 49-177’ clones is highly dependent on site conditions during the establishment phase. Similarly, the SH (Shore Henares river) and LT (La Tallada) sites were identified as the most highly discriminative environments for the set of clones while CS (Cubo de la Solana) and AR (Atarfe) were identified as those where performance levels were average.     

Somatic embryogenesis and histological analysis from zygotic embryos in Vitis vinifera L. ＇Moldova＇

We examined the somatic embryogenesis from and histological studies of zygotic embryos of seeds in European Grape ＇Moldova＇ （Vitis vinifera U ＇Moldova＇）. Primary calli were initiated on Nitsch and Nitsch （NN） medium supplemented with 1.0 mg·L^-1 2,4-D and 0.5 mg·L^-1 6-BA. Embryogenic calli were produced upon transfer to a NN medium with 0.5 mg·L^-1 6-BA and 2 mg·L^-1 NAA and somatic embryos were obtained on a half strength MS medium without plant growth regulators. During the somatic embryo germination, an addition of 1.0 mg·L^-1 6-BA in the medium could accelerate somatic embryos to develop into normal plants and increase the conversion rate from 0 to 43.3%. Histological studies of embryogenic calli and somatic embryos demonstrated dynamic changes of proteins and starch grains. The developmental processes of somatic embryos were similar to those of zygotic embryos, including typical epiderma, cotyledon primordium and vascular tissue.