Issues

Abstract

This research aimed at obtaining the appropriate media for in vitro multiplication, rooting, and acclimatization, as well as seedling quality, for the development of red jabon through tissue culture technique. Two experimental designs were used in this study: a factorial design for multiplication and rooting stages and a completely randomised design for acclimatization stage and seedling quality. The results showed that Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, Woody Plant Medium (WPM), and Driver Kuniyuki Walnut (DKW) medium responded well during the multiplication stage. Neolamarckia macrophylla plantlets from WPM had the highest percentage of survival rate. The appropriate acclimatization medium for N. macrophylla is compost and sand (4:3). The sturdiness of stem and seedling quality index of the two-month-old seedling has already fulfilled the requirement for replanting to the field. High multiplication frequency ensures the efficiency of this protocol. This tissue culture method can be applied for the large-scale production and sustainable conservation of N. macrophylla, a vulnerable species for agroforestry of coastal regions for windbreak and soil reclamations.

Received: 20 February 2022 / Accepted: 29 June 2023 / Available online: 19 July 2023

Open Access: This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Abstract

Abstract

The forest raw material base of Ukraine needs a long-term recovery, caused by current shortage of wood and in the long-term perspective, as well. One of the ways to solve this problem is to create plantations of Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Steud., which are able to accumulate in a very short time a significant stock of wood, suitable for industrial use. Determination of the physical and mechanical properties was carried out on samples of standard sizes. It has been established that the density of paulownia wood, grown under the conditions of the Western Forest Steppe of Ukraine, ranges from 329–342 kg·m-3 (sapwood, heartwood) to 416 kg·m-3 (middle part between the sapwood and heartwood). Under the conditions when only air moisture influences the wood, the moisture content increases up to 12.9 %. Static bending strength, compressive strength parallel to grain, static hardness, modulus of elasticity of sapwood and heartwood parts of the trunk are characterized by minimum values, and the middle part (between the sapwood and heartwood) – by maximum ones. Therefore, in terms of appearance and texture, the wood has the most similarity with the wood of common ash; considering its density value, paulownia wood resembles the wood of Norway spruce and silver fir, but due to lower moisture absorption and the content of tannins, it is more resistant to decay than the mentioned species; the middle part according to some mechanical indicators is close to common pine wood, therefore, it can be widely used in building industry. Paulownia tomentosa wood is advisable to be used as a promising material for the production of firewood and wood pellets. The data we have obtained can be taken into account by specialists in the woodworking, furniture and agricultural industries when planning the creation of plantations and the use of its wood.

Received: 29 April 2023 / Accepted: 27 June 2023 / Available online: 04 July 2023

Open Access: This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to trace the correlation between major types of local riparian vegetation and soil properties under their slope in a section along the Iskar River. The objects of study were Alluvial Fluvisols spread on the territory between Plana and Lozenska Mountains in the area of Kokalyane village, Sofia region. In order to investigate the influence of vegetation on soil properties, 3 representative sample plots were defined with vegetation in the initial stage, composed respectively of annual grass communities in SP-1, in an advanced stage composed of perennial grass communities in SP-2 and in the final stage – a tree community with a distinct tree floor in SP-3. The obtained data show а significant soil properties alternation depending on the specifics of plant communities. The increase of soil organic matter under the different types of vegetation follows the natural successional order – from an initial stage with annual grass communities to stable tree communities with a clearly defined floor structure. The content of soil organic matter, total N and plant available water capacity are the most reflective indicators showing the importance of plant communities for the formation and changes of soil fertility. The statistically proven differences in the values of these indicators point out the role of vegetation in soil formation processes.

Received: 31 January 2023 / Accepted: 12 June 2023 / Available online: 14 June 2023

Open Access: This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

The diet of the Grey wolf (Canis lupus Linnaeaus, 1758) in the mountainous region of central Bulgaria was studied. Based on 200 excrements collected and analyzed, it was found that among wild ungulates, remains of red deer Cervus elaphus were the most frequent (20.9 %), followed by roe deer Capreolus capreolus (15.6 %) and wild boar Sus scrofa (12.6 %). The most preferable prey for wolf was the horse Equus caballus (33.5 %), and domestic ungulates consumption included also cattle (7.28 %). In the studied region, the consumption of horse biomass (34.3 %) was also the greatest, followed by that of roe deer (19.2 %) and red deer (18.0 %). Rodents, sheep, hares and wild cats are considered additional food sources for the species. It can be concluded that the studied near-natural habitat offers the wolf a diverse food base and that it benefits approximately equally from wild and domestic ungulates.

Received: 10 March 2023 / Accepted: 30 May 2023 / Available online: 09 June 2023

Open Access: This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

Purpose of this research was to study the structure of the riparian forests of Trichonida Lake in the Western Greece (a protected area of Natura 2000 network with Code GR2310009). The research recorded four different types of structure consisting of mixed stands of Platanus orientalis and Salix alba and pure stands of Platanus orientalis or Salix alba. The mixed stands of Platanus orientalis-Salix alba were at the stage of the medium to thick trunks. They were dominated by 80 % plane trees and belonged to habitat 92C0. In the mixed stands of Salix alba-Platanus orientalis, Salix alba (60 % of the trees) appeared on the upper and middle storey and was absent from the under storey, where only Platanus orientalis occurred. In this type of structure there were also a few stems of Salix alba and Platanus orientalis in the aging phase with DBH> 120 cm. Platanus dominated at the upper and middle storey and was absent from the understorey, which was dominated by Salix. Mixed willow-plane stands resulted from penetration of willows into original plane stands, which were at their eventual dominance due to the rapid growth of willows. These stands were classified as habitat 92A0. The pure stands of Platanus were stable, multi-storieyed and at the stage of medium-sized stems. The pure stands of Salix alba were very stable (slenderness index 39) two-storieyed stands (without understorey). Platanus was the pioneer tree species, while Salix colonized the old Platanus stands and participated in all tree storeys. The intense human presence in the area has had a negative impact on the structure and dynamic of the riparian forest, leading to the risk of possible change of habitat types. It is proposed to draw up immediately a management plan, which should set limitations of human pressures, rehabilitation, restoration and protection of the structure and habitats of the forest Trichonida’s Lake with the appropriate silvicultural measures.

Received: 02 May 2022 / Accepted: 26 May 2023 / Available online: 03 June 2023

Open Access: This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

This study deals with the diversity of scrub vegetation in Slivenska Planina Mt (Eastern Stara planina Mts). On the basis of analisys of 29 relevés, the scrub phytocoenoses were classifyied into 1 association, 2 variants and 4 plant communities. They have been identified and characterized in the article. The studied communities belong to the the class Crataego-Prunetea, order Paliuretalia with alliance Buxo-Syringion and in order Prunetalia spinosae with the alliances Berberidion vulgaris and Brachypodio pinnati-Juniperion communis. The phytocoenoses belong to 4 habitat types of EUNIS, 2 habitat types of Annex I of the Habitat Directive and 3 habitat types of Red Data Book of Bulgaria, v. 3, Natural habitats.

Received: 12 April 2023 / Accepted: 26 May 2023 / Available online: 03 June 2023

Open Access: This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

Conservation of local and endemic biological resources of Lore Lindu National Park, Central Sulawesi Indonesia is of utmost importance as it is one of the most important ecosystem protected areas. Currently, the conservation area is threatened by forest encroachment, illegal logging and illegal mining which pose threat to the sustainability of the biological resources in it. Furthermore, there is still a lack of studies on endemic flora in this area, particularly research on the status of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in Sulawesi’s endemic flora in conservation areas. The present study aims to determine the species and colonisation levels of AMF on Nepenthes spp. plants that grow inside and outside the Lore Lindu National Park area. The results revealed that there were 3 species of Nepenthes in the study area, viz. N. mirabilis, N. maxima and N. tentaculata and as many as 4 species of AMF that have symbiosis with Nepenthes spp. namely, Glomus sp. 1, Glomus sp. 2, Glomus sp. 3 and Gigaspora sp. The degree of AMF colonisation on the roots of Nepenthes spp. varied from 2.4 % to 16.2 %. While the spore density varied between 4 and 60 per 15 g of soil. These results shows that Nepenthes spp. enter into symbiosis with AMF. Acquisition of more information is required in developing conservation plans and  management strategies of Nepenthes species in the future.

Received: 20 November 2022 / Accepted: 23 May 2023 / Available online: 03 June 2023

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Abstract

Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing livestock sectors for food production. In the future, sustainable and efficient development of this sector can be achieved only through a more rational use of resources. Optimization of the rearing process in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) cage farm, located in the Dospat Dam, by determining the optimal net cages depth, is an opportunity to reduce the costs for nets, save labour time for nets cleaning and reduce fish stress during the harvesting. The research of two environmental factors – water temperature (°C) and oxygen saturation (%) is important for the determination of the rainbow trout nets cage’s depth. The results show that the longest period of the year with favourable conditions for the culture of the species in the dam is at a depth of 9 m. Here, water temperature and oxygen saturation are outside the optimal ranges for rainbow trout only in 11 weeks of the year, compared to 22 weeks at 1 m and 27 weeks at 20 m. Based on these results and taking into account the shape of the nets of the cages that are used in the aquafarm, the optimal depth of the rainbow trout nets in the Dospat Dam is 10 m.

Received: 07 March 2023 / Accepted: 01 April 2023 / Available online: 07 April 2023.

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Abstract

On the territory of Ukraine, 24 species and 11 cultivars of the genus Viburnum were introduced at different times. We discovered 11 species and 5 cultivars in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Therefore, it is important to assess the success of the introduction of Viburnum taxa in new growing conditions and it was analysed. The studied taxa belong to the groups that are quite promising and promising for introduction into culture. Plants of other groups were not detected. The studied species were well acclimatised in local conditions (acclimatisation number is from 83 to 95). The highest values were for V. prunifolium L. and V. sargentii Koehne. The degree of acclimatisation of all research objects was defined as good. The introduction capacity of the future viburnum introduction area for the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine is 0.85. The species were successfully acclimatised in the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine; their seasonal rhythm of development corresponds to the climatic conditions of this region. The assortment of 22 species and 7 cultivars are proposed for further introduction work and the prospects for use in the region.

Received: 29 October 2022 / Accepted: 29 March 2023 / Available online: 07 April 2023.

Open Access: This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

Honey bee cultivation is predominantly practised in community garden areas, although honey bee cultivation in community forest areas, which are typically monocultures, is still uncommon. In order to sustain honey production, it is crucial to assess the availability of food sources for honey bees in community forest regions. This research is aimed at discovering the potential sources of honey bee food in the Mataram Village community forest in order to promote the growth of honey bee cultivation. From July to October 2021, this research was conducted in the community forest of Mataram Village, Gading Rejo, Pringsewu, and Lampung Province, Indonesia. On the study site, vegetation data were collected, and the results were then matched with honey bee feed literature. The density, frequency, and diversity analyses of plant species are utilised. 17 species of plants were identified as food sources for honey bees, including 9 types of nectar-producing plants, 8 types of pollen-producing plants, and 4 types of nectar-pollen-producing plants. Coconut
have the highest relative density (RD) and relative frequency (RF) values. H’ value is 1.874, the importance of plant diversity as a source of food for honey bees falls within the moderate range. To promote the growth of beekeeping in community forests with low species variety, it is vital to increase the number of plant species, so that bees have a year-round food source.

Received: 29 November 2022 / Accepted: 24 March 2023 / Available online: 07 April 2023.

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Abstract

The data on orchid diversity of Buzuluk pine forest located in the South-east of European Russia on the border of steppe and forest-steppe zones have been summarised and updated. The occurrence of 12 Orchidaceae species can be reliably confirmed for this territory. This collection of species could be regarded as unique for such climatic and geographical conditions. Such a variety of orchids within the same Anatural site cannot be found anywhere else in Orenburg region, and in Samara region there are only few of similar locations. About half of the orchid species indicated for Orenburg and Samara regions are found in Buzuluk pine forest. Hemipilia cucullata and Hammarbya paludosa on the territory of Orenburg region and Corallorhiza trifida on the territory of Samara region are known only from Buzuluk pine forest. All the orchids found there are included in IUCN Red List. Four species are listed in Red Data Book of Russian Federation. Most of the species (except Epipactis helleborine) are in the regional Red Data Books, making up more than half of all protected species for each region. Orchids occur in localities near residential areas, in places visited by tourists, in the utility zone of the national park (where logging is carried out or may be carried out), in locations with unstable water regime, which may threaten their survival on this territory. All the orchids found in this woodland have at least one locality on the territory of Buzuluk Pine Forest National Park. The problems of the orchid conservation can be attributed to the insufficient knowledge of their populations (number, density, etc.), and the intensive development of oil production, tourism and recreation over the last decade.

Received: 30 March 2022 / Accepted: 27 February 2023 / Available online: 08 March 2023

Open Access: This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

The aim of the study is to investigate the possibility of shoots’ etiolation and long-term auxin effect on rooting of stem cuttings from sycamore. 3-year-old seedlings and 40-year-old mature donor were used, phase-rejuvenated through cutting of the stem at the height of the root collar. Traditional and alternative rooting methods were studied as well. The alternative variant was an attempt for rooting of etiolated and de-etiolated shoots. In the beginning of May, etiolated shoots were obtained. The leaves from the first node were cut to base. The node was subject of auxin treatment with lanoline-based 8000 mg·L-1 IBA (Indole-3-butyric acid) paste. It was used through a single application after cutting up and long-term auxin treatment. The traditional methods for rooting did not give a positive result. Precondition for propagation by cuttings was i) donor plants darkening two months before the beginning of growing period to obtain etiolated shoots with one node; ii) treatment of the basal node in the beginning of May with 8000 mg·L-1 IBA paste and its protection with aluminium foil; iii) parallel uncovering of the donors for de-etiolation 4 weeks before planting. Rooting reached up to 72 %. Successful rooting was not achieved with cuttings from a mature donor. However, in 77.33 % of the etiolated cuttings with long-term treatment before separation from the donor plant callus was formed in the basis. Root caps were developed from the callus, lenticels and the basis of the cuttings. Their average number was 26.05 and reached up to 113. After planting of these cuttings root caps continued to grow and reached length up to 4 mm. Parallelly the above-ground part necrotised.

Received: 20 June 2022 / Accepted: 20 February 2023 / Available online: 27 February 2023

Open Access: This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

From antiquity to the present day, man has used plants for various purposes, most of them being used for the treatment of various diseases. However, some medicinal plants are of varying degrees of threat. The purpose of this study is to establish and analyse the conservation status of medicinal plants from the flora of Bulgaria. Of total 954 species of medicinal plants in the flora of Bulgaria, 290 are considered to be of conservation importance: Bulgarian and Balkan endemics; species listed in the Red Data Book of Bulgaria and their categories of endangerment; species in the Annexes of the Biodiversity Conservation Act in Bulgaria; species included in the Bern Convention; species in the Annexes to the Habitats Directive; species under the protection of the International Convention on Trade in Wildlife; medicinal plants in Bulgaria listed in the World Red List of Plants; species in the European Red List and European Red List of Medicinal plants of different categories; List of rare and endangered endemic plants in Europe; species, which are tertiary and glacial relicts. The collection of these species must take into account their condition and comply with the regulations governing their use and conservation.

Received: 07 April 2022 / Accepted: 25 January 2023 / Available online: 08 February 2023

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Abstract

Thymus pulegioides L. essential oil (EO) in different concentrations was tested in laboratory conditions on Helicoverpa armigera Hub. 3rd instar larva on tobacco and Apis mellifera L. bees, and the results showed bioinsecticidal activity. Differences were found between the effectiveness of various concentrations as higher concentrations showed higher efficiency. Low toxicity of 36 % was found at concentration of 1.25 % essential oil, concentration of 2.5 % produced high toxicity of 76 % while concentration of 5 % produced 100 % toxicity. All the concentrations of T. pulegioides EO tested in the same conditions on A. mellifera showed 100 % toxicity.

Received: 25 October 2022 / Accepted: 09 January 2023 / Available online: 18 January 2023

Open Access: This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

In laboratory conditions bioinsecticidal effect of Mentha arvensis L. essential oil (EO) on Helicoverpa armigera Hub. 3rd instar larva on tobacco and Apis mellifera L. was found. There were differences between the efficacy of the divers concentrations. Good bioinsecticidal effect of 48 % was detected at concentration of 1.25 % v/v, high effect of 92 % at concentration of 2.5 % v/v and 100 % efficacy at 5 % v/v. Phytotoxicity on tobacco plants was found only at 5 % v/v EO concentration. The concentrations of 2.5 % v/v and even the less than 1.25 % v/v could be used to control the pest H. armigera. Concentrations of 1.25 % v/v and 2.5 % v/v applied under the same conditions to A. mellifera showed 100 % toxicity to the bees as well.

Abstract

The condition and productivity of marginal oak-beech plantations in the conditions of fresh hornbeam grove of the southern part of the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine, outside the natural habitat of European beech have been studied. It was found that with the observance of agricultural techniques and timely silvicultural care and felling of plantations at the age of 19–20 productive crops are formed with an average height of beech trees 9.2–10.4 m, diameter 11.8–12.7 cm, preservation of 352–386 pieces·ha-1, which grow according to Ib class of quality. In the studied oak-beech crops of European beech trees lag behind in growth from common oak trees, but according to taxonomic indicators, hornbeam, sharp-leaved maple, birch and heart-leaved linden trees predominate. The prospects of growing of beech in non-range conditions have been established, as it can compete with aboriginal forest species.

Received: 19 September 2022 / Accepted: 04 January 2023 / Available online: 18 January 2023

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