One of the main causes of the degradation of forest systems and the ecosystem services that they provide is climate change. It is anticipated that tropical forests will be especially susceptible to this. Understanding the impact of climate change on forest systems requires analysis over a considerable period of time and evaluation at specific intervals. In the southern western Ghats of India, a watershed with approximately 75% forest cover was the subject of a 50-year study (1970–2020), aimed at assessing the impacts of climate change using bio-climatic variables as indicators. A 30-year moving average window, encompassing the years 1970–2000, 1975–2005, 1980–2010, 1985–2015, and 1990–2020, was used to examine the influence of climate change. The study area was divided grid-wise (0.25 degrees), considering the resolution of the available input data for conducting the analysis. The changes in forest cover and forest carbon stock were analyzed as forest degradation indicators to verify the impacts of climate change on forest degradation.

The results highlight a considerable increase in the impact of climate change on forest systems. In conclusion, the impact of climate change can be considered a forest degradation criterion, and bioclimatic variables are effective indicators of it. This analysis will help prepare forest management strategies and formulate mitigation plans in the context of climate change.

The development of artificial intelligence systems allows the application of a set of technical vision algorithms to solve issues of deciphering high-spatial-resolution optical survey data obtained from various types of drones. This study aims to develop a technology for recognizing objects in logging sites. The study objects were cutting areas of varying-intensity logging. The visible-range survey data from a DJI Mavic 3 were investigated. The You Only Look Once version 8 (YOLOv8) model was applied as a computer vision algorithm, an advanced solution in the field of technical vision due to the high speed and accuracy of recognizing various objects in images. The neural network was trained on objects: growing trees, species composition, areas for storing logs, assortments, logging residues, and soil damage. Data labelling was implemented using the Label Studio software product, and the network was trained in the Python environment. The models available in YOLOv8 have five levels of image processing, which determine the accuracy of object detection and processing time. The level of processing is determined experimentally by the accuracy of object recognition for a specific task. All five models were tested to find the best solution for identifying various objects in the forest. The study results showed acceptable accuracy in identifying growing trees, classifying tree species composition, and determining storage locations for logging residues, stacks, and logs.

Understanding genetic diversity is crucial for plant adaptation in a changing world. High neutral genetic variation (NGD) can indicate potential for adaptation, informing conservation efforts. Brazil, a megadiverse nation with diverse forests encompassing a great variety of ecosystems, harbours a wealth of plant life, yet studies on NGD remain scarce. This work analyses published data (2001-2022) on NGD in native Brazilian plant populations. We identified 651 studies through a systematic search on the Scopus database, with most using microsatellite markers (SSR; N = 340) and focusing on Fabaceae, Bromeliaceae, and Arecaceae families (N = 107, 72 and 66 respectively). Interestingly, the highly informative SNP markers were underutilized (N = 19), and many papers used dominant markers such as ISSR and RAPD (N = 97 and 62, respectively). This suggests a shift towards next-generation sequencing technologies for a more comprehensive picture of genetic variation. Species-wise, Euterpe edulis Mart. (heart of palm tree) and Hancornia speciosa Gomes (umbu tree) were most studied, highlighting the link between NGD research and economically important or threatened species. Notably, trees and herbs dominated the studies (N = 371 and 194, respectively), with a focus on the Atlantic Forest biome. However, Cerrado and Amazon biomes were also well represented, underscoring the importance of broader investigation across all Brazilian ecosystems. These findings reveal a critical gap in knowledge. With looming climate and landscape changes, a more comprehensive understanding of NGD across Brazil's diverse flora is vital. Future steps include incorporating recent data and performing a meta-analysis to gain deeper insights into national conservation strategies, ultimately aiding in the development of effective strategies to safeguard Brazil's irreplaceable plant biodiversity.

Fungi are both allies and rivals of plants, and some are involved in plant symbiosis. Mycorrhizae are symbiotic associations contracted by plant roots with the mycelium of a number of mushrooms for mutual benefit. They are essential for 80% of rooted plants, helping them absorb mineral elements, improve nutrition, and resist water stress. Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) and Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) belong to the Pinaceae family and are two-needled conifers. The former is characterized by its rapid growth to 30m, and it is a light species known to be thermophilic and require heat and humidity. The latter also has a remarkable drought tolerance. This study focuses on contributing to the determination of fungal species that live symbiotically with maritime pine and Aleppo pine along the Ghazaouet coastline, using surveys conducted during 2021 and 2022, in which we collected under maritime pine and Aleppo pine in the proximity of 2 to 5m and sampled natural mycorrhizal roots. Identification was based on morphological characteristics, with recognition of macroscopic keys (shape; cap; tubular hymenophores and their organization; internal coating and structure of the foot; color and texture of the flesh; veil and ring) and microscopic observation of spores and fungal structures in the fresh state, using reagents such as Lugol and Melzer. Sections of the mycorrhizae were mounted in cotton blue and observed under a photonic microscope. Four species of basidiomycetes were determined, belonging to four genera: Suillellus luridus, Suillus granulatus, S. mediterraneensis, and S. bovinus. Mycorrhization plays a vital role in the dynamics and survival of forest ecosystems.

The depletion of tropical rainforests is on the increase and plantation forests have been identified as a quick-fix measure. Sustainable management of plantation forests for optimum productivity is, therefore, essential. Hence, this study was carried out to develop site management models (site index) for Tectona grandis plantations in Gambari, Oluwa, Omo, and Sankpoba Forest Reserves, Nigeria. The data for the study were collected from six (6) age series (6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 years old) in each location. Five (5) sample plots (25m x 25m) were randomly selected per age series (making a total of 120 sample plots) and two-thirds of the data were used for calibration, while the remaining one-third was used for validation purpose. Based on the index age of 10 years, the selected site index models constructed using the regression model approach in Gambari, Oluwa, Omo, and Sankpoba were SI = exp [ln(Hd) – 8.65 (A^-1 – 0.1)], SI = exp [ln(Hd) – 5.77 (A^-1 – 0.1)], SI = exp [ln(Hd) – 9.31 (A^-1 – 0.1)], and SI = exp [ln(Hd) – 4.35 (A^-1 – 0.1)], respectively. Using the graphical approach and proportional curve method, the plantations were stratified into five site quality classes, I to V (I = the best site and V = poor site). A 10-year-old Teak stand from this study attained average dominant heights (m) of 16.2, 14.1, and 9.8 (Gambari); 19.5, 16.0, and 12.3 (Oluwa); 21.8, 16.2, and 10.5 (Omo), and 15.5, 11.4, and 8.9 (Sankpoba) on site classes I, III, and V, respectively. This implies that a stand with a height development pattern similar to curve I is growing on the best site and has a higher volume if production than a stand with a height development pattern similar to curve V. It is recommended that site classes I to III should be used for Teak plantations in this study areas

Abstract

The University of Ibadan is renowned for its urban forest environment and biodiversity. This study therefore assessed butterfly species abundance and diversity across different land use in the University to enhance forest management practices and encourage biodiversity conservation . The University was stratified into five land use categories: Farming, Residential, Recreational, Aquatic and Utility areas. Three 500m x10m line transects at least 100m apart were established in each stratum and surveyed from 9:00hr to 12:00hr, twice a month for a period of 5 months (January-May). Visual encounter survey was employed to enumerate all butterflies encountered, while standard field guide was used to identify butterfly species. Point Centre Quadrant method was used to assess the tree species present. Data obtained were analyzed using percentages, means, ANOVA and Shannon-Wiener index.Tree species identified include; Milicia excelsa, Terminalia superba, Terminalia Africana, Alstonia boonei. A total of 2660 butterflies from 41 species belonging to 5 families: Nymphalidae (52.0%), Pieridae (23%), Papillionidae (9.0%), Lycaenidae (9.0%), and Hesperiidae (7.0%) were recorded. The highest (83.6%) and least (41.2%) butterfly populations were recorded in Aquatic and Residential areas, respectively. Shannon –Wiener Index was highest in Aquatic (2.80), followed by Residential (2.54) and least in Farm (2.35) areas. Species richness was highest (24.22±5.03) and lowest (16±2.98) in Aquatic and Recreational areas, respectively. Junonia oenone is the most (300) abundant, followed by Eurema hecabe (237) and the least are; Nepheronia thalassina, and Hypolimnas misippus (2 each). There was significant difference in species abundance across land use in the University (α_0.05 ). Although land use has significant effect on the abundance and diversity of butterfly species, the University is a healthy environment considering the butterfly diversity. .

Biotechnological involvement in gene pool conservation is limited, particularly among natural polyploid tree species such as mulberry (Morus spp.), due to the diversity in genome sizes and the additional complexity imposed by heterozygosity. Plant performance may be greatly influenced by variations in the number, size, and structure of chromosomes. The current work has devised a step-by-step, cost-effective procedure for the chromosomal analysis of Morus spp. shoot tips. We identified various cytotypes of Morus spp. available at Central Sericultural Germplasm Resources Centre (CSGRC), Hosur, Tamil Nadu, India, including diploid (2n=2x=28), aneuploid (2n=2x=30), triploids (2n=3x=42), tetraploids (2n=4x=56), hexaploidy (2n=6x=84), and decasoploidy (2n=22x=308). Flow cytometry (FCM) analysis was performed to confirm the genome size of highly polyploid species such as M. tiliaefolia Makino. (2n=6x=84; ~1188.83 Mbp), M. serrata Roxb. (2n=6x=84; ~1386.32 Mbp), and slow-growing phenotype M. nigra L. (2n=22x=308; ~4239.86 Mbp). This study identified considerable genome downsize in decosaploid M. nigra L. (1Cx, ~353.25±07.23). Furthermore, morpho-anatomical, physiological, and biochemical traits were estimated for the selected 50 accessions, considering all cytotypes. Overall, current research suggests that over episodes of polyploidization and selection pressure, factors like the growth rate, genome size, and nutritional constraints enforced not only reduce the genome size but also restrict the growth (slow-growing) of polyploid mulberry. As a consequence, immediate attention is necessary to understand the structural and functional implications for polyploid conservation, particularly in tree species of wild origin. [The present research was supported by the Central Silk Board, MoT, and GoI funded projects PIG06004SI and POG06010SIC.]

Sida cordifolia is an erect, branched, annual or rarely perennial woody, undershrub with stellately pubescent aerial parts, up to 1m high belonging to the family Malvaceae. It is locally called as Bala. It grows as a weed on roadsides and waste places in tropical and sub-tropical regions throughout India. The annual demand of S. cordifolia is 1000-2000 MT. This study was carried out to determine the effects of different pre-sowing seed treatments on the germination and growth performance of Sida cordifolia. The seeds were collected from healthy and vigorous plants growing in natural populations of Anuppur Forest division, Madhya Pradesh India. The experiments were conducted in NWFP nursery of ICFRE – TFRI, Jabalpur. The following treatments were used:T₁ (control)T₂(cold water) T₃ (hot water),T₄ (20% sulphuric acid), T₅ (conc. sulphuric acid), T₆ (mechanical scarification), T₇ (mechanical scarification + GA 100ppm), T₈ (mechanical scarification + GA 500ppm), T₉ (0.2% potassium nitrate), T₁₀ (2% thiourea), T₁₁ (30% hydrogen peroxide), T₁₂ (cow milk), T₁₃ (cow urine) and T₁₄ (kinetin 500ppm). Experiments were performed with 14 treatments and 3 replications in completely randomized design. Days to initiate germination, final germination, and germination % were determined as germination indices. Root and shoot length, vigour index, fresh and dry weight were evaluated as growth factors. The results revealed that various pre sowing seed treatments affected significantly the seed germination process. Initiation of germination was shown earlier in T₄ in 7 days where as late germination was found in T₁. The maximum germination percentage was recorded in T₄ (79.71%) which was significantly superior over other treatments whereas lowest (12%) was recorded in T₁. The highest root length, shoot length, fresh weight, dry weight, and vigour index was found in T₅. The results revealed that seeds pre-treated with T₄ showed the better germination and better-quality seedlings of S. cordifolia.

Invasive conifers pose a significant threat to biodiversity, ecosystem services, and fire safety in Patagonian urban-natural interfaces. The Red PINOS partnership, a transdisciplinary initiative established in 2021, aims to develop a robust governance framework for managing conifer invasions in Bariloche department, Argentina. The initiative employs a two-pronged approach: identifying and implementing leverage points, to shift system dynamics toward a less invaded and invasible state, and taking short-term enabling actions to facilitate the implementation of these leverage points.

This study focuses on systematizing the experience gained by Red PINOS regarding enabling actions, while also providing a comprehensive overview of the ongoing discussions surrounding alternative leverage points for managing conifer invasions. Ultimately, this research seeks to improve governance for invasive species management in the region.

Using a participatory multi-criteria evaluation (MCE), stakeholders engaged at Red PINOS were asked to collaboratively assess ca. 30 intervention types based on criteria such as social acceptance, political and economic feasibility, flexibility, adaptability, data availability, research needs, short- and long-term impact, and systemic change potential, among others. The MCE identified promising interventions suitable for both enabling actions and types of leverage points, including public awareness campaigns, seedlings and adult tree removal in invaded areas, participatory mapping and monitoring programs, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and promoting sustainable biomass utilization for both private interests and poverty alleviation. After two years of transdisciplinary collaboration, stakeholders recognized that a combination of short- and long-term goals, coupled with progressive community engagement and institutional changes, is key to driving sustainable change.

In conclusion, this research highlights the value of considering both enabling actions and leverage points for effective invasive species management. The two-pronged and participatory approach employed, offers a model for other research-action initiatives addressing the identification of short and long-term intervention strategies to tackle complex environmental and social challenges.

This study investigates plant species diversity patterns in Chir pine (Pinus roxburghii) forest along an altitudinal gradient in the Karakar Valley, Swat, Pakistan, covering an area of 97,339 hectares around Karakar village at 1,336 meters above sea level.

Field studies were conducted across various high-altitude regions to assess plant species diversity, composition, and richness along slopes and altitudinal gradients within four forest management units (compartments). Data were collected systematically from 39 plots using a systematic sampling technique along transects: 30×30m plots for tree species, 5×5m plots for shrubs, and 1×1m plots for herbs.

Results indicate a significant decline in tree species diversity with increasing altitude, especially in Compartment 36, compared to Compartment 37, which shows an increase in species diversity with altitude. Compartment 48 exhibits a less pronounced increase in diversity with elevation. Shrub species density per hectare consistently decreases across all compartments, indicating a decline in shrub diversity with elevation. In contrast, herbaceous plant species diversity increases with altitude in all compartments, except for a notable decrease at higher elevations in Compartment 48.

Tree species diversity, measured by the Simpson index, shows an overall decline, while the Shannon index indicates an increase. The Margalef index highlights general trends in tree species diversity. Shrub species diversity trends upward according to the Simpson index but downward according to the Shannon and Margalef indices. Herbaceous species diversity increases in all regions, corroborated by all three diversity indices.

This study underscores the importance of conserving Chir pine forests. The findings provide critical insights for sustainable land use planning and biodiversity conservation in the Karakar Valley and similar ecosystems. The study advocates for the protection of natural habitats to preserve native species diversity and emphasizes active community participation in conservation efforts.