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Volume 4 Special Issue 1 2010
Tree and Forest Biodiversity
2010: International Year of Biodiversity
ISBN 978-4-903313-45-0
How to reference: Spanos KA, Feest A, Petrakis PV, Daskalakou EN (2010) Salient Points on the Assessment and Monitoring of Forest Biodiversity. In: Nageswara-Rao M, Soneji JR (Eds) Tree and Forest Biodiversity. Bioremediation, Biodiversity and Bioavailability 4 (Special Issue 1), 1-7
Guest Editors
Madhugiri Nageswara-Rao and Jaya R. Soneji
University of Florida, IFAS, Citrus Research & Education Center, USA
www.crec.ifas.ufl.edu/index.htm
CONTENTS AND ABSTRACTS
Konstantinos A. Spanos (Greece), Alan Feest (UK), Panos V. Petrakis, Evangelia N. Daskalakou (Greece) Salient Points on the Assessment and Monitoring of Forest Biodiversity (pp 1-7)
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ABSTRACT
Invited Mini-Review: A general analysis and overview of forest biodiversity is presented. Some important current topics will also strengthen the overall overview of assessment and monitoring of biodiversity. Emphasis has been given to the three main components related to biodiversity. Analysis, assessment and monitoring of forest biodiversity have been presented. A list of processes generating and maintaining biodiversity have been presented as well. Main key factors and indicators of forest biodiversity have been described. Silvicultural and management treatments creating disturbances and mimicking natural processes are highly important for preserving high quality of forest biodiversity. Management of biological diversity (including genetic diversity) has also been highlighted as an important part of silviculture and forest management. Finally, some important concluding remarks have been presented.
Sanjay Singh, Rameshwar Das, Ravindra Krishnamurty (India) Teak in Mixed Plantations: An Appraisal of Productivity, Compatibility and Ecological Sustainability (pp 8-14)
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ABSTRACT
Invited Mini-Review: Timber yield is generally the primary objective of monoculture plantation of forest trees, which leads to imbalance in natural resource depletion from the sites, renewed risk of productivity loss resulting from some catastrophic events such as disease epidemics or insect-pest outbreak and reduction in biodiversity. Although plantations do not fully match with goods and services provided by natural forests, a judicious mixture of species might supplement them to a great extent. Hence, it is possible to design mixed stands of compatible species having highest possible yield and vegetation/ environment stability, low risk of total crop loss and improved landscape aesthetics. The benefits accrued by mixed plantations can further be multiplied several folds by deployment of superior clonal material. Teak is one of the most valuable timber species of the tropics accounting for about 15% of all forest plantations. Mixed plantations of teak have been tried throughout the tropics with varying degrees of success. Promising combinations of teak include Swietenia macrophylla (Fiji, Sri Lanka), Schleichera oleosa and Dalbergia latifolia (Indonesia), Leucaena leucocephala (Malaysia, Sri Lanka), Pterocarpus macrocarpus (Myanmar), Khaya grandifolia and Cassia siamea (Nigeria). However, teak plantations mixed with Swietenia macrophylla (Indonesia), K. grandiflora and K. senegalensis (Nigeria) and Copaifera officinalis (Trinidad) met with limited success. In India, successful mixed plantations with teak have been those of Artocarpus hirsuta, Dalbergia latifolia, D. sissoo, Xylia dolobriformis and some bamboos (e.g. Melocanna bambusoides, Cephalostachym pergracyle). But inclusion of Gmelina arborea, Acacia catechu, Pterocarpus marsupium and Bambusa tulda with teak suppressed growth of each other. The present paper is a critical ecological appraisal of growing mix plantations consisting of various species with teak as the major component.
Amalendu Tikader, Kunjupillai Vijayan (India) Assessment of Biodiversity and Strategies for Conservation of Genetic Resources in Mulberry (Morus spp.) (pp 15-27)
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ABSTRACT
Invited Review: Mulberry (Morus spp.), an important tree cultivated in most Asian countries, is a vital component of the sericulture industry as the silk-producing insect Bombyx mori L. feeds only on its leaves. Mulberry is believed to have originated in the northern hemisphere and spread to the tropics of southern hemisphere. More than 150 species of mulberry have been reported, though their identities are still a matter of great debate. Since most of the cultivating varieties were developed from M. alba, other species were mostly neglected; as a result the gene pool of the cultivated mulberry has drastically reduced. As it is essential to protect all whole genetic resources comprising both cultivated and wild relatives, efforts have recently been initiated to assess the biodiversity of this crop in different countries, especially in south Asian countries. In this review, the genetic resources of mulberry available in different countries and the measures being taken for its conservation are discussed. Biodiversity analyses with both morphological and modern biotechnological methods along with the conservation strategies such as in-situ, ex-situ, field gene bank, on-farm participatory and cryopreservation are reviewed and discussed.
H. S. Ginwal, Priti Chauhan, Shalini Singh Maurya, Vikas S. Jadon (India) Genetic Variability in Pinus roxburghii Sarg. Revealed by RAPD Markers (pp 28-34)
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ABSTRACT
Original Research Paper: RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) markers were used to reveal genetic variation in 55 geographically distinct populations of Pinus roxburghii of the Himalayan region, covering the entire natural range of distribution of the species in India. Populations vary between the longitude range of 71° 1′ N to 92° 23′ E, latitude 27° 19′ N to 33° 22′ N within an altitudinal range of 520 m to 2205 m. A total of 50 decamer primers were used, out of which twenty primers were selected based upon the polymorphism and reproducibility of results. Primers generated a total of 231 amplification products, out of which 191 amplicons were polymorphic. Amplification products obtained per primer ranged from as low as 5 to a maximum of 18, with an average of 11.55. The extent of polymorphism varied with the primer. Divergence in respect of percent polymorphism ranged from 76 to 100% with an average of 84% in the species. The similarity coefficient ranged from 0.36 to 0.78 and the genetic distance varied from 0.23 to 0.53 between the populations. Based on the UPGMA dendrogram and genetic similarity pattern, the populations of P. roxburghii were grouped into five major clusters. Genetic similarity analysis showed considerable variation among the populations ranging from highest similarity between the populations of Una, Badasar (Himachal Pradesh; HP) and Jamta (HP); Una, Badasar (HP) and Manikaran (HP) with 78% similarity. Highest dissimilarity was observed between the populations of Gaucher (Uttarakhand) and Akhnoor (Jammu and Kashmir) with only 36% similarity (64% dissimilarity). The results reveal that there is a fair amount genetic variability in the existing forests of Himalayan chir pine (P. roxburghii) and as such the information is valuable with regard to initiate conservation and genetic improvement efforts in this species.
Aranzazu Gómez-Garay (Spain), Silvana Masselli (Guatemala), Mª Angeles Bueno (Spain) Distribution of the Genetic Diversity of Pinus ayacahuite (Ehrenberg) at the Communal Forest of Totonicapán, Guatemala (pp 35-41)
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ABSTRACT
Original Research Paper: The genetic diversity of Pinus ayacahuite from six stands at the Communal Forest of Totonicapan (Guatemala) was evaluated with chloroplast microsatellite markers. The analysis along an altitudinal cline showed a diverse pattern in both genetic diversity and genetic differentiation estimates. Three areas were established: 1) a lower area, located near human establishments that includes a forest nursery, is characterized by the highest genetic diversity (He: 0.7-0.8) and differentiation (D2: 0.22-0.44) detected. Human impacts are frequent and the introduction of foreign plant material could have caused alterations in the genetic composition, 2) an intermediate area is characterized by a moderate anthropogenic perturbation (familiar-small agricultural farms). It has experienced a recent reduction of their effective population size and exhibit a reduction of haplotype richness and 3) a higher area showed elevated genetic diversity and differentiation values. The latter, has been revealed as a genetic diversity reservoir thanks to a low human impact. This study shows several important data that can contribute to the management of this forest area in the future. The low-perturbated stands with high genetic diversity indexes are critical to ensure effective sampling with afforestation purposes.
Rajanikanth Govindarajulu, Madhugiri Nageswara-Rao (USA/India), Bahusaheb Tambat, Ramanan Uma Shaanker, Kotiganahalli N. Ganeshaiah, Chepudira G. Kushalappa (India) Are Small Forest Fragments More Heterogeneous among Themselves than Large Fragments? (pp 42-46)
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ABSTRACT
Original Research Paper: In the present study of shola forest fragments of central Western Ghats, India, two predictions of Ganeshaiah et al. (1997) were tested: (a) whether the gene assemblages among a set of larger forest fragments are more similar to each other than among a set of small fragments? and (b) are the coefficient of variation for the similarity in the genetic status of population higher for smaller than the larger forest fragments? However, whereas Ganeshaiah et al. (1997) observed the evidence from species assemblages, we looked at the evidence from the genomic DNA of a single widespread tree species, Litsea floribunda Gamble, found abundantly in all the shola fragments of central Western Ghats. We argue that just as a set of co-adapted species might be selected in an island, a set of co-adapted genes in a species may also be selected in an island. By studying the RAPD-PCR amplification products in the populations of L. floribunda Gamble we tested our prediction. Our results show that populations in small forest fragments tend to be more genetically dissimilar to each other than do large fragments among themselves. These results have important implications for the conservation of genetic resources in fragmented habitats.
Baharul Choudhury (Canada/India), M. Latif Khan (India) Conservation and Management of Endangered Plant Species: A Case Study from Northeast India (pp 47-53)
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Original Research Paper: Extinction and species introduction are two major biodiversity crises of the current millennium. A species may become endangered and eventually extinct when death rate exceeds birth for a prolonged duration. The reasons may be natural or anthropogenic. Anthropogenic activities are now-a-days prominent and causing extinction of many plant species of ecological and economic significance. Many species are facing tremendous pressure and are on the verge of extinction in Northeast India, one of the global biodiversity hotspots in the world. In the present communication, we present the population status and conservation requirement of three rare/endangered and endemic plant species of the region viz. Aquilaria malaccensis, Gleditsia assamica and Gymnocladus assamicus. Natural populations of A. malaccensis have been depleted due to over-harvesting of mature trees for its precious ‘agarwood’. However, plantations have been established in home-gardens of upper Assam and serving as a means of ex-situ of conservation of the species. The G. assamica and G. assamicus populations are also very poor in nature which culminates with poor natural regeneration. Therefore, a similar way of ex-situ conservation in plantations as practiced in A. malaccensis is suggested for effective conservation of the species.
M. D. S. Chandran, G. R. Rao, K. V. Gururaja, T. V. Ramachandra (India) Ecology of the Swampy Relic Forests of Kathalekan from Central Western Ghats, India (pp 54-68)
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ABSTRACT
Original Research Paper: Introduction of agriculture three millennia ago in Peninsular India’s Western Ghats altered substantially ancient tropical forests. Early agricultural communities, nevertheless, strived to attain symbiotic harmony with nature as evident from prevalence of numerous sacred groves, patches of primeval forests sheltering biodiversity and hydrology. Groves enhanced heterogeneity of landscapes involving elements of successional forests and savannas favouring rich wildlife. A 2.25 km2 area of relic forest was studied at Kathalekan in Central Western Ghats. Interspersed with streams studded with Myristica swamps and blended sparingly with shifting cultivation fallows, Kathalekan is a prominent northernmost relic of southern Western Ghat vegetation. Trees like Syzygium travancoricum (Critically Endangered), Myristica magnifica (Endangered) and Gymnacranthera canarica (Vulnerable) and recently reported Semecarpus kathalekanensis, are exclusive to stream/swamp forest (SSF). SSF and non-stream/swamp forest (NSSF) were studied using 18 transects covering 3.6 ha. Dipterocarpaceae, its members seldom transgressing tropical rain forests, dominate SSF (21% of trees) and NSSF (27%). The ancient Myristicaceae ranks high in tree population (19% in SSF and 8% in NSSF). Shannon-Weiner diversity for trees is higher (>3) in six NSSF transects compared to SSF (<3). Higher tree endemism (45%), total endemic tree population (71%) and significantly higher above ground biomass (349 t/ha) cum carbon sequestration potential (131 t/ha) characterizes SSF. Faunal richness is evident from amphibians (35 species - 26 endemics, 11 in IUCN Red List). This study emphasizes the need for bringing to light more of relic forests for their biodiversity, carbon sequestration and hydrology. The lives of marginal farmers and forest tribes can be uplifted through partnership in carbon credits, by involving them in mitigating global climatic change through conservation and restoration of high biomass watershed forests.
Madhugiri Nageswara-Rao (USA/India), Gudasalamani Ravikanth, Kotiganahalli N. Ganeshaiah, Ramanan Uma Shaanker (India) Role of Protected Area in Conserving the Population and Genetic Structure of Economically Important Bamboo Species (pp 69-76)
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Original Research Paper: Due to widely expanding threats to the forests, protected areas may offer the best approach and prospect to conserve the biological diversity. However, there have been few studies that have emphatically demonstrated the role of protected areas in conserving the genetic diversity of plant species. We examined the population structure and genetic diversity of two economically important bamboo species, Bambusa arundinacea and Dendrocalamus strictus, in the core, buffer and the peripheral regions of the Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary (BRTWS) at central Western Ghats, India. Our results indicate that the proportion of human disturbance on both the bamboo species were significantly less in the core and buffer regions of the BRTWS as compared to periphery. In both the bamboo species, the core and buffer regions maintained a better population stand. The frequency distribution of the genetic similarity indices of the core populations were found to be more widely distributed as compared to the peripheral populations. Our results strongly indicate the relevance of protected areas in maintaining the population structure and the genetic diversity of economically important plants such as bamboos that are otherwise prone to heavy extraction pressures.
Vladislav N. Kalaev, Svetlana S. Karpova, Valery G. Artyukhov (Russia) Cytogenetic Characteristics of Weeping Birch (Betula pendula Roth) Seed Progeny in Different Ecological Conditions (pp 77-83)
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Original Research Paper: The present study of cytogenetic characteristics in seed progeny of woody plants in stress and no-stress conditions is important for better arrangement of green spaces in cities and reforestation on anthropogenically polluted territories because it allows to select maternal trees producing seeds resistant to stress factors. The following cytogenetic characteristics of the root meristematic cells of weeping birch (Betula pendula Roth) seedlings were studied: mitotic and nucleolar activities, frequency and spectrum of pathological mitosis, frequency of persistent nucleolus in mitosis. Seeds for this study were collected from maternal trees growing in anthropogenically polluted and ecologically safe areas of the Central Black Earth Region of Russia. Cluster analysis revealed four clusters of seedlings on each territory: “mutable”, “low-mutable” and two clusters with intermediate characteristics. The characteristics and differences of these clusters are described in the article.
Maria Emila Malvolti, Paola Pollegioni, Alcide Bertani, Sergio Mapelli, Francesco Cannata (Italy) Juglans regia Provenance Research by Molecular, Morphological and Biochemical Markers: A Case Study in Italy (pp 84-92)
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ABSTRACT
Original Research Paper: In the current climate change scenarios, the choice of seed sources is one of the main factors affecting the establishment and productivity of plantations of forest trees. Juglans regia L. (walnut) is one of the more valuable hardwood species since it could provide high quality timber and fruits. The aim of this study was to search peculiar Italian walnut provenances as putative biodiversity sources for seed orchards and to establish new hardwood plantations. A multidisciplinary approach, integrating molecular markers (ISSR), seed morphological traits (equatorial and polar diameter, shape, dry weight) and fruit composition (total oil, fatty acids, tocopherol) was applied to analyze samples collected in ten sites (three in Campania and seven in Abruzzo regions) and samples of four varieties (two from Southern and two from Northern Italy). Eleven selected ISSR primers exhibited a strong ability to discriminate walnut provenances. The Principal Coordinate Analysis performed on the ΦPT values divided all germplasm in four distinct groups. The genotyping results were partially confirmed by the morphological and biochemical analysis of fruits. Two walnut provenances, the first from a hilly plateau in Campania region and the second from mountainous zone of Abruzzo, shown to be different both for genetic, morphological and biochemical characters, and can be considered promising source of seed for nurseries and hardwood plantations.
Saha Roy Olivia, Bantawa Pranay, Ghosh Swapan Kumar, Tripathi Shashi Bhushan, Ghosh Partha Deb, Mondal Tapan Kumar (India) Assessment of Genetic Diversity in Banana (Musa spp.) of North-Eastern India by RAPD (pp 93-98)
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Original Research Paper: Genetic diversity was studied among 28 landraces of banana collected from traditional farming areas of North Bengal and North East India using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Evaluation of genetic diversity is essential for conservation and management and to trace hybrids as well as duplicate entries. The PCR products produced by 10 polymorphic primers revealed 66 bands, 55 of which were polymorphic (72.7%). A dendogram was constructed based on Dice’s coefficient matrix by unweighted pair-group mean analysis (UPGMA) using NTSYS-PC, which reveal two major groups of banana: plains (North Bengal) and high hills (Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim). The extent of variability was 86.96% and the average inter- and intra-population variability ranged from 45 to 52%. A resemblance matrix was developed using SMC, which was used with NTSYS to compute cluster analysis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to assess genetic diversity of banana from North East India. |
