ALBERT

Description: We developed a simple polynomial taper equation for poplars growing on former farmland in Sweden and also evaluated the performance of some well-known taper equations. In Sweden there is an increasing interest in the use of poplar. Effective management of poplar plantations for high yield production would be facilitated by taper equations providing better predictions of stem volume than currently available equations. In the study a polynomial stem taper equation with five parameters was established for individual poplar trees growing on former farmland. The outputs of the polynomial taper equation were compared with five published equations. Data for fitting the equations were collected from 69 poplar trees growing at 37 stands in central and southern Sweden (lat. 55–60° N). The mean age of the stands was 21 years (range 14–43), the mean density 984 stems·ha −1 (198–3,493), and the mean diameter at breast height (outside bark) 25 cm (range 12–40). To verify the tested equations, performance of accuracy and precision diameter predictions at seven points along the stem was closely analyzed. Statistics used for evaluation of the equations indicated that the variable exponent taper equation presented by Kozak (1988) performed best and can be recommended. The stem taper equation by Kozak (1988) recommended in the study is likely to be beneficial for optimising the efficiency and profitability of poplar plantation management. The constructed polynomial equation and the segmented equation presented by Max & Burkhart (1976) were second and third ranked. Due to the statistical complexity of Kozak’s equation, the constructed polynomial equation is alternatively recommended when a simple model is requested and larger bias is accepted.

Description: Initial growing space is of critical importance to growth and quality development of individual trees. We investigated how mortality, growth (diameter at breast height, total height), natural pruning (height to first dead and first live branch and branchiness) and stem and crown form of 24-year-old pedunculate oak ( Quercus robur [L.]) and European ash ( Fraxinus excelsior [L.]) were affected by initial spacing. Data were recorded from two replicate single-species Nelder wheels located in southern Germany with eight initial stocking regimes varying from 1,020 to 30,780 seedlings·ha −1 . Mortality substantially decreased with increasing initial growing space but significantly differed among the two species, averaging 59% and 15% for oak and ash plots, respectively. In contrast to oak, the low self-thinning rate found in the ash plots over the investigated study period resulted in a high number of smaller intermediate or suppressed trees, eventually retarding individual tree as well as overall stand development. As a result, oak gained greater stem dimensions throughout all initial spacing regimes and the average height of ash significantly increased with initial growing space. The survival of lower crown class ashes also appeared to accelerate self-pruning dynamics. In comparison to oak, we observed less dead and live primary branches as well as a smaller number of epicormic shoots along the first 6 m of the lower stem of dominant and co-dominant ashes in all spacing regimes. Whereas stem form of both species was hardly affected by initial growing space, the percentage of brushy crowns significantly increased with initial spacing in oak and ash. Our findings suggest that initial stockings of ca. 12,000 seedlings per hectare in oak and 2,500 seedlings per hectare in ash will guarantee a sufficient number of at least 300 potential crop trees per hectare in pure oak and ash plantations at the end of the self-thinning phase, respectively. If the problem of epicormic shoots and inadequate self-pruning can be controlled with trainer species, the initial stocking may be reduced significantly in oak.

Description: The continuing increase in human activities is causing global changes such as increased deposition of atmospheric nitrogen. There is considerable interest in understanding the effects of increasing atmospheric nitrogen deposition on soil enzyme activities, specifically in terms of global nitrogen cycling and its potential future contribution to global climate change. This paper summarizes the ecological effects of atmospheric nitrogen deposition on soil enzyme activities, including size-effects, stage-effects, site-effects, and the effects of different levels and forms of atmospheric nitrogen deposition. We discuss needs for further research on the relationship between atmospheric nitrogen deposition and soil enzymes.

Description: We examined the effects of intercropping with Acacia senegal (L.) Willd on growth and yield of sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor L.), sesame ( Sesamum indicum L.) and roselle ( Hibiscus sabdariffa ). Field experiments were conducted in El-Obeid Research farm (13°10′ N; 30°12′ E), North Kordofan State, Sudan, during 2002–2003 in an 11-year-old A. senegal plantation. The experimental design was randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. Data were recorded for plant height (cm), fresh weight (kg·ha −1 ), dry weight (kg·ha −1 ), crop yield (kg·ha −1 ), and gum yield (kg·ha −1 ). We used Land Equivalent Ratios (LER) and simple financial analyses of gross surpluses to evaluate the productivity and profitability of the different treatments. The results indicated that A. senegal trees had a beneficial effect on crop performance and yield as well as gum yield. Significant differences ( p 〈 0.05) were obtained for plant height, fresh weight, dry weight and crop yield. Therefore, yield of sorghum, sesame and roselle under intercropping system were 13.7%, 23.8% and 20.9% higher than that obtained in the sole cropping system respectively. The highest yield increase was observed with sesame (23.8%). Gum yield (g/tree/picking) was significantly ( p 〈 0.05) increased for sorghum, sesame and roslle under intercropping system. The highest yield of (298 g/tree/picking) was obtained when roselle was intercropped with A. senegal , while the least gum yield of (239 gδtree −1 ) was recorded in pure A. senegal plot. All the treatments gave land equivalent ratio (LER) of more than one-indicating the superiority of growing the field crops in intercropping over the sole cropping systems. The highest LER of 3.8 was obtained for sesame intercropped with A. senegal (Hashab), followed by 3.7, when sorghum was intercropped with A. senegal and 3.3 when roselle intercropped with A. senegal . All the treatments gave positive net revenues, the highest being for intercropped sorghum (558 SDG·ha −1 ) (SDG=Sudanese gienh). The intercropping of roselle gave the second net revenue (518 SDG·ha −1 ), while the sole sorghum gave the lowest net revenue (501 SDG·ha −1 ).

Description: Forest restorations conducted in semiarid, seasonally dry climates must deal with the intense drought stress that affects tree seedlings during the dry season. Although this water deficit is the most commonly invoked source of mortality for seedlings, several other environmental factors may also preclude survival of transplants. For instance, it has been widely reported that excessive light reduces the efficiency of the photosynthetic apparatus, hence decreasing plant survival, but most seedling transplants in deforested areas are conducted under these light conditions. This study is focused in determining whether excessive light affects the photosynthetic performance and survival of Quercus coccolobifolia , a Mexican oak species, when their seedlings are transplanted in semiarid deforested areas. Further, this study tests the possibility of using artificial shade shelters to improve the ecophysiological performance and survival of seedlings. Oak seedlings were transplanted under full sunlight conditions and beneath artificial shade shelters of two different colors: white and black. To reduce water stress, and hence isolate the effects of light treatments, a drip irrigation system was implemented at each experimental plot. Seedling survival was monitored weekly for 128 days and photosynthetic performance was assessed by measuring chlorophyll fluorescence at three opportunities during the experiment. Sun-exposed seedlings showed lower photosynthetic performance and survival rates than those beneath shelters of both colors. These results suggest that sunlight damage can reduce seedling survival when they are transplanted in exposed sites, and that shade shelters can improve the success of forest restoration programs in semiarid climates.

Description: Kevlar® fiber (KF) is a synthesized product with strong mechanical properties. We used KF as a reinforcement to improve the mechanical properties of wood-flour/polypropylene (WF/PP) composites. KF was pretreated with NaOH to improve its compatibility with the thermoplastic matrix. Maleated polypropylene (MAPP) was used as a coupling agent to improve the interfacial adhesion between KF, WF, and PP. Incorporation of KF improved the mechanical properties of WF/PP composites. Treatment of KF with NaOH resulted in further improvement in mechanical strength. Addition of 3% MAPP and 2% hydrolyzed KF (HKF) led to an increment of 93.8% in unnotched impact strength, 17.7% in notched impact strength, 86.8% in flexure strength, 50.8% in flexure modulus, and 94.1% in tensile strength compared to traditional WF/PP composites. Scanning electron microscopy of the cryo-fractured section of WF/PP showed that the HKF surface was rougher than the virgin KF, and the KF was randomly distributed in the composites, which might cause a mechanical interlocking between KF and polypropylene molecules in the composites.

Description: We evaluated the growth and crown traits of 36 poplar clones at two distinct agro-climatic regions of Punjab (Ludhiana and Bathinda) in northwestern India, following randomized block design with three replications and plot size of four trees. Significant differences among clones ( p 〈0.001) were observed for diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height, volume, crown width and number of branches under both the site conditions. Clones ‘G-3’, ‘25-N’ and ‘41-N’ at Ludhiana and ‘G-3’, ‘RD-01’ and ‘S 7 C 8 ’ at Bathinda were found to be superior for volume production. All growth and crown traits registered significantly higher values at Ludhiana in comparison to those at Bathinda. Clone site interaction was also significant ( p 〈0.001). For volume, clones ‘L-62/84’, ‘113520’, ‘25-N’ and ‘S 4 C 2 ’ witnessed huge fluctuations in ranking between sites. The correlations between growth traits were positive and highly significant ( p 〈0.001) at both sites. The clonal mean heritability was moderate for DBH and volume both at Ludhiana (0.61–0.66) and Bathinda (0.61–0.62). Across sites, the genetic advance was the highest for volume (49.76%) and the lowest (6.50%) in case of height.

Description: We conducted a two-factor experiment in randomized complete block design with four replications during 2004 in El Demokeya Forest Reserve and El Himaira Natural Forest, North Kordofan State, Sudan. The objective was to develop an understanding of the ecological effects of under-story vegetation and tapping date on the productivity of gum arabic from Acacia senegal as over story cover. The first factor was grass cover which was tested in four levels (100% and 50% grass cover in addition to bare and burnt). The second factor, date of tapping was tested in three levels namely (1st Oct, 15th Oct and 1st Nov). The first picking was done after 45 days from tapping and the gum yield up to seven pickings was collected at intervals of 15 days. Gum yield from each picking was collected and weighed using sensitive balance. Analysis of variance was carried out using MSTAT-C statistical package, and the Tukey test was applied for mean comparisons. The results showed highly significant differences ( p 〈 0.01) of grass cover on gum arabic yield in the two sites for most of the first consecutive pickings (1st–4th out of seven) in addition to total yield (kg/ha). With exception to the 4th pickings, the interaction effect between the grass densities and tapping date was not significantly different. The total gum yield was significantly ( p 〈 0.05) increased in only two pickings (third and fourth) in El Demokeya Forest Reserve and two pickings (1st and 2nd) at El Himaira Natural Forest. The density of grass cover significantly ( p 〈 0.05) affected the number of pickings at both sites; the number of gum pickings was directly proportional to grass density. The number of gum pickings was found to be significantly ( p 〈 0.05) increased at the early date of tapping.

Description: We investigated characteristics (scales and composition) of soil seed banks at eight study sites in the rocky mountain region of Beijing by seed identification and germination monitoring. We also surveyed the vegetation communities at the eight study sites to explore the role of soil seed banks in vegetation restoration. The storage capacity of soil seed banks at the eight sites ranked from 766.26 to 2461.92 seeds·m −2 . A total of 23 plant species were found in soil seed banks, of which 63–80% of seeds were herbs in various soil layers and 60% of seeds were located in the soil layer at 0–5 cm depth. Biodiversity indices indicated clear differences in species diversity of soil seed banks among different plant communities. The species composition of aboveground vegetation showed low similarity with that based on soil seed banks. In the aboveground plant community, the afforestation tree species showed high importance values. The plant species originating from soil seed banks represented natural regeneration, which also showed relatively high importance values. This study suggests that in the rocky mountain region of Beijing the soil seed banks played a key role in the transformation from pure plantation forest to near-natural forest, promoting natural ecological processes, and the role of the seed banks in vegetation restoration was important to the improvement of ecological restoration methods.

Description: Wood plastic composite (WPC) of wood flour (WF), high density polyethylene (HDPE), maleic anhydride-grafted polyethylene (MAPE) and lubricant was prepared by extrusion, and then exposed to different temperatures to evaluate the effects of freezing and thermal treatment on its dimensional and mechanical properties. At elevated temperatures, WPC expanded rapidly initially, and then contracted slowly until reaching an equilibrium state. Treatment at 52°C and relative humidity of 50% for 16 days improved the mechanical properties of WPC: flexure, tensile strength, and izod unnotched impact strength increased by 8%, 10% and 15%, respectively. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction (XRD) tests showed that the degree of crystalization of HDPE in WPC declined with increasing treatment temperature.

Description: To confirm a hybrid swarm population of Pinus densiflora × P. sylvestris in Jilin, China, we used needles and seeds from P. densiflora, P. sylvestris , and P. densiflora × P. sylvestris collected from natural stands or experimental stations to study whether shoot apex morphology of 4-year old seedlings can be correlated with the sequence of a chloroplast DNA simple sequence repeat marker (cpDNA SSRs). Total genomic DNA was extracted and subjected to sequence analysis of the pine cpDNA SSR marker Pt15169. Results show that morphological characters from 4-year old seedlings did not correlate with sequence variants of this marker. Marker haplotypes from all P. sylvestris trees had a CTAT element that was absent from all sampled P. densiflora trees. However, both haplotype classes involving this insertion/deletion element were found in a P. densiflora × P. sylvestris population and its seedling progeny. It was concluded that the P. densiflora × P. sylvestris accessions sampled from Jilin, China resulted from bi-directional crosses, as evidenced by both species’ cpDNA haplotypes within the hybrid swarm population.

Description: We carried out an ethno-medico-biological investigation in the interior of Bhadrak district, Odisha, India to explore the therapeutic use of traditional plants/animals by local inhabitants. The villagers and rural people used plant and animal species as medicine. We recorded therapeutic use of 18 plant species of 13 families and 12 animal species of seven taxonomic categories. Different plant/animal parts like bark, leaf, flower, seed, stem, root, whole plant, oil, blood, milk, urine and flesh were reported as used in raw or cooked form against 17 specific diseases. Prominent diseases treated by plant/animal remedies were asthma, cardiovascular ailments, diabetes, epilepsy, jaundice, malaria, skin disorder and rheumatism. This study provides a better database for future studies.

Description: Assessing in situ microbial abilities of soils to degrade pesticides is of great interest giving insight in soil filtering capability, which is a key ecosystem function limiting pollution of groundwater. Quantification of pesticide-degrading gene expression by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was tested as a suitable indicator to monitor pesticide biodegradation performances in soil. RNA extraction protocol was optimized to enhance the yield and quality of RNA recovered from soil samples to perform RT-qPCR assays. As a model, the activity of atrazine-degrading communities was monitored using RT-qPCRs to estimate the level of expression of atzD in five agricultural soils showing different atrazine mineralization abilities. Interestingly, the relative abundance of atzD mRNA copy numbers was positively correlated to the maximum rate and to the maximal amount of atrazine mineralized. Our findings indicate that the quantification of pesticide-degrading gene expression may be suitable to assess biodegradation performance in soil and monitor natural attenuation of pesticide.

Description: This unique study describes how Aspergillus japonicus , Penicillium brocae and Purpureocillium lilacinum , three novel isolates of our laboratory from heavily plastics-contaminated soil completely utilized the plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) bound to PVC blood storage bags (BB) in simple basal salt medium (BSM) by static submerged growth (28 °C). Initial quantification as well as percentage utilization of DEHP blended to BB were estimated periodically by extracting it into n -hexane. A two-stage cultivation strategy was employed for the complete mycoremediation of DEHP from BB in situ. During the first growth stage, about two-third parts of total (33.5 % w/w) DEHP bound to BB were utilized in two weeks, accompanied by increased fungal biomass (~0.15–0.32 g per g BB) and sharp declining (to ~3) of initial pH (7.2). At this stagnant growth state (low pH), spent medium was replaced by fresh BSM (pH, 7.2), and thus in the second stage the remaining DEHP (one-third) in BB was utilized completely. The ditches and furrows seen from the topology of the BB as seen by the 3D AFM image further confirmed the bioremediation of DEHP physically bound to BB in situ. Of the three mycelial fungi employed, P. lilacinum independently showed highest efficiency for the complete utilization of DEHP bound to BB, whose activity was comparable to that of the consortium comprising all the three fungi described herein. To sum up, the two-stage cultivation strategy demonstrated in this study shows that a batch process would efficiently remediate the phthalic acid esters blended in plastics on a large scale, and thus it offers potentials for the management of plastics wastes.

Description: A comprehensive study on the effects of different carbon sources during the bacterial enrichment on the removal performances of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) compounds when present as a mixture was conducted. Batch BTEX removal kinetic experiments were performed using cultures enriched with individual BTEX compounds or BTEX as a mixture or benzoate alone or benzoate–BTEX mixture. An integrated Monod-type non-linear model was developed and a ratio between maximum growth rate ( μ max ) and half saturation constant (K s ) was used to fit the non-linear model. A higher μ max /K s indicates a higher affinity to degrade BTEX compounds. Complete removal of BTEX mixture was observed by all the enriched cultures; however, the removal rates for individual compounds varied. Degradation rate and the type of removal kinetics were found to be dependent on the type of carbon source during the enrichment. Cultures enriched on toluene and those enriched on BTEX mixture were found to have the greatest μ max /K s and cultures enriched on benzoate had the least μ max /K s . Removal performances of the cultures enriched on all different carbon sources, including the ones enriched on benzoate or benzoate–BTEX mixture were also improved during a second exposure to BTEX. A molecular analysis showed that after each exposure to the BTEX mixture, the cultures enriched on benzoate and those enriched on benzoate–BTEX mixture had increased similarities to the culture enriched on BTEX mixture.

Description: I developed a weeding-duration model for Sakhalin fir ( Abies sachalinensis (Fr. Schmidt) Masters) plantations that employs a generalized linear model. The number of years following planting that weeding is necessary is the response variable, and elevation, slope steepness, maximum snow depth, annual precipitation, geology, soil, site index, slope aspect, and vegetation type are explanatory variables. Among the explanatory variables, geology, soil, slope aspect, and vegetation type are categorical data. A Poisson distribution is assumed for the response variable, with a log-link function. Elevation, slope steepness, maximum snow depth, annual precipitation, site index, and vegetation type had a significant effect on weeding duration. Among the eight models with the smallest Akaike information criterion (AIC), I chose the model with no multicollinearity among the explanatory variables. The weeding-duration model includes site index, maximum snow depth, slope steepness (angle) and vegetation type as explanatory variables; elevation and annual precipitation were not included in the selected model because of multicollinearity with maximum snow depth. This model is useful for cost-benefit analyses of afforestation or reforestation with Abies sachalinensis .

Description: Arasbaran forests are located in East Azerbaijan (northwest Iran). Increasing of socio-economic problems in this area causes destruction of biodiversity and structure of these forests. Using multipurpose trees such as cornelian cherry ( Cornus mas L ) to encourage villagers to produce forest by-products is a basic approach for preserving these forests. This species grows naturally in Arasbaran forests and the fruit is annually exploited using traditional harvest methods. This study aims to assess the ecological requirements of cornelian cherry and the important factors affecting its distribution. For this purpose, 40 circular sampling plots (300 m 2 ) on various slope aspects were demarcated for sampling the occurrence of cornelian cherry in forest stands. DBH and crown cover percentage on north aspects were significantly greater than on other aspects and 4.5% of all trees were cornelian cherry in mature forest stands. North aspects had more seed-origin trees (standards) of cornelian cherry than coppiced trees, while west facing aspects had more coppiced than standard trees. This species had the highest regeneration rate in the sapling stage of 0–2.5 cm DBH. Thus, I recommend cultivation and development of cornelian cherry as a multi-purpose tree in the Arasbaran region on degraded forest lands on north and west aspects.

Description: We estimated variation in the allocation of metabolites (phenol, sugar, and electrical conductance) in seed, fruit and seedling leachates of 25 populations of Grewia. oppositifolia . Higher quantity of phenolics and higher electrical conductance were observed in plants from lower-middle altitudes but this was not correlated significantly with germination, survival, or plant height. On the other hand, sugar content in fruit pulp leachates was greatest in higher elevational populations and these sources also recorded higher germination, survival, and plant height under nursery conditions. Thus we recommend that germplasm (seed) should be collected from moderately higher elevational sources for nursery as well as future breeding strategies of this potential agroforestry tree crop of the central Himalaya.

Description: We studied formaldehyde emission from uncoated particleboard with 16-mm thickness using the large chamber and the desiccator method. A chamber of 28.4 m3 was installed to simulate a mobile home. The formaldehyde off-gassing properties of particleboard were evaluated using the chamber. The relationship between the concentration obtained by the chamber and the values by the desiccator test was discussed in this study under different conditions of conditioning day, air exchange, and loading ratio. These two methods were compared and discussed regarding the formaldehyde emission level. Three loading ratios, 0.429 m 2 /m 3 , 0.264 m 2 /m 3 , and 0.132 m 2 /m 3 , were chosen to represent different applications of particleboard products. There was strong correlation between emissions and air exchange rates at equal product-loading ratios in the large chamber, the related coefficient R 2 exceeded 0.90. There was also an indication of a generic correlation between the large chamber and the two-hour desiccator test with a single product designated loading ratio, air exchange rate, and climatic conditions.

Description: Santalum album (Indian Sandalwood) is found in the mountainous regions of the intermediate zone of Sri Lanka. Few studies have been conducted on sandalwood ecology in this region, and ours is the first recorded study of essential oil content and chemical composition of heartwood. We harvested two trees with State permission and took cross-sections for analysis. We demonstrated a difference in the heartwood formation and oil yield of the trees. The composition of the oil was found to be consistent between trees and along the trunk of the tree. Main aromatic compounds were santalols and other compounds are recorded in lesser quantities. Results of this study comply with the other published work on sandalwood elsewhere. This initial study on S. album in Sri Lanka provided promising results for the future of sandalwood agroforestry.

Description: We analyze the structure and composition of old-growth wet evergreen forest of Nelliampathy hills, the chain of hills lying immediately south of Palghat Gap, in the southern Western Ghats of India. We sampled 30 plots of 0.1 ha each (50 m × 20 m) at six locations enumerating all plants ⩾ 10 cm girth at breast height. We pooled the data and computed various structural parameters. There were 152 species of 120 genera and 51 families of the study area. Of these, 118 (77%) were trees, 24 were climbers (16%) and 10 were shrubs (7%). Species richness varied from 58–99 per 0.5 ha sample and Shannon indices of diversity ranged from 4.4 to 5.2. Fifty-nine per cent (89 species) of the species were Indian Sub-continent elements and 34% (51 species) are endemic to the Western Ghats. Fifteen species are listed in various threat categories. Aglaia and Litsea were the most species-rich genera. Numbers of families ranged from 27–43 per 0.5 ha sample. Euphorbiaceae and Lauraceae were the most species-rich families. Stand density varied from 1714 to 2244 stems·ha −1 and basal area from 53.6 to 102.1 m 2 ·ha −1 . The vegetation was dominated by 3–6 species and six dominance patterns characterized the species composition within the hill complex. The old-growth evergreen forests of Nelliampathy exist as small fragments rich in biodiversity and can be used as benchmarks for comparison with disturbed forests.

Description: This study was conducted to analyze the effect of joint type, and numbers and types of dovetail keys on diagonal tension and compression performance of corner joints in a furniture frame. Joint members were cut from white fir lumber. Butted and mitered joints were constructed with one and two dovetail key(s) with butterfly and H shapes. Joints were glued by polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) and cynoacrylate (CA). Compression capacity of joints was higher than diagonal tension. Mitered joints were stronger than butted ones. Butterfly dovetail keys were superior to H shape keys. Double keys performed better than single key. Experimental joints glued with PVAc were stronger than those glued with CA glue and control specimens. In terms of strength, butterfly dovetailed joints were comparable with doweled joints.

Description: Most community forests in hill regions of northeast India have been managed by traditional local institutions for centuries and most of these institutions remain functional even today. Higher forest coverage on private and community lands as compared to government land indicates that traditional institutions effectively manage community forests in the region. The present study was conducted through a survey of literature and field work using participatory research tools viz., PRA exercises, group discussions and questionnaire interviews with key informants in northeast India. We categorized the institutions involved in conservation and management of forests into three major types: traditional, quasi-traditional and modern. Traditional institutions with hierarchal structure were found in all states and are intact and functional in the state of Meghalaya. Quasi-traditional institutions, a blend of traditional and modern institutions were prevalent in Nagaland while modern institutions have almost replaced traditional institutions in Mizoram. We recorded at least eleven types of community forests viz. , group of village forest, village forest, restricted forest, sacred forest, clan forest, cemetery forest, regeneration forest, bamboo forest, recreation forest, village reserved forest and medicinal plantation in villages of three states. The tribal people, through long-term trial and error experiments, have developed an elaborate, functional and generally democratic system of conservation and management of forests and associated natural ecosystems. Several forest and natural resource management lessons can be learnt from the institutional structure and decision making system of the evolving and dynamic institutions of tribal communities of the region.

Description: A genetically engineered microorganism (GEM) capable of simultaneously degrading organophosphate and organochlorine pesticides was constructed for the first time by display of organophosphorus hydrolase (OPH) on the cell surface of a hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH)-degrading Sphingobium japonicum UT26. The GEM could potentially be used for removing the two classes of pesticides that may be present in mixtures at contaminated sites. A surface anchor system derived from the truncated ice nucleation protein (INPNC) from Pseudomonas syringae was used to target OPH onto the cell surface of UT26, reducing the potential substrate uptake limitation. The surface localization of INPNC–OPH fusion was verified by cell fractionation, western blot, proteinase accessibility, and immunofluorescence microscopy. Furthermore, the functionality of the surface-exposed OPH was demonstrated by OPH activity assays. Surface display of INPNC–OPH fusion (82 kDa) neither inhibited cell growth nor affected cell viability. The engineered UT26 could degrade parathion as well as γ-HCH rapidly in minimal salt medium. The removal of parathion and γ-HCH by engineered UT26 in sterile and non-sterile soil was also studied. In both soil samples, a mixture of parathion (100 mg kg −1 ) and γ-HCH (10 mg kg −1 ) could be degraded completely within 15 days. Soil treatment results indicated that the engineered UT26 is a promising multifunctional bacterium that could be used for the bioremediation of multiple pesticide-contaminated environments.

Description: Stimulation of native microbial populations in soil by the addition of small amounts of secondary carbon sources (cosubstrates) and its effect on the degradation and theoretical mineralization of DDT [l,l,l-trichloro-2,2-bis( p -chlorophenyl)ethane] and its main metabolites, DDD and DDE, were evaluated. Microbial activity in soil polluted with DDT, DDE and DDD was increased by the presence of phenol, hexane and toluene as cosubstrates. The consumption of DDT was increased from 23 % in a control (without cosubstrate) to 67, 59 and 56 % in the presence of phenol, hexane and toluene, respectively. DDE was completely removed in all cases, and DDD removal was enhanced from 67 % in the control to ~86 % with all substrates tested, except for acetic acid and glucose substrates. In the latter cases, DDD removal was either inhibited or unchanged from the control. The optimal amount of added cosubstrate was observed to be between 0.64 and 2.6 mg C $ {\text{g}}^{ - 1}_{\text{dry soil}} $ . The CO 2 produced was higher than the theoretical amount for complete cosubstrate mineralization indicating possible mineralization of DDT and its metabolites. Bacterial communities were evaluated by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, which indicated that native soil and the untreated control presented a low bacterial diversity. The detected bacteria were related to soil microorganisms and microorganisms with known biodegradative potential. In the presence of toluene a bacterium related to Azoarcus , a genus that includes species capable of growing at the expense of aromatic compounds such as toluene and halobenzoates under denitrifying conditions, was detected.

Description: Because benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) and ethanol are important contaminants present in Brazilian gasoline, it is essential to develop technology that can be used in the bioremediation of gasoline-contaminated aquifers. This paper evaluates the performance of a horizontal-flow anaerobic immobilized biomass (HAIB) reactor fed with water containing gasoline constituents under denitrifying conditions. Two HAIB reactors filled with polyurethane foam matrices (5 mm cubes, 23 kg/m 3 density and 95 % porosity) for biomass attachment were assayed. The reactor fed with synthetic substrate containing protein, carbohydrates, sodium bicarbonate and BTEX solution in ethanol, at an Hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 13.5 h, presented hydrocarbon removal efficiencies of 99 % at the following initial concentrations: benzene 6.7 mg/L, toluene 4.9 mg/L, m -xylene and p -xylene 7.2 mg/L, ethylbenzene 3.7 mg/L, and nitrate 60 mg N/L. The HAIB reactor fed with gasoline-contaminated water at an HRT of 20 h showed hydrocarbon removal efficiencies of 96 % at the following initial concentrations: benzene, 4.9 mg/L; toluene, 7.2 mg/L; m -xylene, 3.7 mg/L; and nitrate 400 mg N/L. Microbiological observations along the length of the HAIB reactor fed with gasoline-contaminated water confirmed that in the first segment of the reactor, denitrifying metabolism predominated, whereas from the first sampling port on, the metabolism observed was predominantly methanogenic.

Description: Burkholderia sp. C3, an efficient polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon degrader, can utilize nine of the ten N -methylcarbamate insecticides including carbaryl as a sole source of carbon. Rapid hydrolysis of carbaryl in C3 is followed by slow catabolism of the resulting 1-naphthol. This study focused on metabolomes and proteomes in C3 cells utilizing carbaryl in comparison to those using glucose or nutrient broth. Sixty of the 867 detected proteins were involved in primary metabolism, adaptive sensing and regulation, transport, stress response, and detoxification. Among the 41 proteins expressed in response to carbaryl were formate dehydrogenase, aldehyde-alcohol dehydrogenase and ethanolamine utilization protein involved in one carbon metabolism. Acetate kinase and phasin were 2 of the 19 proteins that were not detected in carbaryl-supported C3 cells, but detected in glucose-supported C3 cells. Down-production of phasin and polyhydroxyalkanoates in carbaryl-supported C3 cells suggests insufficient carbon sources and lower levels of primary metabolites to maintain an ordinary level of metabolism. Differential metabolomes (~196 identified polar metabolites) showed up-production of metabolites in pentose phosphate pathways and metabolisms of cysteine, cystine and some other amino acids, disaccharides and nicotinate, in contract to down-production of most of the other amino acids and hexoses. The proteomic and metabolomic analyses showed that carbaryl-supported C3 cells experienced strong toxic effects, oxidative stresses, DNA/RNA damages and carbon nutrient deficiency.

Description: Species of the genus Variovorax are often isolated from nitrile or amide-containing organic compound-contaminated soil. However, there have been few biological characterizations of Variovorax and their contaminant-degrading enzymes. Previously, we reported a new soil isolate, Variovorax boronicumulans CGMCC 4969, and its nitrile hydratase that transforms the neonicotinoid insecticide thiacloprid into an amide metabolite. In this study, we showed that CGMCC 4969 is able to degrade acrylamide, a neurotoxicant and carcinogen in animals, during cell growth in a mineral salt medium as well as in its resting state. Resting cells rapidly hydrolyzed 600 mg/L acrylamide to acrylic acid with a half-life of 2.5 min. In in vitro tests, CGMCC 4969 showed plant growth-promoting properties; it produced a siderophore, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, and the phytohormone salicylic acid. Interestingly, in soil inoculated with this strain, 200 mg/L acrylamide was completely degraded in 4 days. Gene cloning and overexpression in the Escherichia coli strain Rosetta (DE3) pLysS resulted in the production of an aliphatic amidase of 345 amino acids that hydrolyzed acrylamide into acrylic acid. The amidase contained a conserved catalytic triad, Glu59, Lys 134, and Cys166, and an “MRHGDISSS” amino acid sequence at the N-terminal region. Variovorax boronicumulans CGMCC 4969, which is able to use acrylamide for cell growth and rapidly degrade acrylamide in soil, shows promising plant growth-promoting properties. As such, it has the potential to be developed into an effective Bioaugmentation strategy to promote growth of field crops in acrylamide-contaminated soil.

Description: Organic and metallic pollutants are ubiquitous in the environment. Many metals are reported to be toxic to microorganisms and to inhibit biodegradation. The effect of the metals iron, copper and silver on the metabolism of Labrys portucalensis F11 and on fluorobenzene (FB) biodegradation was examined. The results indicate that the addition of 1 mM of Fe 2+ to the culture medium has a positive effect on bacterial growth and has no impact in the biodegradation of 1 and 2 mM of FB. The presence of 1 mM of Cu 2+ was found to strongly inhibit the growth of F11 cultures and to reduce the biodegradation of 1 and 2 mM of FB to ca. 50 %, with 80 % of stoichiometrically expected fluoride released. In the experiments with resting cells, the FB degraded (from 2 mM supplied) was reduced ca. 20 % whereas the fluoride released was reduced to 45 % of that stoichiometrically expected. Ag + was the most potent inhibitor of FB degradation. In experiments with growing cells, the addition of 1 mM of Ag + to the culture medium containing 1 and 2 mM of FB resulted in no fluoride release, whereas FB degradation was only one third of that observed in control cultures. In the experiments with resting cells, the addition of Ag + resulted in 25 % reduction in substrate degradation and fluoride release was only 20 % of that stoichiometrically expected. The accumulation of catechol and 4-fluorocatechol in cultures supplemented with Cu 2+ or Ag + suggest inhibition of the key enzyme of FB metabolism—catechol 1,2-dioxygenase.

Description: In the present study, the influence of kaolinite and goethite on microbial degradation of methyl parathion was investigated. We observed that the biodegradation process was improved by kaolinite and depressed by goethite. Calorimetric data further showed that the metabolic activities of degrading cells ( Pseudomonas putida ) were enhanced by the presence of kaolinite and depressed by the presence of goethite. A semipermeable membrane experiment was performed and results supported the above observations: the promotive effect of kaolinite and the inhibition of goethite for microbial degradation was not found when the bacteria was enclosed by semipermeable membrane and had no direct contact with these minerals, suggesting the important function of the contact of cellular surfaces with mineral particles. The relative larger particles of kaolinite were loosely attached to the bacteria. This attachment made the cells easy to use the sorbed substrate and then stimulated biodegradation. For goethite, small particles were tightly bound to bacterial cells and limited the acquisition of substrate and nutrients, thereby inhibiting biodegradation. These results indicated that interfacial interaction between bacterial cells and minerals significantly affected the biodegradation of pesticides.

Description: Although 4- tert -butylphenol (4- t -BP) is a serious aquatic pollutant, its biodegradation in aquatic environments has not been well documented. In this study, 4- t -BP was obviously and repeatedly removed from water from four different environments in the presence of Spirodela polyrrhiza , giant duckweed, but 4- t -BP persisted in the environmental waters in the absence of S. polyrrhiza . Also, 4- t -BP was not removed from autoclaved pond water with sterilized S. polyrrhiza . These results suggest that the 4- t -BP removal from the environmental waters was caused by biodegradation stimulated by the presence of S. polyrrhiza rather than by uptake by the plant. Moreover, Sphingobium fuliginis OMI capable of utilizing 4- t -BP as a sole carbon and energy source was isolated from the S. polyrrhiza rhizosphere. Strain OMI degraded 4- t -BP via a meta -cleavage pathway, and also degraded a broad range of alkylphenols with linear or branched alkyl side chains containing two to nine carbon atoms. Root exudates of S. polyrrhiza stimulated 4- t -BP degradation and cell growth of strain OMI. Thus, the stimulating effects of S. polyrrhiza root exudates on 4- t -BP-degrading bacteria might have contributed to 4- t -BP removal in the environmental waters with S. polyrrhiza . These results demonstrate that the S. polyrrhiza –bacteria association may be applicable to the removal of highly persistent 4- t -BP from wastewaters or polluted aquatic environments.

Description: The biodegradation of heptadecane in five sand columns was modeled using a multiplicative Monod approach. Each column contained 1.0 kg of sand and 2 g of heptadecane, and was supplied with an artificial seawater solution containing nutrients at a flow rate that resulted in unsaturated flow through the column. All nutrients were provided in excess with the exception of nitrate whose influent concentration was 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, or 5.0 mg N/L. The experiment was run around 912 h until no measurable oxygen consumption or CO 2 production was observed. The residual mass of heptadecane was measured at the end of the experiments and the biodegradation was monitored based on oxygen consumption and CO 2 production. Biodegradation kinetic parameters were estimated by fitting the model to experimental data of oxygen, CO 2 , and residual mass of heptadecane obtained from the two columns having influent nitrate–N concentration of 0.5 and 2.5 mg/L. Noting that the oxygen and CO 2 measurements leveled off at around 450 h, we fitted the model to these data for that range. The estimated parameters fell in within the range reported in the literature. In particular, the half-saturation constant for nitrate utilization,  $ K_{\text{N}} $ , was estimated to be 0.45 mg N/L, and the yield coefficient was found to be 0.15 mg biomass/mg heptadecane. Using these values, the rest of experimental data from the five columns was predicted, and the model agreed with the observations. There were some consistent discrepancies at large times between the model simulation and observed data in the cases with higher nitrate concentration. One plausible explanation for these differences could be limitation of biodegradation by reduction of the heptadecane–water interfacial area in these columns while the model uses a constant interfacial area.

Description: Development of transgenic plants with tolerance to environmental stress is an important goal of plant biotechnology. Late-embryogenesis-abundant (LEA) proteins accumulate in seeds during late embryogenesis, where they protect cellular membranes and macromolecules against drought. In this work, we transferred the Tamarix androssowii LEA gene into hybrids of Populus davidiana×P. bolleana . We compared relative rates of height growth, chlorophyll fluorescence kinetic parameters, and leaf Na+ levels of six TaLEA-containing lines with non-transferred plants (NT), all grown under 0.8% NaCl stress condition. Survival percentages of transgenic lines were all higher than for NT controls after rehydration and the survival percentage of SL2 was five-fold higher than for NT controls. Seedling height increased 48.7% in SL2 (from the onset of induced stress to the end of the growing season), 31% more than for the NT controls. Chlorophyll fluorescence kinetic parameters showed a marked increase in photosynthetic capacity in SL2 and SL5. Na+ levels in young leaves of transgenic lines were lower than in control NT leaves, but higher in yellow and withered leaves, indicating improved salt tolerance in transgenic lines.

Description: We used GIS on a regional scale to estimate and compare supply potentials and costs of small-scale logging systems, a mini-forwarder and a 4-ton truck operated by private logging contractors, and manual logging and a light truck operated by individual forest owners, with the mechanized operational system of the Forest Owners’ Association. Total potential yields of timber and logging residues were estimated as 418,895 m 3 and 254,962 m3, respectively. The economic balances were estimated and available amounts were projected as supply potentials from profitable sub-compartments. As a result, available amounts of timber and logging residues were estimated at 376,466 m 3 (89.9%) and 203,850 m 3 (80.0%), respectively. Because their transport expenses were lower than for other systems the most profitable sub-compartments were operated by private logging contractors who sold logging residues at a plant. The profitable sub-compartments operated by individual forest owners were few because the extracting distances were usually greater than 20 m. Raising logging residue prices from 3,000 yen·m −3 to 4,080 yenn·m −3 or 6,800 yen·m −3 , and establishing forest roads, which reduced some extracting distances to less than 20 m, increased the number and area of profitable sub-compartments, and increased available amounts of logging residues.

Description: To evaluate laboratory germination media, seed germination rates and methodology for both Jatropha curcas and Pongamia pinnata were counted in different germination medium, such as river sand, quartz sand and vermiculite. The seeds of both species were sown at 2-cm depth of river sand, quartz sand and vermiculite. We evaluated methodologies of seeds of J. curcas and P. pinnata by ISTA (International Seed Testing Association). The results showed that river sand is the best medium for tree seeds planted at 2-cm depth of River sand. Vermiculite was second best. On paper media, there were many abnormal seedlings and this media were unsuitable for germination of the larger seeds.

Description: White-naped crane ( Grus vipio ) is a globally threatened species. It is very important to analyze its nest site selection in circumstances where there are multiple disturbances, and also helpful to accumulate valuable information about this threatened species and supply scientific suggestions for conservation and management. We studied nest site selection and the effects of environmental variables on nesting habits of white-naped crane at Zhalong National Nature Reserve, Qiqihar City, Heilongjiang, China, during March-May of 2002–2008. White-naped crane responded and adapted to changes in the quality of the spatial environments of landscape and microhabitat under multiple environmental disturbances. Nest site selection included two scales and two choices, namely the choice of nest site habitat type within the macro-habitat scale and nest site micro-habitat selection within the micro-habitat scale. Nest sites were recorded only in reed marshes. The choice of nest site micro-habitat included three basic elements and six factors, namely incubation element (nest parameters factor, incubation temperature factor and incubation humidity factor), safety element (protection factor and concealment factor), and food element (water factor). Water, remnant reed clusters, and fire were major resource management challenges during the breeding period for the white-naped crane in this Reserve.

Description: We investigated bending moment resistance under diagonal compression load of corner doweled joints with plywood members. Joint members were made of 11-ply hardwood plywood of 19 mm thickness. Dowels were fabricated of Beech and Hornbeam species. Their diameters (6, 8 and 10 mm) and depths of penetration (9, 13 and 17 mm) in joint members were chosen variables in our experiment. By increasing the connector’s diameter from 6 to 8 mm, the bending moment resistance under diagonal compressive load was increased, while it decreased when the diameter was increased from 8 to 10 mm. The bending moment resistance under diagonal compressive load was increased by increasing the dowel’s depth of penetration. Joints made with dowels of Beech had higher resistance than dowels of Hornbeam. Highest resisting moment (45.18 N·m) was recorded for joints assembled with 8 mm Beech dowels penetrating 17 mm into joint members Lowest resisting moment (13.35 N·m) was recorded for joints assembled with 6 mm Hornbeam dowels and penetrating 9 mm into joint members.

Description: In Boswellia papyrifera (Del.) Hochst natural stands, we studied the association of parasitic plants with B. papyrifera trees from which frankincense was tapped and marketed for domestic and export markets. Data on the rate of infection of parasitic plants on B. papyrifera was collected in three transects located at separate locations around Baha kar, northern Ethiopia. Each transect had ten circular sample plots of 400 m 2 and separated by 100 m. Species composition, DBH, height, crown diameter, number of main, secondary and tertiary branches and number of parasitic plants on individual trees were recorded. Sixteen tree species were recorded in the combined sample plots. The parasitic plant associated with B. papyrifera was identified as Tapinanthus globiferus . This parasite infected 38% of Boswellia trees in sample plots. The infection rate of the parasitic plant varied from 1 to 33 per Boswellia tree. The infection of T. globiferus on B. papyrifera was predominantly limited to tertiary small branchlets arising from secondary branches; parasitic plants were absent on thick main and secondary branches. In all plots, infection of T. globiferus was exclusively limited to Boswellia trees. The influence of T. globiferus parasitism on growth of Boswellia trees and its influence on yield of incense production needs further investigation. Management of natural stands for frankincense production should include measures to reduce infection by T. globiferus .

Description:    White-rot fungi are a group of microorganisms capable of degrading xenobiotic compounds, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or synthetic dyes, by means of the action of extracellular oxidative enzymes secreted during secondary metabolism. In this study, the transformation of three anti-inflammatory drugs: diclofenac, ibuprofen and naproxen were carried out by pellets of Phanerochaete chrysosporium in fed-batch bioreactors operating under continuous air supply or periodic pulsation of oxygen. The performance of the fungal reactors was steady over a 30-day treatment and the effect of oxygen pulses on the pellet morphology was evidenced. Complete elimination of diclofenac was achieved in the aerated and the oxygenated reactors, even with a fast oxidation rate in the presence of oxygen (77% after 2 h), reaching a total removal after 23 h. In the case of ibuprofen, this compound was completely oxidized under air and oxygen supply. Finally, naproxen was oxidized in the range of 77 up to 99% under both aeration conditions. These findings demonstrate that the oxidative capability of this microorganism for the anti-inflammatory drugs is not restricted to an oxygen environment, as generally accepted, since the fungal reactor was able to remove these compounds under aerated and oxygenated conditions. This result is very interesting in terms of developing viable reactors for the oxidation of target compounds as the cost of aeration can be significantly reduced. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s10532-011-9494-9 Authors A. I. Rodarte-Morales, Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain G. Feijoo, Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain M. T. Moreira, Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain J. M. Lema, Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    In this work, two novel iron oxidizing bacteria (IOB), namely Gordonia sp. MZ-89 and Enterobacter sp . M01101, were isolated from sewage treatment plants and identified by biochemical and molecular methods. Then, microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) of carbon steel in the presence of these bacteria was investigated. The electrochemical techniques such as potentiodynamic polarization measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to measure the corrosion rate and observe the corrosion mechanism. The results showed that the existence of these microorganisms decreased the corrosion potential and enhanced the corrosion rate. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed the ground boundary attacks and pitting on carbon steel samples in the presence of these bacteria after polarization. Corrosion scales were identified with X-ray diffraction (XRD). It was demonstrated that these bacteria can greatly affect the crystalline phase of corrosion products that also confirmed by SEM results. It was inferred that these bacteria were responsible for the corrosion of carbon steel, especially in the form of localized corrosion. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10532-011-9487-8 Authors H. Ashassi-Sorkhabi, Electrochemistry Research Laboratory, Physical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran M. Moradi-Haghighi, Electrochemistry Research Laboratory, Physical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran G. Zarrini, Microbiology Laboratory, Biology Department, Science Faculty, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran R. Javaherdashti, Department of Civil Engineering, Curtin University of Technology, Perth, WA, Australia Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    The common grass Calamagrostis epigeions produces a large amount of dead biomass, which remain above the soil surface for many months. In this study, we determined how exposure of dead biomass above the soil affects its subsequent decomposition in soil. Collected dead standing biomass was divided in two parts, the first one (initial litter) was stored in a dark, dry place. The other part was placed in litterbags in the field. The litterbags were located in soil, on the soil surface, or hanging in the air without contact with soil but exposed to the sun and rain. After 1 year of field exposure, litter mass loss and C and N content were measured, and changes in litter chemistry were explored using NMR and thermochemolysis-GC–MS. The potential decomposability of the litter was quantified by burying the litter from the litterbags and the initial litter in soil microcosms and measuring soil respiration. Soil respiration was greater with litter that had been hanging in air than with all other kinds of litter. These finding could not be explained by changes in litter mass or C:N ratio. NMR indicated a decrease in polysaccharides relative to lignin in litter that was buried in soil but not in litter that was placed on soil surface or that was hanging in the air. Thermochemolysis indicated that the syringyl units of the litter lignin were decomposed when the litter was exposed to light. We postulate that photochemical decay of lignin increase decomposability of dead standing biomass. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s10532-011-9479-8 Authors Jan Frouz, Faculty of Science, Institute for Environmental Studies, Charles University, Benátská 2, 12800 Praha, Czech Republic Tomáš Cajthaml, Faculty of Science, Institute for Environmental Studies, Charles University, Benátská 2, 12800 Praha, Czech Republic Ondřej Mudrák, Institute of soil biology, Biology Center, AS CR, Na Sádkách 7, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    Arsenic is a carcinogenic compound widely distributed in the groundwater around the world. The fate of arsenic in groundwater depends on the activity of microorganisms either by oxidizing arsenite (As III ), or by reducing arsenate (As V ). Because of the higher toxicity and mobility of As III compared to As V , microbial-catalyzed oxidation of As III to As V can lower the environmental impact of arsenic. Although aerobic As III -oxidizing bacteria are well known, anoxic oxidation of As III with nitrate as electron acceptor has also been shown to occur. In this study, three As III -oxidizing bacterial strains, Azoarcus sp. strain EC1-pb1, Azoarcus sp. strain EC3-pb1 and Diaphorobacter sp. strain MC-pb1, have been characterized. Each strain was tested for its ability to oxidize As III with four different electron acceptors, nitrate, nitrite, chlorate and oxygen. Complete As III oxidation was achieved with both nitrate and oxygen, demonstrating the novel ability of these bacterial strains to oxidize As III in either anoxic or aerobic conditions. Nitrate was only reduced to nitrite. Different electron donors were used to study their suitability in supporting nitrate reduction. Hydrogen and acetate were readily utilized by all the cultures. The flexibility of these As III -oxidizing bacteria to use oxygen and nitrate to oxidize As III as well as organic and inorganic substrates as alternative electron donors explains their presence in non-arsenic-contaminated environments. The findings suggest that at least some As III -oxidizing bacteria are flexible with respect to electron-acceptors and electron-donors and that they are potentially widespread in low arsenic concentration environments. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10532-011-9493-x Authors Lucía Rodríguez-Freire, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210011, Tucson, AZ, USA Wenjie Sun, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210011, Tucson, AZ, USA Reyes Sierra-Alvarez, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210011, Tucson, AZ, USA Jim A. Field, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210011, Tucson, AZ, USA Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    To reduce the volume of seaweed wastes and extract polysaccharides, seaweed-degrading bacteria were isolated from drifting macroalgae harvested along the coast of Toyama Bay, Japan. Sixty-four bacterial isolates were capable of degrading “Wakame” ( Undaria pinnatifida ) thallus fragments into single cell detritus (SCD) particles. Amongst these, strain 6532A was the most active degrader of thallus fragments, and was capable of degrading thallus fragments to SCD particles within a day. Although the sequence similarity of the 16S rRNA gene of strain 6532A was 100% similar to that of Microbulbifer elongatus JAMB-A7, several distinct differences were observed between strains, including motility, morphology, and utilization of d -arabinose and gelatin. Consequently, strain 6532A was classified as a new Microbulbifer strain, and was designated Microbulbifer sp. 6532A. Strain 6532A was capable of degrading both alginate and cellulose in the culture medium, zymogram analysis of which revealed the presence of multiple alginate lyases and cellulases. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to directly demonstrate the existence of these enzymes in Microbulbifer species. Shotgun cloning and sequencing of the alginate lyase gene in 6532A revealed a 1,074-bp open reading frame, which was designated algMsp . The reading frame encoded a PL family seven enzyme composed of 358 amino acids (38,181 Da). With a similarity of 74.2%, the deduced amino acid sequence was most similar to a Saccharophagus enzyme ( alg 7C ). These findings suggest that algMsp in strain 6532A is a novel alginate lyase gene. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s10532-011-9489-6 Authors Masayuki Wakabayashi, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-8555 Japan Akihiro Sakatoku, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-8555 Japan Fumio Noda, Sugiyo Co. Ltd, Nanao, Ishikawa 926-8603, Japan Minoru Noda, Sugiyo Co. Ltd, Nanao, Ishikawa 926-8603, Japan Daisuke Tanaka, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-8555 Japan Shogo Nakamura, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-8555 Japan Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    The performance of an Arthrobacter viscosus culture to remove diethylketone from aqueous solutions was evaluated. The effect of initial concentration of diethylketone on the growth of the bacteria was evaluated for the range of concentration between 0 and 4.8 g/l, aiming to evaluate a possible toxicological effect. The maximum specific growth rate achieved is 0.221 h −1 at 1.6 g/l of initial diethylketone concentration, suggesting that for higher concentrations an inhibitory effect on the growth occurs. The removal percentages obtained were approximately 88%, for all the initial concentrations tested. The kinetic parameters were estimated using four growth kinetic models for biodegradation of organic compounds available in the literature. The experimental data found is well fitted by the Haldane model ( R 2  = 1) as compared to Monod model ( R 2  = 0.99), Powell ( R 2  = 0.82) and Loung model ( R 2  = 0.95). The biodegradation of diethylketone using concentrated biomass was studied for an initial diethylketone concentration ranging from 0.8–3.9 g/l in a batch with recirculation mode of operation. The biodegradation rate found followed the pseudo-second order kinetics and the resulting kinetic parameters are reported. The removal percentages obtained were approximately 100%, for all the initial concentrations tested, suggesting that the increment on the biomass concentration allows better results in terms of removal of diethylketone. This study showed that these bacteria are very effective for the removal of diethylketone from aqueous solutions. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s10532-011-9488-7 Authors Filomena Costa, IBB-Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal Cristina Quintelas, IBB-Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal Teresa Tavares, IBB-Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    Trichloroethylene (TCE) is extensively used in commercial applications, despite its risk to human health via soil and groundwater contamination. The stability of TCE, which is a useful characteristic for commercial application, makes it difficult to remove it from the environment. Numerous studies have demonstrated that TCE can be effectively removed from the environment using bioremediation. Pseudomonas putida F1 is capable of degrading TCE into less hazardous byproducts via the toluene dioxygenase pathway (TOD). Unfortunately, these bioremediation systems are not self-sustaining, as the degradation capacity declines over time. Fortunately, the replacement of metabolic co-factors is sufficient in many cases to maintain effective TCE degradation. Thus, monitoring systems must be developed to predict when TCE degradation rates are likely to decline. Herein, we show evidence that tod expression levels correlate with the ability of P. putida F1 to metabolize TCE in the presence of toluene. Furthermore, the presence of toluene improves the replication of P . putida F1, even when TCE is present at high concentration. These findings may be applied to real world applications to decide when the bioremediation system requires supplementation with aromatic substrates, in order to maintain maximum TCE removal capacity. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s10532-012-9544-y Authors Jianbo Liu, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, 53 Zhengzhou Road, Sifang District, Qingdao, 266061 China Takashi Amemiya, Graduate School of Environment and Information Science, Yokohama National University, 79-7 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama, 240-8501 Japan Qing Chang, Graduate School of Environment and Information Science, Yokohama National University, 79-7 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama, 240-8501 Japan Yi Qian, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, 53 Zhengzhou Road, Sifang District, Qingdao, 266061 China Kiminori Itoh, Graduate School of Engineering, Yokohama National University, 79-7 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama, 240-8501 Japan Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    Molasses melanoidin (MM) is a major pollutant in biomethanated distillery spent wash (BMDS) due to its recalcitrant properties. The 75% colour and 71% COD of MM (1,000 ppm) were reduced with developed bacterial consortium comprising Proteus mirabilis (IITRM5; FJ581028), Bacillus sp. (IITRM7; FJ581030), Raoultella planticola (IITRM15; GU329705) and Enterobacter sakazakii (IITRM16, FJ581031) in the ratio of 4:3:2:1 within 10 days at optimized nutrient. Bacterial consortium showed manganese peroxidase and laccase activity during MM decolourisation. The dominant growth of R . planticola and E . sakazakii was noted in consortium during MM decolourisation. The comparative GC–MS analysis of extracted compounds of control and degraded samples showed that most of the compounds present in control were completely utilized by bacterial consortium along with production of some metabolites. The developed bacterial consortium could be a tool for the decolourisation and degradation of melanoidin containing BMDS. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s10532-012-9537-x Authors Sangeeta Yadav, Department of Environmental Microbiology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, 226025 Uttar Pradesh, India Ram Chandra, Department of Environmental Microbiology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, 226025 Uttar Pradesh, India Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    The capacity of an anaerobic sediment to achieve the simultaneous biodegradation of phenol and carbon tetrachloride (CT) was evaluated, using humic acids (HA) as redox mediator. The presence of HA in sediment incubations increased the rate of biodegradation of phenol and the rate of dehalogenation (2.5-fold) of CT compared to controls lacking HA. Further experiments revealed that the electron-accepting capacity of HA derived from different organic-rich environments was not associated with their reducing capacity to achieve CT dechlorination. The collected kinetic data suggest that the reduction of CT by reduced HA was the rate-limiting step during the simultaneous biodegradation of phenol and CT. To our knowledge, the present study constitutes the first demonstration of the simultaneous biodegradation of two priority pollutants mediated by HA. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10532-012-9539-8 Authors Claudia M. Martínez, División de Ciencias Ambientales, Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica (IPICyT), Camino a la Presa San José 2055, Col. Lomas 4ª Sección, 78216 San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico Luis H. Alvarez, División de Ciencias Ambientales, Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica (IPICyT), Camino a la Presa San José 2055, Col. Lomas 4ª Sección, 78216 San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico Francisco J. Cervantes, División de Ciencias Ambientales, Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica (IPICyT), Camino a la Presa San José 2055, Col. Lomas 4ª Sección, 78216 San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    We measured physiological parameters including water uptake, in-vitro embryo germination ratio, and seed coat structure observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to explore the influence of seed coat on the germination of seeds of tallow tree ( Sapium sebiferum (Linn) Roxb.). Tallow tree seeds had good water permeability. We found that germination of cabbage seeds was inhibited when cabbage seeds were soaked in extracted solutions from tallow tree seed coat. Seed coat structure at the side of the radicle appeared to be a barrier to seed germination. We tested methods to break tallow tree seed dormancy. Dormancy of tallow tree seeds was overcome by soaking the seeds in 500 mg·L −1 or 1000 mg·L −1 GA 3 , followed by 100 days of cold stratification. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s11676-011-0217-1 Authors Shu-xian Li, College of Forest Resources and Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037 China Hong-biao Gu, College of Forest Resources and Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037 China Yan Mao, College of Forest Resources and Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037 China Tong-ming Yin, College of Forest Resources and Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037 China Han-dong Gao, College of Forest Resources and Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037 China Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X

Description:    Soil samples were collected and analyzed from 25 sites of three hilly regions (Rangamati, Banderban and Khagrachari) for an understanding of the impact of denudation and land use on soils in Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh. There were natural forests, bushy land, slashed sites, slashed and burnt sites, and the sites prepared for shifting cultivation, one year after shifting cultivation and two years after shifting cultivation. The soils were generally yellowish brown to reddish brown, sandy to sandy clay loam, strongly acid, and well to excessively drained on steep slopes with considerable variation among the sites and land use categories. Bulk density was the highest in sites of one year after shifting cultivation (1.52 g·cm −3 ) and the lowest in forested sites (1.38 g·cm −3 ). Water holding capacities were, however, statistically similar in all sites. Organic carbon varied from 0.54% (slashed and burnt sites) to 1.55% (forested sites) and total N ranged from 0.05% (shifting cultivation for one year) to 0.13% (forested sites). Available phosphorus (Bray & Kurtz. 2 P) was the maximum in forested sites (12.32 mg·kg −1 ), and it did not differ significantly in other sites. Contents of available Ca, Mg and K were also higher in the bushy lands and forested sites than cleared and shifting cultivated sites. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s11676-011-0216-2 Authors Alake Biswas, Department of soil science, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331 Bangladesh M. Alamgir, Department of soil science, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331 Bangladesh S. M. S. Haque, Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331 Bangladesh K. T. Osman, Department of soil science, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331 Bangladesh Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X

Description:    Plant biomass, species diversity and net primary productivity are presented for herb layer of banj oak ( Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus)-chir pine ( Pinus roxburghii Sarg.) mixed forest in Kumaun, central Himalaya, India. The species diversity declined from a maximum (3.56) in September to a minimum (2.11) in December. The monthly live shoots biomass exhibited a single peak growth pattern with highest live shoot biomass of 185 g·m −2 in August. The seasonal pattern showed that the maximum above-ground production (131) occurred during the rainy season and the minimum (1) during winter season. The below-ground production was maximum during winter season (84) and minimum during summer season (34). The annual net shoot production was 171 g·m −2 and total below-ground production was 165 g·m −2 . Of the total input 61% was channeled to above-ground parts and 39% to below-ground parts. Transfer of live shoots to dead shoots compartments and that of dead shoots to litter compartments was 61% and 66%, respectively. The total dry matter disappearance was 61% of the total input within annual cycle. The herb layer showed a net accumulation of organic matter, indicating the seral nature of the community. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s11676-011-0214-4 Authors Mukesh Joshi, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Post Box-59, Srinagar (Garhwal), 246174 Uttarakhand, India Y. S. Rawat, Department of Botany, D.S.B. Campus, Kumaun University, Nainital, 263002 Uttarakhand, India J. Ram, Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, D.S.B. Campus, Kumaun University, Nainital, 263002 Uttarakhand, India Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X

Description:    Assessing in situ microbial abilities of soils to degrade pesticides is of great interest giving insight in soil filtering capability, which is a key ecosystem function limiting pollution of groundwater. Quantification of pesticide-degrading gene expression by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was tested as a suitable indicator to monitor pesticide biodegradation performances in soil. RNA extraction protocol was optimized to enhance the yield and quality of RNA recovered from soil samples to perform RT-qPCR assays. As a model, the activity of atrazine-degrading communities was monitored using RT-qPCRs to estimate the level of expression of atzD in five agricultural soils showing different atrazine mineralization abilities. Interestingly, the relative abundance of atzD mRNA copy numbers was positively correlated to the maximum rate and to the maximal amount of atrazine mineralized. Our findings indicate that the quantification of pesticide-degrading gene expression may be suitable to assess biodegradation performance in soil and monitor natural attenuation of pesticide. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10532-012-9574-5 Authors Cécile Monard, UMR CNRS 6553 ‘EcoBio’—IFR2116/FR90 CAREN, Université de Rennes 1, 263 Avenue du Général Leclerc, Bat 14B, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Fabrice Martin-Laurent, UMR 1347 Agroecologie, AgroSup/INRA/Université de Bourgogne, 17 rue Sully, BP 86510, 21065 Dijon Cedex, France Oscar Lima, UMR CNRS 6553 ‘EcoBio’—IFR2116/FR90 CAREN, Université de Rennes 1, 263 Avenue du Général Leclerc, Bat 14B, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Marion Devers-Lamrani, UMR 1347 Agroecologie, AgroSup/INRA/Université de Bourgogne, 17 rue Sully, BP 86510, 21065 Dijon Cedex, France Françoise Binet, UMR CNRS 6553 ‘EcoBio’—IFR2116/FR90 CAREN, Université de Rennes 1, 263 Avenue du Général Leclerc, Bat 14B, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    Plasmid-mediated bioaugmentation was demonstrated using sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) for enhancing 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) removal by introducing Cupriavidus necator JMP134 and Escherichia coli HB101 harboring 2,4-D-degrading plasmid pJP4. C. necator JMP134(pJP4) can mineralize and grow on 2,4-D, while E. coli HB101(pJP4) cannot assimilate 2,4-D because it lacks the chromosomal genes to degrade the intermediates. The SBR with C. necator JMP134(pJP4) showed 100 % removal against 200 mg/l of 2,4-D just after its introduction, after which 2,4-D removal dropped to 0 % on day 7 with the decline in viability of the introduced strain. The SBR with E. coli HB101(pJP4) showed low 2,4-D removal, i.e., below 10 %, until day 7. Transconjugant strains of Pseudomonas and Achromobacter isolated on day 7 could not grow on 2,4-D. Both SBRs started removing 2,4-D at 100 % after day 16 with the appearance of 2,4-D-degrading transconjugants belonging to Achromobacter , Burkholderia , Cupriavidus , and Pandoraea . After the influent 2,4-D concentration was increased to 500 mg/l on day 65, the SBR with E. coli HB101(pJP4) maintained stable 2,4-D removal of more than 95 %. Although the SBR with C. necator JMP134(pJP4) showed a temporal depression of 2,4-D removal of 65 % on day 76, almost 100 % removal was achieved thereafter. During this period, transconjugants isolated from both SBRs were mainly Achromobacter with high 2,4-D-degrading capability. In conclusion, plasmid-mediated bioaugmentation can enhance the degradation capability of activated sludge regardless of the survival of introduced strains and their 2,4-D degradation capacity. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10532-012-9591-4 Authors Hirofumi Tsutsui, Division of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan Yasutaka Anami, Division of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan Masami Matsuda, Division of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan Kurumi Hashimoto, Division of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan Daisuke Inoue, Division of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan Kazunari Sei, Division of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan Satoshi Soda, Division of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan Michihiko Ike, Division of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    The effectiveness of many bioremediation systems for PAH-contaminated soil may be constrained by low contaminant bioaccessibility due to limited aqueous solubility or large sorption capacity. Information on the extent to which PAHs can be readily biodegraded is of vital importance in the decision whether or not to remediate a contaminated soil. In the present study the rate-limiting factors in methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MCD)-enhanced bioremediation of PAH-contaminated soil were evaluated. MCD amendment at 10 % (w/w) combined with inoculation with the PAH-degrading bacterium Paracoccus sp. strain HPD-2 produced maximum removal of total PAHs of up to 35 %. The desorption of PAHs from contaminated soil was determined before and after 32 weeks of bioremediation. 10 % (w/w) MCD amendment (M2) increased the Tenax extraction of total PAHs from 12 to 30 % and promoted degradation by up to 26 % compared to 6 % in the control. However, the percentage of Tenax extraction for total PAHs was much larger than that of degradation. Thus, in the control and M2 treatment it is likely that during the initial phase the bioaccessibility of PAHs is high and biodegradation rates may be limited by microbial processes. On the other hand, when the soil was inoculated with the PAH-degrading bacterium (CKB and MB2), the slowly and very slowly desorbing fractions ( F sl and F vl ) became larger and the rate constants of slow and very slow desorption ( k sl and k vl ) became extremely small after bioremediation, suggesting that desorption is likely rate limiting during the second, slow phase of biotransformation. These results have practical implications for site risk assessment and cleanup strategies. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10532-012-9593-2 Authors Mingming Sun, Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008 China Yongming Luo, Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008 China Ying Teng, Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008 China Peter Christie, Agri-Environment Branch, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Newforge Lane, Belfast, BT9 5PX UK Zhongjun Jia, Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008 China Zhengao Li, Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008 China Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    This review focuses on ligninolytic fungi, soil bacteria, plants and root exudates in the degradation and solubilisation of low grade and waste coal and the interaction between these mutualistic biocatalysts. Coal represents a considerable portion of the total global fossil fuel reserve and continued demand for, and supply of this resource generates vast quantities of spoil and low grade waste. Large scale bioremediation technologies for the beneficiation of waste coal have unfortunately not yet been realised despite the many discoveries of microorganisms capable of lignite, lignin, and humic acid breakdown. Even so, solubilisation and depolymerization of low grade coal appears to involve either ligninolytic enzyme action or the production of alkaline substances or both. While the precise mechanism of coal biosolubilisation is unclear, a model for the phyto-biodegradation of low rank coal by mutualistic interaction between ligninolytic microorganisms and higher plants is proposed. Based on accumulated evidence this model suggests that solubilisation and degradation of lignite and waste coals commences upon plant root exudate and ligninolytic microorganism interaction, which is mutualistic, and includes soil bacteria and both mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal fungi. It is envisaged that this model and its further elaboration will aid in the development of functional technologies for commercial bioremediation of coal mine spoils, contribute to soil formation, and the overall biogeochemistry of organic carbon in the global ecosystem. Content Type Journal Article Category Review Article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s10532-012-9594-1 Authors Lerato M. Sekhohola, Institute for Environmental Biotechnology, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown, 6140 South Africa Eric E. Igbinigie, Institute for Environmental Biotechnology, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown, 6140 South Africa A. Keith Cowan, Institute for Environmental Biotechnology, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown, 6140 South Africa Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    Field experiments were conducted to assess the potential for anaerobic biostimulation to enhance BTEX biodegradation under fermentative methanogenic conditions in groundwater impacted by a biodiesel blend (B20, consisting of 20 % v/v biodiesel and 80 % v/v diesel). B20 (100 L) was released at each of two plots through an area of 1 m 2 that was excavated down to the water table, 1.6 m below ground surface. One release was biostimulated with ammonium acetate, which was added weekly through injection wells near the source zone over 15 months. The other release was not biostimulated and served as a baseline control simulating natural attenuation. Ammonium acetate addition stimulated the development of strongly anaerobic conditions, as indicated by near-saturation methane concentrations. BTEX removal began within 8 months in the biostimulated source zone, but not in the natural attenuation control, where BTEX concentrations were still increasing (due to source dissolution) 2 years after the release. Phylogenetic analysis using quantitative PCR indicated an increase in concentration and relative abundance of Archaea (Crenarchaeota and Euryarchaeota), Geobacteraceae ( Geobacter and Pelobacter spp.) and sulfate-reducing bacteria ( Desulfovibrio , Desulfomicrobium , Desulfuromusa , and Desulfuromonas ) in the biostimulated plot relative to the control. Apparently, biostimulation fortuitously enhanced the growth of putative anaerobic BTEX degraders and associated commensal microorganisms that consume acetate and H 2 , and enhance the thermodynamic feasibility of BTEX fermentation. This is the first field study to suggest that anaerobic-methanogenic biostimulation could enhance source zone bioremediation of groundwater aquifers impacted by biodiesel blends. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s10532-012-9589-y Authors Débora Toledo Ramos, Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil Márcio Luis Busi da Silva, EMBRAPA, BR153 Km 110, P.O. Box 21, Concórdia, SC 89700-000, Brazil Helen Simone Chiaranda, Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil Pedro J. J. Alvarez, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA Henry Xavier Corseuil, Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    Pseudoxanthomonas sp. RN402 was capable of degrading diesel, crude oil, n -tetradecane and n -hexadecane. The RN402 cells were immobilized on the surface of high-density polyethylene plastic pellets at a maximum cell density of 10 8 most probable number (MPN) g −1 of plastic pellets. The immobilized cells not only showed a higher efficacy of diesel oil removal than free cells but could also degrade higher concentrations of diesel oil. The rate of diesel oil removal by immobilized RN402 cells in liquid culture was 1,050 mg l −1  day −1 . Moreover, the immobilized cells could maintain high efficacy and viability throughout 70 cycles of bioremedial treatment of diesel-contaminated water. The stability of diesel oil degradation in the immobilized cells resulted from the ability of living RN402 cells to attach to material surfaces by biofilm formation, as was shown by CLSM imaging. These characteristics of the immobilized RN402 cells, including high degradative efficacy, stability and flotation, make them suitable for the purpose of continuous wastewater bioremediation. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10532-012-9596-z Authors Wannarak Nopcharoenkul, Inter-Department of Environmental Science, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand Parichat Netsakulnee, Bioremediation Research Unit, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand Onruthai Pinyakong, Bioremediation Research Unit, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    Stimulation of native microbial populations in soil by the addition of small amounts of secondary carbon sources (cosubstrates) and its effect on the degradation and theoretical mineralization of DDT [l,l,l-trichloro-2,2-bis( p -chlorophenyl)ethane] and its main metabolites, DDD and DDE, were evaluated. Microbial activity in soil polluted with DDT, DDE and DDD was increased by the presence of phenol, hexane and toluene as cosubstrates. The consumption of DDT was increased from 23 % in a control (without cosubstrate) to 67, 59 and 56 % in the presence of phenol, hexane and toluene, respectively. DDE was completely removed in all cases, and DDD removal was enhanced from 67 % in the control to ~86 % with all substrates tested, except for acetic acid and glucose substrates. In the latter cases, DDD removal was either inhibited or unchanged from the control. The optimal amount of added cosubstrate was observed to be between 0.64 and 2.6 mg C \text g - 1 \text dry soil . The CO 2 produced was higher than the theoretical amount for complete cosubstrate mineralization indicating possible mineralization of DDT and its metabolites. Bacterial communities were evaluated by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, which indicated that native soil and the untreated control presented a low bacterial diversity. The detected bacteria were related to soil microorganisms and microorganisms with known biodegradative potential. In the presence of toluene a bacterium related to Azoarcus , a genus that includes species capable of growing at the expense of aromatic compounds such as toluene and halobenzoates under denitrifying conditions, was detected. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10532-012-9578-1 Authors Irmene Ortíz, Departamento de Procesos y Tecnología, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Cuajimalpa, Artificios 40, Col. Hidalgo, Delegación Álvaro Obregón, 01120 Mexico, DF, Mexico Antonio Velasco, Centro Nacional de Investigación y Capacitación Ambiental, Instituto Nacional de Ecología, Mexico, DF, Mexico Sylvie Le Borgne, Departamento de Procesos y Tecnología, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Cuajimalpa, Artificios 40, Col. Hidalgo, Delegación Álvaro Obregón, 01120 Mexico, DF, Mexico Sergio Revah, Departamento de Procesos y Tecnología, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Cuajimalpa, Artificios 40, Col. Hidalgo, Delegación Álvaro Obregón, 01120 Mexico, DF, Mexico Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    A comprehensive study on the effects of different carbon sources during the bacterial enrichment on the removal performances of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) compounds when present as a mixture was conducted. Batch BTEX removal kinetic experiments were performed using cultures enriched with individual BTEX compounds or BTEX as a mixture or benzoate alone or benzoate–BTEX mixture. An integrated Monod-type non-linear model was developed and a ratio between maximum growth rate ( μ max ) and half saturation constant (K s ) was used to fit the non-linear model. A higher μ max /K s indicates a higher affinity to degrade BTEX compounds. Complete removal of BTEX mixture was observed by all the enriched cultures; however, the removal rates for individual compounds varied. Degradation rate and the type of removal kinetics were found to be dependent on the type of carbon source during the enrichment. Cultures enriched on toluene and those enriched on BTEX mixture were found to have the greatest μ max /K s and cultures enriched on benzoate had the least μ max /K s . Removal performances of the cultures enriched on all different carbon sources, including the ones enriched on benzoate or benzoate–BTEX mixture were also improved during a second exposure to BTEX. A molecular analysis showed that after each exposure to the BTEX mixture, the cultures enriched on benzoate and those enriched on benzoate–BTEX mixture had increased similarities to the culture enriched on BTEX mixture. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s10532-012-9586-1 Authors Murthy Kasi, Department of Civil Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58105, USA Tanush Wadhawan, Department of Civil Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58105, USA John McEvoy, Department of Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58105, USA G. Padmanabhan, Department of Civil Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58105, USA Eakalak Khan, Department of Civil Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58105, USA Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    Over the past few decades significant progress has been made in research on DDT degradation in the environment. This review is an update of some of the recent studies on the degradation and biodegradation pathways of DDT and its metabolites, particularly in soils. The latest reports on human toxicity shows that DDT intake is still occurring even in countries that banned its use decades ago. Ageing, sequestration and formation of toxic metabolites during the degradation processes pose environmental challenges and result in difficulties in bioremediation of DDT contaminated soils. Degradation enhancement strategies such as the addition of chelators, low molecular organic acids, co-solvent washing and the use of sodium and seaweeds as ameliorant have been studied to accelerate degradation. This review describes and discusses the recent challenges and degradation enhancement strategies for DDT degradation by potentially cost effective procedures based on bioremediation. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s10532-012-9575-4 Authors Simi Sudharshan, Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation (CERAR), University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA, Australia Ravi Naidu, Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation (CERAR), University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA, Australia Megharaj Mallavarapu, Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation (CERAR), University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA, Australia Nanthi Bolan, Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation (CERAR), University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA, Australia Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    A sequencing batch reactor was employed to treat the acrylic fiber wastewater. The dissolved oxygen and mixed liquor suspended solids were 2–3 and 3,500–4,000 mg/L, respectively. The results showed ammonium oxidizing bacteria (AOB) had superior growth rate at high temperature than nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB). Partial nitrification could be obtained with the temperature of 28 °C. When the pH value was 8.5, the nitrite-N accumulation efficiency was 82 %. The combined inhibitions of high pH and free ammonium to NOB devoted to the nitrite-N buildup. Hydraulic retention time (HRT) was a key factor in partial nitrification control, and the optimal HRT was 20 h for nitrite-N buildup in acrylic fiber wastewater treatment. The ammonium oxidation was almost complete and the transformation from nitrite to nitrate could be avoided. AOB and NOB accounted for 2.9 and 4.7 %, respectively, corresponding to the pH of 7.0. When the pH was 8.5, they were 6.7 and 0.9 %, respectively. AOB dominated nitrifying bacteria, and NOB was actually washed out from the system. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s10532-012-9599-9 Authors Jin Li, School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China Deshuang Yu, School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China Peiyu Zhang, School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    In biological nitrogen removal, application of the autotrophic anammox process is gaining ground worldwide. Although this field has been widely researched in last years, some aspects as the accelerating effect of putative intermediates (mainly N 2 H 4 and NH 2 OH) need more specific investigation. In the current study, experiments in a moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) and batch tests were performed to evaluate the optimum concentrations of anammox process intermediates that accelerate the autotrophic nitrogen removal and mitigate a decrease in the anammox bacteria activity using anammox (anaerobic ammonium oxidation) biomass enriched on ring-shaped biofilm carriers. Anammox biomass was previously grown on blank biofilm carriers for 450 days at moderate temperature 26.0 (±0.5) °C by using sludge reject water as seeding material. FISH analysis revealed that anammox microorganisms were located in clusters in the biofilm. With addition of 1.27 and 1.31 mg N L −1 of each NH 2 OH and N 2 H 4 , respectively, into the MBBR total nitrogen (TN) removal efficiency was rapidly restored after inhibitions by NO 2 − . Various combinations of N 2 H 4 , NH 2 OH, NH 4 + , and NO 2 − were used as batch substrates. The highest total nitrogen (TN) removal rate with the optimum N 2 H 4 concentration (4.38 mg N L −1 ) present in these batches was 5.43 mg N g −1 TSS h −1 , whereas equimolar concentrations of N 2 H 4 and NH 2 OH added together showed lower TN removal rates. Intermediates could be applied in practice to contribute to the recovery of inhibition-damaged wastewater treatment facilities using anammox technology. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10532-012-9549-6 Authors Ivar Zekker, Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, 14a Ravila St., 50411 Tartu, Estonia Kristel Kroon, Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, 14a Ravila St., 50411 Tartu, Estonia Ergo Rikmann, Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, 14a Ravila St., 50411 Tartu, Estonia Toomas Tenno, Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, 14a Ravila St., 50411 Tartu, Estonia Martin Tomingas, Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, 14a Ravila St., 50411 Tartu, Estonia Priit Vabamäe, Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, 14a Ravila St., 50411 Tartu, Estonia Siegfried E. Vlaeminck, Laboratory of Microbial Ecology and Technology (LabMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium Taavo Tenno, Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, 14a Ravila St., 50411 Tartu, Estonia Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    Tree biomass plays a key role in sustainable management by providing different aspects of ecosystem. Estimation of above ground biomass by non-destructive means requires the development of allometric equations. Most researchers used DBH (diameter at breast height) and T H (total height) to develop allometric equation for a tree. Very few species-specific allometric equations are currently available for shrubs to estimate of biomass from measured plant attributes. Therefore, we used some of readily measurable variables to develop allometric equations such as girth at collar-height ( G CH ) and height of girth measuring point ( G MH ) with total height ( T H ) for A. rotundifolia , a mangrove species of Sundarbans of Bangladesh, as it is too dwarf to take DBH and too irregular in base to take Girth at a fixed height. Linear, non-linear and logarithmic regression techniques were tried to determine the best regression model to estimate the above-ground biomass of stem, branch and leaf. A total of 186 regression equations were generated from the combination of independent variables. Best fit regression equations were determined by examining co-efficient of determination ( R 2 ), co-efficient of variation ( C V ), mean-square of the error ( M Serror ), residual mean error ( R sme ), and F -value. Multiple linear regression models showed more efficient over other types of regression equation. The performance of regression equations was increased by inclusion of G MH as an independent variable along with total height and G CH . Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 23-28 DOI 10.1007/s11676-012-0229-5 Authors Mohammad Raqibul Hasan Siddique, Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, 9208 Bangladesh Mahmood Hossain, Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, 9208 Bangladesh Md. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, 9208 Bangladesh Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 23 Journal Issue Volume 23, Number 1

Description:    Shifting agriculture, fire, and over exploitation of wood and copal resin are the major causes of Guibourtia copallifera Benn. vulnerability in the south-west of Burkina Faso. Conservation of endangered species requires a thorough understanding of the dynamics of small populations. In the present study, we investigated the diversity and the dynamics of G. copallifera communities in two different types of land use history, a protected area (stated forest of Comoé-Leraba) and an unprotected area (the woodlands of Tourni and Timba). A total of 17 rectangular plots (50 m × 20 m) were sampled in both protected and unprotected areas. All woody species were systematically identified, measured and classified into diameter and height classes. In the two different types of land use, the dynamics of G. copallifera ’s communities were good, and the diversities were similar and low with high β diversity. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 29-38 DOI 10.1007/s11676-012-0224-x Authors Assan Gnoumou, Department of plant Biology and Physiology, Ougadougou University, 03 PO Box 7021, Ouagadougou 03., Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso Fidèle Bognounou, Department of plant Biology and Physiology, Ougadougou University, 03 PO Box 7021, Ouagadougou 03., Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso Karen Hahn, Institute For Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, J. W. Goethe-University, Siesmayerstr. 70., 60323 Frankfurt/M, Allemagne Adjima Thiombiano, Department of plant Biology and Physiology, Ougadougou University, 03 PO Box 7021, Ouagadougou 03., Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 23 Journal Issue Volume 23, Number 1

Description:    A study was conducted at Msekera Regional Agricultural Research Station in eastern Zambia to (1) describe canopy branching properties of Acacia angustissima, Gliricidia sepium and Leucaena collinsii in short rotation forests, (2) test the existence of self similarity from repeated iteration of a structural unit in tree canopies, (3) examined intra-specific relationships between functional branching characteristics, and (4) determine whether allometric equations for relating aboveground tree biomass to fractal properties could accurately predict aboveground biomass. Measurements of basal diameter (D 10 ) at 10cm aboveground and total height (H), and aboveground biomass of 27 trees were taken, but only nine trees representative of variability of the stand and the three species were processed for functional branching analyses (FBA) of the shoot systems. For each species, fractal properties of three trees, including fractal dimension (D fract ), bifurcation ratios ( p ) and proportionality ratios ( q ) of branching points were assessed. The slope of the linear regression of p on proximal diameter was not significantly different (P 〈 0.01) from zero and hence the assumption that p is independent of scale, a pre-requisite for use of fractal branching rules to describe a fractal tree canopy, was fulfilled at branching orders with link diameters 〉1.5 cm. The proportionality ration q for branching patterns of all tree species was constant at all scales. The proportion of q values 〉0.9 (f q ) was 0.8 for all species. Mean fractal dimension (D fract ) values (1.5–1.7) for all species showed that branching patterns had an increasing magnitude of intricacy. Since D fract values were ≥1.5, branching patterns within species were self similar. Basal diameter (D 10 ), proximal diameter and D fract described most of variations in aboveground biomass, suggesting that allometric equations for relating aboveground tree biomass to fractal properties could accurately predict aboveground biomass. Thus, assessed Acacia, Gliricidia and Leucaena trees were fractals and their branching properties could be used to describe variability in size and aboveground biomass. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s11676-012-0227-7 Authors Martin L. Kaonga, A Rocha International, Sheraton House, Castle Park, Cambridge, CB3 0AX UK Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 23 Journal Issue Volume 23, Number 1

Description:    The present study was undertaken in moist temperate forest of Mandal-Chopta area in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. The aim of the present study was to understand the regeneration dynamics of the dominant tree species along an altitudinal gradient in naturally regenerating, restricted access forest. The overall regeneration status was fairly high in the study area. Most of the native canopy and undercanopy dominants had frequent reproduction and expanding populations, which suggests the stability of forest structure/composition and further expansion of dominant species. The overall regeneration of trees in the forest had a greater contribution of middle and understorey species. Because of infrequent reproduction and declining populations of some of the dominant native species viz., Abies pindrow, Alnus nepalensis and Betula alnoides , structural/compositional changes in the future are expected in respective forests dominated by them. Abies pindrow and Taxus baccata need immediate attention by forest managers for their survival in the area. Seedlings were found to be more prone to competition from herb and shrubs than saplings. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 53-63 DOI 10.1007/s11676-012-0233-9 Authors Sumeet Gairola, Department of Botany, HNB Garhwal University, Post Box No. 51, Srinagar Garhwal, 246 174 Uttarakhand, India C. M. Sharma, Department of Botany, HNB Garhwal University, Post Box No. 51, Srinagar Garhwal, 246 174 Uttarakhand, India S. K. Ghildiyal, Department of Botany, HNB Garhwal University, Post Box No. 51, Srinagar Garhwal, 246 174 Uttarakhand, India Sarvesh Suyal, Department of Botany, HNB Garhwal University, Post Box No. 51, Srinagar Garhwal, 246 174 Uttarakhand, India Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 23 Journal Issue Volume 23, Number 1

Description:    We quantified biomass accumulation and nitrogen (N) retranslocation, allocation, and utilization of Changbai larch ( Larix olgensis ) seedlings subjected to four fertilization treatments (24, 59, 81, 117 kg·ha −1 N) with an unfertilized control during summer and autumn 2009. Ammonium phosphate (18-46-0) was the fertilizer used in all treatments. On both sampling dates, the needles had greater biomass and N content than new (2009) stems and old (2008) stems, and coarse, medium and fine roots (diameters of 〉5, 2–5 mm, and 0–2 mm, respectively). Higher N concentration was observed in old stems and coarse roots than that in new stems and medium roots. In mid-summer, fine roots had higher N concentration than coarse roots. The treatment with 24 kg·ha −1 N had the greatest biomass and N content in needles and old stems, and highest net N retranslocation ( NRA ) and amount of N derived from soil. On September 21, no N translocation was observed, while the treatment with 24 kg·ha −1 N had the highest N utilization efficiency and fertilizer efficiency. Vector analysis revealed that all four fertilization treatments induced N excess relative to the control. The treatments with 59, 81, 117 kg·ha −1 N induce N excess compared with treatments at 24 kg·ha −1 N. We conclude that the traditional local fertilizer application rates exceeded N requirements and N uptake ability for Changbai larch seedlings. The application rate of 24 kg·ha −1 N is recommended. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 87-94 DOI 10.1007/s11676-012-0237-5 Authors Hong-xu Wei, Key Laboratory of Silviculture and Conservation, Ministry of Education, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083 China Cheng-yang Xu, Key Laboratory of Silviculture and Conservation, Ministry of Education, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083 China Lü-yi Ma, Key Laboratory of Silviculture and Conservation, Ministry of Education, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083 China Jie Duan, Key Laboratory of Silviculture and Conservation, Ministry of Education, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083 China Li-ni Jiang, Key Laboratory of Silviculture and Conservation, Ministry of Education, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083 China Jun Ren, Jilin Provincial Academy of Forestry Sciences, Changchun, 133033 China Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 23 Journal Issue Volume 23, Number 1

Description:    The effect of forests clear felling and associated burning on the population of soil nitrogen transforming bacteria and actinomycetes are reported at three pair sites of Chittagong University campus, Bangladesh in monsoon tropical climate. Clear felled area or burnt site and 15–21 year mixed plantation of native and exotic species, situated side by side on low hill having Typic Dystrochrepts soil was represented at each pair site. At all the three pair sites, clear felled area or burnt site showed very significantly ( p ≤0.001) lower population of actinomycetes, Rhizobium, Nitrosomonas, Nitrobacter and ammonifying as well as denitrifying bacteria compared to their adjacent mixed plantation. From environmental consideration, this finding has implication in managing natural ecosystem. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 123-130 DOI 10.1007/s11676-012-0225-9 Authors S. M. Sirajul Haque, Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331 Bangladesh Rahima Ferdoshi, Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331 Bangladesh Sohag Miah, Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331 Bangladesh M. Nural Anwar, Department of Microbiology, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331 Bangladesh Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 23 Journal Issue Volume 23, Number 1

Description:    We studied seed storage behaviour of a multipurpose tree Calophyllum inophyllum (Clusiaseae). Seeds were collected at Roslyn bay (23°7′60″ S, 150°43′60″ E) Central Queensland. Seed drying and desiccation tolerance tests were carried out according to International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) rules. We found C. inophyllum seeds to be recalcitrant and vulnerable to chilling injury, hence, unsuited for cold storage. C. inophyllum seeds maintained their viability for an appreciable period (〉 8 months) if stored in warmer environments. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 103-107 DOI 10.1007/s11676-012-0222-z Authors Subhash Hathurusingha, Centre for Plant and Water Science, CQ University, Rockhampton, 4702 Australia Nanjappa Ashwath, Centre for Plant and Water Science, CQ University, Rockhampton, 4702 Australia Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 23 Journal Issue Volume 23, Number 1

Description:    Large areas assessments of forest biomass distribution are a challenge in heterogeneous landscapes, where variations in tree growth and species composition occur over short distances. In this study, we use statistical and geospatial modeling on densely sampled forest biomass data to analyze the relative importance of ecological and physiographic variables as determinants of spatial variation of forest biomass in the environmentally heterogeneous region of the Big Sur, California. We estimated biomass in 280 forest plots (one plot per 2.85 km 2 ) and measured an array of ecological (vegetation community type, distance to edge, amount of surrounding non-forest vegetation, soil properties, fire history) and physiographic drivers (elevation, potential soil moisture and solar radiation, proximity to the coast) of tree growth at each plot location. Our geostatistical analyses revealed that biomass distribution is spatially structured and autocorrelated up to 3.1 km. Regression tree (RT) models showed that both physiographic and ecological factors influenced biomass distribution. Across randomly selected sample densities (sample size 112 to 280), ecological effects of vegetation community type and distance to forest edge, and physiographic effects of elevation, potential soil moisture and solar radiation were the most consistent predictors of biomass. Topographic moisture index and potential solar radiation had a positive effect on biomass, indicating the importance of topographicallymediated energy and moisture on plant growth and biomass accumulation. RT model explained 35% of the variation in biomass and spatially autocorrelated variation were retained in regession residuals. Regression kriging model, developed from RT combined with kriging of regression residuals, was used to map biomass across the Big Sur. This study demonstrates how statistical and geospatial modeling can be used to discriminate the relative importance of physiographic and ecologic effects on forest biomass and develop spatial models to predict and map biomass distribution across a heterogeneous landscape. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 13-22 DOI 10.1007/s11676-012-0228-6 Authors S. Lamsal, Department of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC, USA D. M. Rizzo, Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA R. K. Meentemeyer, Department of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC, USA Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 23 Journal Issue Volume 23, Number 1

Description:    A Bowman-Birk inhibitor with activity against gut proteases of Helicoverpa armigera was extracted in 0.1 M sodium phosphate buffer from defatted seed flour of Albizia lebbeck . It was purified to 29.62 folds with 51.43% recovery using ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel filtration chromatography on Sephadex G-100 column and ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sephadex A 50 . The purified protein had a molecular weight of 12,303 daltons as determined by SDS-PAGE. It was found to be heat stable up to 60°C and had two pH optima of 7.5 and 9.0. The inhibitor exhibited non-competitive pattern of inhibition with a low K i value of 0.2 μM. The inhibitor was found to be susceptible to varying concentrations of reducing agents like DTT and 2-mercaptoethanol, thereby indicating the role of disulphide bridges in maintaining its three dimensional structure and stability. The purified inhibitor caused mortality and suppressed larval growth of Pieris brassicae larvae. It was also found to be effective against gut trypsin extracted from Spodoptera littoralis . The sequence of the genes encoding for such inhibitors can be determined and the genes expressing protease inhibitors can be used in vegetable crops to confer resistance against insect pests and other plant pathogens. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 131-137 DOI 10.1007/s11676-012-0243-7 Authors Pratima Sharma, Department of Biotechnology, UHF, Nauni, Solan, India Amarjit K. Nath, Department of Biotechnology, UHF, Nauni, Solan, India Reena Kumari, Department of Biotechnology, UHF, Nauni, Solan, India S. V. Bhardwaj, Department of Biotechnology, UHF, Nauni, Solan, India Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 23 Journal Issue Volume 23, Number 1

Description:    The variations in seed and pod traits, genetic superiority and genetic divergence were evaluated for a Clonal Seed Orchard (CSO) of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. at Bithmera, India consisting of 20 clones from different agro-climatic conditions of four northern states (Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana and Rajasthan). The seeds and pods of various clones in the orchard exhibited significant variability in size, weight and other characters. Significant positive correlations were observed between seed length and seed width ( p 〈0.05), seed length and seed thickness ( p 〈0.01), seed length and seed weight ( p 〈0.01), seed thickness and seed weight ( p 〈0.01), seed length and germination value ( p 〈0.05). The genetic parameters for seed and pod traits also showed a wide range of variations in the orchard. Heritability values were found to be over 50 percent for most of the seed and pod traits. Seed weight, seed length and seed thickness showed high heritability values coupled with maximum genetic gain for these characters. Ward’s minimum variance dendrogram of clones of D. sissoo showed three distinct clusters; cluster 1 was the largest with 12 better clones whereas cluster 2 and 3 consisting of seven moderate clones and one poor clone, respectively. Mean cluster values showed sufficient variation among the clusters for seed weight, germination value and seed length. The possible hybridization between best clones of cluster 1 to the disease resistant clone of cluster 2 (resistant against deadly Gandoderma lucidum root rot disease of D. sissoo ) is also suggested for further breeding programmes of the species. The deployment of clone 194 (better performed and disease resistant) is also recommended in future plantation programmes of D. sissoo in northern India. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 109-114 DOI 10.1007/s11676-012-0240-x Authors Ombir singh, Forest Tree Seed Laboratory, Silviculture Division, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, 248006 India Altaf Hussain Sofi, Forest Tree Seed Laboratory, Silviculture Division, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, 248006 India Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 23 Journal Issue Volume 23, Number 1

Description:    Biodiversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) colonization and AM fungal spores were studied in the roots and rhizosphere soils of Acacia catechu (L.f). Wild., A. mangium Willd, Anthocephala cadamba Miq., Artocarpus chaplasha Roxb., Chickrassia tabularis A. Juss., Swietenia macrophylla King., Tectona grandis L. from plantations; Albizia procera (Roxb.) Benth., A. falcataria L., Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br., Aphanamixis polystachya (Wall.) Parker., Hydnocarpus kurzii (King.) Warb., Heynea trijuga Roxb., Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers., Messua ferrea Linn., Podocarpus nerifolia Don., Swintonia floribunda Griff., Syzygium fruticosum (Roxb.) DC., S. grandis (Wt.) Wal. from forest and nursery seedlings of A. polystachya, A. chaplasha, Gmelina arborea Roxb. and S. cuminii (L.) Skeels from Hazarikhil forest, Chittagong of Bangladesh. Roots were stained in aniline blue and rhizosphere soils were assessed by wet sieving and decanting methods. The range of AM colonization varied significantly from 10%–73% in the plantations samples. Maximum colonization was observed in A. mangium (73%) and minimum colonization was observed in C. tabularis (10%). Vesicular colonization was recorded 15%–67% in five plantation tree species. The highest was in A. cadamba (67%) and the lowest was in T. grandis ; A. chaplasha and C. tabularis showed no vesicular colonization. Arbuscular colonization was recorded 12%–60% in four plantation tree species. The highest was in A. mangium (60%) and the lowest was in A. cadamba . Roots of Artocarpus chaplasha, C. tabularis and T. grandis showed no arbuscular colonization. Among 12 forest tree species, nine tree species showed AM colonization. The highest was in A. falcataria (62%) and the lowest was in S. fruticosum (10%). Significant variation in vesicular colonization was recorded in seven forest tree species. The highest was in H. trijuga (52%) and the lowest was in L. speciosa (18%). Hydnocarpus kurzii, M. ferrea, P. nerifolia S. fruticosum and S. grandis showed no vesicular colonization. Arbuscular colonization was recorded in seven forest tree species. The highest was in A. falcataria (60%) and the lowest was in A. procera (10%). All the nursery seedlings showed AM colonization and the range was 10%–73%. Vesicules were recorded in G. arborea (40%) and S. cumini (40%). Arbuscular colonization was recorded in G. arborea (100%) and S. cumini (100%). Spore population was recorded 77–432/100 g dry soils, 80–276/100 g dry soils, and 75–153/100g dry soils in plantation, forest and nursery, respectively. Glomus and Acaulospora were dominant genera among the six AM fungi recorded. Significantly positive correlation was observed between AM colonization and AM fungal spore population in Hazarikhil plantation tree species, forest tree species and nursery tree seedlings. The present study showed the biodiversity of root colonization and AM fungi are active in nutrient cycling, survivals and seedling establishment of the plants in the Hazarikhil forest, plantation and nursery. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 115-122 DOI 10.1007/s11676-012-0241-9 Authors P. P. Dhar, Department of Botany, Dinajpur Govt. College, Dinajpur, 5200 Bangladesh M. A. U. Mridha, Department of Botany, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331 Bangladesh Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 23 Journal Issue Volume 23, Number 1

Description:    Aconitum balfourii (Bruhl) Muk. (Ranunculaceae) is an endangered medicinal plant. Natural populations were surveyed in the northwest Himalaya for population estimation and evaluation of elite germplasm. Vegetation sampling of quadrats was conducted using the vertical belt transect method in areas supporting A. balfourii . Plant density and relative dominance of A. balfourii were low compared with other alpine species. Threat status was determined on a site-by-site basis as well as for entire western Himalaya. A. balfourii was generally classified as endangered on the basis of geographic distribution and critically endangered on the basis of abundance. We found the natural geographic distribution of A. balfourii to be diminishing due to habitat destruction. Immediate corrective management measures are needed for sustainable utilization and long-term conservation of the species in the wild. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 145-150 DOI 10.1007/s11676-012-0245-5 Authors Bhuwendra Singh, High Altitude Plant Physiology Research Centre, Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal Central University Srinagar, PO Box - 14, Srinagar, 246174 Uttarakhand, India R. S. Chauhan, High Altitude Plant Physiology Research Centre, Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal Central University Srinagar, PO Box - 14, Srinagar, 246174 Uttarakhand, India Rajiv K. Vashistha, High Altitude Plant Physiology Research Centre, Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal Central University Srinagar, PO Box - 14, Srinagar, 246174 Uttarakhand, India M. C. Nautiyal, High Altitude Plant Physiology Research Centre, Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal Central University Srinagar, PO Box - 14, Srinagar, 246174 Uttarakhand, India P. Prasad, High Altitude Plant Physiology Research Centre, Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal Central University Srinagar, PO Box - 14, Srinagar, 246174 Uttarakhand, India Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 23 Journal Issue Volume 23, Number 1

Description:    Climate is a critical factor affecting forest ecosystems and their capacity to produce goods and services. Effects of climate change on forests depend on ecosystem-specific factors including dimensions of climate (temperature, precipitation, drought, wind etc.). Available information is not sufficient to support a quantitative assessment of the ecological, social and economic consequences. The present study assessed shifts in forest cover types of Western Himalayan Eco-region (700–4500 m). 100 randomly selected samples (75 for training and 25 for testing the model), genetic algorithm of rule set parameters and climatic envelopes were used to assess the distribution of five prominent forest cover types (Temperate evergreen, Tropical semi-evergreen, Temperate conifer, Subtropical conifer, and Tropical moist deciduous forests). Modelling was conducted for four different scenarios, current scenario, changed precipitation (8% increase), changed temperature (1.07°C increase), and both changed temperature and precipitation. On increasing precipitation a downward shift in the temperate evergreen and tropical semi-evergreen was observed, while sub-tropical conifer and tropical moist-deciduous forests showed a slight upward shift and temperate conifer showed no shift. On increasing temperature, an upward shift in all forest types was observed except sub-tropical conifer forests without significant changes. When both temperature and precipitation were changed, the actual distribution was maintained and slight upward shift was observed in all the forest types except sub-tropical conifer. It is important to understand the likely impacts of the projected climate change on the forest ecosystems, so that better management and conservation strategies can be adopted for the biodiversity and forest dependent community. Knowledge of impact mechanisms also enables identification and mitigation of some of the conditions that increase vulnerability to climate change in the forest sector. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 75-80 DOI 10.1007/s11676-012-0235-7 Authors P. K. Joshi, Department of Natural Resources, TERI University, New Delhi, 110070 India Asha Rawat, Department of Natural Resources, TERI University, New Delhi, 110070 India Sheena Narula, Department of Natural Resources, TERI University, New Delhi, 110070 India Vinay Sinha, Department of Natural Resources, TERI University, New Delhi, 110070 India Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 23 Journal Issue Volume 23, Number 1

Description:    A study was conducted to evaluate production performance of minks in growing-furring period with supplementing DL-Methionine (Met) in low protein diet. Seventy healthy male minks were randomly divided into five groups of 14 minks each. The minks were fed in five kinds of experiment diets (HP, LP, LP+M1, LP+M2 and LP+M3). The dietary protein levels, expressed as percentage of dry matter (DM), were 32% (high protein, HP) and 24% (low protein, LP). LP was supplemented with Met 0.4% (M1), 0.8% (M2) and 1.2% (M3) DM. From mid of September to December 10, apparent digestibility of CP (crude protein), N intake and urinary N excretion were decreased with declining dietary protein levels ( p 〈 0.05) and N retained was the highest in treatment LP+M2. No significant difference was found in total serum protein (TP) and serum urea nitrogen (SUN) among all treatment groups ( p 〉 0.05). Skin length of treatment HP and LP+M2 was higher than that of other groups ( p 〈 0.05). Body length, skin weight, length of guard hair and under hair were not affected by different dietary protein levels ( p 〉0.05). The best performance could be observed in treatment LP+M2. In diet, 24% (DM) protein level with 1.54% Met supplementing was enough for minks during growing-furring period. Dietary protein lowered from 32% to 24% with supplementing Met in diets would result in a 37.9% decrease in urinary N excretion. Furthermore, addition of Met in diets for minks would be beneficial in terms of reducing feed expenses and lessening nitrogen emissions to the environment. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 151-155 DOI 10.1007/s11676-012-0221-0 Authors Hai-hua Zhang, Institute of Special Economic Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jilin, 132109 P. R. China Guang-yu Li, Institute of Special Economic Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jilin, 132109 P. R. China Xiu-mei Xing, Institute of Special Economic Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jilin, 132109 P. R. China Er-jun Ren, Institute of Special Economic Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jilin, 132109 P. R. China Ying Yang, Institute of Special Economic Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jilin, 132109 P. R. China Fu-he Yang, Institute of Special Economic Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jilin, 132109 P. R. China Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 23 Journal Issue Volume 23, Number 1

Description:    Gentiana kurroo , a potent bitter drug plant of Indian subcontinent, is under threat due to over exploitation and destruction of natural habitat. We studied the morphophenology and chromosomes of G. kurroo on both wild and field grown plants, which is very important for proper identification, conservation and domestication. Results reveal that G. kurroo is a perennial herb, and its shoot is represented by flowering branches only. Stem is modified to rhizome. The older rhizomes split into four parts at collar region appearing to fuse together at the ends and is an important diagnostic feature for crude raw materials. Two types of leaves i.e. radical leaves at the base of the plant and cauline leaves on flowering shoot are present. Flowering occurs during September to October with 1–9 inflorescences per plant. Inflorescence is terminal monocasial cysome type. Flowers are protrandus. Anthesis starts around 7.30 am and continued till 10.0 am. Ovary is bicarpillary syncarpous unilocular. Fruit is Capsule and takes 18–20 days to mature after fertilization. Seeds are very small elliptical and 1 000 seeds weigh to 0.1275 g. Chromosomal studies made by usual squash method reveals the species is a genomic allotetraploid with n = 13. The anaphase-I segregation was normal and in none of the cells at Anaphase-I or Telophase-I could any abnormality like laggards, bridges, micronuclei etc. be observed. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 621-626 DOI 10.1007/s11676-011-0205-5 Authors M. C. Behera, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, At-Paljhor Po-Salunki District. Boudh, Orissa University of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar, India 762014 R. Raina, Dept. of Forest Products, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture Forestry, Nauni-Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India 173 230 Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 22 Journal Issue Volume 22, Number 4

Description:    A case study was conducted in beech forests of northern Iran to determine the effect of the created gaps on some soil properties in beech stand. Changes of soil properties in small (60–150 m 2 ), medium (151–241 m 2 ), large (242–332 m 2 ) and very large (333–550 m 2 ) gaps, as well as under closed stands were studied eight years after the gap creation. Soil samples were taken from three depths, 0–10, 10–20 and 20–30 cm. The gaps were different from their around undisturbed stands in terms of the following soil parameters: Mg +2 concentration of 0–10 cm at medium gap size, bulk density of 10–20 cm at very large gap size as well as K + and Ca +2 concentrations at 20–30 cm at small and large gap sizes, respectively. Furthermore, the size of the gaps had no effect on soil characteristics through the whole profile. Water saturation percent (Sp %) at 0–10cm as well as P and Mg +2 at 20–30 cm was different amongst undisturbed stands around different gap sizes. The center and the edges of the gap were different only in terms of organic carbon at the depth of 10–20 cm. Significant differences were observed between gaps and closed canopy regarding P and Ca +2 at depth 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm, respectively. It can be concluded that applied silvicultural system for harvesting trees which created these gaps might be suitable for conservation and forest management in the region. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 591-596 DOI 10.1007/s11676-011-0202-8 Authors Kambiz Abrari Vajari, Academic member of Agriculture Faculty, Lorestan University, Khoramabad, Iran Hamid Jalilvand, Forestry Department, Faculty of Natural Resources, Sari Agriculture Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran Mohammad Reza Pourmajidian, Forestry Department, Faculty of Natural Resources, Sari Agriculture Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran Kambiz Espahbodi, Research Center in Agricultural and Natural Resources of Mazandaran Province, Sari, Iran Alireza Moshki, Soil science of temperate and boreal ecosystems Institute, Faculty of forest science and forest ecology, Georg-August university of Goettingen, zip code:37077, Goettingen, Germany Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 22 Journal Issue Volume 22, Number 4

Description:    A study was conducted at two-biodiversity conservation areas of Northeastern Bangladesh (a part of Sylhet Forest Division) to assess the species composition, diversity and density of natural regeneration of tree species both indigenous and exotic species. Data were collected by stratified random quadrate method during January 2010 to July 2010. Totally 200 circular plots of 2 m×2 m in size had 5 different habitat types of plants namely; forest, roadside, homestead (surrounding forest dwellers house), fallow land and others (canals, streams and tea gardens side), which included a total of 55 regenerating species belonging to 28 families. Meliaceae is the dominant family and shows the highest family importance value (26.3), having six species, followed by Moraceae (24.24). Among the five habitat types, forest (43 species) possess the highest number of species, followed by roadside (23 species). Total 15 exotic species among 9 families and 40 indigenous species with 24 families were recorded. For exotic species, Tectona grandis possess the highest relative density (11.7%) and relative frequency (10.5%); Senna siamea had highest relative abundance (7.83%). In case of indigenous species, Chickrassia tabularis possess the highest relative density (4.23%) and relative frequency (4%); Dipterocarpus turbinatus had the highest relative abundance (3.92%). Tectona grandis (29.66) and Chickrassia tabularis (10.8) had the highest IVI for exotic and indigenous species respectively. Different diversity indices such as Shanon-Winner diversity index, species diversity index, species richness index, species evenness index, Simpson index and species dominance index, etc. were applied to quantify definite diversity. The regeneration of species associated with low levels of disturbance was in the exotic species. Study suggests that proper protection from human disturbances and scientific management of natural regeneration of two-study forests may lead a rich biodiversity site in the country. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 551-559 DOI 10.1007/s11676-011-0198-0 Authors Md. Habibur Rahman, Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, School of Agriculture and Mineral Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, 3114 Bangladesh Md. Abu Sayed Arfin Khan, Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, School of Agriculture and Mineral Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, 3114 Bangladesh Bishwajit Roy, Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, School of Agriculture and Mineral Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, 3114 Bangladesh Most. Jannatul Fardusi, Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, School of Agriculture and Mineral Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, 3114 Bangladesh Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 22 Journal Issue Volume 22, Number 4

Description:    Forest fire is a major cause of changes in forest structure and function. Among various floristic regions, the northeast region of India suffers maximum from the fires due to age-old practice of shifting cultivation and spread of fires from jhum fields. For proper mitigation and management, an early warning of forest fires through risk modeling is required. The study results demonstrate the potential use of remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) in identifying forest fire prone areas in Manipur, southeastern part of Northeast India. Land use land cover (LULC), vegetation type, Digital elevation model (DEM), slope, aspect and proximity to roads and settlements, factors that influence the behavior of fire, were used to model the forest fire risk zones. Each class of the layers was given weight according to their fire inducing capability and their sensitivity to fire. Weighted sum modeling and ISODATA clustering was used to classify the fire zones. To validate the results, Along Track Scanning Radiometer (ATSR), the historical fire hotspots data was used to check the occurrence points and modeled forest fire locations. The forest risk zone map has 55.63% of agreement with ATSR dataset. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 641-647 DOI 10.1007/s11676-011-0206-4 Authors Kanchan Puri, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Kashmere Gate, Delhi, 110006 India G. Areendran, IGCMC, WWF India, Lodi Estate, New Delhi, 110003 India Krishna Raj, IGCMC, WWF India, Lodi Estate, New Delhi, 110003 India Sraboni Mazumdar, IGCMC, WWF India, Lodi Estate, New Delhi, 110003 India P. K. Joshi, TERI University, New Delhi, 110070 India Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 22 Journal Issue Volume 22, Number 4

Description:    The present study was conducted in the alpine pastures of Tungnath (30° 14′ N and 79° 13′ E) to observe life-form and growth-form patterns of alpine plant species under grazed and ungrazed conditions and to work out the plant life form spectrum. Species were categorized as plant habit, height and length of growth-cycle and life-form classes according to Raunkiaer’s system. The results show that in total of 68 species at grazed site, hemicryptophytes (He) accounted for 50.00% species, followed by cryptophytes (26.47%), chamaephytes (16.18%), phanerophytes (4.41%) and therophytes (2.94%). At the ungrazed site in 65 plant species, hemicryptophytes (He) accounted for 49.23% species, cryptophytes (26.15%), chamaephytes (15.38%), phanerophytes (6.15%) and therophytes (3.08 % species). In general, hemicrptophyte are dominant in both sites i.e. graged and ungrazed. Growth form categories were classified as forbs, shrubs, grasses and sedges and undershrubs, according to plant habit and height. On the basis of length of the growth cycle, species were categorized as plant species of short growth cycle, intermediate growth cycle and long growth cycle. The short forbs of plant habit and height, had the highest emergence, and grasses and sedges had the lowest emergence in representative species. Percentage of species with long growth cycle was highest in both sites. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 501-506 DOI 10.1007/s11676-011-0194-4 Authors R. K. Vashistha, High Altitude Plant Physiology Research Centre, Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University Srinagar (A Central University), PO Box - 14, Srinagar, 246174 Uttarakhand, India Neelam Rawat, High Altitude Plant Physiology Research Centre, Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University Srinagar (A Central University), PO Box - 14, Srinagar, 246174 Uttarakhand, India A. K. Chaturvedi, High Altitude Plant Physiology Research Centre, Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University Srinagar (A Central University), PO Box - 14, Srinagar, 246174 Uttarakhand, India B. P. Nautiyal, Department of Horticulture, Aromatic and Medicinal Plants (HAMP), School of Earth Science and Natural Resources Management, Mizoram University, Tanhril, 796 004 Aizawl, India P. Prasad, High Altitude Plant Physiology Research Centre, Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University Srinagar (A Central University), PO Box - 14, Srinagar, 246174 Uttarakhand, India M. C. Nautiyal, High Altitude Plant Physiology Research Centre, Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University Srinagar (A Central University), PO Box - 14, Srinagar, 246174 Uttarakhand, India Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 22 Journal Issue Volume 22, Number 4

Description:    Different nutrient media can affect in vitro culturing protocols, and experimentation under varied growth conditions is valuable in plants where in vitro methods are in preliminary stages. We carried out the first in vitro propagation studies for the endangered species Caragana fruticosa (Fabaceae). We evaluated various nutrient media for their impact on shoot elongation and axillary bud proliferation using different concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) and α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Shoot elongation was evaluated based on adventitious shoot primary culture and subculture regeneration from Caragana seedlings. Our goal was to improve both micropropagation and regeneration in C. fruticosa . MS nutrient media was superior to 1/2MS macronutrients, DKW, QL, and WPM for shoot elongation and axillary shoot proliferation. Shoots grown on 1/2MS and WPM exhibited some chlorosis, and shoots on QL produced larger leavers than plants growing on normal medium. The shoot proliferation coefficient on MS media supplemented with 2.22 μM BA and 0.44 μM BA + 2.69 μM NAA was significantly higher than that with other treatments in the primary culture. Shoots on 2.22 μM BA showed a higher proliferation coefficient (3.17) than others in the subculture. Shoots were rooted on 1/2MS medium with the addition of different concentrations of NAA. The optimal concentration for rooting was 0.27 μM NAA (74%). Roots exhibited many stout and long root hairs. Survivl of established plantlets was 82% at 30 days after transfer to soil. Plants established in the green house showed normal growth and displayed no apparent morphological differences compared to stock plants. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 561-567 DOI 10.1007/s11676-011-0199-z Authors Xiao-jie Zhai, School of Forestry, State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040 China Ling Yang, School of Forestry, State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040 China Hai-long Shen, School of Forestry, State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040 China Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 22 Journal Issue Volume 22, Number 4

Description:    We conducted a study to examine the pattern of development of herbaceous plant species, woody species regeneration and soil physical characteristics after tree uprooting in 20-ha areas of Experimental Forest Station of Tarbiat Modares University located in a temperate forest of Mazandaran province in the north of Iran. Soil bulk density, soil texture and moisture from pit and mound (PM) were measured in the laboratory. Results show that the soil bulk density was most in soil deeper layers at mound top, and the soil moisture content was most in soil deeper layers at Pit bottom. Our study supports that the micro-topography of PM (pit and mound) topography will create a mosaic of environmental conditions. This environmental heterogeneity could be responsible for the diversity of herbaceous plant species and regeneration of woody species. It is recommend that the fallen trees with PM structure should remain in the protected area without clearing as the best option for forest restoration. This information can be useful for forest management that attempts to emulate natural processes. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 81-86 DOI 10.1007/s11676-012-0236-6 Authors Y. Kooch, Faculty of Natural Resources & Marine Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University (TMU), Tehran, Iran S. M. Hosseini, Faculty of Natural Resources & Marine Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University (TMU), Tehran, Iran J. Mohammadi, Faculty of Soil Sciences, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran S. M. Hojjati, University of Natural Resources and Agriculture Sciences of Sari, Sari, Iran Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 23 Journal Issue Volume 23, Number 1

Description:    Sample plots were established in the principal forest types in the the Nevado de Toluca National Park, Mexico including those dominated by Pinus hartwegii , Abies religiosa , Quercus laurina and Alnus jorullensis . The vertical structure was defined by three strata in the coniferous forests and two strata in the broadleaved forests. Timber harvesting in Abies religiosa and Quercus laurina forests and fires generated by humans in Pinus hartwegii forests impeded the recruitment of saplings. Mature trees were also heavily impacted by logging in Pinus hartwegii forests. On the contrary, Alnus jorullensis forests were increasing due to the disturbance of Pinus and Quercus forests, as well abandoned crop lands within the park. A combination of logging, uncontrolled fire, and grazing appears to be compromising the recruitment of important tree species in this national park. These factors, together with human settlements, have also increased the proportion of early successional species. Changes in forest structure from human disturbance indicate a need to control these activities if conservation goals are not to be compromised. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 39-44 DOI 10.1007/s11676-012-0226-8 Authors Angel Rolando Endara Agramont, Instituto de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Rurales (ICAR), Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Instituto Literario No 100, Col. Centro., PO. Box 50000, Toluca, México Sergio Franco Maass, Instituto de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Rurales (ICAR), Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Instituto Literario No 100, Col. Centro., PO. Box 50000, Toluca, México Gabino Nava Bernal, Instituto de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Rurales (ICAR), Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Instituto Literario No 100, Col. Centro., PO. Box 50000, Toluca, México Juan Ignacio Valdez Hernández, Colegio de Posgraduados, Carretera México-Texcoco, Km. 36.5, Montecillo., PO. Box 56230, Texcoco, México Todd S. Fredericksen, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Ferrum College, P.O. Box 1000, Ferrum, VA 24088, USA Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 23 Journal Issue Volume 23, Number 1

Description: Erratum to: DOI duplications Content Type Journal Article Category Publisher’s Erratum Pages 173-173 DOI 10.1007/s11676-012-0116-0 Authors Chandra Prakash Kala, Ecosystem & Environment Management, Indian Institute of Forest Management, P.B. No. 357, Nehru Nagar, Bhopal, 462 003 Madhya Pradesh, India Yogesh Dubey, Ecosystem & Environment Management, Indian Institute of Forest Management, P.B. No. 357, Nehru Nagar, Bhopal, 462 003 Madhya Pradesh, India Suharyanto, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University, 6-10-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8581 Japan Mine Nose, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University, 6-10-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8581 Japan Susumu Shiraishi, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, 6-10-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8581 Japan Hai-hua Zhang, Institute of Special Economic Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jilin, 132109 P. R. China Guang-yu Li, Institute of Special Economic Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jilin, 132109 P. R. China Xiu-mei Xing, Institute of Special Economic Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jilin, 132109 P. R. China Er-jun Ren, Institute of Special Economic Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jilin, 132109 P. R. China Ying Yang, Institute of Special Economic Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jilin, 132109 P. R. China Fu-he Yang, Institute of Special Economic Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jilin, 132109 P. R. China Subhash Hathurusingha, Centre for Plant and Water Science, CQ University, Rockhampton, 4702 Australia Nanjappa Ashwath, Centre for Plant and Water Science, CQ University, Rockhampton, 4702 Australia Ya-ni Gao, College of Food Engineering and Nutritional Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Shaanxi Province, Xi’an, 710062 China Cheng-rui Tian, College of Food Engineering and Nutritional Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Shaanxi Province, Xi’an, 710062 China Li-li Zhao, Institute of Product Quality Supervision and Inspection, Shaanxi Province, Xi’an, 710062 China Assan Gnoumou, Department of plant Biology and Physiology, Ougadougou University, 03 PO Box 7021, Ouagadougou 03., Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso Fidèle Bognounou, Department of plant Biology and Physiology, Ougadougou University, 03 PO Box 7021, Ouagadougou 03., Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso Karen Hahn, Institute For Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, J. W. Goethe-University, Siesmayerstr. 70., 60323 Frankfurt/M, Allemagne Adjima Thiombiano, Department of plant Biology and Physiology, Ougadougou University, 03 PO Box 7021, Ouagadougou 03., Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso S. M. Sirajul Haque, Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331 Bangladesh Rahima Ferdoshi, Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331 Bangladesh Sohag Miah, Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331 Bangladesh M. Nural Anwar, Department of Microbiology, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331 Bangladesh Angel Rolando Endara Agramont, Instituto de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Rurales (ICAR), Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Instituto Literario No 100, Col. Centro., PO. Box 50000, Toluca, México Sergio Franco Maass, Instituto de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Rurales (ICAR), Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Instituto Literario No 100, Col. Centro., PO. Box 50000, Toluca, México Gabino Nava Bernal, Instituto de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Rurales (ICAR), Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Instituto Literario No 100, Col. Centro., PO. Box 50000, Toluca, México Juan Ignacio Valdez Hernández, Colegio de Posgraduados, Carretera México-Texcoco, Km. 36.5, Montecillo., PO. Box 56230, Texcoco, México Todd S. Fredericksen, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Ferrum College, P.O. Box 1000, Ferrum, VA 24088, USA Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 23 Journal Issue Volume 23, Number 1

Description:    We explore the organizational, environmental, and economic effects of sustainable forest management (FM) certification by Smart-Wood (SW), one of the certification bodies accredited by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to carry out certification in Japan. We closely investigated three enterprises: the Yusuhara Forest Owners’ Cooperative, Yamanashi Prefectural Forest, and Ryujin-mura Forest Owners’ Cooperative. Interviews with representatives of these entities provided crucial empirical information regarding the influence of certification on environmental assessment, rare-species protection, landscape-management planning, management objectives, and forest supervision. Attainment of FM status improved environmental awareness and engendered positive changes in assessing and managing forests and other natural resources but simultaneously imposed heavier economic costs. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 165-172 DOI 10.1007/s11676-012-0249-1 Authors Katsuaki Sugiura, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880 Japan Takuyuki Yoshioka, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880 Japan Kouki Inoue, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880 Japan Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 23 Journal Issue Volume 23, Number 1

Description:    Oxygen sensing technology was employed to study the rapid methods for seed vigor assessment of Chinese fir ( Cunninghamia lanceolata ) and Masson pine ( Pinus massoniana ). Firstly, seeds of five lots were performed using accelerated aging (AA) into three vigor levels. Then, four oxygen sensing indices, including increased metabolism time (IMT), oxygen metabolism rate (OMR), critical oxygen pressure (COP), relative germination time (RGT) and the control indices such as laboratory germination indices, dehydrogenase activity (DA), and electrical conductivity (EC) were analyzed by the tests of 15 samples. The results of correlation analysis between these indices and field emergence performances based on two-year and two-spot data showed that RGT and OMR should be indicated as the optimal oxygen sensing indices to rapidly and automatically evaluate seed vigor of Chinese fir and Masson pine, respectively. On the basis, one-variable linear regression equations were built to forecast their field emergence performances by the two oxygen sensing indices. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 95-101 DOI 10.1007/s11676-012-0238-4 Authors Guang-wu Zhao, College of Agriculture and Food Science, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Lin’an, 311300 People’s Republic of China Tai-lin Zhong, Tianmu College, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Lin’an, 311300 People’s Republic of China Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 23 Journal Issue Volume 23, Number 1

Description:    In total 36 superior clones of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb., screened from 300 selections conducted in natural and growing range of India and Nepal, were multiplied using single nodal cuttings and established to evaluate genotypeenvironmental interactions for adaptability and stability at the age of 30 months in three geographical locations in the state of Punjab, India. Clone 124 had maximum adaptability and stability ( bi = 1.04) to perform exceedingly well over the locations. Clones 36 and 1 were stable with mean regression coefficient of 0.84 and 1.22, respectively. Nonetheless, clone 41 performed exceedingly well for all the characters to attain maximum population mean, and the performance varied substantially across the locations. Therefore, clone 41 was considered as productive but non-adaptive clone. Though some of the clones were sensitive to sites, 14 clones for height, 16 for collar diameter, 12 for DBH and 7 for volume were relatively un-sensitive with higher regression coefficient. Nonetheless, clone 124 was the most stable with average bi value of 1.04 and productive, which could play an important role in future breeding and commercial deployment of stable and productive planting stock of Dalbergia sissoo . Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 65-74 DOI 10.1007/s11676-012-0234-8 Authors A. Kumar, Division of Genetics and Tree Propagation, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, 248 195 India A. Bhatt, Division of Genetics and Tree Propagation, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, 248 195 India S. Ravichandran, Directorate of Rice Research, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh 528133, India V. Kumar, State Forest Department, Hoshiarpur, Punjab 146001, India S. Dobhal, Division of Genetics and Tree Propagation, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, 248 195 India Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 23 Journal Issue Volume 23, Number 1

Description:    Bamboo shoots grow quickly through the rapid elongation of internodes. In order to verify whether DNA methylation affects bamboo shoot elongation, we compared DNA methylation levels at five developmental stages of bamboo ( Phyllostachys praecox ), including young bamboo shoot of 40-cm at length (S1), bamboo shoot of 2-cm at length (S2), young leaf (Y1), leaf (Y2), and aging leaf (M), by using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) based on KpnI/MseI and Acc65I/MseI platforms. The polymorphism ratio of methylated to unmethylated DNA sites in bamboo shoot (S1 and S2) was higher than that in leaf (Y1, Y2 and M). The polymorphism ratio of methylated to unmethylated DNA sites in S2 was highest (32%). Our results suggest that DNA methylation changed greatly at bamboo growing stages, especially in stage of rapid elongation of internodes. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 157-159 DOI 10.1007/s11676-012-0247-3 Authors Yong-quan Lu, The Nurturing Station for the State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Lin’an, 311300 P. R. China Dong-mei Wang, The Nurturing Station for the State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Lin’an, 311300 P. R. China Hai-ying Li, The Nurturing Station for the State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Lin’an, 311300 P. R. China Qing Jia, The Nurturing Station for the State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Lin’an, 311300 P. R. China Ze Wu, The Nurturing Station for the State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Lin’an, 311300 P. R. China Wen-feng Lu, The Nurturing Station for the State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Lin’an, 311300 P. R. China Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 23 Journal Issue Volume 23, Number 1

Description:    Ultrasonic extraction (UE) was employed for the extraction of bamboo leaf polysaccharides (BLP). The influential parameters of UE procedure including extraction time, ultrasonic power and solid/liquid ratio were optimized by orthogonal experiments. DEAE-cellulose column chromatography was applied to purify BLP and then the radical scavenging activity of BLP was also evaluated. Optimal extraction conditions were: extraction time of 15 min, ultrasonic power of 300 W, and solid/liquid ratio of 1:15. Four kinds of polysaccharides were obtained by DEAE-cellulose column chromatography; the maximum superoxide radical scavenging rate (20.4%) of BLP was inferior to that of vitamin C (V C , the control) and the hydroxyl radical scavenging rate (50%) was equivalent to that of V C . Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 139-143 DOI 10.1007/s11676-012-0223-y Authors Ya-ni Gao, College of Food Engineering and Nutritional Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Shaanxi Province, Xi’an, 710062 China Cheng-rui Tian, College of Food Engineering and Nutritional Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Shaanxi Province, Xi’an, 710062 China Li-li Zhao, Institute of Product Quality Supervision and Inspection, Shaanxi Province, Xi’an, 710062 China Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 23 Journal Issue Volume 23, Number 1

Description:    We characterized 14 anonymous nuclear loci from Pinus thunbergii Parl., an important pine species native to Japan. One hundred and twenty-six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified from these loci, giving a frequency of 1 SNP per 51 bp. Nucleotide diversity (θ) ranged from 1.06 × 10 −3 to 11.87 × 10 −3 , with an average of 4.99 × 10 −3 . Only one locus (mK45) deviated significantly from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Thirteen of 14 loci were applicable in other pine species. These loci will be useful for nucleotide variation studies and will provide material for SNP-based marker development in P. thunbergii and related species. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 161-163 DOI 10.1007/s11676-012-0220-1 Authors Suharyanto, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University, 6-10-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8581 Japan Mine Nose, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University, 6-10-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8581 Japan Susumu Shiraishi, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, 6-10-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8581 Japan Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 23 Journal Issue Volume 23, Number 1

Description:    An empirical time study was conducted to evaluate the performance of the current felling and tree processing methods used in Northern Iran’s Hyrcanian forest. Motor-manual felling is done mostly in winter, while tree processing starts when the felling season ends. We identified the elements of felling and processing work phases, and 142 cycles and 110 cycles were respectively recorded for felling and processing. On the basis of data analysis (time study), we developed statistical models of effective time consumption in the respective work phase and for its total productivity. The production rate of felling with and without delay time was 9.7 and 11.65 trees per hour (0.17 USD·m −3 and 0.21 USD·m −3 ), and the average production cost with and without delay was 1.21 USD and 1.45 USD per tree, respectively. The average productivity of processing was 35 m3 per effective hour and the average unit cost of processing was 0.22 USD·m −3 . Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 665-669 DOI 10.1007/s11676-011-0208-2 Authors Rostam Mousavi, Natural Resources Faculty, Forestry Department, Urmia University, P.O. Box 165, Urmia, Iran Mehrdad Nikouy, Department of Forestry, University of Guilan, Somea Sara, Guilan, Iran Jori Uusitalo, Natural Resources Faculty, Forestry Department, Urmia University, P.O. Box 165, Urmia, Iran Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 22 Journal Issue Volume 22, Number 4

Description:    The advent of modern forces and the changes in socioeconomic patterns of forest dwellers have increased the pressures on the forests. In order to mitigate such pressures and also to protect the forests and wildlife the model of protected areas networks has shifted and enhanced such pressures in the unprotected natural forests due to several reasons. Being a low profile category of protected status and continuous human settlements, the present study highlights the case of dry deciduous forests of Sarguja district of Chhattisgarh state of India. The major objectives of this study were to quantify the status of forests and wildlife and also to determine the extent of anthropogenic disturbances faced by the dry deciduous forests of central India. Transect and silent drive count methods were used for sampling wildlife and quadrat method was used for sampling vegetation. Besides, the local uses of various forest produces were also studied in view of understanding the people dependency on forests. The forest vegetation, in the study area, was pre-dominated by Shorea robusta , which had Madhuca indica , Diospyrus melanoxylon and Buchnania lanzan as the major companion species. The forest had either the high girth class mature tree species or the saplings. The low vegetation cover and density were due to the high anthropogenic pressures mainly in the form of heavy livestock grazing and collection of ethnobotanically important species. The study though reveals that the area is not rich in wildlife and the forest is fragmented, the area still supports some important species, which include many rare and endangered plants and animals. The findings of this study have been discussed in view of the management and conservation of the forest and wildlife in the dry deciduous forests. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 45-52 DOI 10.1007/s11676-012-0219-7 Authors Chandra Prakash Kala, Ecosystem & Environment Management, Indian Institute of Forest Management, P.B. No. 357, Nehru Nagar, Bhopal, 462 003 Madhya Pradesh, India Yogesh Dubey, Ecosystem & Environment Management, Indian Institute of Forest Management, P.B. No. 357, Nehru Nagar, Bhopal, 462 003 Madhya Pradesh, India Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 23 Journal Issue Volume 23, Number 1

Description:    Many stems are subject to shoot drying in the plantations of Calamus simplicifolius Wei at the Nanmeiling Base of the Forestry Bureau of Baisha County, Hainan Province. As a palm, stems of C. simplicifolius stop growing and later die if the shoots are dry. Generally, shoot drying means reduced cane production and reduced profit for a rattan plantation. We aimed to quantify the incidence of shoot drying and determine its reason. We sampled eight 20 m × 20 m plots in the C. simplicifolius plantations. In each plot, we counted stems and categorized them as drying shoot or normal shoot, and mother stem or sucker stem. We measured stem length and categorized them as drying shoot and normal shoot for mother stems. We cut open each shoot-drying stem to determine the cause of drying from drying part to fresh part. The frequency of mother stems (259 stem·ha −1 ), was significantly lower than sucker stems (588 stem·ha −1 ). The percentage of shoot drying was 33.8% for mother stems, not significantly higher than that for sucker stems (18.9%). The mother shoot stems were significantly shorter if they were drying than if normal. 80% of stems with a drying shoot were hollow within the leaf sheath, whereas 10% hosted lively mature larvae (one larvae per shoot) and 10% hosted several lively young larvae. Mature larvae were identified as the Red Palm Weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Oliver. To confirm the present of the weevil, three pheromone traps for the weevil were set up in the plantations and adult weevils were trapped on the next day and identified as the Red Palm Weevil. We conclude that shoot drying of C. simplicifolius is probably caused by the Red Palm Weevil. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 681-684 DOI 10.1007/s11676-011-0210-8 Authors Rong-sheng Li, Research Institute of Tropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Guangzhou, 510520 Guangdong Province, P.R. China Guang-tian Yin, Research Institute of Tropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Guangzhou, 510520 Guangdong Province, P.R. China Jin-chang Yang, Research Institute of Tropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Guangzhou, 510520 Guangdong Province, P.R. China Wen-tao Zou, Research Institute of Tropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Guangzhou, 510520 Guangdong Province, P.R. China Jian-guang Li, Research Institute of Tropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Guangzhou, 510520 Guangdong Province, P.R. China Shuai Zhang, Research Institute of Tropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Guangzhou, 510520 Guangdong Province, P.R. China Rui-feng Jia, Research Institute of Tropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Guangzhou, 510520 Guangdong Province, P.R. China Liang Kou, Research Institute of Tropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Guangzhou, 510520 Guangdong Province, P.R. China Dong-guang Wang, Research Institute of Tropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Guangzhou, 510520 Guangdong Province, P.R. China Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 22 Journal Issue Volume 22, Number 4

Description:    We performed desiccation and storage trials to better understand storage behavior of Knema attenuata seeds. Mature seeds with moisture content (MC) of 31% exhibited 73% germination. During the period of desiccation (open lab condition) seeds with MC 23% showed 40% germination. After further drying to MC 21% germination was reduced to 16%. Complete loss in viability resulted when seed moisture was reduced to 18%. The seeds stored at -10°C, 0°C, 10°C and 28±2°C (open lab condition) lost their viability within 10 days. Seeds stored in sealed polythene bags and moist sand retained viability for more days than did seeds stored under all other storage conditions. Sensitivity of seeds to lower temperature and desiccation suggest that the storage behavior of K. attenuata seeds is recalcitrant. Seeds stored in moist conditions can, at best, be stored for a period of two months. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 611-614 DOI 10.1007/s11676-011-0204-6 Authors Vinayachandra, Department Applied Botany, Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri, 574199 Mangalore, Karnataka, India K. R. Chandrashekar, Department Applied Botany, Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri, 574199 Mangalore, Karnataka, India Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 22 Journal Issue Volume 22, Number 4

Description:    Density and resin content are two factors that have a significant effect on the production cost of wood composite. However, particle size affects resin content and density, which suggests that the interaction of these three factors can be manipulated to reduce the board density and resin content of particleboard without adversely influencing its mechanical properties. Some mathematical functional forms based on resin content, board density and slenderness ratio were regressed and an appropriate form was chosen. According to analysis of the results using SHAZAM 9 software, the exponential function best fit the experimental data. Finally, “indifference curves” of mechanical properties were illustrated and analyzed. The results indicated that negative effects of density or resin content reduction on mechanical properties could be compensated for by controlling particles’ slenderness ratio. Interestingly, increases in slenderness ratio compensated for the negative effects of decreases in resin content or board density on module of rupture (MOR) and module of elasticity (MOE). Moreover, this “compensation ratio” intensified as resin content or density decreased and/or as the MOR or MOE increased. On the other hand, reduction in slenderness ratio indicated a complementary effect on reducing internal bond (IB) strength, a result of decreases in resin content or density. Moreover, this “complementary ratio” was intensified as resin content or density decreased and/or as IB strength increased. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 659-664 DOI 10.1007/s11676-011-0207-3 Authors Mohammad Arabi, Department of Wood & Paper Science and Technology, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 4111, Karaj, 31587-77871 Iran Mehdi Faezipour, Department of Wood & Paper Science and Technology, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 4111, Karaj, 31587-77871 Iran Heydar Gholizadeh, Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, 31587-77871 Iran Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 22 Journal Issue Volume 22, Number 4

Description:    Acacia senegal , the gum arabic producing tree, is the most important tree species for the livelihood of the people in South Kordofan State, Sudan. The objective of this study was to determine the optimum tapping date for gum arabic production in the study area. A randomized complete block design experiment with three replications was conducted at (Meari) area for two continuous growing seasons 2008/2009–2009/2010. The treatments comprised six tapping dates (1 Oct, 15 Oct, 1 Nov, 15 Nov, 1 Dec, and 15 Dec). Results showed highly significant differences ( p 〈 0.001) in gum arabic yield (g√ee) in all pickings and in the total gum yield between the tapping dates. The results also showed that tapping of trees on 15 October and 1 November gave a higher yield compared to the other dates. The highest gum yield of 1086.6 and 661.2 g/tree was recorded on 15 October and 15 November, while the lowest gum yield of 297.9 g/tree was recorded when the trees were tapped on 1 October. The two highest-yield dates of tapping (15 Oct and 1 Nov) are recommended as the best time for tapping for gum arabic production in South Kordofan State. These results can be used to increase gum arabic production and farmer income in South Kordofan State. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 685-688 DOI 10.1007/s11676-011-0211-7 Authors Idris Musa Adam, Agricultural Research Corporation, Kadugli Research Station, P.O. Box 10, Kadugli, Sudan Kamal E. M. Fadl, Agricultural Research Corporation, El-Obeid Research Station, P.O. Box 429, El-Obeid, Sudan Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 22 Journal Issue Volume 22, Number 4

Description:    Monitoring of soil nitrogen (N) cycling is useful to assess soil quality and to gauge the sustainability of management practices. We studied net N mineralization, nitrification, and soil N availability in the 0–10 cm and 11–30 cm soil horizons in east China during 2006–2007 using an in situ incubation method in four subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest stands aged 18-, 36-, 48-, and 65-years. The properties of surface soil and forest floor varied between stand age classes. C:N ratios of surface soil and forest floor decreased, whereas soil total N and total organic C, available P, and soil microbial biomass N increased with stand age. The mineral N pool was small for the young stand and large for the older stands. NO 3 − -N was less than 30% in all stands. Net rates of N mineralization and nitrification were higher in old stands than in younger stands, and higher in the 0–10 cm than in the 11–30 cm horizon. The differences were significant between old and young stands ( p 〈 0.031) and between soil horizons ( p 〈 0.005). Relative nitrification was somewhat low in all forest stands and declined with stand age. N transformation seemed to be controlled by soil moisture, soil microbial biomass N, and forest floor C:N ratio. Our results demonstrate that analyses of N cycling can provide insight into the effects of management disturbances on forest ecosystems. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 583-590 DOI 10.1007/s11676-011-0201-9 Authors Feng Gu, Department of Forest Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036 China Kai Zhang, Department of Forest Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036 China Yun-qi Zhang, Department of Forest Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036 China Qin Wang, Department of Forest Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036 China Xiao-niu Xu, Department of Forest Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036 China Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 22 Journal Issue Volume 22, Number 4

Description:    We conducted a greenhouse experiment to investigate the role of seed source in growth and symbiotic nitrogen fixation of black locust ( Robinia pseudoacacia L ). Seeds from different sources were planted in the same environmental conditions and inoculated with a suspension of mixed Rhizobium . We used the modified 15 N isotope dilution method to estimate biological nitrogen fixation of Robinia trees. Different Robinia seed sources differed significantly in terms of tissue dry weight (50.6–80.1 g), total N (1.31–2.16 g) and proportion of nitrogen derived from the atmosphere (0–51%). A higher nitrogen fixation rate of Robinia trees was associated with higher dry weight. Moreover, the leaves of Robinia proved to adequately represent the nitrogen fixation capacity of entire plants. Our results confirmed that assessment of seed sources is a useful way to improve the nitrogen fixation capacity and therefore the growth rate of Robinia . Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 689-692 DOI 10.1007/s11676-011-0212-6 Authors Alireza Moshki, Büsgen-Institut, Soil Science of Temperate and Boreal Ecosystems, Faculty of Forest Sciences and Forest Ecology, University of Goettingen, Büsgenweg 2, 37077 Goettingen, Germany Norbert P. Lamersdorf, Büsgen-Institut, Soil Science of Temperate and Boreal Ecosystems, Faculty of Forest Sciences and Forest Ecology, University of Goettingen, Büsgenweg 2, 37077 Goettingen, Germany Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 22 Journal Issue Volume 22, Number 4

Description:    We investigated the effect of provenance variation on cone and seed morphology and germination behaviour under different pretreatments in Picea smithiana . Three categories of cones were recognized: large (13.18 cm × 3.30 cm−15.42 cm × 4.35 cm), medium (10.85 cm × 3.93 cm−12.18 cm × 3.98 cm) and small (7.69 cm × 3.06−10.98 cm× 3.39 cm). Significant variation was observed for various cone and seed characteristics. Seeds moisture content varied from 44.48% to 56.91%, seed size from 0.64 cm × 0.31 cm (largest seed) to 0.49 cm × 0.10 cm (smallest seed), and the seed weight from 2.45 g per 100 seeds to 1.36 g per 100 seeds on fresh weight basis of P. smithiana . The highest seed germination (72.0±7.53%) at 10°C was observed under chilling treatment in Tapovan provenance, while the minimum (15.0±5.71%) seed germination was recorded at 25°C under control set in Tapovan provenance. Further among all the sources Pandukeshwar consistently had the highest average (38%) percent germination across all treatments. Compared to other temperature regimes and pretreatments, seeds subjected to 10°C and chilling treatment had the highest germination and took the least time for germination irrespective of provenance effects. Altitude (provenance) had little or no relationship with germination following laboratory treatments. Seeds from Tapovan provenance subjected at 10°C following chilling treatment may be suggested for further multiplication of this species. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 603-610 DOI 10.1007/s11676-011-0203-7 Authors B. S. Rawat, Department of Forestry, Doon (PG) College of Agriculture Science & Technology, Selaqui, Dehradun, Uttrakhand 248197, India A. K. Uniyal, Department of Forestry, Doon (PG) College of Agriculture Science & Technology, Selaqui, Dehradun, Uttrakhand 248197, India Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 22 Journal Issue Volume 22, Number 4

Description:    Micro-environmental factors viz., soil moisture and light intensity are important factors that affect natural regeneration in forests. These factors vary spatially depending on the overhead canopy density of the forest. The present study focused on studying the effect of variation of soil moisture and light intensity on natural regeneration of sal species ( Shorea robusta ) under different micro-environments due to overhead canopy of varying forest density. Experimental plots of 40m× 40m size were laid under different overhead canopy densities in a small sal forested watershed in the foot hills of Himalayas in Nainital District of Uttarakhand State, India. The plots were monitored on a long term basis for soil moisture at multi depths, light intensity and natural regeneration of s al . The results of the study revealed that the natural regeneration was highest under C1 (up to-0.30) canopy followed by C2 (0.30–0.50), and C3 (0.50–0.70) canopies. The C3 canopy showed the dying back of sal shoots over 4 years of study. The highest R 2 value of linear regression between incremental score of plot regeneration and average soil moisture content was obtained as 0.156 for average soil moisture content during non-monsoon months at 100 cm depth. The R 2 value between incremental score of plot regeneration and annual average light intensity was obtained as 0.688 which indicated that the regeneration is largely dependent on the light intensity conditions during the year. The multiple linear regression analysis between the incremental score of regeneration and the average light intensity and average soil moisture content revealed that that about 80% of variation in regeneration is explained by both the factors. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 543-550 DOI 10.1007/s11676-011-0197-1 Authors J. V. Tyagi, National Institute of Hydrology, Jalvigyan Bhawan, Roorkee, 247 667 Uttarakhand, India Rakesh Kumar, National Institute of Hydrology, Jalvigyan Bhawan, Roorkee, 247 667 Uttarakhand, India S. L. Srivastava, National Institute of Hydrology, Jalvigyan Bhawan, Roorkee, 247 667 Uttarakhand, India R. D. Singh, National Institute of Hydrology, Jalvigyan Bhawan, Roorkee, 247 667 Uttarakhand, India Journal Journal of Forestry Research Online ISSN 1993-0607 Print ISSN 1007-662X Journal Volume Volume 22 Journal Issue Volume 22, Number 4