Eucaglobulin, A New Complex of Gallotannin and Monoterpene from Eucalyptus globulus

Eucaglobulin 1, a new complex of gallotannin and monoterpene, was isolated from the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus. Its structure was determined by spectral methods.

Response of soil respiration to a severe drought in Chinese Eucalyptus plantations

Extreme droughts can adversely affect the dynamics of soil respiration in tree plantations. We used a severe drought in southwestern China as a case study to estimate the effects of drought on temporal variations in soil respiration in a plantation of Eucalyptus globulus. We documented a clear seasonal pattern in soil respiration with the highest values (100.9 mg C-CO2 m(-2) h(-1)) recorded in June and the lowest values (28.7 mg C-CO2 m(-2) h(-1)) in January. The variation in soil respiration was closely associated with the dynamics of soil water driven by the drought. Soil respiration was nearly twice as great in the wet seasons as in the dry seasons. Soil water content accounted for 83-91% of variation in soil respiration, while a combined soil water and soil temperature model explained 90-99% of the variation in soil respiration. Soil water had pronounced effects on soil respiration at the moisture threshold of 6-10%. Soil water was strongly related to changes in soil parameters (i.e., bulk density, pH, soil organic carbon, and available nitrogen). These strongly influenced seasonal variation in soil respiration. We found that soil respiration was strongly suppressed by severe drought. Drought resulted in a shortage of soil water which reduced formation of soil organic carbon, impacted soil acid-base properties and soil texture, and affected soil nutrient availability.

Factors determining the occupancy of nest-boxes by Great Tits(Parus major)in eucalypt plantations

Providing nest-boxes as surrogate tree cavities can be of great importance to increase the breeding populations of cavity-nesting birds in managed forests.However,the exact placement of nest-boxes should be taken into consideration to enhance their occupancy according to species-specific preferences.In this study,we investigated which factors can better predict nest-box occupancy by the Great Tit(Parus major)in eucalypt plantations.We used generalised linear mixed-effects models to analyse the influence of topography,nest-box positioning,vegetation cover and landscape variables on three-year occupancy records from 80 newly provided nest-boxes.Non-random patterns of nest-box occupancy were found with respect to all categories except topography.Results suggest that Great Tits prefer to occupy high-placed nest-boxes,close to areas that can provide them with supplementary resources either within or in the vicinity of the stand(i.e.,trees other than eucalypts,riparian vegetation,and large patches of adjacent habitats).Overall,this study provides important recommendations for nest-box placement and spatial distribution in managed forests and enhances the potential of nest-box interventions as a biodiversity offset and management tool.

Lignocellulosic Micro and Nanofibrillated Cellulose Produced by Steam Explosion for Wood Adhesive Formulations

The reinforcing impact of Lignocellulosic micro and nanofibrillated cellulose(L-MNFCs)obtained from Eucalyp-tus Globulus bark in Urea-Formaldehyde UF adhesive was tested.L-MNFCs were prepared by an environmentally friendly,low-cost process using a combination process involving steam explosion followed by refining and ultra-fine grinding.Obtained L-MNFCs showed a web-like morphology with some aggregates and lignin nanodroplets.They present a mixture of residual fibers and fine elements with a width varying between 5 nm to 20μm,respec-tively.The effects of the addition of low amounts of L-MNFCs(1%wt.)on the properties of three different adhe-sives(Urea-Formaldehyde UF,Phenol-Formaldehyde PF,and Tannin-Hexamine TH)were studied by the evolution of the pH,the viscosity,and the mechanical properties.Results showed that the viscosity of PF and UF adhesives increased with the addition of L-MNFCs,unlike TH.Meanwhile,the addition led to better mechan-ical behavior for the three adhesives.Particleboards were then prepared using modified UF with L-MNFCs and tested.Results showed that an amount of 1%wt.of L-MNFCs was sufficient to increase the internal bonding by≈67%,the modulus of elasticity by≈43%,and the modulus of rupture by≈29%.

Status of and threats to the Black-winged Lovebird(Agapornis taranta) in Entoto Natural Park and Bole Sub-City,Addis Ababa,Ethiopia

A study of the population status of and threats to the Black-winged Lovebird(Agapornis taranta) was carried out from September 2008 to February 2009 in Entoto Natural Park(ENP) and in Bole SubCity,Addis Ababa,Ethiopia.A point transect count technique was employed to examine the status of the lovebirds.An average total of 58 birds was recorded of which 46 were counted in Bole Sub-City and 12 in Entoto Natural Park areas.The maximum number recorded during our census was 57 in the dry season and 15 in the wet season in Bole Sub-City and Entoto Natural Park,respectively.The ratio of adult males to adult females in Entoto Natural Park was 1:0.71 and 1:0.60,and 1:0.76 and 1:0.78 in Bole Sub-City during both wet and dry seasons,respectively.The seasonal variation and difference in sex ratios between males and females was not significant(p > 0.05) at either of the study sites.The threat for the Blackwinged Lovebird or other birds in Entoto Natural Park is due to the fragmentation of natural habitats,thus decreasing food sources,owing to the domination of eucalyptus(Eucalyptus globulus) trees in the area.Grazing by livestock,intensive farming practices and deforestation by the local community have contributed greatly to the degradation of the land resulting in erosion,thus devastating the habitat of the Natural Park.The vegetation cover of Entoto Natural Park and urban gardens should be managed effectively for the survival of the avian fauna of the area.