Seedling potential of trees species along the elevational gradient in temperate hill forest of central Nepal

Regeneration status of tree species along elevation gradient in temperate hill forest was not understood greatly.Present research examined the tree diversity and its regeneration patterns along an elevation gradient in temperate hill forest,central Nepal.Data were collected from 300 sample plots within vertical elevation bands of 10,ranging from 1365 to 2450 m asl.A random sampling method was used for data collection in three seasons,winter,pre-monsoon and post monsoon seasons.Diameter at breast height(DBH)was used to broadly categorize the plant individual into trees,saplings and seedlings.The tree species richness ranged from 12 to 25 with density of 350 to 1200 individuals per hectare.Species richness of tree and sapling showed statistically significant unimodal pattern,which peaked at mid-elevation.Elevation showed a strong and positive linear correlation with the seedling density(Deviance=0.99,p<0.001)and a significant hump-shaped relationship with sapling density(Deviance=0.95,p<0.001).Similarly,elevations showed a statistically significant negative hump-shaped relationship with all trees,saplings and seedling stages(Deviances=0.89,0.87 and 0.57).The highest values of the Shannon-Wiener index and the lowest value of the Simpson index were found at mid-elevation for all growth forms.Nearly 92%of tree species were found at regenerating stage;49%in a good renewal regeneration status,32%in fair renewal regeneration,and 11%at a poor regenerating condition.Nevertheless,4%of tree species were reported as non-regenerating stages and 4%were newly introduced species.Hence,the regeneration status of the study area was considered fairly well since sapling(78.5%)>seedling(10.6%)≤mature(10.9%).Among tested environmental variables,elevation and annual mean rainfall were the most influential factors in the regeneration of tree species.

Exploring Trees Diversity and Ecological Value of Mountain Forests in the Blue Nile Region of Sudan

We carried out this research at Abu-Gaddaf Natural Forest Reserve (ANFR) which is located east of Blue Nile River, in Blue Nile State, Sudan. It aims at exploring tree composition assessing their diversity indices, and ecological importance values. For survey of types and estimation of density of tree species in the forest, we randomly distributed 97 circular sample plots (0.1 hectare (ha)). In each sample plot we identified all trees to the species level, recorded their frequencies and computed species diversity and importance value indices (IVI). A total of 13 tree species, which belong to 12 genera and nine families, were identified in the tree layer of the forest. Mean tree density in ANFR was 116 trees/ha, composed mainly of Boswellia papyrifera (Del.) Hochst. (48), followed by Combretum hartmannianu (19) and Lannea fruticosa (18). Fabaceae was the most common family followed by Combretaceae and Malvaceae. B. papyrifera Delile Hochst was the most abundant while Acacia seyal was the least abundant species. Species richness (R = 1.71), evenness (E = 0.69), dominance (0.24) indices and Simpson’s Index of Diversity (D' = 0.76) suggest a moderate diversity, moderate numbers of individuals in each species and a moderate community stability. The research provides empirical results on diversity and ecological importance value of species, signifies the urging need to safeguard threatened species and to prioritize them for conservation, as well as the need to promote management of abundant species to provide multiple forest ecosystem services.

N-fixing tree species promote the chemical stability of soil organic carbon in subtropical plantations through increasing the relative contribution of plant-derived lipids

Biodiversity experiments have shown that soil organic carbon(SOC)is not only a function of plant diversity,but is also closely related to the nitrogen(N)-fixing plants.However,the effect of N-fixing trees on SOC chemical stability is still little known,especially with the compounding effects of tree species diversity.An experimental field manipulation was established in subtropical plantations of southern China to explore the impacts of tree species richness(i.e.,one,two,four and six tree species)and with/without N-fixing trees on SOC chemical stability,as indicated by the ratio of easily oxidized organic carbon to SOC(EOC/SOC).Plant-derived C components in terms of hydrolysable plant lipids and lignin phenols were isolated from soils for evaluating their relative contributions to SOC chemical stability.The results showed that N-fixing tree species rather than tree species richness had a significant effect on EOC/SOC.Hydrolysable plant lipids and lignin phenols were negatively correlated with EOC/SOC,while hydrolysable plant lipids contributed more to EOC/SOC than lignin phenols,especially in the occurrence of N-fixing trees.The presence of N-fixing tree species led to an increase in soil N availability and a decrease in fungal abundance,promoting the selective retention of certain key components of hydrolysable plant lipids,thus enhancing SOC chemical stability.These findings underpin the crucial role of N-fixing trees in shaping SOC chemical stability,and therefore,preferential selection of N-fixing tree species in mixed plantations is an appropriate silvicultural strategy to improve SOC chemical stability in subtropical plantations.

Some of the Mechanisms for Coexistence of Tree Species Diversity in Tropical Forests: A Review of Effects of Tree Density Dependence

Tree communities contribute to maintenance of species diversity in tropical forests. Coexistence of many tree species is not without competition. Therefore, coexistence of tree species and size diversities occur sequentially or simultaneously in tropical natural forests. Understanding coexistence and competition mechanisms of tree species requires knowledge of interactions within and between species. However, many conservation efforts and strategies failed due to inability to identify and maintain functional coexistence mechanisms among tree species in the forest. Also, most trees died because of pressure on their habitats and not because of limiting growth resources. Hence, species identity, minimum distance and size of the neighbouring trees which are responsible for coexistence of competing trees in most tropical forests have not been explicitly reviewed. Therefore, this review evaluated some of the density dependent mechanisms for coexistence of tree species alpha diversity in tropical forests. Many interactive mechanisms are responsible for coexistence tree species in tropical forests. Inter- and intra-specific competitions are the most significant and both facilitate positive and negative density dependence. Therefore, switching from negative to positive density dependence may occur in some situations. Positive and negative density effects regulate species abundance and coexistence through conspecific and heterospecific structures. Aggregates of conspecific and heterospecific neighbours constitute forest spatial structure. Negative density interactions are mutually exclusive and basically ranged from effect of species identity of neighbours, distance to neighbours and tree size of the neighbours to reference trees in the community structures. Some mechanisms shorten distances for heterospecific than conspecific interactions. Conspecific structures improved survival and growth of rare tree species. Interactive mechanisms in tree community and population structures facilitate species diversity and size inequality, respectively.

Diversity and Abundance of Amenity Trees in the Premises of International Institute of Tropical Agriculture(IITA),Ibadan,Nigeria

Amenity trees are an essential element of most urban communities,contributing significantly to human well-being and improving environmental quality.Good knowledge of the diversity and abundance of trees in our environment and their importance can help promote conservation,which is essential for sustainability.This study aimed at assessing the diversity and abundance of amenity trees on the premises of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture(IITA),Ibadan Nigeria.The institute was divided into working and residential areas.The trees in the study area were identified using a walking and windshield survey.A total population of 2626 trees from 126 species and 42 families were identified on the premises of IITA.The highest tree population of 523 trees was recorded in the Tropical Crescent residential area with 321 trees of Lagerstroemia speciosa being the most frequent species.Across working and residential areas,Elaeis guineensis was the most frequent species accounting for 19.92%of the total tree population.A Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index(H’)of 3.383 and species evenness of 0.43 was obtained from the study area.The high values of diversity indices obtained indicate that IITA premises are rich in diverse tree species both indigenous and exotic hence should be referenced as a good urban landscape.The current management practices can be recommended for other institutions.

Effects of natural forest conversion and plantation tree species composition on soil macrofauna communities in Northeast China mountains

As primary and secondary forests are being replaced by plantations across the globe,the soil macrofauna community structure is also affected,but little is known about the impact of mixed culture plantations compared with monocultures on the soil macrofauna.To determine the impact of forest conversion on soil macrofauna,we surveyed the soil macrofauna in two broad-leaved and three coniferous monoculture stands and four coniferous-broadleaved mixed stands,and in adjacent reserved secondary stands as a reference.Soil macro fauna community composition was significant affected by forest type,season and their interaction(P<0.05).The abundance,taxa richness and diversity of soil macro fauna changed to different degrees depending on the plantation type.Broadleaved monoculture stands and secondary stands had similar macrofauna abundance and taxa richness,but values were lower in coniferous stands than in secondary stands.The Shannon index for macrofauna in coniferous stands was also the lowest,but the Pielou index did not differ between forest types.The negative effects of the conifer monoculture on soil macro fauna were not present in the mixed stands with broad-leaved trees.Forest conversion impacted soil properties;soil moisture,NO_(3)^(-),and pH were significant drivers of soil macrofauna community structure.The impact of forest conversion on soil macrofauna was closely dependent on tree species composition and diversity.The macro fauna community structure in the broadleaved and the mixed stands were relatively similar to that in the natural forest,and thus recommended for forest conversion in the study area.

Tree species diversity and stand structure along major community types in lowland primary and secondary moist deciduous forests in Tripura,Northeast India

Tree species diversity and population structure at different community types were described and analyzed for primary and secondary lowland moist deciduous forests in Tripura. Overall 10,957 individual trees belonging to 46 family, 103 genera and 144 species were counted at ≥30 cm DBH （diameter at breast height） using 28 permanent belt transects with a size of 1 ha （10 m × 1000 m）. Four different tree communities were identified. The primary forests was dominated by Shorea robusta （mean density 464.77 trees.ha^-1, 105 species） and Schima wallichii （336.25 trees.ha^-1, 82 species）, while the secondary forests was dominated by Tectona grandis （333.88 trees.ha^-1, 105 species） and Hevea brasiliensis （299.67 trees.ha^-1, 82 species）. Overall mean basal area in this study was 18.01m2.ha^-1; the maximum value was recorded in primary Shorea forest （26.21 m2.ha^-1）. Mean density and diversity indices were differed significantly within four different communities. No significant differences were observed in number of species, genera, family and tree basal cover area. Significant relationships were found between the species richness and different tree population groups across the communities. Results revealed that species diversity and density were increased in those forests due to past disturbances which resulted in slow accumu- lation of native oligarchic small tree species. Seventeen species were recorded with 〈2 individuals of which Saraca asoka （Roxb.） de Wilde and Entada phaseoloides （L.） Men＇. etc. extensively used in local ethnomedicinal formulations. The present S. robusta Gaertn dominated forest was recorded richer （105 species） than other reported studies. Moraceae was found more speciose family instead of Papilionaceae and Euphorbiaceae than other Indian moist deciduous forests. Seasonal phenological gap in such moist deciduous forests influenced the population of Trachypithecus pileatus and capped langur. The analysis of FIV suggested a slow trend of shifting the population of Lamiaceae group by Moraceae species in secondary T. grandis L. dominated community.

Differences in Tree Species Diversity and Soil Nutrient Status in a Tropical Sacred Forest Ecosystem on Niyamgiri Hill Range,Eastern Ghats,India

We have quantitatively analyzed the tree species diversity with respect to soil nutrient status in three sites of a sacred forest ecosystem of Niyamgiri hill range, Eastern Ghats, India. Extensive field surveys and sampling were conducted in 3 sites of the hill range： Site 1 Pterocarpus dominated forest （PTF） （19°40＇02.2＇＇ N and 83°21＇23.1＇＇ E）, Site 2 Mangifera dominated forest （MAF） （19°40＇02.8＇＇ N and 83°21＇40.8＇＇ E） and Site 3 Mixed forest （MIF） （19°36＇47.1＂ N and 83°21＇02.7＇＇ E）. A total of 28 families, 42 genera, 46 tree species, and 286 individual trees were recorded on an area of0.6 ha. Tree density varied between 470 and 49o individuals ha and average basal area between 3.16 and l0.04 m2 ha-1. Shannon Index （H＇） ranged from 2.34 to 4.53, Simpson＇s Index ranged from 0.07 to o.09, and equitability Index ranged from 0.7 to 1.34. The number of individuals was highest in the girth at breast height （GBH） class of 50-7o cm. The soil nutrient status of the three forest types was related to tree species diversity. The soil pH value of the three sites reflected the slightly acidic nature of the area. Species diversity was positively correlated with organic carbon and phosphorus and negatively with nitrogen, EC and pH. The results of the current study may be helpful to further develop a conservation planfor tree species in tropical sacred forest ecosystems.

Tree species composition and diversity in montane forests of Garhwal Himalaya in relation to environmental and soil properties

The montane forests of Garhwal Himalaya were investigated for tree species composition and diversity in relation to environmental and edaphic variables.A stratified random sampling approach was adopted to collect the field data from each forest.A total of 39 tree species belonging to 31 genera and 23 families were recorded from the sampling area(6 forest stands ×10 plots in each).Lauraceae with 5 species was the largest family while Quercus(4 species) emerged as the largest genus.Species-area curve(asymptote) predicted more species than the observed number of species.Cluster analysis has shown that the two Abies pindrow dominant forest stands had the highest similarity in tree species composition.The tree stem density ranged from 540-1170 ha-1,basal area 23.01-55.94 m^2 ha-1,ShannonWiener diversity index 1.69-2.49,evenness index0.42-0.74,beta diversity 0.40-0.82 and similarity index 0.17-0.54 in the six studied forests.Two-way indicator species analysis(TWINSPAN) identified four distinct tree communities in the study area with Daphniphyllum himalayense,Abies pindrow,Quercus oblongata,and Pinus roxburghii as indicator species of corresponding communities.Canonical correspondence analysis(CCA) ascertained the TWINSPAN results and revealed the relation of tree species with environmental and edaphic variables.The phytosociological attributes of tree species varied from one forest stand to another;however,the tree species richness,density,and diversity peaked at intermediate elevation on the north aspect.Findings reveal that tree composition and diversity in the montane forests of Garhwal Himalaya are influenced by both environmental(elevation and slope aspect)and soil variables(texture,water holding capacity,moisture content,available N,exchangeable P,and pH).This study will help in understanding the forest distribution across the western Himalaya,guiding the conservationists and policymakers in carrying out conservation-related management activities,designing the long-term monitoring studies and assessing the effects of ongoing and future climate change and disturbances.

Remote sensing of subtropical tree diversity:The underappreciated roles of the practical definition of forest canopy and phenological variation

Tree species diversity is vital for maintaining ecosystem functions,yet our ability to map the distribution of tree diversity is limited due to difficulties in traditional field-based approaches.Recent developments in spaceborne remote sensing provide unprecedented opportunities to map and monitor tree diversity more efficiently.Here we built partial least squares regression models using the multispectral surface reflectance acquired by Sentinel-2 satellites and the inventory data from 74 subtropical forest plots to predict canopy tree diversity in a national natural reserve in eastern China.In particular,we evaluated the underappreciated roles of the practical definition of forest canopy and phenological variation in predicting tree diversity by testing three different definitions of canopy trees and comparing models built using satellite imagery of different seasons.Our best models explained 42%–63%variations in observed diversities in cross-validation tests,with higher explanation power for diversity indices that are more sensitive to abundant species.The models built using imageries from early spring and late autumn showed consistently better fits than those built using data from other seasons,highlighting the significant role of transitional phenology in remotely sensing plant diversity.Our results suggested that the cumulative diameter(60%–80%)of the biggest trees is a better way to define the canopy layer than using the subjective fixeddiameter-threshold(5–12 cm)or the cumulative basal area(90%–95%)of the biggest trees.Remarkably,these approaches resulted in contrasting diversity maps that call attention to canopy structure in remote sensing of tree diversity.This study demonstrates the potential of mapping and monitoring tree diversity using the Sentinal-2 data in species-rich forests.

Diversity Assessment of Tree Species in Sitio Dicasalarin, Barangay Zabali, Baler, Aurora, Philippines

This paper provides the diversity assessment of the tree species in Sitio Dicasalarin, Barangay Zabali, Baler, Aurora including the endemism and ecological status. A total of 2239 individuals from 139 morphospecies, 87 genera and 46 families were recorded. A total of 48 Philippine endemic species and 2 Aurora Endemic species were found and at least 29 threatened species were listed either in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and Philippine List of Threatened Species. Results of the tree diversity showed that the area is highly diverse being a well-protected and well-managed area.

Evaluation and Selection of Introduced Tree Species in the Beijing-Tianjin Corridor

Based on the extensive analysis of natural and social conditions,regional development,and characteristics of tree species in the Beijing-Tianjin corridor,a comprehensive evaluation index system that consists of A,B,C,D layers was established for introduced tree species.Nine local representative introduced tree species were evaluated using the analytic hierarchy process(AHP).The results showed that Platanus orientalis,Quercus mongolicus,and Zizyphusjujube performed better comprehensively and were recommended as the dominant introduced tree species in the Beijing-Tianjin corridor.Other representative introduced tree species should be appropriately developed in the region.Main factors that should be taken into account for introduced tree species including drought tolerance,wintering habit,growth rate,leanness tolerance,pollution tolerance,saline tolerance,and disease resistance.

The coordinated impact of forest internal structural complexity and tree species diversity on forest productivity across forest biomes

Forest structural complexity can mediate the light and water distribution within forest canopies,and has a direct impact on forest biodiversity and carbon storage capability.It is believed that increases in forest structural complexity can enhance tree species diversity and forest productivity,but inconsistent relationships among them have been reported.Here,we quantified forest structural complexity in three aspects(i.e.,horizontal,vertical,and internal structural complexity)from unmanned aerial vehicle light detection and ranging data,and investigated their correlations with tree species diversity and forest productivity by incorporating field measurements in three forest biomes with large latitude gradients in China.Our results show that internal structural complexity had a stronger correlation(correlation coefficient=0.85)with tree species richness than horizontal structural complexity(correlation coefficient=-0.16)and vertical structural complexity(correlation coefficient=0.61),and it was the only forest structural complexity attribute having significant correlations with both tree species richness and tree species evenness.A strong scale effect was observed in the correlations among forest structural complexity,tree species diversity,and forest productivity.Moreover,forest internal structural complexity had a tight positive coordinated contribution with tree species diversity to forest productivity through structure equation model analysis,while horizontal and vertical structural complexity attributes have insignificant or weaker coordinated effects than internal structural complexity,which indicated that the neglect of forest internal structural complexity might partially lead to the current inconsistent observations among forest structural complexity,tree species diversity,and forest productivity.The results of this study can provide a new angle to understand the observed inconsistent correlations among forest structural complexity,tree species diversity,and forest productivity.

Hurricane disturbances, tree diversity, and succession in North Carolina Piedmont forests, USA

Windthrow plays a critical role in maintaining species diversity in temperate forests. Do large-scale strong wind events(i.e., tropical cyclones, including hurricanes,typhoons and severe cyclonic storms) increase tree diversity in severely damaged forest areas? Do hurricanes(tropical cyclones that occurs in the Atlantic Ocean and northeastern Pacific Ocean) lead to altered relative abundance of shade-tolerant and shade-intolerant species? Did historic hurricanes alter the succession trajectory of the damaged forests? We used nearly 70-year tree demographic data to assess the effects of two major hurricanes on woody species diversity in Piedmont forests, North Carolina, USA. Species richness(S) and Shannon–Wiener's diversity index(H') were used to evaluate the changes in tree diversity. The changes in composition were assessed with Nonmetric Multidimensional Scaling. The pre-hurricane successional phase can strongly influence both the damage severity and subsequent responses. Although there is often an immediate drop in diversity following a hurricane, understory tree diversity quickly increases to levels that exceed those prior to the disturbance. This leads to an increase in diversity in stands that were substantially damaged. Hurricanes significantly decrease the dominance of shade-intolerant canopy species while increasing preestablished, more shade-tolerant species. We conclude that large, and infrequent hurricanes help to maintain local tree diversity, but also accelerate the increase in dominance of understory species such as red maple and beech.

Impact of mining on tree diversity of the silica mining forest area at Shankargarh, Allahabad, India

The Shankargarh forest area is rich in silica, a major mineral used in glass industry. Extensive open cast silica mining has severely damaged the forest as well as productivity of the region. An understand- ing of the impact of mining on the environment particularly on vegetation characteristics is a prerequisite for further management of these mining sites, especially in the selection of species for reclamation works. The present paper deals with the study of the tree composition of silica mining area of Shgankargarh forest, at both disturbed and undisturbed sites. Tree vegetation study was conducted at undisturbed and disturbed sites of Shankargarh forests using standard quadrate method. Density, abundance and frequency values of tree species were calculated. Species were categorized into different classes according to their frequency. The importance value index （IVI） for each species was determined. Species diversity, Concentration of dominance, Species richness and Evenness index were calculated for the undisturbed and disturbed siteS. The distribution pattern of the species was studied by using Whifford＇s index. Similarity index between tree composition of disturbed and undisturbed sites was determined by using Jaccard＇s and Sorenson＇s index of similar- ity. Tree species showed a drastic reduction in their numbers in disturbed sites compared to that of the undisturbed sites. The phytosociological indices also illustrated the impact of mining on the tree composition of the area. The present study led to the conclusion that resultant tree vegetation analysis can be used as important tool for predicting the suitability of particular species for revegetating the mined areas.

Community ecology and spatial distribution of trees in a tropical wet evergreen forest in Kaptai national park in Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh

We investigated the floristic composition, woody species diversity and spatial distribution of trees in a tropical wet evergreen forest in Kaptai national park in Chittagong Hill Tracks, Bangladesh. We recorded 25 families, 37 genera, 40 species and 1771 woody individuals in a 0.09 ha plot. Euphorbiaceae and Moraceae were the most species- rich families, and Castanopsis, Ficus and Terminaliawere the most species-rich genera. Bursera serrata Wall. ex Colebr. was the dominant species in terms of highest importance value （13%）. Trema orientalis （L.） B1 was typically a light demanding species as it appeared in the top can- opy with only one individual having the seventh highest IV, but had no regeneration. The expected maximum number of species （Smax） was 140, indicating that many species may invade the forest as the Sm~ is greater than the recorded total number of species. The nature of the disappear- ance and appearance of species in the present forest reflects instability of floristic composition. The values of Shannon＇s index H＇ and Pielou＇s index J＇ （evenness） were 3.36 bit and 0.63, respectively. These values show moderately high species diversity as compared to other subtropical forests in the tropics. In addition, a sample area of 200 m2 in this forest would be sufficient for measuring the diversity indices H＂ and ,/＇, whereas the trend of J＇may indicate the rate of equality of individuals among the different species decreased with increasing area. The distribu- tion pattern for the total stand was completely random. However, the dominant species showed aggregate distribution for small areas, but random distribution for large areas. The spatial association between species showed that the strongest positive interspecific association occurred between Streblus asper Lour. and Castanea indica Roxh. （09 = 0.51）. As a whole, most species were weakly associated with each other, of which 58% species associations were completely negative. The result of cluster analysis showed that species pairs were spatially independent at all or most small clusters; stands of species from all clusters are mosa- ics of complete habitat and pioneer habitat. All patches in this forest community have similar habitat and regeneration niches, which could be a phenomenon for a young growth forest. Thus, the existence of habitat and regeneration niches may be an important factor in the maintenance of diversity in this forest.

Functional diversity dominates positive species mixture effects on ecosystem multifunctionality in subtropical plantations

Mixed-species plantations generally exhibit higher ecosystem multifunctionality than monospecific plantations.However,it is unclear how tree species functional composition influences species mixture effects on ecosystem multifunctionality.We selected 171 monospecific and mixed-species plantations from nine regions across subtropical China,and quantified 13 key ecosystem functional properties to investigate how species mixture effects on ecosystem multifunctionality are modulated by functional diversity and identity.We found that ecosystem multifunctionality was significantly higher(p<0.05)in mixed tree plantations than in monospecific plantations except the mixed-conifer species plantations.Across all regions,ecosystem multifunctionality was significantly higher(p<0.05)in mixed conifer-broadleaf plantations than in monospecific plantations of the corresponding species,but not different between mixed and monospecific coniferous plantations.The magnitude of species mixture effects on ecosystem multifunctionality varied greatly with tree species compositions.Taking Cunninghamia lanceolata Lamb.as an example,the effects varied from a range of 2.0%–9.6%when mixed with a conifer species to 36%–87%when mixed with a broadleaf species.The functional diversity was the dominate driver shaping ecosystem multifunctionality,while functional identity,as expressed by community-weighted mean of specific leaf area,also had a positive effect on ecosystem multifunctionality through the increased below-ground nitrogen and phosphorus stocks regulated by specific leaf area of the mixing tree species.Our study highlights the important role of functional diversity in shaping ecosystem multifunctionality across region-wide environmental conditions.Mixed conifer-broadleaf tree plantations with distinct functional traits benefit the enhancement of ecosystem multifunctionality,and the magnitude of species mixture effects is modulated by the functional identity of tree species composition;those relationships deserve a special consideration in multifunctional management context of subtropical plantations.

Species Diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in the Rhizosphere of Hevea brasiliensis in Hainan Island,China

Hevea brasiliensis is one of the important economic trees with a great economic value for natural rubber production.Symbiosis between roots of H.brasiliensis and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi(AMF)is widely recognized,and can provide a range of benefits for both of them.Hainan Island harbors is one of the largest plantations of H.brasiliensis in China,whereas the information regarding the diversity of AMF in the rhizosphere of H.brasiliensis on this island is scarce.The diversity of AMF species in the rhizosphere of rubber tree plantations in Hainan was investigated in this study.A total of 72 soil samples from the rhizosphere of H.brasiliensis RY7-33-97 were collected.These included 48 samples from plantations in 11 cities or counties that had been planted for 15–25 years,and 24 samples from a demonstrating plantation site of the China National Rubber Tree Germplasm Repository representing plantations with tree plantation ages from one to 40 year-old.Collectively,a total of 68 morphotypes of AMF,belonging to the genera of Archaeospora(1),Glomus(43),Acaulospora(18),Entrophospora(3),Scutellospora(2),and Gigaspora(1)were isolated and identified,as per morphological characteristics of spores presented in the collected soil samples.Glomus(Frequency,F=100%)and Acaulospora(F=100%)were the predominant genera,and A.mellea(F=63.9%)and A.scrobiculata(F=63.9%)were the predominant species.AMF species differed significantly among collected sites in spore density(SD,290.7–2,186.7 spores per 100 g dry soil),species richness(SR,4.3–12.3),and Shannon-Weiner index of diversity(H,1.24–2.24).SD was negatively correlated with available phosphorus level in the soil;SR was positively correlated with soil total phosphorus content;and H was positively correlated with levels of soil organic matter and total phosphorus.Similarly,SD,SR,and H were also correlated with H.brasiliensis plantation age,and an increasing trend was observed up to 40 years.These results suggest that the AMF community was complex and ubiquitous in the island plantation ecosystems of H.brasiliensis,with high species abundance and diversity.Soil factors and plantation age dramatically affected AMF diversity at species level.

Demographic variation and habitat specialization of tree species in a diverse tropical forest of Cameroon

Background： Many tree species in tropical forests have distributions tracking local ridge-slope-valley topography. Previous work in a 50-ha plot in Korup National Park, Cameroon, demonstrated that 272 species, or 63% of those tested, were significantly associated with topography. Methods： We used two censuses of 329,000 trees ≥1 cm dbh to examine demographic variation at this site that would account for those observed habitat preferences. We tested two predictions. First, within a given topographic habitat, species specializing on that habitat （＇residents＇） should outperform species that are specialists of other habitats （＇foreigners＇）. Second, across different topographic habitats, species should perform best in the habitat on which they specialize （＇home＇） compared to other habitats （＇away＇）. Species＇ performance was estimated using growth and mortality rates. Results： In hierarchical models with species identity as a random effect, we found no evidence of a demographic advantage to resident species. Indeed, growth rates were most often higher for foreign species. Similarly, comparisons of species on their home vs. away habitats revealed no sign of a performance advantage on the home habitat. Conclusions＂ We reject the hypothesis that species distributions along a ridge-valley catena at Korup are caused by species differences in trees _〉1 cm dbh. Since there must be a demographic cause for habitat specialization, we offer three alternatives. First, the demographic advantage specialists have at home occurs at the reproductive or seedling stage, in sizes smaller than we census in the forest plot. Second, species may have higher performance on their preferred habitat when density is low, but when population builds up, there are negative density-dependent feedbacks that reduce performance. Third, demographic filtering may be produced by extreme environmental conditions that we did not observe during the census interval.

Assessment of Tree Diversity and Abundance in Rashad Natural Reserved Forest, South Kordofan, Sudan

This study aims to estimate the tree diversity status of Rashad Forest Reserves in the Rashad locality of the South Kordofan State of Sudan. For data collection, eight sample plots (20 × 20 m) were taken randomly, and parameters were determined: trees species diversity, composition, relative density, dominance, important value index, and species richness in the Rashad forest reserve. The results show that a total of 237 and 56 tree species, including 22 families, have been identified in the study area. Fabaceae family and species numbers have the highest number of 13 species in 8 genera, followed by Combretaceae with 8 species belonging to 3 different genera, Malvaceae with 5 species belonging to 4 different genera, Apocynaceae with 3 species belonging to 3 different genera. The Arecaceae, Burseraceae, Capparaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Meliaceae, and Rubiaceae families each had two species, and all the other 11 families had one species each. Among the 56 different tree species found within the reserve. The results also indicated that Tamarindus indica L. and Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Desf. had the highest relative density and dominance of 4.64% and 11% respectively. Adansonia digitata L., Grewia villosa Willd, Vepris nobilis (Delile) Mziray had density and dominance of 4.80% and 9%. Followed by Anogeissus leiocarpa (DC.) Guill. & Perr, Adansonia digitata L., Catunaregam nilotica (Stapf) Tirveng. (Syn: Xeromphis nilotica (Stapf) Keay, Vangueria madagascariensis J. F. Gmel. with 3.38% and 8%, respectively. Eleven species recorded the least relative dominance of 0.42%. Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H’) value stood at 3.82. And as diversity indices varied with location depending on the species available within an ecological zone, Rashad forest reserve is blessed with a moderate diversity index.