The Conservation of Ground Water Levels in the Peat Swamp Forest at Ayer Hitam North Forest Reserve, Muar in Johor, Malaysia

The management of peat swamp forests in Malaysia contends with two major issues: forest fires and the effects of abandoned forest-logging drainage systems or canals. Forest fire occurs during low rainfall season related to the local people activities. The drainage networks change the hydrological function of the intact forest ecosystem. A key function of the hydrological system in the undisturbed forest is to absorb water during rainfall season, thus delaying downstream runoff and preventing flash floods. The objective of the project described here is to restore the hydrological function of peat swamp forest (PSF) at Ayer Hitam North Forest Reserve (AHNFR) in Muar, Johor, Malaysia. The oil palm plantations, especially in the southern part of the area affect the forest reserve. Water flows out of the forest reserve through the drainage system constructed for managing these plantations. In 2016 and 2017, two water block structures or check dams were constructed near the boundaries of the forest reserve to hold the water and raise the groundwater level in the forest reserve. The implementation of the check dams at the two locations has conserved the groundwater level and subsequently, about 1.2 million m3 of water was saved annually from leaving the forest reserve from each of the check dam. This project is also part of the Coca-Cola Company’s sustainability commitment for water strategy with the global that is to replenish 100% of the equivalent volume of water consumed in their products and production by 2020. Replenishment is the key sustainability commitment for the Company.

The Survival and Vegetative Growths of a 60 Month-Old Tropical Rainforest Tree Species Trial Established under a Hopea odorata Nurse Stand at an Ex-Tin Mine in Peninsular Malaysia

AFoCo(Asian Forest Cooperation)Project in 2011 has funded a research and development project in Malaysia for enriching a mono-species stand established in an ex-tin mine.The project covered only for a period of 12 months.A study plot of 1 ha size was established in TTAC(Tin Tailings Afforestation Centre).Twenty indigenous tropical rainforest tree species were planted and their five year-old survival count,diameter and H(top height)growths are reported in this study.Some of them are red list species of IUCN(International Union of Conservation of Nature).The survival of the 1 ha planting trial was 53%.Mortality of the tree species is mainly caused by wild boars.The tropical rainforest tree species in this planting trial had similar growth to those planted at good mineral soils.This paper also documented the tending treatments which were implemented during post-planting that have contributed to healthy growth of the mixed-species stand.The mixed-species stand is being properly tended till to-date and hence sustained growth of the stand is anticipated.

Growth performance and scale insect infestation of Shorea leprosula in a common garden experimental plot

Many tree planting programmes have long been initiated to increase forest cover to mitigate the effects of global climate change.Successful planting requires careful planning at the project level,including using suitable species with favourable traits.However,there is a paucity of improvement data for tropical tree species.An experimental common garden of Shorea leprosula was established to study traits related to growth performance which are key factors in planting success.Seedlings of S.leprosula were collected from nine geographical forest reserves.To study the effects of genetic variation,seedlings were planted in a common environment following a randomized complete block design.From performance data collected 2017‒2019,one population showed the highest coefficient for relative height growth,significantly higher than most of the other populations.Interestingly,this population from Beserah also exhibited the lowest coefficient for scale insect infestation.This study provides preliminary results on growth performance and susceptibility to scale insect infestation in S.leprosula and the first common garden experiment site conducted on dipterocarp species.It lays a foundation for future genome-wide studies.

Synthesis, Characterization and Phytotoxicity Assessment of Intercalated Insect Pheromone, Lignoceric Acid-Zinc Layered Hydroxide Nanohybrid

A long chain insect pheromone for subterranean termites, LC (Lignoceric Acid), was intercalated into the inorganic interlayer, ZLH (Zinc Layered Hydroxide), resulting in the formation of a new nanohybrid, labelled as LCN (Lignocerate Nanohybrid). The formation of this inorganic-organic structure nanohybrid was synthesized by the co-precipitation method using ZnO (Zinc Oxide) as the starting material. The PXRD (Powder X-Ray Diffraction) results confirmed the intercalation process although the diffraction patterns of the resultant nanohybrid and the unbound pheromone were fairly similar but both have different basal spacings values. The FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) profiles and the chemical composition test supported the intercalation process with the percentage loading of LC into ZLH calculated to be 85%. The thermal stability of the free anion, LC was enhanced when it was transformed into LCN, increasing from 257 °C to 352 °C. The release of LC from the nanohybrid behaved in a sustained manner, governed by the pseudo-second order kinetic model with higher release of LC in sodium carbonate solution than the pH aqueous media. The synthesized nanohybrid was found to be safe for plant germination when the two seed types were successfully germinated in all the tested nanohybrid concentrations. However, the percentage seed germination and the radical seed length from the nanohybrid showed lower values compared to its counterpart anion, LC.

东南亚地区五加科植物进化关系的初步研究(英文)

东南亚五加科包含14个属约500种,本文应用ITS片段对该区五加科植物的进化关系作了初步研究。研究显示该地区五加科植物具有复杂的起源,很多属属于亚洲掌状复叶类群或Hedereae族的一支中。该区特有类群Harmsiopanax形态上非常特殊,但其系统位置尚未不明朗。在Brassaiopsis属中,有几种形态差异较大的种,但它们属同一单系,加之各种间ITS序列差异较小,故应是新近起源于马来亚半岛和苏门达腊岛的种类。Wardenia simplex聚类在Brassaiopsis一支中,故不支持将Wardenia作为独立的属。东南亚地区对于Schefflera属的发育非常重要,已有的证据显示该区的Schefflera属植物属于该属的Heptapleurum类群。马来亚与泰国南部的Dendropanax lancifolius并没有与Dendropanax属的核心类群聚在一起,其系统地位需进一步研究。Macropanax maingayi是非常特殊的一个种,曾被独立分出,成立了单种属Hederopsis。本文的分析清楚表明它属于Macropanax属。Aralia merrillii因为其不同寻常的攀缘特性而被独立出来,建立了单种属Acanthophora,但ITS序列分析支持将它置于Aralia属中。新增的取样继续支持Arthrophyllum的单系性。Os-moxylon的原初分布范围在东南亚,它是五加科系统进化树上孤立的类群。

Assessment of Pb uptake,translocation and immobilization in kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) for phytoremediation of sand tailings

The potential of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) for phytoremediation of lead (Pb) on sand tailings was investigated.A pot experiment employing factorial design with two main effects of fertilizer and lead was conducted in a nursery using sand tailings from an ex-tin mine as the growing medium.Results showed that Pb was found in the root,stem,and seed capsule of kenaf but not in the leaf.Application of organic fertilizer promoted greater biomass yield as well as higher accumulation capacity of Pb.In Pb-spike...

Evaluation of the virulence of entomopathogenic fungus, Isaria fumosorosea isolates against subterranean termites Coptotermes spp.(Isoptera:Rhinotermitidae)

The entomopathogenic fungus Isaria fumosorosea Wize, formerly known as Paecilomyces fumosoroseus is reported as a promising biocontrol agent for controlling subterranean termites, particularly those belonging to the family Rhinotermitidae. In Malaysia, the family Rhinotermitidae includes two species of subterranean termites with extremely high economic importance; namely Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren, and the Asian SLubterranean Termite (Coptotermes gestroi Wasmann). To comprehend the potential control of this soil-dwelling fungus against these subterranean termites in Malaysia, an investigation was carried out by testing the pathogenecity of 11 isolates against these termite species. All isolates showed pathogenic potential against the termite (Mortality rate of C. curvignathus:84.4%; C. gestroi:67.3%). IsolatePF49 was the most effective against both species of termites and was further tested for its virulence and mycosis.The LC_(50) values of PF49 against C. curvignathus and C.gestroi were 7.55×103 and 1.09×102 conidia/ml,respectively. The average number of days required to complete the mycosis process in C. curvignathus and C.gestroi were 4.7 and 8 days, respectively. These fungi are believed useful for protecting living trees, plants, wood,wood structures, and other cellulosic materials susceptible to termite infestation and damage.

Assessing the kinetic model of hydro-distillation and chemical composition ofAquilaria malaccensis leaves essential oil

This study aimed to model the kinetic of hydro-distillation of Aquilaria malaccensis leaves oil in order to understand and optimize the extraction process. In addition, this study, for the first time, aimed to identify the chemical compositions of the A. malaccensis leave-oil. By assessing both first-order kinetic model and the model of simultaneous washing and diffusion, the result indicated that the model of simultaneous washing and diffusion better describes the hydro-distillation mechanism of the essential oil from A. malaccensis leaves.The optimum time, solid to liquid ratio, and the heating power for extracting the highest amount of essential oil were found to be around 3 h, 1:10(g·ml-1), and 300 W respectively. Yellow essential oil with a strong smell and a yield of 0.05 v/w was extracted by hydro-distillation Clevenger apparatus. Chemical compounds of the essential oil were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy(GC/MS), which resulted in identification of 42 compounds that constitute 93% of essential oil. Among the identified components,Pentadecanal(32.082%), 9-Octadecenal,(Z)(15.894%), and Tetradecanal(6.927%) were the major compounds.Considering the fact that all the identified major components possess pesticidal properties, A. malaccensis leaves can be regarded as a promising natural source for producing pesticides.

Phosphorus requirements for containerized Pterocarpus indicus seedlings

Pterocarpus indicus Willd is a tropical woody legume that holds promise for plantation forestry. Two glasshouse experiments were undertaken on two soil types to determine the phosphorus （P） concentration ranges in the foliage of P-stressed and healthy plants, and to define cri- tical P concentrations for the diagnosis of deficiency and toxicity. There was a narrow range in rates of P fertilizer, supplied as Ca（H2PO4）2.H2O, between deficiency and toxicity compared to other tree species. The relationship between shoot yield and P concentration in the youngest fully expanded leaf enabled critical P concentrations for the diagnosis of deficiency （0.17 %） and toxicity （0.41%） to be determined at 90 % maximum yield from linear re- gressions fitted to the data. The foliar P concentration ranges for deficiency and toxicity were similar to other nitrogen-fixing trees. The defined P concentration ranges and the critical P concentrations for the diagnosis of P deficiency and P toxicity should be useful for monitoring the P status of nursery stock and the health of young seedlings after out-planting.

Detecting mislabeling and identifying unique progeny in Acacia mapping population using SNP markers

Acacia hybrids offer a great potential for paper industry in Southeast Asia due to their fast growth and ability to grow on abandoned or marginal lands. Breeding Acacia hybrids with desirable traits can be achieved through marker assisted selection(MAS) breeding. To develop a MAS program requires development of linkage maps and QTL analysis. Two mapping populations were developed through interspecific hybridization for linkage mapping and QTL analysis. All seeds per pod were cultured initially to improve hybrid yield as quality and density of linkage mapping is affected by the size of the mapping population. Progenies from two mapping populations were field planted for phenotypic and genotypic evaluation at three locations in Malaysia,(1) Forest Research Institute Malaysia field station at Segamat, Johor,(2) Borneo Tree Seeds and Seedlings Supplies Sdn, Bhd.(BTS) field trial site at Bintulu, Sarawak, and(3) Asiaprima RCF field trial site at Lancang, Pahang. During field planting, mislabeling was reported at Segamat, Johor, and a similar problem was suspected for Bintulu, Sarawak. Early screening with two isozymes effectively selected hybrid progenies, and these hybrids were subsequently further confirmed by using species-specific SNPs. During field planting, clonal mislabeling was reported and later confirmed by using a small set of STMS markers. A large set of SNPs were also used to screen all ramets in both populations. A total of 65.36% mislabeled ramets were encountered in the wood density population and 60.34% in the fibre length mapping population. No interpopulation pollen contamination was detected because all ramets found their match within the same population in question.However, mislabeling was detected among ramets of the same population. Mislabeled individuals were identified and grouped as they originated from 93 pods for wood density and 53 pods for fibre length mapping populations.On average 2 meiotically unique seeds per pod(179 seeds/93 pods) for wood density and 3 meiotically unique seeds per pod(174 seeds/53 pods) for fibre length mapping population were found. A single step statistical method was used to evaluate the most informative set of SNPs that could subsequently be used for routine checks for mislabeling in multi-location field trials and for labelling superior clones to protect breeder’s rights. A preliminary set of SNPs with a high degree of informativeness was selected for the mislabeling analysis in conjunction with an assignment test. Two subsets were successfully identified,i.e., 51 SNPs for wood density and 64 SNPs for fibre length mapping populations to identify all mislabeled ramets which had been previously identified. Mislabeling seems to be a common problem due to the complexity involved in the production of mapping populations. Therefore, checking for mislabeling is imperative for breeding activities and for analyses such as linkage mapping in which a correlation between genotypic and phenotypic data is determined.

Genetic transformation of cry1A(b) gene into teak

Teak (Tectona grandis) provides one of the most highly sought after timber in the world and is a widely recommended species for reforestation. As such teak is widely planted in Malaysia. Though no serious outbreaks have been recorded for teak in Malaysia, but insect attack remains the most important threat to the timber industry. Thus, in efforts to overcome the problem, an integrated pest management system needs to be developed. Spraying of commercial Bt has been a common practice in addressing minor outbreaks. However, one of the main limitations of the spraying technique is poor coverage, especially on plant surfaces. Poor coverage, however, could be overcome by planting insect resistant trees. In addition, the approach of using genetic engineering in addressing the above problem proves to be possible with the advancement made in genetic transformation of trees especially in the last decade. This, together with improved knowledge on gene function following improved DNA recombinant techniques promises the major advancement in pest management of forest species. This report demonstrates the possibility of transferring foreign gene into teak cells. In this study, nodal segments of teak were subjected to particle bombardment. Nodal segments bombarded with gold particles coated with plasmid DNA carrying hygromycin phosphotransferase (hpt), β glucuronidase (gus) and cry1A(b) genes were then transferred onto medium for shoot development. The shoots were than transferred onto the same medium supplemented with 10mg/L hygromycin for selection. Selection was repeated several times with six week subculture intervals on the same Hm containing media. The presence of the transgenes in the Hmr plants was confirmed using PCR.

Assessment of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of standardized aqueous extract from leaves of Erythroxylum cuneatum in human HepG2 and WRL68 cells line

Objective:To investigate the cytotoxicity and the genotoxicity of standardized aqueous of dry leaves of Erythroxylum cuneatum(E.cuneatum)in human HepG2 and WRL68 cells.Methods:The cytoloxicity of E.cuneatum extract was evaluated by both MTS and LDH assays.Genotoxicity study on E.cuneatum extract was assessed by the single cell gel electrophoresis(comet assay).The protective effect of E.cuneatum against menadione-induced cytotoxicity was also investigated.Results:Results from this study showed that E.cuneatum extract exhibited cytotoxic activities towards the cells with IC_(50)value of(125±12)and(125±14)μg/mL for HepG2and WRL68 cells respectively,after 72 h incubation period as determined by MTS assay.LDH leakage was detected at(251±19)and(199.5±12.0)μg/mL for HepG2 and WRL68 respectively.Genotoxicity study results showed that treatment with E.cuneatum up to 1 mg/mL did not cause obvious DNA damage in WRL68 and HepG2 cells.Addition of E.cunaetum did not show significant protection towards menadione in WRL68 and HepG2 Cells.Conclusions:E.cuneatum standardized aqueous extract might be developed in onler to establish new pharmacological possibilities for its application.

Relationship between Concentration and Location of theHerbal Industry

Malaysia aspires to become developed and high income nation by year 2020. Under the Tenth Malaysia Plan, herbal industry was the first Entry Point Project for Agricultural National Key Economic Area in Economic Transformation Programme. To understand the current status of the herbal industry, FRIM (Forest Research Institute Malaysia) conducted the survey on 6,923 herbal chain players, consisted from upstream to downstream activities. A face-to-face interview was conducted using a structured questionnaire to gather the information. This paper highlighted the relationship between concentration of the herbal industry and urbanization’s status of the areas. The finding shows that a statistically significant difference exists between category of herbal activities and status of the areas. The upstream activities are more concentrated in rural areas, while most of downstream activities in urban areas. It is in line with central place of theory on how settlements and places are located in relation to one another and their functions. Therefore, to further develop the herbal industry, the government should consider strategic location by category of industrial activities in policies planning, programmes implementation and providing infrastructural support needed by the industry.

Social and Ecnomic Values of Urban Forestry:Malaysian Perspective

The concept of urban forestry is not a new one for town planners and foresters in Malaysia. The difference between the concept now and in the early days is that, in the past, people associated urban forestry primarily with the planting of trees, rather than seeing it as involving the total development of a designated area. Urban forestry activity in Malaysia started way back in 1778 with the planting of Angsana (Pterocarpus indicus) trees in Malacca, followed by large-scale planting of trees in Penang in 1802. A majority of trees planted at that time were exotic species, such as Angsana (Pterocarpus indicus), rain tree (Samanea saman), and broad-leaved mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), which were meant to provide instant shade and greenery. A more holisticconcept of urban forestry, which not only encompasses simply planting trees but also involves making provisions for preserving the ecosystem, started only in the 1980s. Sincethen, the concept of urban forestry has begun to gain interestand appreciation, encouraging localsto get involved with tree-planting campaigns aspart and parcel of many urban forestry activities. Today, efforts of government agencies such as theForest Research InstituteMalaysia(FRIM), together with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) such as the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS)and the Lions Club of Kuala Lumpur, have helped to inculcate interestin planting trees or greening the nation and to enhance appreciation of the concept of urban forestry as a whole. The importance of urban forestry from the perspective of both economic and social values is reflected not only in the prices of homes located in urban green areas but also in theamountof budget allocated formaintenance and further development of those areas. Everyoneliving in an urban area knows how important urban forestry activities are in day-to-day activities. Therefore, to help readers better understand and appreciate the needs ofan urban population, thispaper highlights not only the roles of urban green spaces butalso discusses the social and economicvalues thatMalaysiansplace on urban forestry.

Investigating drivers of active nitrification in organic horizons of tropical forest soils

High nitrate leaching has been observed from the O horizons of some tropical forests;however,the drivers of high nitrate production(active nitrification)in these O horizons have not yet been identified.This study investigated the drivers of active nitrification in the O horizon of tropical forest soils by focusing on two of the most widely recognized controlling factors of nitrification,total N,and pH.We collected mineral and O horizons from eight tropical forests in Cameroon,Indonesia,and Malaysia and measured gross nitrification rates.Some O horizons showed significantly higher gross nitrification rates than mineral horizons,indicating that these O horizons have a high potential for nitrification.Gross nitrification rates in the O horizons were positively correlated with both total N and pH,and the chemical properties(e.g.,total content of N,P,and base cations)were intercorrelated.These correlations suggested that the underlying driver of nitrification in the O horizon was nutrient richness in the litter.Results also indicated a threshold of gross nitrification rates around pH values of 5.5–6.0.We elucidate that active nitrification and subsequent high nitrate leaching from the O horizon could be driven by nutrient-rich litter,possibly derived from soil fertility and tree species.

Nature experience promotes preference for and willingness to coexist with wild animals among urban and suburban residents in Malaysia

Introduction:A decline in direct experience with nature can lead to disaffection of natural environments,wildlife,and public indifference towards biodiversity conservation.This study measured on affective attitude towards wildlife(i.e.,preferences for and willingness to coexist with 22 animal species)and examined the relationships between these attitudes and childhood experiences with nature.Methods:A face to face interview was carried out in rapidly urbanizing Malaysia for both urban and suburban 357 adults(age>20 years old).Results:It found that Malaysian people liked several insects and squirrels,but disliked mammals generally.Mediation analysis,with controlling sociodemographic factors(gender,age and ethnicity),showed that childhood nature experience was positively associated with preference for wild animals(standardized path coefficient=0.18;p<0.001),and the preference had a strong correlation with willingness to coexistence(standardized path coefficient=0.61;p<0.001)with the animals.Childhood nature experience,however,had limited effects on willingness to coexist with the animals via the preference,particularly for unfavourable animals.These results suggest that preference and willingness scores,even though they were significantly correlated,were different sides of affective attitudes toward animals.Conclusions:Therefore,to promote biodiversity conservation programs,we need strategies to increase acceptance of wild animals via relevant environmental education and public communication,as well as opportunities for nature activities for children.

Status, Potentials and Constraints of Green Infrastructure of Malaysia: Case Study of Kuala Lumpur City

Green infrastructure is classic public goods which can be utilized by everybody simultaneously atany time of the day. Green infrastructure which is the interconnected system of green spaces that conservesnatural ecosystem values and functions, sustains clean air and water, not only provide a pleasant and naturalenvironment but also contribute to improving quality of life in urban areas. In other words green infrastructureis the communitys natural life support system and the ecological framework needed for environmental andeconomic sustainability in urban areas. Within this context, this paper offers an overview of green infrastructuredevelopment in Malaysia, its status, constraint, potential and future directions. The case study of KualaLumpur city, which is one of the fastest growing cities in the country, highlights the scenario of urban areasdevelopment in Malaysia. This includes the role played by the government agencies and non-governmentorganizations in developing and promoting forest areas as public parks. The provisions of recreational andeducational facilities in the parks as well as the protection measures of the resources undertaken by relevantauthorities are also discussed. This paper also highlights the response of the public to the opportunities beingprovided in these areas for recreation and education purposes.

Piper sarmentosum as an antioxidant on oxidative stress in human umbilical vein endothelial cells induced by hydrogen peroxide

Endothelial cell death due to increased reactive oxygen species(ROS) may contribute to the initial endothelial injury,which promotes atherosclerotic lesion formation.Piper sarmentosum(PS),a natural product,has been shown to have an antioxidant property,which is hypothesized to inhibit production of ROS and prevent cell injury.Thus,the present study was designed to determine the effects of PS on the hydrogen peroxide(H2O2)-induced oxidative cell damage in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs).In this experiment,HUVECs were obtained by collagenase perfusion of the large vein in the umbilical cord and cultured in medium M200 supplemented with low serum growth supplementation(LSGS).HUVECs were treated with various concentrations of H2O2(0-1000 μmol/L) and it was observed that 180 μmol/L H2O2 reduced cell viability by 50% as denoted by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide(MTT) assay.Using the above concentration as the positive control,the H2O2-induced HUVECs were concomitantly treated with various concentrations(100,150,250 and 300 μg/ml) of three different extracts(aqueous,methanol and hexane) of PS.Malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT) and glutathione peroxidase(GPX) levels showed a significant increase(P<0.05) in HUVECs compared to the negative control.However,PS extracts showed a protective effect on HUVECs from H2O2-induced cell apoptosis with a significant reduction in MDA,SOD,CAT and GPX levels(P<0.05).Furthermore,PS had exhibited ferric reducing antioxidant power with its high phenolic content.Hence,it was concluded that PS plays a beneficial role in reducing oxidative stress in H2O2-induced HUVECs.

Hydroxychavicol,a polyphenol from Piper betle leaf extract,induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in TP53-resistant HT-29 colon cancer cells

This study aims to elucidate the antiproliferative mechanism of hydroxychavicol(HC).Its effects on cell cycle,apoptosis,and the expression of c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)and P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)in HT-29 colon cancer cells were investigated.HC was isolated from Piper betle leaf(PBL)and verified by high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC),nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR),and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS).The cytotoxic effects of the standard drug 5-fluorouracil(5-FU),PBL water extract,and HC on HT-29 cells were measured after 24,48,and 72 h of treatment.Cell cycle and apoptosis modulation by 5-FU and HC treatments were investigated up to 30 h.Changes in phosphorylated JNK(pJNK)and P38(pP38)MAPK expression were observed up to 18 h.The half maximal inhibitory concentration(IC_(50))values of HC(30μg/mL)and PBL water extract(380μg/mL)were achieved at 24 h,whereas the IC_(50)of 5-FU(50μmol/L)was obtained at 72 h.Cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase in HC-treated cells was observed from12 h onwards.Higher apoptotic cell death in HC-treated cells compared to 5-FU-treated cells(P<0.05)was observed.High expression of pJNK and pP38 MAPK was observed at 12 h in HC-treated cells,but not in 5-FU-treated HT-29 cells(P<0.05).It is concluded that HC induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of HT-29 cells,with these actions possibly mediated by JNK and P38 MAPK.