Diversity and regeneration of woody species were investigated in two ecological niches viz. gap and intact vegetation in old-growth seasonally dry Shorea robusta (Gaertn. f.) forests in Nepal. We also related varieties of diversity measures and regeneration attributes to gap characteristics. Stem density of tree and shrub components is higher in the gap than in the intact vegetation. Seedling densities of S. robusta and Terminalia alata (B. Heyne ex Roth.) are higher in the gap than in the intact vegetation, while contrary result is observed for T. bellirica (Gaertn. ex Roxb.) and Syzigium cumini (L. Skeels) in term of seedling density. The complement of Simpson index, Evenness index, and species-individual ratio in the seedling layer are lower in the gap than the intact vegetation. Gap size can explain species richness and species establishment rate. Gaps created by multiple tree falls in different years have higher seedling density of S. robusta than gaps created by single and/or multiple tree falls in the same year. In conclusion, gaps maintain species diversity by increasing seedling density, and favor regeneration of Sal forests. In addition to gap size, other gap attributes also affect species diversity and regeneration.

The effects of water, nitrogen and phosphorus on productivity of sandy grassland were investigated with a fully factorial experiment to find out the main factors limiting natural restoration of grassland productivity in the southeastern Keerqin sandy land. In total, eight treatments were designed as water addition (W), nitrogen fertilizer addition (N), phosphorus fertilizer addition (P), water + nitrogen fertilizer addition (WN), water + phosphorus fertilizer addition (WP), nitrogen fertilizer + phosphorus fertilizer addition (NP), water + nitrogen fertilizer + phosphorus fertilizer addition (WNP) and control (CK). Each treatment was replicated six times and randomly assigned to 48 plots (4 m × 4 m) that were separated by a 2-m buffer. Results show that restoration of productivity is only limited by nitrogen factor for sandy grassland of Keerqin sandy land and not limited by water and phosphorus. Relative to CK plots, the biomass and the aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) of all the plots added with nitrogen fertilizer were significantly enhanced (P < 0.05) in 2005 growing season. Grass root mass is dominant in underground biomass. The present study possibly underestimates net primary productivity of grassland in northern China, due to limitation of underground biomass measurements.

Mature seeds of H. salicifolia, collected from five provenances (i.e. Hanuman Chatti, Helang, Lata, Rambara and Janggal Chatti) in west Himalaya, India, were treated with stratification (at 4°C for 15, 30 and 60 days) and in different concentrations of GA₃ (5, 10, 20 mM), KNO₃ (50, 100, 200 mM) and Thiourea (50, 100, 200 mM) solution to determine the variations in seed germination. Results reveal that the germination rates of seeds from different provenances under different pre-sowing treatments are significantly increased compared to those in control (24%–30%). The seeds treated with Thiourea (100 mM) have highest germination rate (76%–83% for different seed sources), followed by those (63%–71% for different seed sources) pretreated with stratification (4°C, 30 days). GA3 treatment significantly shortens the mean germination time (MGT) and improves seed germination percentage. Considering the practical applicability and cost effectiveness, thiourea (100 mM) and stratification (at 4°C) treatments for seed germination are recommended for mass multiplication through seeds of H. salicifolia in village/forest nurseries of the west Himalaya, India.

Diversity, density and species composition of naturally regenerated woody plants under Eucalyptus grandis plantation and the adjacent natural forest were investigated and compared. Twenty plots, with an area of 20 m × 20 m for each, were established in both of E. grandis plantation and adjacent natural forest, independently. In each plot, species name, abundance, diameter and height were recorded. Numbers of seedling were collected in five sub-plots (4 m²) within each major plot. A total of 46 species in the plantation, and 52 species in the natural forest, which belongs to 36 families were recorded. The diversity of species (H′) is 2.19 in the plantation and 2.74 in the natural forest. The density of understory woody plant was 3842 stems/ha in the plantation and 4122 stems/ha in the natural forest. The densities of seedlings in the natural forest and the plantation were 8101 stems/ha and 4151 stems/ha, respectively. High similarity of woody species composition was found between the natural forest and the plantation. The E. grandis plantation was found favoring the regeneration and growth of Millitia ferruginia and Coffea arabica in a much better way than other underneath woody species.

We compared two different strategies to increase the catches of Ips typographus (L.), particularly males, in pheromone-baited traps. The first of these strategies, the barrier approach, used alternating pheromone blends, targeting males and females respectively, in closely-spaced traps forming a barrier around forest stands. The second strategy, the single trap approach, used widely-spaced traps that were all baited with the same lure and intended to trap the highest possible numbers of males without compromising trapping of females. In the blend used for the barrier traps targeting primarily males, with a lower percentage of (4S)-cis-verbenol (cV), the (−)-α-pinene was replaced step wise with (+)-limonene at rates of 0%, 1%, 10%, 35%, 60% and 90%. This replacement had no significant effect on the numbers of responding I. typographus males, but there was a slight effect on the percentage of males caught. In the attractant blend for the barrier traps targeting females, with a higher percentage of cV, the 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol (MB) was replaced with 1-methoxy-2-propanol (MP) in a similar fashion as for the male-specific blends. The replacement did not significantly affect the catch of females. Thus, it is possible to use the MP in the blend with cV and ipsdienol without significant change in catch efficacy. In the blends for single traps, the (−)-α- pinene was replaced with (+)-limonene and MB with MP. The replacement of (−)-α-pinene had only a slight effect on the percentage of males, but the results suggest that replacing MB with MP in the blend will not significantly reduce trapping efficacy.

Soil samples collected from the surface soil (0–10 cm) in an 88-year-old Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) forest in Nanping, Fujian, China were incubated for 90 days at the temperatures of 15°C, 25°C and 35°C in laboratory. The soil CO₂ evolution rates were measured at the incubation time of 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90 days. The results showed that CO₂ evolution rates of soil samples varied significantly with incubation time and temperature during the incubation period. Mean CO₂ evolution rate and cumulative amount of CO₂ evolution from soil were highest at 35°C, followed by those at 25°C, and 15°C. Substantial differences in CO₂ evolution rate were found in Q₁₀ values calculated for the 2nd and 90th day of incubation. The Q₁₀ value for the average CO₂ evolution rate was 2.0 at the temperature range of 15–25°C, but it decreased to 1.2 at 25–35°C. Soil CO₂ evolution rates decreased with the incubation time. The cumulative mineralized C at the end of incubation period (on the 90th day) was less than 10% of the initial C amounts prior to incubation.

A study was conducted to improve 9-methoxycanthin-6-one productivity (potential anti-tumour compound) from callus cultures of Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali). Several factors affecting 9-methoxycanthin-6-one production in callus cultures such as different medium compositions and physical factors were investigated and analyzed. Results show that a higher production of 9-methoxycanthin-6-one (3.84 mg·g⁻¹ DW (Dry Weight)) is obtained from callus cultured in ¾ MS basal media. At fructose of 2% (w/v), the production of 9-methoxycanthin-6-one (4.59 mg·g⁻¹ DW) is promoted to gain the highest yield, compared to other carbon sources tested. The addition of 2.0-mg·L⁻¹ dicamba also increases 9-methoxycanthin-6-one production (12.3 mg·g⁻¹ DW). Higher production of 9-methoxycanthin-6-one was obtained at pH 5.5 (1.53 mg·g⁻¹ DW). Production of 9-methoxycanthin-6-one (2.34 mg·g⁻¹ DW) in callus cultures is also increased when the medium is added with 1×10⁻¹ μM phenylalanine. This study suggests that the successful production of 9-methoxycanthin-6-one in vitro cultures has a potential in large-scale production using bioreactor technology.

This study was conducted to resolve the problems of water conservation of sandy soil in desertification areas. The surface of soil particles was modified by molecules of natural Japanese wax through some specially screened surfactant. The modified particles were then well sprayed onto the sand, which was placed in an artificial climate box with simulating desert environment, to form a soil film with effect of suppressing water and gas-permeability. Structure of soil film was analyzed by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and infrared spectrometry (IR). And its mechanism of water inhibition was illustrated with DSC and TG curves. Its influence on grass-planting was tested through the instruments of water detector. The results show that sorbitol anhydride stearate(Span 80)could well disperse the Japanese wax and make it combine with the clay which is also dispersed. The pores among soil particles grew smaller and turned from hydrophilic into hydrophobic, in which way resistance to water penetrating through the film was increased. Experimental grass grows normally on sandy soil with the soil film in the artificial desert climate box, indicating that the soil particles modified with Japanese wax is an effective method to inhibit water evaporation.

This review describes the present hot research areas of mangrove-associated fungi, including its biodiversity, ecological roles, novel metabolites productions and biotechnological potential. Mangrove-associated fungi were divided into saprophytic, parasitic and true symbiotic fungi based on its ecological roles. Saprophytic fungi are fundamental to decomposition and energy flow of mangrove, additionally, their potential toxicity also exists. Pathogenic fungi have significant effects on mangrove survival, growth, and fitness. Endophytic fungi, the most prolific source of diverse bioactive compounds found among that of mangrove-associated fungi, are found in most species of mangroves. Although a significant number of reports focused on the antimicrobial, insecticidal and other bioactive metabolites as well as many novel enzymes isolated from mangrove-associated fungi, and many of those metabolites from endophytic fungi are suspected to be of significant to mangrove, only few studies have provided convincing evidence for symbiotic producers in mangrove. Hence, this paper discusses the present progress of molecular methods used to correlate the ecological roles of endophytic fungi with their bioactive metabolites;, meanwhile, the potential of using metabolic engineering and post-genomic approaches to isolate more novel enzymes and bioactive compounds and to make their possible commercial application was also discussed.

Relative preferences of 90 images of forest stands, photos and virtual reality images were investigated by the internet to develop a quantitative model for estimating scenic beauty preferences at the stand level. The relative priority values obtained from the questionnaire of a total of 259 judges were analyzed using regression methods for pairwise comparisons. Two models were developed based on two different groups of stands. Both models indicate that the priority of a forest stand increases with an augment in the number of bushes and trees, and also with the mean diameter of trees. On the other hand, the priority is low with large number of pines and small trees. Stands represented by photos receive better priority values than those represented by virtual reality images. When the background of the judges (gender, country or occupation) was included into the model as additional predictors, no significant improvements are achieved.

This paper discusses the major problems in urban green space system (UGSS) planning at both general and special planning levels in China. At general planning level, the problems of the UGSS are mainly from the ignorance in the characteristics of urban nature spaces and the limitation factors of the urban planning system. Great importance is attached to the green spaces in the built area of city, but the green spaces in surrounding areas of the city is unnoticed. Furthermore, because the area of UGSS planning is strictly limited by the administrative zoning, the green space system loses its integrity and rationality in spatial patterns. The schedules of urban development planning mismatched the paces and progresses of the ecological restoration cycles. At special plan level, the problem of the UGSS in China is that the green spaces quantity was over emphasized but the rationality of their layouts is neglected.. Meanwhile, the requirement of the spatial structures and the green spaces layouts to balance between the urban development and the natural ecological environments is often ignored. With regard to the layouts in the UGSS planning practices, the existing problems are the compromising to the existing land-uses, the ‘filling in’ approach to plan green spaces and an over-emphasis on the layout patterns.

The species of aquatic beetles and their distributions in lotic and lentic habitats were investigated during July to August of 2005 and 2006 in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. A total of 66 species belonging to 7 beetle families (Dytiscidae, Gyrinidae, Haliplidae, Helophoridae, Noteridae, Hydraenidae, Hydrophilidae) are recorded, of which 16 are new records of aquatic beetles for China.

This paper reports three newly recorded species, Diphascon modestum Binda, Pilato and Dastych, 1984, Diphascon nobilei Binda, 1969, and Diphascon triodon Maucci, 1996, of the genus Diphascon (Tardigrada; Hypsibiidae) from China. Five specimens of Diphascon modestum were collected from Taibai Mt. (34°18′N, 107°42tpE) at 2,500 m above the sea level (a.s.l.), two specimens of Diphascon nobilei were collected from Tonggu County, Jiangxi Province (28°31’N, 114°26′E) at 900 m a.s.l, and one specimen of Diphascon triodon was collected from Linzhi County, Tibet (29°40′N, 94°23′E) at 3,500 m a.s.l. All specimens are deposited at the College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, China. A key to the Chinese species of Diphascon was also given.

A study was conducted to examine the natural regeneration of three dry forest species, Lysiloma divaricatum (Jacq.), Tabebuia ochracea (Cham.) and Lonchocarpus minimiflorus (Donn. Sm.) over a three-year period and to analyze heterogeneity of regeneration in relationship to topographic slope and incidence of light in Chacocente Wildlife Reserve in Nicaragua. Permanent sample plots were established in 2001, and all individuals with height as low as 10 cm and diameter as large as 10 cm were recorded for three consecutive years from 2001 to 2003. The results show that the density of naturally regenerated individuals varied significantly among species, as well as over time. L. minimiflorus and T. ochracea had higher densities compared with L. divaricatum, and the net change in population density was slightly positive for T. ochracea only. Regeneration was more abundant in the gentle and steep slopes under partial exposure of the crown to sunlight, thus resulting in aggregated pattern of distribution, especially for L. minimiflorus and T. ochracea. We concluded that natural regeneration alone is not sufficient to maintain the desired number of stocks of these species, and an immediate restoration measure should be taken to assist the natural regeneration process.

A study was conducted to evaluate the aboveground biomass, nutrient content and the percentages of mycorrhizal colonization in Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Eucalyptus grandis plantations in the semiarid region (15° 09′ S 43° 49′ W) in the north of the State of Minas Gerais in Brazil. Results show that the total above-ground biomass (dry matter) was 33.6 Mg·ha⁻¹ for E. camaldulensis and 53.1 Mg·ha⁻¹ for E. grandis. The biomass of the stem wood, leaves, branches, and stem bark for E. camaldulensis accounted for 64.4%, 19.6%, 15.4%, and 0.6% of the total biomass, respectively (Table 2); meanwhile a similar partition of the total above-ground biomass was also found for E. grandis. The dry matter of leaves and branches of E. camaldulensis accounted for 35% of total biomass, and the contents of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S in leaves and branches accounted for 15.5%, 0.7%, 12.3%, 22.6%, 1.9%, and 1.4% of those in total above-ground biomass, respectively. In the trunk (bark and wood), nutrient accumulation in general was lower. Nutrient content of E. grandis presented little variation compared with that of E. camaldulensis. Wood localized in superior parts of trunk presented a higher concentration of P and bark contained significant amounts of nutrients, especially in E. grandis. This indicated that leaving vegetal waste is of importance on the site in reducing the loss of tree productivity in this semi-arid region. The two species showed mycotrophy.