Riparian forests are classified as endangered ecosystems in general, particularly in sahelian countries like Burkina Faso because of human-induced alterations and civil engineering works. The modification of this important habitat is continuing, with little attention being paid to the ecological or human consequences of these changes. The objective of this study is to describe the variation of woody species diversity and dynamic in riparian forests on different type of watercourse banks along phytogeographical gradient in Burkina Faso. All woody species were systematically measured in 90 sample plots with sides of 50 m × 20 m. Density, dominance, frequency and species and family importance values were computed to characterize the species composition. Different diversity indices were calculated to examine the heterogeneity of riparian forests. A total of 196 species representing 139 genera and 51 families were recorded in the overall riparian forests. The species richness of individuals with dbh ≥ 5cm increased significantly from the North to the South along the phytogeographical gradient and varied significantly between the different types of riparian forests. Similarity in tree species composition between riparian forests was low, which indicates high beta diversity and reflects differences in habitat conditions and topography. The structural characteristics varied significantly along the phytogeographical gradient and between the different types of riparian forests. The diameter class distribution of trees in all riparian forests showed a reverse “J” shaped curve except riparian forest of stream indicating vegetation dominated by juvenile individuals. Considering the ecological importance of riparian forest, there is a need to delineate and classify them along watercourses throughout the country.

In recent years there has been an increasing interest in developing spatial statistical models for data sets that are seemingly spatially independent. This lack of spatial structure makes it difficult, if not impossible to use optimal predictors such as ordinary kriging for modeling the spatial variability in the data. In many instances, the data still contain a wealth of information that could be used to gain flexibility and precision in estimation. In this paper we propose using a combination of regression analysis to describe the large-scale spatial variability in a set of survey data and a tree-based stratification design to enhance the estimation process of the small-scale spatial variability. With this approach, sample units (i.e., pixel of a satellite image) are classified with respect to predictions of error attributes into homogeneous classes, and the classes are then used as strata in the stratified analysis. Independent variables used as a basis of stratification included terrain data and satellite imagery. A decision rule was used to identify a tree size that minimized the error in estimating the variance of the mean response and prediction uncertainties at new spatial locations. This approach was applied to a set of n=937 forested plots from a state-wide inventory conducted in 2006 in the Mexican State of Jalisco. The final models accounted for 62% to 82% of the variability observed in canopy closure (%), basal area (m²·ha⁻¹), cubic volumes (m³·ha⁻¹) and biomass (t·ha⁻¹) on the sample plots. The spatial models provided unbiased estimates and when averaged over all sample units in the population, estimates of forest structure were very close to those obtained using classical estimates based on the sampling strategy used in the state-wide inventory. The spatial models also provided unbiased estimates of model variances leading to confidence and prediction coverage rates close to the 0.95 nominal rate.

This paper presents assessments of the fragmentation of the temperate and tropical forests in Mexico at the national level for two dates 1993 and 2002. The study was based on land use and vegetation cover data sets scale 1:250,000. Two broad forest types (Temperate Forests and Tropical Forests) and five more specific forest types (Broadleaf Forests, and Coniferous Forests; Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests, Tropical Sub-evergreen Forests, and Tropical Evergreen Forests) were defined to conduct the analyses. FragStats 3.3 was used to estimate nine metrics of the spatial pattern of the forests for each forest type and date considered. The results indicate that the land cover transitions that have occurred between 1993 and 2002 have resulted in more isolated forest patches with simpler shapes in both the Temperate and Tropical Forests. The remaining Tropical Forest patches have become smaller and more numerous. In contrast, the remaining Temperate Forest patches are fewer and on average larger. Of the more specific forest types defined in this study, the Broadleaf Forests have the highest indicators of fragmentation. However these forests are usually embedded or adjacent to Coniferous Forests. Of more concern for conservation purposes are the high values of fragmentation metrics found for the Tropical Evergreen Forests and Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests, because these forest types are usually surrounded by non-forest land covers or anthropogenic land uses.

A total of 24 candidate plus trees (CPTs) of Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre. were selected to elucidate their variation and diversity based on thirteen quantitative traits (4 pod traits, 6 seed traits of parent trees and 3 progeny traits) at Forest Research Centre, Institute of Forest Productivity — Mandar, Ranchi district during 2005–2007. The results show that, CPT-19 had maximum for seven traits viz, pod length (65.6 mm), 100-pod weight (542.4 g), seed 2D (two dimension) area (351.2 mm²), seed length (27.9 mm), seed breadth (17.4 mm), 100-seed weight (217.9 g) and plant height (164.3 cm). The traits, 100-pod weight and 100-seed weight had a high heritability (98.4%, 96.9%) accompanied with high genetic advance (46.0%, 34.9%). There is a positive significant correlation between 100-pod weight and 100-seed weight traits at both genotypic and phenotypic levels with plant height, collar diameter and volume index at 30 MAS (months after sowing). Volume index expressed a moderate heritability (47.4%) accompanied with high genetic advance (48.4%), indicating that the character is governed by additive gene effects. In divergence study, 24 accessions were grouped into 6 clusters on the basis of non-hierarchical euclidian cluster analysis. The genotypes in cluster IV (CPT-5, CPT-6, CPT-7, CPT-12, CPT-16, CPT-18, CPT-22) and cluster III (CPT-4, CPT-8, CPT-9, CPT-20, CPT-21) were most heterogeneous and can be best used within group hybridization. The wide diversity exists between the cluster V and II, followed by cluster II and I and crosses between CPTs of these clusters may result in substantial segregates. It is revealed that the existence of substantial variation and diversity can be utilized for genetic resource conservation and further tree improvement programmers of the species.

Expressed sequence tags (ESTs) are generated from single-pass sequencing of randomly picked cDNA clones and can be used for development of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers or microsatellites. However, EST databases have been developed for only a small number of species. This paper provides a case study of the utility of freely available birch EST resources for the development of markers necessary for the genetic analysis of Betula luminifera. Based on birch EST data, primers for 80 EST-SSR candidate loci were developed and tested in birch. Of these, 59 EST-SSR loci yielded single, stable and clear PCR products. We then tested the utility of those 59 markers in B. luminifera. The results showed 28 (47.6%) yielded stable and clear PCR products for at least one B. luminifera genotype. In addition, this study describes a rapid and inexpensive alternative for the development of SSRs in species with scarce available sequence data.

Species diversity and stability of natural secondary communities in different layers with different cutting intensities 10 years later were investigated by calculating Marglef Richness index (R), Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H), Simpson diversity index (P), and Pielou Evenness index (J). Results show that the values of R, H and P among different layers are listed in a decreasing order: the shrub layer > the arbor layer > the herb layer, all the three indices values reach the maximum under medium selective cutting intensity after 10 years. The J value of the shrub layer shows a concave parabolic change with the increase in cutting intensity; it shows a linear increase for the arbor layer, whereas the J value of the herb layer shows an opposite change pattern. The values of R at different cutting intensities had high significant difference, but other indices had not significant difference. The stability of communities at different cutting intensities after 10 years is non-cutting> low selective cutting intensity > medium selective cutting intensity > high selective cutting intensity > extra-high intensity > clear cutting. The stability of communities at different cutting intensities after 10 years shows that the greater cutting intensities, the worse the stability is.

Nodal segments from secondary branches of saplings of Phyllostachys bambusoides were inoculated in MS medium to assess the in vitro morphogenic response of leaf sheath through the induction to callogenesis by Picloram (4-amino-3,5,6-trichloropicolinic acid) at different concentrations of carbohydrate under the same conditions with presence or absence of luminosity. In our experiment, secondary explants were kept in MS medium containing 8.0 mg·L⁻¹ of Picloram for the callus formation. Calluses were transferred in MS medium supplemented with sucrose, fructose and glucose (control, 2%, 4% and 6%). Results show that Picloram induced the callogenesis in leaf sheath. The secondary embryogenesis was formed in yellow-globular callus. The sucrose as carbohydrate source in the absence of light was more efficient to induce rhizogenesis. Glucose was more efficiency in the presence of light. Callogenic induction and further embryogenesis evidenced the competence and determination of leaf sheath cells.

Azadirachta indica seed samples were collected from four different agro-ecological regions (AERs) viz., AER-2, AER-4, AER-5A and AER-5B of Gujarat state, India during 2000 to 2002 with an aim to assess variability in azadirachtin, oil and fatty acids content of the seeds and assess correlation of these parameters with morphological characters. Azadirachtin, oil and fatty acids content indicated significant (p<0.01) variations between years and AERs in Gujarat. The azadirachtin ranged from 142 to 9 527 μg·g⁻¹ seed kernel with an average of 2 426 μg·g⁻¹ for the state. AER-5B recorded highest azadirachtin and oil content. Fatty acid composition was found to be affected by environmental factors particularly varying degree of annual rainfall and temperature during fruit ripening period. Conclusively trees growing in AER-5B performed better in term of azadirachtin, oil and stearic acid content. Tree girth at breast height showed no significant relation with these biochemicals.

The Great Xing’an Mountains boreal forests were focused on in the northeastern China. The simulated future climate scenarios of IPCC SRES A2a and B2a for both the baseline period of 1961–1990 and the future scenario periods were downscaled by the Delta Method and the Weather Generator to produce daily weather data. After the verification with local weather and fire data, the Canadian Forest Fire Weather Index System was used to assess the forest fire weather situation under climate change in the study region. An increasing trend of fire weather severity was found over the 21st century in the study region under the both future climate change scenarios, compared to the 1961–1990 baseline period. The annual mean/maximum fire weather index was predicted to rise continuously during 2010–2099, and by the end of the 21st century it is predicted to rise by 22%–52% across much of China’s boreal forest. The significant increases were predicted in the spring from of April to June and in the summer from July to August. In the summer, the fire weather index was predicted to be higher than the current index by as much as 148% by the end of the 21st century. Under the scenarios of SRES A2a and B2a, both the chance of extremely high fire danger occurrence and the number of days of extremely high fire danger occurrence was predicted to increase in the study region. It is anticipated that the number of extremely high fire danger days would increase from 44 days in 1980s to 53–75 days by the end of the 21st century.

A study was conducted to investigate the population dynamics of four important coccids viz., Aonidiella orientalis (Newstead), Ceroplastes actiniformis Green, Cardiococcus bivalvata (Green) and Parasaissetia nigra (Nietner) infesting sandal in Bangalore, India. Meteorological data viz., monthly mean maximum and minimum temperatures, morning and evening relative humidity and total rainfall were also collected during the experimental period for statistical analysis to ascertain their influence on the population of coccids. The results show that all the four coccids are infesting sandal throughout the year. Maximum temperature exhibited significantly negative correlation with the population dynamics of A. orientalis, while other weather parameters did not show much influence on its incidence. In case of C. bivalvata, minimum temperature and morning relative humidity exhibited significant positive correlation with its population dynamics while other weather parameters had less significant effect on its population dynamics. For C. actiniformis and P. nigra, none of the weather factors seem to have influence on their incidences.

A special mobile GIS (Geographic Information System) system used for forest resources second-class inventory was developed on the basis of traditional forest resources inventory, remote sensing, GPS (Globe Positioning System) and embedded technology. Portable instrument, embedded development and the integration technology of RS (Remote Sensing), GIS and GPS are all used in this special mobile GIS system. Further, the system composition, key techniques, and current situation of the practical application in China were analyzed in the study. The results are important for applying modern high-tech for the planning and design of digital forest resources to improve the precision and efficiency of inventory and reduce the labor cost and financial investment.

Commercial farming of anuran species that are declining in the wild raises a need to discriminate wild from farmed frogs. We hypothesized wild frogs might have extended hindlimbs due to greater frequency or intensity of jumping relative to farmed frogs, highlighting a morphometric approach to discrimination of wild from farmed frogs using hindlimb length. In the present study, Dybowski’s frog (Rana dybowskii) was used to test this hypothesis. We measured body mass (M_b) and hindlimb length (L_h) of 2-year old farmed frogs and wild frogs aged 2 to 5 years. Dybowski’s frog demonstrated significant dimorphism in M_b and L_h. M_b was significantly greater among farmed 2-year old frogs in both sexes (p=0.000), while only among females was L_h significantly greater for wild frogs (p=0.000). L_h/M_b was used as an index for origin discrimination to eliminate the influence of Mb due to variation of husbandry conditions among farms. Mean L_h/M_b for farmed frogs was significantly lower than for wild frogs (p=0.000) in the 2-year old age class. Discrimination correctly classified 84.4% of farmed and 96.3% of wild male frogs. Among females, 92.9% of farmed frogs and 90.1% wild frogs were correctly classified. The overall correctness of classification was 92.1% and 90.8% for males and females, respectively. However, L_h/M_b revealed variation with age, resulting in reduced discriminative power for frogs ≥3 years old. We introduced a coefficient C_e to adjust the L_h/M_b of frogs ≥3 years to the level equivalent to 2-year frogs. The adjustment achieved 89.5% for overall correctness of origin for wild males and 92.4% for wild females ≥3 years old. These results show that Lh/Mb is an effective index to discriminate wild from farmed Dybowski’s frog. Since the physical demands of jumping are common among anurans, this index is also potentially applicable to other anuran species.

Nest-site selection patterns of Red-crowned cranes (Grus japonensis) and the effects of environmental variables were studied during the years of 2002–2008 in Zhalong Nature Reserve, Qiqihar city, northeast China. The nest-site selection pattern of Red-crowned cranes included two orders and three choices: the choice of nest-site habitat type within the macro-habitat order, nest zone selection and nest-site microhabitat selection within the micro-habitat order. Various habitats (such as Carex swamps and reed fire districts) can be selected as the nest sites for Red-crowned cranes, of which reed swamps (93.15%) are given a preference. Factor Analysis reveals that the micro-habitat selection are affected by four main factors: fire, security (concealment / disturbance), incubation (conditions, nest-material), and food. Further analysis reveals that Red-crowned cranes have certain adaptability to the changes of nesting habitat quality in the Zhalong wetlands. In conclusion, fire, reeds, and water were the most important variables for nest-site habitat selection of Red-crowned Cranes in Zhalong Nature Reserve.

Territory and territorial behavior of the Common Coot (Fulica atra) were studied in two breeding sites, Anbanghe Nature Reserve and Daqing Longfeng wetland, in Heilongjiang Province, China from April to October in 2008 and 2009. In the breeding season, the breeding pairs occupied an area and protected it throughout the reproduction, and both interspecific and intraspecific conflicts were observed. Territory activities became severe since early May, the peak of territory behaviors appeared at late May, and then declined gradually. The territorial activities level was higher than that in the nest building period than in the laying and incubation periods. The most adopted behavioral model was expelling, which was the least energy cost. The degree of territorial behavior tended to be descended since the development of breeding phase. The territory size differed from 1 333 m² to above 5 000 m². Wintering population was observed in Poyang Lake of Jiangxi Province. The coots gathered in the open water; however, there was no territory behavior both in the interspecies and intraspecies in wintering sites. The hypotheses why there was territory behaviors for coots both in the interspecies and intraspecies were also discussed.

Root length and root length density of Lespedeza bicolor, Amorpha fruticosa, and Sea buckthorn were investigated in a country highway-TongSan highway (Tongjiang to Sanya) in Heilongjiang Province, China. The root lengths were divided into five root orders according to Pregizter sequence classification method. Results show that sea buckthorn roots are dominated by coarse roots in the horizontal growth, while L. bicolor has a large proportion of fine roots in vertical conical growth and A. fruticosa is in depth growth. Root length density of L. bicolor in all the root sequences is higher than that of sea buckthorn and A. fruticosa. On the basis of the root structure, it is inferred that L. bicolor roots mainly absorb the surface soil moisture for its normal growth; in contrast, A. fruticosa has good uptake ability to deep soil water. The root structure of sea buckthorn implies that it has a strong drought resistance.

A study was conducted to explore the mechanism that emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) from heated needles and twigs (200°C, within 15 min) of Pinus pumila affect fire behaviours using the technology of Thermal Desorption — Gas Chromatography — Mass Spectrometry (TD-GC-MS). The results indicated that the main components of VOC from heated needles and twigs are terpenoids. Most of these terpenoids are monoterpenes. Terpenoids account for 72.93% for the needles and 92.40% for the twigs of the total VOC, and their emission ratios are 61.200 μg·g⁻¹ and 217.060 μg·g⁻¹ respectively. Heated twigs can emit more terpenoids than heated needles because twigs had more volatile oils than needles. In actual fires, these large amounts of terpenoid emissions, especially the monoterpene emissions, have strong effects on fire behaviors that are not only in the initial stage but also in the fast propagation stage of fires. These flammable gases are capable of causing violent combustion and creating crown fires. In addition, if these gases accumulate in an uneven geographical area, there will be a possible for eruptive fires and/or fires flashover to occur.

Cyclocarya paliurus as a multiple function plant can accumulate biologically important microelement elements. To reveal the variation of selected microelement concentrations in leaves of C. paliurus provenances during the growing season, 12 C. paliurus provenances in the field trial were sampled five times at approximately 1-month intervals. The method of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) was employed to determinate average concentrations of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and Se in leaves of 12 C. paliurus provenances. The results show that on average, the concentrations of five microelement in the leaves follows an order of Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Se. Variance analysis shows that there are significant differences in Fe, Mn and Zn concentrations among the twelve provenances (p<0.05), while there is no significant difference between Cu and Se concentrations. A significant difference was also observed in the concentrations of five microelements at the different sampling times (p<0.001), but the mean concentrations for each microelement showed different temporal dynamic patterns. Meanwhile, a significant correlation between concentrations of Se and other measured microelements was detected in the leaves of C. paliurus, except for Mn. Obtained results not only demonstrated that leaves of C. paliurus exhibited higher levels of microelements (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn and Se), but also provided a basis for breeding strategies of superior provenances with rich content of microelements, and choosing optimum harvesting time for food industry in future.

Aldehydes play an important role in atmospheric chemistry and plant direct and indirect defense against environmental stresses. In this study, the emissions of saturated C6–C10 aldehydes from Populus simonii × P. pyramidalis ‘Opera 8277’ cuttings were examined by using a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) technique at three levels of light intensity (400, 800 and 1 200 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹). A positive correlation between the emissions of these aldehydes and light intensity was found. Moreover, nordi-hydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), a special inhibitor of lipoxygenase (LOX), significantly inhibited the emissions of C6–C9 aldehydes at three levels of light intensity, but did not influence the emission of decanal (C10). The emissions of C6–C10 aldehydes in NDGA treated poplar cuttings, exhibited the same positive correlation with light intensity. The results indicated that LOX pathway contributes to the emissions of C6–C9 aldehydes, whereas some pathways regulated by light intensity might be a universal mechanism for emissions of C6–C10 aldehydes.

Olfactory receptors (ORs), the first dedicated molecules with which odorants physically interact to arouse an olfactory sensation, constitute the largest gene family in vertebrates. Dogs and wolves, like many other mammals, have a highly developed capability to detect and identify odorant molecules, even at minimum concentrations. In this study, the olfactory receptor repertoire from domestic dog and its closest relative, the wolf, were sequenced to estimate the fraction of pseudogenes in each subspecies. The fraction of disrupted olfactory receptor genes in dog was 17.78%, whereas, that in wolf was 12.08%. As expected the dog was less dependent on olfaction than the wolf, and the dog had more olfactory receptor pseudogenes. However, the observed difference between the two subspecies was not at the significant level (χ ² = 1.388, p = 0.239 > 0.05). The values indicated that although domestication might play a role in the reduction of OR genes, it could not be concluded that the living environment provided by domestication lead to a significant reduction of the functional olfactory receptor repertoire. Furthermore, the purpose of domestication may also have influence on the ratio of functional olfactory receptor genes reduction.

Nursery practice using microbial inoculants was performed to find out the efficacy of the inoculants on seed germination and seedling growth of sissoo (Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.). Microbial inoculants or effective microorganisms (EM) are a mixture of many different beneficial microorganisms in a solution. The seedlings were grown in a mixture of sandy soil and cowdung (3:1) kept in polybags with pouring EM solution at different concentrations (0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 5% and 10%) before and after a week of sowing the seeds. Seed germination rate and growth parameters of seedlings were measured, such as, shoot and root length, vigor index, fresh and dry weight of shoot and root and total biomass increment. The nodulation status influenced by EM was also observed along with the measurement of pigment contents in leaves. The highest germination rate (69%) was observed in 2% EM treatment, followed by 67% and 65% in 1% and 5% EM. The highest shoot length (33.2 cm) was in 2% EM, whereas highest root length (26.3 cm) was in 1% EM. Both fresh and dry weights from shoot and root, were maximum (4.16 g and 1.57 g; 2.12 g and 0.83 g respectively) in 2% EM and were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) different from control. Vigor index was highest (4071) in 2% EM, which was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) different from control. Total dry weight increment was highest in 2% EM treatment, followed by 1% and 5% concentrations of EM. Nodulation number was higher at very low (0.1%) concentration of EM solution but it normally decreased with the increase of EM concentrations. The contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoid were highest (60.11, 17.05 and 42.48 mg·L⁻¹ respectively) in 2% EM treatment and lowest (39.35, 13.55 and 27.29 mg·L⁻¹ respectively) in control treatment. Therefore, low concentration of EM (up to 2%) can be used for getting maximum seed germination rate and seedling development of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.

Seed morphology, germination and seedlings growth of Acacia auriculiformis were studied. The experiment was conducted in the nursery of Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Bangladesh. Matured seeds of the species were collected from healthy trees of road side plantation from different areas of Khulna District, Bangladesh and treated with five pre-sowing treatments (control, immersion in cold water, immersion in hot water, scarification with sand paper and immersion in concentrated H₂SO₄). The average length, breadth and thickness were found to be (0.58±0.017) cm, (0.44±0.007) cm and (0.20±0.089) cm, respectively. Germination was conducted in polybags with a mixture of top soil, coconut husk, coarse sand, and fine sand in a ratio of 3:4:1:1. Results reveal that pre-sowing treatments influences the germination rates of seeds that significantly increase the percentage germination compared with those in control (43%) and cold water treatment (52%). The highest germination success rate was found 83% in hot water treatment followed by 78% in scarification with sand paper, and 75% with immersion in H₂SO₄. Germination started from 7 to 12 days and completed between 28 and 35 days period in all treatments. ANOVA showed the significant difference (p<0.05) among the treatments in seed germination, but no significant difference among treatment with regard to starting day, closing day and total germination period. In case of height and diameter growth, seedlings originated from the seeds with hot water treatment shows significantly higher in wet season (from May to July). Hot water treatment can be recommended on seed germination of the species in rural Bangladesh.

The water conservation capacities of main forests in Beijing, China were estimated through the quantitative analysis. Various methods developed in published papers on forest hydrology were employed. The forests in Huairou, Yanqing, Miyun, Mentougou and Fangshan districts are the main contributors to water conservation (the cumulative ratio reaches 65%), and the forests in Tongzhou, Chaoyang, Shunyi and Daxing districts have the highest water conservation capacity (3000 m³/ha). Altitude and slope are the key factors to affect the water conservation capacity. The forests located in Plain Area, Hilly Area, Low Mountain, and Middle Mountain contributes 27%, 28%, 24% and 21% of the conserved water, respectively. The water conservation capacity of forests in Plain Area (2 948 m³/ha), is superior to the forests in other regions. And the forests situated on Flat Slope, Moderate Slope and Gentle Slope constitute the largest proportion (nearly 93%) of water conservation, while the forests on Flat Slope has the highest water conservation capacity (2 797 m³/ha), and the forest on Steep slope has the lowest water conservation capacity (948 m³/ha).

A study was conducted to select the best alternative for the development of construction panels as well as investment in its manufacturing in Iran. Three alternatives are considered, cement-bonded wood composite product, substituted products (such as concrete panel) sandwich panel and a mixture of them. We apply the analytic network process (ANP) to achieve this goal. A hierarchy is designed to prioritize benefits, opportunities, costs and risks (BOCR) by using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) ratings approach. To evaluate the “control criteria” of the system, a control hierarchy is also created and prioritized by applying the Analytic Network Process (ANP). A total of four major control criteria in the system are prioritized where each one controls a decision network evaluated using ANP. The final synthesis of the system shows cement-bonded wood composite product is the best choice among three potential alternatives for the investment and development.

Naturally occurring camptothecin (CPT) is an important source of chemotherapeutic agents. The extraction from Camptotheca acuminata is still the main approach to obtain CPT compared with total synthesis. In the present study, ultrasound-assisted extractions (UAE) of CPT from C. acuminata seeds with alkaline solutions were investigated and CPT yield were determined by High Performance Liquid Chromatography. The conditions of alkaline species and concentrations, extraction time, extraction temperature and ultrasonic power were optimized. Results show that both Na₃PO₄ and Na₂CO₃ solutions gain good extraction yields, whereas Na₃PO₄ solution has stronger basicity and need higher concentration than Na₂CO₃ solution does, thus aqueous Na₂CO₃ is more beneficial for the extraction. The optimal condition was ultrasonically extracted with 0.5% aqueous Na₂CO₃ at 50°C and ultrasonic power of 400 W for 60 min. Comparing with UAE with ethanol, the extraction with 0.5% Na₂CO₃ solution achieves higher yield. Moreover, aqueous Na₂CO₃ as a solvent has various advantages including non-toxicity, inflammable, non-corrosive and low cost, which ensure this UAE method is a superior method with high utilizing prospect.

Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) and broadleaved mixed forest in Northeast China has been changed regressively into secondary forest with almost no conifers. Planting Korean pine trees under the canopy of secondary forest is a feasible approach for recovering Korean pine and broadleaved mixed forest. For establishing an effective growth promotion method for under-canopy planted young Korean pine trees, two stands were selected as the experiment plots, Stand A (planted in 1989) and Stand B (planted in 1982), and an experiment of microenvironment regulation was conducted relying mainly on Opening degree (K=1, K=1.5, K=2, CK) in 2004. The results were shown that the adjustment had promoted growth of diameter and height of Korean pine planted in Stand A and Stand B, and had a significant influence on the growth rate of basal diameter, diameter at breast height and height in the two growth stands. The four years periodic increment of mean diameter and height of Korean pine planted in 1989 and in 1982 after regulation in K=1 level were 63.4% (D₀) and 82.7% (H), 64.8% (D_1.3) and 69.7% (H) higher than that of control respectively. Quantitative regulation had significant influence on specific leaf area of Korean pine planted in 1989, and the current year specific leaf area (SLA) was lager than perennial year SLA. Quality indexes of natural pruning capacity, normal form quotient and crown size was not significantly changed but shown a positive tendency. The regulation scheme of Opening degree K=1 might be proper for adjusting the microenvironment of Korean pine trees planted under the canopy of secondary forest when the Korean pine trees were in the growth period of 15 to 26 years old in the experiment region.