Molecular Authentication, Propagation Trials and Field Establishment of Greek Native Genotypes of Sambucus nigra L. (Caprifoliaceae): Setting the Basis for Domestication and Sustainable Utilization

In the context of sustainable utilisation of valuable but neglected plant resources, a multifaceted study is presented herein for Greek native genotypes of elderberry (Sambucus nigra L., Caprifoliaceae), a species with an appreciated pharmaceutical and nutritional value. At the first phase, fresh plant materials (leaves, softwood cuttings) were collected from nine geographically separated genotypes originating from wild-growing Greek native germplasm of S. nigra. The leaf samples were genetically authenticated using DNA barcoding (ITS2). The next phase included the development of an asexual propagation protocol via cuttings which included screening of the collected genotypes in terms of propagation success, and further experimentation over a two-year period on a prioritised genotype. The propagation results highlighted the importance of external application of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) rooting hormone at levels of 2000–4000 ppm, which consistently presented high rooting rates (100%) of summer softwood, leafy cuttings of apical or sub-apical type. At the same time, rooting quality in terms of root number and length as well as early plant growth after rooting, were improved by external hormone application resulting in high rates of plant survival. This study reports first-time data on multifaceted assessment of Greek native S. nigra genotypes on molecular authentication and asexual propagation, thus ultimately setting the basis for domestication and sustainable utilization of this species.

Use Patterns, Knowledge Diversity and Drivers for the Cultivation of the Miracle Plant [Synsepalum dulcificum (Schumach & Thonn.) Daniell] in Benin and Ghana

Despite the growing interest in the miracle plant worldwide due to its numerous applications, the threats and the wild harvest of the species hamper its sustainable utilisation. Moreover, traditional knowledge so far documented on the species is limited to a narrow geographical coverage of its natural distribution range, which is West and Central Africa. This study analysed the use variation and knowledge acquisition pattern of the miracle plant among West African sociolinguistic groups and deciphered the drivers of populations’ willingness and readiness to engage in cultivating the species. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 510 respondents purposively selected from nine sociolinguistic groups in Benin and Ghana using the snowball sampling approach. Information was collected on respondents’ socio-demographic profile, miracle plant ownership, plant parts used and preparation methods, knowledge of the species bioecology, perceived threats on the species, willingness to cultivate, maximum acreage to allocate to the species and maximum price to pay for a seedling. Descriptive statistics, generalized linear models, classification and regression tree models were used for data analysis. The miracle plant ownership mode depended on the age category. Sociolinguistic affiliation, level of schooling, migratory status and religion significantly affected the number of trees owned. We recorded 76 uses belonging to six use categories. The overall use-value of the miracle plant significantly varied according to the respondent sociolinguistic affiliation, main activity and religion. Men were the main source of knowledge and knowledge is mainly acquired along the family line. Knowledge related to food and social uses was mostly acquired from parents and people of the same generation, while magico-therapeutic and medicinal use-related knowledge were inherited from parents and grandparents. Sociolinguistic affiliation, awareness of taboos and market availability were the most important drivers of respondent willingness to cultivate the miracle plant. While the respondent’s level of schooling and perception of plant growth rate determined the maximum acreage they were willing to allocate to the species in cultivation schemes, their main activity, sociolinguistic affiliation and knowledge of the species time to fruiting drove the maximum purchase price they were willing to offer for a seedling of the species. Our findings provide key information for the promotion of miracle plant cultivation in the study area.

The Treaty on the Lesotho Highlands Water Project and the principle of "equitable and reasonable utilisation"

The principle of "equitable and reasonable utilisation" has been proposed as a tool to resolve a conflict of uses since it advocates for fair and sustainable utilisation of shared water resources. This paper examines this proposition with a specific focus on the Treaty on the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, which regulates the use of the Orange River. To this end, it is my view that the principle of "vital human needs" as an incidence of the principle of "equitable and reasonable utilisation", proffers the most effective tool to resolve the anticipated conflict of uses in the Orange River basin.

Traditional rearing techniques of the edible Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia Smith) and its socio-economic perspective in Nagaland, India

The larvae, pupae and adult of the world’s largest hornet Vespa mandarinia are a nutritious food popular among the different ethnic communities of Nagaland. The traditional method of collecting, rearing and consuming V. mandarinia still persists among the tribal people. Semi-domestication of V. mandarinia practiced in the region has been found to facilitate the production of hornets for socio-economic purposes; thereby contributing to conservation and a sustainable utilisation of the hornets. Eight to nine combs measuring 30-45 cm in diameter are usually harvested, each of which fetching an amount of Rs. 10,000-50,000. The present investigation provides data on the crude protein content of the larvae and pupae which amounts to 52.82 and 60.99%, respectively, suggesting that hornet grubs represent an important source of nutrition. While V. mandarinia are considered as pest in western countries and most of East Asia, the present study suggests hornets as a promising alternative food item rich in protein and that hornet rearing can improve the state of health and economic situation of Nagaland’s poorer section of the society.

Sustainable utilisation of water treatment residue as a porous geopolymer for iron removal from groundwater

Raw water is significant resources for industrial water usage, but this water is not directly suitable for use due to the presence of contaminants. Therefore, pre-treatment is essential. In addition, the presence of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) in groundwater can result in a reddish-brown colour and undesirable taste and odour. The treatment generates water treatment residue (WTR) which consists of silt, clay and undesirable components. Most WTR is conventionally disposed of in landfill. A number of expensive and complex technologies are being used for the removal of such iron and manganese. Due to the high Al2O3 and SiO2 content in WTR, the use of WTR-based geopolymers for Fe/Mn removal is proposed in this study. With the availability of free alkali in the geopolymer framework, the OH-releasing behaviour of the WTR-based geopolymer was investigated by the precipitation of Fe(II) ion. The WTR-based geopolymer was calcined at 400°C and 600°C to obtain a strong geopolymer matrix with the ability to remove Fe/Mn ions. The results show that the WTR-based geopolymer has the potential to remove Fe from Fe-contaminated water. Hydroxide ions are released from the geopolymer and form an Fe(OH)3 precipitate. A calcination temperature of 400°C provides total removal of the Fe after 24 h of immersion. In addition, the existence of Fe(OH)3 helps to coprecipitate the Mn(OH)2 in the Fe/Mn solution leading to a significant reduction of Mn from the solution. The pH value and retention time play an important role in the final metal concentration. The final pH of the solution is close to 8.5, which is the recommended value for boiler water. This method offers an alternative use of WTR in making a porous geopolymer for groundwater Fe removal using a simple method.

Diversity and inventorization of angiospermic flora in Dibrugarh district, Assam, Northeast India

The floristic composition of the Dibrugarh District of Assam has remained unexplored and the present study on Angiosperms addresses this fact. A total of 462 species of flowering plants belonging to 334 genera under 106 families recorded as per the APG IV system of classification and 116 families were recorded according to Bentham and Hooker system. 39% of native species were included in superorder Superrosids, 29% from superorder Superasterids, 18% from superorder Monocots and 7% from superorder Magnoliids. The orders with the highest number of native species were Lamiales (35), Malpighiales (29), Rosales (26), Gentianales (23), Sapindales (18), Fagales (19), Alismatales (17), Poales (14), Zingiberales (13) and Laurales (11) which accounted for 60.8% of the species. A total of 129 non-native or invasive species were represented in 12 superorders. Habit analysis showed that herbs were represented by the highest proportion followed by trees, shrubs and climbers. Twenty species are listed under various IUCN threat categories and one species under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Traditional uses of some reported species were also documented. The present study was conducted to understand the diversity of local flora, which can be helpful in the conservation of natural vegetation and sustainable utilisation of resources in this region.

Sustainable Land Utilisation Among the Guji of Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Sustainable land utilisation is very important prerequisite for the survival of humanity. Land conservation and sustainable utilisation is the current issue as the result of ecological factors such as population pressure resulted in higher need for additional natural resources, global warming, climate change, and the threat of environmental contamination, biodiversity loss, changes in landscape, monetary globalisation, power safety, water delivery, and escalating conûict among socio-cultural, political-monetary, and ecological goals. The present paper is qualitative in nature and both primary and secondary source data were used to elicit the information on the sustainable utilisation of land among the Guji community in Oromia region of southern Ethiopia. The study reveals that Guji Gadaa system is the time proven indigenous institution responsible for making customary rules and regulations, management, regulating and controlling mechanisms to ensuring the sustainability of natural resources in general and land in particular