UV Treatment on Inactivation of Fungal Contamination of Sri Lankan Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) seed and powder

A study was carried out to test the efficacy of UV- C treatment to decontaminate fungal species in black pepper. After preliminary tests carried out using a UV-C drum, a canopy type UV-C sterilization unit was designed and fabricated. Black pepper seed and powder samples were given 10, 15, and 20 minutes UV- C treatments. Results showed that UV-C canopy is effective on inactivation of yeast and moulds in black pepper seeds complying the international microbiological standard requirements for spices. Improvement of UV-C Design modification have been carrying out to obtain the potential inactivation level by UV-C light for black pepper powder and improve the inactivation level of bacteria in black pepper seed and powder.

Shrub canopy interception of diaspores dispersed by wind

Interception by plant canopies during wind dispersal can affect the final destination of diaspores. However, how the interaction of wind speed, canopy type and diaspore attributes affects interception of diaspores by the plant canopy has rarely been studied. We investigated canopy interception for 29 species with different diaspore attributes, six canopy types and six wind speeds in controlled experiments in a wind tunnel. Shrub canopy interception of diaspores were controlled by wind speed and diaspore attributes, but the latter had a greater influence on canopy interception than the former. At low wind speed, diaspore wing loading had a large influence on canopy interception, whereas at high wind speed, diaspore projection area had a large influence. The chance of canopy interception at a particular wind speed was additionally affected by the type of canopy. This study increases our knowledge of the dispersal process, corrects the previous understanding of diaspore dispersal potential and improves the theoretical basis for predicting spatial pattern and dynamics of plant populations.

Invertebrate Community of Scots Pine Coarse Woody Debris in the Southwestern Pyrenees under Different Thinning Intensities and Tree Species

Background and Objectives: The forest in the Southwestern Pyrenees Mountains (Northern Spain) is mainly composed of pure Pinus sylvestris L. or a mix of P. sylvestris and Fagus sylvatica L. The most common forest management technique to harvest pine is the application of forest thinning with different intensities. It promotes a change in the forest composition and structure. Taking into consideration this region as a site specific research about this topic, we aimed to understand the CWD invertebrate composition response to different thinning intensities and canopy type of these tree species. Materials and Methods: CWD samples were collected belonging to intermediate and advanced decay classes, approximately 10 cm long and 5 cm in diameter. Using a design of three thinning intensities (0%, 20%, and 40% of basal area removed), with three replications per treatment (nine plots in total), four samples were taken per plot (two per canopy type) to reach 36 samples in total. Meso- and macrofauna were extracted from CWD samples with Berlese–Tullgren funnels, and individuals were counted and identified. Results: Most of the taxonomic groups belonged to mesofauna, mainly to Acari and Collembola orders. On the other hand, the macrofauna represented a minimum percentage of the community composition. Our results indicated that although thinning intensities did not significantly affect the invertebrate community, canopy type and CWD water content influenced significantly. It is imperative to consider in forest management the responses of canopy type and thinning intensities in CWD water content, this disturbance could also slow down the organic matter decomposition process in the soil, thus affecting in the long term the natural cycle of nutrients.

Characteristics of Bird Nestling Trees in the Padang State University, West Air Tawar, West Sumatera

The purpose of this research is to describe the characteristic of the tree as birds nesting at State University of Padang , West Air Tawar, West Sumatra. This research conducted on March 2019. Data collection was using survey method. The results showed that found 14 species of tree is using by birds to nesting. The characteristic of tree is preferable by birds to using for nesting are tree and pole growth rate, monopodium and simpodium branching type, with round, oval and fountain canopy type, model leeuwenberg, attims and corner architecture model.

Coarse Woody Debris’ Invertebrate Community is Affected Directly by Canopy Type and Indirectly by Thinning in Mixed Scots Pine—European Beech Forests

Research Highlights: Thinning and tree species alter the forest floor microclimate by modifying canopy cover, radiation, wind, and humidity. Thus, forest management can directly influence the edaphic mesofauna responsible for decomposing coarse woody debris (CWD). Background and Objectives: This research was carried out in the Southwestern Pyrenees Mountains (Northern Spain) and aimed to determine the influence of forest thinning and canopy type (pure Pinus sylvestris L. or a mix of P. sylvestris and Fagus sylvatica L.) on CWD colonization by edaphic fauna. Materials and Methods: CWD samples were collected belonging to intermediate and advanced decomposition stages, approximately 10 cm long and 5 cm in diameter. Using a design of three thinning intensities (0%, 20%, and 40% of basal area removed), with three replications per treatment (nine plots in total), four samples were taken per plot (two per canopy type) to reach 36 samples in total. Meso- and macrofauna were extracted from CWD samples with Berlese–Tullgren funnels, and individuals were counted and identified. Results: 19 taxonomic groups were recorded, the most abundant being the mesofauna (mites and Collembola). Mixed canopy type had a significant positive influence on richness, whereas advanced decay class had a positive significant influence on total abundance and richness. In addition, there were non-significant decreasing trends in richness and abundance with increasing thinning intensity. However, interactions among thinning intensity, canopy type, and decay class significantly affected mesofauna. Furthermore, some taxonomic groups showed differential responses to canopy type. CWD water content was positively correlated with total invertebrate abundance and some taxonomic groups. Our results suggest that stand composition has the potential to directly affect invertebrate communities in CWD, whereas stand density influence is indirect and mostly realized through changes in CWD moisture. As mesofauna is related to CWD decomposition rates, these effects should be accounted for when planning forest management transition from pure to mixed forests.

Comparison of Seasonal Response of Isoprene Emission from Understory Type Bamboo and Canopy Type Bamboo Species

<p>Bamboos are naturally distributed in Asia, Africa and America, and intentionally introduced in Europe. It has been reported with expansion of bamboos due to abandon of management in plantations and the niche shift under climate change. Furthermore, certain canopy type bamboo species are reported with high emission of isoprene, which can impact air quality and climate change. However, research about the isoprene emission from understory type species of bamboo, such as <em>Sasa</em> spp and <em>Sasaella</em> spp, are currently absent. This may cause uncertainties when estimating the isoprene emission from forest ecosystems. Thus, this study conducted measurement on isoprene emission flux (<em>I</em>) from leaves of 18 species of bamboo within five genera including understory type (<em>Sasa</em> and <em>Sasaella</em>) and canopy type (<em>Pleioblastus</em>, <em>Semiarundinaria</em> and <em>Phyllostachys</em>) species in a specimen garden in Kyoto, Japan, to compare the isoprene emission trait of the two types. The measurements were conducted monthly in 2<sup>nd</sup>-5<sup>th</sup> August, 12<sup>th</sup>-16<sup>th</sup> September and 15<sup>th</sup>-17<sup>th</sup> October 2019. Isoprene emitted from leaf is collected through an adsorbent tube while measuring factors such as photosynthesis rate and leaf temperature (<em>T<sub>L</sub></em>) under a controlled intensity of photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) at 1000 μmol m<sup>-2</sup> s<sup>-1</sup> with a modified photosynthesis-measuring system equipped with a LED light-source leaf chamber. The isoprene in the adsorbents were then desorbed and quantified respectively with a preconcentrate system and a Gas chromatography - Mass spectrometer system; measured leaves were taken to laboratory for area and dry weight measurement. As the result, most of the species showed the largest <em>I</em> in August (18.8 nmol m<sup>-2</sup> s<sup>-1</sup>), and then gradually decrease or ceased in the following two months (8.1 and 1.3 nmol m<sup>-2</sup> s<sup>-1</sup> in September and October, respectively), which was consistent with the tendency of monthly temperature; that is, positive correlations of <em>I</em> and <em>T<sub>L</sub></em> were found in most of the species. Meanwhile, photosynthesis rate did not show significant variance to month in any species, which can be attributed to the weak or none correlation between photosynthesis rate and <em>T<sub>L</sub></em>. On the other hand, the species within the same genus showed similar <em>I</em> and dependence to <em>T<sub>L</sub></em>. The understory type genera showed significantly lower <em>I</em> than those from canopy type genera. The dependence of <em>I</em> to <em>T<sub>L</sub></em> was also weaker in understory type genera than in canopy type genera. The low isoprene emission in understory type genera may attribute to the potentially lower heat stress for the understory vegetations, where the isoprene is produced in plants for enhancing heat tolerance. The significant difference in <em>I</em> and its seasonal variation between understory type species and canopy type species suggest that these two types of bamboo must be seemed as different groups when in the regional modelling of isoprene fluxes.</p>

New Concept of Animal Underpass - Green Bridge

In Poland, the ecological corridor map overlaps with forests, as well as with the road network. The police have recorded near a 100% increase in animal mortality over the last decade. In most cases, bridges automatically serve as passages for animals, even if they have not been considered and designed for such a role. The following facts are importand: silence is positive for animals, natural guides are better then fences and walls, gentle lighting moderates car lights at night. Therefore, the semi-transparent canopy-type noise screens should be used, as well as olfactory tracks. The solution proposed here is beneficial for both the environment and road users. For the proper functioning of the bridge, it is crucial to take into consideration that animals are more efficiently guided by their smell than by channelling fences. However, the commonly used fences would also be provided. Olfactory traces can come in two kinds: animal faecal matter and mating scents. In a natural habitat, decreasing the immediate proximity between animals and humans should also be considered. A multi-criteria analysis was conducted to prove benefits both in terms of bridge maintenance effort and the impact on the environment. The criteria were selected on the basis of expert opinions.

Herbicide Spray Penetration into Corn and Soybean Canopies Using Air-Induction Nozzles and a Drift Control Adjuvant

Drift reduction technologies aim to eliminate the smaller droplets that occur with some sprays because these small droplets can move off-target in the wind. Commonly used drift reduction technologies such as air-induction nozzles and spray additives impact on reducing off-target movement is well documented, however, the impact on herbicide penetration into an established crop canopy is not well known. This experiment evaluated the canopy penetration and efficacy of glyphosate treatments applied using four nozzle types (XR11005, AIXR11005, AITTJ11005, and TTI11005), two carrier volume rates (94 and 187 L ha-1), and glyphosate applications with and without a commercial drift reducing adjuvant. Applications were made to corn and soybean fields using glyphosate applied at 1.26 kg ae ha-1with liquid ammonium sulfate at 5% v/v. A rhodamine dye was added (0.025% v/v) to the spray tank of each mixture as a tracer. MylarTMcards were placed in the field above the canopy, in the middle canopy, and on the ground for corn and above and below canopy for soybean. Five cards were at each position in the canopy arranged across the crop row. The addition of a drift reducing adjuvant did not impact canopy penetration. Doubling the carrier volume increased the amount of penetration proportionally and as such the percent reduction was not different. The TTI11005 nozzle had the greatest amount of spray penetration (28%) in the soybean canopies and the XR nozzle had the greatest amount (50%) in the corn canopies. Deposition across the row, beginning in-between the row crop and ending in the row of the crop was 44, 18, and 8% for soybean and 59, 50, and 36% for corn. For both crops, more than half of the herbicide application was captured in the crop canopy. Proper nozzle selection for canopy type can increase herbicide penetration and increasing the carrier volume will increase penetration proportionally.

Influence of thinning intensity and canopy type on Scots pine stand and growth dynamics in a mixed managed forest

Aim of the study: We analysed the effects of thinning intensity and canopy type on Scots pine growth and stand dynamics in a mixed Scots pine-beech forest. Area of the study: Western Pyrenees. Material and methods: Three thinning intensities were applied in 1999 (0, 20 and 30% basal area removed) and 2009 (0, 20 and 40%) on 9 plots. Within each plot, pure pine and mixed pine-beech patches are distinguished. All pine trees were inventoried in 1999, 2009 and 2014. The effects of treatments on the tree and stand structure variables (density, basal area, stand and tree volume), on the periodic annual increment in basal area and stand and tree volume, and on mortality rates, were analysed using linear mixed effects models. Main Results: The enhancement of tree growth was mainly noticeable after the second thinning. Growth rates following thinning were similar or higher in the moderate than in the severe thinning. Periodic stand volume annual increments were higher in the thinned than in the unthinned plots, but no differences were observed between the thinned treatments. We observed an increase in the differences of the Tree volume annual increment between canopy types (mixed < pure) over time in the unthinned plots, as beech crowns developed. Research highlights: Moderate thinning is suggested as an appropriate forest practice at early pine age in these mixed forests, since it produced higher tree growth rates than the severe thinning and it counteracted the negative effect of beech on pine growth observed in the unthinned plots.Keywords: competition; Fagus sylvatica L.; Pinus sylvestris L.; forest management; mortality; Mediterranean forest.