Host plants of Osyris lanceolata (African Sandalwood) and their influence on its early growth performance in Tanzania

Identification of the host plants of the hemi-parasitic African sandalwood (Osyris lanceolata) and the influence of some on its early growth performance was investigated at Image, Nundu, Sao Hill and Iringa in the southern highlands of Tanzania. The aim was to identify host plants that support the growth of O. lanceolata, and to evaluate the potential of some in promoting its early growth under artificial establishment. The results revealed that O. lanceolata parasitises a wide range of hosts although some were preferred. The preferred hosts were Rhus natalensis, Dodonaea viscosa, Tecomaria capensis, Catha edulis, Apodytes dimidiata, Brachystegia spiciformis, Maytenus acuminatus and Aphloia theiformis. Of the preferred hosts, Brachytegia spiciformis, Rhus natalensis and Casuarina equisetifolia promoted most effectively the early growth of O. lanceolata in terms of height, diameter and overall root and shoot biomass. Possibly the light crown of these host species and the nitrogen fixing ability of C. equisetifolia played a significant role in conferring this advantage. The species are thus recommended as appropriate host plants when raising O. lanceolata seedlings for planting. However, a decision on whether these hosts will support the growth of O. lanceolata at a later stage is subject to further experimentation as they may only be serving as initial or intermediate hosts as reported in a related species Santalum album. Key Words: African sandalwood, Osyris lanceolata, parasitism, host plants, tree growth, host selectivity Southern African Forestry Journal No.203 2005: 55-6

Comparative growth performance of different Australian provenances and local land races of Grevillea robusta at Lushoto and Ubiri in the West Usambara Mountains, Tanzania

Growth of seven Grevillea robusta provenances from its natural habitat in northern New South Wales and southern Queensland, Australia, and five local land races were studied at two trial sites established in November  1998 at Lushoto and Ubiri in the West Usambara Mountains (WUM), North East Tanzania. The aim of the study was to compare the performance of natural provenances and progenies within provenances with local land races for subsequent management as seed production stands. Trees were assessed for survival, height, diameter at breast height, stem straightness, mean annual increment, branching, coppicing and flowering characteristics at 66 months. The experiment was a complete randomised block design, replicated three times in a 4 x 3 blocks design. The analysis of variance was done using SAS® software and means were compared using Duncan’s multiple range test. Results indicated significant differences (P 0.05) were found for survival and the growth characteristics between the provenances and land races. The study provided indication for an opportunity to improve the species stem quality and consequent proportion of utilisable timber, whilst increasing the genetic base through introduction of some Australian provenances for planting in the highland areas of the WUM. Promising seed sources were recommended for pilot plantings while continuing with further  observation to confirm the best-adapted provenances and land races for implementation in the WUM and similar agroecological zones. The study further recommended for establishment of multiplication stands from promising seed sources using at least 30 mother trees. Keywords: genetic variation, Grevillea robusta, growth characteristics, seed sources, survivalSouthern Forests 2009, 71(3): 201–20

Traditionally protected forests and nature conservation in the North Pare Mountains and Handeni District, Tanzania

A total of 920 traditionally protected forests have been found in sample areas in Handeni District (23 villages) and Mwanga District (Usangi and Ugweno Divisions). The size of the forests is between 0.125 and 200 ha. In earlier times sacred forests (one of the seven different types of traditionally protected forests in Handeni) were never abused, and as a result the biodiversity of whole forest ecosystems has been protected. In many parts they are the last remaining natural forests. About 40 % of the forests are severely degraded, partly because a rapid process of change in the villages. The abuse of the traditionally protected forests should be discussed publicly. The total area of forested land requiring protection could be over 4,000 ha in Handeni District and 400 ha in the North Pare Mountains. These forests are effective way to save locally the best areas for biodiversity. Journal of East African Natural History Vol. 87 (1&2) 1998: pp. 279-29

Comparative growth performance of different Casuarina species and provenance at Lushoto in the West Usambara mountains, Tanzania : scientific paper

Variation in growth charactristics, coppicing ability and understory vegetation development was assessed in four Casuarina species (C. equisetifolia, C. junghuhniana, C. cunnighamiana and C. oligodon) grown in Lushoto in the West Usambara Mountains (WUM), Tanzania. The performance of the four species as well as of 12 provenances, including 5 landraces within some of the species was studied. Tree survival was assessed at 36 months; stem height, diameter at breast height (dbh), volume, biomass, coppicing ability and understorey vegetation development were assessed at 78 months. Survival was significantly lower in C. equisetifolia (79%) than in other species (>97%). There were significant differences in growth between species, with C. junghuhniana and C. oligodon outperforming the others, and C. cunnighamiana outyielding C. equisetifolia. Only C. junghuhniana and C. cunnighamiana coppiced, while understorey biomass was significantly higher under C. equisetifolia than under C. oligodon. There were significant differences in growth between provenances within species, with growth of new provenances often exceeding that of the local land races. The potential for fuel wood production and soil N - enrichment through foliage addition also exhibited inter-specific and intra-specific variation. There is great opportunity to significantly improve the productivity, and at the same time broaden the genetic base of Casuarinas through species and provenance selection for planting in the highland areas of the WUM. However, while exploiting the productive potential of Casuarinas, there is need to build sufficient information regarding their side effects on conservation of natural ecosystems, and local community's views on how to minimise the problem. Keywords: Casuarina species, Provences, West Usambara, Coppicing, Undersstorey biodiversity Southern African Forestry Journal No.200 2004: 39-4

Early performance of Casuarina junghuhniana provenances / land races at Lushoto, Tanzania: scientific paper

A trial involving 21 provenances form Indonesia and 7 ";local"; seed sources of Casuarina junghuhniana was established at Lushoto, Tanzania in March 1997. At 22 and 48 months of age, the following characteristics were assessed: survival, root collar diameter (RCD), breast height diameter (DBH) and height. The following were only assessed at 48 months of age: stem volume, biomass production and foliar nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) nutrient concentration and content. At all assessment occasions except for height (22 months of age), N and P concentration and P content (48 months of age), significant provenance/land race variation was observed for the rest of the characteristics studied. At 48 months of age, the four best performing seed sources were: Mt. Bromo, East Java; Mt. Pohen, Bali; KARI, Muguga, Kenya and Mt. Brumo, East Java while the four worst performing ones were: Kapan, Kumpang, Timor; 25 km S.W.Soe, Timor; Noelmina River, Timor and Buat, Soe, Timor. Although these results are based on early performance of the seed sources, the promising seed sources are recommended for pilot planting at Lushoto and similar sites. Further evaluation is however, necessary to confirm the best provenances/land races. Southern African Forestry Journal No.194 2002: 7-1