Ecology And Taxonomy of Mangifera Species (Anacardiaceae) in the 50-HA Plot of Pasoh Forest Reserve, Peninsular Malaysia

The study was conducted at the 50-ha plot of Pasoh Forest Reserve, Negeri Sembilan, Peninsular Malaysia to assess the ecological distribution of Mangifera and to solve some taxonomic problems on doubtful species by clearly circumscribing the limits among taxa by using morphological, anatomical and DNA sequences evidences. Thirteen Mangifera taxa were recorded to a total population of 1,202 stems. Mangifera quadrifida is the most abundant with 275 stems, followed by M foetida with 208 stems. The least is M swintonioides with only two trees, both more than 10 cm dbh. Mangifera quadrifida var. longipetiolata has 16 trees all less than 10 cm dbh. The common mango, M indica has only 80 stems. Mangifera griffithii has the most number of trees with dbh exceeding 10 cm, thereby giving the highest estimates in terms of basal area (0. 045 m²ha⁻¹), volume (0. 63 m³ha⁻¹), and above ground biomass (0. 51 tha⁻¹). A total of 163 dead trees were recorded since the initial survey in 1985. High mortality (85%) was found to be trees of less than 10 cm dbh. Mortality of seedlings was primarily caused by burrowing and nest building by wild pigs, while death of big trees was caused by termite attack. Taxonomic review of the genus was carried out exploiting morphological and anatomical characters. However, due to unavailability of reproductive characters throughout the entire course of the study, investigation was carried out making use of vegetative characters alone. Given all the morphological and anatomical evidences, the genus can be divided into two subgenera viz. Limus and Mangifera. This subdivision is further supported by examining the molecular phylogeny of 13 Mangifera taxa using nucleotide sequences of the intergenic spacer region between trnL-trnF of the chloroplast DNA. In the phylogenetic study, two major clades were formed from the monophyletic tree. It is noted that M subsessilifolia, a species incertae was in a clade with M lagenifera and M superba of the subgenus Limus. The second clade on the other hand was composed of species belonging to the subgenus Mangifera except for M foetida, which was classified under subgenus Limus. However, M macrocarpa of subgenus Limus formed a singleton as did M gracilipes of subgenus Mangifera. The divergence of the genus Mangifera is apparent from the heterogeneous feature of the subgenera. Further analysis of other molecular markers from different genes or genomes and consideration of other species of wild mangoes are necessary to infer a stronger phylogenetic analysis of this taxon

Inventory and Assessment of Carbon Storage Capacity of species of Palms in Universiti Tun Husein Onn Malaysia, Main Campus, Batu Pahat, Johor Malaysia

Carbon dioxide constitutes about 0.04% of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Its concentration in the atmosphere influences the climate pattern of the world. The unceasing rise above the ambient level leads to global warming. The increase in CO2 release in UTHM (238.8964 ha), was due to the increasing number of more vehicles, and from other greenhouse gases release from structures, facilities and discharges from neighboring industries calls for attention. A study was conducted on eleven most common species of palms for their capacity to sequester a considerable amount of CO2. The Estimate of carbon storage of the palms plants was obtained by the assessments of the above standing biomass and their photosynthetic capacity. Results show that R. regia has the highest CO2 absorption capacity (10.61 µmol m-2 s-1) followed by O. tigillarium  (7.26 µmol m-2 s-1), and W. bifurcata (6.83µmol m-2 s-1). E. guineensis has the highest aboveground biomass accumulation (0.09kg), followed by R. regia (0.05 kg). E. guineensis has the maximum biomass accumulation (15.13 kg), followed by L. chinensis (12.68 kg), then C. renda sp and R. regia with (8.54kg/8.43) on species abundance.  The total standing biomass captured by all the palms species is 69.32kg (0.069 tons) of carbon. Hence, species of palms plants in UTHM have the capacities to absorb sufficient quantity of CO2 from the atmosphere thus contributing to the reducing-the effects of world-wide warming and climate alteratio

Assessment and potential of carbon storage capacity of species of herbaceous plants in Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Main Campus, Batu Pahat, Johor Malaysia

Carbon dioxide CO2 is an important trace gas in earth's atmosphere. It is a greenhouse gas that plays a vital role in regulating the earth's surface temperature through the greenhouse effect. Increase beyond the ambient concentration leads to global warming. Increase in CO2 discharge in UTHM (238.9 ha), due to increase in a number of vehicles; other greenhouse gases released from building amenities and dis-charges from neighbouring industries appeals for attention. Study was conducted on seven common species of herbaceous plants for their capacity in sequestering CO2. Estimation of carbon storage of herbaceous plants was obtained by the assessments of the aboveground standing biomass and their photosynthetic capacity. Musa sp has the highest CO2 absorption of 12.2µmol m-2 s -1 , followed by Heliconia. psittacorum (10.63µmol m-2 s -1 ). Euphorbia tithymaloides and Costus spicatus has the lowest absorption with 3.63 and 3.76 µmol m-2 s -1 respectively. Calathea lutea and Hymenocallis latifolia shared the highest biomass accumulation of 0.04 kg. These were followed by E. tithymaloides and Alpinia purpurata with 0.02 kg. The least biomass of 0.01 kg was accumulated by H. psittacorum and C. spicatus. The total standing biomass captured by all the species of herbaceous plants is 0.13 kg. Therefore, species of herbaceous plants in UTHM have the potentials to absorb an adequate amount of CO2 from the atmosphere thereby contributing to reducing-the effects of localized global warming

Effect of light intensity on the photosynthesis and stomatal density of selected plant species of Gunung Ledang, Johor

Light intensity influences the photosynthesis and stomatal density in plants. In this study, it was hypothesized that if the transpiration rate of a plant is low, then the stomatal density might be high. The objective of this research is to investigate the effect of varying light intensity on the photosynthetic capacity and stomatal density of Mikania micrantha, Tridax procumbens, Clidemia hirta and Centella asiatica plant species of Gunung Ledang, Johor, Malaysia. Sun-exposed and shaded species were selected for the study. Gas exchange characteristics including stomatal conductance to water vapour (gsw), transpiration rate and intracellular CO2 (Ci) were measured using LI-6400 portable photosynthesis system while net assimilation rate (Anet), light saturation point (LSP), light compensation point (LCP), and apparent quantum yield (Aqy) were calculated from the photosynthetic light response curve. Stomatal density was determined using nail polish impression method and examined using a stereo microscope. The result of this study shows that high light intensity influences the net assimilation rate and stomatal density of the studied plants. As the light intensity increases, Amax, LSP, LCP and stomatal density of the plants increases. There is a significant difference between the light response characteristics and stomatal density of the sun-exposed and shaded species (P < 0.05). A statistically significant negative correlation (P < 0.05) was achieved among stomatal density and transpiration rate. As stomatal density increases, the transpiration rate decreases. The result leads to a conclusion that Mikania micrantha can efficiently utilise the amount of light available more than Tridax procumbens, Clidemia hirta and Centella asiatica and grow abundantly as dominant species in an introduced environment

Qualitative Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Properties of the Leaves of Miconia crenata (Vahl) Michelang. (Melastomataceae) from Ayer Hitam Utara Forest Reserve, Johor, Malaysia

Medicinal plants have long been recognised as valuable resources for traditional medicine and modern pharmaceutical research due to their rich reservoirs of bioactive compounds. This research aims to provide data on the phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of a common tropical shrub, Miconia crenata, from Ayer Hitam Utara Forest Reserve. Total flavonoid content was determined by using the chloride colorimetric method, while antioxidant activity was validated by the DPPH radical scavenging assay. Phytochemical screening of M. crenata revealed secondary metabolites such as phenols and flavonoids, while the methanol extract of the leaves of M. crenata showed a total flavonoid content of 508.84 ± 154.42 mg/mg at a concentration of 0.02 mg/mL, and antioxidant activity recorded a low IC50 value of 40.54 μg/mL, indicating a high antioxidant potential

Phytochemical and antibacterial screening of mistletoe (Agelanthus dodoniesfolius (DC)) collected from shea butter tree (Vitelleria paradoxa)

The increase in the multi-drugs resistant strains of bacteria is a great concern to public health. For long, various plant-derived compounds have been used as drugs. Agelanthus dodoneifolius (DC) refers to ‘Kauchi’ in Hausa has been used ethno-botanically by the Hausa and Fulani ethnic group of Northern Nigeria for the treatment of many human and animal diseases. Such diseases include diarrhea, dysentery, and stomach ache. In this study, the phytochemical screening and antibacterial activity of the stem bark and leaves extracts of mistletoe plant (A. dodoneifolius) was evaluated. The plant sample was qualitatively screened for phytochemicals using a standard procedure. The antibacterial activity was examined using the standardized suspension method. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, steroid, alkaloid, anthraquinones and glycosides. The results of antibacterial activity of the A. dodoneifolius showed that S. aureus was more susceptible to methanolic extract of stem bark and leaves extracts producing the largest diameter of inhibition zone of (17 mm) and (15 mm) at the concentration of 10 mg/ml respectively. These results validated the traditional use of A. dodoneisfolius and more phytochemical screenings are necessary to fully explore this species which may lead to development of a novel antibacterial agent.Keywords: Agelanthus Dodoneisfolius, Antibacterial Activity, Synergetic Effec

Development of Odonata as A Nature Tourism Product for Peat Swamp Ecosystem in North Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve, Johor

Odonates are water quality indicator for the health of freshwater ecosystem, had been used in pharmacology, as dietary items, predators and controlling human diseases. Odonata have a strong tradition of being involved in relaxation and recreation activities in various Asian nations, such as China and Japan. A study on odonate as tourism product was carried out at North Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve, Johor for eight days. The study firstly aimed to determine the diversity of odonate on site. Ten flagships species was then selected based on criteria of a good nature tourism product. The research continued to develop odonatourism as a new product in North Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve, Johor. The method used for species inventory were sticky trapping, sweep netting, and point-counting survey. A total number of 35 species with 465 individuals - had been collected during the research. Data collected revealed that the diversity of odonate in the sampling region is medium as evidenced by the Shannon Weiner Species Diversity Index (2.6126). Analyzing the 35 species of odonates, gauging against the eight Criteria of a Good Nature Tourism Product, 10 species indicated having potentials to be developed into nature tourism products.  Based on the selected 10 flagship species, a promotional brochure and a prototype of souvenir were created. Although this research mainly dealt with promoting odonate as potential nature tourism products the necessity to maintain North Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve in Johor is also highlighted

Inventory and Assessment of Carbon Storage Capacity of Non-Timber Plants in Universiti Tun Husein Onn Malaysia, Main Campus, Batu Pahat, Johor Malaysia

Carbon dioxide, an important greenhouse gas performs a fundamental role in Earth's carbon cycle. Its continuous rise has been observed to result to enhanced greenhouse effect which has led to global warming. The increase in CO2 discharge in UTHM (238.8964 ha), owing to more vehicles, and other greenhouse gases from building amenities and close by industries is a concerning issue. Nineteen most common nontimber plants were studied for their capacity to sequester significant amount of CO2. Estimation of carbon storage of non-timber plants was obtained by assessments of standing biomass and their photosynthetic capacity. Results indicate that Sanchezia speciosa has the highest CO2 absorption capacity (15.37µmol m-2 s-1) followed by Hibiscus rosa S. (11.27µmol m-2 s-1), and Ixora coccinea with (9.90µmol m-2 s-1). Baphia nitida has the highest aboveground biomass accumulation (1.0620 kg), followed by Tabernae montana (0.6842 kg), and Cordyline fruticosa (0.1597 kg). Ixora coccinea has the highest biomass accumulation (646.4160 kg), followed by Tabernae montana (220.9966 kg), and Baphia nitida (129.5640 kg) on species abundance. The total biomass captured by the all the species is 1319.2486 kg (1.3192 tons) of carbon. Hence, species of non-timber plants in UTHM have the capacities to absorb a substantial quantity of CO2 from the atmosphere thus contributing to reducing the effects of world-wide warming and climate alteration

Butterfly (Lepidoptera: Rhophalocera) diversity in Bukit Soga, the green lung of Batu Pahat, Malaysia

To accommodate for increase in human population, development of cities and urban areas is necessary. This call for changes in land use. The transition from natural to build environment has affected the natural landscape in many ways; one of which is pollution. Consequently, the native biodiversity within the urban landscape is stressed to maintain an optimum level of ecosystem service in order to sustain ecological integrity. This is where the urban green lung plays its role; to provide for carbon sequestration, oxygen generation, acting as filters to noise and dust, and offers aesthetical values. The study area, Bukit Soga Perdana Recreational Forest is a well–known green lung of Batu Pahat, Johor; the second largest industrial town in Johor. This paper aims to study the biodiversity of butterflies in Bukit Soga and discusses its impact on the urban ecological landscape. Species abundance and habitat characterization based on plant nativity, canopy and vegetation coverage, and disturbance type analysis such as human pressure, were studied. Collection resulted in 43 species of butterflies. Total abundance was 88 individuals, sampled throughout Dec to June 2017. Majority are primary forest species that requires adequate canopy coverage. As for plants, in Bukit Soga most are native with exception to the herbs garden. Surprisingly, habitat disturbance such as human movement does not affect the spatial distribution of primary or secondary forest butterfly species. However, their distribution is largely affected by canopy coverage, as it should be. This suggests that despite the growing recreational activities in Bukit Soga, this urban green lung still play an important role in maintaining the ecological integrity in Batu Pahat