BIOTROPIA - The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Biology
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DISCRIMINATION OF TWO SPECIES OF ORANGUTANS (Pongo sp.): A RAPID PROTOCOL FOR REHABILITATION CENTRES AND ZOOS
    Currently orangutans exist in increasingly fragmented and isolated populations. While Sumatran orangutan is primarily found in northern Sumatra, the Bornean is distributed in Central, West, and East Kalimantan, Sarawak and Sabah. The determination of intra- and inter-species variation between Bornean and Sumatran orangutans has been stated to be essential for both the management of orangutan reintroduction projects and the planning of conservation strategies to preserve the remaining wild populations. This study aimed to identify two species of Orangutans (Pongo sp.) by means of RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms) analyses of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). An approximately 540 bp single fragment of the ND5 gene near the 5’-region was PCR amplified for all samples tested. Digestion pattern for both AluI and MseI were different between two groups of ND5 fragments in this study. Present result showed a rapid protocol to identify these two species by means of RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) analyses of mtDNA (mitochondrial DNA). This technique can be applied easily to rehabilitation centres and zoos to resolve species discrimination problem. Keywords: Orangutans, Pongo sp., Sumatra, Borneo, discriminatio
RESPONSE OF Amaranthus viridis PLANT FUNCTIONAL TRAITS TO NPK 12:12:17 AND NPK 15:15:15 FERTILIZERS
A paradigm shift from the prevailing reliance on chemical methods to alternative weed-control approaches is necessary to achieve sustainable weed management. However, the understanding of weed biology explaining “how” and “why” remains insufficient in facilitating this shift. This study employed a trait-based approach — examined the number of leaves, number of inflorescences, and height — to investigate the growth and developmental patterns of Amaranthus viridis, a weed species in the tropics, in response to NPK fertilization. The experiments were carried out in three sets of weeds — wild population (untreated and not transplanted; n = 6), NPK 15:15:15 (transplanted and fertilized with NPK 15:15:15 from March 2020 to September 2020; n = 30), and NPK 12:12:17 (transplanted and fertilized with NPK 12:12:17 from May 2021 to September 2021). The NPK treatment sets comprised five treatments, including one untreated control, with six replications for each treatment. Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) and linear regression (R2) in three models were estimated using leaves, inflorescences and height as dependent and independent variables. In Model 1, the number of leaves was the dependent variable and plant height was the independent variable; Model 2 included the number of inflorescences as the dependent variable and the number of leaves as the independent variable, whereas the number of inflorescences as the dependent variable and number of leaves and height as the independent variables were used in Model 3. All models exhibited a significantly positive correlation and R2 (p < 0.01). Specifically, Model 3, examining the interactions of inflorescence with leaf numbers and plant height, demonstrated higher values for both r and R2. In conclusion, this study reveals the distinct patterns of functional traits in A. viridis in response to fertilizers and within wild populations, providing predictive models applicable to diverse data types, with implications for understanding inherent growth and responses of weed species for sustainable weed management practices, particularly in collaboration with smallholder farmers
EFFECT OF BOILING CARICA PUBESCENS SEEDS ON ANTINUTRIENT CONTENT AND IN VITRO NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY
This research was conducted to determine the chemical composition and anti-nutritional content of Carica Dieng seeds (Carica pubescens) and their in vitro digestibility after boiling. The process of boiling is frequently employed to reduce antinutrient content and increase the digestibility of nutrients. This research used a completely randomized design, consisting of three treatments with boiling durations of 0, 10, and 20 minutes, each repeated six times. The research revealed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the tannin and saponin levels of Carica Dieng seeds following the boiling process. The concentration of carica seed tannin was lowered to a range of 36-48%, while the saponin content decreased by 52-58%. Subsequently, a descriptive analysis was conducted to assess the nutritional and amino acid composition of the seeds after boiling them for a duration of 10 minutes. Lysine (1.57% w/w) dominated the essential amino acids in Carica pubescens seeds, and glutamic acid (3.19% w/w) dominated the non-essential amino acids The digestibility of boiling carica seeds as feed was assessed by including them into complete feed at different proportions: 0% (T0), 5% (T2), 10% (T3), and 15% (T4). This experiment followed a Completely Randomized Design with five replications. The variables included in-vitro dry matter (DMD) and organic (OMD) digestibility. The DMD of carica seeds at a concentration of 0% showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) when compared to the addition of 5% carica seeds. However, there was no significant difference in DMD between adding carica seeds at levels of 10% and 15% in the total meal. The organic material digestibility variable showed that the treatment without carica seeds was not significantly different from adding 10% carica seeds but was substantially different from adding 5 and 15% carica seeds. Carica pubescens seed supplementation of up to 10-15% remains viable for inclusion in whole feed since it does not reduce digestibility
TREE SPECIES DIVERSITY IN PHRA THAT SI MUEANG PONG AREA, CHIANG MAI PROVINCE, THAILAND
Article Highlights- Rich tree diversity found in Phra That Si Mueang Pong area. - Endangered species identified, promoting conservation efforts. - Unique plant distribution influenced by land use and water proximity. - Potential for ecotourism and environmental education in the region. - Study provides foundational data for future ecological research.AbstractThis research conducted a survey of perennial flora in ten subplots along the pathway leading to Phra That Si Mueang Pong, identifying a total of 30 species representing 20 families, 28 genera. Dominant species included Lagerstroemia duperreana var. duperreana, Shorea siamensis, Pterocarpus macrocarpus, Tectona grandis, and Vitex canescens. Families with the highest species number were Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Combretaceae, and Malvaceae. The study revealed the presence of both common and rare plant species in the area, with differences in species distribution between plots 1-5 and 6-10. Plots 6-10, near the Mae Tha Chang River, displayed higher biodiversity, correlating with the biodiversity index. The dominant species, based on the importance value index (IVI), were Pterocarpus macrocarpus, Lagerstroemia duperreana, Tectona grandis, Shorea siamensis, and Millettia brandisiana, respectively. Two species, Pterocarpus macrocarpus and Tectona grandis, were classified as endangered. The soil analysis indicated slightly acidic pH and relatively low moisture content, with significant differences between plots 1-5 and 6-10. The study suggests the potential for ecotourism and environmental learning centers in the Chiang Mai province cultural tourism destination, emphasizing the rich biodiversity and ecological value of the mixed deciduous and dry dipterocarp forest ecosystems
TREE SPECIES DIVERSITY AND MANAGEMENT IN AGROFORESTRY POHPOHAN (Pilea melastomoides): THE CASE IN THE TRADITIONAL ZONE OF GUNUNG HALIMUN SALAK NATIONAL PARK, INDONESIA
Article Highlights- Pohpohan (Pilea melastomoides) is the main commodity cultivated by using traditional agroforestry in the traditional zone of Gunung Halimun Salak National Park as a fresh vegetable.- There is a limited database of plant species diversity in the traditional zones, which is dynamic and needs further research.- This study found 54 tree species from 37 families with the dominant family being Rubiaceae.- Most farmers cultivated Pohpohan by conducting plant spacing, maintenance, and harvesting. Their income is USD 154 – 256/month.
AbstractGunung Halimun Salak National Park (GHSNP) is Java\u27s largest tropical mountain forest. GHSNP is still facilitating community grounds around GHSNP with the existence of a traditional zone. Pohpohan (Pilea melastomoides) is the primary commodity in the traditional zone cultivated by the local people around GHSNP. Pohpohan is planted using traditional agroforestry planting patterns. The traditional zone has a limited plant species diversity and management database, so further study is necessary. This study was conducted in the traditional zone of GHSNP, specifically at the agroforestry system in Tamansari Village, Bogor Regency. Data collection of tree diversity was conducted by establishing 25 plots. This study also interviewed 30 local farmers belonging to the Mandiri farmer group. There are 54 species from 37 families. Rubiaceae, Malvaceae, Fabaceae, and Phyllanthaceae families are the most common families. Pinus merkusii, Agathis dammara, and Maesopsis eminii have the highest important value index (IVI) values. Understorey and seedlings have a low category on H\u27 due to the dominant planting of Pohpohan. Most respondents are people aged 35-55 (70%) with a farming area of 1000 m2. They cultivate Pohpohan by conducting plant spacing, plant maintenance (e.g., soil cultivation, weeding, fertilization), and harvesting. Most farmers conduct fertilization 9 times/year. Farmers produce 30.000-50.000 bunches/harvest. The price of a bunch of Pohpohan is 0,00054 USD. Their income is about 154 USD – 256 USD/month
MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION OF EGG PARASITOID, TELENOMUS SPP. (HYMENOPTERA: SCELIONIDAE) FROM SEVERAL LOCATIONS IN JAVA USING RAPD-PCR
Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to determine the differences of four Telenomus species and five populations of T. rowani from several locations in Java. Amplification of genomic DNA by using primer P2 (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech) indicated that each Telenomus species had a unique set of RAPD bands. Two bands which characterized the genus are estimated to be 300 and 430 bp. Each species had three specific bright bands except T. dignoides which only had two specific bright bands. However, no bands are unique to any of the five populations of T. rowani and all of the bands are less than 500 base-pair. Cluster analysis using UPGMA (Unweighed Pair Group Method With Arithmatic Mean) showed that the four Telenomus species consist of two groups, T. rowani and T. remus in one cluster and T. dignus with T. dignoides belonging to another cluster. Key words : PCR-RAPD / clustering / Telenomus spp
Reviewers For Vol 14 No. 2
Prof. Dr. Haryono Semangun, Faculty of Agriculture, Gadjah Mada University (UGM),Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia Dr. N.C. Rachaputi, Farming Systems Institute Queensland, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Kingaroy, QLD 4610, Australia Dr. Noviar Handayani, Postgraduate Program for Biology, University of Indonesia (UI), Depok, Jakarta, Indonesia Dr. (Eng.) Sukma Nuswantara, MPHIL. Sandia Biotech Diagnostic Centre, Santosa Bandung International Hospital, Jl. Kebonjati 38, Bandung, Indonesia Dr. Tresnawati Purwadaria, Indonesian Research Institute for Animal Production, P.O. Box 221, Bogor 16002, Indonesia Dr. Soetijoso Soemitro, Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Mathematics (FMIPA), Padjadjaran University, Bandung 40133, Indonesia Dr. Tri Panji, Laboratory of Microbes and Bioprocess, Biotechnology Research Institute for Estate Crops, Bogor, Indonesia Dr. Puspita Lisdiyanti, R & D Center for Biotechnology, Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Cibinong 16911, Jakarta, Indonesia Dr. Sigit A.P. Dwiono, Mataram Marine Bio Industry Tech. Implementation Unit, Research Center for Oceanography, Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Teluk Kodek, Malaka, Pemenang, Lombok Barat 83352, Indonesia Dr. Estu Nugroho, Research Institute for Freshwater Aquaculture, Jl. Sempur, Bogor 16154, Indonesia Dr. Sudarto, Indonesian Research Institute for Aquaculture (RIFA), Depok, Jakarta, Indonesia       Â
SHADING EFFECTS ON GROWTH AND PARTITIONING OF PLANT BIOMASS IN PASPALUM CONJUGATUM BERG
Glasshouse studies were carried out to determine the effect of shading on the growth and partitioning of plant biomass in Paspalum conjugatum Berg. The invidual leaf rate expansion, final leaf are, specific leaf area, and the whole plant vegetative growth pattern, dry-matter production, leaf area as well as biomass partitioning were significantly influenced by shading. At the 75% level of shading, P. conjugatum produced the highest values of leaf weight ratio, specific leaf area and leaf area ratio. Individual leaf assessment revealed that shading significantly increased the final leaf area, duration of leaf expansion and specific leaf area
THE PERFORMANCE OF SOYBEAN (c.v. Americana) ESTABLISHED BY ZERO TILLAGE TECHNIQUE IN IMPERATA FIELD CONTROLLED BY HERBICIDES
A field experiment was conducted to investigate the performance of soybean (c.v. Americana) when established with zero tillage technique on Imperata dominated area. Four different techniques of alang-alang control i.e. imazapyr (20 kg ai/ha), glyphosate (25 kg ai/ha), glufosinate (3.0 kg ai/ha) and manual cultivation were arranged factorially with time of plantings i.e. 1,2 and 3 months after treatments. The alang-alang damages varied with herbicides and times, imazapyr (20 kg ai/ha) showed slow appearance of damage at 3 months after application it was only 69%, while that of glufosinate was already down to 48% due to regrowth. No phytotoxicity was recorded, but the yield was low
NUTRIENT TRANSFER IN VESICULAR-ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAS: A NEW MODEL BASED ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF ATPases ON FUNGAL AND PLANT MEMBRANES
In this paper we review the membrane transport processes that are involved in the transfer of mineral nutrients and organic carbon between the symbiotic partners in mycorrhizas. In particular, we reassess the prevailing hypothesis that transfer in vesicular-arbuscular (VA) mycorrhizas occurs simultaneously and bidirectionally across the same interface and that arbuscules are the main sites of transfer. Using cytochemical techniques, we and our collaborators have reexamined the distribution of ATPases in the arbuscular and intercellular hyphal interfaces in VA mycorrhizas formed between roots of Allium cepa (onion) and the fungus Glomus intraradices. The results showed that H+-ATPases have different localisation on plant and fungal membranes in arbuscular and hyphal interfaces (Gianinazzi-Pearson et al. 1991). While some arbuscular interfaces had H+-ATPase activity on both fungal and plant membranes, in most cases the fungal membrane lacked this activity. In contrast, the plasma membranes of intercellular hyphae always had H+-ATPase and the adjacent root cells did not. This suggests that the different interfaces in a VA mycorrhiza may have different functions. We propose that passive loss of P from the arbuscules is associated with active uptake by the energised (ATPase-bearing) plant membrane and that passive loss of carbohydrate from the root cells is followed by active uptake by the intercellular hyphae. If this model is correct, then variations in "mycorrhizal efficiency" (i.e. the extent to which mycorrhizal plants grow better than non-mycorrhizal controls) might be determined by differences in the numbers of active arbuscules as a proportion of the total fungal biomass within the root.As a first step towards investigating this possibility, we have developed methods for measuring the surface areas of arbuscular and hyphal interfaces in different fungus-host combinations, Glomus spp./ Allium porrum (leek). We have also measured fluxes of P from fungus to plant and have been able to partition these between the arbuscular and total (arbuscular plus hyphal) interfaces. The implications of this work, and suggestions for future investigations of the molecular mechanisms involved in nutrient transfer in mycorrhizas, are discussed.
Key words: Mycorrhizas/Glomus intraradices/ATPases/Allium cepa