Authors:O Y Ogunsanwo, L Popoola, S Odebode, L A Adebisi, O S Eludoyin, A A Adeyemi, S Kumoye Abstract: A study was conducted to survey trees of ethnobotanical importance in the University of Ibadan Campus, Nigeria. Total enumeration of trees with diameter ≥10cm at breast height (DBH) was done. DBH and total height of the trees were measured while GPS was used to record the location of the trees to map their distribution. Nearest neighbour analysis was used to determine the spatial distribution pattern of the trees. Tree identification was done by a taxonomist while the medicinal values of the plants were acquired through oral interview of indigenous respondents and herbal practitioners within and outside the University community and ethnobotanists. Results showed that there was a total of 54 species belonging to 25 families. Mangifera indica was the most (21.60%) recorded while Terminalia superba had the highest mean tree height of 29.8 m. The largest mean DBH (133.3 cm) was observed in Adansonia digitata. The spatial distribution pattern of trees of ethnobotanical importance was clustered (Z=-26.25; p<0.05). The study reveals that leaves and barks were the parts of the plants that are mostly used to cure ailments. The study recommended that the trees should be domesticated. PubDate: 2018-05-21 Issue No:Vol. 86, No. 2 (2018)
Authors:P J Lyimo Abstract: A study was conducted to identify and assess damage of an insect pest girdling young Eucalypts in Korogwe Forest Plantation, Tanga. Purposive sampling was employed to establish 10 plots of 10m by 10m. A total of 90 trees were sampled. Insect pest specimens were collected and girdled trees counted in each plot. The insect pest specimens were identified using reference resources at the Department of Ecosystems and Conservation, SUA. The mean number of girdled stems was computed. Results showed that the girdling insect pest was Paranaleptes reticulata. The pest was girdling Eucalyptus camaldulensis and E. terecticornis. It was found girdling up to 150 stems/ha of Eucalyptus stems. Removal and burning of girdled branches material especially dry ones keeps in check the population density of P. reticulata below economic injury level. The pest is a potential risk to Eucalyptus plantations and woodlots in Tanzania. Therefore, there is a need of immediate interventions to control P. reticulata. PubDate: 2018-02-23 Issue No:Vol. 86, No. 2 (2018)
Authors:S M Maduka, T J Msogoya, S A O Chamshama Abstract: Elgon olive which is prized for durable structures and furniture has become rare and efforts to increase its population have been hampered by poor seed germination rates associated with dormancy. Search for alternative multiplication of the species is therefore important. The effect of rooting media and rooting hormone on regeneration potential of O. welwitschii were evaluated using leafy juvenile stem cuttings as an alternative multiplication method. A factorial experiment with 3 x 3 treatment combinations was established in a non-mist propagator in a complete randomized design with three replications. Factor one had three types of rooting media (fine river sand mixed with decomposed sawdust at 1:1 v/v, red clay subsoil and fine river sand) and factor two was rooting hormone indole-3- butyric acid (IBA) with three concentrations (0, 3000 and 6000 ppm). Data on rooting percentages and rooting variables were subjected to analysis of variance using SAS. The combination of fine sand mixed with decomposed sawdust media and cuttings treated with IBA at 6000 ppm provided the highest (p < 0.05) rooting of 92.3% and largest (p < 0.05) number of roots per cutting of 13.77. The combination of fine river sand mixed with decomposed sawdust and treated leafy juvenile stem cuttings with IBA at concentration of 6000 ppm is recommended as alternative technique for optimum production of O. welwitschii planting materials. PubDate: 2017-12-07 Issue No:Vol. 86, No. 2 (2017)
Authors:S M Andrew, S J Sembosi Abstract: Magamba Nature Forest Reserve is the largest forest reserve with endemic, rare and unique species of flora and fauna in Lushoto, Tanzania. It lies within the Eastern Arc Mountains and is important for biodiversity, water catchment, environmental and cultural values. Unfortunately, it is perceived that human activities have had impacts on the forest resources in and around the reserve. However, these perceptions are little proved quantitatively. Thus, a study was carried out to assess the dynamics of land use and land cover in and around Magamba Nature Forest Reserve for the period 1995-2015 to facilitate improved management of the reserve. Remote sensing and GIS methods were used to carry out satellite images classification and ground truthing data were collected during field observations using GPS. Landsat thematic mapper and operational land imagery were used to locate and quantify the land use and land cover changes in the study area. Change detection was done through post classification in SAGA 2.2.0. Results indicated a major expansion of agricultural area from 169.33 ha in 1995 to 902.54 ha in 2015. Likewise, there was an increase of built-up area from 36.50 ha in 1995 to 1792.92 ha in 2015 at the expense of other land covers. Natural forest decreased from 8051.35 ha in 1995 to 3431.30 ha in 2015. Similarly, woodland area decreased from 2333.37 ha in 1995 to 1216.76 ha in 2015. It is evident that there have been considerable changes in land use and land cover in and around the reserve that call for improved management strategies to sustain biodiversity and other values PubDate: 2017-12-07 Issue No:Vol. 86, No. 2 (2017)
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