Species Characteristics
Development of Soilless Culture Methods for Production of Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) Root and Leaf BiomassbackgroundMoringa is a valuable tropical agroforestry species with a fruit rich in nutrients. This study tested soilless (hydroponic) Moringa cultivation methods given that past research on tissue culture (vegetative reproduction) has shown difficulty in transfer to soil. Research Goals & MethodsIn this study, dehulled seeds had a high germination rate (65%), whereas hulled seeds had low germination. Available with subscription or purchase |
Timber Investment Returns for Selected Plantations and Native Forests in South America and the Southern United StatesbackgroundThis study examines the value of timber investments in South America. Exotic Eucalyptus in the southern cone (Argentina + Chile) are the most profitable, with Internal Rate of Return of 13-23%, followed by exotic loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), whereas investments in the southeast USA is less profitable. Available with subscription or purchase |
Identifying Fast-Growing Native Trees from the Neotropics using Data from a Large, Permanent Census PlotbackgroundThis paper results from data collected over a decade from 160 trees in a 50 ha plot in BCI Panama. Research Goals & MethodsGrowth in dbh was calculated and a projection (trajectory) was estimated for the life of the tree (using regression). Available with subscription or purchase |
Propagación in vitro de material seleccionado de Tabebuia rosea y Cordia alliodora (In vitro propagation of selected material from Tabebuia rosea and Cordia alliodora)EspañolAntecedentesLa aplicación de la micropropagación y otras técnicas biotecnológicas a las especies forestales maderables ha representado un enfoque útil para aumentar el número de plantas necesarias para el establecimiento de plantaciones de restauración. En Colombia se está investigando la integración de esta tecnología para la siembra de importantes especies maderables nativas como Tabebuia rosea y Cordia alliodora. Open access copy available |
Seed germination and seedling establishment of Neotropical dry forest species in response to temperature and light conditionsBackgroundSite conditions in restoration projects vary widely, with proper conditions for germination not always available for a given species. This study examines the germination requirements of Cedrela odorata, Guaiacum sanctum and Calycophyllum candidissimum seeds under varying light conditions beneath the canopy of a dry forest in Nicaragua. Available with subscription or purchase |
Approaches to Classifying and Restoring Degraded Tropical Forests for the Anticipated REDD+ Climate Change Mitigation MechanismbackgroundForest degradation from logging and fires has impacted millions of acres of tropical forest around the globe, reducing the ability of these forests to provide ecosystem services, sequester carbon, and provide habitat to endangered species. This report focuses on the UN’s REDD + initiative (reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation) and calls for more attention to the potential for restoration initiatives of degraded forests to act as carbon sinks. Open access copy available |
A Strategy for Restoration of Montane Forest in Anthropogenic Fern Thickets in the Dominican RepublicBackgroundThis study looked at the potential of different tree species to grow in clearings in fern-dominated thickets in a state of arrested succession. It was conducted in the Ébano Verde Scientific Reserve in the Dominican Republic with subtropical montane forest. Research Goals & MethodsThe authors cleared fern-dominated shrubs with machetes and planted 18 species of early and late successional trees and shrubs with and without a single application of fertilizer. Available with subscription or purchase |
Secondary Forest Regeneration Under Fast-Growing Forest Plantations on Degraded Imperata cylindrica GrasslandsBACKGROUNDIn Southeast Asia, large areas of former rain forest lands are covered by fire-climax Imperata cyclindrica (alang-alang) grass. Grass has potential to colonize varying types and sizes of land preventing regrowth of woody species. Natural forest recovery is inhibited by fires and competition with grass and shrubs. Planting fast growing tree species can create needed micro-climate and speed up regeneration of woody species. This study compared the regeneration of native tree species under the canopy of tree plantations, riverine areas, and uncultivated grassland areas. Available with subscription or purchase |
Can Intensive Management Accelerate the Restoration of Brazil’s Atlantic Forests?backgroundThis study takes place in the heavily degraded Atlantic Forest region of eastern Brazil, where only 7% of the original forest cover remains. The study tests the question of whether intensive management methods similar to those used to establish fast-growing Eucalyptus plantations could also be applied to restoration of rainforest on former pasture-land dominated by grasses. Available with subscription or purchase |
Opportunities and Challenges for Ecological Restoration within REDD+backgroundThis article discusses the possibilities for the inclusion of restoration as part of REDD+ (Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation) as well as benefits for biodiversity and income for communities. Open access copy available |
