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During an inventory study of Psylloidea species carried out in Tunisia, the alien psyllid, Macrohomotoma gladiata Kuwayama, 1908 (Hemiptera Psylloidea Homotomidae), recently recorded in the country, has been detected on ornamental Ficus microcarpa, in public and private parks and gardens in many locations of the urban areas of the governorates of Tunis and Ariana, showing a fast spread in the area. This psyllid species has been observed causing damages and vegetative disorders to Ficus trees, especially white wax secretion, leaf wrapping and honeydew excretion on leaves and twigs. The number of infested trees increased from our first observations in late 2020 to early 2021. An Anthocoris sp. (Hemiptera Anthocoridae) has been observed to naturally prey on M. gladiata in many investigated locations.

Ayurveda is an Indian traditional system of medicine used for various disease conditions. Plants are an important source of treatments and are extensively used for the preparation of different formulations. Herbal drugs are separately or in combination used for the treatment of various ailments in the traditional system of medicines. Nalpamaram is an important group of four trees used in Ayurveda which comprises trees like Ficus racemosa, Ficus microcarpa, Ficus benghalensis, and Ficus religiosa belongs to the family Moraceae. Trees have enormous medicinal values and they are lactiferous in nature. These trees are separately or in combination used for the treatment of various ailments in the traditional system of medicines. Different plant parts like bark, leaves, and fruits of ficus species are used as astringent, hemostatic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer, and it useful in pitta and Kapha. They are also effective in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery, ulcers, vaginal disorders, leucorrhoea, menorrhea, and deficient lactation conditions. The barks of these trees are an important ingredient of many Ayurvedic formulations like Nalpamaradi Choorna, Nalpamaradi Tailam, Saribadyasavam, and Chandanasavam. The bark of tree is boiled with water; its decoction is used to cleanse the body of pregnant women towards reduce inflammation. This review article compiled the ethnobotanical and phytopharmacological properties of four ficus species trees of Nalpamaram.

Fici Microcarpae Folium, the leaves of Ficus microcarpa, is commonly used for the treatment of influenza, chronic bronchitis, and tonsillitis in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Ficus microcarpa...

A Kirschsteiniothelia species was found on decayed twigs of Ficus microcarpa collected at the Garden of Medicinal Plants in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS, LSU and SSU sequence data showed the new isolate was phylogenetically distinct from other known species of Kirschsteiniothelia. Accordingly, Kirschsteiniothelia thailandica sp. nov. is described and illustrated and compared with other species in the genus.

Aims: The main objective of this work was the valorization of Ficus microcarpa fruit, an inedible fruit with a high nutritional value in the production of chitosan by Aspergillus niger. Methods: A surface and submerged growth of Aspergillus niger were carried out using the Ficus microcarpa fruit syrup. 3 106 spores/ 50 ml were inoculated. Chitosan production was conducted at 37° C for 14 days using both surface and submerged fermentation modes. The growth of Aspergillus niger was followed by spore count on a Malassez cell. The evolution of pH and the consumption of total sugars in the mixture were monitored. Chitosan was extracted after degumming with NaOH 10N and centrifugation. Results: During the first days, the fungal growth was exponential with maximum growth rates of 10.06 g/L/day and 12.05g/L/day respectively for the surface and submerged cultures. The mycelial growth was largely linked to a high intake of sugars. The chitosan production in glucose syrup was significantly lower than the production using Ficus microcarpa syrup. This syrup allowed producing 41 g/L of chitosan for the surface culture and 37.2g/L for the submerged culture. Infrared analysis of chitosan powders showed similar spectra to those of commercial and shrimp chitosan. This first work is a contribution to a better valorization of a bioresource. Keywords: Aspergillus niger, culture, chitosan, Ficus microcarpa fruit, syrup.

Ficus species (Moraceae) is a globally distributed species and considered one of the largest and most diverse genera of woody plants with growing genetic, environmental, economic, nutritional, and medicinal importance. This study was conducted to detect the genetic and evolutionary relationships among eight species of the genus Ficus (Ficus microcarpa var nitida, F. retusa, F. benjamina Vivian, F. benjamina Starlight, F. cyathistipula, F. elastica Decora and F. binnendijkii, and F. religiosa), by ITS1 and ITS4 primer, the DNA genetic analysis was performed. The eight Ficus species traits ITS phylogenetic analyses indicated that all species were separated into two main clusters containing four groups with identity ranging from 94-100%. The eight Ficus species relationships were estimated by a neighbor-joining (NJ) cluster analysis of genetic similarity matrices. The highest similarity was found between F. benjamina Vivian (Acc.no. MW301203), F. binnendijkii (Acc.no. MW301207), and between Ficus microcarpa var nitida (Acc.no. MW301202) and F. retusa (Acc.no. MW301205), gave the lower similarity index based on the analysis of the morphological features, and the lowest similarity was between F. religiosa (Acc.no. MW301209) and F. cyathistipula (Acc.no. MW301206).

Summary Two Bursaphelenchus spp. belonging to the eggersi group (subgroup 3) were isolated from bark beetles (Cryphalus spp.). One species, isolated from Cryphalus sp. cf. carpini that emerged from a log of an unidentified broad-leaved tree (considered to be Carpinus sp.) collected in Sugadaira, Nagano, Japan, was identified molecularly and typologically as B. carpini. The other species, isolated from C. abbreviatus that emerged from a dead log of Ficus microcarpa collected in Okinawa, Japan, was differentiated molecularly from other eggersi group species. The new species is characterised by its three-lined lateral field, seven genital papillae with the posteriormost pair forming ‘glandpapillae’, short and stout male spicule with a strongly dorsally recurved and pointed condylus, small and rectangular male bursal flap with a variable terminus, female vulva with a ‘side flap’, broadly rounded female tail tip and molecular sequences of the ribosomal RNA region and partial mtCOI gene. The species is described and illustrated herein as B. microcarpae n. sp.

In order to solve the environmental pollution caused by over-breeding of coastal Enteromorpha prolifera, co-pyrolysis of Enteromorpha prolifera, and the Ficus microcarpa l for bio-oil was conducted...

Current trends in the science and medicine is the advent of nano technology. This technology had been in application in the traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda and Siddha. They adopt this techonology by preparing the nano particles of heavy metals like mercury, gold, silver etc. and use those formulations effectively in curing diseases. Out of the metals that are available to use in medicine, Silver stands as a important and safest yet potent metal that is made as nano particles. It is evident from history that silver is being used as nano particle. It prevents infections and kills microbes and helps store food like milk, wine and vinegar for longer periods. Apart from the electronic and technological application of the nano particles, the pharmaceutical and medical application of the same had been under development. This research will focus on the comparision of the ficus plants like; Ficus religiosa, Ficus benghalensis, Ficus microcarpa, Ficus hispida, Ficus trigona and Ficus citrifolia extracts on the synthesis of the silver nano particles and their antibacterial property.

The present work was conducted to evaluate the air quality in terms of inorganic pollutants and toxicity impact using two evergreen tree leaves, Eucalyptus globulus Labill (E. globulus) and Ficus microcarpa L.f., Suppl. Pl. 442 (1782) (F. microcarpa) as biomonitors. Thirty tree leaves and an equal number of co-located soil samples from different regions of Egypt (urban Greater Cairo Metropolitan (GC) and rural Menoufia Governorate (MG)) were collected. The concentrations of 34 and 40 elements were determined using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INNA) and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) in tree leaves and soils, respectively. Bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses were implemented. The air pollution was assessed using enrichment factor, pollution load index, potential ecological risk, and risk index. In addition, human and ecotoxicity were evaluated based on the ReCiPe method. The mean concentration values of the obtained elements in tree leave in urban Greater Cairo and rural Menoufia Governorate show that the major elements are slightly higher in F. microcarpa than in E. globulus. Likewise, the mean values of elements in soil from GC and MG show no significant difference except for major elements (Fe, Al, Mg, K, Na, and Ti) in MG. The normalized concentrations of tree leave and soil show that the accumulated elements by F. macrocarpa are slightly higher than in E. globulus in GC and MG. While in terms of the investigated area, the concentrations of elements in MG are considerably higher than in GC. Pollution load index (PLI) spatial distribution over investigated areas showed that despite high population density, heavy traffic, and urban pollution, the Cairo samples exhibit significantly lower values as compared to those from Menoufia, which is most likely due to the uncontrolled industrial and domestic waste disposal outside Cairo. Potential ecological risk (PER) was significant for As in soil and for As and Cd in tree species. Human toxicity shows higher values in urban locations. Contrariwise, in the terrestrial ecotoxicity aspect, the rural locations are much higher than in urban ones.

Fig is an ancient gynodioecious fruit tree with females for commercial fruit production and hermaphrodites (males) sometimes used as pollen providers. An early sex-identification method would improve breeding efficiency. Three AGAMOUS (AG) genes were recruited from the Ficus carica genome using AG sequences from Ficus microcarpa and Ficus hispida. FcAG was 5230 bp in length, with 7 exons and 6 introns, and a 744-bp coding sequence. The gene was present in both female and male fig genomes, with a 15-bp deletion in the 7th exon. The other two AG genes (FcAG2-Gall_Stamen and FcAG3-Gall_Stamen) were male-specific, without the 15-bp deletion (759-bp coding sequence), and were only expressed in the gall and stamen of the male fig fruit. Using the deletion as the forward primer (AG-Marker), male plants were very efficiently identified by the presence of a 146-bp PCR product. The previously reported fig male and female polymorphism gene RESPONSIVE-TO-ANTAGONIST1 (RAN1) was also cloned and compared between male and female plants. Fifteen SNPs were found in the 3015-bp protein-coding sequence. Among them, 12 SNPs were identified as having sex-differentiating capacity by checking the sequences of 27 known male and 24 known female cultivars. A RAN1-Marker of 608 bp, including 6 SNPs, was designed, and a PCR and sequencing-based method was verified with 352 fig seedlings from two hybrid populations. Our results confirmed that the newly established AG-Marker is as accurate as the RAN1-Marker, and provide new clues to understanding Ficus sex determination.

Most mutualisms are exploited by parasites, which must strike an evolutionary balance between virulence and long‐term persistence. Fig‐associated nematodes, living inside figs and dispersed by fig wasps, are thought to be exploiters of the fig–fig wasp mutualism. The life history of nematodes is synchronized with the fig development and adapted to particular developmental characteristics of figs. We expect host breeding systems (monoecious vs. gynodioecious figs) and seasonality to be central to this adaptation. However, the details of the adaptation are largely unknown. Here, we conducted the first field surveys on the prevalence of nematodes from monoecious Ficus microcarpa L.f. (Moraceae), gynodioecious Ficus hispida L.f., and their pollinating fig wasps in two seasons and two developmental stages of figs in Xishuangbanna, China. We followed this up by quantifying the effects of nematodes on fitness‐related traits on fig wasps (e.g., egg loads, pollen grains, and longevity) and fig trees (seed production) in gynodioecious F. hispida. The magnitude of nematode infection was compared between pre‐ and post‐dispersal pollinators to quantify the probability of nematodes being transported to new hosts. Our results showed that Ficophagus microcarpus (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) was the only nematode in F. microcarpa. In F. hispida, Martininema guangzhouensis (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) was the dominant nematode species, whereas Ficophagus centerae was rare. For both species of Ficus, rainy season and inter‐floral figs had higher rates of nematode infection than the dry‐hot season and receptive figs. Nematodes did not affect the number of pollen grains or egg loads of female wasps. We did not detect a correlation between seed production and nematode infection. However, carrying nematodes reduced the lifespan and dispersal ability of pollinator wasps, indicating higher rates of post‐emergence mortality in infected fig wasps. Severely infected fig wasps were likely ‘filtered out’, preventing the overexploitation of figs by wasps and stabilizing the interaction over evolutionary time.

Plants that become invasive outside their native range often benefit from the absence of their native-range herbivores. Ficus microcarpa is a widely-planted Asian–Australasian species of fig tree that has become invasive in parts of its introduced range. As in most places where it is planted, the pollinator of F. microcarpa has been introduced to Cyprus, together with at least six other Asian fig wasp species. We recorded the other insects feeding on the leaves, buds and stems of this fig tree in southern Cyprus. Eight sap-sucking insects were recorded, and one leaf-galling species, with some present at high frequencies and densities. The insects were a mix of introduced polyphagous species and introduced F. microcarpa specialists. They included the first European record of the fig leaf galling psyllid Trioza brevigenae, which was described from India. Ficus microcarpa has not escaped from its native-range phytophages, but they appear to be free of their own specialist parasitoids and predators. The result is a herbivore load than may be comparable with what the plant experiences in its countries of origin. This is likely to reduce the invasiveness of F. microcarpa, but at the same time makes the plant a less attractive option for future planting.

1. Species interactions in tightly bound ecological mutualisms often feature highly specialised species' roles in which competitive exclusion may preclude multi‐species coexistence. Among the 800 fig (Ficus) species, it was originally considered that each was pollinated by their own wasp (Agaonidae). However, recent investigations show that this ‘one‐to‐one’ rule often breaks down, as fig species regularly host multiple agaonids but in ways suggesting that competitive processes still mediate biodiversity outcomes. 2. A phenological survey was conducted of the fig–fig wasp pair, Ficus microcarpa and its associated pollinating wasp, alongside its sister species, the cheating wasp, in Xishuangbanna, China. 3. Reproductive output underwent extreme seasonal variation. Seed and pollinator production fell markedly during cooler, drier months, although high levels of fig production continued. However, this resource was predominantly utilised by the cheater species, which offers no pollination services. Pollinators and cheaters rarely co‐occur, suggesting that temporal coexistence is constrained by competition for access to figs. 4. The overall findings indicate periodic rearrangements of mutualism dynamics, probably resulting from a strongly seasonal environment. Sympatric co‐occurrence may result from a window of opportunity for a functionally divergent agaonid, potentially due to constraints on the main pollinator in adapting to variable year‐round conditions that prevent competitive exclusion.

Theory identifies factors that can undermine the evolutionary stability of mutualisms. However, theory's relevance to mutualism stability in nature is controversial. Detailed comparative studies of parasitic species that are embedded within otherwise mutualistic taxa (e.g., fig pollinator wasps) can identify factors that potentially promote or undermine mutualism stability. We describe results from behavioral, morphological, phylogenetic, and experimental studies of two functionally distinct, but closely related, Eupristina wasp species associated with the monoecious host fig, Ficus microcarpa, in Yunnan Province, China. One (Eupristina verticillata) is a competent pollinator exhibiting morphologies and behaviors consistent with observed seed production. The other (Eupristina sp.) lacks these traits, and dramatically reduces both female and male reproductive success of its host. Furthermore, observations and experiments indicate that individuals of this parasitic species exhibit greater relative fitness than the pollinators, in both indirect competition (individual wasps in separate fig inflorescences) and direct competition (wasps of both species within the same fig). Moreover, phylogenetic analyses suggest that these two Eupristina species are sister taxa. By the strictest definition, the nonpollinating species represents a "cheater" that has descended from a beneficial pollinating mutualist. In sharp contrast to all 15 existing studies of actively pollinated figs and their wasps, the local F. microcarpa exhibit no evidence for host sanctions that effectively reduce the relative fitness of wasps that do not pollinate. We suggest that the lack of sanctions in the local hosts promotes the loss of specialized morphologies and behaviors crucial for pollination and, thereby, the evolution of cheating.

The clearwing moth, Tyrictaca hyalina (Kallies & Arita, 2001) (Tinthiini, Sesiidae), was reared from cultivated Ficus microcarpa L.f. which were imported from China to Poland. Tyrictaca hyalina is native to southeast Asia and was probably reared before from the same imported Ficus plants in Germany and France. This article presents the first description of the pupal morphology of Tyrictaca. We compare the description of pupal morphology of T. hyalina to known morphological features of the pupae of other Tinthiini species. The morphological characters of adult and male genitalia are also presented.

Selecting appropriate native species for the biological control of invasive exotic plants is a recurring challenge for conservationists, ecologists, and land managers. Recently developed trait-based approaches may be an effective means of overcoming this challenge. However, we lack a protocol and software platform that can be used to quickly and effectively select potential native plant species for performing biological control of the invasive exotic plant species. Here, our study introduces a protocol and a software program that can be used for trait-based selection of appropriate native plant species for performing biocontrol of invasive exotic plant species. In particular, we illustrate the effectiveness of this software program and protocol by identifying native species that can be used for the biological control of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit, a highly invasive plant species found in many parts of the world. Bougainvillea spectabilis was the only native species selected by our software program as a potential biocontrol agent for L. leucocephala. When separately planting 4 seedlings of B. spectabilis and two unselected species (Bombax ceiba, and Ficus microcarpa) as neighbors of each individual of L. leucocephala for 3 years, we found that B. spectabilis, which was functionally similar to the invasive L. leucocephala, significantly limited the invasion of the latter, while the unselected native plant species could not. That was because all the seedling of B. spectabilis survived, while half seedlings of unselected species (B. ceiba and F. microcarpa) died, during the experimental period when planted with L. leucocephala seedlings. Moreover, the growth of L. leucocephala was restricted when planted with B. spectabilis, in contrast B. ceiba and F. microcarpa did not influence the growth of L. leucocephala. Overall, our software program and protocol can quickly and efficiently select native plant species for use in the biological control of invasive exotic plant species. We expect that this work will provide a general protocol to perform biological control of many different types of invasive exotic plant species.

Ficus microcarpa L. f. (Moraceae) is a popular ornamental plant that grows in many urban zones in Morocco. The psyllid Macrohomotoma gladiata (Kuwayama, 1908) was found for the first time from Morocco, in August 2019, on 21 ornamental Ficus microcarpa L. f. trees in the urban area of Kénitra, on the Atlantic coast of Morocco. The new psyllid caused serious damage on leaves and twigs of this host plant. Rolled leaves at the tip of the twigs, white and woolly waxy secretions were also observed in the infested trees. This first record of M. gladiata in Morocco, although still regarding a limited geographic area, represents a serious threat to Ficus in the country. A morphological description of this new pest is given.

Wood-decay fungi are one of the major threats to the old and valuable trees in Hong Kong and constitute a main conservation and management challenge because they inhabit dead wood as well as living trees. The diversity, abundance, and distribution of wood-decay fungi associated with standing trees and stumps in four different parks of Hong Kong, including Hong Kong Park, Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Garden, Kowloon Park, and Hong Kong Observatory Grounds, were investigated. Around 4430 trees were examined, and 52 fungal samples were obtained from 44 trees. Twenty-eight species were identified from the samples and grouped into twelve families and eight orders. Phellinus noxius, Ganoderma gibbosum, and Auricularia polytricha were the most abundant species and occurred in three of the four parks. Most of the species were detected on old trees, indicating that older trees were more susceptible to wood-decay fungi than younger ones. More wood-decay fungal species were observed on Ficus microcarpa trees than on other tree species. These findings expanded the knowledge of wood-decay fungi in urban environments in Hong Kong and provided useful information for the conservation of old trees and the protection of human life and property from the danger of falling trees.

In December 2017, a Ficus microcarpa &ldquo, Tiger bark&rdquo, bonsai tree was acquired in a shopping center in Coimbra, Portugal, without symptoms in the leaves, but showing small atypical galls of infection caused by root-knot nematodes (RKN), Meloidogyne spp. The soil nematode community was assessed and four Tylenchida genera were detected: Helicotylenchus (94.02%), Tylenchus s.l. (4.35%), Tylenchorynchus s.l. (1.09%) and Meloidogyne (0.54%). The RKN M. javanica was identified through analysis of esterase isoenzyme phenotype (J3), PCR-RFLP of mitochondrial DNA region between COII and 16S rRNA genes and SCAR-PCR. The Helicotylenchus species was identified on the basis of female morphology that showed the body being spirally curved, with up to two turns after relation with gentle heat, a key feature of H. dihystera, and molecular characterization, using the D2D3 expansion region of the 28S rDNA, which revealed a similarity of 99.99% with available sequences of the common spiral nematode H. dihystera. To our knowledge, M. javanica and H. dihystera are reported for the first time as parasitizing F. microcarpa. Our findings reveal that more inspections are required to detect these and other plant-parasitic nematodes, mainly with quarantine status, to prevent their spread if found.

In China, heritage trees are actively surveyed and reported. Over 300 relevant published articles were reviewed to assess the contents, trends and geographical distributions of the investigations. The majority of the heritage trees studies in China were found in the eastern provinces and published within 2010–2014. Most studies reported surveys on all old trees. For studies focused on single species, Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) and Chinese Yew (Taxus chinensis) was most frequently reported. Unlike the champion tree registry in the US and other countries, the tree registry in China emphasized more on the tree age than the size. We then have studied the heritage trees in the rapidly-developed municipality of Shenzhen in South China in details. The species composition, diversity and spatial distribution were investigated using ecological indices and statistical techniques. Most trees were native with domination by Ficus microcarpa. Heritage-tree density was not correlated with land area, population density, green cover, or district development year. The oldest and youngest districts have relatively higher species diversity and tree density. It indicated the preservation of an old town plan and the creation of a new town plan conducive to accommodating pre-urbanization heritage trees. Village and forest habitats with rich tree endowments can be targeted for conservation in new urban areas. The importance of adopting a nature-friendly town plan, and the associated policies that can facilitate it, are instrumental in heritage-tree nurturing and protection. The findings can inform tree preservation and urban green infrastructure provision in fast developing cities in China and beyond.

Trees growing spontaneously on building envelopes, as wall vegetation, denote unique urban ecology. This study investigates the tree flora, substrate, and colonization-development factors on poorly-maintained buildings in Hong Kong. Field surveys gleaned data on species composition, microhabitat, shoot-root dimensions, and biomass structure. The survey sampled 567 trees. They belonged to ten species, distinguished as strong stranglers, moderate stranglers and non-stranglers. Strong stranglers, such as the native Ficus microcarpa and F. virens, were dominant, with diaspores dispersed mainly by frugivorous birds tapping cultivated and ruderal trees. Most trees had limited crown spread and height, and the larger ones were strong stranglers. The compact tree form, reflecting growth constraints, limited their landscape-scenic contributions. Most surface roots displayed restricted lateral growth contrasted by more vertical extension. Five microhabitats were identified. Two mainly vertical ones accommodated 42.3% of the trees, including wall vertical surface holding the most, and pipe surface. Three mainly horizontal microhabitats, more conducive to seed lodging and tree establishment, held 57.7%, including awning & ledge, roof top & edge taking the second largest share, and window sill & canopy. The stranglers scaled more vertical sites, whereas non-stranglers more horizontal. Root-shoot and root-biomass ratios reflected microhabitat controls. The findings were discussed vis-a-vis pre-adaptation of stranglers to vertical-habitat existence, enabling and restrictive microhabitat traits, plaster degradation as critical pre-condition, leap-frog succession and species paucity, analogy with rocky cliff habitat, and application to building-tree management.

Tree morphology and characteristics are quite different among different tree species, leading to large differences in cooling performance across tree species, particularly across different climatic regions. To obtain microclimatic characteristics and data on the influence of common subtropical tree species on the outdoor thermal environment, this study investigates, with field measurements, three physiological indices (leaf transpiration rate, leaf surface temperature, and leaf reflectance) and seven microclimatic parameters (solar radiation, long wave radiation, mean radiant temperature (Tmrt), ground surface temperature, air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed) characterizing four common tree species in Guangzhou: Ficus microcarpa, Mangifera indica, Michelia alba, and Bauhinia blakeana. The Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) is calculated with the Rayman 12 tool to assess human thermal comfort. Special focus is set on the differences between these parameters in the presence and absence of tree cover. The results are as follows: Ficus microcarpa has the best cooling performance (reduced solar radiation by 1050 W/m2, reduced Tmrt by 14.8 °C, reduced PET by 32.4 °C). These trees have also some negative effects: reducing wind speed (2.83 m/s) and increasing long wave radiation (55 W/m2). It is expected that these data and results will shed some light on tree planting implications in subtropical areas.

Uranium (U)-containing wastewater poses serious pressure to human health and environmental safety. The treatment of U-bearing wastewater using green and facilely fabricated materials is considered a promising alternative. Herein, the raw and modified aerial roots of Ficus microcarpa (RARF and MARF, respectively) were prepared and applied to the treatment of synthesized U-containing wastewater. The results showed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and chemically controlled, which was in good accordance with the pseudo-second-order kinetic and the Redlich-Peterson isotherm adsorption model. The adsorption mechanisms were proposed to be the complexation between U(VI) and oxygen/phosphorus-containing functional groups on MARF.

The phytoremediation efficiency of various metals by Ficus microcarpa was evaluated through a real scale experiment in the present study. The root biomass production of the species varied significantly from 3.68 to 5.43 g because of the spatial heterogeneity of different metals. It would take 4–93 years to purify the excess Cd of the experimental site. Mercury was the most inflexible element which can barely be phytoremediated by F. microcarpa. After the species transplanted from the polluted soil to the clean site, Cd and Cu were transferred to the rhizosphere soil to different extent while the bulk soil was barely influenced. Relative to Cd and Cu, significantly fewer amounts of Pb and Hg were released. The highest concentrations of Cd, Cu, Hg and Pb in the clean soil were far below their corresponding safe thresholds for agricultural land after 3 months of the polluted plants were cultivated and metal concentrations of plant leaves were negligible, both indicated the low ecological risk of transplantation. Results from this study suggested a feasible disposal method for metal rich plants after phytoremediation.

Trees could provide notable cooling by intercepting solar radiation and evapotranspiration. Human-made shelters in urban areas also serve as shading devices. However, few studies have compared the cooling efficacy of trees and artificial shelters. This study systematically quantified and compared the daytime and nighttime cooling effects of a large Chinese Banyan tree (Ficus microcarpa) with dense foliage and an extensive concrete shelter, in an urban park in Hong Kong's subtropical summer. Microclimatic parameters at the two sites were monitored to compare air temperature, and the computed values of PET (Physiological Equivalent Temperature) and UTCI (Universal Thermal Climate Index). The mean daytime cooling effects generated by the tree were 0.6 °C (air temperature), 3.9 °C (PET) and 2.5 °C (UTCI), which were higher than the shelter at 0.2 °C, 3.8 °C and 2.0 °C respectively. The differences were significant for air temperature and UTCI (p

Rainwater is altered hydrologically and chemically as it passes through tree canopies to reach the soil surface, but this aspect of urban forest ecosystems has received less attention than that of natural ecosystems. Hydrological partitioning and changes in solute composition of rainfall were examined in an urban forest within Guangzhou city, in southern China, with reference to three typical subtropical urban tree species (Roystonea regia, Ficus microcarpa, and Lagerstroemia speciosa) with large but morphologically distinct canopies. Three components of rainfall, namely throughfall, stemflow, and interception, were measured and sampled from September 2018 to September 2019. A canopy budget model was used for estimating the contribution of canopy exchange and dry deposition to net rainfall (throughfall + stemflow) solute flux. Being a palm, R. regia recorded the highest percentages of throughfall (72.60%) and stemflow (8.68%) whereas interception was higher in F. microcarpa (33.48%) and L. speciosa (30.54%). The concentrations of almost all the solutes (Ca2+, K+, Na+, Mg2+, Cl−, NO3−, and SO42−) in throughfall and stemflow were higher than those in rainfall, suggesting that water was enriched with these solutes as a result of passing through the canopy. The model of canopy budget also showed that whereas all the three species were similar in terms of the leaching of macronutrient cations, the species differed in term of anions: whereas R. regia and L. speciosa generally absorbed or retained anions on foliage, twigs, or trunks, F. microcarpa leached Cl− and NO3− (presumably because of its unique aerial root). These results can inform the design of urban forests. For example, the lack of NO3− uptake by F. microcarpa suggests that it would be less suitable for mitigating the problems of N deposition which are significant in southern China than the other two species; on other hand, the rainfall partitioning and canopy exchange characteristics of L. speciosa make it more suitable for intercepting rainwater as well as for alleviating the problem of N deposition. The findings of this study therefore have significant implications for the selection of urban tree species in similar subtropical regions worldwide.

The lobate lac scale,Paratachardina pseudolobataKondo & Gullan, is a recent insect invader to Hawaii that was first found in October 2012 on Oahu, Hawaii. It infests young branches of woody plants (usually less than 2 cm in diameter), forming a mass that appears as a dark crust, resulting in an unhealthy appearance, defoliation of leaves, and death of some plant species. This insect has infested many native and non-native plant species on Oahu, and the number of infested plant species is increasing. Our recent survey results, reported in this article, revealed 28 new host plant species in addition to 83 host species that we had reported previously, making 111 host plant species in Oahu's urban landscape. Efficacy and longevity of preventive treatment using the systemic insecticides imidacloprid and emamectin benzoate, delivered through trunk injection, against lobate lac scale on Chinese banyan,Ficus microcarpa, and curative treatment using imidacloprid on weeping banyan,Ficus benjamina, were evaluated. Forty-five Chinese banyans and 10 weeping banyans were included in this study. Our findings suggest that imidacloprid delivered via trunk injection is effective in preventing lobate lac scale infestation for at least 22 months post-treatment, and also in reducing lobate lac scale infestation curatively for at least 20 months post-treatment. This study provides an update on lobate lac scale's host species in Hawaii's urban landscape, and an effective preventive and curative management strategy against this pest.

The name Ficus microcarpa L. f. (Moraceae) is lectotypified using original material preserved in the Linnaean collection at LINN.

COVID 19; an infectious disease; firstly identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China and has since spread globally, resulting in an ongoing pandemic. Searching for protease inhibitors is a challenging task in controlling COVID 19. Genus Ficus is known to be a rich source of phenolic compounds. Metabolic profiling of leaves methanolic extract of Ficus microcarpa (Moraceae) revealed nine compounds (1–9) mainly phenolics. Docking studies concerning these compounds against SARS-CoV-2 main protease showed that quercetin 3,7-O-α-L-dirhamnoside (1) and rutin (3) possessed significant binding stability at the N3 binding site in different activity degrees, which is comparable with COVID-19 main protease inhibitor, darunavir. Our study suggests that compounds quercetin 3,7-O-α-L-dirhamnoside and rutin might be potential candidates for the development of therapies against SARS-CoV-2.

Se menciona por primera vez para la República Dominicana y el Caribe la presencia de la subfamilia Sycoryctinae (Chalcidoidea: Pteromalidae) y el género Philotrypesis Förster, 1878. Ejemplares de este grupo fueron encontrados en siconos de Ficus microcarpa L. (Moraceae) en el campus de la sede central de la Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (UASD).

The Indochinese silvered langur (Trachypithecus germaini) is distributed to the west of Mekong River in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam. During a two-year study, from May 2014 to May 2016, we collected 320.44 hr of behavior, with 17,040 feeding bouts recorded (142 hr) for T. germaini on Chua Hang Karst Mountain, Kien Luong District, Kien Giang Province, Vietnam. Feeding accounted for 45% of the Indochinese silvered langurs' activity budget. The plant diet of the Indochinese silvered langurs was principally composed of young leaves (58%), followed by mature leaves (9.5%), fruits (22.7%), flowers (4.7%), buds (3.3%), petioles (1.2%), and other (0.5%). A total of 58 plant species were fed on by the silvered langurs, and leaves of eight species (Phyllathus reticulatus, Ficus rumphii, Ficus tinctoria, Ficus microcarpa, Cayratia trifolia, Streblus ilicifolia, Combretum latifolium, and Streblus asper) were fed on throughout the year. P. reticulatus was most frequently eaten (13.9% feeding time, n = 1,733). Food selection differed significantly between months and seasons. The Indochinese silvered langurs ate 27 plant species in the wet season compared with 23 plant species in the dry season. Leaf chemical composition of two food categories, 16 eaten species (with 10 most frequently consumed species and six least consumed species), and four noneaten species, were analyzed. Feeding samples from eaten species in the Indochinese silvered langurs's diet contained lower amounts of condensed tannin, lignin, protein, ash, and lipids, but a higher amount of total sugar compared with samples from noneaten species. Furthermore, the most frequently consumed species contained lower amounts of lignin compared with the less frequently consumed species. Using a generalized linear model with five variables, including neutral detergent fiber (NDF), total sugar, lignin, lipid, and calcium (Ca) indicated that NDF positively correlated and lignin content negatively correlated with feeding records in the diet of these langur.

The weeping fig thrips Gynaikothrips uzeli Zimmerman (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) is an invasive pest that is being spread via shipments of ornamental Ficus (Rosales: Moraceae). We tested 50 Ficus cultivars from 12 species for their suitability as hosts for G. uzeli under greenhouse conditions. Results showed that G. uzeli reproduced well only on F. benjamina L.; other species were much less suitable. Plants of F. benjamina sustained folded leaf galls in new growth within 2 to 3 d of being exposed to adult thrips. In subsequent tests, we noted some differences among 27 F. benjamina cultivars in terms of the degree of infestation (number of leaves galled) and reproductive output of G. uzeli over 1 to 2 generations. Plant variegation did neither affect the number of galled leaves nor the number of thrips recovered in our studies. Our results suggest that genetic variation exists among F. benjamina cultivars in resistance to G. uzeli infestation. Additionally, Ficus species other than F. benjamin...

The specific vegetation required by the endangered arboreal snail Satsuma (Luchuhadra) is subtropical rainforest characterised by Ficus tree species (Moraceae), such as Ficus virgata and Ficus microcarpa. This study aimed to elucidate the tree habitat preference of Luchuhadra eucosmia eucosmia inhabiting the northern part of Okinawa Island, which is an area characterised by different tree communities containing various species of Ficus. First, the preference for Ficus trees by the snails was evaluated by comparing the number of empty shells in quadrats where Ficus trees were present and absent. Noticeably, more shells were found in Ficus-occupied quadrats. Second, a belt transect survey was conducted to analyse the relationship between the abundance of live snails and the horizontal crown width of six Ficus species. In total, 72 live snails were recorded, but their presence was not proportional to the relative dominance of Ficus species, with more snails occurring on established F. virgata and Fic...

Chinese banyan, Ficus microcarpa L. f. (Rosales: Moraceae), is a popular landscape tree in many tropical regions of the world. In Hawaii, these trees are severely infested by 2 host-specific insect species in the family Agaonidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea): the Chinese banyan leaf gall wasp, Josephiella microcarpae Beardsley & Rasplus, and the stem gall wasp Josephiella sp. (currently being described). Infestations by these insects result in gall formation on young leaves and shoots, premature leaf drop, new shoot death, poor tree health, and eventually death of the tree. We evaluated the efficacy and persistence of 2 systemic insecticides, imidacloprid and emamectin benzoate, with or without phosphorous acid amendment, delivered through trunk injection to control these 2 wasp species in Honolulu, Hawaii. Although both systemic insecticides had some effect against leaf gall wasps for up to 18 mo post treatment, only emamectin benzoate persisted against stem gall wasps for up to 14 mo post treatm...

A new psyllid pest of ficus, Macrohomotoma gladiata (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Psylloidea), is reported for the first time from North America (California, U.S.A.). Notes on another adventive psyllid species that has been collected from ficus in California, Homotoma ficus, are given, together with a list diagnostic features that separate between M. gladiata and H. ficus.

The ficus whitefly Singhiella simplex is an urban area pest which originated from Asia.Singhiella simplex (Singh) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is for the first time recorded for the whitefly fauna in Turkey. The pest was found on Ficus microcarpa in Antalya province, Turkey. Its identification, host plants, and distribution across the world are briefly described.

A Gram-negative, aerobic, short rodshaped, asporogenous bacterium, designated CBS5Q-3T, was isolated from a surface-sterilised root of Ficus microcarpa Linn. f. collected from Guangxi, China and investigated by a polyphasic approach to determine its taxonomic position. Strain CBS5Q-3T was found to grow optimally with 2% (w/v) NaCl at 30 °C, pH 7.0–8.0. Substrate mycelia and aerial mycelia were not formed, and no diffusible pigments were observed on the media tested. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain CBS5Q-3T is closely related to species of genus Jiella and shares high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 98.1% with Jiella aquimaris JCM 30119T. The average nucleotide identity and in silico DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain CBS5Q-3T and J. aquimaris JCM 30119T were 82.8% and 26.0%, respectively. The DNA G + C content of strain CBS5Q-3T was determined to be 66.5 mol %. The cell wall peptidoglycan was found to contain meso-diaminopimelic acid and ubiquinone Q-10 identified as the respiratory lipoquinone. The polar lipids were found to be comprised of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine and three unidentified aminolipids, while the major fatty acids were identified as C18:1ω7c and cyclo-C19:0ω8c. On the basis of phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data, strain CBS5Q-3T can be concluded to represent a novel species of the genus Jiella, for which the name Jiella endophytica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CBS5Q-3T (= JCM 33167T = CGMCC 1.13863T).

Photosynthetic properties and transcriptomic profiles of green and white sectors of Ficus microcarpa (c.v. milky stripe fig) leaves were examined in naturally variegated plants. An anatomic analysis indicated that chloroplasts of the white sectors contained a higher abundance of starch granules and lacked stacked thylakoids. Moreover, no photosynthetic rate was detected in the white sectors. Transcriptome profile and differential expressed gene (DEG) analysis showed that genes encoding PSII core proteins were down-regulated in the white sectors. In genes related to chlorophyll metabolism, no DEGs were identified in the biosynthesis pathway of chlorophyll. However, genes encoding the first step of chlorophyll breakdown were up-regulated. The repression of genes involved in N-assimilation suggests that the white sectors were deprived of N. The mutation in the transcription factor mitochondrial transcription termination factor (mTERF) suggests that it induces colorlessness in leaves of the milky stripe fig.

The objective of this research was to study corticolous and saxicolous lichen diversity and distribution in Ritigala, Strict Natural Reserve (SNR). For this survey, 34 plots, covering different forest types at different altitudes: lower than 300 m, between 300 m and 500 m and higher than 500 m were established. The plot area was 250 m × 250 m except above 500 m where it was smaller (10 × 10 m). Trees selected to register lichens were Drypetes sepiaria and Ficus microcarpa at lower elevation (

Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder, characterized by hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance. Natural products and its derived active compounds may be achievable alternatives for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In present study we investigated the antidiabetic potential of Ficus microcarpa and isolated bioactive compounds i.e., Plectranthoic acid A (PA-A) and 3,4,5,7-Flavantetrol (FL). Anti-hyperglycemic potential was evaluated via α-glucosidase, α-amylase and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) assays. 5'AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) activation potential was assessed by using primary hepatocytes. Distribution of PA-A in different parts of Ficus microcarpa was evaluated by using rapid high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Ethyl acetate fraction (FME) exhibited significant inhibition of α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and DPP-4, therefore, was selected for isolation of bioactive compounds. Among isolated compounds PA-A was more potent and possessed pleotropic inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 39.5, 55.5, and 51.4 μM against α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and DPP-4, respectively. Our results showed that PA-A is also a potent activator of AMPK which is a central hub of metabolic regulation. Molecular docking studies confirmed the activity of PA-A against α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and DPP-4. Rapid HPLC method revealed that maximum concentration of PA-A is present in the stem (2.25 μg/mg dry weight) of Ficus microcarpa. Both in vitro and in silico studies proposed that Ficus microcarpa and its isolated compound PA-A could be an important natural source for alleviating the symptoms of type 2 diabetes mellitus and we suggest that PA-A should be explored further for its ultimate use for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

The Cuban laurel thrips, Gynaikothrips ficorum Marchal (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae), is a critical insect pest of Ficus microcarpa in California urban landscapes and production nurseries. Female thrips feed and oviposit on young Ficus leaves, causing the expanding leaves to fold or curl into a discolored leaf gall. There have been attempts to establish specialist predator natural enemies of the thrips, but no success has been reported. We resampled the same areas in 2013-2014 where we had released Montandoniola confusa (= morguesi) Streito and Matocq (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) in southern California in 1995 but had been unable to recover individuals in 1997-1998. Thrips galls were significantly reduced in all three of the locations in the recent samples compared with the earlier samples. M. confusa was present in all locations and appears to be providing successful biological control. The value of the biological control, the difference between street trees in good foliage condition and trees with poor foliage, was $58,766,166. If thrips damage reduced the foliage to very poor condition, the value of biological control was $73,402,683. Total cost for the project was $61,830. The benefit accrued for every dollar spent on the biological control of the thrips ranged from $950, if the foliage was in poor condition, to $1,187, if the foliage was in very poor condition. The value of urban forest is often underappreciated. Economic analyses that clearly demonstrate the very substantial rates of return on investment in successful biological control in urban forests provide compelling arguments for supporting future efforts.

A new genus and new species of the plant bug, Chimairacoris lakshmiae Yasunaga, Schuh, and Cassis are described from Bangalore, India. This morphologically and ecologically specialized mirid belongs to the subfamily Phylinae on the basis of genitalic structures and is currently considered best placed in the subtribe Oncotylina of the tribe Phylini. Its morphological convergence with termatophyline mirids and placement within the Phylinae are discussed. It is associated with psyllid leaf galls on Indian banyan, Ficus benghalensis. The gall-producing psyllid, Trioza sp., and a mealybug, Phenacoccus parvus, are confirmed as prey of this unique mirid. A similar phenomenon observed in some Montandoniola spp. (Anthocoridae) and Fingulus species (Miridae: Deraeocorinae), which are associated with thrips species of the genus Gynaikothrips (Thysanoptera: Tubulifera) on Ficus microcarpa, is also documented.