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Abstract Present study assessed the growth of two plant species and ion uptake by them grown on different proportion of industrial solid waste and garden soil. The industrial waste having high concentration of chemicals were used with garden soil at different proportion i.e. 0% (T0), 5% (T1), 10% (T2), 15% (T3) and 20% (T4). Two species namely Conocarpus erectus (alien plant) and Dodonaea viscosa (indigenous) were used as test plants in pot study. Different parameters including growth, physiology, and anatomy of plants and concentration of cations (Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+) in the plant shoot and root were measured at different time duration (initial, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th month). The key objective of the study was to use these plants to establish their plantations on the barren lands where industrial solid wastes were being disposed of. C. erectus showed better growth than D. viscosa, as well as more uptake of ions. A significant increase in plant growth was observed in fourth month in T1, where plant height reached 24.5% and 46% for C. erectus and D. viscosa, respectively. At harvest, in C. erectus, no significant difference in the fresh (65–78 g) and dry weight (24–30 g) of the shoot was observed across treatments compared to the control. In D. viscosa, at the time of harvest, the fresh and dry weights of the root and shoot showed a strong, significantly decreasing pattern across T1, T2, and T3, leading to the death of the plant at T3 and T4. Further, optimum ratio of waste soil to garden soil was found as 10:90 and 20:80 to establish the plantations of D. viscosa and C. erectus, respectively in areas where such solid waste from industries are disposed. Findings can be used for the restoration of such solid waste for the sustainable management of industrial areas and their associated ecosystems.

Abstract The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the potential of promising summer maize genotypes and optimal stage of harvesting these genotypes for ensiling in terms of dry matter (DM), starch, and crude protein (CP) yields, silage fermentation quality, nutrients profile, total digestible nutrients, metabolizable energy (ME) content, Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) carbohydrate (CHO) subfractions composition, in vitro DM digestibility (DMD) and in situ starch degradation characteristics. Six maize genotypes were chosen for the study: DK9108 from Monsanto, P30Y87, P3939 from Pioneer, QPM-300 (quality protein maize) and W94 from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), and a local cultivar, Afgoii, from the Cereal Research Institute (Persabaq, KP). A total of 72 plots (8 m × 10 m) were blocked in three replicate fields, and within each field, each genotype was sown in four replicate plots according to a randomized complete block design. For the data analysis, the Proc-Mixed procedure of Statistical Analysis System with repeated measure analysis of variance was used. The DM yield was strongly influenced (P

Abstract In the last few decades, researchers have thoroughly studied the use of plants in Palestine, one of them is Cyclamen persicum Mill. (C. persicum). Cyclamen persicum has been historically cultivated since the 1700s due to its tuber. The tuber is known to stimulate the nasal receptors, thus triggering the sensory neurons. Cyclamen persicum has anti-inflammatory effects, reduces cholesterol levels, treats diabetes, and inhibits tumor growth. In this respect, in-vitro examination of antibacterial and anticancer activities and antioxidative potency of C. persicum ethanolic extract were evaluated. The antioxidative potency of the extracted plant material was determined spectrophotometrically using the DPPH free radical scavenging method and the HPLC–PDA method to evaluate its total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). The experimental results demonstrated limited antibacterial activity of C. persicum extract against both gram negative (E. coli) and gram positive (Streptococcus and S. aureus) bacterial strains, with the observed zones of inhibition measuring less than 8 mm. On the other hand, powerful activity against MCF7 breast cancer as well as HT29 colon cancer cell lines was obtained. The findings also revealed potent inhibition of free radicals and the presence of maximal levels of natural products such as phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which supportits biological activities and powerful ability to scavenge free radicals. HPLC results showed the presence of numerous flavonoid and phenolic compounds such as rutin, chlorogenic acid, kaempferol, trans-cinnamic acid, quercetin, sinapic acid, and p-coumaric acid.

Ethiopia's diverse ecology faces challenges from significant deforestation. Church forests are relatively protected although under pressure from agricultural expansion, grave house construction and climate related factors. The present study was aimed to assess the woody species composition, structure and regeneration status of church forests in the West Gojjam Zone. Twenty-six church forests were selected using stratified random sampling based on agroecology, elevation, forest size, and distance from population centers. A total of 175 main plots of 20 m × 20 m (400 m2) for trees, 875 subplots of 5 m × 25 m (25 m2) for saplings, and 875 subplots of 1 m × 21 m (1 m2) for seedlings were laid down. Diameter at breast height (DBH) was measured for woody plants with a DBH ≥2.5 cm and also height ≥ 2.5 m. Diversity and structural analysis of the woody species were carried out using appropriate tools. The regeneration status of the study forests was evaluated based on the number of seedlings, sapling and matured plants. A total of 111 woody species that belong to 95 genera and 51 families with 72 (64.86 %) trees, 23 (20.72 %) shrubs, 8 (7.2 %) shrubs/trees and 8 (7.2) lianas were identified. In the study sites, the woody plant species consist of 82.88 % indigenous, 15.32 % exotic, and 1.8 % endemic species. Fabaceae was the dominant family in West Gojjam zone church forests. The Shannon diversity ranged from 0.99 to 3.47, with an average of 2.55, and evenness varied from 0.5 to 0.96 (average 0.82). Species richness ranged from 7 to 45 with the average value of 23.81, and a total stem density of 5880 individuals per hectare. Additionally, 5923 saplings and 6136 seedlings per hectare were recorded. The most abundant species include Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Calpurnia aurea, and Juniperus procera. The average basal area was 29.268 m²/ha for the studied church forests, with Ficus vasta having the highest basal area. Juniperus procera and Rhus vulgaris exhibited the highest Importance Value index (IVI), while Premna schimperi, and Myrtus communis had the lowest IVI. The overall regeneration status of west Gojjam church forests was found to be good. Significant differences in woody species composition and diversity were observed between church forests. The study revealed the importance of church forests in the West Gojjam Zone for plant diversity conservation, revealing their resilience and potential for sustainable protection of forests despite the challenges like deforestation and climate change, and their potential for sustainable maintenance. As we have already seen, some of the church's forests were converted to agriculture as a source of income for the church. This practice is dangerous for the survival of the endemic plants in the church forests and leads to deforestation. Therefore, it is recommended to form an alternative source of income for the church.

Abstract The study aimed at investigating the phytochemical composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of essential oils (EOs) of Origanum grossii and Thymus pallidus. The selection of these plants for the study was driven by a comprehensive survey conducted in the Ribat Elkheir region of Morocco, where these plants are widely utilized. The results reflect the valorization of these plants based on the findings of the regional survey. The GC–MS phytochemical analysis revealed that the main constituents of the essential oil were carvacrol and thymol for O. grossii and T. pallidus respectively. Quantitative assays demonstrated that O. grossii exhibited higher levels of polyphenols (0.136 mg AGE/mg EO) and flavonoids (0.207 mg QE/mg EO) compared to T. pallidus. The DPPH assay indicated that O. grossii EOs possessed approximately twice the antiradical activity of T. pallidus, with IC50 values of approximately 0.073 mg/mL and 0.131 mg/mL, respectively. The antibacterial activity tests showed that both essential oils exhibited significant inhibition zones ranging from 26 to 42 mm against all tested bacterial strains. The MIC values varied among the bacteria, generally falling within the range of 0.31 to 2.44 µg/mL, demonstrating the potency of the EOs to serve as antibacterial. Molecular docking revealed that O. grossii and T. pallidus essential oils interact with antibacterial and antioxidant proteins (1AJ6 and 6QME). Key compounds in O. grossii include p-cymene, eucalyptol, and carvacrol, while T. pallidus contains potent chemicals like p-cymene, ɤ-maaliene, valencene, α-terpinene, caryophyllene, himachalene, and thymol. Notably, the most potent chemicals in Origanum grossii are p-cymene, eucalyptol, and carvacrol, while the most potent chemicals in Thymus pallidus are p-cymene, α-terpinene, and thymol. These findings suggest that these plant EOs could be used to develop new natural products with antibacterial and antioxidant activity.

Abstract Karonda is an indigenous berry fruit known for its unique sour taste and high nutritional value. The lack of awareness portrays the fruit as undervalued and neglected, despite its vast nutritional benefits. The study aimed to explore the physicochemical properties of fresh and dried karonda fruit and its application in formulating a jam product. The physicochemical parameters, including pH, acidity, reducing sugars, moisture content, ash content, and others, were analyzed for both fresh and dried fruits. The phytochemical characteristics, such as vitamin C, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, flavonoids, and anthocyanin content, were examined. The fruit extract was also subjected to antibacterial test using the well plate method. The fresh karonda berries have the highest levels of vitamin C, total phenolic, and anthocyanin contents, which can enhance the immune system and improve overall health. Jam formulations were created using varying proportions of karonda and apple pulp. These formulations were subsequently analyzed for their physicochemical, phytochemical, and sensory quality attributes. The results indicated that the pH, moisture content, ash content, ascorbic acid content, total phenolics, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity of the jams fell within the acceptable range as outlined by the Codex Alimentarius. Furthermore, the inclusion of apple pulp can enhance the taste and color of the jam while preserving its nutritional value. The sensory evaluation results revealed that T3, consisting of 50% karonda and 50% apple, followed by T4, comprising 25% karonda and 75% apple, were favored in terms of taste and color. This research offers significant insights for both the food industry and consumers, emphasizing the karonda fruit's potential as a valuable source of phytochemical compounds and its possible utilization in the creation of jams and other food products. This discovery promotes the consumption of this indigenous fruit due to its nutritional value and potential health benefits.

Abstract The present study deals with the advanced in-silico analyses of several Apigenin derivatives to explore human papillomavirus-associated cervical cancer and DNA polymerase theta inhibitor properties by molecular docking, molecular dynamics, QSAR, drug-likeness, PCA, a dynamic cross-correlation matrix and quantum calculation properties. The initial literature study revealed the potent antimicrobial and anticancer properties of Apigenin, prompting the selection of its potential derivatives to investigate their abilities as inhibitors of human papillomavirus-associated cervical cancer and DNA polymerase theta. In silico molecular docking was employed to streamline the findings, revealing promising energy-binding interactions between all Apigenin derivatives and the targeted proteins. Notably, Apigenin 4′-O-Rhamnoside and Apigenin-4′-Alpha-l-Rhamnoside demonstrated higher potency against the HPV45 oncoprotein E7 (PDB ID 2EWL), while Apigenin and Apigenin 5-O-Beta-d-Glucopyranoside exhibited significant binding energy against the L1 protein in humans. Similarly, a binding affinity range of − 7.5 kcal/mol to − 8.8 kcal/mol was achieved against DNA polymerase theta, indicating the potential of Apigenin derivatives to inhibit this enzyme (PDB ID 8E23). This finding was further validated through molecular dynamic simulation for 100 ns, analyzing parameters such as RMSD, RMSF, SASA, H-bond, and RoG profiles. The results demonstrated the stability of the selected compounds during the simulation. After passing the stability testing, the compounds underwent screening for ADMET, pharmacokinetics, and drug-likeness properties, fulfilling all the necessary criteria. QSAR, PCA, dynamic cross-correlation matrix, and quantum calculations were conducted, yielding satisfactory outcomes. Since this study utilized in silico computational approaches and obtained outstanding results, further validation is crucial. Therefore, additional wet-lab experiments should be conducted under in vivo and in vitro conditions to confirm the findings.

Adenanthera pavonina is a medicinal plant with numerous potential secondary metabolites showing a significant level of antidiabetic activity. The objective of the current study was to identify potential phytochemicals from the methanolic leaf extract of Adenanthera pavonina as therapeutic agents against diabetes mellitus using GC-MS and in silico methods. The GC-MS analysis of the leaf extract revealed a total of 17 phytochemicals. Molecular docking was performed using these phytochemicals, targeting the mutated insulin receptor tyrosine kinase (5hhw), which inhibits glucose uptake by cells. Diazoprogesterone (−9.2 kcal/mol), 2,4,4,7a-Tetramethyl-1-(3-oxobutyl)octahydro-1H-indene-2-carboxylic acid (−6.9 kcal/mol), and 2-Naphthalenemethanol, decahydro-.alpha.,.alpha.,4a-trimethyl-8-methylene-, [2R-(2.alpha.,4a.alpha.,8a.beta.)] (−6.6 kcal/mol) exhibited better binding with the target protein. The ADMET analysis was performed for the top three compounds with the best docking scores, which showed positive results with no observed toxicity in the AMES test. Furthermore, the molecular dynamics study confirmed the favorable binding of Diazoprogesterone, 2,4,4,7a-Tetramethyl-1-(3-oxobutyl)octahydro-1H-indene-2-carboxylic acid and 2-Naphthalenemethanol, decahydro-.alpha.,.alpha.,4a-trimethyl-8-methylene-, [2R-(2.alpha.,4a.alpha.,8a.beta.)] with the receptor throughout the 100 ns simulation period.

Background: Ulcerative colitis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory bowel disease that involves inflammation and ulcers of the colon and rectum. To date, no definite cure for this disease is available.Objective: The objective of the current study was to assess the effect of Calliandra haematocephala on inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress markers for the exploration of its anti-ulcerative colitis activity in rat models of acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis.Methods: Methanolic and n-hexane extracts of areal parts of the plant were prepared by cold extraction method. Phytochemical analysis of both extracts was performed by qualitative analysis, quantitative methods, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Prednisone at 2 mg/kg dose and plant extracts at 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg doses were given to Wistar rats for 11 days, which were given acetic acid on 8th day through the trans-rectal route for the induction of ulcerative colitis. A comparison of treatment groups was done with a normal control group and a colitis control group. To evaluate the anti-ulcerative colitis activity of Calliandra haematocephala, different parameters such as colon macroscopic damage, ulcer index, oxidative stress markers, histopathological examination, and mRNA expression of pro and anti-inflammatory mediators were evaluated. mRNA expression analysis was carried out by reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).Results: The phytochemical evaluation revealed polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and sterols in both extracts of the plant. Results of the present study exhibited that both extracts attenuated the large bowel inflammation and prevented colon ulceration at all tested doses. Macroscopic damage and ulcer scoreswere significantly decreased by both extracts. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and nitrite/nitrate concentrations in colon tissues were returned to normal levels while superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly improved by all doses. Histopathological examination exhibited that both extracts prevented the inflammatory changes, cellular infiltration, and colon thickening. Gene expression analysis by RT-qPCR revealed the downregulation of pro-inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) whereas the anti-inflammatory cytokines including Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and Interleukin-10 (IL-10) were found to be upregulated in treated rats.Conclusion: It was concluded based on study outcomes that methanolic and n-hexane extracts of Calliandra haematocephala exhibited anti-ulcerative colitis activity through modulation of antioxidant defense mechanisms and the immune system. In this context, C. haematocephala can be considered as a potential therapeutic approach for cure of ulcerative colitis after bioassay-directed isolation of bioactive phytochemicals and clinical evaluation.

Abstract Cancer is among the top causes of death, accounting for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018, it appeared that approximately 500,000 people die from cancer in the United States alone annually. The SHP2 plays a major role in regulation of cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation, and functional upregulation of this enzyme is linked to oncogenesis and developmental disorders. SHP2 activity has been linked to several cancer types for which no drugs are currently available. In our study, we aimed to design peptide inhibitors against the SHP2 mutant. The crystal structure of the human Src SH2-PQpYEEIPI peptide mutant was downloaded from the protein databank. We generated several peptides from the native wild peptide using an in silico mutagenesis method, which showed that changes (P302W, Y304F, E306Q, and Q303A) might boost the peptide's affinity for binding to SHP2. Furthermore, the dynamical stability and binding affinities of the mutated peptide were confirmed using Molecular dynamics simulation and Molecular Mechanics with Generalized Born and Surface Area Solvation free energy calculations. The proposed substitution greatly enhanced the binding affinity at the residue level, according to a study that decomposed energy into its component residues. Our proposed peptide may prevent the spread of cancer by inhibiting SHP2, according to our detailed analyses of binding affinities.

Innovative approaches are urgently required to treat divestating bacterial diseases in the face of rising bacterial resistance rates. The current investigative work focused on hydro-distilling Tasmanian blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus) to isolate the essential oil, which was then tested for bioactivity, antioxidant capacity, and antibacterial activity using in-vitro and in silico assays. The antioxidant activity was avualated against DPPH and FRAP. With results of 69.63 RSA (%) (µL/L AAE) at a concentration of 5 mL/L and 51.56 (µL/L AAE) at concentration of 90 ppm in the 2,20-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, respectively, the extracted oil indicated considerable antioxidant activity. The extracted oil demonstrated powerful antibacterial activity in in-vitro tests against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, including Bordetella bronchiseptica (21 mm), Staphylococcus epidermidis (19 mm), and Staphylococcus aureus (19 mm), with significant minimal inhibitory (MIC) and minimum bactericidal (MIB) concentrations. Additionally, GC-MS analysis of the oil from E. globulus identified several low-molecular-weight compounds, including Eucalyptol, γ-Terpinene, Shisool acetate, 1,3-trans,5-cis-Octatriene, 2,6-Dimethyl-1,3,5,7-octatetraene, E,E, Cyclohexene, 1-methyl-4-(1-methylethylidene), Benzene, 1-methyl-4-(1-methylethenyl), Butanoic acid, 3-methyl-, 3-methylbutyl ester, and 1,3,8-p-Menthatriene. Several other compounds were also identified, including Fenchol, 2-Methyl-trans-3a,4,7,7a-tetrahydroindane, (E,E,E)-2,4,6-Octatriene, 1,2,3,6-Tetrahydrobenzylalcohol, acetate, Alloaromadendrene, Phenol, 2-ethyl-4,5-dimethyl, Phenol, 2-methyl-5-(1-methylethyl)-, p-Cymen-7-ol, 1,5,5-Trimethyl-6-methylene-cyclohexene, 1,3-Cyclohexadiene, 1-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-, 2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, acetate, (Z), and more. The bioactive potential of Eucalyptus globulus essential oil against 1AJ6 and 1R4U was highlighted by molecular docking analyses, suggesting its utility as a natural source of antioxidant and antibacterial compounds with the potential to replace chemical disinfectants in a variety of applications.

Tick-borne Babesiosis is a parasitic infection caused by Babesia microti that can infect both animals and humans and may spread by tick, blood transfusions, and organ transplantation. The current therapeutic options for B. microti are limited, and drug resistance is a concern. This study proposes using computational drug design approaches to find and design an effective drug against B. microti. The study investigated the potentiality of nine natural compounds against the pathogenic human B. microti parasite and identified Vasicinone and Evodiamine as the most promising drugs. The ligand structures were optimized using density functional theory, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, quantum mechanics such as HOMO–LUMO, drug-likeness and theoretical absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET), and pharmacokinetics characteristics performed. The results showed that Vasicinone (−8.6 kcal/mol and −7.8 kcal/mol) and Evodiamine (−8.7 kcal/mol and −8.5 kcal/mol) had the highest binding energy and anti-parasitic activity against B. microti lactate dehydrogenase and B. microti lactate dehydrogenase apo form. The strongest binding energy was reported by Vasicinone and Evodiamine; the compounds were evaluated through molecular dynamics simulation at 100 ns, and their stability when they form complexes with the targeted receptors was determined. Finally, the pkCSM web server is employed to predict the ADMET qualities of specific molecules, which can help prevent negative effects that arise from taking the treatment. The SwissADME web server is used to assess the Lipinski rule of five and drug-likeness properties including topological polar surface area and bioavailability. The Lipinski rule is used to estimate significant drug-likeness. The theoretical pharmacokinetics analysis and drug-likeness of the selected compounds are confirmed to be accepted by the Lipinski rule and have better ADMET features. Thus, to confirm their experimental value, these mentioned molecules should be suggested to carry out in wet lab, pre-clinical, and clinical levels.

Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. is an invasive alien species (IAS) damaging agricultural and natural ecosystems that threat biodiversity in Ethiopia. This IAS can be managed by utilizing it as a resource in agricultural production. This study analyzed the role of P. juliflora biochar on germination and growth performance of maize and wheat under field conditions in Wollo, Ethiopia. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used to test the effect of biochar on sandy–loam soil with and without fertilizer. In this experiment, biochar from P. juliflora was applied on the above two crops at 5, 10, and 20 t/ha with and without N–P fertilizers. From the result, a 100% germination and high growth of test crops were observed from 10 t/ha biochar with fertilizer mixed treatments. The shoot dry weight of both maize and wheat showed significant differences among treatments. While a single dosage (10 t/ha) increased maize dry weight by 21% without fertilizer, but it reduced dry weight by 10% when used with fertilizer. In the case of wheat, single and double dose biochar with NPS treatments increased shoot dry weight by 22.2% and 30%, respectively. This showed that application of biochar up to 20 t/ha in combination with fertilizers can significantly improve crop growth. Thus, it can be concluded that the application of biochar of P. juliflora is a good soil amendment option and, thus, this IAS can be managed by utilization.

The study was conducted in a historian Wonjeta St Michael Church Forest, believed to be constructed in 11th century in Northwestern Ethiopia. The composition, structure, and management of this forest is not documented. Fifty plots of 20 m × 20 m (400 m2) were laid along five-line transect for vegetation data collection. In addition, 5 m × 5 m subplots were laid within the main plot to sample seedlings and saplings. All plots were laid at a distance of 50 m along the transect lines. The diversity and population structure of woody individuals of trees and shrubs with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 2.5 cm and height ≥2 m were measured, and DBH

The study was conducted to determine woody plant species composition, structure, and regeneration status in Saleda Yohans Church forest, South Wollo Zone, Ethiopia. Five transect lines oriented to north-south directions at a distance of about 500 m were laid down along transects across the forest. Fifty main plots of 20 m × 20 m were laid for tree/shrub data collection. Within each main plot, 5 small quadrats of 5 m × 5 m were laid in the corners and centre for the collection of seedling and sapling data of woody species. All vegetation data within the plots were counted and recorded. Tree height and diameters at the breast height of plants were also measured and estimated. Moreover, frequency, basal area, diversity, evenness, and other vegetation data were analyzed. The result showed that this Church forest is composed of 50 woody plant species distributed in 31 families. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index and evenness values of the forest were found to be 3.82 and 0.84, respectively. Lamiaceae was the dominant family followed by Fabaceae in their species composition. The density of trees/shrubs, saplings, and seedlings was 625, 650, and 935 ha−1, respectively. Based on the result, the entire vegetation of Saleda Yohans Church forest is in good regeneration status. In conclusion, although this Church forest appears to be in a good regeneration status, its species richness is low compared to a similar study of some other vegetation. Therefore, attention should be given to the rehabilitation of this forest.

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a vegetable crop that belongs to the genus Allium under the family Alliaceae produced widely throughout the world. Field experiments were undertaken to evaluate the different varieties and plant spacings on the growth and bulb yield performance of onion (Allium cepa L.) in Beyeda district, North Gondar, Ethiopia. Four different levels of spacing (6, 8, 10, and 12 cm) and four different types of varieties (Shallot, Nasik red, Robat, and Nafis) were arranged under randomized complete block design (RCBD) of factorial arrangement with three replications. The experiment was arranged in 4 × 4 factorial combinations, and the total area was divided into three blocks each of which comprised 16 treatment combinations and a total of 48 plots. The highest plant height (54.18 cm), leaf length (45.48 cm), and leaf diameter (1.47 cm) were recorded from the variety of Nasik red while the lowest plant height, leaf length, and leaf diameter were measured from shallot. The highest leaf number was observed from shallot (37.53) while the lowest leaf number was recorded from the Nafis variety. The longest bulb length (4.44 cm) and the widest bulb diameter (4.67 cm) were obtained from the Nafis variety while the shortest bulb length and narrowest bulb diameter were measured from shallot. Inversely, the highest bulb weight (54.50 g/plant), total biomass (94.75 g/plant), and unmarketable bulb yield (1.75 t/ha) were recorded from shallot while the lowest bulb weight, total biomass, and unmarketable bulb yield were recorded from the Robat variety. Intrarow spacing showed a significant effect on onion growth and bulb yield parameters, as the earliest (135 days) and the most delayed (146 days) maturity were recorded at 6 cm and at 12 cm spaces, respectively. The highest unmarketable bulb yield has been seen at 8 cm and the lowest at 12 cm space of the Nasik red variety. Similarly, the highest leaf number, leaf diameter, bulb diameter, bulb weight, total biomass, marketable, and total bulb yield were recorded at 12 cm space under the Nafis variety. Furthermore, under the shallot variety, the widest bulb diameter was recorded at 10 cm while the narrowest one was recorded at 6 cm space. Generally, based on the result of marketable bulb yield performance, Nafis variety at 12 cm and 8 cm spaces, Robat at 6 cm space, and Nafis red at 10 cm space, respectively, have effective performance for onion production. The interaction effects of intrarow spacing with different varieties did not have a significant effect on all of the growth parameters and yield components.

This study was conducted to determine woody species composition, diversity, structure, and regeneration status of sacred groves in Dangila town, Ethiopia. Five church forests were selected for this study among 14 forests in the district. Forty plots of 20 mx20m were laid along 20 transect lines for vegetation data collection. Additionally, 5 mx5m subplots were laid within the main plot to evaluate the regeneration status of woody plants. Woody plants with DBH ≥ 2.5 cm in each plot were identified and recorded. A total of 73 plant species in 64 genera and 42 families were identified. Among these, 43.06, 12.5, 36.11, and 8.33% were trees, tree/shrubs, shrubs, and climbers, respectively. Family Fabaceae were the most dominant contributing 9 (12.5%) species to the total followed by Euphorbaceae, Acantaceae, Rosaceae, and Moraceae with 7 (9.72%) species, 3 (4.17%) species, 3 (4.17%) species and 3 (4.17%) species, respectively. A total density of 548.13 seedlings ha−1, 841.88 saplings ha−1 and 2180.6 mature individuals ha−1 of woody species were counted in the sample plots. The density of height and DBH classes showed inverted J-shape pattern. The Shannon diversity and evenness of woody plant species in Dangila church forests was 3.5 and 0.82, respectively, which is relatively high. The total basal area of the forest was 98.4 m2/ha. These church forests had fair regeneration potential. Species with low important value index (IVI) and abundance need to be prioritized for conservation. Silvicultural intervention has to be implemented to strengthen the religious and cultural conservation system of the church forests.

Land-use change can have profound effects on forest communities, compromising seedling recruitment and growth, and long-term persistence of forests on the landscape. Continued forest conversion to agriculture causes forest fragmentation which decreases forest size, increases edge effects and forest isolation, all of which negatively impact forest health. These fragmentation effects are magnified by human use of forests, which can compromise the continued persistence of species in these forests and the ability of the forests to support the communities that depend on them. We examined the extent and influence of human disturbance (e.g. weedy taxa, native and exotic tree plantations, clearings, buildings) on the ecological status of sacred church forests in the northern highlands of South Gondar, Ethiopia and hypothesized that disturbance would have a negative effect. We found that disturbance was high across all forests (56%) and was negatively associated with tree species richness, density, and biomass and seedling richness and density. Contrary to expectation, we found that forests < 15.5 ha show no difference in disturbance level with distance from population center. Based on our findings, we recommend that local conservation strategies not only protect large forests, but also the small and highly used forests in South Gondar which are critical to the needs of local people, including preserving large trees for seed sources, removing exotic and weedy species from forests, and reducing clearings and trails within forests.

Research Highlights: Variations in species composition across church forests in northern Ethiopia were driven more by variations in human disturbance and community forest management than forest size. The degree of human disturbance acted as an environmental filter that selected for weedy, exotic, and wind-dispersed species regardless of forest size. Background and Objectives: Forest fragmentation can profoundly influence the long-term persistence of forests on the landscape. Habitat fragmentation can increase edge effects and limit dispersal between forest patches. In the South Gondar Administrative Zone in northern Ethiopia, many of the remaining forests are small sacred church forests governed by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church. Materials and Methods: We examined the drivers of woody plant species composition across 46 church forests in this region, including the influence of elevation, forest size, distance between forests, human disturbance, the presence of a wall, and the importance of local/individual community forest management at the Woreda level. We also examined how dispersal syndromes are influenced by increasing distance between forests and the extent of human disturbance within forests. Results: We found that elevational zone, distance between forests, the degree of human disturbance and Woreda had the greatest effect on species composition. Forest size and the presence of a wall were not significant drivers of species composition in these forests. Conclusions: We propose connecting forests through corridors or scattered trees to increase dispersal between forests, and greater on-the-ground protection efforts to restrict people and cattle from leaving the main trails within sacred forests