This study covers the vegetation composition and diversity in two heavy metal sites with distinct climatic and edaphic environments in the Philippines, Zambales, and Surigao del Norte in the northern and southern regions, respectively, Tree density and basal area were higher in Zambales than in Surigao del Norte. Species diversity, however, was higher in Surigao del Norte site (H'=1.1071) than in Zambales, which may be attributed to high water and nutrient availability and unique geologic formations. Soil properties also varied, with higher organic matter concentration in Surigao del Norte. Twenty-one out of 35 taxonomic families in both sites were common in serpentine soils. Nine families were recorded to have a large number of individuals on both sites. A total of 11 species were known metallophytes of which four are Ni hyperaccumulators and seven are endemic to both sites. These Ni hyperaccumulators have a high potential for phytoremediation, phytostabilization, and rhizofiltration. However, due to the scarce information on Ni hyperaccumulators, conservation statuses of most of them are unknown. Agricultural interference, site destruction and excessive mining are some of the factors contributing to the diminishing fate of metallophytes. Thus, it calls for its prioritization in biodiversity conservation.

Abstract. Manipol MM, Tinio CE, Maldia LSJ, Combalicer MS. 2020. Salinity-induced changes in the morphology, physiology, and anatomy of seeds and seedlings of smooth narra (Pterocarpus indicus Willd. f. indicus). Biodiversitas 21: 5146-5154. Pterocarpus indicus Willd. forma indicus is a commonly planted species for reforestation in the Philippines regardless of the area’s condition. Since the species could survive in areas even with harsh conditions, it was hypothesized that the species may also thrive in areas having substantial amount of salt, especially during its early growth. This study assessed the morphological, physiological, and anatomical responses of seeds and seedlings of P. indicus Willd. f. indicus (Fabaceae), a native species in the Philippines to varying salt (NaCl) concentrations (0-300 mM). Based on the results, P. indicus f. indicus grew significantly in terms of height, number of leaves, leaf area, root collar diameter (RCD), root nodules, and root-shoot ratio in the control and at 100 mM NaCl. On the other hand, the growth of the species was suppressed at 300 mM NaCl. The physiological characteristics (germination, survival, and photosynthetic rates) were also high in the control compared to the NaCl treatments. As for the seed anatomical characteristics, the radicle cells remained undamaged, with high cell number and longer cells in the control, but showed damaged and reduced cell number and length at 300 mM NaCl. This indicates that P. indicus f. indicus can only tolerate moderate saline soil conditions. Hence, this result needs to be considered in reforestation efforts of the country using this species.

Following the international protocol for establishment of permanent plots, a two-hectare permanent biodiversity monitoring area (PBMA) was established inside Makiling Forest Reserve. Results of the intensive 100% inventory revealed that the PBMA holds tremendous tree diversity. A total of 155 tree species were identified. Of these, 148 are indigenous to the Philippines with 47 endemics (30% endemism). The most abundant native species in the PBMA is Magabuyo (Celtis luzonica) with 2,287 individuals, followed by Balobo (Diplodiscus paniculatus), Tinaang pantai (Drypetes maquilingensis), and Apanang (Mallotus cumingii). The average diameter for all trees inside the plot is 14.28 cm. More than 90% of the individual trees fall under the category poles and saplings while large trees account to only 0.6%. Twenty-nine (29) species are listed under either the Philippine Red List (Fernando et al. 2008) or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . Noteworthy among the list are the six critically endangered (CR) premium timber species including Makaasim (Syzygium nitidum), Kamagong (Diospyros discolor), Narra (Pterocarpus indicus), Bagtikan (Parashorea malaanonan), Guijo (Shorea guiso), and White lauan (Shorea contorta). The geodatabase that includes an interactive map developed in this study is of critical importance for future research activities in the area.

No abstract

Twenty polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed, using Next Generation Sequencing (Illumina), from genomic DNA of Parashorea malaanonan, a species of the Dipterocarpa­ceae which is ecologically and economically important in the Philippines. Thirty adult trees from a natural population were used to assess the success of PCR amplification and the degree of polymorphism. The number of alleles per locus varied from three to 13, and observed and expected heterozygosity varied from 0.200 to 0.808 and from 0.301 to 0.890 respectively. Total exclusion probabilities for the first and second parents over the 20 loci were 0.99932499 and 0.99999723 respectively. The high level of polymorphism at these loci makes it possible to obtain precise estimates of genetic parameters and thus the markers will help in studies on population genetics, conservation gene­tics, and molecular ecology of P. malaanonan.