Abstract. Praptosuwiryo TN, Sumanto, Cahyaningsih. 2019. Diversity and host preferences of ferns and lycopods epiphytes on palm trees. Biodiversitas 20: 3731-3740. Epiphytic ferns contribute importantly to the global biodiversity of tropical rain forests. However, our knowledge of the ecology of epiphytic ferns is phenomenally still limited. Most studies on the ecology, floristic and diversity of epiphytic ferns and lycopods were reported outside of Malesian region. This study aimed: (i) to figure out the diversity of ferns and lycopods on palm trees of the lowland areas by analyzing its species richness and floristic composition, and (ii) to determine the host preferences of epiphytic ferns on palm trees. Twenty-eight phorophyte species belonging to 17 genera of palm trees, growing at Bogor Botanic Gardens, were observed. Trunk of palm trees was divided into three zones (basal, middle and upper). Individual numbers for each species of epiphytic fern growing on each zone were recorded. Epiphytic fern species which were most commonly found were analyzed statistically to determine their preference for the host trees. A total of 16 species of epiphytic ferns and lycopods were recorded. The greatest richness of species occurred in Polypodiaceae (50%). Habitual true epiphyte was the predominant ecological category, representing 75 % of the species. Caryota no Becc. hosted the greatest number of ferns and lycopods 8 species) while Attalea insignis (Mart.) Drude hosted the fewest (2 species). Individual numbers of six epiphytic fern species were significantly affected by palm trees species, namely Belvisia callifolia (Christ) Copel., Pyrrosia lanceolata (L.) Farwell, Pyrrosia piloselloides (L.) M.G. Price, Davallia denticulata (Burm.) Mett., Nephrolepis biserrata (Sw.) Schott, Vittaria ensiformis Sw. Individual numbers of five epiphytic fern species were significantly affected by zone of the host plant. Nephrolepis biserrata tends to grow well in the upper zone. Pyrrosia lanceolata tends to be abundant in the middle zone. B. callifolia, D. denticulata, and V. ensiformis grow well and make dense populations in the basal zone.

The morphology of sporophyte, the type of reproduction, and cytology of Pteris had been reported, while the gametophyte morphology of Pteris in Java island has not been studied yet. The objective of this study was to describe the gametophyte morphology and development of P. biaurita, P. ensiformis, P. exelsa, P. longipinnula, P. tripartita, and P. vittata in Java island. Spores were obtained from fertile leaves of Pteris plants originated from several locations in Java island. The number of spores per sporangium was counted from fresh fertile leaves with mature sporangia. As much as 0.002 g spores was sown in a transparent box with sterile medium contain of vermiculite, sphagnum moss, and perlite with ratio 2:2:1. The gametophyte development of each species was observed under a microscope every 7 days. The spores of P. ensiformis were germinated faster, ten days after sowing, while the spores of P. longipinnula were germinated slower, 18 days after sowing. The pattern of spore germination is Vittaria-type. The development of gametophyte is Ceratopteris-type in common, but in a few cases is the Adiantum-type. The gametophyte development of observed Pteris species is varied in six characters including the number of filament cell, germinated time, the formation time of notch and gametangia, margin shape, and development type.

Abstract. Karyati, Ipor IB, Jusoh I, Wasli ME. 2017. The diameter increment of selected tree species in a secondary tropical forest in Sarawak,. The diameter at breast height (DBH) increments of dominant tree species in a secondary forest can determine forest growth in the area. This study was conducted to investigate the DBH increments of the nine dominant tree species in a secondary tropical forest. A total number of 180 trees representing nine species, seven genera, and six families were selected for the assessment of DBH increments during two years of study. ) had shown a high growth rate during the assessment, while the other four species such as Macaranga gigantea Mull. Arg., Macaranga triloba Mull. Arg., Euodia glabra (Bl.) Bl., and Vitex pubescens Vahl. had 0.53, 0.48, 0.37, and 0.30 cm year -1 in DBH increments, respectively. The average DBH increments for the entire selected species was 0.86 cm year -1 for periodic measurement and 0.75 cm year -1 for monthly measurement. This information is needed in order to understand the succession process in the secondary forests. It is important for the selection of the suitable species in a reforestation and a rehabilitation projects.

Abstract. Praptosuwiryo TN. 2020. Assessing the conservation status of tree fern Cibotium arachnoideum (C.Chr.) Holttum. Biodiversitas 21: 1379-1384. Cibotium arachnoideum (C.Chr.) Holttum (Cibotiaceae), is a large terrestrial fern with an upright or prostrate rhizome having densely shining reddish-brown of rigid hairs and one or two pairs of sori with two indusia forming a small cup on each lamina-segment. This tree fern is a rare species and strictly distributed in the Malesian region. The study aims to assess the conservation status of C. arachnoideum by using the 2012 IUCN Red List Catagories and Criteria (version 3.1.). Population size was estimated and observed both based on specimens deposited at the Herbarium Bogoriense (BO) and field studies in Sumatra. The area of occupancy (AOO) of this species is 44 km2. Cibotium arachnoideum is occurred in severely fragmented locations in the West Malesian region, in 2 locations, viz. Sumatra and Borneo. Sumatra has only two subpopulations, and Borneo has nine subpopulations. The number of mature individuals was only found 372 in one location of North Sumatra and 19 individuals in one location of Bengkulu. Therefore, C. arachnoideum is proposed as an endangered species, En: B2ab (i,ii,iii) + C2a (ii).

Abstract. Hapsari L, Kennedy J, Lestari DA, Masrum A, Lestarini W. 2017. Ethnobotanical survey of bananas (Musaceae) in six districts of East Java,. Ethnobotanical survey of bananas was conducted in six districts of East Java, Indonesia i.e. Pasuruan, Probolinggo, Banyuwangi, Lumajang, Jember and Malang during 2012-2015. Seventy-nine local cultivar names were recorded in the six districts, including local Javanese names and some possible synonyms among the cultivars. Four genomic groups are represented: AA (13), AAA (16), AAB (24) and ABB (16); 10 specimens are uncertain AA/AAA/AAB. Banana cultivar names given by local communities mostly reflect distinct morphological or perceptual characteristics, as well as uses, although some of the names do not refer to appearance or anything at all. Some cultivars were restricted to particular regions. Bananas play important roles in East Javanese socio-economic and cultural life. All parts of the plant are used: for food, fodder, domestic materials, fibers, shelters, ornamentals, medicines, in rituals and ceremonial events and other miscellaneous uses. Banana plants have deep philosophical meaning; their characteristics are associated with the process of life and provide lessons on life ethics. Conservation of local banana cultivars is needed in the face of negative impacts of commercialism. In-situ/on-farm conservation of bananas is a suitable strategy. Conserving the diverse species and varieties of bananas is necessary to maintain their adaptability and resilience to resist biotic and abiotic stresses.