Showing papers in "Economic Botany in 1995"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors estimate that the higher plants in the world's tropical forests contain about 375 potential pharmaceuticals of which 48 (about one in eight) have already been discovered, and that a complete collection and screening of all tropical plant species should be worth about $3-4 billion to a private pharmaceutical company and as much as $147 billion to society as a whole.
Abstract: Previous estimates of the potential value of higher plants in tropical forests for Pharmaceuticals are too high because analysts mistakenly used gross revenues to value drugs instead of net revenues. Correcting this error, we estimate each new drug is worth an average $94 million to a private drug company and $449 million to society as a whole. Given recent experience searching for new drugs, we estimate that the higher plants in the world’s tropical forests contain about 375 potential pharmaceuticals of which 48 (about one in eight) have already been discovered. Multiplying these values by the number of potential new drugs suggests that a complete collection and screening of all tropical plant species should be worth about $3–4 billion to a private pharmaceutical company and as much as $147 billion to society as a whole.
229 citations
TL;DR: Traditional medicine in the middle and west Black Sea regions: Amasya, Bilecik, Bolu, Cankin, Samsun, Sinop and Tokat provinces has been studied and 194 remedies obtained from 96 plant and 5 animal species are compiled as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Traditional medicine in the middle and west Black Sea regions: Amasya, Bilecik, Bolu, Cankin, Samsun, Sinop and Tokat provinces has been studied and 194 remedies obtained from 96 plant and 5 animal species are compiled. Vernacular names, parts used, methods of preparation, and medicinal usages are listed. Orta ve Bati Karadeniz Bolgelerinde Amasya, Bilecik, Bolu, Cankin, Samsun, Sinop ve Tokat illerinde halk tababeti incelenerek, 96 ’si bitkisel ve 5’i hayvansal olmak uzere 194 halk ilaci tespit edilmi§tir. Kullamlan materyalin mahalli ismi, tedavide kullanilan kisimlari, ilacin hazirlani§ §ekli ve tedavideki kullamli§ amaci He ilgili bilgiler liste halinde verilmi§tir.
211 citations
TL;DR: Results of this research suggest that Oryza contributes phytoliths that are genus-specific, that bulliform characteristics alone do not permit separation of wild and domesticatedOryza in regions where species overlap, and that a number ofphytolith types, especially silicified glumes, show promise for separating wild from domesticated forms.
Abstract: Asian rice is an important grain, not only in its homeland but in many areas of the world. Identifying rice in the archaeological record is a challenge, especially in the moist tropics, where organic materials preserve only when charred. Phytolith analysis, the identification of opaline silica bodies, provides an alternative method for identifying this important crop. Results of our research suggest thatOryza contributes phytoliths that are genus-specific, that bulliform characteristics alone do not permit separation of wild and domesticatedOryza in regions where species overlap, and that a number of phytolith types, especially silicified glumes, show promise for separating wild from domesticated forms. With further research it should be possible to identify rice through its phytolith assemblage in archaeological soils in the heartland of its domestication and use.
132 citations
123 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the development and diffusion of cropping systems using velvet beans is the result of experimentation by numerous farmers and scientists spanning four centuries and at least eight countries, with a view to identifying some of the conditions under which the crop has waxed and waned.
Abstract: Velvetbean (Mucuna spp.), a vigorous climbing legume of Asian origin, is prominent among the plants currently promoted for use as a green manure and cover crop in the humid tropics. What is not so well known, however, is that the development and diffusion of cropping systems using velvetbean is the result of experimentation by numerous farmers and scientists spanning four centuries and at least eight countries. This article traces the movement of velvetbean and knowledge of its uses, with a view to identifying some of the conditions under which the crop has waxed and waned in the United States and Mesoamerica. Climatic factors, land and labor constraints, and market forces are discussed. The velvetbean story shows that agricultural innovation is neither static nor the purview of a privileged class of innovators. It also suggests that sustainable cropping practices such as green manuring should not be promoted as static models but rather as dynamic systems responsive to the changing conditions of farmers and the broader environment.
120 citations
TL;DR: Caryocar brasiliense is the main representative in the Brazilian cerrados and grows naturally wherever this type of vegetation is found, and plays a significant role in the cerrado’s composition.
Abstract: Caryocar brasiliense Camb is a member of the Central and South American family Caryocaraceae Most species of the family are found in tropical rainforests and are economically valuableC brasiliense is the main representative in the Brazilian cerrados and grows naturally wherever this type of vegetation is found Ecologically, the species plays a significant role in the cerrado’s composition The fruits and seeds are over-exploited due to their wide range of uses, and questions have been raised about whether the intensive exploitation poses any threat to the conservation of the species
100 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors assessed the value of 23 sacred groves in the Moyamba District of Sierra Leone for their value to local herbalists and traditional folk medicine practitioners of the Kpaa Mende people.
Abstract: Sacred groves in the Moyamba District of Sierra Leone were assessed for their value to local herbalists and traditional folk medicine practitioners of the Kpaa Mende people Herbalists (tufablaa) collecting in 23 sacred groves were interviewed regarding their general knowledge of medicinal plants, and their perceptions regarding changes in the occurrence of medicinal plants Over 75 medicinal plant remedies are currently in use among the Kpaa Mende, with some plants reported here for the first time in terms of their medicinal uses in Sierra Leone A significant feature of Kpaa Mende ethnobotany is the employment of 2 or more kinds of plants in combination as a remedy for particular afflictions The discovery of rare and uncommon plants in the groves and their medicinal uses are discussed in terms of the role of the sacred groves in medicinal plant conservation
89 citations
TL;DR: It appears that both genetic shift and genetic drift have occurred ex situ, and that populations conserved ex situ are different from those maintained in situ, suggesting that CGR conservation strategies must be re-evaluated in light of the specific conservation goals that are sought.
Abstract: Over the last twenty-five years, crop genetic resources (CGR) have been preserved in genebanks around the world for use by formal plant breeders. Recently conservation of folk crop varieties for direct use by the farmer-breeders of traditional agricultural communities has been suggested as another purpose for CGR conservation. While both in and ex situ CGR conservation programs have been proposed to meet the needs of formal plant breeders and farming communities, the needs and goals of the two groups are different. Formal breeders seek maximum allelic diversity while farmer-breeders are interested in both diversity and population structure that provide local adaptation. Based on the morphological and phenological data analyzed for this study of two Hopi maize varieties conserved in and ex situ, it appears that both genetic shift and genetic drift have occurred ex situ, and that populations conserved ex situ are different from those maintained in situ. These findings suggest that CGR conservation strategies must be re-evaluated in light of the specific conservation goals that are sought.
69 citations
TL;DR: Groupings that resulted following principal component analysis (PCA) supported conventional taxonomic groupings of plantains, and giant cultivars were taller, their pseudostem thicker, and they flowered much later than medium-sized cultivars.
Abstract: Plantains (Musa spp., AAB group) are an important food crop and an integral component of the farming systems in the lowland humid forest zone of West and Central Africa. A group of 24 plantain cultivars, representing the major variability in West Africa, was evaluated for nine quantitative characters. The association between growth and yield parameters in this African plantain germplasm was examined to determine if the pattern of quantitative variation in inflorescence and vegetative traits agreed with taxonomic groupings based on inflorescence type and plant size. Phenotypic correlations between these traits were calculated. Giant cultivars were taller, their pseudostem thicker, and they flowered much later than medium-sized cultivars. Giant cultivars produced more foliage, resulting in heavier bunches with more hands and fruits. Groupings that resulted following principal component analysis (PCA) supported conventional taxonomic groupings of plantains. PC A was based mainly on time to flowering, pseudostem height, and number of fruits. The last two traits, in combination with the number of hermaphrodite flowers and the persistence of the male bud, sufficed to group plantain cultivars.
65 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the medicinal value of 30 species (37%) has not been previously reported from other parts of Nepal and the preparation, utilization and Nepali names along with the scientific names and their role in local culture for healthcare are discussed.
Abstract: Eighty-one herbal drug species in 51 families and 77 genera are documented. These plants are represented by 3 families of pteridophytes (3.8%), 3 families of Monocotyledons (4.9%) and 45 families of Dicotyledons (91.3%). The medicinal value of 30 species (37%) has not been previously reported from other parts of Nepal. The preparation, utilization and Nepali names along with the scientific names and their role in local culture for healthcare are discussed.
58 citations
TL;DR: The trade of dry medicinal plants in the southwestern area of the state of Puebla, Mexico is described, where Gatherers who collect medicinal plants represent the poorest economic link in the trade chain.
Abstract: This paper describes the trade of dry medicinal plants in the southwestern area of the state of Puebla, Mexico. Gatherers who collect medicinal plants represent the poorest economic link in the trade chain. The critical socioeconomic situation of the human population is reflected in the state of the wild plants at the zone, as a result of an increase in their use for economic survival. The stock of medicinal plants handled by regional traders is an indicator of the abundance and diversity of the flora present in the zone, and permits a dynamic exchange of these products with regional traders from outside. Tracing the commercial path of six medicinal plants from the field to the market, only 6.17% of the consumer price, on average, was returned to the collectors. Most of the medicinal plants marketed and used in Mexico are wild plants. This fact, combined with the increasing demand that exists for medicinal plants in this region, create a potential environmental threat. Since this threat is a multifactorial one, involving the complex socioeconomic conditions in which rural workers and their families live, conservation programs for the wild flora (including reassessed gathering methods, production of selected medicinal species and protection of wild populations and market regulations of quality and equity) have to be applied within an organizational framework of the gatherers and peasants in the zone.
TL;DR: In the area of Pordenone in Western Friuli, Italy, an ancient rite of spring is still carried out and the preparation of a special dish, known as "pistic" as discussed by the authors, a collection of 56 wild herbaceous meadows and wood plants which are boiled and then sauteed together.
Abstract: Western Friuli, Italy, there is a small area near the town of Pordenone where an ancient rite of spring is still carried out This is the preparation of a special dish, known as “pistic,” a collection of 56wild herbaceous meadow and wood plants which are boiled and then sauteed together This practice is still alive in a few areas of Friuli today and possibly goes back to pre-Roman Celtic cultures in this part of Friuli The number of herbaceous plants used in this dish is extraordinarily high (56), especially when compared to the low number normally used in other conventional dishes “Pistic” is therefore important, not only because it represents a quantitatively high use of wild herbs in the diet of the rural population, but also because it reflects environmental awareness, in that the archaic method of naming, identifying and using these plants still exists today Similar rural practices include the use of “pot herbs” in Great Britain and in France the cooking of “mesclun”
TL;DR: The cultivated vegetable crops of the world are listed by family and Latin binomial, followed by the common name(s) in English, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Danish, Dutch, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Malay, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Tagalog as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The cultivated vegetable crops of the world are listed by family and Latin binomial, followed by the common name(s) in English, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Danish, Dutch, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Malay, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Tagalog. The edible portion of the plant utilized for food and the general method of preparation were reviewed and listed.
TL;DR: Analysis of RAPD data supports the origin of the domesticated sunflower from wild H. annuus populations and indicates that the native American varieties and old landraces form a genetically cohesive group based on RAPD evidence, probably due to their origin prior to the use of interspecific hybridization in the development of sunflower cultivars.
Abstract: Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) loci were used to investigate the origin and genetic relationships of the domesticated sunflower and its wild relatives A total of 13 primers was employed for the PCR amplifications, from which 68 polymorphic loci were scored Analysis of RAPD data supports the origin of the domesticated sunflower from wildH annuus The high RAPD identity between wild and domesticatedH annuus (I = 0976 to I = 0997) is concordant with a progenitorderivative relationship However, the identities are very high and therefore provide little information regarding the geographic origin of the domesticated sunflower Nonetheless, some inferences concerning relationships among domesticated sunflower accessions can be made The native American varieties and old landracesform a genetically cohesive group based on RAPD evidence, probably due to their origin prior to the use of interspecific hybridization in the development of sunflower cultivars In contrast, the modern cultivars are not genetically cohesive, perhaps due to the extensive use of intraspecific and interspecific hybridization in the development of modern sunflower varieties Likewise, little concordance was observed between the geographical origin and genetic clustering of wild populations—an observation probably best explained by the weedy, human dispersed nature of wildH annuus populations The information presented here may be a reliable indicator of genetic relationships among wild and domesticated sunflower accessions However, the processes generating the observed relationships are complex, and the occurrence of unexpected groupings or absence of predicted ones will probably remain difficult to understand
TL;DR: The history of lichen use for medicinal purposes is reviewed briefly and the contempory uses of three lichens in eastern Andalucia is reported.
Abstract: The history of lichen use for medicinal purposes is reviewed briefly and the contempory uses of three lichens in eastern Andalucia is reported.
TL;DR: The occurrence of phytoliths in the reproductive structures of selected tropical angiosperms and their significance in tropical paleoecology, paleoethnobotany, and systematics is investigated.
Abstract: 9 1974. Experimental studies on the origin of cultivated rice. Genetics 78:475-486. , and H. Morishima. 1982. Phylogenetic differentiation of cultivated rice, XXIII. Potentiality of wild progenitors to evolve the indica and javanica types of rice cultivars. Euphytica 31:41-50. Pearsall, D.M. 1982. Phytolith analysis: applications of a new pateoethnobotanical technique in archaeology. American Anthropologist 84:862-871. 9 1989. Paleoethnobotany.Ahandbookofprocedures. Academic Press, San Diego. , and E. Dinan. 1992. University of Missouri phytolith classification system. Pages 37-64 in George Rapp and S. Mulholland, eds., Studies in phytolith systematics. Plenum Press, New York. , and D. R. Piperno, eds. 1993. Current research in phytolith analysis: applications in archaeology and paleoecology. MASCA, University of Pennsylvania Museum, Philadelphia, PA. Piperno, D.R. 1985. Phytolith analysis and tropical paleo-ecology: production and taxonomic significance of siliceous forms in New World plant domesticates and wild species. Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology 45:185-228. 1988. Phytolith analysis: an archaeological and geological perspective. Academic Press, San Diego. . 1989. The occurrence of phytoliths in the reproductive structures of selected tropical angiosperms and their significance in tropical paleoecology, paleoethnobotany, and systematics. Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology 61:147-173. . 1991. The status ofphytolith analysis in the American tropics. Journal of World Prehistory 5:155-191. Rapp, G., Jr., and S. Mulholland, eds. 1992. Phytolith Systematics. Emerging Issues. Plenum Press, New York. Rovner, I. 1983. Plant opal phytolith analysis: major advances in archaeobotanical research. Pages 225266 in M. B. Schiffer, ed., Advances in archaeological method and theory. Vol. 6. Academic Press, New York. Savithri, R. 1976. Studies in archaeobotany together with its bearing upon socio-economy and environment of Indian protohistoric cultures. Two volumes. Unpublished Ph.D. Dissertation, Paleobotany, Birbal Sahni Institute of Paleobotany, Lucknow, India. Second, G. 1985. Relations l~volutives chez le Genre Oryza et Processus de Domestication des Riz. Paris: l~ditions de I'ORSTOM, Collections Etudes et Thrses. Sharma, A. 1983. Further contributions to the palaeobotanical history of crops. Two volumes. Unpublished Ph.D. Dissertation, Paleobotany, Birbal Sahni Institute of Paleobotany, University of Lucknow, India. Thompson, G. B. 1992. Archaeobotanical Investigations at Khok Phanom Di, Central Thailand. Unpublished Ph.D. Dissertation, Prehistory, Australian National University.
TL;DR: A unique hybrid of Tripsacum dactyloides and teosinte (Zea diploperennis) is described and discussed in terms of its possible role in the origin and evolution of maize.
Abstract: Crosses betweenTripsacum dactyloides and teosinte (Zea diploperennis) using standard pollination technique have been successfully attempted and six highly fertile hybrid plants obtained. Previous research had shown other teosintes to be cross-incompatible with Tripsacum and maize to be crossable but highly intersterile withTripsacum. Some investigators believe thatTripsacum played a prominent role in the origin of maize; theTripsacum-diploperennis hybrid provides evidence to support that idea. Ears produced by the hybrid have paired kernel rows, a distinctive characteristic of the oldest archaeological maize that none of the wild relatives have. This unique hybrid is described and discussed in terms of its possible role in the origin and evolution of maize.
TL;DR: Astrocaryum chambira Burret is native to the western parts of the Amazon basin where indigenous people use it as a source of fiber as discussed by the authors, and the main items produced are woven hammocks, bags, and nets.
Abstract: Astrocaryum chambira Burret is native to the western parts of the Amazon basin where indigenous people use it as a source of fiber. Its use among four different indigenous groups in Ecuador is described here. They extract fibers from the pinnae, mostly of the young leaves. Both men and women twist the fibers into strings in their homes after hunting and work in the fields. The main items produced are woven hammocks, bags, and nets. These products represent the main source of cash income for many indigenous people. The highest value for their products is obtained from sale directly to tourists. The commercial use ofA. chambira can possibly be increased in extractivism along with better marketing. The variety of ways this palm is used also makes it a valuable species for agroforestry.
TL;DR: Concern is expressed in this study regarding the long-term viability of Hyphaene petersiana populatiops in this area because of the possible increase in destructive uses of mature, stemmed palms, including their felling for construction purposes and tapping for palm wine.
Abstract: Indigenous trees fulfil many subsistence and economic needs in north-central Namibia.Hyphaene petersiana provides a range of products which contribute to most aspects of people’s livelihoods. Of particular importance is its income-generating capacity through the use of palm leaves for basket production and the sale of liquor distilled from the fruits. This study investigates the population structure ofHyphaene petersiana in two areas of different human and livestock densities. Data were recorded for height class distribution, basal diameter of mature, stemmed individuals and sex ratios. These parameters of population structure indicate a reduction in the recruitment of mature palms and an increase in single-stemmed, vegetatively reproduced palm suckers of the smallest size class (0.5 m). This trend is more pronounced in the site with greater human and livestock population densities. It appears to be related to high recorded levels of browsing by livestock of juvenile, unstemmed palms, despite the unpalatability of palm leaves. This acts to prevent recruitment into larger size classes and increase the compensatory growth of palm suckers, the latter being enhanced due to reduced competition through the prior removal by grazing animals of grasses and other herbaceous species. Accompanying this heavy pressure on juvenile palms are destructive uses of mature, stemmed palms, including their felling for construction purposes and tapping for palm wine. With regional human population increase, exacerbated by a recent trend to privatise land and raise pressure on remaining communal resources, it is possible that these destructive uses of mature palms will increase to unsustainable levels. Concern is thus expressed in this study regarding the long-term viability ofHyphaene petersiana populatiops in this area.
TL;DR: The llareta, Azorella compacta (Embelliferae) occurs in the high Andes of southern Peru, Bolivia, northeastern Chile and northwestern Argentina as discussed by the authors, and is widely used in local medicines and may even have a pharmaceutical potential for treating diabetes.
Abstract: A yellowish-green, compact (rather like a cauliflower), resinous cushion shrub, the llareta, Azorella compacta (Embelliferae) occurs in the high Andes of southern Peru, Bolivia, northeastern Chile and northwestern Argentina. Now endangered through excessive cutting for fuel, it is widely used in local medicines and may even have a pharmaceutical potential for treating diabetes.
TL;DR: Organoleptic taste preference studies would best indicate the stage at which the plant should be harvested for human consumption, and Amaranthus plants could be best consumed as vegetables at the preflowering stage.
Abstract: Seeds and plants of Amaranthus have been a source of food for many cultures in the world. Some species can be found as weeds or growing wild under severe climatic and soil conditions, but their potential as food sources has not been studied. The objective of this work was to study the nutritional quality of four wild species ofAmaranthus,A. retroflexus (AR),A. viridis (A V),A. palmeri (AP) andA. blitoides (AB) as potential sources of vegetable greens. Histochemical studies showed higher levels of starch in leaves of AR and AB, moderate amounts of tannins in all leaves, high protein concentration in stems and leaves, and moderate amounts of alkaloids in all tissues of AV and AB. Antinutritional factors (nitrates, oxalates, cyanogenic glycosides, tannins and phytates) were quantified in plants at the preflowering stage, but only nitrates were found at levels (0.34-2% dw) above those generally considered as safe, but at similar levels found in spinach. No cyanogenic glycosides were detected in any species. Bromatologic analysis of whole or different plant parts at preflowering and maturity (mature seeds) showed that mature whole plants or individual sections can be recommended as animal feed since they contain high levels of protein (20.6-24.7% whole plant, 25.3-32.9% leaves) and soluble carbohydrate (>40%).Amaranthus plants could be best consumed as vegetables at the preflowering stage. At this stage, the highest protein concentrations were found in leaves (22.8-27.8%), while the remaining chemical composition was very similar to that found in other food vegetables. The four species showed similar chemical compositions, and had no detrimental chemicals which would deter their use as vegetable foods. Organoleptic taste preference studies would best indicate the stage at which the plant should be harvested for human consumption.
TL;DR: The possibility that nuñas resulted from an early and widely applied selection pressure during bean domestication in the Andes is discussed, which would imply a presence pre-Hispánica in that zone during pre-Hispanic times.
Abstract: Nunas are a group of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris, Fabaceae) varieties, whose grains are consumed after toasting in their original Andean habitats. Nowadays, these varieties are restricted to certain parts of the highlands of Peru and Bolivia. Linguistic, ethnobotanical, and archaeological data suggest that they were grown in that zone duringpre-Hispanic times. SDS-PAGE electrophoresis shows a wide range ofphaseolin types amongnunas, many of which are present in sympatric wild forms. This paper discusses the possibility thatnunas resulted from an early and widely applied selection pressure during bean domestication in the Andes.
TL;DR: An ethnobotanical inventory of lianas was carried out in a 1-ha plot of tropical moist forest in the Cuyabeno Reserve, Amazonian Ecuador as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: An ethnobotanical inventory of lianas was carried out in a 1-ha plot of tropical moist forest in the Cuyabeno Reserve, Amazonian Ecuador. We obtained information about the uses that the Siona-Secoya Indians have for lianas. Of 98 species in the 1-ha plot, 47% were useful for the Siona-Secoya. Of the species used, 67% were for medicines, food, stimulants, and poisons; 17% had ritual applications, and 15% were used to make ropes or to weave baskets, toys, and ornaments. The species of lianas that were most useful were the ones with the highest values of ecological parameters such as density, dominance, and relative length. There is a close relationship between the ecological characteristics of the liana community and the uses made of it by the Indians.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors assess the comparative impact of utilization by basket makers and browsing livestock in areas of different human and livestock population pressures on the source of weaving fibre, leaves from juvenile individuals of the vegetable ivory palm,Hyphaene petersiana.
Abstract: Basketry production is an important informal sector activity in the palm savanna of north-central Namibia, particularly for women. This study assesses the comparative impact of utilization by basket makers and browsing livestock in areas of different human and livestock population pressures on the source of weaving fibre, leaves from juvenile individuals of the vegetable ivory palm,Hyphaene petersiana. Mature individuals of this species are an important source of edible fruit. Destructive uses of mature individuals such as tapping for palm wine and the cutting of stems for construction purposes are also practised, even though they are forbidden by customary law. Unlike other centres of basket production in southern Africa, the level of leaf utilization for basketry is low and there is potential for greater use of this resource. Despite the unpalatability of this species, a cause for concern, however, is the intensity of browsing by domestic livestock on young palms, which may affect the future structure and viability of the palm population in north-central Namibia. This predicted degradation of a multiple-use species such asH. petersiana represents the gradual erosion of an important buffer against rural poverty, loss of income and reduction in food security.
TL;DR: The authors' study of Citrus aurantium provides evidence for continued traditional use of plants in Haiti, which was found to be used medicinally to treat colds, fevers, hepatic disorders, gall bladder problems, rheumatism, epilepsy, emotional shock, bruising internally and externally, skin blemishes and digestive problems.
Abstract: A preliminary study on Haitian plant use revealed that Citrus aurantium (Rutaceae), common name “zorange si” was utilized in a wide variety of ways. Citrus aurantium was found to be used medicinally to treat colds, fevers, hepatic disorders, gall bladder problems, rheumatism, epilepsy, emotional shock, bruising internally and externally, skin blemishes and digestive problems. The sour orange was also found to be considered valuable in food preparation, agriculture, construction and voodoo. Our study ofCitrus aurantium provides evidence for continued traditional use of plants in Haiti.
TL;DR: In this paper, the results of the use of a new model for sustainable exploitation of babassu palm forests and integral fruit processing at the village and farm-level are presented, including coordination of fruit collection and storage, and the gradual replacement of the traditional system of manual breaking by mechanized integral processing at local level.
Abstract: The Babassu palm is a very important forest resource for over 300 000 families in Maranhao State, Northeastern Brazil. The rudimentary nature of the babassu kernel extraction process employed by the peasantry has been blamed for being one of the key factors of the crisis in the babassu oil industry economy. This paper provides the results of the use of a new model for sustainable exploitation of babassu palm forests and integral fruit processing at the village and farm- level. The new model includes the coordination of fruit collection and storage, and the gradual replacement of the traditional system of manual breaking by mechanized integral processing at local level. The machinery consists of a dehusking machine (to separate epicarp and mesocarp), a breaking machine (to crack the dehusked fruits), and a machine to separate the small pieces of broken endocarpfrom the kernels. The preliminary results arising from the application of the new model are shown and discussed.
TL;DR: The effects of light, storage temperature, age of seeds, time ofdehiscence, and a scarification procedure on the germination of Phyllanthus amarus were determined to determine the effectiveness of these procedures on seeds inviable and their use in traditional medicine.
Abstract: Interest inPhyllanthus amarus (Euphorbiaceae) has been generated by reports of antiviral activity and wide usage in traditional medicine. Attempts at cultivation resulted in poor stands. The objectives of these studies were to determine the effects of light, storage temperature, age of seeds, time ofdehiscence, and a scarification procedure on the germination ofP. amarus. Seeds ofP. amarus require light to germinate, and thus should not be covered at sowing. Freezing did not significantly affect the germination of dry seeds compared to seeds stored at ambient room temperature or higher, but storage at 10°C was deleterious. Percent germination was typically less than 50% and significantly decreased with time. Germination of freshly harvested seeds was slower than older seeds. Seeds from the first capsules to dehisce had a higher percent germination. A scarification procedure rendered seeds inviable. These results helped explain poor stands seen infield plots. In a previously planted plot, the re-established stand by natural reseeding was equivalent to that following intentional reseeding procedures.
TL;DR: Although common throughout Belize in lowland forests and agricultural systems, the cohune palm, orbignya cohune is relatively little used compared with its historic importance, according to a 1992 survey discussed here as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Although common throughout Belize in lowland forests and agricultural systems, the cohune palm,Orbignya cohune is relatively little used compared with its historic importance, according to a 1992 survey discussed here. Among uses found to persist are leaves for thatch, fruits for oil, and palm heart as food. Exploitation required only simple technology and was most notable at socio-economic extremes. Areas from which cohunes were exploited rarely coincided with high-density stands of the species. Alternatives exist for all cohune products. It seems unlikely that this palm will be the basis of a large-scale industry in Belize, primarily because of the uncertainty of wild yields and the widespread availability of alternatives.
TL;DR: The traditional, current and potential uses of myoporum species are documented in this article, where they have been valued by the Australian Aboriginal people for cultural purposes and as a food plant of minor importance.
Abstract: The traditional, current and potential uses ofMyoporum species are documented. Historically, this genus was valued by the Australian Aboriginal people for cultural purposes and as a food plant of minor importance. Medicinal remedies were also acquired from this shrub.Myoporum species were utilised by Aboriginal people in both coastal and Central Australia and throughout the Pacific region. These hardy shrubs are characterised by their drought, fire, frost and grazing tolerances. They have horticultural potential and are good sources of selected phytochemicals.