Life sciences and Bio-engineering

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Life Sciences are among the most exciting areas of biological research, comprising all fields of science that involve the study of living organisms: plants, animals, human beings and microorganisms. Biology, plant and animal ecology, agriculture and medicine are the main centerpieces of the life sciences. Modern research employing molecular biology and biotechnology has extended the life sciences to diverse specializations, with real-life applications in health, agriculture, ecology as well as in bio-industries.

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Browsing Life sciences and Bio-engineering by Subject "Acacia mearnsii"

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    Invasion threats of Acacia mearnsii on the growth performance of Pinus patula in Sao Hill Forest plantation
    (NM-AIST, 2020-04) Kingazi, Nanyika
    This study aimed at determining the extent (distribution, density and structure) of Acacia mearnsii invasion as well as assessing its influence on the performance of Pinus patula by comparing, stem density, basal area and standing volume between invaded and non- invaded areas in Sao Hill Forest Plantation (SHFP). A systematic random samplings technique was used to select sample plantation blocks and plots allocation. The results showed that there was a significant difference between the mean population density per hectare of A. mearnsii in the margins and inside plantation blocks (F-value = 61.4, df=278, p = 0.0000), with greater mean population density being in the margin than inside the plantation blocks. Also, a significant difference between the size class group (seedlings, saplings, poles and adults) was found in the mean population density of A. mernsii (F-value = 26.28, df = 278, p = 0.0000), with the greater mean population density being in seedlings followed by a sapling, sub-adults, and adults. Moreover, there was a significant difference between invaded and non-invaded areas across different age classes of P. patula in all variables measured with greater density, basal area and volume being in non-invaded than invaded areas. The study found that, an invasive tree A. mearnsii has a negative impact (reduction) on the survival and growth of P. patula in all age classes sampled. This study suggests that forest management strategies should incorporate invasive plant control given that the performance of desirable tree species can be influenced by plant invasions. This may include clearing of the A. mearnsii stands before they mature to flowering and thus, limiting seed production.
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    Performance of Pinus patula in Areas Invaded by Acacia mearnsii in Sao Hill Forest Plantation, Southern Tanzania
    (Taylor & Francis Online, 2020-07-06) Kingazi, Nanyika; Petro, Revocatus; Mbwambo, John; Munishi, Linus
    Problems associated with the invasiveness of exotic tree species such as Acacia mearnsii have increased recently causing vast damage in environment and economy worldwide. Sao Hill Forest Plantation (SHFP) in southern Tanzania which is the potential plantation in East Africa is under Acacia mearnsii invasion which threatens the productivity of the planted species, Pinus patula. This study aimed to gather information on the performance of Pinus patula by comparing areas invaded by Acacia mearnsii with the non-invaded areas in SHFP. The study used a combination of stratified and random sampling techniques to select sample plantation blocks and plots allocation, respectively. Data collected included survival, height, and diameter of Pinus patula in both invaded and non-invaded areas as well as Acacia mearnsii stem counts in invaded areas. The mean basal area, density, and volume of Pinus patula were subjected to paired sample T-test and relationship between the density of Acacia mearnsii and survival of Pinus patula were established by Pearson’s correlation analysis in R software version 3.5.2. Results showed that survival of Pinus patula was decreasing as the density of Acacia mearnsii increased. Also, there was a significant difference in density, basal area and volume of Pinus patula between invaded and non-invaded areas with higher performance being in non-invaded areas. Results suggest that Acacia mearnsii has a negative effect on the performance of Pinus patula in both its growth and survival. This study has generated the information for which among others will help to formulate policies and strategies that will contribute to the effective and sustainable management of forest plantations that should incorporate invasive control measures to avoid the negative performance of desirable tree species.
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    Performance of Pinus patula in Areas Invaded by Acacia mearnsii in Sao Hill Forest Plantation, Southern Tanzania
    (Taylor & Francis Online, 2020-07-06) Kingazi, Nanyika; Petro, Revocatus; Mbwambo, John; Munishi, Linus
    Problems associated with the invasiveness of exotic tree species such as Acacia mearnsii have increased recently causing vast damage in environment and economy worldwide. Sao Hill Forest Plantation (SHFP) in southern Tanzania which is the potential plantation in East Africa is under Acacia mearnsii invasion which threatens the productivity of the planted species, Pinus patula. This study aimed to gather information on the performance of Pinus patula by comparing areas invaded by Acacia mearnsii with the non-invaded areas in SHFP. The study used a combination of stratified and random sampling techniques to select sample plantation blocks and plots allocation, respectively. Data collected included survival, height, and diameter of Pinus patula in both invaded and non-invaded areas as well as Acacia mearnsii stem counts in invaded areas. The mean basal area, density, and volume of Pinus patula were subjected to paired sample T-test and relationship between the density of Acacia mearnsii and survival of Pinus patula were established by Pearson’s correlation analysis in R software version 3.5.2. Results showed that survival of Pinus patula was decreasing as the density of Acacia mearnsii increased. Also, there was a significant difference in density, basal area and volume of Pinus patula between invaded and non-invaded areas with higher performance being in non-invaded areas. Results suggest that Acacia mearnsii has a negative effect on the performance of Pinus patula in both its growth and survival. This study has generated the information for which among others will help to formulate policies and strategies that will contribute to the effective and sustainable management of forest plantations that should incorporate invasive control measures to avoid the negative performance of desirable tree species.