Journal articles on the topic 'Parc national du W – Niger'

Cette étude porte sur deux espèces ligneuses à savoir Afzelia. africana et Isoberlinia. doka qui sont classées sur la liste des espèces vulnérables et menacées dans le monde. Elle a permis d’estimer l’état actuel desdites espèces dans le parc national de W. Ces espèces sont menacées de disparition dans toute l’Afrique. L’objectif visé a été d’étudier la structure de leur population dans le Parc National du W du Niger. Pour ce faire, trente (30) placettes carrées de dimension 30m*30m ont été installées suivant les pistes tracées du Parc W que nous avons considérées comme des transects. Les relevés phytosociologiques ont été réalisés selon la méthode sigmatiste de Braun-Blanquet (1932). L’installation de la placette dépend de la présence de l’une des deux espèces où de toutes les deux. Les placettes sont distantes de 500 m les une des autres. La superficie totale inventoriée était de 2,7 ha. Dans les placettes toutes les espèces ont été recensées et les mesures dendrométriques ont porté sur A. africana et d’I. doka. Au total 51 espèces reparties en 41 genres et 21 familles ont été recensées. En termes d’abondance, les familles les mieux représentées sont les Combretaceae (17,31%), les Mimosaceae (15,38%), les Ceasalpinoidea (9,61%). Dans la famille des cesalpinoidea les espèces Afzelia africana et Isoberlinia doka ont un taux de représentions de 5,64% dont Afzelia africana avec un taux de représentation de 4,07% contre 1,57% pour Isoberlinia doka. L’indice de diversité spécifique de Shannon et l’équitabilité de Pielou sont respectivement de 1,38 bit et de 0,8 ; ce qui montre que la végétation est moyennement diversifiée. La densité d’A. africana est de 45,17 pieds/ha et 17,49 pieds/ha chez I. doka, la régénération est de l’ordre de 75,92 pieds/ha chez A. africana et 31,11 pieds/ha chez I. doka. Les dimensions en diamètre et en hauteur pour chacune des espèces sont illustrées par des histogrammes en forme de cloche à travers l’ajustement de Weibull avec des dissymétries gauches caractéristiques des individus relativement jeunes. L’ajustement de Weibull montre également que les distributions en diamètre des deux espèces sont identiques. Les modes de régénération par drageons sont plus observés chez les deux espèces avec peu de cas de germination par graines chez A. africana. Cette étude a permis d’avoir des connaissances sur l’état actuel sur la présence desdites espèces au parc W. Cette étude a permis de disposer des connaissances scientifiques sur les deux populations et donc de proposer des mesures idoines de gestion durable des ces espèces dans les réserves périphériques au Niger. ABSTRACT This study focuses on two woody species namely Afzelia. africana and Isoberlinia. doka which are on the list of vulnerable and endangered species worldwide. It has made it possible to estimate the current status of these species in the National Park W. These species are threatened with extinction throughout Africa. The aim was to study the structure of their population in Niger's National Park W. To do this, thirty (30) square plots of 30m * 30m size were installed along the marked tracks of Park W that we considered as transects. The phytosociological surveys were carried out according to the sigmatist method of Braun-Blanquet (1932). The installation of the plot depends on the presence of one of the two species or both. The plots are 500 m apart from each other. The total area surveyed was 2.7 ha. In the plots all species were recorded and the dendrometric measurements were carried out on A. africana and I. Doka. A total of 51 species divided into 41 types and 21 families were identified. In terms of abundance, the best represented families are Combretaceae (17.31%), Mimosaceae (15.38%), and Ceasalpinoidea (9.61%). In the family of the Cesalpinoidea species Afzelia africana and Isoberlinia doka have a representation rate of 5.64% including Afzelia africana with a representation rate of 4.07% against 1.57% for Isoberlinia doka. The Shannon specific diversity index and the Pielou equitability are respectively 1.38 bit and 0.8; which shows that the vegetation is moderately diversified. The density of A. africana is 45.17 feet / ha and 17.49 plants / ha in I. doka, regeneration is in the order of 75.92 plants / ha in A. africana and 31.11 plants / ha in I. doka .The diameter and height dimensions for each of the species are illustrated by bell-shaped histograms through Weibull adjustment with left asymmetries characteristic of relatively young individuals. The Weibull adjustment also shows that the diameter distributions of the two species are identical. The sucker regeneration modes are more observed in both species with few cases of seed germination in A. africana. This study made it possible to have knowledge of the current state of the presence of these species at Park W. This study made it possible to obtain scientific knowledge on the two populations and thus to propose appropriate measures of these species sustainable management in the peripheral reserves in Niger.

Les végétations arbustives des voisinages des cours d’eau ont été étudiées à partir de 34 relevés phytosociologiques réalisés entre septembre 2001 et décembre 2003, en utilisant la méthode phytosociologique de Braun Blanquet. Deux associations végétales en sont décrites: Feretio-Khayetum senegalensis et Celtido-Diospyroetum mespiliformis. Une alliance nouvelle et un ordre nouveau sont créés pour les regrouper. Il s’agit du Feretio-Khayion senegalensis et du Diospyro-Khayetalia senegalensis. Cet ordre rassemble les groupements vallicoles de la zone de transition soudano sahélienne et est considéré comme vicariante géographique du Pterygotetalia Lebrun et Gilbert 1954. Aussi, le Diospyro-Khayion senegalensis all. nov est consirédéré comme vicariante géographique du Khayo-Pterygotion Schmitz 1950 et du Psychotrio-Tecleion Schmitz 1971.

Herein is presented a list of the reptiles and anurans from the Parc National des Volcans (PNV) (01°43’ S, 29°52’ W), an area in the west and north provinces of the Republic of Rwanda in the Albertine Rift region of Africa. Fieldwork was conducted between two and six days per week from June through August 2007 and 2008. We also conducted literature searches of all historical expeditions within the park for species records. Seventeen species of reptiles and anurans are recorded from the PNV. Nine of the species were anurans, distributed in five families: Arthroleptidae (3), Bufonidae (1), Hyperoliidae (3), Phrynobatrachidae (1), and Pipidae (1). Eight species of reptiles were recorded from five families: Chamaeleonidae (1), Lacertidae (2), Scincidae (2), Colubridae (2), and Viperidae (1). Eight of the seventeen species found in the PNV are endemic to the Albertine Rift.

L'aire de répartition des glossines au Mali couvre environ 200 000 km2 au sud du parallèle 14 30' N et à l'ouest du méridien 4 30' O. Quatre espèces ont été signalées : deux riveraines (Glossina palpalis gambiensis et G. tachinoides) et deux de savane (G. morsitans submorsitans et G. longipalpis). G. morsitans submorsitans était répartie de manière plus ou moins continue le long des frontières avec la Côte d'Ivoire, la Guinée et le Sénégal jusqu'à la limite nord du parc national de la Boucle du Baoulé. A l'est de Bamako, la densité des populations était faible, apparemment discontinue dans les zones forestières. G. palpalis gambiensis était localisée le long de la rivière Bani, du fleuve Niger et de ses affluents, et des affluents du fleuve Sénégal (Baoulé, Bafing et Bagoé). G. tachinoides était répandue le long de la plupart des rivières et des grands cours d'eau de la partie sud-est du pays. Les prospections récentes n'ont pas revélé la présence de G. longipalpis au Mali. Après plusieurs années de sécheresse et/ou un défrichement intensif, une diminution relativement importante de l'aire de répartition des glossines dans le pays a été constatée.

The Madagascar fauna of the beetle family Hydraenidae is comprehensively revised, based on the study and databasing of 6,949 specimens. New collection records are provided for 11 previously described species, and 95 new species are described. Three new subgenera of Hydraena, viz. H. (Micromadraena), H. (Monomadraena), and H. (Dnahydnaedna) are described, and several new species groups of Hydraena are diagnosed. Two new genera in the tribe Madagastrini are described: Menomadraena and Trinomadraena. The Malagasy hydraenid fauna now comprises 106 species arrayed in the following nine genera: Aulacochthebius (2), Hydraena (65), Limnebius (10), Madagaster (8), Menomadraena (6), Ochthebius (1), Protozantaena (5), Sicilicula (8), and Trinomadraena (1). Lectotypes are designated for the following species: Aulacochthebius plicicollis (Fairmaire), 1898 (Ochthebius); Hydraena dilutipes Fairmaire, 1898; Hydraena impressicollis Fairmaire, 1898; Hydraena marginicollis Regimbart, 1903 (= Hydraena regimbarti Zaitzev 1908; nomen novum); and Ochthebius alluaudi Regimbart, 1903. Hydraena discicollis Fairmaire, 1898, is considered a nomen dubium: no type specimens were found, and the description appears to be that of a species of Aulacochthebius or Ochthebius, not Hydraena. High resolution digital images of lectotypes and holotypes of new species are presented (online versions in color). Male genitalia, representative antennae, maxillary palpi, and female terminal abdominal segments and spermathecae are illustrated. Geographic distributions of all species are mapped. Possible colonization and vicariance events are discussed at the tribal, generic and species group levels. The tribe Madagastrini, found only in Madagascar and southern India, is hygropetric, indicating that this microhabitat type has been continuously present in both Madagascar and India at least since the two separated, currently estimated to be 88 million years ago. Contrastingly, some lowland lentic species of other genera appear to be closely related to species in southern Africa, suggesting rather recent colonization events. New species of Aulacochthebius: A. perlaevis (Mahajanga, Boeny: Mahavavy Kinkony RS). New species of Hydraena (Micromadraena): H. breviceps (Fianarantsoa, 29 km SSW Ambositra, Ankazomivady); H. fortipes (Antsiranana, Forêt d' Antsahabe); H. genuvela (Antsiranana, Forêt de Binara); H. parvipalpis (Antananarivo, Réserve Spéciale d'Ambohitantely); H. rubridentata ((Mahajanga, Parc National de Namoroka); H. serripennis (Antsiranana, Forêt d' Antsahabe). New species of Hydraena (Monomadraena): H. acicula (Antsiranana, Antsaba, Galoko Mountains); H. ambohitantely (Antananarivo, Ambohitantely Spec. Res.); H. amplexa (Fianarantsoa, Andringitra NP); H. amplipunctata (Fianarantsoa, 7 km W Ranomafana); H. antsahabe (Antsiranana, Forêt d' Antsahabe); H. bergsteni (Antsiranana, Diana: Beraty); H. bisinuata (Toamasina, Tamatave 6.3 km S Ambanizona); H. bisinuloba (Toliara, Menabe: Kirindy RS.); H. bispica (Toamasina, Alaotra Mangoro: Analamazoatra SR); H. casacolumna (Fianarantsoa, Andringitra NP); H. compacta (Antananarivo, Ankaratra, Reserve Manjakatompo); H. contracolorata (Antsiranana, Montagne des Francais); H. epipleurata (Antsiranana, Forêt de Binara); H. furcula (Toliara, 40km N of Fort Dauphin, Managotry); H. gereckei (Antananarivo, Ankaratra, Reserve Manjakatompo); H. goldschmidti (Antananarivo, Anjozorobe, Ravoandrina); H. inseriata (Antananarivo, Anjozorobe, Ravoandrina); H. jubata (Antsiranana, Sava Marojejy NP); H. levifurcata (Fianarantsoa, Namarona River, 7 km SW Ranomafana); H. lubrica (Antananarivo, Ambohitantely Spec. Res.); H. mahavavona (Fianarantsoa, Ionilahy, Mahavavona); H. manjakatompo (Antananarivo, Ankaratra, Reserve Manjakatompo); H. marojejy (Antsiranana, Parc National de Marojejy); H. multiarcuata (Fianarantsoa, Ranomafana); H. oscillata (Toamasina, Alaotra Mangoro Andasibe-Mantadia NP); H. parvispinosa (Toamasina, Andasibe NP); H. pentarubra (Antsiranana, Montagne d'Ambre); H. quatriloba (Toliara, Andohahela NP, Tsimelahy); H. ranomafana (Fianarantsoa, Ranomafana); H. ravoandrina (Antananarivo, Anjozorobe, Ravoandrina); H. rubrifurcata (Antsiranana, Sava, Marojejy NP); H. sculponea (Antsiranana, Befingotra (9.2 km WSW), Res. Anjanaharibe-Sud); H. simplicata (Antsiranana, Montagne d'Ambre); H. tibiodentipes (Fianarantsoa, Andringitra NP); H. triaequalis (Fianarantsoa, Ranohira); H. tripartita (Fianarantsoa, Ranomena); H. upsilonica (Toamasina, Zahamena NP); New species of Hydraena (Hydraenopsis): H. andranomena (Toliara, Andranomena); H. arta (Antsiranana, Parc National de Marojejy); H. bucollis (Toamasina, Tamatave, Andranobe Field Station); H. clavulata (Fianarantsoa, Ranomafana); H. contorta (Antananarivo, Anjozorobe forest reserve); H. dilutipoides (Mahajanga, Parc National Tsingy de Bemaraha); H. divisa (Antsiranana, Antsaba,Galoko Mountains); H. elementaria (Antananarivo, Tamatave, Coastal lagoon); H. fulgidicollis (Antananarivo, Parc de Tsimbazaza); H. longiloba (Fianarantsoa, Madiorano); H. nanula (Antsiranana, Ankarana, Ampositelo); H. orchisa (Toamasina, Alaotra Mangoro Andasibe-Mantadia NP); H. pilobova (Antsiranana, Sava, Marojejy NP); H. pilotumida (Fianarantsoa, 7 km W Ranomafana); H. ranarilalatiani (Toamasina, Alaotra Mangoro: Analamazoatra SR); H. randriamihajai (Antsiranana, Diana: Montagne d'Ambre NP); H. renalisa (Antsiranana, Sambava: Marojejy NP); H. sinuatipes (Antsiranana, Ankarana); H. torquata (Fianarantsoa, Andringitra NP). New species of Limnebius: L. angulatus (Fianarantsoa, Namarona River, 7 km W Ranomafana); L. balkei (Antsiranana, Montagne d'Ambre); L. bergsteni (Fianarantsoa, Namarona River, 7 km W Ranomafana); L. clandestinus (Mahajanga, Boeny:Mahavavy Kinkony RSc); L. labratus (Toamasina, Maroantsetra); L. lacrimosus (Toamasina, 18.7911S 48.4259E Alaotra Mangoro Andasibe-Mantadia NP); L. lobatus (Toliara, Manakaravavy); L. maximadus (Toamasina, Alaotra Mangoro: Analamazoatra SR); L. nanostillus (Antsiranana, Ankarana); L. steineri (Fianarantsoa, 7 km W Ranomafana). New species of Madagaster: M. barbata (Fianarantsoa, Andringitra NP); M. bergsteni (Antananarivo, 18.8704S 47.6708E Analamanga); M. cataracta (Antsiranana, Sava, Marojejy NP); M. procarina (Fianarantsoa, 32 km S Ambositra); M. quadricurvipes (Fianarantsoa, Andringitra NP); M. simplissima (Fianarantsoa, 32 km S Ambositra). New species of Menomadraena: M. andringitra (Fianarantsoa, Res. Andringitra); M. concava (Fianarantsoa, R.S. Ivohibe); M. fisheri (Toliara, Enakara (11 km NW), Res. Andohahela); M. ivohibe (Fianarantsoa, R.S. Ivohibe); M. nitedula (Fianarantsoa, Res. Andringitra); M. sembella (Fianarantsoa, Amparihibe). New species of Protozantaena: P. duplicata (Antananarivo, Vakinankaratra: Manjakatompo Stn. Forestière); P. elongata (Antananarivo, Vakinankaratra: Manjakatompo Stn. Forestière). New species of Sicilicula: S. ampla (Antananarivo, Onive River near Ilempona); S. bergsteni (Fianarantsoa, 21.2263S 47.3694E, Matsiara Ambony, Ranomafana NP); S. conjugalis (Fianarantsoa, Namarona River, 7 km SW Ranomafana); S. cordicollis (Fianarantsoa, Namarona River, 7 km SW Ranomafana); S. hygropetrica (Fianarantsoa, Matsiara Ambony, Ranomafana NP); S. malagasica (Fianarantsoa, Abohimahasoa); S. sexplanata (Antsiranana, Mt. Tsaratanana). New species of Trinomadraena: T. clusa (Antsiranana, Mt. d’Ambre).

Although there is a pressing need for conservation in Africa and a push for such actions to be directed by the community, there is still much conflict both in academia and on the ground regarding the success and methods of community-based conservation. Employing key-informant interviews, focus group discussions and participant observation, we look at how one community has perceived the conservation actions in their village, Boumba, Niger, and the neighbouring national park, Park-W. This study examines local perceptions of the goals, priorities and methods of conservation in Park-W and the Boumba region. We demonstrate that while participants expressed positive alignment with perceived conservation goals, they did not agree with conservation priorities and felt strongly against the methods. Reframing conservation discourse in the terms of sustainable-use or adaptive management may serve to help translate much of the conservation ethic to local realities. We argue that for local conservation to be culturally sustainable, programmers of conservation must engage the community on their own terms, and recognize the value of local perceptions.

Natural colorants have been used in several ways throughout human history, such as in food, dyes, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and many other products. The study aimed to isolate the natural colorant-producing filamentous fungi Aspergillus niger from soil and extract pigments for its potential use specially for food production. Fourteen soil samples were collected from Madhupur National Park at Madhupur Upazila in the Mymensingh district, Bangladesh. The Aspergillus niger was isolated and identified from the soil samples by following conventional mycological methods (cultural and morphological characteristics), followed by confirmatory identification by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of conserved sequences of ITS1 ribosomal DNA using specific oligonucleotide primers. This was followed by genus- and species-specific primers targeting Aspergillus niger with an amplicon size of 521 and 310 bp, respectively. For pigment production, a mass culture of Aspergillus niger was conducted in Sabouraud dextrose broth in shaking conditions for seven days. The biomass was subjected to extraction of the pigments following an ethanol-based extraction method and concentrated using a rotary evaporator. Aspergillus niger could be isolated from three samples. The yield of extracted brown pigment from Aspergillus niger was 0.75% (w/v). Spectroscopic analysis of the pigments was carried out using a UV–VIS spectrophotometer. An in vivo experiment was conducted with mice to assess the toxicity of the pigments. From the colorimetric and sensory evaluations, pigment-supplemented products (cookies and lemon juice) were found to be more acceptable than the control products. This could be the first attempt to use Aspergillus niger extracted pigment from soil samples in food products in Bangladesh, but for successful food production, the food colorants must be approved by a responsible authority, e.g., the FDA or the BSTI. Moreover, fungal pigments could be used in the emerging fields of the food and textile industries in Bangladesh.

Multiple collections of a new member of the Entolomataceae were found in W National Park of Niger during a survey of macrofungi. This new species with a dark reddish brown scaly pileus surface and a yellow stipe belongs in the genus Rhodophana of the Rhodocybe-Clitopilus clade in the Entolomataceae. Using a three-gene analysis of the phylogenetic position of Rhodophana flavipes it is most closely related to the recently described Rhodophana squamulosa from India and is a sister taxon to Rhodophana nitellina and R. melleopallens. Micromorphological examination of the type of Rhodocybe fibulata, another African species with a scaly cap, confirms that it belongs in Rhodophana, thus a new combination Rhodophana fibulata is proposed.

We used a high-resolution lacustrine pollen record from Étang Fer-de-Lance (45°21′21.9′N, 72°13′35.3′W), southeastern Québec, Canada, together with microcharcoal, to infer forest dynamics and human impacts over the past 2300 years. The lake is located in the eastern sugar maple-basswood forest domain of the Northern Temperate Forest of eastern North America. We found that the pollen percentages and influxes of Fagus grandifolia (American beech) and Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock) significantly declined over the past 700 years. Over the last millennium, the pollen percentages and influxes of the Picea species ( P. glauca, P. mariana, P. rubens) (white, black, and red spruce), and Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) significantly increased. We showed that these shifts in forest composition are being driven by changes in regional climate. In addition to the pollen percentage changes, the Medieval Climate Anomaly (AD 800–1300) appeared as increased pollen influxes and the Dark Ages Cold Period (AD 400–700) and Little Ice Age (AD 1400–1800) appeared as decreased pollen influxes. The signal for human modification of the landscape first appeared at ~AD 1550–1650 as increases in Ambrosia (ragweed) and Poaceae (grasses) from possible Indigenous agriculture. The signal of European settler landscape modification appeared at ~AD 1770 as the beginning of a steep, “classic” Ambrosia rise. It intensified over the subsequent 250 years as further increases in non-arboreal pollen taxa and early successional Acer (maple) species. Microcharcoal analysis showed that fire was a re-occurring event in the sugar maple-basswood domain, but had little impact on forest composition.

The Biosphere Reserve of Pendjari is an example of best management practice of protected areas in West Africa with typical Sudanian savanna vegetation. It is part of the vast and transboundary protected areas of W, Pendjari and Arly National Parks of Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger. This work provides an overview of the flora of the reserve by means of a thorough botanical inventory. The plant species composition is typical of Sudanian savanna. We recorded 684 plant species, which were distributed among 366 genera and 89 families. The two most species-rich families were Fabaceae (115) and Poaceae (112). The most important life forms were phanerophytes and therophytes. The chorological spectrum was dominated by Sudanian species. With Ipomoea beninensis Akoègninou, Lisowski and Sinsin, Thunbergia atacorensis Akoègninou and Lisowski and Cissus kouandeensis A.Chev., three endemic species of Benin were recorded, demonstrating the importance of the reserve for plant conservation.

New lateral flow tests for the diagnosis of Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) (serogroups A, C, W, X, and Y), MeningoSpeed, and Streptococcus pneumoniae (Sp), PneumoSpeed, developed to support rapid outbreak detection in Africa, have shown good performance under laboratory conditions. We conducted an independent evaluation of both tests under field conditions in Burkina Faso and Niger, in 2018–2019. The tests were performed in the cerebrospinal fluid of suspected meningitis cases from health centers in alert districts and compared to reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction tests performed at national reference laboratories (NRLs). Health staff were interviewed about feasibility. A total of 327 cases were tested at the NRLs, with 26% confirmed Nm (NmC 63% and NmX 37%) and 8% Sp. Sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, 95% (95% CI: 89–99) and 90% (95% CI: 86–94) for Nm and 92% (95% CI: 75–99) and 99% (95% CI: 97–100) for Sp. Positive and negative predictive values were, respectively, 77% (95% CI: 68–85) and 98% (95% CI: 95–100) for Nm and 86% (95% CI: 67–96) and 99% (95% CI: 98–100) for Sp. Concordance showed 82% agreement for Nm and 97% for Sp. Interviewed staff evaluated the tests as easy to use and to interpret and were confident in their readings. Results suggest overall good performance of both tests and potential usefulness in meningitis outbreak detection.

The hydraenid genera Parhydraena Orchymont, 1937, Decarthrocerus Orchymont, 1948, Protozantaena Perkins, 1997, and Parhydraenopsis nomen novum are comprehensively revised, based on the study and databasing of 13,323 specimens. Decarthrocerus Orchymont is considered a valid genus, not a subgenus of Parhydraena. A new generic name, Parhydraenopsis nomen novum, is provided to replace Pseudhydraena Orchymont, 1947 (a junior homonym of Pseudhydraena Acloque, 1896). The genera are redescribed, and new species are described in Parhydraena (14), Protozantaena (4), Parhydraenopsis (2), and Decarthrocerus (3). Redescriptions are provided for Parhydraena brevipalpis (Régimbart), P. lancicula Perkins & Balfour-Browne, P. seriata Balfour-Browne, Protozantaena labrata Perkins, Parhydraenopsis cooperi (Orchymont), and Decarthrocerus jeanneli Orchymont. Selected morphological features of Pneuminion Perkins, and members of the tribe Hydraenidini, Hydraenida Germain and Parhydraenida Balfour-Browne, are illustrated and compared with those of members of Parhydraenini. Keys to the genera of Parhydraenini and keys to the species of the genera revised herein are given. Male genitalia, representative spermathecae, antennae, and elytra are illustrated. Scanning electron micrographs of external morphological characters are presented. High resolution digital images of the primary types of all species (except the holotypes of three species, which could not be found) are presented (online version in color), and geographical distributions are mapped. The tribe Parhydraenini has both fully aquatic and humicolous adapted species, and shows notable diversity in the lengths of the maxillary palpi and legs, reflecting the microhabitat type. Humicolous species have relatively short maxillary palpi and tarsi, and often have a specialized body form, as in the very differently shaped members of Discozantaena and Decarthrocerus. Parhydraena has both aquatic and humicolous species, the latter being broad-shouldered species with very short maxillary palpi and tarsi. Protozantaena has one aquatic species, the four other species in the genus being collected by sifting litter in humicolous microhabitats. Species of Decarthrocerus have only been collected by sifting litter; many of the specimens are from bamboo forests. As far as is known, members of Parhydraenopsis are fully aquatic, or found in wet streamside mosses. The following new species are described (type locality in South Africa unless otherwise given): Parhydraena ancylis (Western Cape Province, Heuningnes River), P. asperita (Western Cape Province, Knysna, Diepwalle), P. brahma (Mpumalanga Province, Uitsoek), P. brunovacca (Eastern Cape Province, Umtata, Nquadu Mt.), P. divisa (Sudan, Gilo), P. sebastiani (KwaZulu-Natal Province, Cathedral Peak), P. maculicollis (KwaZulu-Natal Province, Polela River, Himeville), P. maureenae (Western Cape Province, W. Wiedouw farm), P. mpumalanga (Mpumalanga Province, Fanie Botha Trail, Maritzbos Hut area, SW Sabie), P. namaqua (Western Cape Province, Van Rhyns Pass), P. ora (Western Cape Province, Cape Town), P. parva (Western Cape Province, George, Saasveld, Kaaimans River), P. semicostata (Mpumalanga Province, Soutpansberg, Entabeni), P. toro (Western Cape Province, Kirstenbosch, Table Mountain), Protozantaena ankaratra (Madagascar, Antananarivo, Ankaratra, Reserve Manjakatompo, M. Arirana, SE drainage River Ambodimangavo), P. grebennikovi (Tanzania, W. Usambara Mts., Lushoto district, Grant’s Lodge, Mkuzu river, 3–4 km upstream of Kifungilo), P. malagasica (Madagascar, Antsiranana, Parc National Montagne d’Ambre), P. palpalis (Madagascar, Antananarivo, Anjozorobe, Ravoandrina, left affluent of River Ampanakamonty), Parhydraenopsis alta (Ethiopia, Wolamo Province, Mt. Damota), P. simiensis (Ethiopia, Simien Mountains National Park, Jinbar Wenz), Decarthrocerus bambusicus (Democratic Republic of Congo, P. N. Virunga, Volcan Sabinyo, Chanya W., W. Sabinyo), D. mahalicus (Tanzania, Mahali Peninsula, Kungure), D. mbizi (Tanzania, Mt. Mbizi, 12 mi. NE Sumbawanga).

The aim of the study was to evaluated the effect of giving water hyacinth and fish oil in quail diet on the performance, egg cholesterol and egg fatty acid profile. This study used 200 unsex day old quail divided into 5 treatments and 4 replications that were reared 5 weeks and then selected male or female. The results of sexing quail at week 5 were 95 females and 86 males. Growth period diets (0-5 weeks) contains 24% crude protein and metabolic energy of 2900 kcal kg-1 and production period diets (5-12 weeks) contains 22% crude protein and 2900 kcal kg-1. The experimental design used a completely randomized design with the treatment of using water hyacinth that was 0%,1%, 2%, 3 % and 4% with fish oil which was 0%, 4%, 5%, 6% and 7% in quail diet. The variables measured were quail performance (0-5 week age and 5-12 week age), egg cholesterol, and egg fatty acid profile. The results showed that using of water hyacinth meal 1% -4% and fish oil 4%-5% in the diet of the growth period resulted in higher feed consumption and body weight gain than diet without water hyacinth and fish oil but feed conversion rasio were same. Quail performance of the production period was not affected by all treatments. Unsaturated fatty acids tend to increased in quail eggs. The lowest cholesterol level of quail eggs was by giving 2% of water hyacinth meal and 5% of fish oil in the diet. It was concluded that water hyacinth can be used as local feed ingredients in quail diet until 4%. Key words: Coturnix coturnix japonica, egg cholesterol, egg fatty acid profile, performance, production DAFTAR PUSTAKA Aboul-Enein AM, Al-Abd A, Shalaby EA, Abul-Ela F, Nasr-Allah AA & Mahmoud AM. 2011. Eichornia crassipes (MarT) solm. Plant Signal Behaviour. 6(6): 834-836 Afrose S, Hossain MS & Tsuji H. 2010. Effect of dietary karaya saponin on serum and egg yolk cholesterol in laying hens. British Poultry Science. 51 (6) : 797-804 Adeyemi OA, Adekoya JA & Abayomi R. 2012. Performance of broiler chickens fed diets containing cassave leaf: blood meal mix as replacement for soybean meal. Revista Cientifica UDO Agricola. 12 (1): 212-219 Aziz Z, Cyriac S, Beena V & Philomina PT. 2012.Comparison of cholesterol content in chicken, duck and quail eggs. Journal Veterinary Animal Science. 43: 64-66 Bragagnolo N & Rodriguez-Amaya DB. 2003. Comparison of the cholesterol content of Brazilian chicken and quail eggs. Journal of food Composition and Analysis. 16(2): 147-153 Chimote MJ, Barmase BS, Raut AS, Dhok AP & Kuralkar SV.2009. Effect of supplementation of probiotic and enzymes on performance of Japanese quails. Veterinary World. 2 (6): 219-220 Damongilala LJ. 2008. Kandungan asam lemak tak jenuh minyak hati ikan cucut botol (Cenctrophorus sp) yang diekstraksi dengan cara pemanasan. Jurnal Ilmiah Sains. 8(2): 249-253 Grigorova S, Nikolova M, Penkov D & Gerzilov V. 2014. Egg yolk lipid change in Japanese given Tribulus terrestris extract. Bulgarian Journal of Agricultural Science. 20 (6) : 1472-1476 Guclu BK, Uyanik F & Iscan KM. 2008. Effect of dietary oil sources on egg quality, fatty acid composition of eggs and blood lipids in laying quail. South American Journal of Animal Science. 38 (2): 91-100 Hartoyo B, Irawan I & Iriyanti N. 2005. Pengaruh asam lemak dan kadar serat kasar yang berbeda dalam ransum broiler terhadap kandungan kolesterol, HDL dan LDL serum darah. Animal Production. 7(1):27-33. Hemid, AEA, El-Gawad AAH, El-Wardany I, El-Daly EF & El-Azeem NAA. 2010. Alleviating effect of some environmental stress factors on productive performance in Japanese quail 2.Laying performance. World Journal of Agricultural Science. 6(5): 517-524 Hilmi M, Sumiati & Astuti DA.2015. Egg production and physical quality in Coturnix coturnix japonica fed diet containing piperine as phytogenic feed additive. Media Peternakan. 38(3): 150-155 Kamely M, Torshizi MAK & Khosravinia H. 2016. Omega 3 enrichment of quail eggs: age, fish oil, and savory essensial oil. Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology. 18 (2): 347-359 Khairani, Sumiati & Wiryawan KG. 2016. Egg production and quality of quails fed diets with varying levels of methionine and choline chloride. Media Peternakan. 39 (1): 34-39 Kurniawan M, Izzati M & Nurchayati Y. 2010. Kandungan klorofil, karotenoid, dan vitamin C pada beberapa spesies tumbuhan akuatik. Buletin Anatomi dan Fisiologi. 18(1):28-40 Leeson S & Summers JD. 2005. Commercial Poultry Nutrition. Third Edition. Canada (CA): Nottingham University Pr. LiYX, Wang YQ, Pang YZ, Li JX, Xie XH, Guo TJ & Li WQ. 2011. The effect of crude protein level in diets on laying performance, nutrien digestibility of yellow quails. International Journal of Poultry Science. 10(2): 110-112 Malik AA, Aremu A, Ayanwale BA & Ijaiya. AT 2016. A Nutritional evaluation of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes. Martius Solms-laubach) meal diets supplemented with Maxigrain* Enzyme for growing pulllets. Journal of Raw Material Research Nigeria. 10(2): 18-44 Mahmood M, Sial AR, Saima, Akram M, Pasha TN & Jabbar MA. 2014. Effect of dietary energy levels on growth performance and feed cost analysis in Japanese quail. Pakistan Journal of Zoology. 45(5): 1357-1362 Mangisah I, Tristiarti, Murningsih W, Nasoetion MH, Jayanti ES & Astuti Y. 2006. Kecernaan nutrien eceng gondok yang difermentasi dengan Aspergillus niger pada ayam broiler. Journal of Indonesian Tropical Animal Agricultural. 31 (2): 124-128 Maulana IT, Sukraso & Damayanti S. 2014 .Kandungan asam lemak dalam minyak ikan Indonesia. Jurnal Ilmu dan Teknologi Kelautan Tropis. 6(1): 121-130 Metwally AA, El-Gellal AM & El-Sawaisi SM. 2009). Effect of silymarin on lipid metabolism in rat. World Applied Sciences Journal. 6 (12): 1634-1637 Mona MH, Morsy AS & Hasan AM. 2013. Egg yolk cholesterol and productive performance of laying hens influenced by dietary crude fiber levels under drinking natural salin water. Journal of Animal and Poultry Production. 4(3): 161-176 Muhammad M, Peter S, James G & Wosilat A. 2015. Growth performance of growing quails (Coturnix japonica) fed graded levels of Neem. International Journal of Applied Research. 1(2): 04-07 NRC.1994. Nutrient Requirement of Poultry. 9th Edition. Wahington D.C (US): National Academy Odo BI & Nnadi AE. 2014. Growth response of quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) to varying levels of cassava (Manihot esculenta) tuber meal as a replacement for maize (Zea mays). American Journal of Experimental Agricultural. 4(12): 1898-1903 Riswandi. 2014. Kualitas silase eceng gondok (Eichhornia crassipes) dengan penambahan dedak halus dan ubi kayu. Jurnal Peternakan Sriwijaya. 3(1): 1-6 Rusmana,D. 2007. Pengaruh substitusi minyak sawit oleh minyak ikan lemuru dan suplementasi vitamin E dalam ransum ayam broiler terhadap performans. Jurnal Ilmu Ternak. 7(2): 101-106 Saha S. & Ray AK. 2011. Evaluation of nutritive value of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) leaf meal in compound diets for rohu Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) fingerlings after fermentation with two bacterial strains isolated from fish gut. Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science. 11: 199-207 Sastrodihardjo S, Suci DM & Cahyanto MN. 1998. Penggunaan Minyak Ikan Lemuru dan Minyak Kelapa Sawit dalam ransum terhadap Kandungan Asam lemak Omega 3 dan Omega 6 dalam Kuning Telur Ayam. Bogor (ID): Seminar Nasional Peternakan dan Veteriner. Penelitian dan Pengembangan Pertanian Savory CJ & Gentle MJ. 1976. Changes in food intake and gut size in Japanese quail in response to manipulation of dietary fibre content. British Poultry Science. 17(6): 571-580 Sotolu AO & Sule SO. 2011. Digestibility and performance of water hyacinth meal in the diets of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus BURCHELL, 1822). Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystem. 14: 245-250 Sim JS, Kitts WD & Bragg DB. 1984. Effect of dietary saponin on egg cholesterol level and laying hen performance. Canadian Journal of Animal Science. 64: 97-98 Tyagi T & Agarwal M. 2017. Antioxidant properties and phenolic compound in methanolic extracts of Eichornia crassipes. Reserarch journal of Phytochemistry. 11(2): 85-89. Tolik D, Polawska E, Charuta A, Nowaczewski S & Cooper R. 2014.Characteristics of egg parts, chemical composition and nutritive value of Japanese quail eggs-a review. Folia Biological (Krakow). 62 (4): 287-292 Tunsaringkarn T, Tungjaroenchai W & Siriwong W. 2013. Nutrient benefits of quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) eggs. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications. 3(5): 1-8

The aim of the study was to evaluated the effect of giving water hyacinth and fish oil in quail diet on the performance, egg cholesterol and egg fatty acid profile. This study used 200 unsex day old quail divided into 5 treatments and 4 replications that were reared 5 weeks and then selected male or female. The results of sexing quail at week 5 were 95 females and 86 males. Growth period diets (0-5 weeks) contains 24% crude protein and metabolic energy of 2900 kcal kg-1 and production period diets (5-12 weeks) contains 22% crude protein and 2900 kcal kg-1. The experimental design used a completely randomized design with the treatment of using water hyacinth that was 0%,1%, 2%, 3 % and 4% with fish oil which was 0%, 4%, 5%, 6% and 7% in quail diet. The variables measured were quail performance (0-5 week age and 5-12 week age), egg cholesterol, and egg fatty acid profile. The results showed that using of water hyacinth meal 1% -4% and fish oil 4%-5% in the diet of the growth period resulted in higher feed consumption and body weight gain than diet without water hyacinth and fish oil but feed conversion rasio were same. Quail performance of the production period was not affected by all treatments. Unsaturated fatty acids tend to increased in quail eggs. The lowest cholesterol level of quail eggs was by giving 2% of water hyacinth meal and 5% of fish oil in the diet. It was concluded that water hyacinth can be used as local feed ingredients in quail diet until 4%. Key words: Coturnix coturnix japonica, egg cholesterol, egg fatty acid profile, performance, production DAFTAR PUSTAKA Aboul-Enein AM, Al-Abd A, Shalaby EA, Abul-Ela F, Nasr-Allah AA & Mahmoud AM. 2011. Eichornia crassipes (MarT) solm. Plant Signal Behaviour. 6(6): 834-836 Afrose S, Hossain MS & Tsuji H. 2010. Effect of dietary karaya saponin on serum and egg yolk cholesterol in laying hens. British Poultry Science. 51 (6) : 797-804 Adeyemi OA, Adekoya JA & Abayomi R. 2012. Performance of broiler chickens fed diets containing cassave leaf: blood meal mix as replacement for soybean meal. Revista Cientifica UDO Agricola. 12 (1): 212-219 Aziz Z, Cyriac S, Beena V & Philomina PT. 2012.Comparison of cholesterol content in chicken, duck and quail eggs. Journal Veterinary Animal Science. 43: 64-66 Bragagnolo N & Rodriguez-Amaya DB. 2003. Comparison of the cholesterol content of Brazilian chicken and quail eggs. Journal of food Composition and Analysis. 16(2): 147-153 Chimote MJ, Barmase BS, Raut AS, Dhok AP & Kuralkar SV.2009. Effect of supplementation of probiotic and enzymes on performance of Japanese quails. Veterinary World. 2 (6): 219-220 Damongilala LJ. 2008. Kandungan asam lemak tak jenuh minyak hati ikan cucut botol (Cenctrophorus sp) yang diekstraksi dengan cara pemanasan. Jurnal Ilmiah Sains. 8(2): 249-253 Grigorova S, Nikolova M, Penkov D & Gerzilov V. 2014. Egg yolk lipid change in Japanese given Tribulus terrestris extract. Bulgarian Journal of Agricultural Science. 20 (6) : 1472-1476 Guclu BK, Uyanik F & Iscan KM. 2008. Effect of dietary oil sources on egg quality, fatty acid composition of eggs and blood lipids in laying quail. South American Journal of Animal Science. 38 (2): 91-100 Hartoyo B, Irawan I & Iriyanti N. 2005. Pengaruh asam lemak dan kadar serat kasar yang berbeda dalam ransum broiler terhadap kandungan kolesterol, HDL dan LDL serum darah. Animal Production. 7(1):27-33. Hemid, AEA, El-Gawad AAH, El-Wardany I, El-Daly EF & El-Azeem NAA. 2010. Alleviating effect of some environmental stress factors on productive performance in Japanese quail 2.Laying performance. World Journal of Agricultural Science. 6(5): 517-524 Hilmi M, Sumiati & Astuti DA.2015. Egg production and physical quality in Coturnix coturnix japonica fed diet containing piperine as phytogenic feed additive. Media Peternakan. 38(3): 150-155 Kamely M, Torshizi MAK & Khosravinia H. 2016. Omega 3 enrichment of quail eggs: age, fish oil, and savory essensial oil. Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology. 18 (2): 347-359 Khairani, Sumiati & Wiryawan KG. 2016. Egg production and quality of quails fed diets with varying levels of methionine and choline chloride. Media Peternakan. 39 (1): 34-39 Kurniawan M, Izzati M & Nurchayati Y. 2010. Kandungan klorofil, karotenoid, dan vitamin C pada beberapa spesies tumbuhan akuatik. Buletin Anatomi dan Fisiologi. 18(1):28-40 Leeson S & Summers JD. 2005. Commercial Poultry Nutrition. Third Edition. Canada (CA): Nottingham University Pr. LiYX, Wang YQ, Pang YZ, Li JX, Xie XH, Guo TJ & Li WQ. 2011. The effect of crude protein level in diets on laying performance, nutrien digestibility of yellow quails. International Journal of Poultry Science. 10(2): 110-112 Malik AA, Aremu A, Ayanwale BA & Ijaiya. AT 2016. A Nutritional evaluation of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes. Martius Solms-laubach) meal diets supplemented with Maxigrain* Enzyme for growing pulllets. Journal of Raw Material Research Nigeria. 10(2): 18-44 Mahmood M, Sial AR, Saima, Akram M, Pasha TN & Jabbar MA. 2014. Effect of dietary energy levels on growth performance and feed cost analysis in Japanese quail. Pakistan Journal of Zoology. 45(5): 1357-1362 Mangisah I, Tristiarti, Murningsih W, Nasoetion MH, Jayanti ES & Astuti Y. 2006. Kecernaan nutrien eceng gondok yang difermentasi dengan Aspergillus niger pada ayam broiler. Journal of Indonesian Tropical Animal Agricultural. 31 (2): 124-128 Maulana IT, Sukraso & Damayanti S. 2014 .Kandungan asam lemak dalam minyak ikan Indonesia. Jurnal Ilmu dan Teknologi Kelautan Tropis. 6(1): 121-130 Metwally AA, El-Gellal AM & El-Sawaisi SM. 2009). Effect of silymarin on lipid metabolism in rat. World Applied Sciences Journal. 6 (12): 1634-1637 Mona MH, Morsy AS & Hasan AM. 2013. Egg yolk cholesterol and productive performance of laying hens influenced by dietary crude fiber levels under drinking natural salin water. Journal of Animal and Poultry Production. 4(3): 161-176 Muhammad M, Peter S, James G & Wosilat A. 2015. Growth performance of growing quails (Coturnix japonica) fed graded levels of Neem. International Journal of Applied Research. 1(2): 04-07 NRC.1994. Nutrient Requirement of Poultry. 9th Edition. Wahington D.C (US): National Academy Odo BI & Nnadi AE. 2014. Growth response of quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) to varying levels of cassava (Manihot esculenta) tuber meal as a replacement for maize (Zea mays). American Journal of Experimental Agricultural. 4(12): 1898-1903 Riswandi. 2014. Kualitas silase eceng gondok (Eichhornia crassipes) dengan penambahan dedak halus dan ubi kayu. Jurnal Peternakan Sriwijaya. 3(1): 1-6 Rusmana,D. 2007. Pengaruh substitusi minyak sawit oleh minyak ikan lemuru dan suplementasi vitamin E dalam ransum ayam broiler terhadap performans. Jurnal Ilmu Ternak. 7(2): 101-106 Saha S. & Ray AK. 2011. Evaluation of nutritive value of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) leaf meal in compound diets for rohu Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) fingerlings after fermentation with two bacterial strains isolated from fish gut. Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science. 11: 199-207 Sastrodihardjo S, Suci DM & Cahyanto MN. 1998. Penggunaan Minyak Ikan Lemuru dan Minyak Kelapa Sawit dalam ransum terhadap Kandungan Asam lemak Omega 3 dan Omega 6 dalam Kuning Telur Ayam. Bogor (ID): Seminar Nasional Peternakan dan Veteriner. Penelitian dan Pengembangan Pertanian Savory CJ & Gentle MJ. 1976. Changes in food intake and gut size in Japanese quail in response to manipulation of dietary fibre content. British Poultry Science. 17(6): 571-580 Sotolu AO & Sule SO. 2011. Digestibility and performance of water hyacinth meal in the diets of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus BURCHELL, 1822). Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystem. 14: 245-250 Sim JS, Kitts WD & Bragg DB. 1984. Effect of dietary saponin on egg cholesterol level and laying hen performance. Canadian Journal of Animal Science. 64: 97-98 Tyagi T & Agarwal M. 2017. Antioxidant properties and phenolic compound in methanolic extracts of Eichornia crassipes. Reserarch journal of Phytochemistry. 11(2): 85-89. Tolik D, Polawska E, Charuta A, Nowaczewski S & Cooper R. 2014.Characteristics of egg parts, chemical composition and nutritive value of Japanese quail eggs-a review. Folia Biological (Krakow). 62 (4): 287-292 Tunsaringkarn T, Tungjaroenchai W & Siriwong W. 2013. Nutrient benefits of quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) eggs. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications. 3(5): 1-8

Tulip (Tulipa gesneriana L.) is an important and highly valuable flower of the cut flower industry. The most critical step in its cultivation is to break dormancy in order to initiate the growth, especially in tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world. Therefore, the current research was conducted to break bulb dormancy and foster the growth of tulip in Potohar region with the help of different primers. The objective of this study was the selection of best primer at appropriate concentration level to enhance growth, yield and vase life of the flower. Tulip bulbs were treated with different primers: T0 (distilled water), T1 (chitosan @ 5 g/L), T2 (gibberellic acid @ 0.15 g/L), T3 (humic acid 160 g/L), T4 (imidacloprid 19 g/L) and T5 (salicylic acid 0.1 g/L) for 24 hours, respectively. The experiment was laid out using Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Statistical results revealed that characteristics including early germination, plant height, number of leaves, stalk length, fresh and dry weight of flower, weight of bulbs, diameter of bulbs and number of daughter bulbs were significantly increased in T2. Whereas, leaf area, diameter of stem and flower was maximum in T0. Plants under T3 showed an increase in chlorophyll content of leaves. While floral characteristics like early formation and opening of flower bud, more number of flowers and vase life were improved in T1. Thus, statistical results showed that priming can effectively help to improve morpho-physiological attributes of tulip.Key wordTulip, primers, dormancy, chitosan, gibberellic acid, humic acid, imidacloprid, salicylic acid.INTRODUCTIONTulip (Tulips gesneriana L.) is the most popular and lucrative spring blooming bulbous plant of Liliacae family. It is famous for its distinctive flower shape; size and vibrant color range that make it stand out aesthetically among other ornamental flowers. There are about 150 to 160 species of tulip that can be grown in gardens. In addition to this, they are also used as cut flowers. In cut flower industry, it is ranked as 3rd most desirable flower after rose and chrysanthemum (Singh, 2006; Ahmad et al., 2014). This flower holds a significant importance on societal events like Valentine’s Day, Easter, New Year and Mother’s Day. Along with ornamental uses, its bulb can be used for cooking purposes in place of onions and petals can be used to treat rough skin. As a result of its immense beauty and multiple uses, it is day by day becoming more eminent and favorite among people globally (Buschman, 2004; Jhon and Neelofar, 2006). The demand for cut flowers in Pakistan is also gaining popularity. In Pakistan, where floriculture industry is still struggling to make its way towards development, the annual production of cut flowers is estimated to be 10,000 to 12,000 tons per annum (Younis et al., 2009). Main cut flower crops produced includes: rose, carnation, gerbera, statice, tuberose, narcissus, gladiolus, freesia and lilies (Ahsan et al., 2012). Despite of tulip’s high demand, it is not among the few cut flowers that are produced at commercial level in Pakistan. However, some of the wild species of tulip (Tulipa stellate) are found in the country, as they wildly grow in West and North West Himalayan region of the world. (Nasir et al., 1987). This perennial plant needs several weeks of low temperature (temperature < 50C) to break its dormancy for producing beautiful flowers, as a result, its cultivation is restricted to temperate areas (Koksal et al., 2011). It is widely grown in areas with 5-100C night and 17-200C day temperature throughout the growing season (Singh, 2006). Although, it has high demand worldwide but there are only 15 tulips producing countries in the world. Among few tulip producing countries, Netherlands tops the list due to her favorable climatic conditions. The total production area of tulips in Netherlands is 10,800 hectares that contributes 60% of the world’s total production. The reason behind its limited production in the world is the inability of tulip bulbs to break dormancy under unfavorable climatic conditions. Dormancy is a state in which flower bulbs do not show any physical growth due to physical and physiological barriers. Therefore, dormancy breaking is the utmost important step while growing tulips anywhere in the world (De Klerk et al., 1992). Thus, aforementioned restrictions and sensitivity of crop towards its growth requirements has also affected its production in Pakistan. Its cultivation is restricted to Murree, Abottabad and Swat only. Some other parts of the country, including the Potohar region have great potential to grow tulip by putting in a little effort to cope with the challenge of dormancy breaking due to relatively high temperature. The winter period in Potohar region is from November to March. Moreover, December, January and February are the coldest months with a mean annual temperature between 100C to 150C. As a result, the time of planting is very critical for dormancy breaking and fast growth in such areas, as late planting would cause an abortion of flowers due to a raised field temperature at the time of flowering. In order to grow tulips in areas with mild winters different techniques are adopted that includes: pre- chilling, seed priming and protected cultivation method to achieve early growth and high yield of flowers before the temperature rises. Out of all additional efforts, seed priming can be an effective method for growing tulips in open fields because it promotes early growth and good yield (Anjum et al., 2010; Benschop et al., 2010; Kumar et al., 2013; Ramzan et al., 2014; Sarfaraz et al., 2014; Khan, 2019). Seed priming is a method of soaking seeds in solution with high osmotic potential which provides optimum level of hydration and aggravates the germination process, but don’t show the radical emergence by prolonging the lag phase. Lag phase makes the seed metabolically active and helps to convert the stored food reserves into the available form to be used during germination (Taylor et al., 1998; Reid et al., 2011; Nawaz et al., 2013). Application of different chemicals as primmer including salts (chitosan), growth regulator (gibberellic acid), plant hormone (salicylic acid), organic compounds (humic acid) and insecticides (imidacloprid) can result in a reduced forcing period, enhanced growth, early flowering and high flower yield. Therefore, careful selection of variety and use of priming as dormancy breaking technique is the essential step of Tulip cultivation in the Potohar area (Horii et al., 2007; Shakarami et al., 2013; Nakasha et al., 2014; Baldotto et al., 2016).OBJECTIVES Keeping in view that tulip is an excellent cut flower and its demand is increasing globally, present study was designed to analyze and study the effects of best concentration of different primers on early growth (vegetative and reproductive), yield and vase life of tulip in the Potohar region of Northern Punjab, Pakistan. MATERIALS AND METHODSExperimental site and planting material: The experiment on Tulipa gesneriana L. was conducted at the experimental area, Department of Horticulture, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi with longitude 73.070 E and latitude 33.60 N, during the year 2017-2018. Tulipa gesneriana L. was established through bulbs. Tulip bulbs were purchased from reliable sources and were planted by the end of November in pots after priming treatment in open field conditions.Maintenance practice: Regular watering and fortnightly fertilizer application of NPK (Grow more (17:17:17) @ 10g/m2 was done to maintain plant health.Priming treatments: Tulip bulbs were treated with different primers including: T0 (distilled water), T1 (chitosan @ 5 g/L), T2 (gibberellic acid @ 0.15 g/L), T3 (humic acid 160 g/L), T4 (Imidacloprid 19 g/L) and T5 (salicylic acid 0.1 g/L) for 24 hours, respectively.Parameters: Both vegetative and reproductive parameters were analyzed to determine the efficacy of primers including days to sprouting of bulbs (days), plant height (cm), leaf area (cm2), number of leaves, diameter of flower stem (mm), days to flower bud formation (days), days to flower opening stage (days), diameter of flower (mm), number of flowers per plant, stalk length (cm), fresh weight of flower (g), dry weight of flower (g), diameter of bulbs (mm), weight of bulbs (g), number of daughter bulbs per plant and vase life (days).Statistical analysis: Experiment was laid out randomly using Complete Randomized Design (CRD).The collected data was analyzed through appropriate statistical package i.e. MSTAT-C. Statistical significance was compared with LSD test at 5% level of significance (Steel et al., 1997).RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONEffect of priming on vegetative growth attributes: Results were exhibiting significant difference among vegetative growth attributes of the treated plants (table 1). The 0.15 g/L of gibberellic acid treated plants showed early sprouting (25 days) and maximum increase in plant height (33cm), number of leaves (6), stalk length (29.05cm) and diameter of flower stem (9.66mm), followed by 5 g/L of chitosan, 160g/L of humic acid and 19 g/L of Imidacloprid, respectively. Minimum plant height (15.6cm), number of leaves (4), stalk length (12.33cm) diameter of flower stem (6.04mm) and delayed bulb sprouting (31 days) was observed in 0.1 g/L of salicylic acid. Improvement in vegetative characteristics shown by T2 plants revealed that gibberellic acid helped in dormancy breaking, cell division and elongation in actively growing plant parts (Kumar et al., 2013). As further result confirmed that the maximum leaf area (39.07cm2) was observed in control plants and treated plants didn’t show significant increase in leaf area, because of the use of energy in increasing plant height and number of leaves. Previous studies also showed that plants with more number of leaves had a less leaf area and color of the leaves was also lighter (Khangoli, 2001; Janowska and Jerzy, 2004). Moreover, the maximum amount of chlorophyll content (62) was observed in 160 g/L of humic acid followed by 5 g/L of chitosan, 0.15 g/L of gibberellic acid and 19 g/L of Imidacloprid, respectively. Whereas, minimum amount of chlorophyll content was observed in 0.1 g/L of salicylic acid (58). Tulip bulbs treated with Humic acid effectively increased photosynthetic activity of the plant which in result increased the chlorophyll content of the leaves and produced more plant food. Leaf area of the humic acid treated plants was also increased as compared to other treatments that also caused an increase in the chlorophyll content of the leaves (Chanprasert et al., 2012; Salachna and Zawadzińska, 2014). Furthermore, bulb characteristics were also improved under the influence of priming. Maximum diameter (41mm) and weight of bulbs (26g) was observed in 0.15g/L of Gibberellic acid followed by 0.1g/L of salicylic acid, 5 g/L of chitosan, 19 g/L of Imidacloprid and 160 g/L of humic acid respectively. Whereas, minimum diameter (36mm) and weight (21g) of bulbs was observed in control treatment which proved the efficacy of primers in enhancing characteristics of tulip bulbs. Bulb diameter and weight was increased because of the presence of good amount of food in the bulb which helped in its growth (Arteca, 2013). Furthermore the number of daughter bulbs were maximum in 0.15 g/L of gibberellic acid (4.22) and 5 g/L of Chitosan (4.22) followed by 0.1 g/L of salicylic acid and 160 g/L of Humic acid respectively. Minimum number of bulb-lets was observed in 19 g/l of Imidacloprid (3.11). Increased rate of cell division and multiplication, plus availability of good nutrition in bulbs helped to increase the number of daughter bulbs in the treated plants (Shakarami et al., 2013). Thus, results confirmed that 0.15 g/L of gibberellic acid effectively improved both plant (figure 1) and bulb (figure 2) characteristics. Effect of priming on reproductive growth attributes: Results showed significant differences in plants for reproductive growth attributes in response to priming (table 2). Minimum days of bud formation (122 days) and flower opening stage (124 days) were showed by 5 g/L of chitosan followed by 0.15 g/L of gibberellic acid, 160g/L of humic acid and 19 g/L of Imidacloprid, respectively. Whereas, 0.15 g/L of salicylic acid took maximum days in the formation (127 days) and opening (129 days) of flower buds. Chitosan helps plant in maintaining its vegetative and reproductive growth under stress conditions like drought and high temperature. As a result, the plant maintains its growth under stress conditions and give early flowers, because its reproductive growth attributes remain unaffected under any abiotic stress, as previously studied in orchid as well (Saniewska, 2001; Uthairatanakij et al., 2007). Moreover, the number of flowers per plant were maximum in 5 g/L of Chitosan (3.33) and 0.15 g/L of gibberellic acid (3.33), followed by 160 g/L of humic acid. Whereas, 19 g/L of Imidacloprid (2.33) and 0.1 g/L of Salicylic acid (1.44) gave minimum flower yield. Along with enhancing the defense mechanism, chitosan also helped in increasing flower number in Freesia and other flowers, previously (Salachna and Zawadzińska, 2014). Furthermore, maximum fresh weight (33g) and dry weight of flower (2g) were observed in 0.15 g/L, of gibberellic acid followed by 5 g/L of chitosan, 160 g/L of humic acid and 19 g/L of imidacloprid, respectively. Minimum fresh weight of flower (12 g) and dry weight of flower (0.98 g) was observed in 0.1 g/L of salicylic acid. Gibberellic acid effectively increases plant height and diameter of stem that caused an increase in fresh and dry weight of flower due to presence of more plant nutrients and maintenance of turgidity. Diameter of the flower was maximum (40mm) in control plants, this showed priming of tulip bulbs didn’t have any effect on increasing flower size due to increase in flower number (Rashad et al., 2009; Hashemabadi, 2010). Thus, the aforementioned results confirmed that 5 g/L chitosan was most effective in improving floral attributes (figure 3) of tulip.Effect of priming on vase life: According to results (table 3), 5 g/L of Chitosan and 0.1 g/L of salicylic acid showed maximum vase life (8 days) followed by 19 g/L of imidacloprid, 0.15 g/L of gibberellic acid and 160 g/L of humic acid, respectively. Flowers under control treatment showed minimum vase life (6) as compared to treated plants. Chitosan improved the quality of flower by maintaining its size, color and freshness, but most importantly, it provided protection against many pathogenic fungi that can attack tulip and cause senescence of the flower. As a result of fungal protection and resistance against abiotic stresses, Tulip flower showed increased post-harvest quality and vase life (Saniewska, 2001). In Lilium flower it helped to decrease the production of ethylene and respiration rate and helped in increasing its vase life (Kim et al., 2004).CONCLUSIONPresent research proved that treatment of tulip bulbs with different primers at their best selected concentration levels was an effective method of enhancing early growth and yield in an area with relatively high temperature as compared to temperate region. The Tulip plants showed improvement in sprouting, plant height, number of leaves, chlorophyll content of leaf, leaf area, early flowering, flower size, number of flowers, stalk length, stem diameter, bulbs weight and diameter, number of bulb-lets and vase life. Thus, this method can be used in future for the production of Tulips under tropical and sub-tropical areas.CONFLICT OF INTERESTAuthors have no conflict of interest.REFERENCESAhmad, A., H. Rashid, R. Sajjad, S. Mubeen, B. Ajmal and M. Khan, 2014. 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AbstractThe Republic of Guinea is thought to contain the largest population of common hippopotamus in West Africa. However, no systematic field survey has been carried out recently and the information available is limited to informal observations. To clarify the status of the common hippopotamus in Guinea, we carried out a biannual population survey along the section of the Niger River (the largest river in Guinea) within the Haut Niger National Park. We counted 93 hippopotamuses in 28 groups in the dry season and 77 hippopotamuses in 23 groups in the wet season. Mean group size and number of neonates did not change between the seasons. Hippopotomuses were more numerous along the river sections bordering uncultivated floodplains. This underlines the significance of this habitat (which is used as a grazing area) for conservation of this species. Haut Niger National Park is the most important protected area in Guinea for conservation of the common hippopotamus. Hippopotamus-human and -cattle conflicts in terms of floodplain use in the park's buffer zone should be closely monitored. Floodplain conversion to rice fields represents one of the most important threats to the long-term conservation of hippopotamus populations in Guinea.

AbstractThe Republic of Guinea is thought to contain the largest population of common hippopotamus in West Africa. However, no systematic field survey has been carried out recently and the information available is limited to informal observations. To clarify the status of the common hippopotamus in Guinea, we carried out a biannual population survey along the section of the Niger River (the largest river in Guinea) within the Haut Niger National Park. We counted 93 hippopotamuses in 28 groups in the dry season and 77 hippopotamuses in 23 groups in the wet season. Mean group size and number of neonates did not change between the seasons. Hippopotomuses were more numerous along the river sections bordering uncultivated floodplains. This underlines the significance of this habitat (which is used as a grazing area) for conservation of this species. Haut Niger National Park is the most important protected area in Guinea for conservation of the common hippopotamus. Hippopotamus-human and -cattle conflicts in terms of floodplain use in the park's buffer zone should be closely monitored. Floodplain conversion to rice fields represents one of the most important threats to the long-term conservation of hippopotamus populations in Guinea.