Day 1 :
Keynote Forum
Maysoon M Mikha
USDA-ARS Central Great Plains Research Station, USA
Keynote: Manure usage in restoration of degraded crop land
Time : 09:35-10:00
Biography:
Maysoon M Mikha has completed her Ph.D in 2003 from Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas USA. Currently, working as a Soil Scientist at the United State Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research services (USDA-ARS) in Akron, Colorado. Her research interests are in Soil organic matter dynamics with different management practices; Kinetic assessment of carbon and nitrogen mineralization; Remediation of eroded soil using organic amendment to improve soil quality and plant productivity and the infl uence of residue removal on soil quality and sustainability. She has authored and co-authored about 30 referee manuscripts published in international journals, four book chapters and six conference proceedings.
Abstract:
In the Great Plains of North America, soil degradation particularly by wind erosion became a problem in the late 18th and early 19th century soon after agriculture expanded to the semi-arid region and the land was broken from sod. Therefore, some farmlands lost top soil rich with organic materials and plant nutrients and consequently decrease their economic value. This study evaluates land productivity and changes in soil properties of eroded land influenced by (1) nitrogen types (manure vs. commercial fertilizer); (2) nitrogen rates (high vs. low) and (3) tillage practices (no-tillage vs. conventional tillage). Two eroded sites were chosen in central Great Plain Region, one site in Akron, CO with top soil loss of approximately 17 to 20 cm and the second site located in Hays, KS with topsoil loss of approximately 25 cm. Th e Akron site was established in 2007 and the Hays site was established in 2006. The annual manure application range between 11 to 15 Mg manure per ha for the low N rate and approximately 22 to 30 Mg manure per ha for the high N rate. Through out the first 5 years of the study period, weather patron specifically the precipitations affected the yield. The amount of rain and its distribution throughout the growing seasons and during the crop critical period in addition to the ambient temperature explained some yield response to the treatments. The least limiting Water Range (LLWR) was influenced by manure addition. Th e relationship between the LLWR and crop yields was stronger in Hays site than in Akron site. In Hays site, annual manure addition significantly altered soil chemical properties compared with commercial fertilizer especially at the top 15 cm. Soil organic C and changes in soil organic C were greatly influenced by manure addition. Soil inorganic N leaching was also detected during the winter months. Overall, the addition of organic amendments restored the productivity of eroded soil and improved some aspects of soil quality compared with commercial fertilizer. Apparently, more than 5 years are required to assess the treatment benefits on soil quality and productivity in such eroded land.
Keynote Forum
Sudhanshu Sekhar Panda
University of North Georgia, USA
Keynote: Geospatial technology based alligator snapping turtles habitat suitability analysis in southern Georgia for preservation decision support
Time : 10:00-10:25
Biography:
Sudhanshu Sekhar Panda is an Associate Professor of GIS/Environmental Science in the Institute of Environmental Spatial Analysis of University of North Georgia, USA. He has completed his BS Degree in Agricultural Engineering from Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Orissa, India; M.S degree is in Environmental Remote Sensing for Geoinformation Development from Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand and PhD in Agricultural Engineering from North Dakota State University, USA. In his 27 years of professional life, he has experiences working in federal government, company and academia. He is an Avid Researcher along with his present professional responsibility of a Fulltime Teaching Faculty. Most of his research includes automated model development for environmental management decision support. He is Editor-in-Chief of O/S Journal of Spatial Hydrology and Editor of Journal of Biodiversity & Endangered Species and Journal of Ecosystem & Ecography. He has published more than 32 book chapters along with peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings. Above all, he aspires and working towards to be one of the best teachers who makes life changing improvement in disadvantaged students.
Abstract:
Alligator Snapping Turtles (AST) are a species found in the southeastern part of North America. Specific to climate, soil, water depth, elevation and land cover, ASTs can only live in particular habitats. This species is not endangered but threatened showing that this type of turtle should be better protected as for fear of extinction. Studies are needed to determine AST preserves. Our area of interest (AOI) was the southern counties of the state of Georgia. Geospatial Technology (GIS, Remote Sensing, GPS and Information Technology) is considered as the most efficient tools for flora and fauna habitat suitability analysis for better protection of biodiversity. Th e objectives of the study are to: Conduct a thorough literature review on the ASTs to understand their habitat, food source, external threats, diseases and other living related parameters; Obtain and preprocess the geospatial data for the AST habitat suitability model development and develop automated geospatial model to indicate most suitable locations for the AST habitat for preservation decision support. A thorough literature review was conducted on the ASTs’ living parameters and thus the types of geospatial data responsible for its habitat suitability analysis. Geospatial data like Georgia counties (determining the AOI), major rivers (finding suitability for AST breeding and living), major roads (finding threats for AST movement), Digital Elevation Model (obtaining slope map to determine if female turtle can climb the slope for laying eggs), Georgia Land Use Trend (GLUT) (Finding suitable land uses in Georgia for AST suitable habitat including Beaches/Dunes/Mud class), STATSGO soil (developing suitable drainage and bulk-density rasters for easy AST habitat) were obtained from authentic sources, preprocessed in ArcGIS 10.2 soft ware. An automated geospatial model was developed in ArcGIS 10.2 Model Builder for one click processing of all the data to provide the most suitable location information in South Georgia for AST Conservation/Preservation decision support. Th e model was developed by converting all geospatial data into rasters of two classes (Suitable (1) and unsuitable (0)) and then overlaying them together with Weighted Sum. Th e weights provided to individual AST habitat suitability analysis were developed with thorough team deliberation using the DELPHI procedure. Finally, the current conservation areas in the state geospatial data were taken into consideration to determine the suggested new preservation area for AST habitat. Our study result could be used by Georgia Department of Natural Resources to take AST preservation decision. Th e automated geospatial model developed for this study can be replicated for any other biodiversity habitat suitability analysis by just changing the input data suitable. Th is study was set out to explain and show the areas that are best suitable for Alligator Snapping Turtles to live reproduce and sustain a healthy life.
Keynote Forum
Kingsley Akpabio Essien
University of Uyo, Nigeria
Keynote: Biodiversity exploitation and the economic survival of the local community of Eket: A threat to the conservation of ‘Akai Edoho’ Idua-Eket, Niger Delta, Nigeria
Time : 10:25-10:50
Biography:
Kingsley Akpabio Essien has done Ph.D in Plants Genetics and Biosystematics and his present research interest is on Biological Conservation and Environmental Biology. He was Staff at University of Uyo, Nigeria 1983 till date and currently he is Research Director at University of Uyo, Biodiversity Conservation Team. He is also a member for Inter-Universities Research Committee, Team Leader and Biodiversity Consultant on several Environmental Assessment projects in Nigeria, Shell Chair Professor in Biodiversity and Climate Change at University of Uyo and also a Former Dean, Faculty of Science, University of Uyo. He was awarded for Excellency for Development of Youths and Sports. Pharmaceutical Association of Nigeria Students (PANS) and Special Merit Award for Youth Development and Sports in Akwa Ibom and Nigeria from University of Uyo, SUG. He is a Patron, International Student Association (ISA) and also a President, West African University Games.
Abstract:
Eket is an oil city in Nigeria and home to one of the major oil explorers in the country, Exxon-Mobil. The area has been experiencing deforestation for purposes of urbanization and other infrastructural developments including oil exploitation. Th e influence of the oil industry has very strong consequences on the environment and the economic demands of the local communities around, leading to increase in the exploitation of the forest. ‘Akai Edoho’ in Idua clan, Eket is fortunate to have restrictions arising from traditional injunction as a protected forest. The forest is rich plants and animals; some are on the IUCL conservation list. Exploitation of this forest has been going on for decades. Th is report covers the biodiversity status, the level of exploitation and the conservation challenges over the forest.
- Track 1: Biodiversity, Energy Systems & Environmental SustainabilityTrack 3: Linking Hydrology & BiodiversityTrack 6: Environmental Hazards & Natural Disasters Management
Session Introduction
Chioma Nwakanma
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Nigeria
Title: Fish species identification and biodiversification in Enugu metropolis river by DNA barcoding
Biography:
Chioma Nwakanma has completed her Ph.D at the age of 30 years from University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. She is a Lecturer in the College of Natural Resources and Environmental Management. She has published more than 17 papers in reputed journals and has Professional affi liations both local and International
Abstract:
Fish is a proteinous animal which plays a vital role in the protection and prevention of human diseases. DNA barcoding which uses the 50 region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit as the target gene was implored as an effi cient tool in the identifi cation of fish species in the Enugu Metropolis River (Nike Lake and Abakpa River). 10-20mg fi sh tissue sample of 18 species were extracted for DNA using Promega kit. Th e polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify short sequences of mitochondrial DNA, which were denatured and analysed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (native PAGE), for detection of single strand conformation. Polymorphism species specifi c muscle alignment patterns of DNA bands were obtained for Chrischthys sp, Parachinna sp, Ctenopoma sp, Tilapia sp and for a number of Clarias species. Out of the 18 fi sh species, only 15 fi sh samples were analysed using their genomic make-up, 4 out of the 15 samples (Parachinna obscura-2) (Clarias sp -2) did not show statistical signifi cant evidence of spatial genetic diff erentiation in their nucleotides despite the enormous geographical distance separating populations. The morphological studies on this fi sh species have shown that these lines of evidence are taxonomically important and also partial diff erences in genomic nucleotide base pairs when noticed. This diff erence is the polymorphism, which is the key to fl agging new specie in a particular genus can be attributed to environmental changes and diversity.
Weiwen Zhang
Tianjin University, China
Title: Single-cell analysis reveals gene-expression heterogeneity in microbial syntrophic dual-culture
Biography:
Weiwen Zhang is a Professor of Microbiology and Biochemical Engineering, Head of Laboratory of Synthetic Microbiology in the School of Chemical Engineering and Technology of Tianjin University in China. Prior to joining Tianjin University, he was a Faculty with Biodesign Institute and the School of Life Science of Arizona State University for 2007-2011, and a Senior Scientist at Microbiology Department with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for 2002-2007. He has broad research experience in microbial genetics, physiology and synthetic biology, has authored more than 130 peer-reviewed scientifi c papers. His recent research focuses on synthetic biology of photosynthetic microorganisms and analysis of microbial consortia.
Abstract:
Microbial syntrophic metabolism has been well accepted as the heart of how methanogenic and other anaerobic microbial communities function. In this work, we applied a single-cell RT-qPCR approach to reveal gene-expression heterogeneity in a model syntrophic system of Desulfovibrio vulgaris and Methanosarcina barkeri, as compared with the D.vulgaris monoculture. Using the optimized primers and single-cell analytical protocol, we quantitatively determine geneexpression levels of 6 selected target genes in each of the 120 single cells of D. vulgaris isolated from its monoculture and dualculture with M. barkeri. Th e results demonstrated very signifi cant cell-to-cell gene-expression heterogeneity for the selected D.vulgaris genes in both the monoculture and the syntrophic dual-culture. Interestingly, no obvious increase in gene expression heterogeneity for the selected genes was observed for the syntrophic dual-culture when compared with its monoculture, although the community structure and cell-cell interactions have become more complicated in the syntrophic dual-culture. In addition, the single-cell RT-qPCR analysis also provided further evidence that the gene cluster (DVU0148-DVU0150) may be involved syntrophic metabolism between D. vulgaris and M. barkeri. Finally, the study validated that single-cell RT qPCR analysis could be a valuable tool in deciphering gene functions and metabolism in mixed-cultured microbial communities.
Muhammad Jusuf Yakub
Indonesian Agency for Agricultural Research and Development, Indonesia
Title: Genetics diversity of local cultivars and improved varieties of sweetpotato in Indonesia
Time : 11:35-12:00
Biography:
Muhammad Jusuf Yakub has completed his Ph.D at the age of 37 years from Mississippi State University, USA. Now, he is the Researcher at Indonesian Agency for Agricultural Research and Development especially working on sweet potato breeding at Indonesian Legume and Tuber Crops Research Institute based in Malang, East Java, Indonesia. He has published more than 15 papers in reputed journals.
Abstract:
Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is one of the major food sources in Indonesia. Based on the pehnotypic diversity in local cultivars, Indonesia is considered to be a secondary center of genetic diversity of sweet potato. Local cultivars and landraces serve as source of genetic variability, they could be used as gene donors in variety improvement program. Th erefore, the collection and germplasm conservation of sweet potato are very important in order to maintain the full range of genetics variability within the species. Indonesian Agency for Agricultural Research and Development (IAARD) through its research institutions have been exploring, collecting, conserving, evaluating sweet potato germplasm and developing improved varieties. To date, 1321 accessions have been introduced to gene bank at IAARD and these materials represent native cultivars from several provinces in Indonesia. Morphological characterization has been done on all accessions while DNA analysis has been carried out on 600 accessions under the collaboration with Kyushu and Okinawa National Research Center of Japan. All of the collected accessions are being conserved in the fi eld and concrete pavement. Until now, twenty six varieties of sweet potato have been released in Indonesia for diff erents purposes such as for table uses, processing (industrial) types and pig feeds.Among these 26 varieties, fourteen varieties are for table uses, three varieties for processing purposes, two varieties with high beta carotene content, three varieties with high anthocyanin content and four varieties adapted to high altitudes.
Ravindra Kumar Sinha
Patna University, India
Title: Conserving river biodiversity in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna river basin in the Indian sub-continent
Time : 12:25-12:50
Biography:
Ravindra Kumar Sinha has been carrying out researches for conservation of the faunal diversity of the Ganges River system in Indian sub-continent since last over three decades, with special focus on the Ganges River dolphin. The dolphin has been given status of National Aquatic Animal of India. Prof. Sinha has over one hundred publications to his credit. He is member of Species Survival Commission of IUCN. His Royal Highness Prince Bernhard of The Netherlands awarded Prof. Sinha with The Order of the Golden Ark of The Netherlands in 1999 as an international recognition of his efforts to conserve the Ganges biodiversity in general and the Ganges River dolphin in particular.
Abstract:
Rivers have played a critical role in the growth of human civilizations across the globe and have been well-known as habitats of thousands of biota including turtles, crocodiles as well as mammals such as dolphins and otters. The Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) River Basin has 0.12% of the world's land mass where more than 10% of the world's human population resides. Most of the rivers in the basin originate from the Himalayas. The biodiversity of these rivers is characterised by high species richness, by the occurrence of many rare, endangered, threatened species, many endemics and charismatic species of great interest (Ganges River dolphin, Gavialis, Otter). Most of the studies on riverine biodiversity have focussed mostly on fishes and occasionally on benthic macro-invertebrates; phyto and zooplankton, and few on higher vertebrates (dolphin, otter, Gavialis and turtles). Similarly birds entirely dependent upon the rivers have received little attention. Though the biodiversity of the GBM Basin has been documented to some extent but their role in functioning of river ecosystems have not been adequately understood or investigated. Practically all components of biodiversity contribute to waste processing function, and thereby result in maintaining high water quality and productivity. Biodiversity is threatened mainly by the loss or degradation of the habitats mostly due to ever-increasing storage, diversion and abstraction of water to meet the growing and divergent human needs through a variety of engineering interventions (dams, barrages, tunnels, embankments, canals) which have altered the flow drastically to the extent that many stretches of even large rivers remain dry for most of the year; loss of longitudinal and lateral connectivity due to constructions of dams/barrages and embankments, respectively; as well as discharge of both domestic and industrial waste waters. Other major threats are man-made changes in land-use pattern, intensive agriculture, urbanization and industrialization, mining etc. which contribute to flow alteration, pollution and sediment load. The paper deals with conservation of riverine biodiversity in the GBM Basin with special efforts to understand the structure and functioning of the river system and factors which govern and regulate the biodiversity as well as a proper assessment of the threats with measures to address the threats.
J I R Udotong
University of Uyo, Nigeria
Title: Toxicity of heavy metals and effect of their concentrations on biological productivity and diversity in freshwater ecosystem
Time : 13:40-14:05
Biography:
J I R Udotong received her Ph.D in Biochemical Toxicology from University of Calabar, Nigeria in 2004. She has participated in various professional training in Europe and Nigeria. Her Research interest includes indoor air pollution, environmental monitoring, health risk assessment, environmental and hospital waste management and uptake of pollutants from contaminated soils and water. She has attended academic conferences in India, Parma, Fano, United States and has also visited Rome and Israel. She currently lectures in the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Clinical Sciences, University of Uyo, Nigeria. She is a member of Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) and Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN).
Abstract:
Toxicity of copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and lead (Pb) to tilapia fish was conducted using the simple arithmetic graphic method. In each experiment, a control (distilled water) and graded concentrations of the test metals were used. Observations for fish mortality and subsequent removal of dead fishes were made hourly for 4 days. Percent mortality was calculated for each of the heavy metals and 96-hr LC50 for Cu, Fe and Pb for tilapia fish were determined to be 0.44 mg/l, 0.96 mg/l and 2.85 mg/l, respectively. Of interest was the result obtained on biological productivity in the Aquaria containing 2.85mg/l of Pb within seven (7) days from the start of the experiment. Biological productivity and thus high diversity were observed in the case of Cu and Fe when the period was lengthened to fourteen (14) days. As against scientific believe that Pb is highly toxic to humans, this study showed that Pb pollution in a freshwater ecosystem encourages high rate of biological productivity and thus high diversity; thus confirming that heavy metals have differing effects on biological productivity and diversity in the ecosystem. Lead (Pb), whose response is dictated by the dose which may depend on mobility and bioavailability, was therefore identified by this work as a trigger factor to eutrophication.
Rajan Kumar Gupta
Government Post Graduate College, India
Title: Algal diversity of freshwater streams of Schirmacher Oasis, Antarctica
Time : 14:05-14:30
Biography:
Rajan Kumar Gupta has worked on Ecophysiology of Antarctic Cyanobacteria for his PhD degree with Late Prof. A.K. Kashyap of Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. For the past twenty years he has been working on various aspects of Antarctic microflora. He was deputed by Govt. of India for his participation as Biological Scientist in Antarctica twice. He has participated in XI and XIV Indian Scientific Expeditions to Antarctica during 1991-92 and 1994-95. He has visited several countries like Mauritius, Japan, Nepal, Thailand, South Africa and Belgium, Singapore, Sri Lanka etc. for presentation of his work on different aspects of algae. He has worked on various aspects of cyanobacteria, i.e., morphology, ecology and nitrogen fixation, biotechnological applications and published more than 108 technical papers in various national and overseas journals and 7 reference (research) books entitled “Glimpses of Cyanobacteria”, “Advances in Applied Phycology”, “Soil Microflora”, “Microbial Biotechnology and Ecology Vol-1 Vol-2”, “Diversity: An Overview” and “Diversity of Lower Plants”. He is a recipient of Research Award from University Grants Commission, New Delhi. He is member of number of organizations in India and abroad. He is the Fellow of the Society for Environment and Ecoplanning and International Botanical Society and chaired various sessions in the conferences in India and abroad. Presently, he is teaching Microbiology and Biotechnology in Department of Botany, Dr. P.D.B.H. Govt. P.G. College, Kotdwar (Pauri), Uttarakhand, India.
Abstract:
Comparatively speaking Antarctic land is almost lifeless, the Antarctic seas are among the most productive seas in the world. The interior of the continent is too hostile to sustain biological life, but a variety of life abounds its edges and adjacent waters. The species of the Polar regions are a few but the numbers of each are many. The present study was made with reference to algal floral diversity in the Shirmacher Oasis (SO) of the Antarctica. Thirty species of algae were recorded, predominantly belonging to blue-green algae (Cyanophyceae). Nitrogen fixing species both heterocystous and unicellular diazotrophs, contributed more than 50% of the counts and their dominance was greatest in the middle of the stream where nitrogen and other nutrients were low. Green algae and diatoms also contributed to the flora. The species composition varied between streams. Glacial and snow drift melt water species contained a distinctive community. Based on the diversity indices, these streams were classified into clusters.
Okore Oghale O’woma
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Nigeria
Title: The physicochemical, planktonic and macroinvertebrate analysis of Anya stream in Amaoba town, Ikwuano local government area, Abia State, Nigeria
Time : 14:30-14:55
Biography:
Okore Oghale O’woma born, raised and trained in Nigeria. Oghale had her fi rst Degree in Zoology from the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. As a young and explorative lady, eager to learn and acquire more knowledge, she proceeded to the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia state Nigeria where she had her M.Sc. Entomology under the tutelage of Prof. M. C. Eluwa ; the same University she completed her National Youth Service. She was later employed in the University as an Academic staff. Oghale proceeded for the Doctorate degree in same University in the field of Entomology with interest in Entomophagy. Her interest in the study of insects is overwhelming. Impacting knowledge to others is one of her greatest delights.
Abstract:
The physico-chemical as well as Macro invertebrate characteristics of Anya stream in Amaoba community, Abia state was studied over a period of 5 months. The stream was investigated in 3 different outlined stations based on degree of human interaction and the plant community along the length of the stream. The result indicated that human interaction influence to an extent the physico-chemical parameter of the water. The phosphate value recorded was between 0.67±0.22 to 0.77±0.18 mg/l. Total hardness ranged between 7.66±0.06 to 20.33±9.16mg/l while dissolved oxygen recorded 0.73±0.13 to 3.76±0.56 mg/l. The rainfall amount recorded within the period of study had influence on some of the parameters. The surface water temperature was lower in the wet months than in the dry ones. The nitrate concentration increased with an increase in the rainfall amount recorded. All parameters assessed except for the pH and total phosphate fell within the acceptable standard of World Health, Organization (WHO), Standard of Nigeria (SON), European Economic Community (EEC), Federal Ministry of Environment (FMENV).There was significant difference in the monthly concentrations of theses chemical parameters when subjected to Duncan and LSD analysis. However when the various stations were analyzed, there was no significant difference. A check list of the planktonic abundance and macro invertebrates revealed a total of five zooplankton species, four phytoplankton and six macro invertebrates. The zooplanktons encountered include Water flea, Branchionus plicatilis, Cyclops sp., calanus hyperboreus and Moina sp. The phytoplanktons included the following species Spirogyra, Euglena, Green algae, Blue-green algae while the macroinvertebrates were Water strider, Dragon flies, Damsel flies, Beetles, Water bugs, immature stages of Mosquitoes (larva, pupa) and the adults respectively. Chlorophycene (spirogyra), had the highest cell density of phytoplankton with a percentage of 100.0% obtained from a total of 184 cells/ml from four broad groups of phytoplankton, based on the result and following standard criteria, the stream could be said to be suitable for domestic, industrial and agricultural uses, however basic treatment can help improve the portability of water especially for drinking.
Jacob Solomon Raju Aluri
Andhra University, India
Title: Flower-Insect interactions and Biodiversity in the eastern ghats forest, India
Time : 14:55-15:20
Biography:
Jacob Solomon Raju Aluri is working in Environmental Sciences, Andhra University, India. He was the Visiting Professor of University of Colima, Mexico, Post-Doctoral Research Fellow of University of Akron, USA. He received Distinguished Achievement Award of University of Akron, USA, Best Research Award and Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Best Academician Award of Andhra University, Loyola Environmental and AP Scientist Awards APCOST. He published 300 papers and attended 75 national and 50 International conferences held in India, USA, Canada, UK, Brazil, Italy, Mexico, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Ethiopia and Tanzania. He is the reviewer for Elsevier, Springer, Indian, US and African publishers.
Abstract:
Insects visit flowers for their sustenance. They use pollen as protein source and nectar as energy source. The pollen they inevitably lose in going from flower to flower is important to plants for pollination. Different insects have different pollinating abilities depending on the floral density and floral morphological and functional characteristics. The interactions between insects and flowers appear to have led to the evolution of certain traits in them for mutualistic benefits. Insects require food throughout the year. Perennial, annual and ephemeral plants play a vital role in sustaining insects. These plants flower at different times and thus provide food to insects throughout the year. Among different plants, perennials, especially trees are very important to sustain insect diversity. In return, plants receive the benefit of self or cross-pollination. Among the insects, bees, wasps and butterflies were observed on different plant species that flower at different times of the year. The field work coupled with lab work indicated that both generalist and specialist pollination syndromes exist. Certain plants use all available insects for pollination while certain other plants have specialized floral traits that are adapted to particular classes of insects. In the Eastern Ghats forest, dry season is very crucial for the local insects due to the dearth of forage, this is because a few tree species flower at this time and serve as keystone plant species for the structural and functional integrity of the ecosystem. Further, in the study, some self-incompatible and obligately outcrossing endemic and endangered plant species have been encountered and they are obligately dependent on certain categories of insects for their fruit/seed set. The studies indicated that insect-flower interactions mostly mutualistic and their relationships are the basis for the continued existence of biodiversity in this forest ecosystem.
Omoyemwen Edo-Taiwo
University of Benin, Nigeria
Title: Amphibian diversity in cocoa plantations in southwestern Nigeria
Time : 15:40-16:05
Biography:
Omoyemwen Edo-Taiwo is a Ph.D student in the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. Interesting results have emanated from her research work which is still ongoing and some of these have been communicated at conferences. She is currently an Assistant Lecturer in the same University and also a member of the Departmental Welfare Committee. She has three publications in both national and international journals and has written other papers from her research work which is being considered for publication.
Abstract:
Agricultural activities could lead to deforestation with resultant consequences on biodiversity. Biodiversity is supported by forests which invariably provide habitat for wildlife. Habitat loss and habitat degradation usually increase the threat faced by amphibian populations. In the tropics, the largest percentage of human land-use is agriculture because it is the economic mainstay of many African countries. The increasing use of pesticides and other agricultural chemicals especially in cocoa farming are most likely to affect the existence and health of amphibians. An area can be made unsuitable for amphibian reproduction and survival by land-use changes in some cases but in some other a reasonable subset of original amphibian community could still be supported by disturbed/converted areas. Data on amphibian diversity in cocoa plantations are lacking. This study therefore aimed at determining species richness, relative abundance and community composition of amphibians in cocoa plantations. This study was conducted in August 2012-October 2013 in cocoa plantations located in a transitional forest of southwestern Nigeria (60 45’N, 50 17’E). The plantations are transverse by pockets of streams. Amphibians were collected from their breeding sites in puddles and streams as well as from vegetation within the plantations. A combination of visual (VES) and acoustic (AES) encounter survey was used. All amphibians were collected by hand at night (7.00 p.m to 1.00 a.m). Collected specimens were identified following laid down protocols. Each identified species was photographed and the snout- vent length (SVL) was taken. Nine hundred and twelve amphibians belonging to 7 families, 10 genera and 36 species were encountered. Twenty-three identified species of amphibian were presented while 13 species were unidentified.
Ogbulie Toochukwu Ekwutosi
Federal University of Technology, Nigeria
Title: Study on the effect of interaction of plants and indigenous micro-organisms in degradation of n-alkanes in crude oil contaminated agricultural soil
Time : 16:05-16:30
Biography:
Ogbulie Toochukwu Ekwutosi has completed her Ph.D at the age of 34 years from Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) Nigeria. She has also obtained additional qualification as Registered Environmental Scientist by NREP, USA in 2008. She is a senior Lecturer in the Department of Biotechnology, FUTO, Nigeria. She has published more than 30 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an Editorial Board Member of Analele Universitatii din Oradea – Fascicula Biologie, Romania. She is a member of societal bodies as Society for Applied Microbiology UK (SFAM), Graduate Women in Science GWIS USA, and Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD).
Abstract:
Agricultural soil samples from mapped out areas for the study were aseptically collected with sterile plastic sample containers and microbiologically analyzed to isolate autochthonous microbial flora. Seeds of four annual crops including Vigna unguiculata var unguiculata, Mucuna pruriens, Zea mays and T. occidentalis used were planted on the test soil and polluted with Bonny light crude oil twenty eight (28) days after plant growth. Thirty days after pollution, soil samples were collected within the rhizosphere of the test plants and examined microbiologically to isolate persisting microorganisms in the polluted soil. The variation in degradation of n-alkanes was ascertained using Gas chromatographic analysis on test soil samples and compared with the control. The pre microbial lab analysis of the soil under study revealed culturally, the presence of Penicillum sp., Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Candida sp., Pseudomonas fluorescence, Acinetobacter baumanni, Bacillus mycoides, Klebsiella sp., Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli whereas the absence of the last two isolates was observed during post microbial analyses. The results of the GC analysis on comparison to the control sample depict that plants kept in the green house were able to degrade alkanes within the range of C7 to C 12 and C32 to C40 while samples in the field degraded alkanes within the range C7 to C15 and C36 to C40. M. pruriens degraded C13 in addition. This study could be a promising tool in conversion of crude oil in contaminated agricultural soil to less toxic substances for enhanced remediation.