Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The study of soil quality biological indicators in areas classified as forest production units is important to understand the ecological processes that occur in these systems. Monitoring the soil fauna in modified environments, when management practices involve chemical products in the environment, is an instrument that allows to evaluate not only the soil quality but also the proper functioning in a production system, since the soil fauna acts in decomposition and nutrient cycling, as well as in soil physical, chemical and biological properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the herbicide application in a black wattle area (Acacia mearnsii De Wild.). Thus, the study was divided in three chapters. The first chapter aimed to evaluate the meso and macrophauna under different kinds and intensities of herbicides on the ground using the principal component analysis (PCA). The study was developed at Fundação Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária (Fepagro-Unidade Florestas) in Santa Maria/RS. The treatments were allocated as Randomized Blocks Design, with four repetitions per treatment, totalizing 64 experimental units, where two sampling plots were installed per unit using the meso and macrophauna capture PROVID method. The used herbicides were Glyphosate (4.0 l ha-1), Imazapyr (3.0 l ha-1), Oxyfluorfen (4.0 l ha-1) and Pendimethalin (3.0 l ha-1) besides hand cleaning and control without herbicide. The collects were done in the four seasons of the year (winter, spring, summer and autumn). From the calculated faunistic indexes, the taxonomic group average richness varied from 5.2 in the winter to 9.3 in the summer. The Shannon (H) diversity index was similar among all kinds and intensities of applied herbicides. This index (H) was different only between the seasons, varying from 0.58 in the spring to 1.21 in the summer. The PCA between the response and predictor variables clearly separated the component formation (taxonomic groups), significantly influenced by the kind of herbicides and application intensity. However, in PCA with additional predictor variable for the four most representative taxonomic groups (Araneae, Orthoptera, Collembola e Hymenoptera), it was observed that organism density in the group constituted by Collembola is strongly associated with the precipitation in the spring, whereas ants, Orthoptera, and spiders have their density better explained by the variable temperature. Different herbicides, as well as the intensity of the application on the ground caused no negative effects upon the biological parameters evaluated in the study, being the diversity and the density of meso and macrophauna conditioned only to the seasonal variations along the year. The study approached in the second chapter aimed to evaluate the influence of different kinds and intensities of herbicide application upon the soil physical properties, like density, macro, micro and total porosity, and aggregates average diameter (AAG). The experimental plot was the same described in chapter one. Two collections were done (before planting and after all herbicides application). Two soil samplings were collected in planting and interplanting seedling rows. The obtained results in the second collection showed that there is no significant difference between the evaluated parameters. For soil density, the highest values were found in treatments without herbicide (1.38 Mg m-3 in hand cleaning and 1.32 Mg m-3 in control). For macro, micro and total porosity the values were similar among them, for all kinds of tested herbicides, as well as for AAG. There was no herbicide direct influence upon the soil physical properties, since the weed competition was partially controlled, mainly in inter row seedlings planting, that might have contributed to maintain the soil physical structure in this area. In planting row, there was a fast soil particle reaccommodation because of the seedling roots. The third chapter aimed to evaluate the influence of herbicide application upon the symbiotic association between Rhizobium and the root systems from black-wattle seedlings, cultivated in plastic vessels under controlled environmental conditions in greenhouse. The study was established in Randomized Blocks Design, with four repetitions and ten plants per treatment, which were constituted by the same herbicides and doses mentioned in chapter one, besides a treatment without herbicide (control). The results in this study showed significant differences between the treatments and the variable dried biomass from rhizobic nodules in the black-wattle seedlings root system. All the herbicides used in vessels substrates induced the nodules formation, highlighting the herbicide Oxifluorfen (0.532 g plant-1), that showed a nodules biomass gain of 128.3% related to the control (0.233 g plant-1). Except for Glyphosate, the correlations between nodules biomass and the variables height, above ground biomass, and root biomass were all positive and significant. This way, the use of herbicide in the evaluated microenvironment caused no negative influence upon the physical and biological components (field), as well as on the microbiological component evaluated (greenhouse). / O estudo de indicadores biológicos da qualidade do solo em áreas consideradas como unidades de produção florestal é importante para o entendimento dos processos ecológicos que ocorrem nesses sistemas. Monitorar a fauna do solo em ambientes modificados pelo homem, sobretudo quando as práticas de manejo envolvem produtos químicos no ambiente, é um instrumento que permite avaliar não só a qualidade do solo, como também o próprio funcionamento de um sistema de produção, já que a fauna do solo atua na decomposição e ciclagem de nutrientes e, também, nos processos e propriedades físicas, químicas e biológicas do solo. O objetivo geral deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da aplicação de herbicidas em uma área de plantio de acácia-negra (Acacia mearnsii De Wild.). Para tal, o trabalho foi dividido em três capítulos. No primeiro capítulo, o objetivo foi avaliar o comportamento da meso e macrofauna epiedáfica sob a influência de diferentes tipos e intensidades de aplicação de herbicidas sobre o solo, por meio da análise de componentes principais (ACP). O estudo foi desenvolvido na Fundação Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária (Fepagro-Unidade Florestas), no município de Santa Maria/RS. Os tratamentos foram dispostos no delineamento blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições por tratamento, totalizando 64 unidades experimentais, nas quais foram instalados dois pontos de coleta por unidade través do método PROVID de captura da meso e macrofauna epiedáfica. Os herbicidas utilizados foram Glyphosate (4,0 l ha-1), Imazapyr (3,0 l ha-1), Oxyfluorfen (4,0 l ha-1) e Pendimethalin (3,0 l ha-1), além de roçada manual e testemunha sem herbicida. As coletas foram relaizadas nas quatro estações do ano (inverno, primavera, verão e outono). Dos índices faunísticos calculados, a riqueza média de grupos taxonômicos variou entre 5,2 no inverno e 9,3 no verão. O índice de diversidade de Shannon (H) foi semelhante entre todos os tipos e intensidades de aplicação dos herbicidas testados. Este índice (H) diferenciou-se somente entre as estações do ano, variando entre 0,58 (primavera) e 1,21 (verão). A ACP entre as variáveis resposta e as variáveis explicativas não separou claramente a formação de componentes (grupos taxonômicos) influenciados significativamente pelo tipo e intensidade de aplicação dos herbicidas. Contudo, na ACP com variáveis suplementares explicativas para os quatro grupos taxonômicos mais representativos (Araneae, Orthoptera, Collembola e Hymenoptera), observou-se que a densidade de organismos no grupo constituído por colêmbolos é fortemente associada com à precipitação e na época da primavera, enquanto que formigas, ortópteros e aranhas têm sua densidade melhor explicada pela variável temperatura. Os diferentes herbicidas, bem como a intensidade de aplicação destes sobre o solo não exerceram efeitos negativos sobre os parâmetros biológicos avaliados no estudo, estando a diversidade e a densidade da meso e macrofauna epiedáfica condicionada apenas às variações estacionais ao longo do ano. O estudo abordado no segundo capítulo teve por objetivo avaliar, também, a influência de diferentes tipos e intensidades de aplicação de herbicidas sobre atributos físicos do solo, como densidade; macro, micro e porosidade total do solo; e diâmetro médio de agregados do solo (DMG). A base experimental de campo neste estudo foi a mesma do estudo desenvolvido no capítulo um. Foram realizadas duas coletas (antes do plantio das mudas e após todas as aplicações dos herbicidas). Duas amostras de solo foram coletadas na linha e duas na entrelinha de plantio das mudas. Os resultados obtidos na segunda coleta mostraram não haver diferença significativa entre os parâmetros avaliados. Para densidade do solo, os maiores valores foram constatados nos tratamentos sem aplicação de herbicidas (1,38 Mg m-3 na condição de roçada manual e 1,32 Mg m-3 na testemunha). Para macro, micro e porosidade total do solo os valores foram semelhantes entre si, para todos os tipos de herbicidas testados, assim como para o DMG dos agregados do solo. Não houve influência direta dos herbicidas sobre os atributos físicos do solo, uma vez que a matocompetição existente na área de estudo foi parcialmente controlada, principalmente na entrelinha de plantio das mudas, o que pode ter contribuído para a manutenção da estrutura física do solo neste local. Na linha de plantio, houve uma rápida reacomodação das partículas do solo por ação das raízes das mudas. O terceiro capítulo aborda o estudo que teve por objetivo avaliar a influência da aplicação de herbicidas sobre a associação simbiótica entre bactérias do gênero Rhizobium e o sistema radicular de mudas de acácia-negra, cultivadas em vasos plásticos, sob condições ambientais controladas em casa de vegetação. O estudo foi estabelecido no delineamento blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições e dez plantas por tratamento, que estiveram constituídos pelos mesmos herbicidas e dosagens mencionadas no capítulo um, além de um tratamento com ausência de herbicida (testemunha). Os resultados neste estudo mostraram diferenças significativas entre os tratamentos para a variável biomassa seca de nódulos rizóbicos no sistema radicular de mudas de acácia-negra. Todos os herbicidas aplicados ao substrato dos vasos induziram à formação de nódulos rizóbicos, com destaque para o herbicida Oxyfluorfen (0,532 g planta-1), que apresentou um ganho em biomassa de nódulos de 128,3% com relação à testemunha (0,233 g planta -1). Exceto para Glyphosate, as correlações entre a biomassa de nódulos e as variáveis: altura, biomassa da parte aérea e biomassa radicular, foram todas positivas e significativas. Desse modo, a aplicação de herbicidas no microambiente avaliado neste estudo não exerceu influência negativa sobre os componentes físicos e biológicos (campo), assim como sobre o componente microbiológico avaliado (casa de vegetação).

Debarking of Acacia mearnsii in South Africa has been conducted using mainly manual systems. Labour shortages and reliability of these systems has caused interest in alternative systems that might be able to debark A. mearnsii. The aim of the research is to compare three mechanised debarking technologies used to debark A. mearnsii. Research trials were conducted on the Demuth, Hyena and Hypro debarkers that would form part of semi-mechanised harvesting systems. The debarking technologies were analysed and compared in terms of productivity per productive machine hour (PMH), debarking quality, system costs and the quality of the bark that was produced. Furthermore, the effect that tree volume, strippability and form have on each of the debarking technologies was determined. The debarking technologies were affected by each of the factors researched. Decreasing tree form had a negative effect on the productivity of each of the technologies. An increase in strippability class (strengthening wood-bark bond strength) caused a decrease in the productivity of each of the machines. An increasing tree volume had a positive effect on the productivity for the three debarking technologies. After the debarking had taken place, samples of bark were analysed at a laboratory to determine if it was acceptable for the processing facilities. Each of the debarking technologies produced bark of varying dimensions, but they were all found to be acceptable. The system costs of the three debarking technologies were compared to a manual system cost at tree volumes of 0.1m³, 0.15m³ and 0.2m³. The Demuth debarker had the best system cost for a tree size of 0.1m³, while the manual system was best for tree volumes 0.15m³ and 0.2m³. The Demuth, Hyena and manual system costs were very similar for each of the tree volumes, with the Hypro being a little higher.

Black wattle (Acacia mearnsii) is one of South Africa's leading commercial exotic species comprising nearly seven percent of South African forestry plantations. The planting of black wattle has become increasingly popular, initially for its high quality tannin content and in more recent times, for its wood and wood products. The industry also provides jobs for more than 36 000 people. Despite the commercial value of black wattle, if left unmanaged, it is one of South Africa's top invader species that aggressively colonise and rapidly out-competes indigenous vegetation. Thus, both plant breeders and environmentalists alike are faced with an interesting paradox of balancing the commercial significance of black wattle on the one hand with increasing environmental concern on the other. At the Institute for Commercial Forestry Research (ICFR), black wattle breeding programmes are being designed and implemented in order to reduce invasiveness whilst still maintaining product quality. One way of minimising invasiveness is to decrease fertility through the introduction of semi-sterility; while at the same time leaving product yield and quality unaffected. A method of achieving semi-sterility is by the induction of autopolyploidy that results in unviable gametes. Autopolyploidy, tetraploidy, is induced chemically through doubling of the chromosomes of diploids. These induced tetraploids may then be crossed with diploids to produce triploids. Thus, an effective method to identify polyploids at the seedling stage would greatly facilitate the success of the abovementioned breeding programmes in the black wattle industry. Polyploidy in plants is often associated with physiological and biochemical changes that become apparent as gigantism of organs which include fruits, flowers and leaves. Polyploidy is also associated with an increase in the number of organelles such as the number of stomatal chloroplasts and nucleoli, as well as an increased production of some proteins and pigments such as chlorophyll. These ploidy-related manifestations are often utilised in breeding programmes to increase the size and quality of plant products as well as a tool to discriminate between polyploids and diploids. Two putative diagnostic procedures to differentiate between diploid and tetraploid black wattle were developed in this investigation. The study focused on the discriminating power of stomatal chloroplast numbers and arrangements as well as the chlorophyll content in the two different ploids. A number of associated experiments were initially conducted to establish the optimal conditions for chlorophyll content analyses such as the type of leaf material and storage conditions. Stomatal chloroplast frequencies were determined in diploid and tetraploid black wattle and comprised three lines per ploidy level with five plants per line. A thin epidermal layer from the abaxial surface of a pinnule was stripped, stained, mounted and 15 stomatal guard cells per plant were viewed at 40X magnification. The mean number of chloroplasts per cell in diploids (9.89 ± 0.222) was found to be statistically different (p < 0.001) to that of tetraploids (22.43 ± 0.222) with no overlapping of the mean chloroplast values between the two ploidy levels. The ratio of diploid and tetraploid stomatal chloroplast numbers was roughly 1:2. An analysis of the least significant difference (LSD) was performed and indicated significant differences between plants within lines, between lines of different ploids (LSD =0.6266), as well as between the different ploids (LSD =0.2802). Furthermore, stomatal chloroplasts spatial arrangements were distinctly different in diploids and tetraploids. In diploids, chloroplasts were clustered into two regions, each towards the extreme ends of the kidney shaped stomatal cells. In the tetraploids, no clustering of chloroplasts could be identified, with an even distribution around the convex curvature/perimeter of the cells. There are a number of factors that influence chlorophyll content and degradation, which are either environmental or genetic in nature. Environmental factors that were considered are sample age and sample storage conditions. Genetic factors include genetic composition and, specifically, the number of sets of chromosomes, that is, the ploidy. Chlorophyll content was investigated by chemically extracting chlorophyll from leaf material and obtaining absorbance spectra with a PerkinElmer UV/vis spectrometer for wavelengths from 400 nm to 700 nm. Chlorophyll absorbance spectra were generated in terms of leaves stored prior to chlorophyll extraction, leaves of different ages, trees of different ages and ploidy. The effects of storage of leaves on chlorophyll content were determined in five non-identical two year-old nursery diploid black wattle genotypes. Fifteen leaf samples from each genotype were either oven dried and then stored for one week or one month at room temperature, or frozen for one week or one month at -4 °C, before chlorophyll was extracted and absorbance spectra determined. Chlorophyll absorbance values of chlorophyll extracted from leaf material on the day of collection (day-0) was used as the control. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that the chlorophyll absorbance values of the different storage treatments were all significantly lower than the chlorophyll absorbance values of the control (p < 0.001). Assessment of the mean chlorophyll absorbance (TĀ), sum of the three peak absorbance values at three wavelengths, namely, 433 nm, 456 nm and 663 nm, revealed significant differences (p < 0.001) from the control (TĀ = 1.275) for all treatments. Dried leaves that were stored for seven days (TĀ = 1.132) resulted in the least amount of chlorophyll degradation followed by 28 day ice storage (TĀ = 1.114), seven day ice storage (TĀ = 1.103) and lastly 28 day dried storage (TĀ = 1.093). An analysis of least significant differences (LSD) revealed that chlorophyll absorbance values within lines and between wavelengths were significantly different (LSD = 0.005). Furthermore, LSD analysis revealed significant differences between all treatments (LSD =0.003) which also supported the ANOVA findings. Chlorophyll absorbance values within dried and frozen treatments were compared with respect to storage time periods of one week and one month. It was noted that whilst all treatments decreased from the control (day-0), dried samples responded differently to storage periods as compared to frozen samples. Chlorophyll absorbance values of dried material decreased steadily over time from control to seven-day storage to one-month storage, whereas, in the case of frozen material, a similar trend could not be identified. A greater decrease from the control to seven day ice storage was recorded than for the decrease from the control to 28 day ice storage. The effects of tree and leaf ages of diploid black wattle on chlorophyll content were determined. Two types of leaf flushes namely, old and new flush, were examined in relation to different tree ages; two, four, six, eight and nine year-old; in order to assess whether the choice of material impacts on chlorophyll absorbance values. Five leaf samples from each tree were collected, bagged and chlorophyll extracted within two hours of collection. These chlorophyll absorbance values were compared to young diploid seedling material as a base-value and as a control value. An analysis of variance (ANOVA), revealed significant differences between tree ages and between leaf ages (p < 0.001). An analysis of least significant differences (LSD) revealed that new flush of all tree age groups were significantly different from the control (LSD = 0.006). This was mostly true for old flush, except that of six year-old old flush which was not significantly different from the control (LSD =0.006). The chlorophyll absorbance values of both old and new flush of different age groups produced spectral graphs for which no specific trends could be ascertained. Therefore, the data from the two flush types were pooled and revealed a marked increase in chlorophyll absorbance as trees became older. Moreover, this increase was more apparent in new flush than in old flush. Interestingly, juvenile characteristics were identified in two year-old black wattle trees, where a marked increase in chlorophyll content was noted. The effects of the number of chromosome sets on chlorophyll content were assessed for diploid and tetraploid black wattle. Seedlings, bagged juveniles as well as two year-old field trees were analysed. Three genetic lines per ploidy level comprising of ten plants per line were used in the analysis. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant increases of chlorophyll absorbance values (p < 0.001) for diploid seedlings (TĀ = 1.1086) to bagged trees (TĀ = 1.149) to field trees (TĀ = 1.224). Similar significant increases were recorded for the tetraploid seedlings (TĀ = 1.886) to bagged trees (TĀ = 1.931) to field trees (TĀ = 2.059). There were distinct differences in chlorophyll absorbance between the two levels of ploidy (LSD =0.002). Furthermore, chlorophyll absorbance within lines, between wavelengths were found not to be significant (p = 0.984), which was supported by an analysis of least significant differences (LSD = 0.004). Moreover, the ratio of diploid to tetraploid chlorophyll absorbance was roughly 2:3. Additionally, the increase of chlorophyll content from seedlings to bagged juveniles to field material of both diploid and tetraploid black wattle further supported the findings in the previous age study that there was an increase in chlorophyll content as the tree matures. Stomatal chloroplast frequencies and chlorophyll content have been identified as two methods that are able to effectively, and with ease, discern between diploid and tetraploid black wattle. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2004.

<p>The aim of the study was to quantify the extent of inorganic chemical pollution of the Franschhoek River and draw relationships between contaminants in water, sediment and plants. The invasive Acacia mearnsii and Salix babylonica and indigenous Brabejum stellatifolium species were chosen as biomonitors due to their wide spread distribution along the river and their apparent ability to accumulate heavy metals. The sites chosen allowed for comparison of the river quality upstream with that of the river further down stream as it meandered through residential, agricultural and recreational areas, until it joined with the Berg River further downstream. The general aim of the study was to assess the degree of inorganic pollution in the Franschhoek River to evaluate its contribution to pollution of the Berg River, of which it is an important tributary. Also understanding the sources of the pollution would contribute to the ability to reduce pollution.</p>

<p>The aim of the study was to quantify the extent of inorganic chemical pollution of the Franschhoek River and draw relationships between contaminants in water, sediment and plants. The invasive Acacia mearnsii and Salix babylonica and indigenous Brabejum stellatifolium species were chosen as biomonitors due to their wide spread distribution along the river and their apparent ability to accumulate heavy metals. The sites chosen allowed for comparison of the river quality upstream with that of the river further down stream as it meandered through residential, agricultural and recreational areas, until it joined with the Berg River further downstream. The general aim of the study was to assess the degree of inorganic pollution in the Franschhoek River to evaluate its contribution to pollution of the Berg River, of which it is an important tributary. Also understanding the sources of the pollution would contribute to the ability to reduce pollution.</p>

Multiple shoots were produced from nodal explants of thirty-day-old in vitro grown seedlings and from pretreated three, five- and nine-month-old greenhouse grown Acacia mearnsii plants, respectively. Explants were sterilized for 15 minutes using 0.1 % HgCl₂ for the three-month-old explants and 0.2 % for the five and nine-month-old explants. Nodal explants were induced to form multiple shoots when placed on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 2.0 mg l ¯¹ benzyladenine (BA). Rooting of these shoots was achieved on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg l ¯¹ indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). Plantlets were acclimatized in transparent plastic containers under greenhouse conditions with a 90 % success rate. These plantlets were successfully acclimatised under greenhouse conditions and planted in the field together with plants regenerated by cuttings. In an attempt to overcome maturation effects and loss of juvenile characteristics, when using adult plant material in vitro, investigations were undertaken into the use of coppice material, as an alternative explant source. A. mearnsii trees from five ages (two, four, six, eight and ten-years old, respectively) were decapitated to a height of 1.5 m. After three weeks, coppice was noted on the stumps of trees from all ages. A linear response to coppice production was noted, with the greatest coppice production being on the two-year-old tree stumps and the least on the ten-year old tree stumps. Decontamination of the coppice was successful and multiple shoot production was obtained from coppice taken from all age groups on MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg l ¯¹ BA. The effect of various sucrose concentrations were investigated. Greater shoot production occurred with increased sucrose concentrations (20 and 30 g l ¯¹). It was evident that rejuvenation of mature tissue could be achieved through the use of coppice material. A second approach to rejuvenate adult material and to overcome the deleterious effects of maturation, was in the use of apical meristems. Meristems were taken from 30-day-old in vitro grown plants, from coppice (rejuvenated tissue) and adult material of five various tree ages (two, four, six, eight and ten-years-old, respectively). Plant material were taken over two seasons (1997 to 1999) and the use of agar and liquid support media were tested under both light and dark conditions. The coppice and adult material was successfully decontaminated in both seasons. In the first season (1997/1998), shoot production was obtained from meristems of in vitro grown plants, coppice and adult material from all trees on MS medium alone or MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg l ¯¹ BA. In the following season (1998/1999), the use of a solidified agar medium was superior to the use of a liquid culture. There appeared to be no significant difference (p<0.05) between the use of light or dark culture conditions. Various media were tested and maximum shooting occurred on half-strength MS medium and Woody Plant Medium (WPM). However, once multiple shoot primordia were initiated, shoot elongation posed a problem. It was for this reason that the size of the meristems excised from the coppice material was increased from 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm in the 1997/1998 season, to 1.0 to 2.0 mm in the 1998/1999 season. The use of gibberellic acid and 100 ml jars were also investigated to see if this might enhance shoot elongation. Sufficient plant material was not available for a thorough investigation. Environmental conditions under which the plant material (adult or coppice) was harvested was similar in both seasons, with respect to temperature, but differed in rainfall. Rainfall was high (105.1 mm) in 1997/1998 season and low (ranging from 59.8 to 71.45 mm) in the 1998/1999 season. Shoot production from meristems taken from coppice material in the 1998/1999 season was significantly greater (p>0.05) than that in the 1997/1998 season, whereas shooting from the adult plant material remained unchanged. The disadvantage with using coppice material is that its production on decapitated tree stumps is dependant on rainfall, which is unpredictable. The differences in results from coppice material could be attributed to the fact that the trees felled in the two seasons were not related to each other in any way. In both seasons meristems, tree age was not a limiting factor, for meristems from adult and from coppice material. Meristems from the ten-year-old trees were as productive as those taken from the two-year-old trees. In the 1997/1998 season the results from the meristems from the adult material was equal if not greater than those obtained from the coppice material. In the 1998/1999 season, there was no significant difference (p<0.05) in percentage shoot production between the meristems from the adult and coppice material throughout the age groups. This suggests that the use of rejuvenated tissue in the form of coppice is not essential. This re-emphasized the advantage of using meristems taken from adult plant material. This study provided suitable protocols for the micropropagation of both in vitro and ex vitro grown nodal explants of A. mearnsii. However, as the plant material obtained from the field matures so the ease of obtaining sterile material decreased, thus reducing the chances of in vitro micropropagation. For this reason suitable pretreatments and rejuvenation methods are necessary if explants from mature field tissue are to be introduced into culture and successfully micropropagated. This study has shown that through the use of nodal material (taken from coppice produced on adult tree stumps) and apical meristems taken from both coppice and mature plant material, adult material can be successfully decontaminated, introduced into culture and stimulated to produce shoots. Analysis of tannin production was conducted to see if there was any indication that the presence of tannins in the plant material effected in vitro culture of nodal explants. However, no trends were obtained suggesting any influence of tannins on in vitro performance. In future years after further optimisation, these techniques could be incorporated in an A. mearnsii clonal programme, with the advantage of possibly eliminating maturation effects, commonly noted in vegetative practices. This will allow for easy manipulation and amplification of superior quality adult material. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1999.

Acacia mearnsii (black wattle) is one of the few tree crops of which both timber and bark are utilised, with branches sometimes being collected for fuel wood. There is a great potential for nutrient loss from plantations with intense harvesting practices. Allometric relationships were developed to estimate above-ground biomass across four ages and three site qualities of A. meamsii stands. The three sites were based on high, medium and low site quality classes of productivity. Differences in biomass and the distribution of biomass between the stem, bark, live branches, dead branches and foliage components are described in relation to site and age. Relationships between biomass and light interception and plant area index are investigated and show some merit. Nutrient concentrations were used with the above-ground biomass data to estimate quantities of nutrients held in the various biomass components in each of the stands. Nutrient distributions in the above-ground biomass (AGB) were examined and compared to other studies. Foliar phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) concentrations were shown to be sub optimal, agreeing with results and recommendations of South African fertilisation stupies. Some concentration differences were observed between site and age classes for certain nutrients, although these differences may have been due to seasonal effects. Biomass and nutrient quantities were adjusted to yield a wood production of 100 t ha01 and compared with adjusted calculations for similar studies on other plantation crops. Total nutrients contained in the AGB of the adjusted calculations were 540.8 kg ha01 nitrogen (N), 20.4 kg ha-I P, 200.6 kg ha01 K, 241 kg ha-I calcium (Ca), 55.7 kg ha-I magnesium (Mg), with a half to two thirds of the nutrients held in the stem and bark alone. Nutrients losses vary with harvesting intensity as bark and branches may be harvested with the stem wood. Levels of nutrient removal with harvesting intensity are discussed with reference to estimated losses and gains from natural processes and management practices. An incomplete nutrient budget calculation indicated that P, K, Ca and Mg might potentially be removed in quantities greater than replaced by natural processes under stem and bark harvesting. The budget calculations lack processes such as leaching and N-fixation. It is highly probable that these processes, once quantified, may yield more negative budget results, especially for the base cations K, Ca and Mg. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu- Natal, Durban, 2005.

In South Africa, invasive black wattle trees (Acacia mearnsii D. Wild) are a major threat to ecosystem functionality causing widespread social, economic and environmental degradation. It is important that environmental managers are provided with rapid, regular and accurate information on the location of invasive black wattle trees to coordinate removal efforts. This study investigated the potential of an automated image classification algorithm to accurately identify black wattle (A. mearnsii De Wild.) trees using imaging spectroscopy. Hyperspectral data acquired by the EO-1 Hyperion sensor was used to identify black wattle trees in two study areas near Greytown, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Image classifications were performed by the classification algorithm to identify black wattle trees using general and age specific spectral signatures (three to five years, seven to nine years, eleven to thirteen years). Results showed that using the general spectral signature an overall accuracy of 86.25% (user’s accuracy: 72.50%) and 84.50% (user’s accuracy: 69%) was achieved for study area one and study area two respectively. Using age specific spectral signatures, black wattle trees between three to five years of age were mapped with an overall accuracy of 62% (user’s accuracy: 24%) and 74.50% (user’s accuracy: 49%) for study area one and study area two respectively. The low user’s accuracies for the age specific classifications could be attributed to the use of relatively low resolution satellite imagery and not the efficacy of the classification algorithm. It was concluded that the classification algorithm could be used to identify black wattle trees using imaging spectroscopy with a high degree of accuracy. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2012.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2004.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Australian National University, 2004. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on July 2, 2005). Includes bibliographical references (p. 172-196).