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Plant species in the Kilimanjaro agroforestry system
(Martinus Nijhoff/Dr W. Junk, 1984) O'kting'ati, A; Maghembe, J. A; Fernandes, E. C. M; Weaver, G. H
An inventory of plant species was conducted on farms, farm boundaries and homesteads in the Kilimanjaro agroforestry system. The survey covered 30 farms in 6 villages in Hal District on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. Over 100 plant species spread over 40 families were identified and their uses obtained through inter- views with farmers. The species identified include 53 tree species, 29 food crop species, 21 non-woody plants of economic value and 8 weed species. The food crops, trees and other economically useful plants are carefully chosen by the local farmers and intimately intercropped on the same unit of land. In most cases, the plants had two or more uses of which food, fuelwood, medicine, poles, timber and fodder were the most important.
Growth and ectomycorrhizal development of pinus caribaea seedlings inoculated with basidiospores of scleroderma dictyosporum in fertilized nursery soil in Tanzania
(Elsevier, 1984-01) Maghembe, J. A; Redhead, J. F
Seeds of Pinus caribaea were sown in plastic pots containing nursery soil with or without a basidiospore inoculum of Scleroderma dictyosporum. After seedling establishment, five fertilizer treatments involving 0, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 g NPK per m3 of nursery soil were administered. The ratio of N:P:K in NPK was 3:3:1.Basidiospores of S. dictyosporum were an effective inoculum for P. caribaea seedlings. Inoculated seedlings showed superior growth in height, root collar area, length of stem with needles and dry matter production. Inoculation also increased the concentration of P in the plant tissues but had no effect on other nutrients studied.Fertilizer response was evident, but there were generally no benefits of using fertilizer levels above 250 g NPK per m3 soil. In fact, mycorrhizal development was progressively reduced with each increase in the level of NPK fertilizer. Tissue Mg concentrations were also deficient, a reflection of nutrient uptake imbalance due to high concentrations of ammonium sulphate and potassium chloride in the soil. Basidiospores of S. dictyosporum can therefore be used for routine inoculation of P. caribaea seedlings in nursery soils at low levels of NPK. Coincidentally such a reduction in the amount of NPK applied in nursery soil will have both biological as well as economic benefits
Effect of hot water and chemical treatments on the germination of Albizia schimperana seed
(Elsevier Science Publishers B.V, 1986-03) Msanga, H. P; Maghembe, J. A
The effect of water temperature at soaking and various chemical applications following soaking on the germination of Albizia schimperana seed was studied. The aim was to increase the overall germination percentage and to hasten the rate at which germination occurs. The water soaking treatments included: (1) no soaking; (2) soaking at 50°C; (3) soaking at 75°C; and (4) soaking at 99°C. The chemical treatments included; (1) no chemical applied; (2) immersion in KNO3; (3) immersion in H2O2; and (4) combined in a factorial arrangement replicated 4 times. Germination percentages were generally low, ranging from 10.0 to 33.5% at 36 days after sowing. The highest germination percentage (33.5%) was attained by seeds which were soaked in water at 75°C followed by immersion in hydrogen peroxide. Seeds which were soaked in water at this temperature but not treated with chemicals showed a germination of 32.0%. It is preliminary recommended that seeds of A. schimperana be immersed in water at the initial temperature of 75°C and allowed to soak until the water cools to room temperature.
Intercropping, weeding and spacing effects on growth and nutrient content in Leucaena leucocephala at Morogoro, Tanzania
(Elsevier, 1986-03) Maghembe, J. A; Kaoneka, A. R. S; Lulandala, L. L. L
The study was conducted to evaluate the suitability of Leucaena leucocephala for fuelwood and pole production using agroforestry in a semiarid environment. The trial site, planted in February 1980 at Mafiga, Morogoro, was a split plot design with four main plots: (1) Leucaena intercropped with maize; (2) Leucaena intercropped with beans; (3) Leucaena monoculture and clean weeded; and (4) Leucaena monoculture and spot weeded. Each main plot included three tree-spacing sub- plots, 3 X 3 m, 4 X 4 m and 5 × 5 m, and replicated four times. Each of the subplots comprised at least 25 trees. Twenty-four trees representing all the diameter classes in the trial were harvested in March 1984 and used to determine mean plot height, volume and biomass by regression analysis. Nutrient content was determined using routine laboratory methods. Mean subplot height varied from 7.0 to 7.8 m, whereas diameter at the stem base varied from 10.2 to 14.9 cm. The volume varied from 10.3 to 32.8 m 3 ha -~ and total biomass values from 13.5 to 31.1 metric t ha -1. Trees under spot weeding showed the poorest growth, whereas those under clean weeding showed the best. Spacing influenced both diameter and height growth, with the widest spacing producing the largest trees. Because of a higher tree population, however, the lowest spacing showed the highest volume and biomass production. Intercropping with maize and beans showed significantly higher volume and biomass production as compared to spot weeding. However, there was no significant difference between trees under clean weeded treatments and those under intercropping. Nutrient concentra- tions were high and comparable to other pasture legumes. The total nutrient accumulation in the aerial biomass in kg ha- 1 was 201, 25.1,267, 106, 34 and 18 for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sodium, respectively.
Seed dynamics and the ecological restoration of hill slopes of Kondoa Irangi, central Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1998) Lyaruu Herbert Valentine
Improper agricultural practices such as hill slope cultivation, extensive clearing of vegetation using fire over a long period, and to some extent overgrazing have converted the once fertile hill slopes of Kondoa Irangi in central Tanzania into unproductive marginal land. It is 25 years now since reclamation measures were introduced to save the hills from further degradation, but the regeneration process has been rather slow. The present study was initiated with the objective to explore alternative approaches to facilitate vegetation recovery in the hills. It consisted of a description of an Afromontane dry' forest, soil seed hank, seed rain and seed longevity studies, and experiments on the influence of different soil treatments on regeneration. There was significant seasonal variation in the seed bank (p < 0.001), with dry-season samples having higher densities than wet-season samples. Annual species dominated the seed bank samples in most of Kondoa Irangi Hills, but perennial species were dominant in the soil seed bank of the Afromontane dry forest. In the seed rain, both density and species richness were negatively correlated with vegetation cover. This points to the important role of anemochory and active seed rain in disturbed sites. The interminent and extended germination of buried seeds shown by, i.e.. Acacia tortilis, is an adaptation to prevent synchronous germination, in unpredictable, harsh environments, whereas prompt germination after rains of c.g., Acacia scyal, is a strategy to avoid seed predation. Inorganic fertilisation is not an efficient means of improving short-term productivity in poor savanna soils. Nutrient-deficiency should be corrected by moderate grazing and controlled fires. Permanent and speedy vegetation recovery of degraded savannas such as in the Kondoa Irangi Hills, may require (1) enhanced nitrogen mineralization and seed dispersal by grazing livestock, (2) selective soil seed bank enrichment, and (3) transplanting seedlings with desired traits.
Perfonnance ,of Provenances of Sesbania macrontha at Gairo, Morogoro,Tanzania
(1999) Mgangamundo, M.A.; Mugasha, A.G.; Chamshama, S.A.O.
Performance evaluation was 'conducted among 21 provenances of Sesbania macrantha from 9 regions of Tanzania and one region of Rwanda. The trial was established in February, 1996 at Gairo, Morogoro, Tanzania. Assessments were carried out at 6, 12 and 15 months for survival, root-collar diameter and height. Biomass production was ass(!ssed during the last assessment occasion. Significant variation among the provenances for survival, root-collar diameter, height and biomass production was observed. The Andago (Arusha) provenance achieved greatest survival (83.3%) followed by the Biharamulo (Kage ra) and Kisabya (Kigoma) provenances (80.0%), while Miabeze (Mbeya) provenance had least survival 0/20.0%. No significant differences were observed in mean root-collar diameter and height from the (jh to 15th monih after planting. Biharamulo(Kagera) provenance was found to be outstanding in respect ofJotal biomass production (12.2 t ha .1), followed by Chala (Rukwa) provenance (10.3 t ha .1). Kangamo (Mbeya) provenance had the least total biomass production of 2. 3 t ha .1. Overall, the Andago, Biharamulo, Chala, Kikomakoma, Kisabya and Banda provenances were the best perfonners while the Lundamoto, Miabeze, Kibondo, Kishoju, Kidiama, Wondo and Kangamo failed to put on promising growth. It is recommended that Sesbania macrantha provenances from Andago, Biharamulo and Chala be used in improvedfallow/relay cropping systems in Gairo and other areas with similar environmental conditions in that order of priority.
The potential of classical biological control against leucaena psylid, heteropsylla cubana crawford in eastern Tanzania
(2000) Madoffe, S. S.; Mhando, L.; Day, R. K.; Nshubemuki, L.
The Leucaena psyllid HeteropsyHa cubana Crawford (Homoptera: Psyl/idae) has ~aused damaging ef fects to Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit in Tanzania since its outbreak in 1992. Cultural, genetic and chemical controls havebel!n tried in some localised areas. In 1995, a hymenopterous parasitoids, Tamarixia leucaenae Boucek (Eupelmidae) was imported from Trinidad and Tobago for biological control of this pest in Tanga and Morogoro areas. Mummies of the parasitoid were recordedfrom the sixth week after release. The population declined to the lowest level between November 1995 and January 1996 before building-up again to about 10 and 11 mummies per shoot in July for Tanga and Morogogro respectively. Spread of the parasitoidwas fairly fast, and at about 16 months afterrelease it had covered over 300 Ian from the release sites. The spread and population build up indicates that this species has been established in Eastern Tanzania. In spite of declining shoot damage at about ten months after parasitoid release, it is probably too early to associate it with the parasitoid. Shoot damage was found to be more closely correlated to laboratory nymph count (r = 0.52) than to field nymph shoot numbers (r =\0.35). Several potential indigenous natural enemies were recorded in association with the psy/lid; however, their role as biological control agents needs further quantification.
Improvement of soil fertility by improved fallows of Cajanus cajan, Sesbania sesban and Tephrosia vogelii at Gairo in Morogoro, Tanzania
(2001) Mgangamundo, M.A.; Mugasha, A.G.; Chamsham, S.A.O.
This study was carried out at Gairo in Morogoro Tanzania to evaluate the effects, of fallow periods and fallow types on soil fertility improvement. A split-plot experimental design with three replications was adopted. Three fallow periods (i.e. 1, 2 and 3 years) were involved in this study. Soil pH, EC, OC, total N available P and total P were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by fallow periods and fallow types. Greater improvement in soil fertility was achieved by the improved fallows of S. sesban, T. vogelii and C cajan than the natural fallow. Soil fertility was found to increase with increasing fallow period from 1 to 3 years. Continuous cropping for 3 years resulted in greater decline in soil fertility. It is therefore concluded that improved fallows of S.sesban, T. vogelii, and C. cajan have the potential of improving soil fortility and so reduce the problems associated with a decline in soil fertility Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that the species be tested on farm and further investigations be carried to examine nutrient dynamics and sustainability of maize crop yield after fallow .
Dry-season sesbania fallows and their influence on nitrogen availability and maize yields in Malawi
(Kluwer Academic Publishers., 2001) Ikerra, S. T; Maghembe, J. A; Smithson, P. C; Buresh, R. J
Nitrogen deficiency is widespread in southern Africa, but inorganic fertilizers are often unaffordable for smallholder farmers. Short-duration leguminous fallows are one possible means of soil fertility restora- tion. We monitored preseason topsoil (0 to 20 cm) ammonium and nitrate, fallow biomass production and grain yields for three years in a relay cropping trial with sesbania [Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr.] and maize (Zea mays L.). Sesbania seedlings were interplanted with maize during maize sowing at 0, 7400 or 14,800 trees ha –1 , in factorial combination with inorganic N fertilizer at 0 or 48 kg N ha –1 (half the recommended rate). After maize harvest, fallows were allowed to grow during the seven-month dry season, and were cleared before sowing the next maize crop. Both sesbania fallows and inorganic N fertilizer resulted in significantly greater (P < 0.01 to 0.05) preseason topsoil nitrate-N than following unfertilized sole maize. In plots receiving no fertilizer N, preseason topsoil inorganic N correlated with maize yield over all three seasons (r 2 = 0.62, P < 0.001). Sesbania fallows gave significantly higher maize yields than unfertilized sole maize in two of three years (P < 0.01 to 0.05). Sesbania biomass yields were extremely variable, were not significantly related to sesbania planting density, and were inconsistently related to soil N fractions and maize yields. Short-duration fallows may offer modest yield increases under conditions where longer duration fallows are not possible. This gain must be considered against the loss of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp) harvest in the similarly structured maize-pigeonpea intercrop common in the region.
Tree and crop productivity in gliricidia/maize/pigeonpea cropping systems in southern Malawi
(Kluwer Academic Publishers, 2003) Chirwa, P.W; Black, C.R; Ong, C.K; Maghembe, J.A
This study examined the hypothesis that incorporation of Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Walp.) (gliricidia), a fast- growing, nitrogen-fixing tree, into agroforestry systems in southern Malawi may be used to increase the input of organic fertilizer and reduce the need for expensive inorganic fertilizers. The productivity of maize (Zea mays L.), pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) and gliricidia grown as sole stands or in mixed cropping systems was examined at Makoka Research Station (latitude 15 ◦ 30 ′ S, longitude 35 ◦ 15 ′ E) and a nearby farm site at Nazombe between 1996 and 2000. Treatments included gliricidia intercropped with maize, with or without pigeonpea, and sole stands of gliricidia, maize and pigeonpea. Trees in the agroforestry systems were pruned before and during the cropping season to provide green leaf manure. Maize yields and biomass production by each component were determined and fractional light interception was measured during the reproductive stage of maize. Substantial quantities of green leaf manure (2.4 to 9.0 Mg ha −1 year −1 ) were produced from the second or third year after tree establishment. Green leaf manure and fuelwood production were greatest when gliricidia was grown as unpruned sole woodlots (c. 8.0 and 22 Mg ha −1 year −1 respectively). Improvements in maize yield in the tree-based systems also became significant in the third year, when c. 3.0 Mg ha −1 of grain was obtained. Tree-based cropping systems were most productive and exhibited greater fractional light interception (c. 0.6 to 0.7) than cropping systems without trees (0.1 to 0.4). No beneficial influence of pigeonpea on maize performance was apparent either in the presence or absence of gliricidia at either site in most seasons. However, as unpruned gliricidia provided the greatest interception of incident solar radiation (>0.9), coppicing may be required to reduce shading when gliricidia is grown together with maize. As pigeonpea production was unaffected by the presence of gliricidia, agroforestry systems containing gliricidia might be used to replace traditional maize + pigeonpea systems in southern Malawi.
The Selous-Niassa Wildlife Corridor
(Tanzania Wildlife, 2003) Mpanduji, D. G.; Hahn, R.; Siege, L.
This paper describes how a number of governmental and nongovernmental actors under the leadership of the Tanzanian Wildlife Division have worked towards the creation of „Wildlife Management Areas“ on village land in Southern Tanzania, which would serve as a string of protected areas to form a corridor connecting two elephant ranges of high importance, the Selous Game Reserve and ecosystem and the Niassa Game Reserve in Mozambique.
Rainfall interception and partitioning in afromontane rain forests of the Eastern arc mountains, Tanzania: implications for water conservation.
(Forest Research Institute Malaysia, 2003-05) Munishi, P. K. T.; Shear, T. H.
The aboveground components of the hydrologie cycle of rain forest are important processes that determine the hydrologie behaviour and dynamics of these ecosystems. Precipitation, throughfall, stem flow, canopy interception and streamflow were measured and modelled in two afromontane rain forests of the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania. Measurements were made daily for 50 months in the Ulugurus and 56 months in the Usambaras. Throughfall was 76% of the gross rainfall in the Usambaras and 79% in the Ulugurus. Stemflow was less than 2% of rainfall. Both parameters were correlated with gross rainfall (r2 = 0.97, 0.99, 0.86 and 0.94). Canopy interception was 22% of rainfall for the Usambaras and 20% for the Ulugurus. Streamflow was best modelled using five months running mean rainfall in the Ulugurus (r = 0.67) and three to four months in the Usambaras (r = 0.72). A high proportion of the gross rainfall is delivered as net precipitation. There is effective partitioning of rainfall on the forest canopy providing reasonable dumping effect of rainstorms. The slow response in streamflow to rainfall events shows the efficiency of the forests to mitigate storm water impacts and thus ensuring continuous water supply. Further studies in effects of forest harvesting on water yield are pertinent to enable adequate planning of forest utilization.
Preliminary investigation on accessibility and ultilisation of water in selected villages in Dodoma rural and Bagamoyo districts, Tanzania
(2003-10) Kusiluka, L. J. M; Mlozi, M. R. S; Munishi, P. K. T; Luoga, E. J; Mdegela, R. H; Kambarage, D. M; Karimuribo, E. D
Growth performance of azadirachta Indica provenances in Morogoro, Tanzania
(Journal of Tropical Forest Science, 2004) Andrew, S. M.; Maliondo, S. M. S.; Mtika, J.; Msanga, H. P.; Nsolomo, V. R.
The growth performance of 20 provenances and one land race of Azadirachta indica (neem) from 10 countries was evaluated at Mkundi Fuel Wood Forest Reserve in Morogoro region, Tanzania. The experiment was established in a randomised complete block design with six replications. This is one of the provenance trials under the International Neem Network. The assessment involved tree height, diameter at breast height, number of branches, stem quality, survival and total volume after 58 months of planting. Except for survival, differences between provenances as well as between provenance and land race were observed in all the parameters studied. Provenances Ban Bo, Ban Nong (Thailand), Ghaati (India), Doi Tao (Thailand), Ramanaguda (India), Vietianne (Vietnam), Kuliyapitiya (Sri Lanka), Annur, Mandore, Chitradunga (India) and Bandia (Senegal) were the best performers. Yezin (Myanmar), Allhabad (India), Balharshalt (Nepal), Sunyan (Ghana), Lamahal, Geta (Nepal), Chamwino (Tanzania), Chanatorin (India), Muttan, Tibbi Laran (Pakistan) were marginal performers. It is recommended that further assessments on provenance performance be carried out up to half rotation age for identification of promising provenance.
Invasion of the cosmopolitan species Echinochloa colona into herbaceous vegetation of a tropical wetland system
(The Ecological Society of Japan 2014, 2004) Andrew, S. M.; Totland, Q.; Moe, S. R.
The negative effects of alien plant species on ecosystem structure and functions are increasingly recognised, and efforts to control these species are vital to restore degraded ecosystems and preserve biodiver- sity. However, we lack a full understanding of factors that determine alien species invasions along spatial gradients in herbaceous vegetation of tropical systems. We therefore examined the effects of community prop- erties, environmental variables and human-related dis- turbance factors on the invasion of the alien grass Echinochloa colona (L.) Link at small- and large scales in the Kilombero Valley wetland, Tanzania. Generalized additive mixed models showed that E. colona abundance on a small scale was negatively related to above-ground biomass and evenness of resident species, whereas E. colona abundance was positively related to grazing intensity. On a large scale, biomass (negatively related to E. colona abundance) and distance to river (positive) were important in explaining E. colona abundance. These findings support the assertion that different fac- tors may contribute to the invasion of alien plant species at different spatial scales, as also reported in many temperate systems. Overall, our results show that suc- cessful invasion of alien species is a function of plant community properties, human-related disturbance and favourable environmental conditions. Effective man- agement strategies should consider mitigations that can increase the biomass and evenness of native species and a reduction of grazing pressure to restore the wetland and conserve biodiversity.
Biomass and carbon storage of a tropical montane rain forest ecosystem in Nothern Tanzania
(2004-01-14) Munishi, P; Maliondo, S; Msanya, M; Malimbwi, E
Field measures of tree dimensions and chemical soil analysis for organic carbon were used to quantify and estimate the biomass and carbon storage potential of a tropical montane rain forest ecosystem in Kilimanjaro, northern Tanzania. Permanent sample plots measuring 20m x 20m were established in six different sites in the forest and all trees > 6cm DBH enumerated. Samples from thirty trees representative of the forest were weighed in the laboratory for biomass determination. The sample tree data were used to develop biomass equations as a function of diameter at breast height (DBH). Carbon content was computed as 49% of the biomass for each site. Soil organic carbon was obtained by laboratory analysis of soil samples taken at different depths of a soil profile dug at each plot centre. The developed biomass equations and the soil organic carbon were used to estimate the biomass and carbon storage per hectare for the forest. The soil carbon storage was significantly higher than that in tree biomass: the aboveground and root carbon of trees averaged 17.64 tons/ha, while the soil carbon averaged 1424 tons/ha. The decrease of soil carbon with depth results from the greater accumulation of organic matter in the surface horizons. The higher carbon content of the soil is attributed to large quantities of organic matter resulting from leaf fall. The high density of small roots in the soil may also be a factor. The potential of this ecosystem to act as a carbon sink and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions is evident.
Tree species composition and potential timber production of a communal Miombo woodland in Handeni District, Tanzania
(Forest Research Institute Malaysia, 2005-01) Maliondo, S. M. S.; Abeli, W. S.; Ole Meiludie, R. E. L.; Migunga, G. A.; A. A., Kimaro
Three sites were selected near Madebe, one of the villages in Handeni district managing a miombo woodland in Tanzania. Ten square blocks of 4 ha each were established, each block subdivided into 16 square plots of 2.5 ha each. In each block all trees with dbh > 30 cm were identified and measured for dbh. All trees > 10 and < 30 cm dbh were recorded in six randomly selected plots per block. Stem density increased linearly (r2=0.58) from 142 trees ha4 at site A to 223 trees ha4 at site C, with most of the stems (77%) falling within the <30 cm dbh class. Stand basal area averaged 11.0 m2ha4, with 8.52 m2 ha4 in commercial species. Site A had a stand volume of 57.1 m3 ha4 compared with 50.9 m3 ha1 at the other sites. Commercial trees species > 50 cm dbh accounted for 4% of the total stocking, 23% of the basal area and 25% of volume. Sixteen families containing 48 tree species were identified on the 40-ha area studied, with 34% and 25% of the stems in Caesalpiniaceae and Papilionaceae families respectively. Brachystegia boehmii and Julbernardia globiflora were the dominant species, possibly reflecting low harvesting pressure on these species and their relatively high fire resistance. Combretum amiculatum, Diplorhynchus condylocarpon, Brachystegia microphylla and Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia'were also abundant.
Prevalence and impact of water-borne zoonotic pathogens in water, cattle and humans in selected villages in Dodoma Rural and Bagamoyo districts, Tanzania
(Elsevier, 2005-08-15) Munishi, P; Kusiluka, L; Karimuribo, E; Mdegela, R; Luoga, E; Mlozi, M; Kambarage, D
A study on the prevalence of water-borne zoonotic pathogens in water, cattle and humans was conducted in six villages in Dodoma Rural (5) and Bagamoyo (1) districts, Tanzania. Water sources were screened for faecal coliform organisms, thermophilic Campylobac- ter, Salmonella, Cryptosporidium and Giardia. Faecal samples from cattle and humans were also analysed for the above specific patho- gens. Results indicate that 70.8% (n = 48) of the water sources screened were contaminated with faecal coliform organisms. Water sources in two villages, one each in Dodoma Rural and Bagamoyo districts were also contaminated with Giardia lamblia. The overall prevalence of Campylobacter jejuni in cattle in the two study areas was 2.3% (n = 942) and at least one animal in each village was infected with C. jejuni. Cryptosporidium parvum was detected in 0.5% (n = 942) of the cattle examined in three villages in Dodoma district. Sal- monella spp. was demonstrated in only 1.4% (n = 144) of the cattle in Chalinze village in Dodoma Rural district while G. lamblia was only detected in 1.5% (n = 202) of the animals examined in Chamakweza village in Bagamoyo district. Nine (1.9%) of the people screened at three heath centres in the study areas were infected with C. jejuni while 3.7% (n = 484) of the people had C. parvum oocysts. G. lamblia was detected in 2.5% of the 202 people screened at the Chalinze health centre in Bagamoyo district. Analysis of the secondary data revealed that clinical complaints related to enteric diseases were prevalent in humans in the two areas throughout the year and the prev- alence varied from about 1% to 25% in both <5 years and P5 years patients. In conclusion, this study has highlighted the possible public health risks, which may be associated with keeping of animals and sharing of water sources between humans and animals. 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Preliminary observations on the species composition and distribution of indigenous wild mushrooms in the Lake Victoria basin wetlands, Musoma, Tanzania.
(Tanzania Journal of Forestry and Nature Conservation, 2007) Munishi, P. K. T.; Olila, D.; Kabasa, J. D.; Kisovi, I.; Andrew, S. M.
Harvesting of wild mushrooms in the Lake Victoria basin for household food and inter-household trade is widespread and mushrooms contribute strongly to household food security. In spite of the importance of mushrooms to household food security the spatial and temporal distribution and ecological conditions influencing mushroom growth and availability in the Lake Victoria basin are yet to be documented adequately to enable development of plans for their conservation. The objective of this study was to document the composition, seasonal and spatial distribution of the mushrooms of the Lake Victoria basin wetlands and their habitats. Preliminary surveys identified a total of nine species most of which are of the genus Termitomyces. Generally most of the mushrooms were associated with termite mounds thus growing on clay soils and soils associated with low organic matter. Some species grow solely on termite mounds while others can grow a distance from a termite mound but associated with underground termite nests. Majority of the mushrooms appear during the rain season and are equally available during the short and long rains. This suggests that most species will grow well throughout the year whenever moisture level in the substrate is adequate irrespective of the season. Some of the species especially the Polypores (Ganoderma sp.) grow on dead wood as well as on living trees, infecting living trees through wounds. Most of the species grow in acidic (pH 6.5) substrates with a pH range between 5 and 6.8 though one species (Termitomyces clypeatus) was observed to grow on slightly alkaline conditions. Generally the substrate for most species had low organic carbon ranging from 3% to slightly above 4%. More detailed study of the ecology of the most important mushrooms in the Lake Victoria basin wetlands is important as a basis for their management and domestication.
Compositional gradients of plant communities in submontane rainforest of Eastern Tanzania
(ResearchGate, 2007-01) Wentworth, T; Munishi, P. K. T.; Shear, T. H.; Temu, R. A. P. C.
This study classified plant communities and examined the environmental correlates of community compositions in two submontane rainforests on the ranges of Eastern Arc Mountains, Tanzania. Using agglomerative cluster analysis, indicator species analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMS) ordination, based on importance value of tree species, five distinct plant communities were identified in the Usambara and six in the Uluguru mountains. The communities corresponded closely to variations in topography and soil physical and chemical properties. The different communities occurred on clay soils in lower elevations and on sandy-clay to sandy-clay-loam soils in higher elevations. Two topographic and 14 edaphic factors were significant correlates of plant community composition. Elevation was the strongest correlate of community composition on individual mountain range followed by percent clay and soil pH. Landform index and soil Na concentration were the major factors in separating plant communities on the west Usambara and Uluguru Mountains. There were appreciable variations in plant community compositions and patterns on the two mountain ranges. The results suggest that plant community patterns in the Eastern Arc Mountains vary from one range to another and are influenced by a complex of local heterogeneity in topographic and edaphic factors. The complex of factors influencing plant distribution can have a big bearing in species restoration and biodiversity conservation in the Eastern Arc Mountains.

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