Multiple wild edible herbs coexist in paddy fields under the agricultural practices used for growing rice. Paddy field vegetation was surveyed and the rural population's perceptions and use of wild edible herbs were investigated in the northern Lao People's Democratic Republic. A total of 115 wild herbaceous species were observed in the paddy fields of two villages; 52 species grew in fields, 95 on levees, and 63 on banks. Of these, 25 species were locally used, and 22 were sold as a mixture at the Xamneua market, with species composition varying by availability and season. The total number of edible greens increased during the summer season when available vegetables were scarce. Marsilea quadrifolia L. (Marsileaceae), the most abundant in the field and in the market, as well as Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. (Apiaceae), Eryngium foetidum L. (Apiaceae), Spilanthes oleracea L. (Asteraceae), and Monochoria hastata (L.) Solms (Pontederiaceae) were the most popular wild herbs sold. Wild edible herbs are called "phak", which is also used to indicate cultivated vegetables, and clearly distinguishes them from the inedible herbs referred to as "nya". Two methods are employed to gather wild edible herbs: some plants are uprooted as a way of thinning individuals, and other plants have only their young leaves picked so that they can be harvested repeatedly. Gathering and selling wild edible herbs was mainly conducted by women and children 2 for whom it was a source of cash income. Thus, the relationships that exist between people and the wild plants they maintain as part of their farming activities can be considered an indicator of paddy field agrodiversity.
Enrichment planting is commonly used for increasing the density of desired tree species in secondary forests often characterized by a prevalence of low commercial species. The objectives of the study were to identify the optimal enrichment planting method vis-à-vis gap and line planting, and to evaluate the performance of two dipterocarps (Vatica cinerea and Dipterocarpus alatus) and three legumes (Afzelia xylocarpa, Pterocarpus macrocarpus, Dalbergia cochinchinensis) planted in logged-over mixed deciduous forest of Laos. The enrichment planting trial was arranged in a randomized complete block design with seven replications. Survival, height and diameter were measured seven years after planting and subjected to analysis of variance. Survival rate of planted seedlings did not vary between enrichment planting (p > 0.05). However, diameter and height growth was favored more in gaps than in planting lines. This was related to rapid canopy closure in both gaps and lines, albeit more remarkable in planting lines. Significant inter-species variation was detected for survival rate, height and diameter. The shade-tolerant dipterocarps had better survival and growth than the light-demanding leguminous species (p < 0.0001).Responsible editor: Chai Ruihai planting lines, the use of logged-over gaps for enrichment planting is recommended. Dipterocarpus alatus and V. cinerea are recommended for enrichment planting in mixed deciduous forests. A. xylocarpa, D. cochichinensis and P. macrocarpus can be planted in wider gaps, lines and open sites as plantation of mixed species or under canopy of young swidden forests.
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