Vegetation Structure and Composition across Different Land Uses in a Semiarid Savanna of Southern Zimbabwe

Zisadza-Gandiwa, Patience; Mabika, Cheryl T.; Kupika, Olga L.; Gandiwa, Edson; Murungweni, Chrispen

doi:10.1155/2013/692564

Cited by 12 publications

(12 citation statements)

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“…This confirms arguments by [ 28 ], who pointed out that, in general, the association of genetic variation with environmental conditions can be limited by natural selection and local gene dispersal. However, studies by [ 29 ] indicate that land use types significantly influences the structural and compositional attributes of vegetation. This finding supports work by [ 1 ] who identified that N. brachypus is widely distributed in cultivated fields.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Phenotypic and genetic characterisation revealed the existence of several biotypes within the Neorautanenia brachypus (Harms) C.A. wild accessions in South East Lowveld, Zimbabwe

Nyarumbu¹,

Kaseke

Gobvu

et al. 2019

BMC Ecol

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BackgroundLocal communities in the South Eastern Lowveld of Zimbabwe have adopted the feeding of livestock with Neorautanenia brachypus (Harms) C.A. tuber to mitigate against climate change. Differences within Neorautanenia brachypus (Harms) tuber flesh colour and preferences by cattle have been observed, suggesting possible diversity within the N. brachypus plant community. This study aimed at distinguishing the N. brachypus wild plant species through phenotypic and genetic characterization using morphological descriptors and random amplified polymorphic (RAPD) markers respectively. Leaf samples were selected using judgmental sampling techniques from wards 11–15 in Sengwe (Chiredzi district) for leaf morphology and molecular characterization. RAPD-PCR analysis was done using 18-screened random decamer primers to confirm the diversity in the plant population. The similarity of the biotypes was evaluated using binary coding on the basis of the presence or absence of a morphological indicator as well as distinct DNA amplicon fragments. Primer 7.0.13 was used to estimate morphological and genetic similarities using the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic average (UPGMA). The cluster number was estimated using the Elbow method part of the R package.ResultsInitially, 14 biotype groups were identified from 96 accessions visually characterized basing of leaf characteristics. All the leaf biotypes displayed arcuate venation with differences observed for leaf shape, tip shape and leaf margins. The 14 biotypes clustered into six groups based on the binary data of the morphological characteristics. RAPD primers generated three hundred and sixty eight distinct amplicons with 77.5% being polymorphic from the 14 biotypes. The number of bands produced per primer ranged from four (OPF-02) to 44 (UBC-746). The PIC value ranged from 0.1327 to 0.1873 for the RAPD primers. Use of molecular markers collapsed the biotypes into five clusters. Both the leaf descriptors and RAPD markers showed the existence of genetic diversity within the wild accessions of N. brachypus.ConclusionsA combination of morphological and RAPD markers effectively refined the resolution of the genetic diversity within the N. brachypus wild accessions to nine biotypes. These findings have indicated to the existence of more than one biotype of N. brachypus with potentially different properties. The favorable biotypes can further be promoted through incorporation in pastures as alternative feed or complementary feed to livestock. As such the output of this study will serve as a guide for N. brachypus germplasm management and improvement.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12898-019-0229-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Phenotypic and genetic characterisation revealed the existence of several biotypes within the Neorautanenia brachypus (Harms) C.A. wild accessions in South East Lowveld, Zimbabwe

Nyarumbu¹,

Kaseke

Gobvu

et al. 2019

BMC Ecol

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“…In this study, anthropogenic disturbances have been observed to be higher closer to the park boundary compared to inside the park as observed elsewhere (Mligo, Lyaruu & Ndangalasi, ; Zisadza‐Gandiwa et al ., ). We argue that the Umfurudzi Park buffer zone of the western section has been completely fragmented due to human encroachment.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Edge effects: impact of anthropogenic activities on vegetation structure and diversity in western Umfurudzi Park, Zimbabwe

et al. 2016

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Understanding the patterns and intensity of anthropogenic impacts on habitats is important in the conservation of tropical ecosystems. The aim of the study was to establish the associated edge effects of anthropogenic disturbances on vegetation in western Umfurudzi Park, Zimbabwe. Three study strata were established using distance from the boundary into the park. Vegetation attributes and anthropogenic disturbance levels data were collected in 2012. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were noted on tree and shrub density, woody plant height, woody plant diversity, grass height and grass sward width across the three strata. Land clearing, livestock grazing and firewood collection were the most frequent and pronounced disturbances occurring along the park boundary. These disturbances decreased in intensity as distance from the boundary increased. We recommend the following: (i) the need to revisit the buffer zone concept and policy measures associated with ecosystem services and goods provision for communities surrounding protected areas, (ii) engaging neighbouring communities on sustainable ways of deriving ecosystem goods and services from buffer zones and protected areas and (iii) further studies on the regeneration and recovery of cleared patches along the boundary and their use by wildlife species in the park.

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“…Timberlake [3], also stated that continuous browsing from elephants results in many small and medium sized trees being knocked down, effectively forming a shrubland 1.5-2 m high. Zisadza-Gandiwa et al [29] also found that larger trees are less damaged by elephants and most damage is on small trees.…”

Section: Effects Of Elephant Damage On Abundance and Structure Of Woomentioning

confidence: 95%

“…In a study in Gonarezhou, Zisadza-Gandiwa et al [29] investigated the variation in woody vegetation composition and structure. The study concluded that elephant browsing affected woody vegetation structure across Gonarezhou National Park with a high number of elephant damaged trees recorded in Northern Gonarezhou National Park particularly on C. mopane woodland.…”

Section: Effects Of Elephant Damage On Abundance and Structure Of Woomentioning

confidence: 99%

Influence of Soil Drainage and Elephant (Loxodonta africana) Damage on Abundance and Structure of Colophospermum mopane in Central Mana Pools National Park Zimbabwe

Moses¹,

Simbarashe²,

Farai³

2017

Poult Fish Wildl Sci

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A study on the influence of soil drainage and elephant damage on the abundance and structure of Colophospermum mopane was carried out in Central Mana Pools National Park (MPNP) Zimbabwe. Data were collected in AprilMay 2013. The stratified random sampling method was employed. The study area was stratified according to soil drainage. Three strata were established namely; well drained, moderately drained and poorly drained soils. Ten plots were sampled in each strata and a total of 30 plots were sampled to determine the abundance and structure of C. mopane in Central MPNP. Results from One way ANOVA showed significant differences in tree height, basal area, tree canopy volume, shrub canopy volume, sapling density, tree density, number of stems per tree and damaged trees density (P˂0.05). There was no significant difference in the number of dead trees across the three strata (P˃0.05). Moderately drained soil had the highest number of undamaged trees (n=91; 42%), saplings and stems per tree. Well drained soils had the highest number of damaged live trees (n=112; 51%) and poorly drained soils had the highest number of dead trees (n=60; 51%). There were significant differences in damage (P˂0.001). Regression analysis showed a negative relationship between elephant density and damaged trees density (R 2 =0.03; P˃0.05), however, there was a positive relationship between elephant density and dead trees (R 2 =0.3865; P˂0.05). Results from this study suggest that soil properties as well as elephant damage have an influence on the abundance and structure of C. mopane, therefore the need for constant monitoring of this tree species. Influence of Soil

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Vegetation Structure and Composition across Different Land Uses in a Semiarid Savanna of Southern Zimbabwe

Cited by 12 publications

References 25 publications

Phenotypic and genetic characterisation revealed the existence of several biotypes within the Neorautanenia brachypus (Harms) C.A. wild accessions in South East Lowveld, Zimbabwe

Phenotypic and genetic characterisation revealed the existence of several biotypes within the Neorautanenia brachypus (Harms) C.A. wild accessions in South East Lowveld, Zimbabwe

Edge effects: impact of anthropogenic activities on vegetation structure and diversity in western Umfurudzi Park, Zimbabwe

Influence of Soil Drainage and Elephant (Loxodonta africana) Damage on Abundance and Structure of Colophospermum mopane in Central Mana Pools National Park Zimbabwe

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