Browsing by Author "Villareal, Jayric F."

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    Diversity assessment of fruit-bearing tree species in Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University forest reserve
    (Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (JBES), 2024-03-18) Lozano, Angelo L.; Gimeno, Mark Jerome L.; Poclis, Cindy E.; Villareal, Jayric F.; Cortado, Mark G.
    This study was conducted to determine the diversity of fruit-bearing tree species in Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) Forest Reserve. Specifically, the study aimed to inventory the fruit bearing tree species present in DMMMSU Forest Reserve, classify the fruit-bearing tree species in the study area, identify their conservation status, compute their importance value, and determine their distribution through diversity indices. There were 12 quadrats established with a dimension of 20 m x 20 m each. The study area was selected based on the presence of wide range of vegetation in DMMMSU Forest Reserve. There are 473 individual species identified at DMMMSU Forest Reserve belonging to 14 families with 24 species. One species recorded, Tectona philippinensis Benth. & Hook. f. Verbenaceae, was listed as endangered species. Coffea spp. had the highest density and importance value, and Mangifera indica L. had the highest frequency. The diversity indices had a relative value of moderate and high degree of diversity. Continuous protection of the Forest Reserve is therefore recommended. Planting of additional fruit-bearing tree species in the area with low diversity indices are recommended to increase diversity. Areas within the Forest Reserve with low plant diversity were recommended for planting and assisted natural regeneration programs using species with high importance value. Regular monitoring should be conducted in the Forest Reserve to assess the changes in diversity of fruit-bearing tree species to support decision-making and policy formulations.
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    Leaf and stem anatomy and wood fiber morphology of Seriales (Flacourtia jangomas) at different elevations in La Union, Philippines
    (Annals of Tropical Research, July - December 2025) Soriano, Reynalene M.; Camacho, Claudine F.; Olbinado-Quillope, Ruby Anne G.; Cortado, Jay Mark G.; Villareal, Jayric F.
    Seriales is an underutilized Philippine (Flacourtia jangomas) indigenous fruit tree with ecological and economic potential but limited anatomical evidence across elevation gradients. We quantified leaf and stem anatomy and wood fiber morphology across three low-elevation bands in La Union, Philippines (55–70masl, 71–85masl and 86–100masl). Mature leaves and young stems of F. jangomas were collected, stained, and observed for their leaf and stem anatomical measurements. Wood fibers were macerated and analyzed for fiber length, diameter, lumen diameter, and derived indices. Several leaf traits varied significantly with elevation: lamina and palisade mesophyll were greatest at the lowest site and declined upslope, whereas lower cuticle/epidermis, sclerenchyma, collenchyma, phloem, and collenchyma layers also differed among sites. In contrast, upper cuticle/epidermis, leaf xylem, and spongy mesophyll (~260–303μm) were not significantly different, suggesting conserved internal gas-exchange capacity. Stem anatomy showed decreasing cortex thickness and layer number with elevation, but increasing xylem thickness. Epidermal hairs were longer at the highest site. Wood fiber length shows values similar to tropical species, while mid-elevation trees had smaller fiber and lumen diameters, yielding higher density. High Runkel ratios (>1), low flexibility, and low slenderness indicate poor suitability for pulp and papermaking, but support use for durable woodcraft and small furniture. Overall, F. jangomas exhibits anatomical plasticity within a narrow lowland gradient, showing its resilience and value for lowland agroforestry. This study also highlights the need for conservation of this species and further studies that focus on the effect of climatic factors and stressors.