سید موسی صادقی

Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. is highly resistant to drought, soil salinity, and adverse environmental conditions. This species has been widely planted in India, Africa, and Iran due to its tolerance and potential for fodder production. Field visits were conducted to determine the distribution of Prosopis juliflora, and UTM points were recorded. The boundaries of its distribution were then plotted on Google Earth images as polygons. Additionally, the distribution level was assessed by reviewing existing records and field comparisons. The results showed that Prosopis juliflora is distributed throughout Dogonbadan (Gachsaran) County. It appears as dense afforestation and less dense plantations, especially along highways and roads, in forest parks and green spaces, and scattered across fields. Out of 275 hectares of this species, 273 hectares are covered by afforestation, and 2 hectares were established naturally. More than 80% of the distribution of this species is located at altitudes ranging from 460 to 660 meters above sea level. A comprehensive study on the growth, survival, reproduction, ecological impact, and groundwater effects of this species is recommended to inform the management and potential expansion of Prosopis juliflora, given its tropical presence and local interest.

Oak decline is a critical issue in Zagros forest ecosystems. Disruptions in nutrient and water uptake, exacerbated by environmental stress, weaken trees, leading to deterioration. Soil physico-chemical characteristics significantly influence forest habitat performance. Given the spread of dieback trees in Kurdistan province, this study aimed to investigate changes in deep soil parameters associated with control stands (healthy trees) and dieback trees in the coppice stands of Marivan county, northwest Kurdistan province.

The study was conducted in dieback (Garan) and control (Dolah Naw) forest stands in Marivan county. Within each stand, ten trees (five healthy and five dieback) were selected across north and south aspects (totaling 30 trees: 10 in the control, 20 in the dieback habitat) and numbered in 2018. Soil samples were collected on the northern side of the crown, one meter from the tree trunk at a depth of 20-40 cm (first week of August). Laboratory analyses determined moisture percentage, pH, electrical conductivity, available phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen percentage, organic carbon percentage, lime percentage, calcium, and magnesium. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) using PC-ORD 5 software was employed to assess the effect of deterioration on soil physico-chemical characteristics.

Statistically significant differences were observed among the ten physical and chemical parameters across the six treatments. The highest average values for electrical conductivity (599 decisiemens/cm), moisture (13.1%), lime (13.8%), available phosphorus (13 mg/kg), and potassium (1317 mg/kg) were found in soil near trees on the northern slope of control stands. Conversely, the highest levels of organic carbon (3.75%), nitrogen (0.32%), and calcium (44.2 milliequivalents/100g) were observed in soils beneath healthy trees on the southern slope of control stands. Generally, control stands (both northern and southern aspects) exhibited higher values for most soil physico-chemical parameters, except pH and magnesium. Dieback trees showed nutrient and macronutrient deficiencies, with lower element concentrations in the soil under their crowns. PCA revealed that electrical conductivity and moisture had the highest positive loading (0.42) on the first component, while organic carbon and nitrogen loaded at 0.41. Calcium, lime, and pH loaded on the second component with positive values of 0.55, 0.53, and 0.49, respectively. PCA also indicated better soil moisture in healthy trees on the northern slope.

Soil physico-chemical parameters and macroelement concentrations were generally higher near trees in control stands compared to dieback-affected stands. For optimal management of dieback trees in the research area, soil enrichment and strengthening, enhanced protection measures (livestock grazing and traditional exploitation control), increased forest restoration and development in dry areas (particularly southern slopes), and sanitary cuts (branches and stems with red cracking and deterioration) are recommended.

American Mesquite (is called Somr in Persian), (Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC) is native to South America (Mexico). It has been introduced and planted in south Iran for over 50 years. This project was carried out to determine the distribution of this species in terms of plantation or wild distribution in the Bushehr province. To determine the distribution of American mesquite, initial field visits were conducted, and after taking field notes and recording the UTM points, satellite images were analyzed. Polygons related to the distribution areas of American Mesquite were closed on the Google Earth images. Trees that were probably Somr were selected from the satellite images, and their UTM coordinates were recorded. With the ground control of those points, the distribution areas of Somr in the province were determined. The distribution map of Somr was prepared. The results showed that American mesquite is distributed in dense and non-dense afforestation on the sides of highways, roads, forest parks, and green spaces and scattered in other fields. These sample points were mainly related to afforestation and sometimes to agricultural lands, orchards, pastures, or the side of highways and roads. The area of afforestation with this species was 14444.8 ha. The wild distribution of this species with ≥5% canopy cover was 290 ha in Dayer County. Further Research in terms of forest monitoring on the distribution of this species was recommended. Planting this species east of Bushehr Province from Mond River to the southeast of Bushehr province was not recommended.

The purpose of this research is to evaluate and compare the effects of two native and non-native species of Prosopis (Prosopis cineraria and P. juliflora) on the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of soil in Sistan and Baluchistan province in Iran. For sampling, 30 trees from each species were selected, and soil samples were taken from a depth of 0-30 cm both under and outside their canopy. After combining all 5 soil samples for each species, samples were obtained for laboratory analysis. Soil properties such as saturated moisture (SM), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), microbial respiration (SMR), substrate-induced respiration (SIR), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), nitrification potential (PN), as well as urease, dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, and acid phosphatase enzyme activity were measured in the laboratory. Based on these measurements, a soil quality index was calculated. The results significantly showed that the highest values of SM, TN, SIR, and dehydrogenase enzyme were found under the canopy of P. cineraria, while the highest values of Mg, P, TN, and acid phosphatase enzymes were observed under the canopy of P. juliflora species. The lowest values of these parameters were observed outside the canopy of both species. The soil quality index indicates that soil quality under the P. cineraria tree is higher than under the P. juliflora tree and outside the crown canopy of both species. The conclusion suggests that native Prosopis tree species improve soil fertility and acidity, with soil quality under their canopy being numerically higher than under non-native Prosopis. Therefore, preserving natural forests of P. cineraria species and afforestation with it are recommended to maintain and improve soil quality in Sistan and Baluchestan province.

This study aimed to introduce and generate a distribution map of mesquite (Prosopis juliflora) across the Sahara-Sindhian region of Hormozgan province. Mesquite distribution was determined in three stages: Collecting information from the General Department of Natural Resources and Watershed Management of Hormozgan Province, conducting field visits, and digitizing polygons of mesquite distribution for mapping. During the field surveys, the geographical coordinates of the mesquite's natural presence and afforestation areas were recorded based on the elevation range. This plays a significant role in its distribution. The boundaries were identified on Google Earth images as polygons, and the area was calculated using ArcGIS Pro software. In Hormozgan province (Beshagard, Hajiabad, and Bastak), it is found as a single tree or scattered at low altitudes. Mesquite's total area of afforestation and natural forest (canopy cover higher than 5%) is 19275.34 and 18883.21 ha, respectively, accounting for 0.56 of the province's area. Also, mesquite is distributed as a single tree (canopy area lower than 5%) in 48.64 percent of Hormozgan province. The largest afforestation area for mesquite is in Jask City (for stabilizing flowing sand). Mesquite is naturally found in Jask, Sirik, Minab, Banda Abbas, Parisian, Khamir, Bander-e-Lengeh, and Gheshm, respectively. Vast mesquite areas in this province indicate favorable conditions for species regeneration and growth. According to the easy regeneration and fast distribution of P. juliflora in Hormozgan province, it is suggested that native species be used in afforestation.

Fodder production for livestock using highly saline soil and waters is a part of halo-culture projects. So, the present study aimed to elucidate the effect of nitrogen fertilizer amount on some fodder characteristics and performance of salicornia (Salicornia persica Akhani) irrigated with the Persian Gulf seawater with the electrical conductivity of 64.5 dSm-1. A field experiment with four levels of urea fertilizer including zero, 100, 150, and 200 kg ha-1 in the form of randomized complete block design with three replications was carried out at seashore of Delwar City, Bushehr Province, in 2017. The results showed that fodder production and fertilizer application had a linear and increasing relationship. As the rate of urea fertilizer increased (100, 150, and 200 kg ha-1), the dry fodder production rose by 96.7%, 144.5%, and 188.4%, respectively, compared with the control treatment. In addition, results showed that urea application increased plant height, spike length, spike diameter and spike weight. Moreover, application of urea fertilizer at a rate of 200 kg ha-1 increased water use efficiency by three times compared to the control. Hence, to optimize the quantity of fodder production from Salicornia and water use efficiency, urea application at a rate of 200 kg ha-1 is recommended. It is suggested to determine the effect of saline water on soil in future research

Plant reproduction is highly sensitive to stressors caused by both biotic and abiotic factors in nature. The success of plant establishment in the wild depends on various factors such as drought, grazing, availability of water and soil resources, and the mutual interactions among individuals, especially during the seedling stage. The concept of nurse plants, their effects, competition, facilitation, and the facilitative role in land restoration were explained using scientific sources. Through forest surveys and scientific resources, nurse plants and target plants in southern Iran were identified, and the role of each was examined with available scientific references. For this purpose, along the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, accessible pathways were chosen to investigate vegetation cover up to an altitude of 1250 meters above sea level in sample plots of one hectare (100 * 100 meters). Sampling was conducted beneath the canopy of other trees or shrubs, and the plants were identified using scientific sources. The results of this study revealed that nine species belonging to eight genera and six families were identified as nurse plants, and seven species belonging to six genera and six families were identified as target plants. Among the nurse plant group, the genus Ziziphus Mill. from the family Rhamnaceae was the most diverse. Among the target plant group, the most diverse genus was Pistacia L. belonging to the family Anacardiaceae. Further research is recommended to explore the facilitative effects of nurse plant species and suitable methods for their use in the ecological restoration of dry areas in southern Iran in relation to the implementation of restoration and forest development projects.

Protection of forests, rangelands and other natural ecosystems in Iran is facing challenges and currently the natural areas of the country are not in favorable conditions. Some of the problems and mega global challenges that affect various natural areas in the world. This group of challenges include climate change, desertification, land degradation, global warming, deficiency of fresh water and increasing demand for energy. The second group of challenges that are specific to Iran at the national level and have affected the natural environments include lakes drying up, land subsidence, salinity and alkalinity of underground water, desertification and consequently the particulate matter air pollution. Also, the breakdown of the natural hydrology systems of the watersheds and changes in the usage of the natural areas are two man-made super challenges affecting the natural environments of Iran. In this article, the major challenges related to Iran's natural areas and the relevant national and regional challenges at the level of natural ecosystems are discussed. Finally, in order to deal with the challenges raised, the necessary solutions to protect and support Iran's natural areas as better as possible are presented. This includes paying attention to these challenges as one of the basic requirements for applying and implementing ecosystem-based management in the natural areas.

Iran's forest and rangeland ecosystems are changing or being disturbed under the influence of climate change and human factors. Meanwhile, desert and arid ecosystems are very fragile. The direct effects of misuse or destruction of the ecosystem are more on plants than on other components. Tecomella undulata (Sm.) Seem belongs to Bignoniaceae. This tree grows naturally in alluvial lands and seasonal riversides as small stands and individual trees in Bushehr, Fars, Khuzestan, Hormozgan, Kerman, Sistan, and Balochistan provinces. It grows in areas with altitudes ranging from 10m (Bushehr province) to 1594 m (Esfandegheh Jiroft) above sea level. Our study showed that there was no living individual in Khuzestan province, and it was distributed in 13 habitats in Bushehr province. Tecomella undulata habitats were affected by extensive grazing, prohibited cutting, death, and land-use change, which are the big threats to this tree. This species produces seeds rarely; therefore, seedling-based regeneration was not observed. Root-shoots-based regeneration was observed in the habitats. Protection, restoration, and development, the establishment of germplasm, seedling production afforestation, and green space development by using T. undulata are recommended. Further research on seedling production by sexual and non-sexual methods is suggested.

In arid and semi-arid ecosystems, the relationship between tree species and habitat is fragile due to environmental stresses. Native species of Prosopis cineraria and non-native Prosopis juliflora are among the species that in addition to water-soil-plant relationships, affect the life of other animal and plant species in these areas. In these areas, the role of native trees in carbon storage and change in soil properties is important. Soil plays an important role in the carbon cycle and is an important source of carbon storage and tree species can make changes in soil properties and organic carbon storage due to tolerating hard environmental conditions such as high temperatures and radiation. Soil biological properties are a good indicator for measuring soil quality and by examining them, appropriate information about respiration, nutrient cycle, microbial biomass and mineral nitrogen mineralization capacity is obtained. (Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce) is one of the most important native species in the Sahara-Sindhi area, which has a good ability to establishment and adapt and improves soil properties. The non-native species of (Prosopis juliflora (SW) DC) is widely planted with fast growth and prevention of fine dust as a fodder tree. Trees in these areas can have a range of different effects on the soil under their canopy in various ways and have a vital effect on the richness of soil microorganisms. Due to the importance of both species in this habitat, a comparison of changes in soil biological properties and organic carbon storage under and outside the canopy of Prosopis cineraria and Prosopis juliflora bases was performed in Assaluyeh in Bushehr province.

To measure basic and induce respiration, microbial biomass carbon and nitrification potential, 24 soil samples were collected from 0-30 cm depth randomly from under and outside the canopy of both species. To calculate organic carbon storage of soil with the cylinder in a 1×1 m2 plot, sampling was done from a depth of 0-10 cm of soil to obtain the bulk density and organic carbon. Also for measuring organic carbon storage in litter and grass cover in the same sample plot, litter and grass cover were collected and their weight was recorded. Finally, 120 samples were taken in two location under and outside the canopy of both species.

The results of analysis of fragmented plots showed that the effect of species as the main factor on basic (p<0.05) and induce (p<0.01) respiration was significant and it was in Prosopis cineraria 2.73 and 22.47 mg Co2 in day and hour and in Prosopis juliflora 0.9 and 15.57 mg Co2 in day and hour, respectively was higher in Prosopis cineraria than Prosopis juliflora and had no significant effect on microbial biomass carbon and nitrification potential. The effect of sampling location was significant for all variables studied and under the canopy was greater than outside the canopy.

Due to the positive effect of Prosopis cineraria species on basic and induce soil respiration, preservation and revitalization of this valuable native species is very vital and negative effect of non-native species of Prosopis juliflora on basic and induce soil respiration can reduce microbial activity and upset the balance of the nutrient cycle, especially carbon. Therefore, it is recommended to use native species for improvement and quality of soil in natural forests, afforestation and restoration of ecosystems and the entry of non-native species avoid into the natural forest. Also Prosopis juliflora species is better to be cultivated because high resistance in de- desertification areas and for quicksand stabilization.

Changes due to the introduction of non-native species are very important, especially in arid and desert areas. Because protection and regeneration in these fragile ecosystems are difficult. Soil is the basis of ecosystems. The effect of introduction and establishment of non-native species can be evaluated by sensitive indicators such as soil enzyme activities. The activity of acid and alkaline phosphatase, urease, dehydrogenase, and invertase enzymes were investigated as well as soil physicochemical properties (the percentage of soil moisture, organic carbon, total nitrogen and available phosphorus) under and outside the canopy of Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce and P. juliflora (SW.) DC.). Soil sampling (in total, 24 samples) was done randomly from a depth of 0-30 cm in a natural habitat of the two species located in Assaluyeh, Bushehr province, Iran. The statistical analysis showed the sampling location had a significant effect on activities of the all studied enzymes (p< at least 0.05). These enzymes were more active under the canopy of the sample trees. Under the canopy of P. juliflora, enzyme activities did not differ significantly from that of P. cineraria. The interaction of species and sampling location was only significant in alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity (p<0.01). Due to the lack of harmful effects of P. juliflora as a non-native species on soil enzymes activities and also it's a very fast growth, it seems that with the application of scientific and correct management, P. juliflora in de-desertification and forest regeneration programs in Sahara-Sindhi habitats in Assaluyeh should be noticed.

This study aimed to compare the effects of roots and leaves of Prosopis juliflora (SW) DC at different concentrations on emergence, vigor, radicle, and plumule length of two species of Taverniera spartea (Burm. F.) DC. and Pennisetum divisum (Forssk. Ex JF Gmel.) Henrard in Hormozgan province, Iran. After grounding the leaves and bark of Prosopis juliflora and mixing it with the soil of Prosopis juliflora habitat (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 g of each organ per kg of soil), 15 seeds of Pennisetum divisum and Taverniera spartea species with four replications were cultivated in the soil, and the desired variables were recorded and analyzed using GLM statistical analysis. The results showed that vigor, radicle, and plumule length of Taverniera spartea species in soil associated with bark was 10.77, 3.47, and 3.63 cm, and in Pennisetum divisum species were 5.7, 4.36, and 4.15 cm that was higher than in the leaves. Also, seed vigor, plumule length in Taverniera spartea species, and seed vigor, radicle, and plumule length in Pennisetum divisum species had the lowest values in 8% treatment. The interaction effects of concentration×organ also showed that the leaf extraction had significant decreasing effects on seed vigor, plumule length in both species, and radicle length in Pennisetum divisum species. Also, the emergence percentage in Pennisetum divisum species (18.33%) was the highest in the control treatment. The results showed that Prosopis juliflora has inhibitory effects on rangeland species, so the selection of this species for afforestation in desert areas should be done more sensitively and the use of native species (Ziziphus spina christi, Prosopis cineraria, and Acacia oerfota) should be prioritized.

Hormozgan province has an area of more than five million hectares of forests and rangelands. Saharo-sindian and Irano-Toranian plants are distributed in Hormozgan province naturally. To identify and study the harmful factors of forest and rangeland pests, samplings have been visited several times during 2015-2020. These studies included pest collection, prognosis, prevention, and control, as well as identification of order, family, genus, and species. The samples of pests were identified applying the CTAB method and COI amplified. Further analyses were done, including DNA genomic extraction and using SSR markers, including LCO1490 and HCO 2198 primers. Nine species of pests were collected and identified in Hormozgan agricultural research and natural resources and education center. The important pests identified included Thiacidas postica Walker (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Streblote helpsi (Holloway) (Lasiocampidae: Lepidoptera), Schistocerca gregaria (Forskal) (Orthoptera: Acrididae), Hystrix leucura (Sykes) (Rodentia: Hystridae), The longhorn beetle of the family Cerambycidae, xylophagous beetle of the family Buprestidae, Nysius cymoides (Spinola) (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae), Vanessa carduie (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae). There are three new emerging pests causing severe damage to the forests, including Streblote helpsi Holloway (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae), a beetle from Cerambicidae, and an un-identified bark borer on Prosopis cineraria. The purpose of this study was to identify the most important pests of forests and rangeland in Hormozgan province with emphasis on new emerging pests to manage and control these pests.

Parishan International Wetland is one of the most important freshwater wetlands in Iran, which is on the list of endangered wetlands (Montreux) due to its complete drying up and habitat changes. This research was carried out in 2018 and 2019 to investigate changes in species diversity of waterbirds and it’s relationships with water surface in PIW. Semi-winter census data were collected from the Department of Environmental, Iran. Data were analyzed using the Species Diversity and Richness (SDR-IV) software. Species diversity indices including (Shannon-Wiener and Simpson D), species richness (Margalef and Minhinick) and evenness (Pielou and Simpson E) were calculated in a period of 31 years from 1998 to 2018. Trend of changes of the wetland reservoir surface and land use have been investigated, using satellite images. Results showed that diversity indices had an increasing trend during the years 1988 to 2001 and a decreasing trend from 2001 to 2018. Diversity indices reached lowest value in 2012 with the decrease of the wetland catchment area. The average values of 5-year period ​​of all indices from 1989 to 2008 did not differ significantly, but apart from the Minhinick index, other indices in the period of 2009-2013 and 2014-2018 had significantly lower values. (P<0.5). The wetland reservoir surface had been increasing from 1988 to 2000. From 2001 to 2018, except for the years 2005 to 2007, the trend was decreasing and from 2009, it has had almost no water areas. It was suggested that increasing the surface and depth of the wetland, diversity of incoming water resources, determining the ownership of the surrounding lands, implementation of monitoring programs, evaluation of operational plans and training of stakeholders are the most important strategies to restore biodiversity of wetland waterbirds.

Halophytes are one of the essential parts of haloculture that do not compete for the occupation of lands and freshwater resources. Salicornia persica Akhani grows naturally in the southern coastal and desert areas of Iran. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of two irrigation water quality treatments (seawater and shrimp farm waste-water with electrical conductivity of 64.5 and 66.4 dS m-1 m, respectively) and potassium sulfate fertilizer treatment (with three levels of 0, 100 and 200 kg ha-1) on the amount of forage produced (yield) and height of this plant was investigated in factorial experiment based on randomized complete blocks. The results showed that the yield of Salicornia dry forage under irrigation with seawater and shrimp field waste-water irrigation was 1136.92 and 740.8 kg ha-1, respectively, with significant differences. Investigation of the interaction effects of irrigation treatment (two levels) and potassium sulfate fertilizer (three levels) showed that the highest forage production yield was related to the treatment of 100 kg ha-1 of potassium sulfate fertilizer irrigated with seawater at the rate of 1538.8 kg ha-1 of dry forage .There was no significant difference between plant height related to irrigation treatments and potassium fertilizer application. The results showed that the production of Salicornia under irrigation treatments with seawater and shrimp farm waste-water is possible and consumption of 100 kg ha-1 of potassium sulfate increases yield. Further research was proposed to improve the production potential of this saline plant through agricultural operations and selection of superior germplasms using seawater and shrimp farm waste-water.

This study aimed to extract, identify and compare the compounds in activated sludge treated with furfural and acetic acid. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (MS/GC), FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques were used to identify the components of activated sludge.

For this purpose, test samples of activated sludge from Mazandaran Wood and Paper Factory were randomly selected and treated with furfural and acetic acid. According to TAPPI standard tests, the extractive materials were then separated/isolated from activated sludge flour by acetone solvent and the residual of the extractive materials were transferred to a glass vial and BSTFA reagent was added to it. After preparation, the samples were injected into GC-MS. The retention-time diagram, quartz coefficient calculation and Adams table were used to identify the compounds.

The results of gas chromatogram of the extractive materials of the test samples showed that in activated sludge, activated sludge treated in furfural and activated sludge treated with acetic acid, there are 59, 138, and 48 identifiable compounds, respectively. Comparison of chromatograms also showed that two bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and 2-methyl-naphthalene compounds were commonly present in 3 test samples. Squelin is one of the pure and mineral hydrocarbon oils of the identified in activated sludge treated with acetic acid at the rate of 2.26%. According to chromatograms, alkanes have formed a remarkable percentage of all non-polar compounds in activated sludge and treated samples. The most abundant of these compounds are light to relatively heavy alkanes, which can be mentioned to compunds of Dodecane, 3-decane in activated sludge, nano-decane, hexadecane and octa-decane in activated sludge treated with acetic acid and on-decane and hexadecane in the treated samples with furfural. Comparison of chromatograms also indicated that 2-compounds of 2-ethyl acridine and hexadecane were in the activated sludge treated with furfural and acetic acid so that it was not observed in the primary activated sludge. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis also showed that the activated sludge of the paper factory resulting from CMP and NSSC processes is composed of calcite (2ϴ=39) and colloidal materials. FT-IR spectrum showed that acetic acid treatment has strengthened and activated the functional groups present on the activated sludge surface, especially in the range of 1500-1600 cm-1 wave number. In addition, the tensile vibrations are mostly related to the C-C bond and the skeletal vibrations of the aromatic units. Also, the wave number 3200 to 3400 cm-1 is related to the active hydroxyl groups.

The most important saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in activated sludge can be introduced tetradcanoic acid, 7-bromohebtyl isobutyl phthalic acid, palmitoleic acid, linoladic acid and 2,1-benzene d-carboxylic acid, which during activated sludge treatment with furfural and acetic acid have been removed. Depending on the type of treatment, these compounds can have negative or positive effects on activated sludge applications.

The aim of this study was to investigate the allelopathy effect of Prosopis juliflora species on emergence, vigority, gemole and plumule length of two important forest species in southern Iran, Hormozgan province. For this purpose, in the summer of 2020, 15 seeds of Acacia oerfota and Acacia tortilis were planted in the soil collected under, margin and four meters from the canopy edge of Prosopis juliflora and also in the soil mixed with leaf powder of Prosopis juliflora (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 gr/kg leaf powder in soil) and irrigated with distilled water and their emergencewas recorded once every two days. Finally, gemole and plumule lengths of germinated seeds were measured and the variables were analyzed using GLM statistical analysis at 95% level. The results showed that the emergence percentage in A. tortilis species (20.74%) was significantly higher than A. oerfota species. The gemole length of A. oerfota species (5.14 cm) was longer than A. tortilis while in the soil mixed with prosopis leaf powder, the gemole length in A. oerfota was lower (0.53 cm) than it in A. tortilis. The length of gemole and Plumule in the open area with values of 5.88 and 4.34 cm was significantly higher than their values in the soil under the crown of Prosopis juliflora. Emergence percentages (17.5%), vigority (13.40) and the length of plumule (4.22 cm) were lower in the soil mixed with prosopis leaf powder than those in control treatment. The interactions of species×soil position on vigority (4.40), gemole and plumule length (3.11 and 2.48 cm) showed that the two variables of gemole and plumule length were affected by the soil collection site and had its lowest value under the canopy which it was observed in prosopis leaf concentration treatments. The results showed that A. oerfota species was strongly influenced by Prosopis juliflora allelopathy, therefore, it is recommended to prioritize afforestation with native species and, if possible, to avoid the plantation of Prosopis juliflora in the southern sensitive ecosystems.

Acacia albida Delile naturally grows on the outskirts of Razm Abad village, Dashti city, Bushehr province. This species is a hardy drought-resistant tree with abundant ecological and economic potential. The forest is under threat of degradation because of its close distance to the village. This research has been carried out to identify the habitat, the causes of degradation, the possibility of seed production for future propagation, and the necessity to protect it. The forest of this species can be categorized into three forms including dense, semi-dense, and scattered form. The reproduction of this species through seeds was scarce, but coppice seedlings were found in this area. In terms of phenology, A. albida lost its leaves in July, reproduced leaves in November, and produced flowers in March. Due to the late cold in March, flowers were destroyed and fruits were not formed during this work. Deforestation of Acacia habitat for agricultural and horticultural, livestock grazing, consecutive droughts, cutting down and uprooting trees, digging agricultural wells in the vicinity of the habitat, and herbal pests are essential and serious factors of threat and destruction of this habitat. Lowering the underground water level and water out of the reach of trees and reduction of flood-water in the Sana seasonal river are other important threats of forest degradation. Protecting, forestry, using floodwater of the Sana seasonal river, and continuous monitoring and enriching the forest can help sustain and rehabilitate this valuable natural forest. It is, also, recommended to do more research on the reasons for the lack of this species in other parts of southern Iran. To study the process of forest sequence, seed and seedling production and afforestation is suggested.

Calotropis procera (Aiton) W. T. Aiton (Asclepiadaceae) is a native shrub growing in sub-tropical regions including the southern coasts of the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea from Khuzestan to Baluchistan, Iran. The economic benefits of the shrub include the use of latex and extract to control of plants pests and diseases, the use of natural rubber in the rubber industry, the manufacture of composites and insulators with stem fibers of Calotropis, the production of pure yarn from valuable fibers in the bark, and the use of seed oil for fuel production. The bioassay results indicated that the ethanol extract of C. procera caused a significant mortality on larvae in different stages of Thiacidas postica. It can be used to control a number of pests, including insect defoliator. The extract of C. procera has considerable insecticide, fungicide, anti-feeding, and oviposition-inhibition effects. Its antifungal properties have also been observed and can be used naturally or synthetically in the production of environmentally friendly insecticides and fungicides.

Anastatus acherontiae Narayanan, Subba Rao & Ramachandra is the native egg parasitoid of Streblote siva (Lefebvre) and Acherontia atropos (L.) in Bushehr of Iran which can considered as with potential candidate biological control for agent inundative releases. The A. acherontiae colony was originally established in 2017 from mass eggs of S. siva. These rearing containers were placed in an incubator set at a light/temperature cycle of L16h/26°C and D8h/18°C. The body of the egg is 0.654±0.004 mm and it is ellipsoidal and bears a stalk. The wasp has five larval instars. The average length of the female wasp is 2.678±0.014 mm. There was a significant difference between the lifetime of females fed with honey water solution (109.25±1.47 days) with females provided only with water and host (21.63±0.34 days). The egg development was 3.80±0.12 days. Development from larva to adult was 25.40±0.58 days. The pupal stage lasted 9.80±0.26 days. From the oviposition of A. acherontiae to the emergence of adult was 37.3±0.30 days. The mean of eggs laid was 60.56±1.74. A. acherontiae was able to complete 2 to 3 overlapping generations. In early October, the adult’s wasps appear gradually and this trend continued until December. The second generation of the parasitoid wasp appeared in March and it attacked to the host's spring generations. The overwintering was as prepupa into host egg and adult wasp. The valuable data gained on the biology and population dynamism of A. acherontiae can be help to develop a release strategy of this parasitoid against S. siva.