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Maintenance of the name I Juniperus macrocarpa i is desirable, but the obligate lectotype of the name shows features somewhat intermediate between those traditionally considered as typical of I J. macrocarpa i and those typical of I J. deltoides i . I oxycedrus i has leaves ca. 1.5 mm wide at the widest, a long mucro (0.67 ± 0.2 mm) that is always present, seed cones 8-10 mm long, and I J. deltoides i has leaves 1-1.5 mm wide, a long mucro (1.14 ± 0.33 mm), seed cones 8-10 mm long. Furthermore, I J. deltoides i can be distinguished by the width of its leaves one-tenth below their apex (0.47 ± 0.13 mm), narrower than in I J. oxycedrus i (0.77 ± 0.17 mm) and I J. macrocarpa i (0.82 ± 0.11 mm) (Adams, l.c. 2004b, 2014; Eckenwalder, l.c.; Farjon, l.c. 2010; Farjon & Filer, l.c.; Roma-Marzio & al., l.c.). The traditional concept and current use of the name I J. macrocarpa i has always been for a shrub or small dioecious tree with spreading branches, foliage branches short, thick and rigid, which can be distinguished from I J i . [Extracted from the article]

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• Mycorrhizal fungi stimulate growth of Juniperus communis. • The effect of mycorrhiza on J. communis correlates with soil Ca, Mg and Na. • The effect of mycorrhizal fungi on J. communis was not associated with pH. High nitrogen (N) deposition rates can cause soil eutrophication and acidification causing harmful effects to many plant species. One species that seems to be affected is Juniperus communis , populations of which are declining in Western Europe, due to a lack of regeneration. This is primarily caused by limited seedling recruitment and low viable seed production; factors that have both been attributed to increased levels of N deposition. J. communis sapling performance could be dependant on mycorrhizal fungi (MF) in their roots , but how – and under what conditions – MF contribute to the performance of J. communis has not been studied before. Here we experimentally tested the effect of MF on J. communis cuttings along an acidity gradient in situ. To manipulate the interaction with MF, we used ingrowth cores, effectively allowing for root-MF interactions or strongly reducing these. After six months we measured growth and needle nutrient concentrations of cuttings with a normal or reduced mycelial network. MF had a positive effect on absolute growth of our cuttings. However, this effect was weakened as soil Mg2+, Ca2+ and Na+ concentrations declined. Soil pH itself was not directly associated with the effect of MF on J. communis. MF also decreased needle phosphorous concentrations, most likely because the increased plant growth by MF diluted its concentration in the plants. We conclude that MF stimulate the performance of J. communis , but that leaching of cations, accelerated by N deposition, negatively affects their mutualism and thereby the performance of J. communis saplings. This highlights the potential positive role of MF in effective conservation and restoration efforts of J. communis habitats in Western Europe and the importance of prioritising the reduction of ongoing eutrophication and acidification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fertilization promotes enhanced productivity, successful stand establishment, and stand development in support of future wood supply and enhanced carbon sequestration. However, inconsistent growth responses of western redcedar (Thuja plicata Donn ex D. Don) and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.) to fertilization have been reported, and our understanding of fertilization impacts on mortality, ingrowth, and tree damage is still limited for these species. A long-term fertilization trial on northern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, was revisited 30 years after establishment to determine growth, mortality, ingrowth, and tree damage responses of these species to repeated fertilization. In 1988, western redcedar and western hemlock seedlings were planted at three densities (500, 1500, and 2500 trees ha-1). Fertilization treatments were applied at planting (N+P+K), in 1993 (N+P) and 2004 (N-only). The experimental design was established in adjacent cutovers of two forest types: Cedar-Hemlock (CH) and Hemlock-Amabilis fir (HA). At stand age 30, both species showed strong growth responses to fertilization on both site types. Initial mortality was increased by fertilization presumably due to intensified competition with understory vegetation. Self-thinning occurred as stand development was accelerated in fertilized plots with high planting density. Statistically significant differences between species in ingrowth volume were observed, particularly in fertilized western redcedar plots on HA sites. Sinuosity was the major damage agent in planted trees. The majority of sinuosity was observed in fertilized western hemlock trees at high planting density on the HA site. The study results imply that fertilization increases productivity for both species on CH and HA sites, but may result in trees with sinuosity. Further research, including foliar and soil nutrient measurements, is warranted to identify the cause and effect of sinuosity for cost-effective management of these forest types. • Fertilization affected growth, mortality, ingrowth, and sinuosity of both species. • Increased sinuosity was observed in fertilized western hemlock with high density. • Fertilization advanced self-thinning timing, resulting in increased mortality. • Ingrowth volume responses to fertilization differed between tree species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Karen was crouched on the side of the road, photographing the valley below. We were two Anglos from New York, photographer Karen Marshall and I, and for a few years each of us had been covering a federal law that was displacing thousands of the most traditional indigenous people in the land now called Arizona. We got out of the car at a bend in the road of the mountain the Dineh (Navajo) call TsoodziL, Blue Bead or Turquoise Mountain, the sacred mountain of the south. [Extracted from the article]

The habitat 4070 * Bushes with Pinus mugo and Rhododendron myrtifolium is a priority habitat of community interest, according to Directive 92/43 / EEC on the conservation of natural habitats, of flora and fauna. The juniper grows and develops vigorously on shady slopes, in humid conditions of air and soil, on not too humid soils, except for narrow valleys or depressions in which the snow accumulates in excessive quantities and stagnates until late spring. Juniper associations are characteristic of alpine podsols and prepodsols with crude, poor and acid humus. The work presents the conditions of the area (geology, geomorphology, climate, soil and hydrology) and the preparation works of land and soil, for 50 ha proposed for planting with juniper. The surfaces are part of Gorj county, South-West Oltenia region and are located on the territories of the localities Peștișani, Runcu and Stănești. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(2) The specimen shows diagnostic characters belonging to I J. turbinata i (e.g., leaves and branches more elongated than in I J. phoenicea i , and acute leaves), and does not match with the leaves described in the protologue of I J. lycia i ("foliis [...] ovatis obtusis"). On the other hand, the nomenclatural resurrection of I Juniperus lycia i (for example, by its epitypification) might be disruptive for the currently accepted nomenclatural and taxonomic schemes in the I J. phoenicea i complex, especially for I J. turbinata i , a well-established name that might have to be abandoned as a later synonym of I J. lycia i . This image can be identified as belonging to I Juniperus turbinata i (with seed cones greater than I J. phoenicea i s.str.; see Lobelius's illustration on page 221 of I J. phoenicea i as "Cedrus Phoenicea media"). (this polynomial matches with the synonym cited by Linnaeus under I J. phoenicea i ), and it was also annotated by Farjon on 10 March 1992 " I Juniperus phoenicea i L. | (syn.: I J i . [Extracted from the article]

Extremely old trees are valued and revered by residents in many countries. Yet information about the ages and locations of the oldest living trees is rarely available, especially at the national level. We compiled a series of dendrochronological datasets of the age and location of very old trees (≥1000 years old) across China, and found that there are at least 98 ancient living trees exceeding 1000 years of age in the country. The oldest living individual we identified was a Qilian juniper (Juniperus przewalskii) tree that, as of 2009, was determined to be 2230 years old. The oldest trees occurred most frequently in remote, high‐elevation areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate phytochemicals present in the essential oil from aerial parts of eastern red cedar, Juniperus virginiana (J. virginiana) L. (Cupressaceae) and to determine its killing and repellent activities against larvae, pupae, and adults of the Asian malaria mosquito, Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae). Methods: J. virginiana essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation, and its chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Seven different logarithmic concentrations of J. virginiana essential oils were used in larvicidal and pupicidal assays. J. virginiana essential oils-impregnated bed nets were applied in a designed animal module to test excito-repellent activity against adult mosquitoes. Results: Fourteen constituents corresponding to 99.98% of J. virginiana essential oils were identified. Five main components were terpinen-4-ol (25.21%), camphor (19.89%), E-3-hexen- 1-ol (13.30%), γ-terpinene (7.86%), and l-menthone (2.27%). The LC50 and LC90 values against larvae of the Anopheles stephensi were 11.693 and 66.140 ppm and for pupae were 9.640 and 40.976 ppm, respectively. In excito-repellency assay, J. virginiana essential oils-impregnated bed nets provided an average of 54.63% protection for guinea pig and 45.37% mortality for the mosquitoes. Conclusions: Four monoterpenes and one leaf alcohol were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. J. virginiana essential oils showed potent larvicidal, pupicidal, adulticidal, and repellent activities against Anopheles stephensi at acceptable concentrations. Evaluation of bioactivity of identified chemicals (alone or in combination) will provide new eco-friendly substances for mosquito-management programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Juniperus virginiana and Pinus ponderosa are expanding in the Nebraska Sandhills. • Positive relationship found between select vegetation indices and tree ring growth. • Woody species performance was partially decoupled from that of grasslands. • We demonstrated the use of remote sensing to assess woody species performance. Woody species encroachment is occurring within the semi-arid grasslands of the Nebraska Sandhills U.S., primarily driven by native Juniperus virginiana and Pinus ponderosa , altering ecosystems and the services they provide. Effective, low cost, and cross-scale monitoring of woody species growth and performance is necessary for integrated grassland and forest management in the face of climate variability and change. In this study, we sought to establish a relationship between remote sensing-derived vegetation indices (VIs), tree dendrochronological (raw and standardized tree ring width) measurements, and the abiotic environment [(precipitation, temperature, Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI), and soil water content (0–300 cm depth)], over a 30-year period (1984–2013), to assess the performance of encroaching woody J. virginiana and P. ponderosa within the Nebraska Sandhills. We also investigated whether VIs can be used as an effective alternative tool to replace or complement ground measurements. Our results indicate that precipitation, temperature, and PDSI were significant (p < 0.05) predictors of J. virginiana and P. ponderosa growth based on dendrochronological measurements and VIs, while soil water content from 40 to 300 cm depth was a significant predictor of J. virginiana performance. Out of the six VIs that were investigated, four were significant predictors of tree ring growth. R2 values between grassland VIs and growing season climate were greater than those of J. virginiana or P. ponderosa , while grassland performance was decoupled from soil water content. Additionally, climatic conditions in the previous year were significant determinants of current year growth of tree species but did not affect current year grassland performance. This study provides evidence for the efficacy of remote sensing-based VIs in monitoring interannual variation in the growth of woody species, while determining abiotic factors impacting the growth of grassland vegetation, J. virginiana , and P. ponderosa in the Nebraska Sandhills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood decay fungus Pyrofomes demidoffii is a cosmopolitan spp. and considered as an important source of damage to Juniperus spp. The aim of the study was to assess the wounding factors of Juniperus procera and their relation to a disease occurrence of P. demidoffii in some afromontane forests of Ethiopia. Disease survey and sample collection was conducted during 2010 in Adaba-Dodola and in Menagesha forests. In Adaba-Dodola forest, sampling was conducted in highly disturbed forest blocks named as non-“WAJIB” and in a relatively undisturbed forest (“WAJIB”) named after the local Afan Oromic language. WAJIB blocks are constitute of Forest Dwellers Association established to protect forest, whereas a non-WAJIB blocks are people living in villages found adjacent to forests with little role in protection of forest. In both study areas, a study quadrat of 20 × 20 m 2 within the plot was established at 100 m intervals along a regular grid. In each sampling unit, comprehensive survey was conducted to determine the occurrence of infection by P. demidoffii . About 657 trees (310 in Adaba-Dodola forest and 347 in Menagesha forest) were assessed for the typical signs and symptoms of P. demidoffii . Natural and anthropogenic wounding factors were assessed, and their relationships with disease occurrence of P. demidoffii were determined. Pyrofomes demidoffii was noticed as fruiting bodies and/or white rot on the juniper stands. The disease occurrence of P. demidoffii was significantly higher in juniper stands with a mixed wounding factors followed by wounding by bark-peeling ( P  < .0001). The disease occurrence was significantly associated with crown vitality status ( P  < .0001) and significantly higher in juniper stands with complete-die back. The disease occurrence in the intact juniper stands was much lower both from fruiting bodies (9.1%) and white rot (3.6%) as compared to other decay stages. Trees with larger diameter at breast height (d.b.h) and larger wound size displayed significantly higher disease occurrence of P. demidoffii ( P  < .0001). Wounding at any point has resulted in the infection of the tree by fungal inoculum of P. demidoffii. From the current study, it can be concluded that wounding of the juniper tree by mixed wounding factors followed by bark peeling; wounds of larger size; heavily decayed and hollowed trees; completely declined stands, and stands with larger d.b.h. categories enhanced the susceptibility of juniper tree to P. demidoffii to a greater extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Western juniper ( Juniperus occidentalis spp. occidentalis Hook.) woodlands are replacing many lower elevation (<2100 m) quaking aspen ( Populus tremuloides Michx.) stands in the northern Great Basin. We evaluated two juniper removal treatments (Fall, Spring) to restore aspen woodlands in southeast Oregon, spanning a 15-year period. The Fall treatment involved cutting 1/3 of the juniper followed by a high severity broadcast burn one year later in October 2001. The Spring treatment involved cutting 2/3 of the juniper followed by a low severity broadcast burn 18 months later in April 2002. The cut trees increased the amount of dry fuels to carry fire through stands. We tested the effectiveness of treatments at removing juniper from seedlings to mature trees, assessed aspen ramet recruitment and development, and evaluated recovery of the shrub layer. In the Fall treatment, burning eliminated all remaining juniper trees and saplings, stimulated an 8-fold increase in aspen density (16,000 ha −1 ) and increased aspen cover 6-fold compared to the untreated controls. After 15 years, aspen density in the Spring treatment was about 1/3 of the Fall treatment, however, aspen cover did not differ from the Fall treatment. Because spring burning was less effective at removing juniper, leaving about 20% of the mature trees and 50% of the saplings, retreatment of conifers will be necessary to maintain the aspen community. In the Fall treatment, juniper began establishing within 15 years after conifer control indicating retreatment might be necessary earlier than expected. Total shrub cover and density in the Spring treatment was greater than the control and Fall treatments. Cover and density of sprouting shrub species, particularly western snowberry ( Symphoricarpus oreophilus Gray), increased and were greater in the Spring treatments than the Fall treatment where they had declined. Shrubs that increased in the Fall treatment were species where seed germination is enhanced by fire, especially snowbrush ( Ceanothus velutinus Douglas ex Hook) and wax currant ( Ribes cereum Dougl.). If an objective is to maintain or increase native understories the Spring treatment was more effective than the Fall treatment for recovering the shrub layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piñon ( Pinus spp.) and juniper ( Juniperus spp.) woodlands have been expanding their range across the intermountain western United States into landscapes dominated by sagebrush ( Artemisia spp.) shrublands. Management actions using prescribed fire and mechanical cutting to reduce woodland cover and control expansion provided opportunities to understand how environmental structure and changes due to these treatments influence bird communities in piñon-juniper systems. We surveyed 43 species of birds and measured vegetation for 1–3 years prior to treatment and 6–7 years post-treatment at 13 locations across Oregon, California, Idaho, Nevada, and Utah. We used structural equation modeling to develop and statistically test our conceptual model that the current bird assembly at a site is structured primarily by the previous bird community with additional drivers from current and surrounding habitat conditions as well as external regional bird dynamics. Treatment reduced woodland cover by >5% at 80 of 378 survey sites. However, habitat change achieved by treatment was highly variable because actual disturbance differed widely in extent and intensity. Biological inertia in the bird community was the strongest single driver; 72% of the variation in the bird assemblage was explained by the community that existed seven years earlier. Greater net reduction in woodlands resulted in slight shifts in the bird community to one having ecotone or shrubland affinities. However, the overall influence of woodland changes from treatment were relatively small and were buffered by other extrinsic factors. Regional bird dynamics did not significantly influence the structure of local bird communities at our sites. Our results suggest that bird communities in piñon-juniper woodlands can be highly stable when management treatments are conducted in areas with more advanced woodland development and at the level of disturbance measured in our study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest mastication treatments are increasingly utilized by land managers as a means of reducing tree cover for fire hazard mitigation and other habitat objectives in piñon-juniper (P-J) woodlands. Mastication converts trees into small pieces (e.g., wood chips), in the process creating canopy openings, redistributing fuel from the canopy to the surface, converting large diameter to small diameter fuels, and covering the ground with piles of woody debris. We measured vegetation and fuels at 192 sites in 24 pairs of 1–11-year-old mastication treatments and untreated adjacent controls in P-J woodlands of the Arkansas River valley, Colorado, and used paired t -tests, mixed-effects models, and gradient analysis (non-metric multidimensional scaling) to assess mastication effects. Treatments were associated with major, persistent ecological shifts relative to controls. Tree cover and canopy fuels were reduced in treatments; concomitantly, dead and down woody surface fuels, forb, and graminoid cover were elevated. Treatments exhibited much higher frequency, richness, and cover by a suite of non-native plant species including cheatgrass ( Bromus tectorum ). Non-native plant expansion appears linked to the disturbance associated with treatment activities, reductions in tree canopy, and alterations to ground cover, and effective mitigation of increases by these species may necessitate both pre- and post-treatment control measures. Shifts from native-dominated woodlands to open, weedy, herb- and shrub-dominated communities are likely to change patterns of abundance and habitat use by woodland- and forest-dependent wildlife. Decreased canopy fuels and increased herbaceous surface fuels including exotic annuals are expected to alter potential fire behavior. We encourage managers carrying out P-J mastication projects to explicitly address potential trade-offs between desired treatment outcomes and potentially unwelcome impacts, and how these might be mitigated. It may also be worth considering whether or not tree removal treatments will be warranted given anticipated climate change impacts to these woodlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Juniperus oxycedrus L. is a common Mediterranean tree that is frequently used in traditional medicine and European cuisine. Evidence suggests that Juniperus species may contain a large number of potentially anti-cancer molecules. Previously, the authors reported that essential oils of J. oxycedrus L. have anti-cancer properties in ER+ breast cancer cells. However, the potential therapeutic properties of hydroethanolic extracts are still unknown. Considering this and to highlight its anti-cancer properties, the in vitro effects of J. oxycedrus hydroethanolic extracts, of leaves and fruits, were investigated in ER+ breast cancer cells that overexpress aromatase (MCF-7aro). The effect of extracts on cell viability, cell death, and cell cycle progression were analysed. In addition, the phytochemical composition and their antioxidant properties were evaluated. Both extracts impaired breast cancer cell growth, by reducing cell viability, arresting cell cycle, and inducing mitochondrial apoptosis. Curiously, the presence of multinucleated cells and polyploidy in association with apoptosis suggested the involvement of mitotic catastrophe. Furthermore, both extracts had high antioxidant activity. Concerning the phytochemical analysis, it was demonstrated that both extracts were rich in flavonoids, which are known for their anti-cancer and antioxidant properties. Therefore, this work emphasizes the impact of both hydroethanolic extracts of J. oxycedrus L. in ER+ breast cancer cells, suggesting their potential adjuvant therapeutic role for this type of cancer. Moreover, this study points out that the plant J. oxycedrus L. could be considered a new natural source of anti-cancer and antioxidant molecules with therapeutic potential. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Similar total stand volumes were found in 20-year-old mixtures and pure stands of western redcedar and red alder. • Soil N increased with increasing red alder proportion with increases in exchangeable cations (K, Ca, and Mg) and C in the soil under pure red alder. • Western redcedar height and diameter growth were found to surpassed alder growth performance in the last 7 years. A replacement series designed trial containing mixed and pure stands of western redcedar and red alder (cedar: alder; 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 0:100) was monitored over a 20-year period. Tree and stand growth performance across the pure and mixed species treatments were inconclusive. Inherent site variation in soils and microclimate resulted in a range of survival and productivity responses. After twenty years since planting, total stand volumes were similar across the treatments, ranging between 145 and 165 m3/ha. Average cedar height and diameter growth performance surpassed alder growth performance in the last 7 years. Soil C, N and exchangeable cations (K, Ca, and Mg) trended towards greater accumulation with increasing red alder proportion. These observations indicate cedar in combination with alder may further benefit from enhanced soil fertility over the next decades as stands continue to develop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pinyon and juniper ( Pinus spp., Juniperus spp.) woodlands are expanding into shrublands and grasslands throughout much of western North America. Woodland reduction is frequently used to mitigate the effects of conifer encroachment on game species (e.g. mule deer Odocoileus hemionus ) and shrub and grassland-obligate species (e.g. sage grouse Centrocercus spp.). Although these practices are widespread, previous studies on the effects of woodland reduction on animal communities have not yet been synthesized, making it difficult to set priorities for future research and practice. To address this gap, we first summarize the history of pinyon and juniper reduction in western North America and characterize known wildlife habitat associations in pinyon and juniper ecosystems. We then review and synthesize evidence from the scientific literature on wildlife responses to pinyon and juniper woodland reduction. We tallied the outcomes of these studies to determine the relative proportions of positive, negative, and non-significant responses by different taxonomic groups and functional groups. The majority (69%) of animal species responses to woodland reduction treatments were non-significant. However, particular groups of species (taxonomic and/or functional) were more likely to respond positively or negatively, depending on the woodland reduction treatment method. Unexpectedly, investigators often found non-significant or negative responses by ungulates to woodland reduction, and non-significant responses by sagebrush obligate species. However, few studies measured effects on sagebrush obligate species, which limits inference for this group. Indeed, our review demonstrates that the effects of woodland reduction are well-understood for only a subset of taxonomic groups (e.g. birds and small mammals); whereas other groups (e.g. reptiles and terrestrial invertebrates) are consistently under-studied. Further, a shortage of large-scale and long-term research limits our ability to fully understand spatial and temporal wildlife responses to woodland reduction. We encourage practitioners to design and implement pinyon and juniper reduction projects to experimentally assess the effects of these practices on both target and non-target species. Adopting consistent monitoring protocols across projects would also facilitate greater understanding of how factors such as treatment type, size, location and duration result in positive or negative impacts to diverse wildlife of conservation concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decreased fire activity has been recognized as a main cause of expansion and infilling of North American woodlands. Piñon-juniper ( Pinus-Juniperus ) woodlands in the western United States have expanded in area 2–10-fold since the late 1800s. Woodland control measures using chainsaws, heavy equipment and prescribed fire are used to restore big sagebrush ( Artemisia tridentata Nutt.) steppe plant communities and reduce woody fuel loading. Immediate objectives in the initial control of piñon-juniper are; (1) recovery of perennial herbaceous species to restore site composition, structure and processes (resilience) and resist invasion and dominance by invasive annual grasses (resistance) and (2) reducing woody fuel accumulations. Spanning a 7 year period (2006–2012), we compared herbaceous recovery following cutting and prescribed fire on three sites in mid and late succession western juniper ( Juniperus occidentalis spp. occidentalis Hook.) woodlands in southeast Oregon. Treatments were untreated controls, partial cutting followed by fall broadcast burning (SEP), clear-cut and leave (CUT), and clear-cut and burn in winter (JAN), and spring (APR). Cover of herbaceous species was measured in three zones; interspace, litter mats around tree stumps (stump), and beneath felled trees. In interspace zones of all treatments, comprising between 51% and 63% of site areas, perennial bunchgrasses dominated two sites and co-dominated with invasive annual grasses at one site after treatment. Burning in the JAN treatments, when fuel moisture and relative humidity were high and temperatures cooler, reduced disturbance severity in stump and felled tree zones, which maintained perennial herbaceous understories and prevented or limited the presence of invasive annuals. Burning felled juniper in SEP and APR treatments resulted in moderate to high fire severity in stump and felled tree zones. At two sites, these fires consumed all fuel up to the 1000-h fuel class, largely eliminated herbaceous perennials, and created islands within treatments that enhanced annual grass invasion and dominance. To maintain or boost site resilience and resistance following control of late successional woodlands, reducing piñon-juniper fuels by burning in winter provides managers with a low-impact option for conserving sagebrush steppe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using essential oil (EO) mixtures to improve their single effectiveness aids to minimize insect resistance to synthetic insecticides and reduce the amounts of the applied bio-products. This study seeks to identify the chemical compositions of nine binary combinations of EOs of Artemisia herba alba Asso (A), Juniperus phoenicea L (B), and Rosmarinus officinalis L (C), by Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) side to side with the evaluation of their toxicity and repellency effectiveness against adults of Tribolium castaneum Herbst by fumigation and repellent tests. GC-MS results revealed that each mixture was dominated by one of the following compounds: Car-3-en-5-one, α-pinene, exo-2,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-, and Camphor. After 24 h of treatment, the most toxic mixtures were H (3C:1A), L (1B:1C), with K (1B:3C) (LD 50 = 64.99, 68.98, and 74.76 μL/L air, respectively). After 96 h, synergistic mixtures K, I (1C:1A), and L seemed to be the most potent (LD 50 = 55.6, 57.63, and 58.46 μL/L air, respectively) throughout the period of treatment. LT 90 values at the concentration of 83.66 μL/L air did not exceed the limit of 19.20 h for the less potent blend. The most repellent mixtures were F, D, E, and H, showing RD 90 values of 1.25, 2.99, 3.46, and 3.83 nL/cm2, respectively. All samples showed synergistic effects, except the combinations I and G (1C:3A). The synergistic mixtures might be suitable as alternatives to chemical treatments for the control of T. castaneum , but tests at a larger scale are necessary to confirm our results. • All binary combinations of Artemisia herba alba Asso, Juniperus phoenicea L. and Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oils had repellent and toxic effects on Tribolium castaneum Herbst adults. • For both biological activities, some mixtures were synergistic. • Thechemical compositions of all essential oilblends changed significantly comparing with the crude extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term preservation of habitats has become a cornerstone of modern conservation policies. As resources allocated to conservation actions are often limited, developing relevant prioritizing methods is necessary. Although many studies have been published on species prioritization, habitats have been the subject of less research. This study aims to develop a simple prioritization method suitable for habitats and appropriate to any typology. We analyzed literature to select criteria that would be the most accurate to rank habitats. Our final method consists in calculating a score based on four criteria: legal obligation, territorial responsibility, conservation condition and an extra criterion designed to fit local interests and objectives. The method is applied on habitats listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) on the territory of RESEDA-Flore, a network of stakeholders involved in the conservation of Mediterranean flora. Results highlight that dune habitats show the highest conservation values, while rocky habitats and caves obtain relatively low scores. At the top of the ranking, Mediterranean temporary ponds (3170), Dunes with Pinus pinea and/or Pinus pinaster forests (2270) and Coastal dunes with Juniperus spp. (2250) appear to be a high priority. These results can be used to design and implement habitat conservation strategies in the French Mediterranean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Sex distribution in Juniperus navicularis is strongly clustered. • Reproductive effort increased with age in females, but was age-independent in males. • Junipers were smaller and showed higher density under pine cover than in open areas. • Age structure derived from growth rings showed the prevalence of 20–40 yr old stems. Plant species adapted to coastal systems are suffering severe declines. This is the case of the critically endangered Juniperus navicularis , which colonizes fossil dunes in the southwestern Iberian Peninsula and grows in the understory of pine plantations. This endemic juniper presents low reproduction rates and a decreasing number of populations has been reported in its western distribution edge. However, age structure and the demographic situation of its easternmost populations, that have been recently discovered, remain unknown. We used dendrochronological procedures to estimate the age structure of the easternmost isolated population of J. navicularis , considering three subpopulations under contrasting management regimes and selecting plots under pine cover and in open areas. We also assessed sex ratio, age at maturity and reproductive effort. We observed the predominance of 20–40 years-old stems in all study plots and a remarkable lack of young stems in open areas. Stem density was higher under pine canopies. There, junipers were, on average, younger than pine trees, meaning that junipers had grown in already forested areas. Only one sex per plot was found in all study plots but one, in which no reproductive stems were recorded, suggesting the existence of clonal growth. Reproductive effort increased with age in females, but was independent in males. We hypothesize that clonal growth might occur as a survival strategy to endure the harsher conditions of distribution edges. These results will help to develop more effective management strategies to preserve this endangered species, contributing to our understanding of dynamics of coastal ecosystems and setting the basis for future genetic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colonization of abandoned lands by woody vegetation may be a great opportunity for ecosystem recovery given the current and future trend of land abandonment. This may help to reverse the generalized condition of ecosystem degradation of developed countries which is an urgent need. However, ecosystem recovery in abandoned lands can be seriously limited by biotic and abiotic factors. Indentify such factors and determine the relevant spatial scales at which they operate will help to understand natural patterns of colonization of abandoned lands and may be useful to guide restoration activities. We used Spanish juniper remnant woodlands and old fields recently colonized by the species to assess the variation in post-dispersal seed predation and environmental suitability to plant recruitment. These biotic and abiotic factors are two of the most limiting for vegetation recovery in abandoned lands, at the regional and local spatial scale. We found that recruitment was controlled by factors operating at different spatial scales in a hierarchical manner along different stages of the process. The regional scale was determinant for post-dispersal seed predation and seedling abundance which was, in turn, controlled by environmental suitability at the local spatial scale. Post-dispersal seed removal was higher in old fields than in mature woodlands, hence increasing seed limitation, a pervasive constraint for plant recruitment in abandoned lands. Environmental suitability for plant recruitment did not decrease as a result of previous farming uses at the regional scale, a common pattern in areas not subjected to intensive farming practices. Abandoned lands in Mediterranean areas seem to have a strong potential for ecosystem recovery being the biotic factors (e.g. seed availability) more limiting than the abiotic ones when non-intensive farming practices have been performed. This together with predictions of increase in land abandonment in low productive areas makes old fields especially relevant from an ecosystem recovery perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research provides a comprehensive accuracy assessment of five methods for classifying western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) canopy cover from 1 m, 4-band National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) imagery. Two object-oriented classification approaches (image segmentation and spatial wavelet analysis, (SWA)) are compared to three pixel based classification approaches (random forests, Iterative Self-Organizing Data Analysis (ISODATA), and maximum likelihood). Methods are applied to approximately 250 km² in the intermountain western USA. A robust suite of statistical approaches, which offer an alternative to traditional kappa-based methods, are utilized to determine equivalence between methods and overall effectiveness. Object-oriented approaches have the highest overall accuracy among the assessed methods. Each of the methods varied considerably in cover class accuracy. SWA has the highest class accuracy when juniper canopy cover is low (0 to 40 percent cover), ISODATA performs best at moderate cover (60 to 80 percent) and maximum likelihood performs best at higher cover (60 to 100 percent cover). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Tree reduction improved soil climate more than tree mound or masticated-debris cover. [•] Masticated had 27wet days, 32degree days, and 311 wet degree days over untreated. [•] Tree reduction increased wet days by 45days spring-summer at 13–30cm soil depth. [•] Masticate trees when tree density is still low to minimize water available to weeds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Juniperus procera was successfully restored in a degraded landscape. [•] We found Acacia abyssinica to be efficient foster tree for J. procera. [•] A. abyssinica improved soil fertility through copious necromass production. [•] A. abyssinica also provided favorable growth conditions for J. procera. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Identification of forest changes provides information about current forest trajectories. [•] In eastern broadleaf forests, oaks decreased and maples and eastern redcedar increased. [•] In southern mixed forests, planted pines replaced historical pine forests. [•] In northern mixed forests, quaking aspen decreased and maples of eastern broadleaf forests increased. [•] The historical legacy of fire affects forest composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We examined the long-term effects of chaining in P–J woodlands in southern Utah. [•] Past treatments had long-term effects (both intended and unintended) on the ecosystem. [•] Treatments increased perennial grass, shrub, and non-native species cover. [•] Treatments decreased biocrust cover and increased bare mineral soil cover. [•] Treatments increased juniper dominance and increased surface fuel loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land managers need to rapidly assess vegetation composition and bare ground to effectively evaluate and manage shrub steppe communities that have been encroached by pinyon and juniper trees. We used an object-based image analysis (OBIA) approach to estimate land cover classes found in pinyon-juniper woodlands, and evaluated the relationship between ground measurements and OBIA land cover measurements. We acquired high-spatial resolution color-infrared imagery for five sites with a Vexcel UltraCamX digital camera in June 2009. We simultaneously collected ground-based cover measurements within 30 m x 33 m subplots. OBIA mean land cover class differences by site ranged from underestimating litter by 3 percent to overestimating live trees by 1 percent when compared to ground-based measurements. Overall accuracy for thematic maps was 84 percent with a Kappa statistic of 0.80. Although OBIA cover estimates varied slightly from ground cover estimates, methods provide land managers with options for prioritizing management practices and enabling monitoring at an operational scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work deals with the modeling of the kinetics of essential oils extraction from plant materials by water and steam distillation. The experimental data were obtained by studying the hydrodistillation kinetics of essential oil from juniper berries. The literature data on the kinetics of essential oils hydrodistillation from different plant materials were also included into the modeling. A physical model based on simultaneous washing and diffusion of essential oil from plant materials were developed to describe the kinetics of essential oils hydrodistillation, and two other simpler models were derived from this physical model assuming either instantaneous washing followed by diffusion or diffusion with no washing ( i.e ., first-order kinetics). The main goal was to compare these models and suggest the optimum ones for water and steam distillation and for different plant mate- rials. All three models described well the experimental kinetic data on water distillation irrespective of the type of distillation equipment and its scale, the type of plant materials and the operational conditions. The most applicable model is the one involving simultaneous washing and diffusion of the essential oil. However, this model was generally inapplicable for steam distillation of essential oils, except for juniper berries. For this hydrodistillation technique, the pseudo first-order model was shown to be the best one. In a few cases, a variation of the essential oil yield with time was observed to be sigmoidal and was modeled by the Boltzmann sigmoid function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which focused on the habitat and winter distribution of Ring Ouzels in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. It offers information on the results of the study based on the altitude of the habitat, association with water and gullies, and juniper. It found out that access to water, rather than juniper alone, causes Ring Ouzels to feed in the area, while habitat degradation has minimal impact on its distribution.

Abstract: The principal objective of this study was to investigate the variations of allometric relationships, biomass stocks and biomass allocation in a Spanish juniper thermophilic community (Juniperus thurifera var. hispanica Mill.) in response to two levels of woodland maturity: mature woodlands, which are situated in shallow stony soils with trees over 140years old and low tree density, and young woodlands, with trees under 100years old growing in deeper soils (generally, abandoned farmland). Branch- and tree-level allometric models were fit from measurements carried out on branches, stems and roots in 42 felled trees. Although age and site are confounded for this juniper community, it is expedient to utilize site-specific equations because the two woodlands showed distinct growth patterns as a result of their very different soil qualities and ages. At the branch level, the relationship was matched for foliage biomass depending on the site. At the tree level, site location significantly affected variables in allometric relationships that were not strictly cumulative (i.e., leaves, branch wood and fine-root biomass). Goodness of fit was improved by including the relative height of the first live whorl (pruning effect) as an additional predictor of crown and coarse root biomass. The young woodland supported more biomass stock across all components due to better soil. Biomass allocation measured in stems, coarse roots and fine roots was significantly higher in the mature woodland, although the young woodland did accumulate more dry mass in the crown. Differences in biomass allocation may be explained by both the age and strategies of J. thurifera to maximize nutrient and water capture for survival in poor soils (site quality effects). Our results also showed that, in mature woodlands, this species accumulates one of the smallest biomass stocks cited for temperate mature conifer stands (7.6Mgha−1) but has a high root to shoot ratio (0.43) as a consequence of growing in poor soil conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses on woody plant encroachments. It states that it is a worldwide phenomenon in grassland and savanna systems whose consequence is often the development of an alternate woodland state. By using Before-After Control Impact design, a study was conducted with grassland sites undergoing various levels of redcedar encroachment to determine the responses to flora and fauna to experimental redcedar removal differed according to the level of pretreatment redcedar cover.

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Pinyon-juniper woodlands comprise the third most common land-cover type in the United States and have been documented to have drastically increased both in density and extent in recent decades. We explored Landsat-5 TM and Light Detection and Ranging (lidar) data, individually and fused together, for estimating sub-pixel juniper cover. Linear spectral unmixing (LSU), Constrained Energy Minimization (CEM), and Mixture Tuned Matched Filtering (MTMF) techniques were compared along with spectral-lidar fusion approaches. None of the Landsat-5 TM-derived estimates were significantly correlated with field-measured juniper cover (n = 100), while lidar-derived estimates were strongly correlated (R2 = 0.74, p-value <0.001). Fusion of these estimates produced superior results to both classifications individually (R2 = 0.80, p-value <0.001). The MTMF technique performed best, while a multiple regression-based fusion was the best approach to combining the two data sources. Future studies can use the best sub-pixel classification and fusion approach to quantify changes in associated ecosystem properties such as carbon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: For the first time, Siberian juniper (Juniperus sibirica Burgsd.) has been dendroclimatologically analyzed. Siberian juniper is a small shrub growing in the larch-forest – tundra ecotone in Polar Urals. The 636-year juniper ring-width chronology presented here is based on samples prepared from living and dry branches. Here we prove that this chronology is suitable for dendroclimatic reconstructions. The juniper chronology contains a mean May, June and July temperature signal in contrast to June–July signal in spruce and larch ring-widths. Dendroclimatic reconstructions can be based on Siberian juniper chronology as well as on combined juniper and larch chronology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Historical processes may have longer lasting effects in arid forest and woodlands because of slow rates of succession. We investigated the influence of historical tree harvesting upon contemporary spatial dynamics of pinyon-juniper woodland in the western United States. Despite intensive and widespread harvesting of woodland by the charcoal industry during the late 19th century, the role of afforestation has seldom been addressed as a potential mechanism for the dramatic expansion of pinyon-juniper woodlands over the past century. Spatial models of disturbance processes are one way to ascertain effects of such historical influences. We developed a process-based spatial model to estimate the historical tree harvest pressure according to a parsimonious set of rules and constraints. The model used a convection-diffusion approach that incorporated the influences of topography, transportation, and mining production. We used a combination of field-surveyed, archaeological, historical, and GIS data sets to calibrate, validate, and compare the alternative mathematical models. Model results were consistent with the historical harvest evidence (AUC>0.66), with high harvest intensity closer to the mining districts, quickly decreasing at the maximum distance of influence. Performance was improved by including the local terrain. Harvesting initially showed radial patterns emanating from the significant mining districts, and then gradually expanded northward with development of the railway system. Our spatial modeling approach provides a means to assess the pattern and magnitude of historical tree harvesting in semi-arid woodlands. The general approach can be applied to explore the importance of other historical disturbance and cultural processes, whose effects may no longer be evident, in forests and woodlands worldwide. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The ornamental trees and shrubs play an important role in shaping the human environment. Aesthetic appearance is important in developing a positive impact on the environment. The main experiment is to investigate the impact of different rooting substrates upon the rooting formation of the Juniperus species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, six concentrated essential oils (common thyme, wild thyme, juniper, pine, silver fir and fennel) were extracted and characterised using GC-MS. Then, they were investigated for their antifungal action against four mould types isolated from surfaces belongings to the genera Penicillium, Alternaria and Aureobasidium. The antifungal activity of essential oils was investigated using the antibiogram method. Results indicated that the action of the essential oils is different due to their composition and is depending on the mould type. The action of wild thyme, common thyme and fennel essential oil appeared the most interesting, with strong fungicidal effect on all mould spores tested, most probably due to their composition in alcohols like borneol, cineol, tymol, cimol, carvacrol, α-terpineol in thyme, tymol and carvacrol in wild thyme and anetol and estragol in fennel. Pine has lesser antifungal activity, depending on the mould type; Penicillium sp. and Aureobasidium sp. are relatively resistant to this volatile oil, whereas Alternaria species are more susceptible. Juniper and silver fir seem to have very small or no inhibitory action on all moulds tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Two new Juniper tree-ring-width (TRW) chronologies spanning more than 500 years were developed in the Yellow River source area, North Eastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (NE-QTP). For the two studied sites, located approximately 50km apart, split correlation and coherence analysis reveal unstable tree-growth responses to local moisture availability. While significant correlations are obtained with April–June local precipitation, Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) and river flow from 1948/1954 to 1998 and from 1948/1954 to 1970s, these correlations vanish for the time period 1970s-1998. The local instrumental climate data (precipitation, PDSI and river flow) exhibit opposite correlations with large scale modes of variability (El Niño Southern Oscillation, ENSO, and Pacific Decadal Oscillation, PDO) before and after the 1977 PDO shift. One tree-ring chronology is coherent and anti-phased with instrumental ENSO/PDO indices at 5.2-year frequency. On the longer time span, this TRW chronology is compared with PDO reconstructed from historical Chinese data. This comparison also exhibits unstable multi-decadal relationships, notably in the mid 19th century. Altogether, the comparison between our two chronologies, local instrumental climate records, and ENSO/PDO indices suggest a cautious use of local TRW records for paleoclimate reconstructions. Further studies are needed to explore both the spatial coherency of tree-ring records and the temporal stability of their response to local and large scale climate variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]