Search

Abies pinsapo is an endangered species, endemic to southern Spain. Somatic embryogenesis and cryopreservation constitute important biotechnological tools, which can be used in order to improve the management and conservation of threatened species. The objective of this work was to develop somatic embryogenesis and cryopreservation protocols for A. pinsapo. Somatic embryogenesis was induced from mature zygotic embryos of A. pinsapo cultured on solid MS medium with macroelements at half-strength and supplemented with 20 g L-1 sucrose and 5 mg L-1 6-benzylaminopurine (BA). Embryogenic cultures successfully proliferated on solid medium with the same formulation supplemented with 20 g L-1 sucrose, 500 mg L-1 L-glutamine, 1 g L-1 casein hydrolysate and 1 mg L-1 BA. Different preconditioning and cryoprotective treatments were tested in order to optimize cryopreservation of embryogenic tissues by using the slow-cooling technique. Embryogenic cultures at their exponential growth phase, i.e. 12-14 days after the last subculture, were used as cryopreservation explants. The best results were achieved after sucrose preculture and cryoprotecion with PGD I (mixture of polyethylene glycol, glucose and DMSO I), with 100% of explants resuming somatic embryogenesis after thawing. Following fluorescein diacetate (FDA) staining, more intense and abundant green fluorescence could be observed in these samples, compared to those subjected to other preconditioning and cryoprotective treatments, thus evincing a higher proportion of viable cells after freezing in liquid nitrogen. Cold hardening did not improve cryotolerance. In fact, incubation at 5 °C for two weeks appeared to affect explants response, delaying tissue regrowth after cryopreservation. This is the first time in which somatic embryogenesis and cryopreservation have been reported in Spanish fir. The results obtained allow to establish the bases for the integration of these techniques into in situ and ex situ conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the bonding strength and chemical composition (as an influencing factor of adhesion) of red eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) (EUW) and grey poplar (Populus canescens) (GPOW) wood surfaces, comparing their suitability for indoor and outdoor wood-building applications. The research focused on adhesion strength using different coatings and adhesives, including lasure and 2K lacquer. The results showed that whilst both wood species had a conveniently high cellulose content, GPOW had a higher cellulose content (48.21%) than EUW (45.18%). However, EUW demonstrated superiority in tensile shear strength tests when using structural adhesives. Additionally, EUW exhibited stronger pull-off adhesion with 2K lacquer (5.25 MPa) compared with GPOW (3.42 MPa), suggesting that whilst both reached the expectations, EUW was more appropriate for high-stress indoor applications like flooring or wall cladding. EUW and GPOW performed well with lasure, achieving comparable adhesion strengths. EUW had a density of 1020 kg/m3 vs. 575 kg/m3 for GPOW and stronger bonding capabilities than GPOW, which suggests that it is equally suitable for wood applications inside and outside buildings. The study concluded that whilst both wood species met expectations and proved to be suitable for doors, windows, and other wood-building product applications, GPOW was suitable for the production of cellulose-based products, while EUW was worth relying on for its excellent adhesion to coatings and adhesives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eastern larch beetle Dendroctonus simplex LeConte has been outbreaking for the past two decades in the Great Lakes region of North America, impacting approximately 400,000 hectares of eastern larch Larix laricina (tamarack) forest in Minnesota, United States, alone. Range expansions of some Dendroctonus species driven by climate change have occurred across North America as rising temperatures increase climatically suitable habitats across latitudes and elevations. The range of eastern larch beetle is currently sympatric to that of its host, eastern larch, but the insect could, in theory, eventually access ranges of other species of Larix native to North America. We compared host suitability of two potential novel hosts, western larch (Larix occidentalis Nutt.) and subalpine larch (Larix lyalli Parl.) against the beetle's native host, eastern larch, using a reproductive success experiment conducted in cut bolts of all three species. We measured fertility, maternal gallery length, and offspring size and lipid content as metrics of reproductive success. We found beetles could reproduce in both novel Larix species, with subalpine larch having high levels of success compared to the beetle's native host, eastern larch. These findings suggest that subalpine larch may be at risk should a range expansion of eastern larch beetle occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have investigated the performance of land surface models for semiarid Mediterranean forests. This study aims to parameterize and test the performance of the Noah-MP land surface model for an eastern Mediterranean ecosystem. To this end, we calibrated the model for root zone soil moisture and transpiration of two conifer species, Pinus brutia, and Cupressus sempervirens, in a plantation forest on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. The study area has a long-term average annual rainfall of 315 mm. Observations from 4 sap flow and 48 soil moisture sensors, for the period from December 2020 to June 2022, were used for model parameterization. A local sensitivity analysis found that the surface infiltration (REFKDT), hydraulic conductivity (SATDK), and stomatal resistance (RSMIN) parameters had the highest impacts on the water balance components (soil evaporation, tree transpiration, surface runoff, and drainage). The model performed better during the wetter 9-month validation period (379 mm rain) than during the drier 10-month calibration period (175 mm rain). Average soil moisture in the top 60 cm of the soil profile was reasonably well captured for both species (daily Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency > 0.80 for validation). Among the three soil layers, the second layer (20–40 cm) showed better simulation performance during both periods and for both species. The model exhibited limitations with respect to simulating transpiration, particularly during the drier calibration period. The inclusion of a root distribution function in the model, along with the monitoring of soil moisture below the 60 cm soil depth in the field, could improve the accuracy of model simulations in such water-limited ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological and chemical fertilizers have important effectiveness in growth and development of plants, and consumption of this fertilizers made increasing in quantitative and qualitative production in plants. In this study, the effects of biological fertilizers such as Botamisol, Humic acid, horse manure, sheep manure, cow manure, poultry manure, vermicompost and complete chemical NPK with two control (water foliar application and without any foliar application) and three levels of drought stress (Field Capacity, 50% and 75% loss of gravitational water) on morpho-physiological characters and content/composition of essential oil of Salvia syriaca L. were investigated. This research was performed in randomized complete block design in factorial layout with 3 replication. From fifteen essential oil components, the most components were 1, 8 cineole, cis-thujone, trans- thujone, camphor (oxygenated monoterpenoides). Cis-thujone (30.3-29.5 %) had the most amount in essential oil components. Treatments of vermicompost, poultry manure and complete chemical NPK in Field Capacity made the most height of plant (48.8-49.4 cm), number of stem (20.1- 19.5), total chlorophyll (2.42-2.55 mg.g FW-1 ), RWC (69.2-67.8) and content of essential oil (1.4-1.55%). Compositions of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons such as caryophyllene, alpha humulene and manool increased in drought stress. Suggest to obtain the most quality of essential oil in Salvia such as important components (cis-thujone and camphor) in same condition, use the poultry manure and complete chemical fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turkey is the leading producer of hazelnuts, contributing to 62% of the total global production. Among 18 distinct local hazelnut cultivars, Giresun Tombul is the only cultivar that has received Protected Designation of Origin denomination from the European Comission (EC). However, there is currently no practical objective method to ensure its geographic origin. Therefore, in this study NIR and Raman spectroscopy, along with chemometric methods, such as principal component analysis, PLS‐DA (partial least squares‐discriminant analysis), and SVM‐C (support vector machine‐classification), were used to determine the geographical origin of the Giresun Tombul hazelnut cultivar. For this purpose, samples from unique 118 orchards were collected from eight different regions in Turkey during the 2021 and 2022 growing seasons. NIR and Raman spectra were obtained from both the shell and kernel of each sample. The results indicated that hazelnut samples exhibited distinct grouping tendencies based on growing season regardless of the spectroscopic technique and sample type (shell or kernel). Spectral information obtained from hazelnut shells demonstrated higher discriminative power concerning geographical origin compared to that obtained from hazelnut kernels. The PLS‐DA models utilizing FT‐NIR (Fourier transform near‐infrared) and Raman spectra for hazelnut shells achieved validation accuracies of 81.7% and 88.3%, respectively, while SVM‐C models yielded accuracies of 90.9% and 86.3%. It was concluded that the lignocellulosic composition of hazelnut shells, indicative of their geographic origin, can be accurately assessed using FT‐NIR and Raman spectroscopy, providing a nondestructive, rapid, and user‐friendly method for identifying the geographical origin of Giresun Tombul hazelnuts. Practical Application: The proposed spectroscopic methods offer a rapid and nondestructive means for hazelnut value chain actors to verify the geographic origin of Giresun Tombul hazelnuts. This could definitely enhance consumer trust by ensuring product authenticity and potentially help in preventing fraud within the hazelnut market. In addition, these methods can also be used as a reference for future studies targeting the authentication of other shelled nuts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphological structure of a tree's stem determines its economic value and can also indicate its level of adaptation to specific environments. Given the current concerns for resilient tree populations, the present survey aims to evaluate the adaptative reaction of European beech in the Carpathian region of Romania from the perspective of quality traits. Four European beech provenance trials, which are part of two international networks, were tested for Stem quality (Sq), Forking (Fk), and Branch diameter (Bd) at the ages of 24 and 27 after planting. The variation of the studied traits across environments and provenances was tested using the Chi-squared test for categorical variables and a linear model for the numerical variables. In the 1995 series, in the more favourable environmental conditions, there was a significantly lower presence of forked trees and lower values for Bd compared to the less favourable site, where the number of trees with severe defects was notably higher. Regarding the 1998 series, there were significantly fewer trees with multiple base stem forks in the warm-humid environment, as well as considerably lower Bd, and a significantly higher number of trees with straight stems, compared with the hot-dry site. The environment significantly conditioned the quality of the stem morphotype of the provenances. The warm-humid and hot-humid environments favoured the adaptation process of the international provenances. Assisted transfer of provenances may be a feasible solution for increasing the quality of Romanian beech stands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming has adversely affected Picea abies (L.) H. Karst. forests in Europe, prompting the need for innovative forest-breeding strategies. Somatic embryogenesis (SE) offers promise but requires protocol refinement. Understanding the molecular mechanisms governing somatic embryo development is essential, as oxidative stress plays a crucial role in SE regulation. Ascorbic acid (ASA), is a vital antioxidant that can potentially control oxidative stress. In the present study, we normalized ASA concentrations in induction and proliferation media to enhance embryogenic tissue (ET) regeneration and proliferation capacity of mature explants. The media were supplemented with ASA at 0 mg l-1, 25mg l-¹ 50mg l-¹100 mg l-1, and 200 mg l-1. The accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and endogenous phytohormones, including auxins, cytokinins, brassinosteroids, abscisic acid, and gibberellin, was measured in non-embryonic calli and ET. Subsequently, their impact on ET induction and multiplication was analyzed. Our results demonstrate that application of ASA at concentrations of 25 mg l-¹ and 200 mg l-¹ led to increased H2O2 levels, potentially inducing oxidative stress while simultaneously reducing the levels of all endohormone groups. Notably, the highest ET induction frequency (approximately 70%) was observed for ASA at 50 mg l-1. These findings will enhance SE induction procedures, particularly in more resistant explants, underscoring the significance of ASA application to culture media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ten new taxa of gymnosperms are added to the non-indigenous woody flora of Tunisia, after almost two decades of botanical surveys. Four of them (Cryptomeria japonica, Pinus brutia var. pityusa, Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca, Taxodium distichum var. distichum) are also new for the flora of North Africa. Pinus coulteri is here first reported for the Mediterranean Basin. Three genera (Cryptomeria, Pseudotsuga and Taxodium) are firstly recorded for the non-native vascular flora of Africa whereas two genera (Cedrus and Platycladus) are reported for the first time only for the woody flora of Tunisia. Brief descriptions together with filed photographs, global distributions and habitats at national scale are provided. Some taxonomic comments on their distinguishable features as well as updated keys are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Somatic embryogenesis of Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis Sieb. Et Zucc.), an ecologically and econimically very important conifer species, was hindered by the graduallyweakens and fast runaway of the embryogenicity and embryo competence of the embryogenic callus. Brassinolide (BL) has shown the enhancing capability of somatic embryo regeneration. For checking the function of BL in this issue, we applied different concentrations of BL to Korean pine callus materials exhibiting different embryogenic capacities and subsequently monitored the physiological alterations and hormone dynamics of the embryogenic callus. Our study revealed that calli with different embryogenic strengths responded differently to different concentrations of BL, but the effect after the addition of BL was very uniform. The addition of BL during the proliferation phase of embryogenic callus may help to stimulate the biological activity of callus during the proliferation process and improve the level of cell metabolism, which is accompanied by a reduction in storage substances. BL could reduce the level of endogenous auxin IAA in embryogenic callus and increase the level of abscisic acid to regulate cell division and differentiation. In addition, the MDA content in the callus was significantly decreased and the activity of antioxidant enzymes was significantly increased after the addition of BL. During the proliferation of embryogenic callus, BL was added to participate in the metabolism of phenylpropane in the cells and to increase the activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and the content of lignin in the cells. We deduced that the proper doses of BL for Korean pine embryogenic callus culture were as follow: calli with low, high and decreasing embryogenicitywere subcultured after the addition of 0.75 mg/L, 0.35 mg/L, 2.00 mg/L BL, respectively, during proliferation culture stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryopreservation, or the storage at liquid nitrogen temperatures (-196°C), of embryogenic cells or somatic embryos allows their long-term conservation without loss of their embryogenic capacity. During the last decade, protocols for cryopreservation of embryogenic material of woody species have been increasing in number and importance. However, despite the large experimental evidence proved in thousands of embryogenic lines, the application for the large-scale conservation of embryogenic material in cryobanks is still limited. Cryopreservation facilitates the management of embryogenic lines, reducing costs and time spent on their maintenance, thus limiting the risk of the appearance of somaclonal variation or contamination. Somatic embryogenesis in combination with cryopreservation is especially useful to preserve the juvenility of lines while the corresponding clones are being field-tested. Hence, when tree performance has been evaluated, selected varieties can be propagated from the cryostock. The traditional method of slow cooling or techniques based on vitrification are mostly applied procedures. For example, slow cooling methods are widely applied to conserve embryogenic lines of conifers. Desiccation based procedures, although simpler, have been applied in a smaller number of species. Genetic stability of the cryopreserved material is supported by multiloci PCR-derived markers in most of the assayed species, whereas DNA methylation status assays showed that cryopreservation might induce some changes that were also observed after prolonged subculture of the embryogenic lines. This article reviews the cryopreservation of embryogenic cultures in conifers, fruit species, deciduous forest species and palms, including a description of the different cryopreservation procedures and the analysis of their genetic stability after storage in liquid nitrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is concerned with establishing a uniform experimental protocol for the determination of phenolic extractives, which play an essential role in the durability of the wood of selected species included in the field tests. European larch (Larix decidua), Norway spruce (Picea abies), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), European oak (Quercus sp.), sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa), and black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) were included in the study. Extraction yield data were collected for extraction in a Soxhlet apparatus using common polar extraction solvents (ethanol, acetone, methanol, water) and for single static extraction cycles in accelerated solvent extraction (ASE). The suitability of the solvents and the appropriate extraction conditions were evaluated based on the results of gravimetric analysis of hydrophilic extractives, spectrophotometric analysis of total phenols, and chromatographic analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography. Extraction in the ASE system with methanol proved to be a quick and accurate way to prepare samples for chemical analysis of extractives of selected wood species. With the chemical monitoring of targeted phenolic extractives in wood subjected to leaching, we propose a novel protocol suitable also for for measuring the effects of weathering on the natural durability of wood in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Forestry Society of Croatia / Sumarski List Hrvatskoga Sumarskoga Drustva is the property of Forestry Society of Croatia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Mimela testaceipes (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), the striated chafer, for the EU, following a commodity risk assessment of dwarfed Pinus parviflora grafted onto P. thunbergii from China in which M. testaceipes was identified as a pest of possible concern to the EU. M. testaceipes occurs in Japan, northeast China, Far East Russia, South Korea and very likely North Korea. Adults are recognised pests feeding on and damaging the needles of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica), Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) and Japanese larch (Larix leptolepis) which are important forestry trees where the pest currently occurs. It has adapted to feed on the needles of Pinus species introduced into its native area, such as P. taeda, which is native to southeastern USA although M. testaceipes is not regarded as a significant pest of pines. Larvae are reported to cause root damage to grasses, as well as conifers. Eggs are usually laid in grassy soils by females that develop on conifer species. Larvae develop in the soil feeding on the roots of grasses or conifer hosts. Larvae overwinter in the soil and take 2 or 3 years to develop. In principle soil, host plants for planting and cut branches with foliage could provide pathways into the EU. However, prohibitions on the import of soil and hosts such as Chamaecyparis, Larix and Pinus regulate such pathways into the EU. Nevertheless, certain dwarfed Pinus spp. from Japan are provided with a derogation for entry into the EU. In addition, the host C. japonica is unregulated and could also provide a pathway. Hosts occur in the EU in climate zones that match those where M. testaceipes occurs in Asia. If M. testaceipes were to enter the EU, conditions in central and northern EU are conducive to establishment. Following establishment, impacts on Japanese cedar, Japanese cypress and Japanese larch would be expected; it is possible that M. testaceipes could adapt to feed on Pinus and Larix species growing in Europe. M. testaceipes satisfies the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixed forests play a key role in terms of stability, production potential, and adaptation to climate change. In addition, the studied Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) belong to the most economically important tree species in Europe. The objectives were to determine the effect of the species composition of these two tree genera on the production, structure, diversity, and growth of mixed stands at lower elevations in the Czech Republic. Based on dendroecological samples, research was also carried out on the influence of climatic factors and climate change on the radial growth of these trees of interest. Mixed forests showed higher timber production by 29.8% compared to spruce and pine monocultures. The production of mature stands ranged from 328 to 479 m³·ha-1. Spruce achieved higher radial growth, but its growth variability was higher than that of pine. Compared to precipitation, temperatures had a greater influence on the radial growth of both tree species, especially in the growing season. In terms of diversity, mixed stands achieved significantly higher structural differentiation and overall diversity compared to monospecific variants. Mixed stands can achieve higher production potential, diversity, and especially resistance to climatic extremes in the lowland regions of the Czech Republic. The differences between mixed stands and monocultures, i.e. the effect of tree species mixing, depend on the appropriate proportions of tree species and their spatial pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European larch (Larix decidua Mill.) is an important tree species commonly used in managed forests of central Europe. However, its genetic structure, post-glacial range dynamics, and consequent nativity status are poorly understood. Here we provide the fi rst study focusing on the genetic structure of in situ larch populations in the north-eastern Czech Republic using molecular genetics. Most of the studied area is traditionally considered to be a part of the autochthonous native range of the Jeseníky lineage of larch and some of the included populations are protected as belonging to this type. We confi rm a common presence of the Jeseníky type and its close evolutionary relation with larch populations from both the Carpathians and Poland. However, we also found important levels of admixture of genetic material from the Alps in all of the analyzed populations. Th e highest amount of Alpine admixture was found in the populations of intensively managed forests, the proportion of non-native material in the protected areas was relatively lower but still signifi cant. Our results show the importance of populationgenetic research for practical conservation of local populations and lineages even for common species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Th e paper deals with growth and prosperity of 25 provenances of grand fi r from Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana (USA), and from Vancouver (British Columbia, Canada) tested in the international provenance research trial No. 212 – Drahenice (Czech Republic; N49° 31‘ 10‘‘, E13° 57‘ 20‘‘, 570 m a.s.l., acidic beech site). Biometric measurements took place at the age of 41 years; qualitative features were visually assessed according to the IUFRO methodology. Th e best overall assessment of both production and quality shows provenance 12041 – Oyster Bay (BC). Other provenances with high growing stocks, i.e. 12005 – Bear Mountain (WA), 12038 – Clearwater (ID), 12043 – Sproat Lake (BC) and 12044 – Kaye Road (BC) showed some qualitative shortcomings (lower vitality, worse stem shape or thicker branches). Th e worst both in production and quality were provenances 12020 – Crescent Creek (OR) and 12011 – Clear Lake (WA). Th e results confi rm the suitability of the current setting of the rules for the transfer of reproductive material from North America to the Czech Republic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Th is study examines the variability of Scots pine provenances in four Czech research plots from the same series of experiments conducted in 1972. 121 provenances from the Czech Republic and Slovakia were evaluated in terms of growth and morphological characteristics. Th e quantitative traits measured for each tree were its tree height and DBH. Th e stem volume was also calculated according to the volume equation (Petráš, Pajtík 1991). Among the qualitative traits, stem form, health status, branch thickness in the crown, stem damage, stem twist, stem clearing, stem cross-section, and taper were evaluated. Th e large variance in growth characteristics of provenances does not specify the suitability of a particular reproductive material for a given area. Slovak provenances even from a relatively small land unit (Šaštín area) planted in the same research plot have diff erent quantitative and qualitative traits. However, the evaluation of the test plots of Scots pine in Bohemia showed impaired growth performance of most of the Slovak provenances. Th erefore, it is necessary to test more provenances from a larger area of the Scots pine range to obtain the possibility of using a wider range of reproductive material of the tree in our conditions. In the long term, further provenance trials with new reproductive material are needed to assess suitability under changing natural conditions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genomic selection (GS) is an option for plant domestication that offers high efficiency in improving genetics. However, GS is often not feasible for long-lived tree species with large and complex genomes. In this paper, we investigated UAV multispectral imagery in time series to evaluate genetic variation in tree growth and developed a new predictive approach that is independent of sequencing or pedigrees based on multispectral imagery plus vegetation indices (VIs) for slash pine. Results show that temporal factors have a strong influence on the h2 of tree growth traits. High genetic correlations were found in most months, and genetic gain also showed a slight influence on the time series. Using a consistent ranking of family breeding values, optimal slash pine families were selected, obtaining a promising and reliable predictive ability based on multispectral+VIs (MV) alone or on the combination of pedigree and MV. The highest predictive value, ranging from 0.52 to 0.56, was found in July. The methods described in this paper provide new approaches for phenotypic selection (PS) using high-throughput multispectral unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, which could potentially be used to reduce the generation time for conifer species and increase the genetic granularity independent of sequencing or pedigrees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing plants with enhanced resistance traits is gaining interest in plant protection. Two strategies are especially promising for increasing resistance against a forest insect pest, the pine weevil (Hylobius abietis): exogenous application of the plant defense hormone methyl jasmonate (MeJA), and production of plants through the clonal propagation method somatic embryogenesis (SE). Here, we quantified and compared the separate and combined effects of SE and MeJA on Norway spruce resistance to pine weevil damage. Plants produced via SE (emblings) and nursery seedlings (containerized and bare-root), were treated (or not) with MeJA and exposed to pine weevils in the field (followed for 3 years) and in the lab (with a non-choice experiment). Firstly, we found that SE and MeJA independently decreased pine weevil damage to Norway spruce plants in the field by 32-33% and 53-59%, respectively, compared to untreated containerized and bare-root seedlings. Secondly, SE and MeJA together reduced damage to an even greater extent, with treated emblings receiving 86-87% less damage when compared to either untreated containerized or bare-root seedlings in the field, and by 48% in the lab. Moreover, MeJA-treated emblings experienced 98% lower mortality than untreated containerized seedlings, and this high level of survival was similar to that experienced by treated bare-root seedlings. These positive effects on survival remained for MeJA-treated emblings across the 3-year experimental period. We conclude that SE and MeJA have the potential to work synergistically to improve plants' ability to resist damage, and can thus confer a strong plant protection advantage. The mechanisms underlying these responses merit further examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teakwood from fast-growth plantations is commercialized at increasingly younger ages for economic reasons. However, wood features are influenced by the age of the tree. This study examined how age affects heartwood proportion, color parameters, chemical composition, and natural teakwood durability. Trees with 5, 10, 15, and 20 years of fastgrowth at commercial plantations located in Mato Grosso, Brazil were evaluated. The base diameter of the trees ranged from 13.1 (5 years) to 28.3 cm (20 years), and the heartwood percentage increased from 16.3 to 60.0%, respectively. The color parameters in the CIELab system indicated that wood became darker and more saturated, and the predominance of yellow color decreased compared with red as age advanced. The total extractive content ranged between 7.4 (5 years) and 9.6% (15 years), without a clear trend of age affecting the extractive content. The extractives from five-year-old wood were mainly composed of tectoquinone (43.3%), phthalic acid (19.1%), and 1,3-indandione (9.2%), while those from 20-year-old wood were mainly composed of tectoquinone (60.7%), lapachol (13.8%), and phthalic acid (9.7%). Teakwood can be classified as resistant (5 years) to very resistant (20 years) after being submitted to an accelerated decay test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Black pine (Pinus nigra J.F.Arnold) is one of the most productive conifers species for timber production in southern Europe, the Mediterranean region and Greece. Recently, the interest for its heartwood extractives content due to their medicinal properties has been renewed. Black pine can be used to produce high added value products, such as bioactive compounds produced from wood and wood waste materials. Methods: Quantitative genetic parameters were estimated for heartwood chemical traits and heartwood percentage in a 44-year-old Pinus nigra clonal seed orchard, established in Peloponnese, Greece. Results: Significant variation was found among clones and among provenances for all studied traits. Heritability on a clone mean basis was extremely high for total acetone extractives, total resin acids as for all resin acids (≥0.85), except levopimaric acid (0.47) and very high for total stilbenes, pinosylvins as for dehydroabietic acid and heartwood percentage (0.69-0.79). On an individual basis, the genetic control was moderate to high (0.53-0.62) for total acetone extractives, total resin acids as for most of resin acids (≥0.85) with dehydroabietic acid presenting low value (0.39) while levopimaric acid very low (0.15). Total stilbenes, pinosylvins and its ether derivatives as heartwood percentage exhibited low values of heritability on individual basis (0.31-0.43). The phenotypic correlation (rp) between total acetone extracts and total stilbenes was negatively weak (≤-0.173) and significant (p≤0.01) while the genetic correlation (rg) was moderate to strong (≤-0.502). The rp values between several pinosylvins were significantly (p≤0.01) moderate to strong (0.529-0.975) as were genetic correlations (0.583-0.975). Between the studied resin acids, both rp and rg values were mostly medium to strong (rp≥0.8 and rg≥0.7) and significant (p≤0.01) in the case of phenotypic correlations, with minor exceptions (levopimaric acid). Phenotypic and genetic correlations between heartwood percentage and its chemical traits were positive (being in most cases significant), except for dehydroabietic and levopimaric acid. Conclusions: The studied clones, comprising the clonal seed orchard, can be used in clonal forestry and subsequent breeding cycles, indicating high potential for advanced breeding, especially for heartwood extractives that are of high pharmaceutical and economic value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green Douglas-fir was introduced in the Călimănești Forest District at the beginning of the 20th century. Currently, there are 78 stands with green Douglas-fir covering 1451.1 ha, of which the species itself is found on 389.15 ha. Only seven of these stands are pure (share of green Douglas-fir at least 80 per cent), whereas the majority of them (71) are mixed with both softwoods (e.g., Norway spruce, silver fir, Scots pine and European larch) and broadleaves (predominantly European beech, sessile oak, hornbeam, and sycamore maple, but also wild cherry, small-leaved linden, and common ash). The species was used especially in the European beech vegetation layer, at altitudes ranging from 250 m to 1100 m. Consequently, the soils under these stands are extremely variable, from brown to brown podzolic or even podzols. Green Douglas-fir has shown remarkable high resistance to disease and pathogens, as well as no damaging effects of snow or wind. Throughout the area, diameters and heights of the species are higher than those of cohabitants, either softwoods or broadleaves. In the oldest stand (115 years old) green Douglas-fir has reached 83.2 cm in diameter and 40.5 m in height, with a wood production of 1167.1 m³ ·ha-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetative propagation opens opportunities for the multiplication of elite tree progeny for forest regeneration material. For conifers such as Norway spruce (Picea abies) the most efficient vegetative propagation method is seed multiplication through somatic embryogenesis. Efficient culture methods are needed for somatic embryogenesis to be commercially viable. Compared to culturing as clumps, filter disc cultures can improve the proliferation of embryogenic tissue (ET) due to more even spread and better developmental synchronization. In this study, ET proliferation on filter discs was compared to proliferation as clumps. The study comprised 28 genotypes in four trials. The benefits of adding a pre-maturation step and the selection of fresh ET for the subculture were evaluated. Pre-maturation on hormone-free media before maturation did not significantly improve embryo yield but improved greenhouse survival from 69% to 80%, although there was high variation between lines. Filter disc cultivation of ET did result in better growth than in clumps but was more dependent on ET selection and the amount of ET than the clump cultivation method. Filter proliferation also favors certain lines. Postmaturation storage can be used to change the storage compound composition of the produced mature embryos. The embryo storage compound profile was analyzed after post-maturation cold storage treatments of 0, 4, 8, 31, and 61 weeks and compared to that of the zygotic embryos. Cold storage made the storage compound profile of somatic embryos closer to that of zygotic embryos, especially regarding the raffinose family oligosaccharides and storage proteins. Sucrose, hexose, and starch content remained higher in somatic embryos even through cold storage. Prolonged storage appeared less beneficial for embryos, some of which then seemed to spontaneously enter the germination process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The continental‐scale distribution of plant functional types, such as evergreen and summergreen needle‐leaf forest, is assumed to be determined by contemporary climate. However, the distribution of summergreen needle‐leaf forest of larch (Larix Mill.) differs markedly between the continents, despite relatively similar climatic conditions. The reasons for these differences are little understood. Our aim is to identify potential triggers and drivers of the current distribution patterns by comparing species' bioclimatic niches, glacial refugia and postglacial recolonization patterns. Location: Northern hemisphere. Taxon: Species of the genus Larix (Mill.). Methods: We compare species distribution and dominance using species ranges and sites of dominance, as well as their occurrence on modelled permafrost extent, and active layer thickness (ALT). We compare the bioclimatic niches and calculate the niche overlap between species, using the same data in addition to modern climate data. We synthesize pollen, macrofossil and ancient DNA palaeo‐evidence of past Larix occurrences of the last 60,000 years and track differences in distribution patterns through time. Results: Bioclimatic niches show large overlaps between Asian larch species and American Larix laricina. The distribution across various degrees of permafrost extent is distinctly different for Asian L. gmelinii and L. cajanderi compared to the other species, whereas the distribution on different depths of ALT is more similar among Asian and American species. Northern glacial refugia for Larix are only present in eastern Asia and Alaska. Main Conclusion: The dominance of summergreen larches in Asia, where evergreen conifers dominate most of the rest of the boreal forests, is dependent on the interaction of several factors which allows Asian L. gmelinii and L. cajanderi to dominate where these factors coincide. These factors include the early postglacial spread out of northern glacial refugia in the absence of competitors as well as a positive feedback mechanism between frozen ground and forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring the process is crucial for ensuring high quality in wood-based panel production. Interest in the distribution of resin in fibers and particles has increased during the last couple of decades. This study considered the potential to determine urea formaldehyde (UF) resin content in fiber mat using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. Fiber mats with various resin contents were investigated with NIR combined with the partial least squares (PLS) regression and root mean square error of calibration and validation (RMSECV). The external factors, such as the distance between the fiber optic probe and the sample surface and light sources, were also evaluated. The results showed that this technique can sufficiently determine the resin content in the resinous fiber mat with accuracy of up to 95%. The light sources and the distances from the probe to the surface did not significantly influence the discrimination and prediction of resin content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Silvicultură şi Cinegetică is the property of Societatea Progresul Silvic / Forest Progress Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Scots pine heartwood is known to have resistance to wood decay due to the presence of extractives, namely stilbenes and resin acids. However, previous studies have indicated that these extractives are degradable by wood decaying fungi. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between extractive degradation and heartwood decay in detail and to gain insight into the mechanisms of extractive degradation. Mass losses recorded after a stacked-sample decay test with brown rot fungi showed that the heartwood had substantial decay resistance against Coniophora puteana but little resistance against Rhodonia placenta. Extracts obtained from the decayed heartwood samples revealed extensive degradation of stilbenes by R. placenta in the early stages of decay and a noticeable but statistically insignificant loss of resin acids. The extracts from R. placenta -degraded samples contained new compounds derived from the degraded extractives: hydroxylated stilbene derivatives appeared in the early decay stages and then disappeared, while compounds tentatively identified as hydroxylated derivatives of dehydroabietic acid accumulated in the later stages. The degradation of extractives was further analysed using simple degradation assays where an extract obtained from intact heartwood was incubated with fungal mycelium or extracellular culture fluid from liquid fungal cultures or with neat Fenton reagent. The assays showed that extractives can be eliminated by several fungal degradative systems and revealed differences between the degradative abilities of the two fungi. The results of the study indicate that extractive degradation plays an important role in heartwood decay and highlight the complexity of the fungal degradative systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deadwood is an important component of the global carbon cycle, and its decomposition releases carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) into the atmosphere. However, the main drivers of these greenhouse gas emissions from deadwood are not well understood. We investigated drivers that govern the CO2 and CH4 emission rates of 793 deadwood specimens from 13 different tree species, which were exposed on 27 forest and 38 grassland plots at Schorfheide‐Chorin (Germany) for one year. Tree species identity was an important driver for emissions of both gases, whereas habitat type and management intensity were only important for CO2 emission rate. CO2 emission rates were positively linked to mass loss and were one‐third higher in forest compared to grassland habitats. The wood traits organic extractives, lignin, and sulfur content were negatively associated with CO2 emission rates, whereas carbon, nitrogen, and magnesium content showed the opposite effect. Among climate variables, air humidity in forest and soil moisture in grassland habitats positively affected CO2 emission rates. CH4 emission rates showed a negative relationship with increasing wood density exposed in both habitat types but were positively related to tree species with higher sulfur contents. Taken together, CO2 emission rates from deadwood were well predicted by wood traits, management intensity and climatic variables, whereas CH4 emission rates were less well predictable and were influenced only by wood traits that differed from those of CO2 emissions. Our results provide a deeper insight into the mineralization processes of deadwood and should be considered in further carbon cycle assessments. Plain Language Summary: Living trees are an essential reservoir for carbon storage. While the process of photosynthesis describes the ability of plants to fix atmospheric carbon, the decomposition of deadwood is the first stage of recycling this nutrient. Aerobic decomposition of deadwood is mainly carried out by specialized fungi that release carbon into the atmosphere during their respiration processes. Most microorganisms require oxygen to utilize deadwood and form carbon dioxide during respiration. In addition, archaea can respire carbon dioxide in the absence of oxygen, which leads to methane production. In our study, we determined the gas emission rates of carbon dioxide and methane for 13 tree species and investigated the influence of regional climate and habitat conditions and types (grassland and forest). The emission rates of carbon dioxide and methane largely differed among tree species, which probably depended on their wood traits. Both gas emission rates were higher under humidity, while higher temperatures increased only carbon dioxide emission rates. Methane emission rates were independent of habitat conditions, while carbon dioxide in forest habitats were higher and influenced by naturally existing tree species. Our results improve future assessment of the impact of deadwood on the global carbon cycle. Key Points: Tree species identity is an important driver of CO2 and CH4 emission ratesCO2 emission is two‐thirds higher in forest compared to grassland habitatsForest management intensity decreased CO2 emission rates, whereas CH4 was only affected by single management components [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the valuable role of thyme in the pharmaceutical and food industries of Iran, an experiment was conducted to study the effects of NPK complete fertilizers, butamisol, and humic acid on the morphophysiological characteristics and essential oil of three species of Thymus kotschyanus Boiss, T. vulgaris L., and T. daenensis Celark under drought stress conditions. This research was performed in three separate factorial experiments as a randomized complete block design with four replications in Islamic Azad University, Branch of Shahrekord in the 2021-2022 crop year. Foliar application was done twice with an interval of three weeks after the 10-leaf stage of the plant. Twenty-four experimental treatments included the non-use (A1) and use (A2) of NPK, non-use (B1) and use (B2) of humic acid, non-use (C1) and use (C2) of botamisol under drought stress conditions at three levels of field capacity (D1), 50% (D2), and 75% (D3) loss of gravitational water. The highest amounts of plant height (44.5±1.1 cm), number of main branches (26.4±1.5), plant dry weight (40.5±0.99 g.m-2), total chlorophyll (1.55±0.1 mg.g-1 fresh weight (FW)), and essential oil content (1.88±0.03%) were obtained in the A2B2C2D1 treatment in T. kotschyanus. The A2B2C2D3 treatment resulted in the highest proline content (13.9±0.2 μg.g-1 FW) and lowest essential oil content (0.79±0.1 %) in T. daenensis. Thymol and carvacrol in T. kotschyanus, thymol, ɣ -terpinene, p-cymene, and linalool in T. vulgaris, and thymol, carvacrol, p-cymene, β-caryophylene, α-pinene, and myrcene in T. daenensis were identified as the major essential oil compounds. More nutrient utilization and stress in the least possible along with the temperate climate of the study area led to the introduction of T. kotschyanus as an indicator species in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forests play a key role in global ecosystem conservation and environmental maintenance. Forestry, which includes plant active components, germplasm resources and vegetation dynamics, has received significant attention. Compared with conventional techniques, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) provides rapid, noninvasive, economically efficient and real time results. In this review, we assess the historical and contemporary applications of qualitative and quantitative analysis using NIRS in forestry, including the discrimination of tree species, seeds, woods, and insect species, and the determination of properties of woods, plant tissues, soils, litters and others. In addition, we consider the disadvantages and future application trend of NIRS in forestry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood properties, including Young's modulus, differ among clones in Larix kaempferi; however, available information is still limited on among-clonal variations of lumber qualities in L. kaempferi. The objectives of this study were to clarify the clonal variations in lumber quality and to identify the effects of juvenile wood on lumber quality in L. kaempferi. A total of 21 logs of 2.5 m in length were obtained from the trees of nine different plus clones of 57-year-old L. kaempferi trees. The logs were sawn into lumber, and the lumber was kiln-dried and planed into 38 × 89 mm in a cross-section. Lumber quality, such as bending properties, was determined. Significant differences were found in wood density, dynamic Young's modulus, modulus of elasticity, and modulus of rupture of the lumber among the nine clones. The highest repeatability was recorded in wood density. The lumber consisting of juvenile wood showed a lower lumber quality compared to the lumber consisting of mature wood. To produce lumber with a high quality from L. kaempferi, the clonal variation of lumber quality and the existence of juvenile wood should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red-heart Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) has the advantages of high density and attractive color, making it popular in the market. To date, most studies about stems of woody plants have only been reported at the cytological level because of few living cells. In this study, the xylem was successfully partitioned into three effective sampling areas: sapwood, transition zone, and heartwood. Secondary metabolites, cell survival, and differentially expressed genes in the three sampling areas were, respectively, investigated. First, we identified the phenylpropanoid and flavonoid pathways closely related to color. Based on the chemical structure of secondary metabolites in pathways, two notable directions had been found. Luteolin's glycosylation products might be the key substances that regulated the color of heartwood in red-heart Chinese fir because of the 1,000-fold difference between red-heart and white-heart. We also found pinocembrin and pinobanksin in Chinese fir, which were rarely reported before. At the cytological level, we believed that the transition zone of red-heart Chinese fir was a critical region for color production because of the fewer living ray parenchyma cells. In addition, transcriptome and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) proved that genes regulating the entire phenylpropanoid pathway, upstream of the flavonoid pathway, and some glycosyltransferases were significantly upregulated in the transition zone of red-heart and then colored the heartwood by increasing metabolites. This is the first report on the color-related secondary metabolites regulated by differential genes in red-heart Chinese fir. This study will broaden our knowledge on the effects of metabolites on coloring woody plant xylems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanistically predicting the evolutionary response of tree species to climate change requires an understanding of genetic variation in relevant traits. Here we compared the phenotypic and genetic variation in the Leaf Economics Spectrum (LES) traits and the response of gas exchange to vapour pressure deficit (VPD) in lodgepole pine (Pico) and white spruce (Pigl), an early and a late successional species dominating the boreal forests of western Canada.We measured gas exchange, foliar nitrogen and lamina mass to area ratio in 697 c. 30‐year‐old trees in two field progeny trials. We analysed the response of gas exchange rates to VPD using a novel quantitative genetic model, the function‐valued trait approach.Pico showed greater phenotypic variation in the LES traits and greater genetic variation in photosynthetic rate than Pigl, but the species showed no significant difference in their phenotypic correlations between the LES traits. Pico showed a less sensitive stomatal response to VPD than Pigl and no significant genetic variation in stomatal sensitivity. In contrast, Pigl showed a positive correlation between the genetic values of stomatal sensitivity to VPD and stomatal conductance under low VPD.Our study region is projected to see an increase in VPD with climate change; the less sensitive and genetically diverse stomatal response to VPD in Pico could make this species more vulnerable to climate‐change‐induced droughts. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In plants, embryogenesis and reproduction are not strictly dependent on fertilization. Several species can produce embryos in seeds asexually, a process known as apomixis. Apomixis is defined as clonal asexual reproduction through seeds, whereby the progeny is identical to the maternal genotype, and provides valuable opportunities for developing superior cultivars, as its induction in agricultural crops can facilitate the development and maintenance of elite hybrid genotypes. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of apomixis and highlight the successful introduction of apomixis methods into sexual crops. In addition, we discuss several genes whose overexpression can induce somatic embryogenesis as candidate genes to induce parthenogenesis, a unique reproductive method of gametophytic apomixis. We also summarize three schemes to achieve engineered apomixis, which will offer more opportunities for the realization of apomictic reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the valuable role of savory (Satureja spp.) in pharmaceutical and food industries, three separate factorial experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design with four replications in Islamic Azad University, Branch of Shahrekord in the 2021-2022 crop year to study the effects of NPK, butamisol, and humic acid fertilizers on the morphophysiological characteristics and essential oil of three savory species (S. bachtiarica Bunge, S. mutica Fisch. & C. A. Mey., and S. khuzistanica Jamzad) under drought stress conditions. Experimental treatments included non-use (A1) and use (A2) of NPK, non-use (B1) and use (B2) of humic acid, non-use (C1) and use (C2) of botamisol, and drought stress at three levels of field capacity (D1), and 50% (D2) and 75% (D3) moisture loss. The A2B2C2D1 treatment resulted in the highest plant height (57.5±1.1 cm), number of main branches (23.4±1.7), total chlorophyll (1.55±0.02 mg.g-1 FW), and essential oil content (1.94±0.03%) in S. bachtiarica. The highest proline (13.99±1.2 μg.g-1 FW) and lowest essential oil (0.79±0.02%) amounts was obtained in S. mutica in the A1B1C1D3 treatment. From the 11 essential oil compounds, monoterpenoids such as ρ-cymene and carvacrol in S. bachtiarica, carvacrol and ɣ-terpinene in S. khuzistanica, and ρ-cymene and thymol in S. mutica were identified as major essential oil constituents. Better nutrition and minimum stress with temperate climate of the region under study led to the introduction of S. bachtiarica as the best species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With climate change, increasingly intense and frequent drought episodes will be affecting water availability for boreal tree species, prompting tree breeders and forest managers to consider adaptation to drought stress as a priority in their reforestation efforts. We used a 19‐year‐old polycross progeny test of the model conifer white spruce (Picea glauca) replicated on two sites affected by distinct drought episodes at different ages to estimate the genetic control and the potential for improvement of drought response in addition to conventional cumulative growth and wood quality traits. Drought response components were measured from dendrochronological signatures matching drought episodes in wood ring increment cores. We found that trees with more vigorous growth during their lifespan resisted better during the current year of a drought episode when the drought had more severe effects. Phenotypic data were also analyzed using genomic prediction (GBLUP) relying on the genomic relationship matrix of multi‐locus gene SNP marker information, and conventional analysis (ABLUP) based on validated pedigree information. The accuracy of predicted breeding values for drought response components was marginally lower than that for conventional traits and comparable between GBLUP and ABLUP. Genetic correlations were generally low and nonsignificant between drought response components and conventional traits, except for resistance which was positively correlated to tree height. Heritability estimates for the components of drought response were slightly lower than for conventional traits, but similar single‐trait genetic gains could be obtained. Multi‐trait genomic selection simulations indicated that it was possible to improve simultaneously for all traits on both sites while sacrificing little on gain in tree height. In a context of rapid climate change, our results suggest that with careful phenotypic assessment, drought response may be considered in multi‐trait improvement of white spruce, with accelerated screening of large numbers of candidates and selection at young age with genomic selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]