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Climate change is severely impacting global forest ecosystems, stressing woody plants due to rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events. These pressures threaten biodiversity and disrupt the essential roles forests play in carbon sequestration, timber production, and ecosystem stability. Traditional forest management strategies, such as selective breeding, cannot keep up with the rapid pace of climate change, given the long juvenile phase of trees. Multiplex genome editing, particularly through CRISPR technologies, offers a promising solution to accelerate the development of climate-resilient traits in woody plants. By simultaneously targeting multiple genes, multiplex CRISPR enables efficient modification of polygenic traits that govern stress tolerance, disease resistance, and other crucial resilience factors. This mini-review examines the potential of multiplex CRISPR technologies in forest management, breeding, and agroecological practices, showing how they can improve tree resilience and support sustainable forestry in response to the growing challenges of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendrocalamus latiflorus, a species of giant bamboo, holds significant ecological and economic value. This review delves into the intricate interplay between phytohormones and sugar metabolism in Dendrocalamus latiflorus, emphasizing species-specific mechanisms that enhance its ecological adaptability and rapid growth. By synthesizing recent research, this work highlights how phytohormones, including auxins, cytokinins, and abscisic acid, regulate sugar metabolism pathways such as glycolysis and starch degradation in response to environmental stimuli. These hormones influence crucial plant processes, including cell division, elongation, stress responses, and sugar metabolism pathways such as glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. Geographic variations in these processes are examined, demonstrating their role in environmental adaptation and ecological resilience. For instance, populations in nutrient-rich soils exhibit enhanced cytokinin activity and sugar transport efficiency, while those in water-limited areas display elevated abscisic acid levels, aiding drought tolerance. This targeted focus on D. latiflorus provides novel insights into its potential applications in sustainable forestry and agroforestry systems. By integrating recent advances, this review highlights the critical role of phytohormone–sugar interplay in improving the productivity and stress resilience of D. latiflorus, with implications for agroforestry systems and climate change adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Forests are negatively affected from rapid world population increase and industrialization that create intense pressures on natural resources and the possibility of an achieving circular economy. Forests can be considered as essential resources for providing sustainable society and meeting the requirements of future generations and circular economy. Therefore sustainable production tools as part of circular economy can be handled as one of the basic indicators for achieving circular economy. Accordingly the main purpose of this study is developing a novel rough – fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making model (MCDM) for evaluation sustainable production for forestry firms in Eastern Black Sea Region. Design/methodology/approach: For determining 18 criteria weights a novel Rough PIPRECIA (PIvot Pairwise RElative Criteria Importance Assessment) method is developed. Eight decision-makers (DMs) participated in the research, and to obtain group rough decision matrix, rough Dombi weighted geometric averaging (RNDWGA) operator has been applied. For evaluation forestry firms fuzzy MARCOS (Measurement of alternatives and ranking according to COmpromise solution) method was utilized. Findings: After application developed model the fourth alternative was found as the best. Sensitivity analysis and comparison were made to present the applicability of this method. Originality/value: Development of novel integrated Rough PIPRECIA-Fuzzy MARCOS model with emphasis on developing new Rough PIPRECIA method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzing the spatial and temporal changes in the carbon budget and its influencing factors is the basis for formulating effective measures to reduce emissions and increase sinks. This study establishes a carbon budget assessment model for forest enterprises, calculating forest carbon stocks and enterprise emissions using volume-derived biomass and emission factor methods. The spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of carbon budgets for forest enterprises in the key state-owned forest area (2017–2021) were analyzed using various methods, including the Mann-Kendall (MK) test and hotspot analysis. Influencing factors are identified through correlation analysis and the optimal parameter geographical detector (OPGD), while their spatial-temporal variations and causal relationships are analyzed using the geographical and temporal weighted regression model (GTWR) and structural equation modeling (SEM). The carbon budget in the Greater Khingan Range state-owned forest area averaged 10.16 × 106 t CO2-eq from 2017 to 2021, showing a gradual upward trend. The average annual carbon budget of forest enterprises was 1.02 × 106 t CO2-eq, which was highest in the central regions and lowest in the periphery. Soil pH, forest area, and elevation are the primary factors. The interaction between paired factors enhances the explanatory power of their impact, and the effects of different influencing factors exhibit both positive and negative variations across forest enterprises. In addition, the middle-aged forest tending area and average annual precipitation positively influenced forest area and soil pH, indirectly enhancing the carbon budget through multifactor interactions. This research can enhance the understanding of the carbon budget in forest enterprises, providing scientific support for the ecological protection of state-owned forests and contributing to the development of sustainable forestry practices that indirectly benefit societal well-being and economic resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A vehicle routing problem in timber logistics incorporating a comprehensive carbon emission reduction strategy is proposed. Carbon emission reduction based on an optimization model is established to minimize the total transportation cost while reducing carbon emissions and empty-loading mileage. To solve the problem efficiently, a hybrid algorithm that combines a greedy algorithm with a genetic algorithm featuring adaptive and elimination mechanisms is developed. The hybrid algorithm is featured with adaptive crossover and mutation probabilities and eliminates unsuitable individuals with elimination mechanisms, which improves the searching efficiency and quality of the optimal solution. Numerical experiments are conducted to verify the feasibility of the proposed methods. The results demonstrate that the hybrid algorithm reduces the total mileage travelled by 17.26% and the carbon emissions during empty-loading by about 38.71%. Based on the optimization results, it is concluded that reasonable route planning can provide a solid support to improve the economics, timeliness, and environmental sustainability of the timber logistics, which is conducive to realizing a sustainable forestry supply chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implementing thinning practices can enhance the growth of plantation forests and improve soil health. Nevertheless, the impacts of thinning applications on soil quality, large-diameter timber production of Castanopsis hystrix, and ecosystem multifunctionality are poorly understood. Therefore, we chose two sample plots, unthinned (control) and thinned, to investigate productivity and ecosystem multifunctionality after thinning for six years. Results revealed that thinning significantly reduced the soil's bulk density, enhanced large-diameter timber growth, and undermined ecosystem multifunctionality in the short term compared to control (unthinning) treatment. Compared to the control, the thinning treatment considerably enhanced the soil organic carbon (0–30 cm soil layer) and tree diameter at breast height (20–30 cm), and enhanced shrub leaf nitrogen (N), shrub root N, herb aboveground N, Gram-positive bacteria (0–10 cm soil layer), and Gram-positive bacteria (20–30 cm soil layer) contents by 29.61%, 65.29%, 44.61%, 274.35%, and 323.44%, respectively. Furthermore, the thinning application could improve the N and P resorption efficiency more than control. Furthermore, compared with control, thinning treatment maximized decomposition and nutrient cycling function by 11.81% and 143.40%, respectively. Moreover, total PLFA content significantly impacts carbon stocks, wood production, and water regulation functions. In conclusion, this study underscores the considerable potential of thinning in augmenting large-diameter timber production by stimulating the positive effects of forest stands. These findings provide valuable insights for ecosystem multifunctionality elevation and the judicious application of thinning to improve forestry productivity, facilitating sustainable development in the forestry sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Revealing the interactions between stand structure factors and ecosystem functions is crucial for enhancing forest soil and water conservation, as well as carbon storage. However, the optimal stand structure configuration for achieving superior ecological functions remains unclear, particularly in complex subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests. Using Schima superba Gardn. et Champ. forests in Dongbai Mountain as a case study, this study investigated the effects of seven stand structure factors—stand density, canopy density, uniform angle index, and mixing degree—on three key ecosystem functions, water-holding function, soil improvement function, and carbon sequestration. Redundancy analysis (RDA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) were employed to quantify these relationships. The results identified stand density as the most influential factor, directly or indirectly affecting ecosystem functions by regulating other structural attributes. Optimal structural configurations were determined, including stand densities of 1228, 1532, and 1675 plants·hm−2 for maximizing water-holding function, soil improvement function, and carbon sequestration, respectively. Recommendations emphasize adjusting stand density, canopy density, uniform angle index, and mixing degree according to site-specific conditions. Practical strategies, such as replanting, intercropping, and introducing functionally complementary species, should aim to enrich vertical structure, maintain species randomness, and avoid dominance by a single species or excessive density. These findings offer actionable insights for improving the ecological functions of subtropical forests and have broader implications for sustainable forestry management, advancing regional carbon neutrality, and addressing global ecological challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest certification programs are voluntary initiatives emphasizing sustainable forestry and harvest practices. Compliance with certification standards is enforced through third-party audits. One requirement of most forest certification systems is the use of best management practices during harvesting activities. These practices are designed to mitigate potential negative outcomes of forest management and timber harvesting activities. Best management practice implementation has been found to have a variety of positive outcomes on water quality and other resources. However, information relating forest certification to implementation of best management practices and environmental outcomes on certified versus noncertified lands is scant. Here, we examine the role of third-party certification as it contributes to enhanced forest stewardship via implementation of voluntary best management practices. Our study adds to the limited body of research comparing sustainability practices and outcomes on certified vs. noncertified lands. In alignment with previous research on the topic, our study suggests that adherence to best management practices is better on certified versus noncertified forests. Our findings also suggest that for large public agency ownerships, organizationally driven factors beyond forest certification (e.g. institutional policy and trained staff) influence the use of best management practices during timber harvests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The editorial discusses the role of managed forestry in climate change mitigation and adaptation, emphasizing the importance of forests in sequestering carbon and regulating water cycles. Managed forests can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resilience to climate change through practices like reforestation and improved silvicultural techniques. However, challenges such as quantifying carbon sequestration and ensuring economic viability remain. The article suggests further research and innovation, including advanced modeling tools and exploring forest-based products, to enhance the effectiveness of managed forestry in addressing climate change. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: The biased technological progress coordinated with factor endowment is an important support for achieving sustainable development in the forestry industry. This study focused on the coupled coordination relationship between forestry factor endowment and technological progress bias, analyzing their spatial impacts on the upgrading of forestry industry structure. The aim is to fully leverage the driving force of technological progress to promote sustainable development of the forestry economy. Methods: Covering the years from 2005 to 2021, this study calculated the coupling coordination and constructed spatial econometric models to empirically analyze its spatial impacts on the rationalization, advancement, and ecologicalization of the forestry industry structure. Results and Discussion: The results indicated that the overall level of coupling coordination was relatively low, with certain differences among provinces. The upgrading of the forestry industry structure showed significant spatial correlation, and after considering the cumulative effects of industrial structure upgrading, there existed a positive spatial spillover effect among regions. The improvement of coupling coordination promoted the rationalization and ecologicalization of industrial structure. However, in the short term, it had a negative impact on advancement. For the four major regions, the low level of coupling coordination and regional differences remained key obstacles hindering the promotion of industrial structure upgrading through technological progress. Therefore, there is a need to further optimize the coupling coordination between factor endowment and technological progress bias and place greater emphasis on regional coordinated development. This study may provide new insights into the development of the forestry industry from the perspective of the coupling of factors and technology, emphasizing the necessity of coupling forestry resource endowment with technological progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the anatomical, physical and mechanical properties of cashew wood (Anacardium occidentale) sourced from a semi-deciduous forest in Ghana, addressing its potential as an alternative to threatened tropical hardwoods. Wood remains a crucial material for construction and furniture due to its versatility and sustainability. The research focuses on the anatomical, mechanical, and physical properties of A. occidentale to assess its potential for various applications, in the context of challenges regarding the raw material scarcity and ecosystem degradation. The study is based on a destructive testing method on two mature trees, revealing significant fibre characteristics and mechanical properties variations between trees. Results indicated that, the anatomical, mechanical, and physical properties revealed significant variations between tree 1 and tree 2, underscoring the species' versatility for interior design applications, emphasising the need for sustainable forestry practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Albizia procera (Roxb.) Benth., a versatile and fast-growing tree species under the family Fabaceae, holds substantial potential for advancing sustainable development and climate resilience. This review highlights the taxonomy, ecological benefits, and diverse applications and ecological benefits of A. procera, emphasizing its role in reforestation, agroforestry, and sustainable forestry practices. A. procera is also valued for its highquality timber, contributing to traditional woodworking and modern engineered products like Glulam beams, demonstrating its economic value. Additionally, A. procera contributes to its carbon sequestration, aligning with climate action goals due to its high biomass productivity. While acknowledging the need for careful management to mitigate risks such as invasiveness, this review underscores the significance of A. procera in fostering ecological restoration, sustainable livelihoods, and climate adaptation strategies. Its multifaceted benefits position A. procera as a critical asset in pursuing a sustainable and resilient future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing demand for large-scale, high-frequency environmental monitoring has driven the adoption of satellite-based technologies for effective forest management, especially in the context of climate change. This study explores the potential of SAR for estimating the mass of harvesting residues, a significant component of forest ecosystems that impacts nutrient cycling, fire risk, and bioenergy production. The research hypothesizes that while the spatial distribution of residues remains stable, changes in moisture content—reflected in variations in the dielectric properties of the woody material—can be detected by SAR techniques. Two models, the generalized linear model (GLM) and random forest (RF) model, were used to predict the mass of residues using interferometric variables (phase, amplitude, and coherence) as well as the backscatter signal from several acquisition pairs. The models provided encouraging results (R2 of 0.48 for GLM and 0.13 for RF), with an acceptable bias and RMSE. It was concluded that it is possible to derive useful indications about the mass of harvesting residues from SAR data and the findings could lead to the improved monitoring and management of forest residues, contributing to sustainable forestry practices and the enhanced utilization of bioenergy resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forestry has a profound impact on environmental protection, economic development, and social welfare. With the improvement of global environmental protection awareness, the construction of platform supply chain of forest products has become the core driving force to promote sustainable development of forestry. Studying the resilience of supply chain of platform of forest products is of great importance to solve the contradiction between economic development and natural ecosystem protection. However, the existing resilience evaluation methods are not suitable for the dynamic and complex performance evaluation of the current forest products platform supply chain. Therefore, in order to make up for this shortcoming, this paper evaluates and analyzes the supply chain resilience of the forest products platform based on AI recommendation and extension theory. Firstly, this paper combined the characteristics of forest products and used AI recommendation technology to build a forest products platform supply chain resilience performance evaluation index system. Secondly, the AHP method was used to calculate the index weight, and the resilience evaluation model of the platform supply chain of forest products was constructed. Finally, in order to ensure the authenticity and credibility of the evaluation results, three practical cases were analyzed to illustrate the resilience level of the platform supply chain of forest products, and the effectiveness of the application of AI recommendation and extension theory in the resilience performance evaluation of forest products platform supply chains was verified. The scientific value of this paper is that it provides a new idea and a new method for the resilience performance evaluation of the forest products platform supply chain and makes theoretical and practical contributions to the fruitful application of AI recommendation in the supply chain field. In addition, this study also provides a new practical guideline for protecting the natural environment and realizing the sustainable development of forestry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in remote sensing technologies have revolutionized the monitoring of soil conditions in forest ecosystems, providing valuable insights into soil moisture, nutrient content, and degradation without requiring physical access to remote areas. This article explores the application of key techniques, including satellite-based L-band radiometry, UAV-enabled LiDAR, and visible–NIR spectroscopy, in assessing forest soil properties. Challenges such as canopy interference, spatial resolution limitations, and data validation are discussed, alongside innovative solutions like machine learning and high-resolution digital elevation models. Case studies highlight the effectiveness of remote sensing in addressing environmental and forestry challenges, such as tracking the effects of climate change, logging, and erosion. By integrating advanced imaging technologies with ground-based observations, remote sensing supports sustainable forest management, conservation practices, and ecological research. Future developments in sensor technology, data integration, and machine learning hold promise for even greater precision and scalability in forest soil monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a green industry, forestry plays a pivotal role in economic and ecological development. Green Total Factor Productivity (GTFP) is a crucial indicator of forestry progress. This paper employs the Non‐Radial Distance Function (NDDF) model to measure forestry GTFP in forestry comprehensively. Additionally, it utilizes fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to explore pathways for enhancing forestry GTFP across technological, organizational, and environmental (TOE) dimensions. The study reveals the following outcomes: Government financial support and six additional antecedent conditions offer three distinct avenues to boost forestry GTFP in forestry. Regional disparities emerge, with technology‐driven pathways predominantly found in eastern provinces, dual‐driven routes centered on average forest land size and forestry carbon sinks (FCS) taking precedence in central provinces, and dual‐driven paths driven by government support and FCS coming to the forefront in western provinces. Under specific circumstances, government financial support and foreign investment exhibit potential interchangeability, facilitating the attainment of elevated forestry GTFP in forestry. However, a constraint arises from operating entities' low average forest land size. Ultimately, this study equips policymakers with a nuanced understanding of the factors shaping forestry GTFP in forestry, enabling them to craft compelling, regionally tailored policies that foster adaptability and contribute to the sustainable development of the forestry sector, recognizing that a one‐size‐fits‐all approach may not be suitable for all regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study highlights the adaptability and potential of Eucalyptus pellita for forestry applications in Brazil. It utilized a randomized block design with linear plots of five plants across five replications, establishing an experimental trial with 175 progenies from several provenances in May 2019. The trial was conducted in Lençóis Paulista, São Paulo State, Brazil, which has an Aw (tropical wet-dry climate) climate according to Köppen´s classification and followed the commercial forestry practices of the region. Three years after planting, survival, height (H) and diameter at breast height (DBH) were measured, with the main annual increment calculated using a shape factor of 0.5. The survival rate reached 95%, with an average tree height of 12.6 m, DBH of 10 cm, and a volume mean annual increment of 34 m3ha− 1y− 1. We observed a provenance effect, with higher breeding values in improved material compared to wild (unimproved) material. Thinning strategies were initiated by plotting additive genetic effects for the DBH trait of families and provenance, resulting in the identification of four groups empirically divided according to the curve's inflection point. Thinning intensity of 70 to 80% of the trees was found effective in maintaining both genetic gain and a good effective population size, regardless of whether selection within families was considered. Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of considering several factors, including provenance effects and selection strategies, for sustainable forestry practices. Provenance effects play a significant role in tree breeding programs. However, even within poor-performing provenance, it is possible to select trees with high breeding values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research saw the nationwide implementation of sustainable forestry in the Swiss nineteenth century primarily as a response to the threat of flood disasters. In contrast, this article shows that Swiss sustainability pioneers aimed just as much at increasing wood production. With the Maximum Sustainable Yield they tried to meet the growing energy needs of the emerging industrial society. The argument of using sustainable forestry to meet future wood shortages only gained political clout in combination with flood prevention, which linked the intergenerational perspective of future wood needs with the acute disaster threat of the present. In this way, it was possible to overcome antagonisms between the scientifically trained forestry pinoniers and the rural societies. Together with the skillful setting of economic framework conditions, this was decisive for the implementation of sustainability as a participatory process, which was characteristic of Switzerland.

Abstract Key Message Medetera (Fischer von Waldheim) flies, natural enemies of the spruce bark beetle Ips typographus (L.), were attracted to synthetic blends of compounds produced by infested spruce trees. A subset of trapped specimens revealed sixteen Medetera species. Most abundant were M. signaticornis, M. infumata, and M. prjachinae. Only blends containing beetle-produced compounds significantly attracted Medetera spp. and I. typographus. Context Fly species of the genus Medetera (Fischer von Waldheim) (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) represent one of the most important groups of natural enemies of the Eurasian bark beetle Ips typographus (L.), which infests Norway spruce Picea abies (L.) Karst. In a previous study, we showed that adult Medetera flies exploit semiochemicals to find beetle-infested trees however, the exact nature of those attractive compounds has not yet been determined. Aims The aim of this follow-up study was to investigate the behavioral responses of Medetera spp. and I. typographus, to different combinations of semiochemicals. Methods In this study, 22 volatile compounds identified from I. typographus-infested Norway spruce were divided into five groups (A–E) based on being primarily produced by the bark beetle I. typographus (group A), bark beetle-associated microorganisms (groups B and C), or spruce tree (groups D and E). The effect of the compounds in these groups in the attraction of Medetera species and I. typographus was tested in two different subtractive field trapping assays. Results In the first subtractive assay, the full blend (ABCDE), and the blends lacking microbial compounds of group C, or spruce tree compounds of group D led to significant attraction of Medetera flies. Morphological identification of a subset of the specimens collected revealed that sixteen species were attracted to the synthetic blends, with M. signaticornis Loew being the most abundant. In the second subtractive assay, high attraction of Medetera flies and I. typographus was found for a 12-component synthetic blend. Conclusion The insights gained provide a basis for developing synthetic attractants to facilitate monitoring of Medetera flies. Future testing and optimization of these attractants will enhance our ability to monitor, conserve and utilize Medetera flies, thereby enabling us to better protect forests from the damaging effects of spruce bark beetles.

In recent years, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) region has faced pressing environmental concern, containing deforestation, pollution, biodiversity depletion, and increasing vulnerability to environmental change. Since many member countries depend highly on the Bay of Bengal's ecosystem for livelihoods and economic activities, addressing such environmental challenges is crucial for sustainable development. This research examines the impacts of forestry, urbanization, and financial inclusion on the load capacity factor (LCF) in the period of 2000–2022. The study seeks to understand the factors influencing regional LCF using econometric methods, such as cross-sectional dependence, slope homogeneity tests, and second-generation unit root and panel cointegration analyses. The Driscoll Kraay Standard Error (DKSE) method reveals a U-shaped connection between income and LCF, supporting hypothesis of Load Capacity Curve (LCC) in the BIMSTEC zone. The result indicates strong positive connections between forestry, urbanization, and LCF while highlighting the adverse effects of financial inclusion. Additional quantile regression (QR) analysis for validation confirms the steady U-shaped association between income and LCF across various quantiles. The result highlights the benefits of forestry and urbanization and the drawbacks of financial inclusion and population size. This study suggests promoting sustainable forestry, balanced urban development, cautious financial inclusion, and population management, providing insights for policymakers to develop strategies for resilience and prosperity in the BIMSTEC region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding how different tree species affect soil microbial communities is crucial for sustainable forestry and ecosystem management practices. Despite Black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) forestry having a rich history, the overall comprehension of how this hardwood species influences soil remains incomplete. In earlier studies, we examined the effects of hardwood plantations on soil chemical properties and their interaction with microbial biomass, however, we highlight the importance of studying the soil microbial communities and their relationship with soil properties in greater depth. Building on this foundation, our research focused on evaluating microbiome compositions beneath J. nigra and another hardwood, Northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) after a decade of establishment. We uncovered intriguing patterns within the soil bacterial/archaeal and fungal structures by conducting meticulous analyses utilizing amplicon sequencing alongside soil chemical properties. Our findings underscore that tree species play a pivotal role in shaping soil microbial structures, a role that surpasses even seasonal and depth influences. Most notably, J. nigra stands out for its ability to enhance microbial diversity, as evidenced by increased alpha-diversity indices compared to baseline values. Conversely, Q. rubra tends to decrease these indices. Significant disparities in microbial composition between the two tree species were evident, with J. nigra exhibiting enrichment in certain taxa such as Nitrospira , Geobacter , and Bacillus while Q. rubra showed enrichment in others like Acidobacteriota and ectomycorrhizal fungi. Furthermore, we also observed differences in co-occurrence networks by delving deeper into the interconnections within the soil microbiota. In both fungal and bacterial/archaeal communities, J. nigra and Q. rubra notably decreased the number of connections within their networks, while Q. rubra increased some, suggesting a more interconnected network. These differences were further highlighted by network metrics with Q. rubra displaying a higher mean degree and clustering coefficient. Additionally, our analysis revealed that tree species influence soil chemical properties, either directly or indirectly, thereby affecting soil bacterial and fungal communities. In conclusion, our study elucidates the intricate interplay between tree species and soil microbiota, emphasizing the need to consider these relationships in forestry and ecosystem management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floodplain forests are among the most endangered ecosystems worldwide, even though they are hotspots for numerous taxa. The abandonment of traditional management and large‐scale timber extraction, such as clear‐cutting, has led to a decline in floodplain forest biodiversity. Retention forestry has the potential to facilitate the implementation of an ecologically sustainable forest management approach. Despite the increasing popularity of this method, its potential for spider diversity conservation, especially its comparison with the widespread practice of clear‐cutting, is still poorly studied.We studied the short‐term effect of forestry treatments (dispersed retention with 60% retained trees and clear‐cutting) on the diversity of ground‐dwelling spiders in the floodplain forests along the Lower Morava (March) and Dyje (Thaya) rivers in the Czech Republic. Spiders were sampled using pitfall traps during 2021 (pre‐harvest year) and 2022 (post‐harvest year).A total of 10,005 specimens from 167 species were recorded. Both forestry treatments simplified habitat structure compared with pre‐harvest conditions, resulting in lower beta‐diversity within sites. However, dispersed retention had higher alpha‐ and beta‐diversity than clear‐cuts, indicating that retention provided a more complex‐structured habitat. Dispersed retention and clear‐cuts hosted distinct spider assemblages with characteristic indicator species. Species typical of open and significantly disturbed habitats preferred clear‐cuts, while species typical of forests and (semi‐) open habitats, including threatened species, showed a preference for dispersed retention.Our results demonstrated, for the first time, that dispersed retention forestry could serve as an effective management tool for conserving the ground‐dwelling assemblages of spiders in floodplain forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plantations of Chinese fir, a popular woody tree species, face sustainable issues, such as nutrient deficiency and increasing disease threat. Rhizosphere and endophytic bacteria play important roles in plants' nutrient absorption and stress alleviation. Our understanding of the microbiome structure and functions is proceeding rapidly in model plants and some crop species. Yet, the spatial distribution and functional patterns of the bacteriome for the woody trees remain largely unexplored. In this study, we collected rhizosphere soil, non-rhizosphere soil, fine root, thick root and primary root samples of Chinese fir and investigated the structure and distribution of bacteriome, as well as the beneficial effects of endophytic bacterial isolates. We discovered that Burkholderia and Paraburkholderia genera were overwhelmingly enriched in rhizosphere soil, and the abundance of Pseudomonas genus was significantly enhanced in fine root. By isolating and testing the nutrient absorption and pathogen antagonism functions of representative endophytic bacteria species in Pseudomonas and Burkholderia , we noticed that phosphorus-solubilizing functional isolates were enriched in fine root, while pathogen antagonism isolates were enriched in thick root. As a conclusion, our study revealed that the endophytic and rhizosphere environments of Chinese fir hold distinct structure and abundance of bacteriomes, with potential specific functional enrichment of some bacterial clades. These findings assist us to further study the potential regulation mechanism of endophytic functional bacteria by the host tree, which will contribute to beneficial microbe application in forestry plantations and sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest stand mean height is a critical indicator in forestry, playing a pivotal role in various aspects such as forest inventory, sustainable forest management practices, climate change mitigation strategies, monitoring of forest structure changes, and wildlife habitat assessment. However, there is currently a lack of large-scale, spatially continuous forest stand mean height maps. This is primarily due to the requirement of accurate measurement of individual tree height in each forest plot, a task that cannot effectively be achieved by existing globally covered, discrete footprint-based satellite platforms. To address this gap, this study was conducted using over 1117 km2 of close-range light detection and ranging (lidar) data, which enables the measurement of individual tree heights in forest plots with high precision. Apart from lidar data, this study incorporated spatially continuous climatic, edaphic, topographic, vegetative, and synthetic aperture radar data as explanatory variables to map the tree-based arithmetic mean height (ha) and weighted mean height (hw) at 30 m resolution across China. Due to limitations in obtaining the basal area of individual tree within plots using uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) lidar data, this study calculated the weighted mean height through weighting an individual tree height by the square of its height. In addition, to overcome the potential influence of different vegetation divisions at a large spatial scale, we also developed a machine-learning-based mixed-effects (MLME) model to map forest stand mean height across China. The results showed that the average ha and hw across China were 11.3 and 13.3 m with standard deviations of 2.9 and 3.3 m, respectively. The accuracy of mapped products was validated utilizing lidar and field measurement data. The correlation coefficient (r) for ha and hw ranged from 0.603 to 0.906 and 0.634 to 0.889, while the root mean square error (RMSE) ranged from 2.6 to 4.1 and 2.9 to 4.3 m, respectively. Comparing with existing forest canopy height maps derived using the area-based approach, it was found that our products of ha and hw performed better and aligned more closely with the natural definition of tree height. The methods and maps presented in this study provide a solid foundation for estimating carbon storage, monitoring changes in forest structure, managing forest inventory, and assessing wildlife habitat availability. The dataset constructed for this study is publicly available at 10.5281/zenodo.12697784 (Chen et al., 2024). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents an evaluation of the environmental impact of forestry based on landscape theory. It has been argued that this type of forestry offers a positive impact on the climate because there is a balance between the amount of greenhouse gas emissions and the absorption of these gases within an entire forested area. However, this analysis will demonstrate that the arrangement and composition of managed forests are linked to a significant carbon debt. This debt represents the disparity between the carbon that would typically be stored in a natural forest and the actual amount of carbon stored in the managed forest. While this excess carbon remains in the atmosphere rather than being sequestered, it contributes to the greenhouse effect. Using Swedish forestry as an example, the carbon debt is estimated to be comparable in scale to the total accumulated fossil fuel emissions of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring soil quality index (SQI) and soil organic carbon (SOC) stock status of the Western Ghats (WG) forests in India is crucial for providing vital ecosystem services alongside sustainable forest management practices. However, comprehensive profile data on SQI and SOC stock across different forest types under WG forests are limited. The study evaluated SQI and SOC stock under three forest types, i.e. tropical wet evergreen (TWE), tropical semi-evergreen (TSE), and tropical moist deciduous (TMD) across WG in Karnataka. SQI was assessed using principal component analysis with two indexing approaches and scoring methodologies, with weightage indexing through nonlinear scoring functions (NLSF) showing superiority over other methodologies. TMD forests exhibited the highest SQI, followed by TWE and TSE, while the lowest was observed in Rippon Pet RF (0.36 surface, 0.28 control section), primarily due to limitations in organic carbon and clay content. SOC stock mirrored SQI trends (TMD > TWE > TSE), with the highest values in Kollegal RF (339.3 MG ha−1) and lowest in Rippon Pet RF (102.5 MG ha−1). Although SOC and SQI were established to be ideal indicators for dynamic ecosystem services (ESs), high OC content in surface soils of Poomale NF induces pedogenic acidification and Al toxicities, indicating potential forest soil degradation. Significant correlation with control section SQI and SOC (p < 0.05) emphasises monitoring subsurface soil status to identify soil degradation, sustainable forestry practices, and complex ESs in forest systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Twenty-five years of primate research in the Ndoki forest, Republic of Congo" highlights the significant contributions of primatology in understanding the behavior, biology, and conservation of primates in natural settings. Foreign-trained primatologists arrived in the Ndoki Forests 25 years ago, leading to the establishment of long-term great ape field stations that have contributed to conservation efforts, including the creation of the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park. The research conducted in the Ndoki forest has provided valuable insights into primate populations, biodiversity, and health, while also empowering scholars to impact policy at regional and global scales. The article specifically focuses on the life of an iconic western lowland gorilla named Kingo Ya Bole, shedding light on his behavior, ecology, and the conservation efforts inspired by his presence. [Extracted from the article]

Sustainable forestry typically involves integration of several economic and ecological objectives which, at times, may not be compatible with one another. Multi-objective prioritization via harvest scheduling programs can be used to elucidate these relationships and explore solutions. One such program is a spatially explicit harvest scheduler that adopts the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm to iteratively find management solutions to achieve multiple objectives (Habplan). Although this program has been used to address forest management scheduling and simulation-based tasks, its utility is constrained by time-intensive data preparation and challenges with incorporating spatial configuration objectives. To address these shortcomings, we introduce an open-source software package, HabplanR, streamlines data preparation, sets parameters, visualizes results, and assesses spatial components of ecological objectives. We developed four example objectives to incorporate into a multi-objective management problem: habitat quality indices for three species "types" (open, closed, and intermediate-canopy-associated species), and harvested pine pulpwood (revenue). We demonstrate the utility of this package to find management schedules that can accommodate potentially conflicting habitat needs of species, while achieving economic targets. We produced 100 software runs and prioritized individual objectives to select four management schedules for further comparisons. We compared outcome differences of the four schedules, including a spatial comparison of two high performing schedules. The software package makes costs and benefits of different schedules explicit and allows for consideration of the spatial configuration of management outcomes in decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tree trunks with thick bark can be expected to serve as the potential water storage capacity. Moisture content is one of the most important indicators to monitor the physiological condition of tree trunks in the development of agriculture and forestry. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately obtain the thickness and relative dielectric constant of the layered medium in tree trunks. The growth and health status of trees can be evaluated to optimize the water management strategies. To this end, this study aims to invert the dielectric parameters of tree trunk layered structure using radar detection. Non-invasive detection was realized for the internal structure of tree trunk. The electrical characteristics of different layers were obtained for the medium layers in the tree trunk. According to Snell's law, the physiological structure of tree trunks were combined to construct the propagation model of radar signals in the layered structure of tree trunks. Electromagnetic properties of different media layers in tree trunks were considered, such as the thickness and relative dielectric constant differences of bark, sapwood, and heartwood. These key parameters were then evaluated using radar echo signals. In addition, the accurate inversion was also performed on the dielectric parameters of tree trunks using sparse decomposition. K-SVD dictionary training was combined to process and analyze radar signals. A software defined radio (SDR) platform was used to build a tree trunk detection radar system in the experiment. The accuracy of detection was further improved to easily adjust the operating frequency of the radar, and then modify the signal processing under different environments. Layer stripping algorithm was selected to invert the dielectric constant and thickness of the layered structure in the tree trunks. The echo signals detected by radar were collected to evaluate the performance of the improved model. A comparative experiments were conducted on the radar detection under two conditions: aliasing and no aliasing in the echo signal. In the absence of aliasing, the inversion errors of the relative dielectric constant and layer thickness of the tree trunk were within 2.93% and 3.5%, respectively; In the case of echo aliasing, the inversion errors of relative dielectric constant and thickness were 7.52% and 7.61%, respectively. The experimental results show that the robustness and practicality were achieved to accurately estimate the thickness and relative dielectric constant of the layered medium in tree trunks under different signal environments. Application prospects were also offered to promote the plant physiology. The finding can provide the accurate data support to monitor the tree health status. Effective technical references can also be provided to promote the garden management and water control in the sustainable agriculture and forestry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest ecosystems play a crucial role in regulating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and mitigating climate change. This research aimed to evaluate the GHG emissions of various sources within forested ecosystems and assess their respective contributions to global warming potential (GWP), vital for developing more targeted strategies to mitigate climate change, shaping climate policies, carbon accounting, sustainable forest management, and advancing scientific comprehension of ecosystem-climate dynamics. The study comprehensively analysed carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions EDGAR data of deforestation, fires, and natural processes such as organic soil decomposition within forested ecosystems. The assessment quantified the CO2 equivalent emissions for each category from 1990 to 2022 and forecasted till 2030. Our forecast shows that CO2 emissions from deforestation could reach between 3,990 and 4,529 metric ton (Mt) by 2030, with forest fires contributing an additional 750 Mt. Forestland CO2 absorption is expected to decline to -5134.80 Mt by 2030. There is uncertainty surrounding the forecasts for Organic soil CO2 (829.78 Mt) and Other land CO2 (-764.53 Mt). In addition, deforestation was a significant contributor to CO2 emissions, with a GWP ranging from 4000 to 4500, highlighting the complex interplay between natural processes and human activities in shaping atmospheric warming patterns. Additionally, forest fires emit a complex mix of GHGs. The potency of these gases in warming the planet varies considerably, with CH4 exhibiting a GWP range of 500 to 700 Mt CO2 equivalent, and CO2 ranging from 900 and 1350 Mt. These variations depend on fire intensity and its overall impact on the climate system. Forestland acts as powerful carbon sink, capturing atmospheric CO2 with negative GWP values between -7000 and -6000. Researchers suggest a multifaceted strategy such as stricter enforcement of sustainable forestry regulations, investing in projects that promote carbon sequestration, and reforestation. Additionally, advancements in drone technology, satellite imagery, remote sensing and advanced data analytics can aid in detecting and mitigating climate change impacts, ultimately paving the way for carbon neutrality. Highlights: • Deforestation exacerbates CO2 emissions, with the additional threat of fires compounding the issue. • Forest CO2 sink weakens to -5,135 Mt by 2030. Soil stores 829.78 Mt, and Other land -764.53 Mt. • Deforestation's GWP (4,000–4,500 Mt) shows complex human and nature impact on CO2. • Varying fire emissions (methane 550–650t, CO2 900–1,350t) highlight need for sustainable land use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study explored the extraction of cellulose from forest residues of four timber species, namely Cedrela montana Moritz ex Turcz, Buddleja incana Ruiz & Pav, Vallea stipularis L. f. and Myrsine andina (Mez) Pipoly, in the high montane forest of Chimborazo province, Ecuador, for the sustainable utilization of leaves, branches, and flowers. An alkaline extraction method was used on the residues without the need for prior degreasing. An ANOVA analysis was applied to evaluate significant differences in cellulose extraction yields among the species' residues. The characterization techniques used were Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and polarized light optical microscopy, which confirmed the successful extraction of cellulose with characteristics comparable to standard cotton cellulose and other traditional species. The results showed significant variations in cellulose yield among the species, with Vallea stipularis L. f achieving the highest yield of 80.83%. The crystallinity of the samples was clearly evidenced by the polarity of the light in the samples during microscopy, demonstrating that the residues can be a viable and sustainable source of cellulose, contributing to a circular economy and reducing the environmental impact of forest waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study adopts a descriptive research design and employs a mixed-methods approach, combining both primary and secondary data, to assess wood waste generation and management techniques in sawmills across Ondo State, Nigeria. The objective was to evaluate the availability of wood waste and its potential utilization as feedstock for mini-grid gasifiers to generate electricity from renewable sources. Data were collected through surveys, observations, and analysis of sawmill operations. The findings revealed that wood waste comprised residues from the primary conversion of logs, with sawdust contributing the largest quantity. Sawmills in Akure South, with the highest log conversion capacity, contributed the largest volume of wood waste. On average, wood waste generation (WWG) was 44% per log, while lumber recovery (LR) was 56% per head rig, with variations linked to factors such as log shape, size, and conversion techniques, indicating inefficient log conversion in the state. Additionally, wood waste management practices were inadequate, with lumber cut-offs, slabs, and bark sold at a low value and sawdust often disposed of cheaply for domestic use. This study confirms that wood waste can be efficiently utilized as feedstock in mini-grid gasifiers, providing a sustainable solution for electricity generation in Akure, Ondo State. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterobasidion parviporum is a fungal pathogen that is drastically damaging Norway spruce (Picea abies) in Europe. The infections will result in root and stem rot, causing significant economic losses for forest owners. Previous studies have shown that the PaLAR3 gene, which encodes the leucoanthocyanidin reductase enzyme, can increase resistance to H. parviporum in Norway spruce. The presence of the B allele at the PaLAR3 locus has been associated with higher (+)‐catechin concentrations and increased enzyme production in inoculation experiments, resulting in inhibited pathogen growth. The control of H. parviporum involves a multifaceted approach, including silvicultural and sustainable forestry practices, genetic resistance and chemical/biological control. In this study, we determined the PaLAR3 genotypes in a representative sample of Norway spruce breeding materials from southern Finland and examined their effect on necrosis caused by H. parviporum in spruce stems. The results showed that the homozygous PaLAR3BB genotype was present in only 9% of the trees. However, the necrotic area interacted with homozygous PaLAR3BB under low‐water treatment. These findings support the idea that the PaLAR3 locus may be a valuable marker for identifying P. abies resistance to different strains of Heterobasidion parviporum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthracnose, a fungal disease harming fruit trees and crops, poses a threat to agriculture. Traditional chemical pesticides face issues like environmental pollution and resistance. A strategy combining low-toxicity chemicals with biopesticides is proposed to enhance disease control while reducing chemical use. Our study found that mixing validamycin A (VMA) and Bacillus velezensis TCS001 effectively controlled anthracnose in Camellia oleifera. The combination increased antifungal efficacy by 65.62% over VMA alone and 18.83% over TCS001 alone. It caused pathogen deformities and loss of pathogenicity. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the mix affected the pathogen's metabolism and redox processes, particularly impacting cellular membrane functions and inducing apoptosis via glycolysis/gluconeogenesis. In vivo tests showed the treatment activated C. oleifera's disease resistance, with a 161.72% increase in polyphenol oxidase concentration in treated plants. This research offers insights into VMA and TCS001's mechanisms against anthracnose, supporting sustainable forestry and national edible oil security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Forestry Economy is the property of China Forestry Economy Magazine Agency 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 prompt acquisition of precise land cover categorization data is indispensable for the strategic development of contemporary farming practices, especially within the realm of forestry oversight and preservation. Forests are complex ecosystems that require precise monitoring to assess their health, biodiversity, and response to environmental changes. The existing methods for classifying remotely sensed imagery often encounter challenges due to the intricate spacing of feature classes, intraclass diversity, and interclass similarity, which can lead to weak perceptual ability, insufficient feature expression, and a lack of distinction when classifying forested areas at various scales. In this study, we introduce the DASR-Net algorithm, which integrates a dual attention network (DAN) in parallel with the Residual Network (ResNet) to enhance land cover classification, specifically focusing on improving the classification of forested regions. The dual attention mechanism within DASR-Net is designed to address the complexities inherent in forested landscapes by effectively capturing multiscale semantic information. This is achieved through multiscale null attention, which allows for the detailed examination of forest structures across different scales, and channel attention, which assigns weights to each channel to enhance feature expression using an improved BSE-ResNet bilinear approach. The two-channel parallel architecture of DASR-Net is particularly adept at resolving structural differences within forested areas, thereby avoiding information loss and the excessive fusion of features that can occur with traditional methods. This results in a more discriminative classification of remote sensing imagery, which is essential for accurate forest monitoring and management. To assess the efficacy of DASR-Net, we carried out tests with 10m Sentinel-2 multispectral remote sensing images over the Heshan District, which is renowned for its varied forestry. The findings reveal that the DASR-Net algorithm attains an accuracy rate of 96.36%, outperforming classical neural network models and the transformer (ViT) model. This demonstrates the scientific robustness and promise of the DASR-Net model in assisting with automatic object recognition for precise forest classification. Furthermore, we emphasize the relevance of our proposed model to hyperspectral datasets, which are frequently utilized in agricultural and forest classification tasks. DASR-Net's enhanced feature extraction and classification capabilities are particularly advantageous for hyperspectral data, where the rich spectral information can be effectively harnessed to differentiate between various forest types and conditions. By doing so, DASR-Net contributes to advancing remote sensing applications in forest monitoring, supporting sustainable forestry practices and environmental conservation efforts. The findings of this study have significant practical implications for urban forestry management. The DASR-Net algorithm can enhance the accuracy of forest cover classification, aiding urban planners in better understanding and monitoring the status of urban forests. This, in turn, facilitates the development of effective forest conservation and restoration strategies, promoting the sustainable development of the urban ecological environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Indonesian Journal of Forestry Research is the property of Indonesian Journal of Forestry Research 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.)

Araucaria angustifolia is a species known for its valuable wood and nuts, but it is threatened with extinction. The plantation of forests for genetic resource conservation is a complementary strategy designed to reduce the species' genetic variability loss. This study aimed to evaluate the technical and economic viability of A. angustifolia for genetic conservation through use. The analyzed provenance and progeny trial was established in 1982 in Itapeva, Brazil. It was structured using a compact family blocks design with 110 open-pollinated progenies from five natural populations, three replicates, ten plants per subplot, and 3.0 m × 2.0 m spacing. After 33 years, the trial was evaluated for total height, diameter at breast height, wood volume, and survival. The variance components and genetic parameter estimates were performed using Restricted Maximum Likelihood/Best Linear Unbiased Prediction methods (REML/BLUP) methods with the Selegen software (version 2014). The production and management scenarios were obtained using the SisAraucaria software (version 2003). Sensitivity analysis and economic parameter estimates were obtained through various economic evaluation methods using the Planin software (version 1995). In general, the genetic parameters indicated that the population has enough variability for both conservation and breeding purposes, suggesting technical viability for the establishment of a seed orchard. The economic parameters indicated that the commercialization of wood and araucaria nuts proved to be more profitable than wood production by itself. In conclusion, araucaria genetic conservation through use is a technically and economically viable ex situ conservation strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainable management of forestry activities, together with changes in vegetation due to deforestation or degradation, contributes to sediment risk and increases the risk of surface runoff. Changes in meteorological criteria, such as precipitation and temperature, as a result of global climate change are also significant factors affecting sediment risk. In this study, sediment risk was predicted spatially and temporally for 65 provinces in Turkey using criteria related to average forest road construction rates and average wood harvesting rates for the period between 2017 and 2021, as well as climate change models (GFDL-ESM2M, HadGEM2-ES, and MPI-ESM-MR) and their scenarios (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) for five-year periods between 2022 and 2096. In addition, changes in sediment risk in the short and long terms—that is, trends—were determined in spatially and temporally. Entropy-based WASPAS and fuzzy clustering analysis were used together to determine sediment risk in this context. The results show that, in terms of sediment risk, criteria related to forestry activities had a higher weight than criteria related to climate change when looking at the overall criterion weights. In addition, it was generally observed that the contribution of the average precipitation criterion to sediment risk increased in weight over five-year periods in the context of climate change models and scenarios. Regarding climate change models and scenarios, it was found that provinces consistently in the highest risk category (R1) over five-year periods were mainly located in the Black Sea and Marmara regions. In addition, provinces showing an increase or decrease in sediment risk trends between two consecutive five-year periods were mostly found in the Black Sea and Mediterranean regions. When evaluating the 15-year time intervals, differences in sediment risk trends were found between the geographical regions. In conclusion, the study results indicate that, regionally, Turkey's northern regions, especially the Black Sea and Marmara regions, as well as the southern Mediterranean and western Aegean regions, will become increasingly vulnerable to sediment risk over time owing to the impact of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite suffering dramatic declines due to habitat loss and overexploitation, tortoises and freshwater turtles in Southeast Asia remain understudied. Sustainable forest management offers a promising approach for advancing the conservation of threatened turtle populations. This study examines the effect of reduced impact logging (RIL), a sustainable forestry method, on 2 freshwater turtle species. We examined detectability patterns and habitat relationships for the threatened Malayan flat‐shelled turtle (Notochelys platynota) and the non‐threatened Malayan soft‐shelled turtle (Dogania subplana) in 8 streams within a commercial forest reserve between March and July 2019, in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. Using single‐species occupancy models, we identified covariates associated with the detection and occupancy probabilities of these species across a post‐harvest recovery gradient (1–21 years since logging). Covariates used in the models were obtained directly from the field or from open‐source remote sensing data. Results for soft‐shelled turtles were inconclusive. In contrast, we found a negative association between monthly rainfall and flat‐shelled turtle detectability. The occupancy probability of flat‐shelled turtles was positively associated with greater distance from logging roads and higher stream flow accumulation. Occupancy probability for flat‐shelled turtles and soft‐shelled turtles was relatively high throughout the reserve (0.79 ± 0.1 [SD] and 0.57 ± 0.22, respectively). These results, suggest that appropriately managed forests, could serve as invaluable conservation areas for imperiled freshwater turtle species in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Forestry Chronicle is the property of Canadian Institute of Forestry 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.)

This study investigates how digital inclusive finance, financial development, and technology influenced forest and timber outputs across 31 provinces in China from 2011 to 2021. The findings, derived from panel quantile regression analysis, indicate that digital inclusive finance significantly enhances forest economic output, particularly in regions with lower economic activity, by improving access to critical financial resources such as credit and investment. However, the positive effects diminish at higher levels of economic activity, suggesting potential diminishing returns. Through the marketization of credit distribution and diverse financial instruments, financial development is essential for promoting sustainable forestry practices and adopting new technologies. Based on the findings, the study suggests expanding digital financial services in areas with low forest activity to help people access credit and investments, boosting forest productivity. It also recommends improving financial markets and investing in new forestry technologies to support better forest management and timber production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is severely impacting global forest ecosystems, stressing woody plants due to rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events. These pressures threaten biodiversity and disrupt the essential roles forests play in carbon sequestration, timber production, and ecosystem stability. Traditional forest management strategies, such as selective breeding, cannot keep up with the rapid pace of climate change, given the long juvenile phase of trees. Multiplex genome editing, particularly through CRISPR technologies, offers a promising solution to accelerate the development of climate-resilient traits in woody plants. By simultaneously targeting multiple genes, multiplex CRISPR enables efficient modification of polygenic traits that govern stress tolerance, disease resistance, and other crucial resilience factors. This mini-review examines the potential of multiplex CRISPR technologies in forest management, breeding, and agroecological practices, showing how they can improve tree resilience and support sustainable forestry in response to the growing challenges of climate change.

The editorial titled "Sustainable forest management under climate change conditions - A focus on biodiversity conservation and forest restoration" highlights the importance of forests as critical ecosystems providing essential services and biodiversity. The research topic explores strategies for forest conservation and restoration, emphasizing the need for nuanced approaches to protect Intact Forest Landscapes (IFLs) and enhance resilience. Studies from China on reforestation and carbon neutrality, as well as investigations into vegetation dynamics and species distribution under climate change, contribute valuable insights to sustainable forest management practices globally. The editorial underscores the multifaceted approach required to address the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, shaping policies and practices for the long-term health and resilience of forests. [Extracted from the article]