Tree mortality and habitat shifts in the regeneration trajectory underneath canopy of an old-growth subalpine forest

To better understand tree regeneration trajectories and the resultant coexistence of Abies with co-dominants, Picea jezoensis var. hondoensis, Tsuga diversifolia and Betula ermanii, in an old-growth subalpine forest, we investigated spatial mortality patterns during the regeneration of Abies mariesii and A. veitchii, which are abundant in the understory reflecting their shade tolerance. Regeneration of these Abies spp. from shaded understory to canopy status is affected by other canopy co-dominants. Snags of understory Abies spp. were common, suggesting that the primary mortality agent is suppression by the overstory. Although live, small Abies trees in the understory were positively associated with a Picea canopy, the long-term survival was reduced among Abies trees close to the canopy, suggesting that shading by large Picea in the overstory negatively affects understory Abies plants. The existence of shade-intolerant canopy co-dominants such as Picea and also Tsuga, which are larger and longer lived than the shade-tolerant Abies, may play an important role in preventing the Abies spp. from competitively displacing these other tree species, which are much rarer in the understory, though common in the canopy. Moreover, in spite of the fact that Betula canopies fostered recruitment and growth of Abies saplings, Abies showed no association with Betula canopy and their survival at later-stage was rather reduced near or beneath Betula canopies at the subsequent understory small tree stage. Based on spatially significant events related to tree death, this study detected such “habitat shifts” in the trajectory of tree regeneration. Accordingly, it can be concluded that careful consideration of the regeneration habitat is required for a fuller understanding of ecological processes in spatially complex old-growth forest systems.     

F group of Heterobasidion annosum found in Poland

The F intersterility group of Heterobasidion annosum, specialized to Abies species and earlier reported from southern parts of Europe, was identified from Abies alba and Picea abies in the Carpathian Mountains in southern Poland, close to northern limit of the natural distribution of A. alba. However, the fungus is not common in this area and seems to be primarily a saprophyte, growing on stumps and dead trees.     

Spatial distribution pattern, scale and gap characteristics of Pinus armandii population in Qinling Mountains, China

Based on the data collected from 27 plots of the Pinus armandii community in Qinling Mountains, we studied the spatial distribution pattern, scale, and gap characteristics of the P. armandii population. The results showed that the population had a clumped distribution before age 50. At the age range from 15 to 25, though the population tended to be distributed randomly, the distribution was still clumped. The population distribution at the age range from 40 to 50 was at the transitional stage from clumped to random. After age 50, the population started to be senesced, the distribution pattern turning from clumped to random. The distribution pattern scale of P. armandii always changes with the development stage of the population, being 100 m² in general. The gap size of P. armandii population was similar to its distribution pattern scale, and the gaps of 80–130 m² occupied 59% of the total. Because of the better light and nutrient condition in the gap, P. armandii seedlings grew well, which helped the population keep its stability through “mobile mosaic circling”. __________ Translated from Chinese Journal of Ecology, 2006, 25(6): 652–656 [译自: 生态学杂志]     

中国榛属植物资源培育与利用研究(Ⅰ)--榛种质资源研究

原产中国的榛属植物有8个种和2个变种,约占全世界种数的一半。榛子是传统的木本粮油树种,中国先民自古以来就采集野生榛子食用。中国榛属植物种质资源分布经纬跨度较大(24°31'~51°42'N、85°55'~132°12'E),从"东北—华北山区、秦岭和甘肃南部及河南—华中—云贵高原"呈斜带状,海拔从100~4 000 m都有分布,行政地域范围涉及25个省(自治区、直辖市)。通过地理分布生态适应性研究,建立了榛属植物分布种数与气候因子间的回归方程:Y=11.883-0.051X_1+0.131X_2-0.003X_4-0.004X_5-0.001X_6+0.051X_8。初步提出了榛属植物资源描述与评价体系,开展了榛坚果、花粉形态及雄花序等形态多样性研究,并且在分子水平上对榛属植物遗传多样性和系统进化进行了研究,明确了川榛应该作为一个独立的种,平榛与欧洲榛尽管地理位置较远,但是遗传距离较近,这既说明了平榛和欧洲榛杂交成功的原因,同时也为进一步研究榛树植物地理距离和遗传距离的不一致性提出了新的课题。     

Population characteristics ofDendrolims superans in Daxing’an Mountains

Dendrolims superans produced one generation every two years. Large larvae and small larvae exist at the same time. It broke out in Daxiang an Mountains in 1990, and seriously destroyed growth ofLarix gmelini Rupr. In order to controlD superans, the population properties ofD superans were studied from 1991 to 1992, including sexratio, age distribution, pattern etc.. The sex ratio ofD. superans population is ♀∶♂ − 1.06:L. The larvae age distribution indicates that larvae over 5 instar is less than younger larvae under 4 instar in Yongqing forest farm, but the younger larvae under 4 instar is more than larvae over 5 instar in Hanjiayuanzi Forest Farm. The population ofD. superans in Yongqing Farm has been declining. and mereasing in Hanjiayuanzi. Pupae and eggs are mainly distributed in middle and lower crowns layer of trees respeetively account for 66% and 59.5% of total individuals. The pupae in higher crown layer is lightly regular distribution and clumping distribution middle and lower crowns layer of trees. The eggs in higher crown is light clumping distribution and random in middle and low crown of tree. (Responsible Editor: Zhu Hong)     

Living characteristics of rare and endangered species —Davidia involucrata

Dovetree (Davidia involucrate), one of the first-class protective plants in China, is a relic species of paleotropical kingdom in Tertiary period, belonging toDavidiaceae with a single genus. In recent years, the increase of regional developing projects has led to a sharp decrease of this ancient and rare plant in naturally distributed habitats and natural population. In this paper, the biological and ecological characteristics of Dovetree were described, and the geographically distributed condition of this species in different geologic periods as well as the major reasons for dynamic changes of its population were systematically analyzed in accordance with field researches and references. The investigations conducted in different years by setting up standard sample plots showed that the population number of Dovetree increased yearly in the areas without human interference but decreased yearly in the areas with human interference. With the increase of population density and human activities decreased as the logarithmic curve:Y=−100.7ln(x)+178.09, and it has turned from a dominant population into an endangered population. Based on the former and present studies on Dovetree, some protection strategies were put foreword for protecting this ancient and rare species. Foundation Item: This research was coordinated by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 39970591) Biography: Wu Gang (1965-), Male, Professor in Key Laboratory of Systems Ecology, Research Center for Eco Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China. Responsible editor: Chai Ruihai     

Phylogenetic and differentiation analysis of the trunk rot pathogen Fomitiporia tsugina in North America

Fomitiporia hartigii s.l. is an important trunk rot pathogen of conifers throughout the Northern Hemisphere. In North America, this pathogen primarily attacks Tsuga, but is also found on Abies, Picea and Pseudotsuga. Previous research showed that isolates of F. hartigii from North America represent a distinct phylogenetic species, known as F. tsugina. However, that conclusion is based on limited data. To better understand the phylogenetic relationships of F. tsugina in North America, a phylogenetic analysis was performed using three loci (internal transcribed spacer, nuclear large subunit and tef1) with 23 isolates originating from the northern United States, Canada and central Europe. North American isolates formed a monophyletic group with significant statistical support, confirming previous reports that F. tsugina represents a unique phylogenetic species, distinct from European F. hartigii s.s. Population subdivision between isolates of F. tsugina from eastern (Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York and Wisconsin) and western (British Columbia, Colorado, Oregon and Washington) North America was investigated. Tests of gene flow and genetic differentiation based on region of origin detected significant variation (F_ST = 0.761; K_ST = 0.625, p < 0.01), suggesting gene flow between the two populations may be limited. Neutrality tests revealed significant, negative departures from the standard neutral model, which could indicate that a purifying or stabilizing selection has maintained low levels of polymorphisms in the population, perhaps favouring an advantageous phenotype. Further studies are required to better understand the occurrence of F. tsugina on Abies and Picea in boreal forests outside the natural range of Tsuga.     

Dynamics of leaf area index and canopy openness of three forest types in a warm temperate zone

Deciduous broad-leaved forests (DBF), Larix principis-rupprechtii (LF) and Pinus tabulaeformis plantations (PF) are three typical forest communities in the warm temperate zone of the Dongling Mountains. In this study, we used an indirect method, hemispheric photography, to measure and analyze the dynamics of leaf area index (LAI) and canopy openness of the three forest communities. The results show that the LAI values of DBF and LF increased gradually with plant growth and development. The highest LAI value appeared in August, while canopy openness changed inversely with LAI. The lowest value appeared in November. DBF maintained a higher LAI in August and had a more open canopy in November compared with LF. For PF, we observed little changes in the LAI and canopy openness which was attributed to the leaf retention of this evergreen species. However, a similar relation between LAI and canopy openness was found for the three forest communities: canopy openness varied inversely with LAI. The relation is exponential and significant. Therefore, canopy openness is a good indicator of LAI in forests. This result can be used to test the validity of the LAI based on remote sensing and to provide a reference for the study of the canopy heterogeneity and its effect. This also benefits modeling for fluxes of carbon, water and energy from the level of the stand to landscape. __________ Translated from Journal of Plant Ecology, 2007, 31(3): 431–436 [译自: 植物生态学报]     

Diversity of soil microorganisms in natural Populus euphratica forests in Xinjiang, northwestern China

To better understand the distribution of soil microorganisms in Populus euphratica forests in Xinjiang, northwestern China, we studied and compared the populations and numbers of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes in the soil at four different age stages of natural P. euphratica forests, i.e., juvenile forests, middle-aged forests, over-mature forests and degraded forests. Results showed that there were clear differences in the amount of microorganism biomass and composition rates across the four forest stages. Dominant and special microorganisms were present in each of the four different soil layers. The vertical distribution showed that the microorganism biomass decreased with increasing soil depth. The population of microorganisms was the lowest at 31–40 cm of soil depth. The microorganisms consisted of bacteria, actinomycetes, as well as fungi. Bacteria were the chief component of microorganisms and were widely distributed, but fungi were scarce in some soil layers. Aspergillus was the dominant genus among the 11 genera of fungi isolated from the soil in different age stages of P. euphratica forests. __________ Translated from Journal of Beijing Forestry University, 2007, 29(5): 127–131 [译自: 北京林业大学学报]     

Forest biomass at Xiaolong Mountain in Gansu Province, China

In order to accurately estimate the size of the carbon pool and the capacity of the carbon sink in the forested areas of Xiaolong Mountain in Gansu Province, we have established regression equations of organ biomass of eight tree species. We measured and investigated the biomass of different forest stand types based on data from 1259 standard sample plots and 836 standard sample trees. The results show that stand biomass, expressed in t·hm⁻² for eight types of forest stands on Xiaolong Mountain, are as follows: Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata 84.05, Pinus tabulaeformis 62.44, Quercus variabilis 81.77, Populus sp. and Betula sp. combined 77.44, Larix sp. 69.00, Pinus armandii 70.07, Picea sp. 96.49 and Abies sp. 98.72. We also looked at other broad-leaved mixed forests. Our study shows that the biomass of a single tree of each tree species is closely related to the diameter at breast height (DBH) and to tree height. The biomass of single trees as well as stand volumes is closely related to average DBH, average tree height and to stand density. __________ Translated from Journal of Beijing Forestry University, 2007, 29(1): 31–36 [译自: 北京林业大学学报]     

Three newly recorded species of the genus Diphascon (Tardigrada; Hypsibiidae) from China

This paper reports three newly recorded species, Diphascon modestum Binda, Pilato and Dastych, 1984, Diphascon nobilei Binda, 1969, and Diphascon triodon Maucci, 1996, of the genus Diphascon (Tardigrada; Hypsibiidae) from China. Five specimens of Diphascon modestum were collected from Taibai Mt. (34°18′N, 107°42tpE) at 2,500 m above the sea level (a.s.l.), two specimens of Diphascon nobilei were collected from Tonggu County, Jiangxi Province (28°31’N, 114°26′E) at 900 m a.s.l, and one specimen of Diphascon triodon was collected from Linzhi County, Tibet (29°40′N, 94°23′E) at 3,500 m a.s.l. All specimens are deposited at the College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, China. A key to the Chinese species of Diphascon was also given. Foundation project: This study was supported by scientific research foundation project of Shaanxi Institute of Education (No. 07KJ37Q)     

Further description ofStrobilomyia melaniola (Fan) (Diptera: Anthomyiidae)

In a recent paper, V. Michelsen(1988, Systematic Entomology 13: 271–314) revised 18 world species of anthomyiid cone and seed pests and described a new genus,Strobilomyia gen. n. He consideredS. melaniola of Northeast China to be a synonym ofS. viaria of North America. That they are the same species is not accepted. We compared the morphological characters of male and femaleS. melaniola adults with the close relatives,S. viaria andS. sibirica. We conclude that they are not the same species and that S.melaniola is an independent species.     

Determination about the northwestern area limit ofPinus koraiensis and the geographic occurrence ofPinus sibirica

By investigation, studying and discussion for 9 years, the determination that it should bePinus sibirica growing in the Mohc county, Daxing’anling Mountains area, China, rather thanpinus koraiensis there, is made to correct a false argument in some works from 1950s’ till now thatPinus koraiensis area limit reach Daxing’anling Mountain. The results are as follows: (1) The species so called asPinus koraiensis found in northwest of Daxing’anling Mountain isPinus Sibirica indeed; There are no natural distribution ofPinus Koraiensis in Daxing’anling Mountain. Its northwest area limit only reach Shengshan, Aihui county; (3) There is about 500km of space between the area limits ofPinus koraiensis and that ofPinus sibirica, no mixed growing area. According to above, a sketch map is made to describe different area limit of the two species at Daxing’anling Mountain and nearby.     

Response of pine forest to disturbance of pine wood nematode with interpretative structural model

Pine wood nematode (PWN, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus), originating from North America, causes destructive pine wilt disease. Different pine forest ecosystems have different resistances to B. xylophilus, and after its invasion, the resilience and restoration direction of different ecosystems also varies. In this study, an interpretative structural model was applied for analyzing the response of pine forest ecosystem to PWN disturbance. The result showed that a five-degree multi-stage hierarchical system affected the response of the pine forest ecosystem to PWN disturbance, in which direct affecting factors are resistance and resilience. Furthermore, the analysis to the 2nd, 3rd and 4th degree factors showed that not only does distribution pattern of plant species and pine’s ecological features affect the resistance of pine forests’ ecosystem, but removal of attacked trees and other measures also influence the resistance through indirectly affecting the damage degree of Monochamus alternatus and distribution pattern of plant species. As for resilience, it is influenced directly by soil factors, hydrology, surrounding species provenance and biological characteristics of the second and jointly dominant species, and the climate factors can also have a direct or indirect effect on it by affecting the above factors. Among the fifth elements, the elevation, gradient and slope direction, topographical factors, diversity of geographical location and improvement of prevention technology all influence the response of pine forest ecosystem to PWN disturbance. __________ Translated from Scientia Silvae Sinicae, 2007, 43(8): 85–90 [译自: 林业科学]     

Spatial distribution pattern and dynamics of the primary population in a natural Populus euphratica forest in Tarim Basin, Xinjiang, China

One 50 m × 50 m standard plot was sampled in a natural forest of Populus euphratica in Awati County, situated at the edge of the Tarim Basin, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. The field investigation was conducted with a contiguous grid quadrate method. By means of a test of variance/mean value ratio, aggregation intensity index and theoretical distribution models, the spatial distribution pattern and the dynamics of primary populations in P. euphratica forest were studied. The results showed that the spatial distribution pattern of two dominant arbor populations conformed to clumped distribution. The aggregation intensity of the P. euphratica population was higher than that of P. pruinosa population. The spatial distribution pattern of two companion plant populations in the shrub layer also conformed to clump type, though the aggregation intensity of Tamarix chinensis was higher. In the herb layer, the distribution patterns of Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Asparagus persicus conformed respectively to a clumped pattern and a random pattern. The results of a Taylor power method test and Iwao’s regression model also verified that both P. euphratica and P. pruinosa populations belong to a clumped pattern. Although the distribution pattern of P. pruinosa population at different development stages all belonged to a clumped distribution pattern, the aggregation intensity dropped gradually along with age development. The distribution patterns of the P. euphratica population at different development stages changed from random type to clumped type, and further to random type. The differences in spatial distribution patterns of different populations at different development stages were related not only to ecological and biological characteristics of each species in the communities in the light of competitive exclusion principle among the populations, but were also closely related to the habitats in which the species lived in. __________ Translated from Journal of Southwest Forestry College, 2007, 27(2): 1–5 [译自: 西南林学院学报]     

Comparison of species diversity betweenLarix gmelini pure forest andLarix gmelini-betula platyphylla mixed forest in Daxing'an Mountains

Based on the investigation data about the species diversity in Daxing'an Mountains, the difference of species diversity indexes betweenLarix gmelini forest andLarix gmelini-Betula platyphylla forest was analyzed by the Simpson index (D), Shannon-Wiener index (H), Pielou index (J _sw &J _si), Alatalo index (E _a) and Species richness index (S). The result showed that the species diversity index ofLarix gmelini-Betula platyphylla forest was much higher than that ofLarix gmelini forest in this region. AndLarix gmelini-Betula platyphylla forest was beneficial to maintain the species diversity in Daxing'an Mountains region. Biography: SONG Guan-ling (1969-), female, Master, assistant professor in Zibo College, Zibo 255000, P.R. China. Responsible editor: Zhu Hong     

Analysis of the change in the original Metasequoia glyptostroboides population and its environment in Lichuan, Hubei from 1948 to 2003

Lichuan, located at the foot of the Wuling Mountain in southwest Hubei Province of central China, is well known in the world for the discovery of the living fossil Metasequoia glyptostroboides Hu & Cheng in the 1940s. Its natural habitat has been well protected by the Chinese government. In order to provide a scientific foundation for the protection of the Metasequoia resource, it has become necessary to analyze the changes in the original, natural Metasequoia mother trees (ONMMT) and their environment from 1948 to 2003. The results and countermeasures are as follows: First, the distribution areas have little changed, involving four towns/farmland, 45 villages, 5,746 individual trees in 1983 and 5,388 trees in 2003, covering nearly 600 km², with an average density of less than 0.1 tree/hm². The Metasequoia distribution consists of two main types: a scattered distribution type found mainly at the foothills or near houses, roads, villages and rivers while the population distribution type is found mainly at the mountains and valleys with a minority at low elevations in the mountains and basins. The largest Metasequoia populations have 105 and 123 trees. Second, in the past, attention was only paid to the protection of individual trees while the protection of the Metasequoia population and environment was neglected. This led to a shift from the past mixed forests to pure Metasequoia forests, with a simpler structure, reduced biodiversity and conditions non-conducive for natural renewal. From 1983 to 2003, 386 original Metasequoia mother trees died. So it is vital to enhance the protection of the only original Metasequoia population in the world and its habitat. Third, modern ecological means should be taken to protect the original Metasequoia population and its habitat. Research on the restoration and rehabilitation of Metasequoia vegetation should be carried out. Restoration and rehabilitation should be put into practice in the Xiaohe Valley, where the highest concentration of Metasequoia is found. Fourth, efficient measures should be taken to stop human activities that are harmful to Metasequoia and to improve the environment of ONMMT in order to promote the protection of the ONMMT population and its ecosystem. Eco-emigration and the return of marginal agricultural land to forestry can be practiced. __________ Translated from Acta Ecologica Sinica, 2005, 25(5): 972–977 [译自: 生态学报, 2005, 25(5): 972–977]     

Regeneration growth in different light environments of mixed species, multiaged, mountainous forests of Romania

Growth of regenerating trees in different light environments was studied for the mountainous, mixed-species forests in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania. The primary species in these mixtures were silver fir (Abies alba Mill.), European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst). Seedlings/saplings of these species were selected and measured in different stands from two different geographical locations. Regenerating trees were measured for height and diameter growth during the summer of 2002. For each seedling/sapling, percentage of above canopy light (PACL) and stand basal area (BA) were used to assess available and occupied growing space respectively. Regeneration growth was compared against these two variables and regression relationships were developed. Using these models, we predicted the dynamics of regeneration as both growth and species composition. Our results showed that in low-light environments (PACL<20–35%; BA>30 m²/ha), shade tolerant fir and beech clearly outcompeted the spruce. Therefore, in dense stands, spruce could be eliminated by the shade tolerant species. For intermediate levels of cover (PACL=35–70%; BA=15–35 m²/ha) the spruce grew at comparable rates as the beech and fir. All three species showed similar growth rates in open conditions (PACL>80–90%; BA<15–20 m²/ha) with the spruce having a tendency to outgrow the others. However, in terms of establishment, such conditions favor spruce and inhibit fir and beech.     

A phytosociological study onBetula platyphylla forests in Daxing’an Mountains of China

For the first time in this paper the forests ofBetula platyphylla in Daxing’an Mountains are subdivided by phytosociological methods. Three community types ofB. platyphylla forest have been differentiated, e.g.,Rhododendron dahuricum-Betula platyphylla community,Corylus heterophylla-Betula platyphylla community andArtemisia stolonifera-Betula platyphylla community. The distributed elevation, stand height, differential species, major composition species of tree layer, shrub layer and herb layer for each community were detail described Yang Yongfu, male, born in Sept., 1961; Senior engineer of Central Nursery of Xinlin Forestry Bureau, Daxinganling, P. R. China Responsible editor: Chai Ruihai     

Distribution, regeneration and succession ofFagus

The distribution, regeneration and succession ofFagus in China were systematically analyzed in comparison with those in Europe and in northern America. The results showed that it was very likely that China was the distribution center ofFagus, which originated in eastern Asia, migrated into northern America and then into Europe. Distribution ofFagus in China is relatively independent with seven species. The main reason for wide distribution ofFagus in Europe, but unitary species, is possibly the influence of the climate in Quaternary Period, and also related with influence of the ocean climate. This study was supported by National Natural Sciences Foundation of China (39500116 and 39670145) (Responsible Editor: Chai Ruihai)