Spatial distribution of Hevea brasiliensis trunk phloem necrosis within a plot: aggregation but no evidence of constraint on cumulated growth

Trunk phloem necrosis (TPN) is a major constraint in rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) plantations. Current knowledge supports a scenario of a multi‐factor physiological ‘disease’ caused by an accumulation of endogenous and exogenous stresses. Without evidence of a pathogen, the apparent spread of the syndrome from tree to tree along the planting line, strongly suggested the implication of a major local soil constraint. The objectives of the study were to address, within a plot, three points of the above scenario: the short‐distance aggregation of affected trees; their correspondence with local micro‐areas facing the highest environmental constraints; and the relative weakness of TPN trees that had accumulated several stresses since planting. The study was conducted in a young rubber tree stand (clone RRIM 600) of Northeast Thailand, where the number of TPN affected individuals was 8% after 3 years of tapping. Trunk girth and trunk basal area were used as indicators of local environmental constraints. Spatial patterns were analysed using the framework of marked point processes and K functions. The results confirmed the short‐distance aggregation of TPN affected trees. But, TPN trees were not located within micro‐areas where trees had a lower trunk basal area than average. Hence, the clusters of TPN do not occur in the most constraining environmental micro‐areas of the plot in terms of growth since planting. Moreover, from comparison of girth, current girth increment and height of bark consumption, we infer that TPN trees were not smaller and less vigorous than other trees before the syndrome outbreak. Finally, our conclusions mean the previous scenario driven by major soil constraints becomes a ‘more complex scenario’ in which specific soil conditions (not the most constraining in term of cumulated growth), possibly in interaction with inter‐individual competition, induce a late and subtle stress favouring a necrotic reaction against tapping stress.     

Effects of genetically modified Burkholderia pyrrocinia JK‐SH007E1 on soil microbial community in poplar rhizosphere

It is important to assess the biosafety of genetically engineered bacteria before release into the environment. In a previous study, the genetically engineered bacterium Burkholderia pyrrocinia JK‐SH007E1 was developed, showing biological control activity against a poplar canker disease. In the present work, the potential effects of B. pyrrocinia JK‐SH007E1 on soil microbial diversity and population structure in the poplar rhizosphere were assessed. The micro‐ecological effects of JK‐SH007E1 on soil microbial communities were investigated using substrate utilization assays (Biolog EcoPlate), enzyme activity assays and 16S rRNA sequencing to research species diversity and population structure of soil microbial communities. The genetically engineered isolate JK‐SH007E1 improved the functional diversity, soil enzyme activities and alpha diversity of soil microbial communities. However, the positive effects after inoculation attenuated with time, except for soil enzyme activities. Treatments with JK‐SH007 or JK‐SH007E1 were not different in impacts on soil enzyme activity and functional diversity of soil microbial communities. The results demonstrated that inoculation of JK‐SH007E1 into the poplar rhizosphere posed little or no threat to soil microbial communities in the long term. This work provides an additional insight into the effects of genetically engineered JK‐SH007E1 on the environment during long‐term use as biological control against poplar canker diseases.     

Needle nutrient status of Sirococcus shoot blight‐diseased and healthy Norway spruces

In this study the needle nutrient status of Sirococcus shoot blight‐diseased and healthy Norway spruces (Picea abies) was investigated. Element contents were determined in the current year and 3‐year‐old needles collected in December 2000 from 72 mature trees randomly distributed in the investigated stand. Half of the trees were severely affected by Sirococcus conigenus and had a reduced crown whereas the other trees were unaffected and vigorous. Compared with the uninfected trees, contents of Mg, Ca, P and Mn were significantly lower in the current year and 3‐year‐old needles of diseased trees. Furthermore, analyses of the nutrient contents of needles from severely affected trees revealed insufficient Mg and Ca supply and enhanced N/Mg and N/Ca ratios, when compared with threshold values. The results of this study suggest that imbalanced tree nutrition either has a significant impact on the expression of Sirococcus disease symptoms or fungal infection itself is affecting needle nutrient contents.     

Fungal fruitbodies and soil macrofauna as indicators of land use practices on soil biodiversity in Montado

The impacts of land use on soil biodiversity are still poorly understood, although soil fungi and macrofauna are recognized to provide benefits to ecosystems. Here, we tested whether land use practices used to control shrub density influences the fruiting macromycetes (ectomycorrhizal-forming fungi—ECMF—and saprobes) and soil macrofauna diversity and abundance in Montado ecosystems. To address this influence, we conducted a 2-years’ period monitoring of fungi fruitbodies and macrofauna in sixteen experimental plots in Montado landscape in southern Portugal. A total of 4,881 frutibodies (57 taxa of ECMF and 64 taxa of saprobic fungi) and 3,667 soil invertebrates (73 species and morphospecies) were monitored in the experimental plots. There was greater losses in sporocarps production and taxa composition, particularly the ECMF, in plots where shrub density was controlled by permanent grazing (Ca) or involving cutting practices followed by soil tillage (M), in comparison with cutting practices with no soil tillage (Cu) and the control (C). The ECMF Laccaria laccata and Xerocomus subtomentosus exhibited a close relation with C and Cu plots while the saprobes, e.g., Entoloma conferendum, were associated to Ca and M plots. Most species associated to Cu plots were present in C plots during the 2 years, but not in Cu after the cutting practices (in the second year of sampling). Regarding soil macrofauna, higher values of taxa and species richness were observed in C and Cu plots in the first year of sampling. The ant species Aphaenogaster senilis and several Staphylinid morphospecies exhibited a close relation with M plots, whilst most spider families were directly associated to C and Cu plots. After the shrub cutting practices, higher values of taxa and species richness of soil macrofauna were observed in M and Ca plots; the presence of species with a high competitive ability to colonize disturbed areas faster might explain the results. Contrary to the frutibodies production and diversity, species richness and abundance within soil macrofauna were identical between Cu and C in 2004. Thus, fruiting macromycetes and soil macrofauna diversity and abundance in Montado’s, appear highly sensitive to land use and somewhat reflected a trend of severity to the current shrub management practices.     

Microclimate and nutrient dynamics in a silvopastoral system of semiarid northeastern Brazil

There is little available information on nutrient cycling and the controls of ecosystem processes in land use systems of dry neotropical regions. In this study, we conducted field and glasshouse experiments to investigate the influence of Ziziphus joazeiro and Prosopis juliflora trees on microclimate and nutrient dynamics in pastures ofCenchrus ciliaris in semiarid northeastern Brazil. We found that soil moisture was lower under the crowns of P. juliflora trees during early season in comparison to patches ofC. ciliaris (grass patches), but the presence of Z. joazeiro had no effect on soil moisture. Soil and air temperatures were lower under Z. joazeiro in comparison to grass patches but P. juliflora had little effect on temperature. Losses of P from all litter types were lower under the crowns of Z. joazeiro trees, but losses of biomass and N from litter were not consistently affected by the presence of trees. Soil net N mineralized was greater under both tree species, in comparison to grass patches. However, net soil N mineralized per gram of total soil N was greater under the crowns of the potentially N₂ fixing P. juliflora, in comparison to grass patches, while there were no significant differences betweenZ. joazeiro crowns and grass patches. In the glasshouse study, plant biomass and nutrient uptake was greater in soil collected under the crowns of both tree species, in comparison to soil from grass patches. Our results indicate that the preservation of native trees or introduction of exotic tree species in C. ciliaris pastures in semiarid northeastern Brazil significantly affects microclimate and the dynamics of litter and soil nutrients, and may contribute to increases in the cycling rate of nutrients in these systems. Index terms: buffel grass, caatinga, nitrogen mineralization, Prosopis juliflora, Ziziphus joazeiro.This revised version was published online in November 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The role of yellow lupin (Lupinus luteus) in the decline affecting oak agroforestry ecosystems

Phytophthora cinnamomi is a soilborne pathogen causing root rot in Mediterranean Quercus species growing in ‘dehesa’ rangeland ecosystems. Recently, it has been reported causing wilting and death of Lupinus luteus (yellow lupin), a spontaneous plant in southern Spain rangelands, but also frequently sowed for livestock grazing. In soils artificially infested with P. cinnamomi chlamydospores and planted with different cultivars of yellow lupin, a significant increase in the density of propagules was detected in comparison with the initial levels of inoculum and with the infested but not planted soil (control). In oak‐rangelands in which yellow lupine was planted, isolation and counting of colonies of P. cinnamomi from soil samples have shown the ability of this plant to maintain or even increase the inoculum density and thus facilitate the infection of trees. Results suggested that cultivation of yellow lupin in oak‐rangeland ecosystems should be avoided whether oak trees are affected by root disease caused by P. cinnamomi or not. This leguminous plant can act as an inoculum reservoir or even enhance inoculum soil levels available for oak root infections, exacerbating the oak decline severity in the region.     

Effects of long-term elevated CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> on N<Subscript>2</Subscript>-fixing,denitrifying and nitrifying enzyme activities in forest soils under <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus sylvestriformis</Emphasis> in Changbai Mountain

A study was conducted to determine the effects of elevated CO₂ on soil N process at Changbai Mountain in Jilin Province, northeastern China (42°24′N, 128°06′E, and 738 m elevation). A randomized complete block design of ambient and elevated CO₂ was established in an open-top chamber facility in the spring of 1999. Changpai Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris var. sylvestriformis seeds were sowed in May, 1999 and CO₂ fumigation treatments began after seeds germination. In each year, the exposure started at the end of April and stopped at the end of October. Soil samples were collected in June and August 2006 and in June 2007, and soil nitrifying, denitrifying and N₂-fixing enzyme activities were measured. Results show that soil nitrifying enzyme activities (NEA) in the 5–10 cm soil layer were significantly increased at elevated CO₂ by 30.3% in June 2006, by 30.9% in August 2006 and by 11.3% in June 2007. Soil denitrifying enzyme activities (DEA) were significantly decreased by elevated CO₂ treatment in June 2006 (P < 0.012) and August 2006 (P < 0.005) samplings in our study; no significant difference was detected in June 2007, and no significant changes in N₂-fixing enzyme activity were found. This study suggests that elevated CO₂ can alter soil nitrifying enzyme and denitrifying enzyme activities. Foundation project: This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 90411020) and Major State Basic Research Development Program of China (973 Program) (2002CB412502).     

First records of soilborne Phytophthora species in Swedish oak forests

Thirty‐two oak stands in southern Sweden, 27 with predominantly declining trees and five with a higher proportion of healthy trees were investigated regarding the presence of soilborne Phytophthora species. Phytophthora quercina, an oak‐specific fine root pathogen, was isolated from rhizosphere soil samples in 10 of the 27 declining stands. Additionally, P. cactorum and P. cambivora were recovered from one stand each. No Phytophthora species were isolated from the healthy oak stands. The soil conditions at the sites from which Phytophthora spp. were recovered ranged from mesic sediments to moraines, with clayey to silty textures and with soil pH (BaCl₂) between 3.5 and 5.0. The results show that P. quercina is geographically widespread in oak stands in southern Sweden and indicate that this pathogen may be one of the factors involved in oak decline in Northern Europe as has already been shown for western, Central and parts of southern Europe.     

The impact of Sirococcus shoot blight on radial and height growth of Norway spruce (Picea abies) in young plantations

The impact of Sirococcus shoot blight on the radial and height growth of Norway spruce in a young plantation (approximately 20 years old) was investigated by examining the increment losses for four infection intensities (classes). The average diameter at breast height of trees in the lightly damaged class was 72% when compared with the average diameter of the healthy trees, whereas moderately and severely damaged tree classes were 67 and 57%, respectively. Using tree ring analysis, the development of radial growth over time due to intensity of infection was studied. Height growth of affected trees was also significantly reduced (up to 43%) compared with the healthy trees, thus indicating a dramatic impact of Sirococcus conigenus on the growth of young Norway spruce.     

Resistance against oxidative stress in leaves of young beech trees grown in model ecosystems with different soil qualities, elevated CO2, and lachnid infestation

Summary The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the resistance of beech foliage(Fagus sylvatica) against oxidative stress was affected by soil quality, nitrogen or CO₂ fertilisation, or lachnid infestation(Phyllaphis fagi). For this purpose young beech trees were grown for four years in reconstructed calcareous or acidic forest soils in open top chambers under ambient or elevated CO₂ concentrations with two levels of nitrogen fertilisation. At harvest lachnid colonisation was observed, preferentially on leaves from trees in calcareous soil and on leaves from trees fertilised with the high nitrogen level. General leaf characteristics such as pigment concentrations, dry mass, and leaf mass ber area were not affected by the soil type, nitrogen fertilisation or CO₂ regime. Leaves colonised with lachnids displayed slightly increased leaf mass per area. When the stress resistance was challenged by exposure to paraquat — a herbicide inducing oxidative stress — leaves from trees grown on calcareous soil maintained significantly longer membrane integrity and, thus, were better protected against stress than leaves from trees on acidic soil. Other experimental variables had negligible or no effects on the resistance against oxidative stress.      

Deciduous trees affect small-scale floristic diversity and tree regeneration in conifer forests

Abstract

There is a growing interest in the effects of deciduous trees on biodiversity, soil processes and long-term productivity in boreal, conifer-dominated forests. This study investigated whether individual birch trees allowed to grow to maturity in the coniferous forest can have a local effect on floristic richness and regeneration of tree saplings. The ground vegetation was compared in 2?m radius plots around the stem under the canopies of matched conifer–deciduous trees in a mature, conifer-dominated forest, and included in the analysis variables that could potentially mediate the tree effect (soil pH, cover of lichens, bryophytes, leaf and needle litter). The field layer vegetation was more species rich under birch (Betula pendula and B. pubescens) than under conifers (Picea abies and Pinus sylvestris), and several vascular plant species (including saplings of tree species) occurred more often under birch than under conifers. However, when the effect of the number of subordinate trees was taken into account the difference between birch and pine was not significant. The number of tree regenerations (saplings) was lowest under pines, but did not differ between spruce and birch. There were no effects of the canopy species on soil pH or on cover of lichens and bryophytes. The difference in diversity may be caused by the different effects of leaf and needle litter, and it is also likely that canopy structure has an influence via interception and throughfall and by affecting the light and microclimate.     

Reproduction affects partitioning between new organs of a pulse of 15N applied during seed ripening in Fagus crenata

Seasonal internal nitrogen (N) cycling is an important strategy for trees to uncouple growth from N acquisition. While N uptake, allocation and storage has been intensively studied in association with leaf phenology and vegetative growth, influence of reproduction on these key processes is still poorly understood. Therefore, we applied pulse ¹⁵N labelling to three fruiting and three non-fruiting trees in a 92-year-old Fagus crenata forest on 18 July and traced ¹⁵N content per organ dry mass (¹⁵N_excess) in all new shoot organs from the upper crowns periodically until leaf fall. The amount of ¹⁵N_excess recovered in the whole new shoots in fruiting trees did not differ from non-fruiting individuals, although up to 70% of ¹⁵N_excess was recovered in fruits of fruiting trees but 87% in leaves of non-fruiting individuals. In addition, dramatic increase in ¹⁵N_excess amount in nuts was accompanied by about twofold increase in nut N content. These results indicate that new N uptake from the soil contributed greatly to seed ripening, which in turn resulted in less allocation to leaves in fruiting trees. In non-fruiting individuals, on the other hand, ¹⁵N_excess allocated to leaves was not accompanied by concomitant increase in leaf N content because biomass growth had ceased when ¹⁵N was applied. These results suggest that N uptake in the late growing season contributed to internal N storage in non-fruiting trees. These reproduction-related variations in seasonal N cycle have implications for N dynamics in the plant–soil system during environmental change.

     

Organic matter accumulation in reclaimed soils under spruce,poplar and grass in the Alberta Oil Sands

Fundamental to the success of forest restoration following major disturbances such as mining is development of a functioning soil, including the amount, properties and rates of accumulation of soil organic matter (SOM). SOM enters mineral soil through leaching of dissolved organic matter from the forest floor; macrofaunal processing of above-ground litter and mixing with soil (bioturbation); and direct deposition of root litter and rhizodeposits. Our study focused on how SOM accumulation in reclaimed mineral soils was affected following re-vegetation with three vegetation treatments: deciduous trees (Populus tremuloides Mitchx. and Populus balsamifera L.), spruce trees (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss.) and grasses (Festuca sp., Bromus inermis), compared to the natural boreal forest. Seventeen sites were studied: 4 reclaimed Deciduous, 5 reclaimed Spruce, 4 reclaimed Grass, and 4 Natural forest. Concentrations of soil organic matter in the upper 30 cm of soil were highest at the Deciduous sites and lowest at Natural sites. SOM concentrations in the top 10 cm of soil were elevated relative to 10–30 cm soil at the Deciduous and Grass sites. The elevated SOM in the upper soil at Deciduous and Grass sites was associated with greater macrofauanal activity and higher root biomass at these sites. The higher macrofaunal activity in the surface organic layer and greater amounts of faunal fecal material in the uppermost cm of soil at Deciduous and Grass sites indicate greater enrichment of upper soil by macrofauna at these sites. SOM concentrations were significantly positively related to root abundance at Grass sites (indicating a contribution of roots to SOM), and a similar trend was apparent at the Deciduous sites. The elevated organic matter concentrations in the upper 10 cm of soil at the Deciduous and Grass sites suggest that planting of aspen following reclamation would hasten C sequestration into soil organic matter.

     

Rosellinia necatrix attack according to soil features in the Mediterranean environment

A study was carried out on Rosellinia necatrix attack on young woody plants, as possibly affected by selected soil features under three water regimes. Six different soil systems representing five agro‐environments and one forest in the Puglia Region (southern Italy – Mediterranean climate) were compared. R. necatrix attack on sweet cherry trees was simulated using artificial inoculum and saplings of Prunus mahaleb, the most widely used rootstock of sweet and sour cherries, monitored during the spring period. Soil features significantly influenced disease score, which did not differ from one water regime to another, even though disease level in the different soils was affected by water content. Rosellinia mahaleb saplings grown in forest soil showed the highest disease score, which differed significantly from that observed in all the agricultural soils tested in this study. Amongst these, disease score was lower in sandy soils than in soils that were richer in loamy fraction.     

Effect of water stress on N2O emission rate of 5 tree species

The N₂O emission rates, photosynthesis, respiration and stomatal conductance of the dominant tree species from broadleaf/Korean pine forest in Changbai Mountain were measured by simulated water stress with the closed bag-gas chromatography. A total of five species seedlings were involved in this study, i.e.,Pinus koraiensis Sieb. et Zucc,Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr,Juglans mandshurica Maxim,Tilia amurensis Rupr, andQuercus mongolica Fisch. ex Turcz.. The results showed that the stomatal conductance, net photosynthetic rate and N₂O emission of leaves were significantly reduced under the water stress. The stoma in the leaves of trees is the main pathway of N₂O emission. N₂O emission in the trees mainly occurred during daytime. N₂O emission rates were different in various tree specie seedlings at the same water status. In the same tree species, N₂O emission rates decreased as the reduction of soil water contents. At different soil water contents (MW, LW) the N₂O emission rates ofPinus koraiensis decreased by 34.43% and 100.6% of those in normal water condition, respectively. In broadleaf arbor decreased by 31.93% and 86.35%, respectively. Under different water stresses N₂O emission rates in five tree species such asPinus koraiensis, Fraxinus mandshurica, Juglans mandshurica, Tilia amurensis, andQuercus mongolica were 38.22, 14.44, 33.02, 16.48 and 32.33 ngN₂O·g⁻¹DW·h⁻¹, respectively. Foundation item: This project was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30271068), the grant of the Knowledge Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences (KZ-CX-SW-01-01B-10), and the Special Funds for Major State Basic Research Program of China (No. G1999043407) Biography: Wang Miao (1964-), male, associate professor in Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Science, Shenyang 110016, P. R. China. Responsible editor: Song Funan     

Comparative studies on the fine root status of healthy and declining spruce and beech trees in the Bavarian Alps and occurrence of Phytophthora and Pythium species

Investigations on root and crown status of spruce and beech were carried out on selected trees in the ‘Werdenfelser Land’ area (Bavarian Alps, Southern Germany). In addition, the association of fine root pathogens of the genera Phytophthora and Pythium with the trees’ rhizosphere was studied. In a variety of stands representing various site conditions, soil and root samples were taken from 12 spruce (Picea abies) pairs and eight beech (Fagus sylvatica) pairs. Each pair consisted of a healthy and a declining tree as indicated by crown transparency. The root status was characterized using a set of parameters, and correlations between crown and fine root status were observed. In spruce, most parameters decreased significantly with increasing crown transparency, whereas in beech, correlations were less pronounced. The total number of lateral roots per cm small root (diameter 2–5 mm) was significantly lower in both species for declining trees compared to healthy trees. Pythium spp. were isolated from 15 of 24 soil samples taken from under spruce, and from eight of 16 samples from under beech. Phytophthora citricola was found in two beech stands only. Among the isolated species, Pythium anandrum, Pythium inflatum and Pythium acrogynum were identified according to morphological features. After polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, residual Pythium isolates were assigned to four different groups. No crown transparency‐dependent differences in isolation frequency were found. In soil infestation tests, all species tested caused root damage on both young spruce and beech plants, with P. citricola being the most aggressive pathogen. Additionally, Pythium‐infected beeches showed severe leaf chloroses and necroses. Due to their low isolation frequency, Phytophthora spp. are not considered to play a major role in the decline of spruce and beech in the investigated area. Pythium spp., however, were isolated frequently, showed pathogenicity towards the fine roots of spruce and beech, and are therefore considered to be at least contributing factors in the decline of Bavarian mountain forests.     

间伐对杉木人工林土壤酶活性及微生物的影响

[目的]研究间伐对杉木人工林土壤微生物数量、酶活性及关系的影响,试图了解不同间伐强度作用下土壤恢复的过程和机制,为人工林经营提供理论依据。[方法]以18年生杉木人工林为研究对象,采用随机区组试验设计,分析4种间伐强度TS0(未间伐(0.0%),1 800株·hm-2)、TS1(轻度(16.7%),1 500株·hm-2)、TS2(中度(33.3%),1 200株·hm-2)和TS3(重度(50.0%),900株·hm-2)下杉木人工林土壤微生物数量及土壤酶活性特点,探讨土壤微生物数量与酶活性的相关性。[结果]表明:间伐3年后,林下土壤层酶活性和微生物数量显著提高,不同土层间土壤微生物数量和酶活性均差异显著;间伐显著提高了土壤过氧化氢酶、碱性磷酸酶、脲酶和蔗糖酶的活性,除过氧化氢酶(15 30、30 45 cm)、碱性磷酸酶(0 15、30 45 cm)以及脲酶(30 45 cm)以TS3处理的酶活性最高外,其他酶活性在各土层和不同间伐强度下均以TS2处理的酶活性最高;土壤各层微生物以细菌数量最多,其次是放线菌,硝化细菌最少,且TS2处理的微生物数量最多。土壤过氧化氢酶和脲酶活性均与细菌、真菌和硝化细菌数量呈极显著正相关,与放线菌数量呈极显著负相关,氨化细菌数量与过氧化氢酶活性呈负相关,而与脲酶活性呈正相关;碱性磷酸酶活性与细菌、真菌和硝化细菌数量呈正相关,与氨化细菌数量呈极显著负相关,与放线菌数量呈负相关;蔗糖酶活性与细菌、真菌和氨化细菌数量呈极显著正相关,与硝化细菌数量呈正相关,与放线菌数量呈负相关。[结论]间伐改善了林分环境、光照、温度以及林下植被的发育,提高了林下土壤酶活性并增加了微生物数量。间伐3年后的综合表现表明,中度间伐最利于杉木人工中、近熟林阶段的经营,对于改善土壤性质较好。     

Seasonal response of soil enzyme activity to thinning intensity of aerial seeded Pinus tabulaeformis stands

Aerial seeding is one of the most important vegetation restoration patterns in remote hilly areas, and studies concerning soil quality and its management have practical value. In 2000, a study of the effect of thinning intensities at five different treatments levels, 0 (CK), 30% (slight thinning), 48.75% (medium thinning), 53.75% (intense thinning) and 65.6% (super intense thinning) on soil enzyme activity was carried out on 9-year-old aerial seeded Chinese pine (Pinus tabulaeformis Carr.) stands with an initial density of 8000 trees/hm², in the Wang-jiapu Aerail Seeding Center, Yanqing County, Beijing. Five years later, the activities of five kinds of soil enzymes, soil urease, alkaline phosphatase, inertase, catalase and polyphenol oxidase in the first 20 cm of soil layer were compared during four seasons. Relationships among soil enzymes and soil physiochemical properties were also analyzed to examine the possibility of using soil enzymes to evaluate thinning intensities. The results showed that the maximum enzyme activities of catalase and polyphenol oxidase occurred in June, those of soil urease and alkaline phosphatase occurred in October, and soil invetase had its maximum in April. In addition, the five soil enzymes were affected differently by thinning intensities. Soil catalase, urease and invertase showed the highest response to a slight thinning, followed by medium thinning, which is the opposite experienced with polyphenol oxidase and alkaline phosphatase. There are statistically significant and positive relationships between soil enzymes and organic matter and available K. It should be noted that soil water was a limiting factor to soil enzyme activity. Compared with soil physicochemical characteristics, soil enzymes were more sensitive to levels of thinning intensities. Among the enzymes, soil alkaline phosphatase and catalase could be regarded as indicators to assess soil quality. It is concluded that a suitable thinning intensity benefits the development of undergrowth and soil enzymes. Generally, when the stand with initial density of 8000 trees/hm² grows up to nine years old, the most suitable thinning intensity should be about 50%. __________ Translated from Journal of Beijing Forestry University, 2008, 30(2): 82–88 [译自: 北京林业大学学报]     

Phytophthora citrophthora,a new pathogen causing decline on horse chestnut in Turkey

Dieback symptoms were observed on horse chestnut trees planted approximately 40 years ago in Ankara, Turkey. Lesions at the stem bases of the affected trees were similar to those of ink disease on sweet chestnut. A Phytophthora sp. was isolated from the fine roots and soil samples collected around the stem bases by baiting using chestnut leaves. The pathogen was identified as Phytophthora citrophthora based on several morphological features and DNA sequences of the ITS region. Pathogenicity of P. citrophthora was tested by stem inoculation on 3‐year‐old horse chestnut saplings. P. citrophthora produced large cankers in 20 days and killed 40% of the saplings. This is the first report of P. citrophthora causing dieback on horse chestnut.     

New insights into the survival strategy of the invasive soilborne pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi in different natural ecosystems in Western Australia

Despite its importance as one of the most notorious, globally distributed, multihost plant pathogens, knowledge on the survival strategy of Phytophthora cinnamomi in seasonally dry climates is limited. Soil and fine roots were collected from the rhizosphere of severely declining or recently dead specimens of 13 woody species at 11 dieback sites and two dieback spots and from healthy specimens of five woody species at four dieback‐free sites in native forests, woodlands and heathlands of the south‐west of Western Australia (WA). Phytophthora cinnamomi was recovered from 80.4, 78.1 and 100% of tested soil, fine root and soil–debris slurry samples at the 11 dieback sites, in some cases even after 18‐month storage under air‐dry conditions, but not from the small dieback spots and the healthy sites. Direct isolations from soil–debris slurry showed that P. cinnamomi colonies exclusively originated from fine roots and root fragments not from free propagules in the soil. Microscopic investigation of P. cinnamomi‐infected fine and small woody roots and root fragments demonstrated in 68.8, 81.3 and 93.8% of samples from nine woody species the presence of thick‐walled oospores, stromata‐like hyphal aggregations and intracellular hyphae encased by lignitubers, respectively, while thin‐walled putative chlamydospores were found in only 21.2% of samples from five woody species. These findings were confirmed by microscopic examination of fine roots from artificially inoculated young trees of 10 woody species. It is suggested that (i) the main function of chlamydospores is the survival in moderately dry conditions between consecutive rain events and (ii) selfed oospores, hyphal aggregations, and encased hyphae and vesicles in infected root tissue of both host and non‐host species are the major long‐term survival propagules of P. cinnamomi during the extremely dry summer conditions in WA.