Determinants of cryptogamic epiphyte diversity in a river valley (Flanders)

We studied cryptogamic epiphytes in a river valley in northern Belgium in order to investigate the effects of potential environmental and ecological determinants on epiphyte diversity. The study was done on ecotope level. In practice different habitat types, historical variables (forest history, tree age) and ecological indicator values of the epiphytes were used as explaining variables. The environmental variables were linked with ecological indicator values by means of canonical correlation analysis. Thereby correlations between indicator values and epiphyte diversity were calculated in a qualitative as well as in a quantitative sense. Classification and regression trees were applied to study the importance of the different environmental variables for epiphyte diversity. Cryptogamic epiphyte diversity of old forests proved to be low, contradicting the ‘ecological continuity’ hypothesis, while forests or shrubs with a high quantity of young trees were most suitable for epiphytes. These woodlands have a short forest history and are situated on alluvial soils in the centre of the valley, on former pastures. Main reasons for a high diversity in the young forests are elevated (air) humidity levels as well as the prominent presence of (several types of) wet broad-leaved forests, causing a high (micro)habitat diversity and diverse site conditions. As also structural aspects are important for the α-diversity of cryptogamic epiphytes, right actions should be implemented in management practices.     

Epiphyte communities on the trunks of retention trees stabilise in 5 years after timber harvesting, but remain threatened due to tree loss

Live retention trees are expected to support the recovery of epiphytes in regenerating stands by retaining a part of the populations in cutover sites and receiving propagules from adjacent forests. So far, the research has been focused on immediate post-harvesting mortality caused by microclimatic stress while a broader perspective on epiphyte community dynamics is lacking. We studied lichen and bryophyte communities on the trunks of retention trees and adjacent forest trees in Estonia, where significant desiccation (particularly of bryophytes) had been documented within 2-3 years after timber harvesting. The resampling 5-6 years after harvesting indicated that, during the 3 years passed, (1) lichen species richness per surviving tree increased and bryophyte species richness stabilised, (2) there were no clear successional changes in the composition of the communities and (3) retention trees were more frequently colonised than forest trees. Most epiphyte extinctions between the sampling years were related to the death of trees (particularly in the forests because of harvesting) and stochastic disappearances of the smallest populations. Also, retention trees were very rarely colonised by species of conservation concern. We conclude that, in addition to addressing the microclimatic stress in the first post-harvesting years, crucial elements in sustaining epiphytic bryophyte and lichen populations in green-tree retention systems include careful selection of the retention trees and a supportive reserve network. The selection of the trees should assure representativity and long-term survival of local populations, while reserves should host the most demanding species and be stable colonisation sources in general.     

Quantifying the role of multiple landscape-scale drivers controlling epiphyte composition and richness in a conservation priority habitat (juniper scrub)

Recent concern over human-induced climate warming has activated bioclimatic research projecting the species-response to climate change scenarios. However, climate change is one of a range of human-induced environmental drivers controlling biodiversity, and for many species should be considered together within a framework of relevant stresses and threats. This paper critically assesses the sensitivity of epiphyte assemblages to regional gradients in climate, pollution regime and landscape-scale habitat structure (woodland extent and fragmentation). We examine lichen epiphytes associated with juniper scrub (a conservation priority habitat in Europe), sampled across a network of protected sites in Britain (Special Areas of Conservation). Results point to significant differences in associated epiphyte diversity between conservation priority sites. Historic woodland structure was identified as of greater importance than present-day woodland structure in controlling species composition and richness, pointing to an extinction debt among lichen epiphytes. Climatic setting was important in controlling species composition, but not species richness. However, we demonstrate that pollution regime exerts the dominant controlling force for epiphyte assemblages across regional gradients. As a corollary, we caution that for many species groups - for example those sensitive to pollutants, or landscape structure - an exclusive focus on climate is restricting, and that climate change models should expand to include a range of multiple interacting factors.     

Influence of tree characteristics and forest management on tree microhabitats

Higher densities of tree microhabitats in unmanaged forests may explain biodiversity differences with managed forests. To better understand the determinants of this potential biodiversity indicator, we studied the influence of tree characteristics on a set of tree microhabitats (e.g. cavities, cracks, bark features) on 75 plots in managed and unmanaged French forests. We hypothesized that the number of different microhabitat types per tree and the occurrence of a given microhabitat type on a tree would be higher in unmanaged than in managed forests, and that this difference could be linked to individual tree characteristics: diameter, vitality and species. We show that unmanaged forests contained more trees likely to host microhabitats (i.e. large trees, snags) at the stand level. However, at the tree level, forest management did not influence microhabitats; only tree characteristics did: large trees and snags contained more microhabitats. The number and occurrence of microhabitats also varied with tree species: oaks and beech generally hosted more microhabitats, but occurrence of certain types of microhabitats was higher on fir and spruce. We conclude that, even though microhabitats are not equally distributed between managed and unmanaged forests, two trees with similar characteristics in similar site conditions have the same number and probability of occurrence of microhabitats, whatever the management type. In order to preserve biodiversity, foresters could reproduce unmanaged forest features in managed forests through the conservation of specific tree types (e.g. veteran trees, snags). Tree microhabitats could also be more often targeted in sustainable forest management monitoring.     

Effects of selective logging on vascular epiphyte diversity in a moist lowland forest of Eastern Himalaya, India

Effect of selective logging on vascular epiphyte diversity was investigated in a moist lowland forest of Eastern Himalaya. Three epiphytic groups viz. orchids, pteridophytes and non-orchid angiosperm epiphytes were specifically studied in closed, selectively logged and in unlogged forests with treefall gaps. Logging reduced the structural complexity of the forests and altered their microclimate. With logging, there was a general decline in richness and abundance of epiphytes except orchids. The abundance and species composition of pteridophytes and non-orchid angiosperm epiphytes were related to microclimate and substrate features while their richness were correlated only with canopy cover. In contrast, orchid species composition was related to forest structure. A combination of management strategies is required for conservation of all epiphyte groups. A mosaic of logged and unlogged forest patches with undisturbed forests in proximity would maintain the diversity of pteridophytes and other angiosperms. However, for full representation of orchids, it is necessary to maintain the structural diversity of the tree forms.     

Wood-inhabiting macrofungi in Danish beech-forests - conflicting diversity patterns and their implications in a conservation perspective

Macrofungal diversity was investigated on 281 decaying beech trees distributed across 14 forests in Denmark, based on sporocarp inventories. Two aspects of diversity were considered, i.e., species richness per fallen tree and the incidence of red-listed species occurrence per tree. For both diversity measures the effects of both tree and site variables were tested. In total, 319 fungal species were identified, including 28 red-listed. Decay stage and wood volume were identified as key variables influencing species richness as well as red-listed species incidence. Red-listed species, however, showed a preference for more decayed trees than non red-listed species. Further, red-listed species incidence was found to be significantly higher on broken trees, compared to fallen trees with a distinct root-plate, indicating tree death cause to be important for some red-listed species. The relations between diversity measures and site variables were conflicting. Species richness per tree decreased with increasing maximum tree age and dead wood continuity, possibly a consequence of competitive exclusion of unspecialised opportunistic species in old-grown stands. For red-listed species the opposite trend was evident, and it is concluded that forest history may have fundamental effects on the community structure of wood-inhabiting fungi. Accordingly, simple species richness may be a misleading conservation measure if the aim is to conserve the most threatened aspects of forest biodiversity.     

Does forest continuity matter in conservation? - A study of epiphytic lichens and bryophytes in beech forests of southern Sweden

The effects of forest continuity at local scale for red-listed and indicator species of epiphytic lichens and bryophytes were investigated in 150 Fagus sylvatica stands in southern Sweden. Stands having forest continuity (n = 106) had continuous forest cover more than 350 years, whereas stands lacking continuity (n = 44) had forest cover less than 160 years. Forest continuity was identified by comparing a sequence of historical maps with a modern survey of beech forests. In the field woody beech substrates were searched for the epiphytes of interest. A number of environmental and spatial variables were inventoried and compiled for each stand. In all 64 species (51 lichens, 13 bryophytes) were found in the stands having continuity, and 21 (14 lichens, 7 bryophytes) in the stands lacking continuity. Controlling for the different number of surveyed stands, stands having continuity had significantly more species of lichens, but not of bryophytes. In the stands lacking continuity we did not find lichens associated with the very late succession stage. The quantity of substrates, stand age and forest continuity were the three most important factors explaining species richness as well as composition of studied epiphytes. The effect of continuity was probably due to a combination of a higher substrate quality, mainly old beeches, and a longer time available for colonization. Also, we found strong positive correlations between number of indicator and red-listed epiphyte species. In short-term conservation old stands having continuity, containing suitable substrates and indicator species are target areas.     

Diversity of dead wood inhabiting fungi and bryophytes in semi-natural beech forests in Europe

Saproxylic organisms are among the most threatened species in Europe and constitute a major conservation problem because they depend on the most important forestry product - dead wood. Diversity of fungal and bryophyte communities occurring on dead beech trees was analyzed in five European countries (Slovenia, Hungary, The Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark) considering tree level species richness (TLSR), country level species richness (CLSR), frequency distributions of species, occurrence of threatened species and relations between TLSR and decay stage, tree size and countries. Altogether 1009 trees were inventoried in 19 beech dominated forest reserves.The number of fungi in the full dataset was approximately three times larger (456 versus 161 species) and the proportion of low frequent species was higher than among bryophytes. The species richness of bryophytes and fungi was significantly different among countries considering both TLSR and CLSR. In addition the diversity patterns deviated considerably between the two groups of organisms. Slovenian sites appeared to be biodiversity hotspots for bryophytes characterized by high TLSR and CLSR and a high fraction of threatened species. Hungarian sites had somewhat lower bryophyte diversity, while the Atlantic region had deteriorated assemblages. Fungal species richness was very high in Denmark, but the Hungarian and Slovenian sites were richer in threatened and low frequency species. Tree size was better able to explain variation in TLSR in both organism groups than decay stage. TLSR was found to vary significantly between countries but the difference was most considerable in the case of bryophytes.The diversity patterns of both organism groups along the investigated geographical gradient appear to be influenced by both climatic and management related factors (forest history, dead wood availability and continuity, habitat fragmentation). There is no doubt that an increase in the abundance of dead wood in European beech forests will benefit diversity of saproxylic fungi and bryophytes, especially if a continuous presence of large diameter logs are secured within individual stands.     

Local illegal trade reveals unknown diversity and involves a high species richness of wild vascular epiphytes

Traffic of plants and animals of wild origin is a major threat to biological diversity creating a need for legal protection of traded species. Epiphytic vascular plants are a diverse guild which provides the horticultural market with many species. Many epiphytes are under protection intended to stop illegal trade at international and local levels. To measure the richness and volume of the epiphytes that are traded illegally on a local level, we monitored an illegal sale point in Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico for 85 weeks. We recorded 27 traders, 207 species and 7598 plants. Nineteen species were known for Mexico but not native to Veracruz; two others had been collected in Veracruz but had never been reported before for Mexico. About 25% of epiphyte richness in Veracruz and 47% of the State’s epiphytic orchids are traded illegally. Most of the species traded could have been harvested in lower montane cloud forest (105 species), however all vegetation types of central Veracruz are potential epiphyte sources. Twenty-seven species protected by Mexican law were traded, along with 41 species endemic to Mexico and six endemic to Veracruz. We concluded that on a local level, the richness and volume of epiphytes illegally traded are high; in fact, the volume of orchids traded equals the annual average volume of legal Mexican orchid exports. Illegal epiphyte trade occurs worldwide, making necessary crucial increases of protective measures and the development of sustainable ways of harvesting epiphytes.     

Impact of season, stem diameter and intensity of debarking on survival and bark re-growth pattern of medicinal tree species, Benin, West Africa

Bark is a greatly coveted non-timber forest product (NTFP). Its overexploitation from medicinal tree species threatens an essential source of medication for rural populations. Despite the relevance of bark, not much information is available on the ecological impact of bark harvesting. In Benin, West Africa, we investigated how various harvesting techniques affect the bark re-growth of 12 tree species and the survival of debarked trees. Trees were debarked following a combination of three factors: (i) season of bark harvesting (dry or rainy season), (ii) size class of the tree (three stem diameter classes) and (iii) intensity of debarking (seven different percentages of trunk circumference debarked). Measurements of edge growth and survival were taken every 6 months during 2 years. Ring-barking (100% of trunk circumference debarked) did not allow the sustainable exploitation of any species, while all trees with 75% of debarked circumference remained alive and produced edge growth. Whatever the bark harvesting technique, 5 out of the 12 species had a bark recovery rate below 1 cm/year, rendering the wound closure very unlikely. On the other hand, five species showed good to very good bark recovery rates (>7 cm/year) and for these species the combination of debarking factors (season, dbh and intensity) allowing the highest edge growth was determined. This experimental bark stripping revealed the complexities involved in decision-making for sustainable tree management. Studying the patterns of bark recovery rates provides a relevant tool to assess for each species the delay for achieving closure of a specific wound area.     

Tree identity surpasses tree diversity in affecting the community structure of oribatid mites (Oribatida) of deciduous temperate forests

The role of tree diversity and identity as determinants of soil animal community structure is little understood. In a mature deciduous forest dominated by beech we identified clusters of one, two and three tree species of beech, ash and lime allowing to investigate the role of tree species diversity and identity on the density and community structure of oribatid mites. To relate oribatid mite community structure to environmental factors we measured leaf litter input, fine root biomass, mass of organic layers, topsoil pH and C and N content. We expected oribatid mite density to increase with increasing tree diversity, but we expected the effects of tree species identity to override effects of tree diversity. Further, we hypothesized the density of oribatid mites to be reduced by the presence of beech but increased by the presence of lime and ash. As expected tree diversity little affected oribatid mite communities, whereas tree species identity strongly altered density and community structure of oribatid mites. However, in contrast to our expectations the density of oribatid mites was highest in presence of beech indicating that many oribatid mite species benefit from the presence of recalcitrant litter forming thick organic layers. Especially Oppioidea benefited from the presence of beech presumably due to an increased availability of food resources such as fungi and nematodes. Lower density of oribatid mites in monospecific clusters of lime and ash suggests that oribatid mites did not benefit from high quality litter of these species. Notably, large and strongly sclerotized oribatid mite species, such as Steganacarus magnus and Chamobates voigtsi, benefited from the presence of ash and lime. Presumably, these large species better resist harsh microclimatic conditions in shallow organic layers.     

Tree bark as a bioindicator of air pollution in Navarra,Spain

During a two year research period from 1992 to 1993, samples of different species of trees were taken in 17 forest stands located in Navarra, Spain. From these samples, bark extracts were prepared in which the pH and the conductivity were measured. The health of the sampling trees was also evaluated by determining the degree of defoliation and decoloration of the canopies. The bark tissue analysis revealed the presence of an environmental acidity gradient that decreased from NW to SE. This coincides with the location of important sources of pollution and their course of transport and dispersion. On the other hand, in the samples ofQuercus ilex a significant correlation between the pH and the defoliation levels (P≤0.01, r=0.62) was found. This fact reveals the potential usefulness of tree bark as a health bioindicator of trees.     

Soil nutrient supply and biomass production in a mixed forest on a skeleton‐rich soil and an adjacent beech forest

In the natural forest communities of Central Europe, beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) predominates in the tree layer over a wide range of soil conditions. An exception with respect to the dominance of beech are skeleton‐rich soils such as screes where up to 10 broad‐leaved trees co‐exist. In such a Tilia‐Fagus‐Fraxinus‐Acer‐Ulmus forest and an adjacent mono‐specific beech forest we compared (1) soil nutrient pools and net nitrogen mineralization rates, (2) leaf nutrient levels, and (3) leaf litter production and stem increment rates in order to evaluate the relationship between soil conditions and tree species composition. In the mixed forest only a small quantity of fine earth was present (35 g l^—1) which was distributed in patches between basalt stones; whereas a significantly higher (P < 0.05) soil quantity (182 g l^—1) was found in the beech forest. In the soil patches of the mixed forest C and N concentrations and also concentrations of exchangeable nutrients (K, Ca, Mg) were significantly higher than in the beech forest. Net N mineralization rates on soil dry weight basis in the mixed forest exceeded those in the beech forest by a factor of 2.6. Due to differences in fine earth and stone contents, the volume related soil K pool and the N mineralization rate were lower in the mixed forest (52 kg N ha^—1 yr^—1, 0—10 cm depth) than in the beech forest (105 kg N ha^—1 yr^—1). The leaf N and K concentrations of the beech trees did not differ significantly between the stands, which suggests that plant nutrition was not impaired. In the mixed forest leaf litter fall (11 %) and the increment rate of stem basal area (52 %) were lower than in the beech forest. Thus, compared with the adjacent beech forest, the mixed forest stand was characterized by a low volume of patchy distributed nutrient‐rich soil, a lower volume related K pool and N mineralization rate, and low rates of stem increment. Together with other factors such as water availability these patterns may contribute to an explanation of the diverse tree species composition on Central European screes.     

Soil phosphorus status and turnover in central-European beech forest ecosystems with differing tree species diversity

Problems in phosphorus (P) nutrition of forest trees raise questions concerning the soil P concentrations, pools and turnover in forests. In addition, it is not clear if, and to what extent, tree species diversity has an influence on the soil P status and turnover. The aim of this study was to investigate the P status and turnover in beech ( Fagus sylvatica L.) -dominated forest ecosystems on loess over limestone and to elucidate what role heterogeneities in tree species diversity would play. The soils of mixed species stands contained more organically bound P (710–772 kg ha⁻¹) than those of pure beech stands (378 kg ha⁻¹), whereas the inorganic P content differed little between the stand types. A large proportion (44–55%) of the total soil P was organically bound. This fraction was mainly dependent on the clay content of the soils and not on the tree diversity. The P input with leaf litter (1.4–2.1 kg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹) showed a tendency to increase with increasing diversity. The apparent P turnover times in the organic surface layers differed, with shorter turnover times in mixed species stands (2–3 years) than in pure beech stands (10 years). Possible explanations for the different turnover times were differences in the litter quality, interactions in mixed species litters and the soil pH and base saturation. Hence, the tree species mainly influence the apparent P turnover time in the organic surface layer, whereas the P concentrations and pools in the mineral soil are determined by the soil properties, particularly the clay content.     

Acidity of tree bark as a bioindicator of forest pollution in Southern Poland

pH values and buffering capacity were determined for bark samples of five deciduous trees (oak, alder, hornbeam, ash, linden), one shrub (hazel) and one coniferous tree (scots pine) in the Cracow Industrial Region (Southern Poland) and, for comparison, in the Bia?owieza Forest (North-Eastern Poland). The correlation was found between acidification of tree bark and air pollution by SO₂ in these areas. All trees showed the least acidic reaction in the control area (Bia?owieza Forest), more acidic in Niepolomice Forest and the most acidic in the center of Cracow. The buffering capacity of the bark against alkali increased with increasing air pollution. The seasonal fluctuations of pH values and buffering capacity were found. Tree bark is recommended as a sensitive and simple indicator of air pollution.     

Seasons differently impact the structure of mineral weathering bacterial communities in beech and spruce stands

Bacterial communities play an essential role in the sustainability of forest ecosystems by releasing from soil minerals the nutritive cations required not only for their own nutrition but also for that of trees. If it is admitted that the nutritional needs of trees vary during seasons, the seasonal dynamics of the mineral weathering bacterial communities colonizing the tree rhizosphere remain unknown. In this study, we characterized the mineral weathering efficacy of bacterial strains, from the rhizosphere and the adjacent bulk soil at four different seasons under two different tree species, the evergreen spruce and the deciduous beech, using a microplate assay that measures the quantity of iron released from biotite. We showed that the functional and taxonomic structures of the mineral weathering bacterial communities varied significantly with the tree species as well as with the season. Notably, the Burkholderia strains from the beech stand appeared more efficient to weather biotite that the one from the spruce stand. The mineral weathering efficacy of the bulk soil isolates did not vary during seasons under the beech stand whereas it was significantly higher for the spring and summer isolates from the spruce stand. The weathering efficacy of the rhizosphere isolates was significantly higher for the autumn isolates compared to the isolates sampled in the other seasons under the beech stand and in summer compared to the other seasons under spruce. These results suggest that seasonal differences do occur in forest soil bacterial communities and that evergreen and deciduous trees do not follow the same dynamic.     

Roost selection by barbastelle bats (Barbastella barbastellus, Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in beech woodlands of central Italy: consequences for conservation

We investigated roost selection by Barbastella barbastellus in a mountainous area of central Italy. Twenty-five bats, mostly lactating females, were radio-tracked to 33 roost trees. Trees in unmanaged woodland were favoured as roost trees; woodland subject to limited logging was used in proportion to availability, and areas where open woodland and pasture occurred were avoided. Selection depended on tree condition (dead beech trees were preferred) and height (roost trees were taller than random ones). Cavity selection was based on cavity type, height and entrance direction: roost cavities were mainly beneath loose bark, at a greater height above ground and facing south more frequently than random cavities. Untouched areas of mature woodland should be preserved to provide roosting conditions for B. barbastellus. In logged areas, harvesting protocols should save dead and mature trees; frequent roost switching and small colony size imply that large numbers of roost trees are needed.     

Humusveränderungen nach Einbringung von Buche und Eiche in Kiefernreinbestände

Humus changes after introduction of beech and oak into Scots‐pine monocultures Medium‐ and long‐term (16 to 83 years) effects of an introduction of broadleaf‐tree species (Common beech [Fagus sylvatica] and European‐Sessile Oak [Quercus robur/petraea]) into mature Scots‐pine (Pinus sylvestris) stands on humus type and chemical properties of the Oh layer (pH value, base saturation, C : N ratio) were studied on 16 sites in Bavaria/Germany. The sites investigated covered a large range with respect to elevation, climate, parent material, and soil type. At most sites, the introduction of beech resulted in a significant change of the soil humus type from biologically inactive humus types to more active ones. The strongest changes occurred on the poorest sites, where forest floors under pure pine were particularly biologically inactive. In most cases, the changes in humus type were accompanied by significant increases in the pH value and the base saturation and significant decreases in the C : N ratio of the Oh layer. However, the latter effect was not noticed at most sites with initial C : N ratios higher than 30. In contrast to beech, the introduction of oak did not result in a systematic change of the humus type, the pH value, or the base saturation of the Oh layer. In spite of the considerable change of humus type under beech to biologically more active types, the introduction of broadleaf trees did not result in a systematic change of the thickness or the mass of the forest floor. A decrease in the mass of the Of layer was compensated by an increase of the Oh‐layer mass. All studied sites considered, the introduction of broadleaf trees into Scots‐pine monocultures resulted on average in an 8% decrease of the total amount of organic carbon (C_org) in the forest floor; the C_org amount in the uppermost 10 cm mineral soil increased by 9%. At 35% of all investigated sites, broadleaf tree introduction resulted in increased (+5% to +18%) topsoil (forest floor and uppermost 10 cm mineral soil) C_org stocks. At 30% of the sites, the stock changes were less than ±5%, and on 35% of all sites, soil C_org stocks decreased by –5% to –36%. The average change in the topsoil C_org stock for all studied sites was –5%. The introduction of beech into Scots‐pine monocultures resulted in an ecologically desired translocation of soil organic matter from the forest floor into the mineral topsoil. It is an effective and sustainable silvicultural measure to restore and revitalize acidified, nutrient‐depleted topsoils with biologically inactive humus types.     

自然再生、非管理、伐光的山毛榉林丛枝菌根真菌的浸染性研究

Clear-cutting,a management practice applied to many beech forests in the North of Spain,modifies microclimate and,consequently,the composition of the understory plant community in the disturbed areas.The objectives of this study were to assess if changes in the understory vegetation caused by altered light microclimate after clear-cutting affect the infectivity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi(AMF) on herbaceous plant species in beech(Fagus sylvatica L.) forests naturally regenerating from clear-cutting and to test if the use of bioassays for studying the infectivity of native AMF could provide useful information to improve the management of clear-cut areas.Three nearby beech forests in northwest Navarra,Spain,a region in the northwest part of the Pyrenees,were selected:an unmanaged forest,a forest clear-cut in 1996,and another forest clear-cut in 2001.High stem density in the forest clear-cut in 1996(44 000 trees ha -1) attenuated photosynthetic active radiation(PAR) and impaired the growth of herbaceous species within the ecosystem.The percentage of AMF colonization of plants in bioassays performed on soil samples collected from the forest clear-cut in 1996 was always lower than 10%.In the forest clear-cut in 2001,where soil was covered by perennial grasses,PAR was high and the infectivity of native AMF achieved minimum values in spring and autumn and a maximum value in summer.In contrast,the infectivity of native AMF in the unmanaged forest remained similar across the seasons.Our results demonstrated that changes in the composition of understory vegetation within beech forests strongly affected the infectivity of native AMF in clear-cut areas and suggested that the assessment of the infectivity of native AMF through bioassays could provide helpful information for planning either the removal of overstory when the tree density is so high that it impairs the correct development of herbaceous species or the plantation of new seedlings when high light intensity negatively affects the establishment of shade species.     

Distribution and stand characteristics of relict populations of Mexican beech (Fagus grandifolia var. mexicana)

Fagus grandifolia var. mexicana (Mexican beech) is limited to about 10 populations (2-35 ha) in the Sierra Madre Oriental, Mexico. The objectives were to assess the current status and distribution of beech by surveying five sites. Species richness varied between three to 27 tree species in the canopy, and from nine to 29 species in the understorey. Basal area of trees?5 cm dbh varied between 27.87 and 70.98 m² ha⁻¹, and density from 370 to 1290 individual ha⁻¹. Beech represented 22-99.6% of total basal area, and 6.8-83.3% of total density. Beech dominance varied from monodominant to codominance with Carpinus caroliniana, Quercus spp., Liquidambar styraciflua, Magnolia schiedeana, and Podocarpus spp. Beech total population size ranged from 180 to 6300 trees with a total of less than 1300 individuals in four sites. Anthropogenic disturbance remains a major threat to these forests. It is uncertain whether Mexican beech will be able to survive without conservation efforts.