Attacks of bark‐ and wood‐boring coleoptera on snow‐broken conifers over a two‐year period

The attacks of bark‐ and wood‐boring Coleoptera on broken conifer stems after severe snow‐breakage in early 1988 were studied in autumn 1988 and 1989. The study included twelve stands in the county of Värmland in central Sweden differing in age and edaphic conditions. The tops on the ground as well as the remaining rooted stem stumps of 94 Picea abies and 61 Pinus sylvestris were inspected. The presence of living branches on the stumps strongly influenced the incidence of insect attack. All stumps without branches were attacked during the two‐year period, whereas only a few spruce stumps with more than ten branches and no pine stumps with more than five branches were attacked. On spruce stumps, the most frequently encountered Coleoptera were all scolytids, i.e. the species Pityogenes chalcographus, Hylurgops palliatus, and the genera Polygraphus, Dryocoetes, and Trypodendron. On pine stumps, Tomicus piniperda was the most common species. Most of the spruce tops and virtually all pine tops were attacked during the two‐year period, and most of these attacks occurred during the first summer. P. chalcographus, Dryocoetes, and weevils of the genus Pissodes were the most frequent Coleoptera on spruce tops. On pine tops, the dominant insects belonged to the genera Pissodes and Pityogenes.     

After‐effects of drought did not predispose young Picea abies to infection by the bark beetle‐transmitted blue‐stain fungus Ophiostoma polonicum

The defence of Norway spruce against a combined attack of the bark beetle Ips typographus and its associated blue‐stain fungi is based upon a) constitutive resin stored in ducts of the bark and sapwood, and b) induced resinosis in reaction zones surrounding the point of infection. Empirically, beetle epidemics are associated with external stresses, drought being a particularly prominent factor. An attempt was made to mechanistically explain the apparent link between drought and infestations, through studying after‐effects of drought on the induced defence in stressed trees. In the field, 3–5.5 m tall trees were exposed to artificial drought over three growth seasons to investigate whether this treatment would predispose them to fungal infection in a fourth season when drought was absent. Pre‐dawn xylem water potentials down to ‐1.85 MPa and a considerable foliage depletion were recorded. In the fourth season, the trees were inoculated with Ophiostoma polonicum, a pathogenic associate of Ips typographus. No difference in susceptibility could be seen between drought stressed trees and unstressed controls. Carbohydrate concentrations of foliage and branch bark were slightly enhanced and mineral nutrient concentrations strongly reduced in stressed trees.     

Spatial integration in the Nordic timber market: Long‐run equilibria and short‐run dynamics

This study presents an econometric analysis of the spatial integration of the Nordic timber market as reflected in timber prices. The statistical model is a vector autoregressive (VAR) model with cointegration. The degree of spatial integration is tested through a cointegration analysis and a complete identification of the statistical model's long‐run structure. When the results were interpreted in terms of factor price equalization and efficient commodity arbitrages, the Nordic markets were found to be strongly integrated. The pattern of interdependence is investigated through an analysis of the model's short‐run structure and interpreted in terms of Granger causality. Finland, and to some extent Sweden, were found to act as “price‐leaders” in the long run and Denmark and Norway were very sensitive to changes in timber prices in competing countries.     

Simulated grading of logs with an x‐ray log scanner‐grading accuracy compared with manual grading

Today sawmills have started to use automatic methods for log grading. The methods used are either optical or gamma‐ray scanners. However, the signals from these scanners are too coarse for accurate log grading and for good control of the sawing process at the single log level. The objective of the present study was to determine the grading accuracy of a log‐scanner with two industrial X‐ray sources. The grading accuracy was compared with the accuracy of manual grading. The results showed that the manual grading of logs and boards is difficult. The accuracy of manual grading was low and the automatic grading systems were more reliable than manual ones. Possibilities for improving the automatic grading systems are discussed.     

Self‐thinning models for even‐aged stands of Pinus sylvestris,Picea abies and Betula pendula

Self‐thinning models were developed to describe the relationship between the stem number and mean diameter of even‐aged and monospecific tree stands undergoing self‐thinning. The models were developed separately for Pinus sylvestris L., Picea abies (L.) Karst. and Betula pendula Roth. stands. Data from 41 unthinned permanent sample plots were used. According to Reineke's equation and the —3/2 power rule of self‐thinning, a log‐log plot of average tree size and stem density will give a straight, self‐thinning line of constant slope. According to this study, the slope of the line consistent with Reineke's equation varies for different tree species. Within tree species, the intercept of the self‐thinning line varies according to site index.     

Analysis of optimal economic management regimes for Picea abies stands using a stage‐structured optimal‐control model

A stage‐structured model for projecting stand growth and yield is coupled with a gradient‐based algorithm to determine optimal treatment regimes for Norway spruce (Picea abies Karst.) plantations. The growth model forecasts the movement of trees between 3 cm diameter classes using a growth matrix that includes nonlinear equations for diameter growth. Because harvest treatments may be specified by tree diameter class, the model allows the determination of the optimal thinning timing, thinning intensity, and thinning type simultaneously with planting density and clearfelling age. The optimization model is used to determine treatment regimes with and without thinning for a wide range of values for economic and biological parameters. Results show that the optimal economic planting density is highly sensitive to interest rate, logging costs, planting costs and site class. For a given set of economic parameters, the optimal planting density is not sensitive to the number of thinnings performed or the thinning intensity. Top thinning is the optimal method for every regime in which thinning is scheduled. Results indicate that managers have great flexibility in choosing thinning schedules: few thinnings and shorter rotations give almost the same economic results as more frequent thinnings and longer rotations. Major uncertainties in these results and areas for further research are discussed.     

Within‐population variation in autumn frost hardiness and its relationship to bud‐set and height growth in Picea abies

Artificial freezing tests were performed with two sets of 12 full‐sib families of Picea abies. Each set was selected from a complete diallel cross performed within a natural population. Significant differences in autumn frost hardiness were observed between the two populations, which originate from the same altitude and longitude approximately 60 km apart. Substantial variation in frost hardiness was observed within both populations. Significant pheno‐typic correlations at the individual level were found between freezing injury and the two traits terminal bud‐set and height growth year one. However, no significant relationships were present between freezing injury and bud‐set at the family level, indicating that bud‐set cannot be used to predict autumn frost hardiness for families.     

The non‐timber value of northern Swedish forests

For the forests in the county of Västerbotten in northern Sweden, this study attempts to quantify the non‐timber value arisen from on‐site consumptive use (berry‐ and mushroom‐picking), on‐site non‐consumptive use (hiking, camping, etc.), and off‐site visual experience. The contingent valuation method (CVM) was applied in a mail survey for obtaining empirical data. A follow‐up survey was also conducted in order to get knowledge about the representativeness of the respondents to the CVM survey. The results indicated that the non‐timber value accounted for a considerable portion of the total forest value. On‐site consumptive use was more valuable to rural people than to urban, while on‐site non‐consumptive use was more valuable to urban people. Taken together, these on‐site use values—which to a large extent depend on the Right of Common Access—accounted for two‐thirds of the non‐timber value. The value of the off‐site visual experience thus accounted for one‐third of the non‐timber value.     

Fungi occurring in the roots and basal parts of one‐ and two‐year‐old spruce and pine stumps

The occurrence of fungi in the underground parts of 1‐ and 2‐year‐old conifer stumps (Pimis sylveslris and Picea abies) was studied in two clear‐felled areas of eastern Uppland in Sweden, and most fungal isolates were identified to species.

Decay fungi (Basidiomycetes) were more frequent in spruce stumps than in pine stumps, and their incidence was highest in 2‐year‐old stumps. The occurrence of blue‐stain fungi and hyaline mycelia did not differ significantly between stumps of different species or age. Within stumps, decay fungi were most frequent in large roots close to the cut surface, whereas blue‐stain fungi and hyaline mycelia were most abundant in small roots. The occurrence of yeasts, bacteria and fast‐growing moulds was also recorded.     

Mini‐cutting technique application in Corymbia and Eucalyptus: effects of mini‐tunnel use across seasons of the year

New Forests - The forestry sector has been able to sustainably satisfy the increasing global demand for forest products, thereby positively impacting the economy, while mitigating climate change....     

Pruning enhances the susceptibility of Picea abies to infection by the bark beetle‐transmitted blue‐stain fungus,Ophiostoma polonicum

Defoliation of conifers occasionally precedes bark beetle attacks, suggesting that a severe loss of foliage and ensuing reductions in carbohydrate availability may enhance host tree susceptibility. To shed light on this question, different degrees of defoliation on young Picea abies were simulated by removing whole whorls of branches from below, the trees retaining 100, 50, or 25% of their original crown biomass. After one week or one year, the trees were inoculated with Ophiostoma polonkum, a tree‐killing fungus transmitted by Ips typographus.

Fungal proliferation and tree mortality increased with increasing levels of pruning. Pruning reduced stem diameter growth, but not carbohydrate reserves in foliage and bark. Foliar N, P, and Ca increased with increasing pruning. The results lend support to the hypothesis that a reduction in the photosynthesis capacity increases host tree susceptibility to a beetle‐fungus attack, and that induced defence against infection depends on efficient translocation of assimilates to the sites of infection.     

Genetic variation,heritability and expected gain of height in Picea abies in 7 to 9‐year‐old clonal tests

Clonal material propagated as cuttings and control seedling lots of Norway spruce (P. abies [L.] Karst.) were compared in two series of clonal tests. Variance components, heritability and expected genetic gain were calculated for height based on measurements carried out in the tests at the age of seven and nine years. The mean heights of the clones were significantly higher than those of the controls in one of the test series, but there was no significant difference between these two groups in the other series. The variance due to clone sources was significant in both test series and accounted for 10 to 19% of the total variation. Broad sense heritabilities were 0.21 ± 0.05 and 0.23 ± 0.02 on the individual level and 0.75 ± 0.06 and 0.78 ± 0.02 on the basis of the clone mean for the respective series. Theoretical genetic gains were calculated based on the assumption that the tallest 10% of the clones would be selected and propagated for reforestation purposes. The expected gain in height was 13.1 and 19.1% in these test series. Utilization of this gain is, however, difficult due to the ageing of the clones.     

Models for prediction of mortality in even‐aged forest

Models for predicting mortality in even‐aged stands were developed. The models rely on data from the Norwegian National Forest Inventory, and were designed for use in large‐scale forestry scenario models. A two‐step modelling strategy was applied: (1) logistic regression models predicting the probability of complete survival occurring,” and (2) multiplicative regression models for stem number reduction and diameter calibration. A joint model for all species predicting the probability of survival occurring on a plot was developed. Separate models for forests dominated by spruce, pine and broadleaved trees were developed for stem number reduction, while no appropriate models for diameter calibration were found. The phenomenon mortality is a stochastic, rare and irregular event, and this was reflected as low R ² in the models. However, the model performance appeared logical and the results of validations based on independent data were reasonably good, i.e. the presented models may be applied to large‐scale forestry scenario analyses. With new rotations of permanent sample plot measurements, the models should be evaluated and, if necessary, revised.     

Natural regeneration on planted clear‐cuts in boreal Sweden

Natural regeneration was registered on 97 clear‐felled and scarified sites in northeastern Sweden ten growing seasons after planting. On each site, three fix plots were laid out at planting and the planted seedlings were mapped. Ten years later all healthy non‐planted seedlings were registered in an anulus of size 15.7 m². Non‐planted seedlings were also observed in four 4 m² squares on each fix‐plot to estimate the zero‐square frequency. Species were classified as Pinus sylvestris, L., Picea abies (L) Karst. and deciduous species (Betula pendulajpubescens Roth./Ehrh., Populus tremula L., Alnus incana (L) Moench.). On average, 7 133 non‐planted seedlings ha^‐1 were found, of which 29% were conifers. Among the conifers, 71% were P. abies. More than 2 500 conifer non‐planted seedlings ha^‐1 were found on 27% of the plots. The number of non‐planted seedlings was correlated to the presence of neighbouring seed‐producing stands within 100 m and decreased with rising altitude. Pinus sylvestris seedlings were more frequent on dry soils while the deciduous seedlings were more frequent on wet sites. In the 4 m² squares, the zero‐square frequency was 29% if both conifers were and deciduous seedlings were considered and 63% if only conifers were considered. Mean height of the tallest seedling per species and square was 62 cm for P. sylvestris, 42 cm for P. abies and 107 cm for the deciduous seedlings. Key words: Alnus incana, Betula, broad‐leaves, deciduous, Norway spruce, Picea abies, Pinus sylvestris, Populus tremula, reforestation, Scots pine.     

Fitting diameter distributions with a hand‐held,programmable calculator

Simple techniques are described and illustrated for fitting four common diameter distribution models: Beta, Gamma, Lognormal, and Weibull. A visual goodness of fit test is illustrated using typical plot data. Programs by the authors are available which allow all necessary computations to be easily performed on a hand‐held, programmable calculator.     

Effects of previous N fertilizations on soil‐water pH and N concentrations after clear‐felling and soil scarification at a Pinus sylvestris site

The study describes effects of clear‐felling and soil scarification on the N concentration and pH of soil water in experimental plots previously supplied with different doses of N. The experiment is situated in central Sweden in a former Pinus sylvestris L. stand. Over a 20‐yr period, plots were fertilized three times with ammonium nitrate, resulting in total doses of 360, 720, 1080, 1440 and 1800 kg N ha^‐1. Soil water was sampled at a depth of 40–50 cm using suction lysimeters, and analysed for N and pH. The study covers one growing season before clear‐felling and six and four growing seasons after clear‐felling and soil scarification, respectively. Statistically significant (p < 0.05) elevations in total N and nitrate‐N concentrations were noted in the fourth to the sixth growing seasons after clear‐felling in the plots that had received 1800 kg N ha^‐1, and in the fifth and sixth seasons in the plots that had received 1440 kg N ha^‐1. Ammonium‐N concentrations were not significantly affected. After clear‐felling, total N and nitrate‐N increased with time at a higher rate in the plots that had received 1440 and 1800 kg N ha^‐1 doses compared with the control. In the sixth post‐cutting season, the nitrate‐N concentration was 0.26 mg l^‐1 in the control and between 0.51 and 4.0 mg l^‐1 in the various fertilized plots. Before clear‐felling, a linear relationship between pH and fertilizer dose was absent. After clear‐felling, negative relationships prevailed, but they differed significantly from the pre‐cutting relationship only during the fourth, fifth and sixth post‐cutting seasons. In the sixth post‐cutting season, the pH was 6.0 in the control, and 6.1, 5.7, 5.6, 5.2 and 4.3 in the plots supplied with 360, 720, 1080, 1440 and 1800 kg N ha^‐1 doses, respectively. The absolute difference in pH between the sixth growing season after clear‐felling and period before clear‐felling increased linearly with increasing fertilizer dose (p < 0.05, R ² = 0.79). Before clear‐felling, nitrate‐N was elevated only in the plots that had received 1800 kg N ha^‐1. After clear‐felling, nitrate‐N seemed to increase in all fertilized plots, but the increase began first in the plots receiving the highest fertilizer dose. It was not until the fifth and sixth growing seasons after clear‐felling that nitrate‐N concentrations appeared elevated in all fertilized plots compared with the control. It seems likely that nitrification caused the increases in nitrate‐N because nitrate‐N accounted for most of the variation in pH in the fourth to the sixth growing seasons. Disc trenching was simulated around some of the lysimeters so that 50% of the soil was disturbed. This did not significantly affect the N concentration or pH of the soil water during the first 4 yrs after scarification.     

Long‐term effects of liming on the fine‐root standing crop of Picea abies and Pinus sylvestris in relation to chemical changes in the soil

The long‐term effects of lime application on fine roots of Norway spruce, Picea abies (L.) Karst, and Scots pine, Pinus sylvestris (L.), have been studied in five experimental forest stands subjected to different lime applications 5 to 18 years before the present study was undertaken. The effects of liming does not seem to significantly influence fine‐root development in forest stands in the long term. The only response to liming in measured root variables was a tendency to increased specific root length (SRL = fine‐root length/fine‐root dry weight, m/g). A correlation between increased SRL, decreased root biomass and increased stem volume growth was indicated. Changes in water extractable amounts of mineral elements—P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, S, Al and Fe‐in bulk soil and rhizosphere soil from the mineral soil layers were studied in a control area and an area treated with 3830 kg CaCO₃ ha^‐1. Few significant differences were found between treatments, and then mainly in the case of Ca.     

Modelling the development of an uneven‐aged stand of Picea abies

A transition matrix model of an uneven‐aged Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) stand is presented. The transition probabilities are based on material from 48 study plots in eastern Finland. The ingrowth of the transition matrix is based on material from 8 study plots and on previous studies. In the model runs the sustainable harvest proportion for 5 years varied between 7 and 20% of the stocking depending on the stand basal area. The shape of the stand diameter distribution had no notable effect on the sustainable harvest proportion. The extension of the thinning interval from 5 to 10 years slightly reduced the total removal during the simulation time.     

Height growth recovery and crown development in top‐damaged Pinus sylvestris trees

Leader shoot damage was imposed on young Scots pines (3 m high) in four ways: by caging the uppermost whorl including the leader shoot with 10 pine shoot beetles; by caging the two uppermost whorls with 20 beetles; by topping the tree below the 1984 whorl; by topping the trees as above and removing all current shoots in whorl 1983. Six years later, top‐damaged trees were still significantly shorter than undamaged controls, although the annual height growth rate had recovered to the pre‐damage level within 3 years. Recovery occurred in two ways: lateral branches from the nearest intact whorl took dominance over the damaged leader or secondary branches developed from interfascicular buds on the damaged leader shoot. Approximately one and two years of height growth were lost in the former and latter case, respectively. Only 5 of the 34 top‐damaged trees escaped technical defects (crooks and/or vertical branches). Stem diameter and crown development were slightly affected.     

Shoot nitrate reductase activities of field‐layer species in different forest types

Deposition of protons, nitrate and sulphate have caused a decrease in soil pH and base saturation in southern Scandinavia. Floral changes have been suggested to be due to this deposition. This study was made to test if differences in nitrate assimilation capability between plants could be one of the reasons behind reported changes in the flora. Current and maximally induced nitrate reductase activity (C‐NRA and MI‐NRA, respectively) were measured in four beech forest field‐layer species, which have been reported to behave differently with respect to acid rain. The study was conducted at four sites of different soil quality (pH). There were considerable differences between the species as regards both C‐NRA and MI‐NRA. For two of the studied species, Galium odoratum and Stellaria nemorum, the gap between C‐ and MI‐NRA was relatively small but for Mercurialis perennis and Oxalis acetosella, this gap was larger. A small difference between C‐ and MI‐NRA should indicate that a larger portion of the available resources for nitrate reduction is already used. The concentrations of soluble carbohydrates were correlated with the MI‐NRA after leafing of beech, while before leafing no such effect could be detected. It can be concluded that the light environment has a considerable effect on the nitrate nutrition of field‐layer plants. Apparently, some species receive as much nitrate as they can reduce. Fertiliser experiments are needed to test if higher addition rates are harmful to them.