Influence of soil properties on the growth of sycamore (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Acer pseudoplatanus </Emphasis>L.) in Denmark

Despite high demand on the timber, sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) covers only about 2% of the forested area in Denmark, mainly because several examples of failed stands have made foresters reluctant to grow sycamore. In order to optimize the use of sycamore, scientifically based knowledge is needed on the specific demands of sycamore to soil properties. Therefore, 34 stands of sycamore covering a broad range of soil types, tree heights and ages were investigated. Tree height and age were determined on 20 trees in each stand and combined into a site index. In each stand, soil water status, slope and ground cover were determined and soil samples were taken and analyzed for pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, calcium carbonate, bulk density and texture in the laboratory. The data were analyzed by simple regression supplemented by PCA and MLR. Accordingly, sycamore can grow well on a broad range of soils regarding texture and water content. However, soils with stagnant water within 40 cm of the soil surface are unsuited for sycamore. On well-drained soils, increasing clay content caused better sycamore growth, which was also improved on insufficiently drained soils with calcium carbonate. Increased nitrogen content stimulated sycamore growth while, less productive stands occurred on carbon rich soils indicating that carbon and nitrogen contents can serve as sycamore growth indicators. Bulk density, C/N ratio and pH showed no significant influence on growth. The investigation showed that sycamore could grow well on a broader range of soils than hitherto believed.     

Growth and nutrition of young European ash (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Fraxinus excelsior</Emphasis> L.) and sycamore maple (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Acer pseudoplatanus</Emphasis> L.) on sites with different nutrient and water statuses

This study aimed to improve knowledge about the nutritional status, site requirements and site classification for European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) and sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) by reinvestigating young plantations from 1991/1992 on windfall-affected areas in Bavaria/Germany after another decade. Compared to the first survey in 1995, most stands improved their nutritional status until 2006. With the data set of element concentrations in leaves of ash and sycamore available, the range of adequate nutrition could be determined for these species in the pole stage phase. Both species show considerable height growth on a wide range of sites. Mean annual height growth of dominant sycamore trees increased with rising foliar N or P concentrations but not for Ca, Mg, K, Mn, Fe and Al. For ash, there was no relationship between the foliar nutrient level of any element and mean annual height growth. However, total height around age 20 was favourably influenced by high base saturation and a good water supply at well-drained sites. On acid soils, where nutrients are delivered by subsurface water flow, well-growing stands are found as well. Soil water status according to the state forest soil classification had no significant impact on mean annual height growth. Ash and sycamore show reduced productivity on some (moderately) dry soils and fail on poorly drained moist sites. Based on these results, the classification of forest sites suitable for ash and sycamore within the Bavarian study sites was revised. Dedicated to Professor Dr. Karl-Eugen Rehfuess on his 75th birthday.     

Litter decomposition and nutrients dynamics in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nothofagus antarctica</Emphasis> forests under silvopastoral use in Southern Patagonia

The role of environmental variables on litter decomposition and its nutrient release in Nothofagus antarctica forest in Patagonia is poorly understood. Moreover, in these forests under silvopastoral use there are few antecedents. Litter decomposition and nutrient release of grasses and tree leaves were evaluated under different crown cover and two site quality stands during 480 days. Organic matter decomposition varied with crown cover for both types of litter, achieving mean values of 23 and 34% for maximal and minimal crown cover, respectively. Total transmitted radiation was the main environmental factor explaining 61 and 49% of the variation of grass and tree leaves decay rates, respectively. N, P, and Ca were mineralized during first 60 days in decomposing tree leaves and then immobilized without differences between crown cover. The K was immobilized during the evaluated period. In decomposing grass leaves the results varied according to site quality and time. There was a tendency of nutrient mineralization at the first 120 days and then immobilization. The removal of trees for silvopastoral use of N. antarctica may increase litter decomposition by changing the microclimate, but nutrients release or immobilization was mainly affected for their concentration in decomposing material.     

Some reactions of<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Ips typographus</Emphasis> (L.) (Col.: Scolytidae) to changing breeding conditions in a forest decline area in the Sudeten Mountains,Poland

Investigations on I. typographus populations were conducted in 1992–1994 in the Sudeten (south-western Poland), in Norway spruce stands that were devastated previously by insect outbreaks and that exhibited severe forest decline. Crown defoliation and the volume of infested trees per hectare were used as indices of stand health and breeding conditions; variability in the infestation density, gallery length, and body length of beetles were parameters that were used to estimate the response of I. typographus populations to changing stand conditions. In stands located in the zone above 800 m a.s.l. where both the level defoliation and tree mortality were higher, the infestation density and body length of I. typographus were higher than in the zone below 800 m a.s.l., where stands were less damaged. Contrarily, the gallery length was higher in lower montane zone, where lower infestation densities and body length values were found. A proposed mechanism for this interaction, which is attributed mainly to better breeding conditions for I. typographus populations in weakened stands, is presented and discussed.     

Spatial pattern of beech (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Fagus sylvatica</Emphasis> L.) and oak (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus pubescens</Emphasis> Mill.) seedlings in natural pine (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus sylvestris</Emphasis> L.) woodlands

Spatial pattern of recruitment is an important factor influencing population dynamics of plant communities. The spatial pattern is determined by seed dispersal and by the spatial variability of germination and initial survival. In the process of forest expansion following farmland abandonment, mid- and late-successional species are often dispersed in pioneer forests by birds. This could result in an aggregated spatial pattern of seeds that could influence the dynamics of these species in mixed pioneer forests. In the sub-Mediterranean area, mid- and late-successional species such as Quercus pubescens (downy oak) and Fagus sylvatica (European beech) are expected to replace pioneer Pinus species. Using a point sampling method we demonstrated that beech and oak seedlings (height <2 m) have a clumped distribution in the understorey of pine. This could result from an aggregated dispersal by jays (dispersal effect) or from preferential recruitment in particular habitats (habitat effect). To test these hypotheses we proposed a statistical analysis of spatial patterns of regeneration of beech and oak. Ground cover variables (i.e. cover by rock outcrops, herbs, box shrubs, mosses or pine) did not differ significantly around seedlings as compared with random sample plots. Likewise, clumped seedlings had growth similar to isolated seedlings, thus refuting the hypothesis of preferential location in the most favourable microsites. Aggregated dispersal seems to be involved in the process of regeneration. Since beech and oak seedlings have contrasting ecological demands, we discuss the implication of this pattern for the replacement dynamics of pine by these species.     

Predicting tree regeneration in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Picea abies</Emphasis> snag stands

A bark beetle (Ips typographus) infestation caused the death of almost all Norway spruce (Picea abies) trees in a mountain forest in the Swiss Alps. We developed a tree regeneration model, ‘RegSnag’ (=REGeneration in a SNAG stand), to project the future amount and height of tree regeneration in these snag stands. The model combines a height-class structured tree module with a microsite-based module of snag decay and ground-vegetation succession. Microsite-specific rates of germination, mortality and height growth were modelled for four tree species (Picea abies, Sorbus aucuparia, Acer pseudoplatanus and Betula pendula) in eight height classes (from seedlings to saplings 5 m tall) and on 26 microsite types (e.g. moss, grass). Model tests with independent field data from 8 years after the Picea die-back demonstrated that microsites had a considerable effect on the development of tree regeneration on both the montane and the subalpine level. With microsite-specific parameters, the height and frequency of Picea in each microsite could be simulated more accurately than without considering microsite effects (e.g. bias of 8 vs. 119 saplings ha⁻¹ on the montane level). Results of simulations 40 years into the future suggest that about 330–930 Picea saplings per ha out of those that germinated in 1994 and 1996 will reach a height of 5 m within 30–35 years after Picea die-back. This is due to differences in seed inflow and browsing intensities. Picea and not Betula or Sorbus trees will replace the current herbaceous vegetation in these snag stands.     

Responses of decomposition of green leaves and leaf litter to stand density,N and P additions in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acacia auriculaeformis</Emphasis> stands

The effects of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and N?+?P additions on the decomposition of green leaves and leaf litter were studied over 2 years using the litterbag technique in Acacia auriculaeformis stands with different densities in southern China. The green leaves and leaf litter were treated with four fertility treatments: control, N addition, P addition and N?+?P addition to test the effect of stand density and fertility on the decomposition of green leaves and leaf litter. The mean percentage of mass remaining (PMR) of green leaves and leaf litter significantly decreased with increasing density. Nitrogen and N?+?P additions had a negative effect on PMR, whereas the addition of P had a positive effect. The rapid decomposition of green leaves was associated with a higher N and P content and a lower N/P ratio, indicating a likely P limitation for A. auriculaeformis stands. Our results imply that stand density associated with canopy openness can impact litter decomposition, and P is an important control factor on litter decomposition in A. auriculaeformis stands.     

Insect natural enemies of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ips typographus</Emphasis> (L.) (Coleoptera,Scolytinae) in managed and unmanaged stands of mixed lowland forest in Poland

We tested the effects of forest management type (managed vs. unmanaged) on the abundances of Ips typographus (L.) (Col., Curculionidae, Scolytinae) and related parasitoids and predators reared from spruce bolts exposed in Białowieża, Poland. Habitat availability for these species differed between forest types mainly as a result of regular sanitary fellings occurring in managed forests. Populations of the common polyphagous insect predators Paromalus paralellepipedus (Herbst) and Plegaderus vulneratus (Panz.) (Col., Histeridae) or parasitoids Rhopalicus tutela (Walk.), Dinotiscus eupterus (Walk.) and Roptrocerus xylophagorum Ratz. (Hym., Pteromalidae) related to I. typographus did not differ between managed and unmanaged forests. Only Thanasimus spp. (Col., Cleridae) was significantly more abundant in managed forest, possibly because it was favored by the more open, sunny stands. However, the experiment was performed in stands where spruce is only a minor component and during the non-epidemic phase of the bark beetle population, so further experiments may be necessary to determine if the effects of sanitary fellings are greater in different forest types and at different stages of the population cycle.     

Influence of forest structure and environmental variables on recruit survival and performance of two Mediterranean tree species (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus faginea</Emphasis> L. and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Q. suber</Emphasis> Lam.)

We investigated the regeneration requirements of the two dominant tree species in a mixed-oak forest of SW Portugal: Quercus suber (cork oak, evergreen) and Q. faginea (Portuguese oak, winter-deciduous). We hypothesized that (1) recruits of different oak species are differentially influenced by soil and overstory variables and (2) different factors explain the recruitment occurrence and performance of the same species. We sampled the recruits’ height and diameter, and several environmental and forest structure variables of their microsites. Both recruitment occurrence and performance were modeled using generalized linear models. Our final models predicted the probability of occurrence of recruits of Q. faginea and Q. suber with 74 and 82% of accuracy, respectively, and explained about 50% of the variance of their recruitment performance. The recruits of Q. faginea tended to occur in microsites with higher canopy height, canopy density and litter cover, and closer to both conspecific and heterospecific adults, while the opposite was true for recruits of Q. suber. The performance of recruits of Q. suber was favored by the higher litter cover (a good surrogate for N and P availability), but negatively affected by the higher litter depth. We concluded the following: (1) there were significantly different regeneration niches for each species (Q. faginea and Q. suber); (2) the factors explaining the recruitment occurrence differed from those explaining the recruitment performance; (3) the overstory plays a complex and important role in the regeneration process; (4) different variables apparently related with the same environmental factor (e.g. litter cover and litter depth) could affect recruits in an opposite way; (5) sensitive trade-offs must be considered for delineating management actions, since they could favor the regeneration of Q. suber, but, at the same time, negatively affect the regeneration of Q. faginea.     

Controlling the sugar beet beetle <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cassida vittata</Emphasis> with entomopathogenic nematodes

Sugar beet, Beta vulgaris L. is a strategic crop of sugar industry in Egypt. It is threatened by several insect pests among most important of them is the beet beetle Cassida vittata. This work deals with the biological control of this insect using four Egyptian and imported entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs). The nematodes included Steinernema carpocapsae S2, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora S1, S. feltiae and H. bacteriophora (1-3). Daily mortality of larvae, pupae and adults of C. vittata were recorded after treatment with serial concentrations (from 500 to 4,000 infective juveniles/ml) of each of four studied EPNs. Development of nematodes in insect bodies was followed up. S. carpocapsae S2 was chosen for the application against different stages of the pest in a sugar beet field. In the field, single application of S. carpocapsae S2 killed 65% of the larvae, 92% of the pupae and 57.3% of the adults of C. vittata within a week. This work is the first report on using the EPNs to control sugar beet beetle.     

Role of <Emphasis Type="Italic">tao</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Belotia mexicana</Emphasis>) in the traditional Lacandon Maya shifting cultivation ecosystem

For centuries, the Lacandon Maya have farmed the forest while also preserving and regenerating it. The Lacandon manage their fallow by planting certain tree species, and removing volunteer trees that are not optimal for soil fertility. This study focused on tao (Belotia mexicana), one of the Lacandon tree fallow species, and its impact on the soil as it matures in the secondary forest. The effect of tao on soil fertility was evaluated using the following soil fertility parameters: phosphorus, carbon, nitrogen, earthworm density, pH, and soil moisture. Results were compared using a split-plot analysis. Soil C:N ratios decreased with age of tao, indicating an improvement of litter quality over time. Soil extractable phosphorus decreased with age of tao and increased with distance from tao, which suggests that tao is depleting phosphorus. These results provide an introduction for further analysis into how native trees enhance soil fertility in the Lacandon system.     

Effects of urea treatment on litter decomposition in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pasania edulis</Emphasis> forest soil

Five kinds of ammonia fungi were observed in a Pasania edulis forest after treatment with 1600g·m^–2 of urea. The number of fungal fruiting bodies decreased with time, and disappeared completely within 6 weeks. The population of cellulose decomposing bacteria also decreased after urea treatment. Urea treatment brought about marked changes in soil pH, redox potential (Eh), and nitrogen content, but no significant changes were observed in carbon content. In this experiment, urea treatment promoted decomposition of branches, but inhibited decomposition of leaves. In urea-treated plots, the decomposition rate of leaves was lower than that of branches, and the decomposition rate of large branches was greater than that of small branches. However, in the control plots, the decomposition rate of leaves was greater than that of branches, and the decomposition rate of large branches was lower than that of small branches. This experiment indicated that litter (branch and leaf) decomposition was dependent on the texture and size of the litter components, and that ammonia fungi and cellulose decomposing bacteria were not closely related to the litter decomposition.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bursaphelenchus mucronatus</Emphasis> (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) vectored by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Monochamus </Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">urussovi</Emphasis> (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in Hokkaido,Japan

Bursaphelenchus mucronatus Mamiya et Enda has been recovered for the first time from adults of the cerambycid beetle, Monochamus urussovi (Fischer), in Hokkaido, Japan. The nematode was also recovered from the inner bark of Picea jezoensis (Siebold et Zuccarini) Carrière and Abies sachalinensis (Fr Schmidt) Masters infested with M. urussovi larvae. PCR–RFLP analysis indicated that B. mucronatus in Hokkaido is the European type.     

Nutrient dynamics associated with leaf litter decomposition of three agroforestry tree species (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Azadirachta indica,Dalbergia sissoo</Emphasis>, and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Melia azedarach</Emphasis>) of Bangladesh

Azadirachta indica A. Juss, Dalbergia sissoo Roxb., and Melia azedarach L. are little studied species in nutrient return capabili- ties from leaf litter decomposition to maintenance of the soil fertility despite their importance in agroforestry practices of Bangladesh. A leaf litter decomposition experiment was conducted using a litterbag tech- nique to assess the nutrient return efficiency of these species. The de- composition rate of leaf litter was highest for M. azedarach and lowest for D. sissoo. Rainfall and temperature of study sites showed a signifi- cant (p<0.05) positive relationship with the rate of leaf litter decomposi- tion. The highest decay constant was observed for M. azedarach (6.67). Nitrogen and Phosphorus concentration in leaf litter showed a decreased trend sharply at the end of the first month, whereas rapid decrease of Potassium concentration was reported within 10 days. Conversely, higher concentration of nutrient was observed at the later stages of decomposi- tion. All three species showed a similar pattern of nutrient release (K > N > P) during the decomposition process of leaf litter. Among the studied species, D. sissoo was best in terms of N and P return and A. indica was best in terms of K return.     

Estimation of stand attributes in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cryptomeria japonica</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chamaecyparis obtusa</Emphasis> stands using QuickBird panchromatic data

This study aims to estimate stand density and stand volume in Cryptomeria japonica and Chamaecyparis obtusa stands from high-resolution satellite data and verify the reliability and uncertainty of the data. Sixty circular sample plots of 0.04 ha each were established. Their stand densities were estimated from the number of tree crowns derived from high-resolution satellite data using the watershed method. Stand densities derived from field surveys in the sample plots were compared with those obtained from high-resolution satellite data by stand age class. As a result, there was a positive correlation between them for sample plots of 41 years of age and over (R = 0.82); however, there was no correlation between them for sample plots of 40 years and under. Individual diameters at breast height (DBH) were estimated from crown areas obtained from high-resolution satellite data for the two species. Using the estimated DBH, individual tree heights were predicted from the height–diameter curves. Stand volumes were estimated from the sum of individual volumes, which were derived from volume formulas having two variables, i.e., DBH and height. Stand volumes derived from the field survey were compared with those obtained from high-resolution satellite data. The correlation coefficient between them for stands of 41 years of age and over was 0.78.     

Micromorphological characteristics of bamboo (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Phyllostachys pubescens</Emphasis>) fibers degraded by a brown rot fungus (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Gloeophyllum trabeum</Emphasis>)

The decay pattern in bamboo fibers caused by a brown rot fungus, Gloeophyllum trabeum, was examined by microscopy. The inner part of the polylaminate secondary wall was degraded, while the outer part of the secondary wall remained essentially intact. Degradation in bamboo fiber walls without direct contact with the fungal hyphae was similar to wood decay caused by brown rot fungi. Degradation in polylaminate walls was almost confined to the broad layers whereas the narrow layers appeared resistant. The p-hydroxylphenyl unit lignin in middle lamella, particularly in the cell corner regions, was also degraded. The degradation of lignin in bamboo fibers was evidenced by Fourier transform infrared spectra. The present work suggests that the decay of bamboo fiber walls by G. trabeum was influenced by lignin distribution in the fiber walls as well as the polylaminate structures.     

Effectiveness of Neem (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Azadirachta indica</Emphasis>) insecticides against Brassica pod midge (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Dasineura brassicae</Emphasis> Winn<Emphasis Type="Italic">.</Emphasis>)

The efficiency of the botanical insecticide (BI) NeemAzal T/S (containing 1% Azadirachtin A), on the basis of azadirachtin applied in a dose of 20 g a.i. ha⁻¹ against Brassica pod midge (Dasineura brassicae), has been monitored for 4 years. The biological efficiency of BI was compared with the efficiency of some synthetic insecticides. It was ascertained that BI was very efficient in decreasing the number of damaged oilseed rape pods (ranging from 56.5 to 85.9% compared to untreated plants) and its efficiency was comparable with synthetic insecticides based on Chloronicotinyl (Thiacloprid) and Neonicotinoid (Acetamiprid). BI’s efficiency was, in some years, even significantly higher compared to pyrethroid (λ-cyhalothrin). The high biological efficiency of azadirachtin that we ascertained was significantly reflected in increasing potential crop yields. The yield increase of azadirachtin ranged between 9.3 and 19.4% compared to the control sample. Azadirachtin showed the highest yield for the whole time of experimentation, and in some years the yield increase was significantly higher compared to some synthetic agents.     

Insects reared from stems and branches of goat willow (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Salix caprea</Emphasis> L.) in Bulgaria

Seven xylophagous insect species were established in stems and branches of Salix caprea L. during the period 1998–2003 in Bulgaria: Agrilus lineola lineola Redtenbacher (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), Aromia moschata (Linnaeus), Oberea oculata (Linnaeus), Saperda populnea (Linnaeus), Saperda similis Laicharting (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), Synanthedon formicaeformis (Esper) (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) and Rhabdophaga clavifex (Kieffer) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). From them, six parasitoid species were reared: Dolichomitus mesocentrus (Gravenhorst), Dolichomitus populneus (Ratzeburg) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), Stephanus serrator (Fabricius) (Hymenoptera: Stephanidae), Aprostocetus metra (Walker), Euderus caudatus (Thomson) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and Billaea irrorata (Meigen) (Diptera: Tachinidae). D. populneus, E. caudatus and B. irrorata were connected with S. populnea; D. mesocentrus and S. serrator with S. similis; and A. metra with R. clavifex. Two parasitoids (A. metra and E. caudatus) had not previously been reported for the fauna of Bulgaria. The parasitoid–host relationships D. mesocentrus–S. similis and S. serrator –S. similis were established for the first time in this study.     

Effects of Atlas cedar (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cedrus atlantica</Emphasis>) defoliation on performance of the pine processionary moth (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Thaumetopoea pityocampa</Emphasis>)

The pine processionary moth (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) is an important defoliating insect of native cedar stands in Northern Africa. In 2002 and 2003, we studied the size of needles of Atlas cedar trees that had been defoliated or not in the previous year, and compared the oviposition preference and larval performance of processionary moth on these two types of trees in cedar stands of central Algeria. Needle length and their number per needle cluster were twice as high on non-defoliated trees than on defoliated trees. There were about ten times fewer egg batches on defoliated than on non-defoliated trees in both study years. Young larvae raised in the laboratory on the foliage of previously defoliated trees were smaller compared to those fed on the foliage from healthy trees. Larval colonies transferred to trees in the field showed two times higher mortality on defoliated trees. It was concluded that the decline in population density in defoliated stands often observed after outbreaks results both from the fact that the female moths avoid laying their eggs on defoliated trees and the lower performance of larvae which later feed on the new-grown needles.     

Fumigant and repellent activities of essential oil from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Coriandrum sativum</Emphasis> (L.) (Apiaceae) against red flour beetle <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tribolium castaneum</Emphasis> (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

The biological activity of essential oil extracted from coriander, Coriandrum sativum L. (Apiaceae) against eggs, larvae and adults of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) was investigated in a series of laboratory experiments. Bioassays conducted in air-tight glass chambers showed vapour toxicity and strong repellency on filter paper arena test towards all the stages used. Responses varied significantly (P < 0.001) within insect stages, dosages and exposures. At 12.0 μg/ml dosage, mortality of adults reached 95%, but for 12-, 14- and 16-days larvae, mortalities were 65, 74 and 82%, respectively. On the developmental inhibition, individuals fumigated at the larval stage confirmed that the percentage of larvae reaching to pupal stage and pupae to adult stage, decreased significantly (P < 0.001) with increasing dosage concentration. The oil fumigation yielded 100% mortality for T. castaneum larvae, pupae and adults at 0.08 μg/ml dosage. The oil had fumigant activity against eggs and the toxicity progressively increased with increased exposure times and concentrations. One hundred per cent T. castaneum egg mortalities were obtained with oil fumigation at 20 μg/ml and 96 h exposure period. C. sativum oil also showed highly repellent activity to the adults of T. castaneum, with overall repellency was 90% and at a dosage of 12 μg/ml repellency was 100% in a filter-paper arena test.