Strain analysis near the cutting edge in orthogonal cutting of hinoki (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Chamaecyparis obtusa</Emphasis>) using a digital image correlation method

A digital image correlation (DIC) method was utilized to measure strain distributed within approximately 0.5 mm of the cutting edge during slow-speed orthogonal cutting of air-dried hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa), to clarify the relationships of the strain distribution and cutting conditions, including cutting angle (\(\theta\)) and depth of cut (\(d\)). The strain was measured in 0.04 mm steps, and the measurable minimum strain was approximately 0.08%. Tensile strain of 3% or larger normal to the cutting direction, \({\varepsilon _y}\), tended to extend 0.2 mm or further ahead of the tool when \(\theta \leq 60^\circ\) and \(d \geq 0.1{\text{ mm}}\). This tensile \({\varepsilon _y}\) corresponded to the occurrence of the fore-split in Chip Type I. The tensile \({\varepsilon _y}\) detected along the path of the cutting edge decreased as \(\theta\) and/or \(d\) decreased. Positive shear strain, \({\gamma _{xy}}\), tended to be detected ahead of the tool in Type I. Negative \({\gamma _{xy}}\) tended to be detected ahead of the tool in Type II and III \(\left( {\theta \geq 70^\circ ,\,\,d \geq 0.05{\text{ mm}}} \right)\). These \({\gamma _{xy}}\) values were considered to be related to the elongation and shrinkage of the chip. The study confirmed the usability of the DIC method for the evaluation of cutting conditions and also to classify chip formation into chip types.     

Combining canopy height and tree species map information for large-scale timber volume estimations under strong heterogeneity of auxiliary data and variable sample plot sizes

A timber volume regression model applicable to the state and communal forest area of the federal German state of Rhineland-Palatinate is identified using a combination of airborne laser scanning (ALS)-derived metrics and information from a satellite-based tree species classification map available on the federal state level. As is common in many forest inventory datasets, strong heterogeneity in the ALS data due to different acquisition dates and misclassifications in the tree species classification map had noticeable effects on the regression model’s performance. This article specifically addresses techniques that improve the performance of ordinary least square regression models under such restricting conditions. We introduce a calibration technique to neutralize the effect of misclassifications in the tree species variable that originally caused a residual inflation of 0.05 in adjusted \(R^2\). Incorporating the calibrated tree species information improved the model accuracy by up to 0.07 in adjusted \(R^2\) and suggests the use of such information in forthcoming inventories. We also found that including ALS quality information as categorical variables within the regression model considerably mitigates issues with time lags between the ALS and terrestrial data acquisition and ALS quality variations (increase of 0.09 in adjusted \(R^2\)). The model achieved an adjusted \(R^2\) of 0.48 and a cross-validated root-mean-square error (RMSE\(_{\mathrm{cv}}\)) of 46.7% under incorporation of the tree species and ALS quality information and was thus improved by 0.12 in adjusted \(R^2\) (5% in RMSE\(_{\mathrm{cv}}\)) compared to the simple model only containing ALS height metrics (adjusted \(R^2=0.36\), RMSE\(_{\mathrm{cv}}=51.7\)%).     

Genetic parameters of growth and stem forking for black spruce progeny tested in New Brunswick,Canada

We investigated genetic parameters for juvenile to mature growth and stem forking in black spruce [Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.] in order to obtain reliable estimates for supporting eastern Canadian tree breeding strategies. The study was based on data collected from two series of progeny tests of black spruce in New Brunswick (NB) including 285 open-pollinated families and more than 57,000 individual trees. Height (HT), diameter at breast height (DBH), and stem forking (SF) were periodically measured between ages 5 and 35 years. Results showed that tree volume (V), HT and DBH were highly genetically controlled, with average individual narrow-sense heritability (\(h_{i}^{2}\)) estimates of 0.29, 0.29 and 0.21, and family mean heritability (\(h_{F}^{2}\)) estimates of 0.82, 0.85 and 0.77, respectively. SF had low \(h_{i}^{2}\) (= 0.06 on average) but had moderate \(h_{F}^{2}\) (= 0.56), indicating family selection might effectively reduce SF. Both \(h_{i}^{2}\) and \(h_{F}^{2}\) increased with age and then stabilized or declined, being the highest around ages 15–20 years for all traits. The type-B genetic correlation (\(r_{B}\)) estimates were moderate to high for all the traits, suggesting negligible genotype × environment interactions. Strong age–age genetic correlation estimates were found for growth traits, implying the potential for practicing early selection. Age–age genetic correlation estimates were moderate for SF (= 0.72). Trait–trait genetic correlation estimates were strong and positive among growth traits, but between growth traits and SF they were mostly negligible albeit positive. Overall, results suggest that genetic selection will be effective for growth traits but much less so for reducing stem forking in New Brunswick’s black spruce.     

Modeling height–diameter relationship for <Emphasis Type="Italic">Populus euphratica</Emphasis> in the Tarim riparian forest ecosystem,Northwest China

Modeling height–diameter relationships is an important component in estimating and predicting forest development under different forest management scenarios. In this paper, ten widely used candidate height–diameter models were fitted to tree height and diameter at breast height(DBH)data for Populus euphratica Oliv. within a 100 ha permanent plots at Arghan Village in the lower reaches of the Tarim River, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. Data from 4781 trees were used and split randomly into two sets:75 % of the data were used to estimate model parameters(model calibration), and the remaining data(25 %) were reserved for model validation. All model performances were evaluated and compared by means of multiple model performance criteria such as asymptotic t-statistics of model parameters, standardized residuals against predicted height,root mean square error(RMSE), Akaike’s informationcriterion(AIC), mean prediction error(ME) and mean absolute error(MAE). The estimated parameter a for model(6) was not statistically significant at a level of a = 0.05. RMSE and AIC test result for all models showed that exponential models(1),(2),(3) and(4) performed significantly better than others. All ten models had very small MEs and MAEs. Nearly all models underestimated tree heights except for model(6). Comparing the MEs and MAEs of models, model(1) produced smaller MEs(0.0059) and MAEs(1.3754) than other models. To assess the predictive performance of models, we also calculated MEs by dividing the model validation data set into 10-cm DBH classes. This suggested that all models were likely to create higher mean prediction errors for tree DBH classes[20 cm. However, no clear trend was found among models.Model(6) generated significantly smaller mean prediction errors across all tree DBH classes. Considering all the aforementioned criteria, model(1): TH ? 1:3 t a= e1 t b?eàc?DBHT and model(6): TH ? 1:3 t DBH2= ea t b?DBH t c ? DBH2T are recommended as suitable models for describing the height–diameter relationship of P. euphratica. The limitations of other models showing poor performance in predicting tree height are discussed. We provide explanations for these shortcomings.     

Genetic variation of wood tracheid traits and their relationships with growth and wood density in clones of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus tabuliformis</Emphasis>

To improve wood quality for pulpwood industries, it is important to examine not only wood density but also its components, especially tracheid characteristics. We studied genetic variations in the following tracheid traits by earlywood (EW) and latewood (LW): tracheid length (TL), double wall thickness (WT), radial lumen diameter (R_D1), tangential lumen diameter (T_D1), radial central diameter (R_D2), and tangential central diameter (T_D2). We also studied the relationship with the following growth traits: diameter at breast height (DBH), height (H), crown breadth south-north axis (NSC), crown breadth east–west axis (EWC), ring width (RW), latewood percentage (LWP), and wood density (WD). All sample materials were collected from a 33-year old clonal seed orchard of Pinus tabuliformis Carr. Genetic variation among clones was moderate for all tracheid traits, 9.49–26.03%. Clones significantly affected WT, R_D1, R_D2, T_D1, T_D2, and the two ratios WT/R_D1 and TL/T_D2 in EW but had no effects in LW. Clones significantly affected TL in LW but had no effects in EW. \( H\frac{2}{C} \) was higher in LW (0.50) than in EW (0.20) for TL, while \( H\frac{2}{C} \) was higher in EW (0.27–0.46) for other tracheid traits and the two ratios (TL/T_D2 and WT/R_D1) than in EW (0.06–0.22). WD and TL were significantly positively correlated, but WT and TL were negatively correlated both at individual and clone levels; all tracheid diameters and the four ratio values (EW_WT/R_D1, LW_WT/R_D1, EW_TL/T_D2 and LW_TL/T_D2), were strongly positively correlated with DBH, H, NSC, WEC and RW, and strongly negatively correlated with WD both at individual and clone levels. The most important variables for predicting WD were LW_TL, EW_WT and R_D1 in both EW and LW (r² = 0.22). Selecting the top 10% of the clones by DBH would improve DBH growth by 12.19% (wood density was reduced by 0.14%) and produced similar responses between EW and LW for all tracheid traits: a reduction of 0.94 and 3.69% in tracheid length and increases in tracheid diameters (from 0.36 to 5.24%) and double wall thickness (0.07 and 0.87%). The two ratios WT/R_D1 and TL/T_D2 across tissues (EW and LW) declined 0.59 and 4.56%, respectively. The decreased tracheid length and the ratio between tracheid length and diameter is disadvantageous for pulp production. The unfavorable relationship of tracheid traits with wood density indicate that multiple trait selection using optimal economic weights and optimal breeding strategies are recommended for the current long-term breeding program for P. tabuliformis.     

Allometric tree biomass models of various species grown in short-rotation agroforestry systems

Biomass equations for tree species and the early stages of growth used in short-rotation coppices and agroforestry systems are still lacking. Further, discussion about the structure and parameters of biomass equations are still ongoing. Yield estimations should be precise, while keeping efforts low. To determine the influence of tree species, farming system, and tree position (inner and outer row) on allometric relationships, we derived biomass equations for various tree species from organic and conventional silvoarable agroforestry systems with an alley-cropping configuration. The allometric equations were based on the power relationship between aboveground dry biomass and stem base diameter (SBD) as a single variable or in combination with tree height (H) and were calculated by log-linear mixed-effect regression. Equations span the third and fourth growth year of the first rotation and were validated on the fourth year. Neither farming system nor row position influenced allometric relationship, although biometric variables varied between trees from inner and outer rows. A general model across species explained 95% (\(R_{\text{cond}}^{2}\)) of the variation for tree dry weight or 97% (\(R_{\text{cond}}^{2}\)) with H as covariate. Yet, for the sake of precision, species-specific equations were necessary. The best fitting equation with only SBD as predictor had species-specific allometric factors and a general exponent across species. However, predicted yields were biased by 8–31%. Thus, functions incorporating H are recommended, as compensation for variances in height-diameter relationships due to the ontogenetic stage, site differences, or social status of the tree reduced the bias of biomass estimation (<10%).     

Agroforestry systems reduce invasive species richness and diversity in the surroundings of protected areas

The Serra do Brigadeiro State Park (PESB) is one of the largest fragments of Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, and it is relevant for native species conservation. However, monocultures settled around the Park resulted in extensive open areas that facilitate the establishment of alien species on the PESB perimeter, which may threaten native species conservation therein, since biological invasion is the second main cause of global biodiversity loss. In this region, there are also farmers planting agroforestry systems (AFS), characterized by tree-based intercropping, which are structurally more similar to the Atlantic Rainforest reminiscent fragments present in the region and may limit local occurrence of potentially invasive exotic weeds for several reasons, such as the high levels of shade provided by trees, the groundcover that result from loss of tree leaves and the increased competition for belowground resources. This study aimed to test whether AFS limit exotic species establishment when compared to monoculture systems. Accordingly, three coffee monocultures and three agroforestry coffee plantations around the PESB were studied. In each of the six study areas, 30 plots of 1 m² were established between the lines of coffee plantation, where all species present were surveyed. In both treatments, rarefaction curves were constructed to evaluate native and exotic richness, and diversity of these two categories was estimated through Simpson index inverse (1/D). All 13 sampled exotic species were present in monocultures, but only three of them occurred in AFS. Besides, alien diversity in monocultures (\(1/D\) = 2.173 ± 0.011) was significantly higher than in AFS (\(1/D\) = 1.031 ± 0.001). Such changes in alien plant community between land-use show that AFSs limit invasive species establishment. Therefore, when planted around protected areas, AFS may contribute to the control of biological invasions and to biodiversity conservation.     

Ontogeny influences developmental physiology of post-transplant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus rubra</Emphasis> seedlings more than genotype

Key message

Seedling ontogeny exerted a greater influence on physiological activity of Quercus rubra seedlings than genetics; thus, it may be more important to use an appropriate growth index to account for seedling ontogeny in experiments than to control for genetic variation.

Context

Members of the genus Quercus exhibit semi-determinate growth, resulting in complex and developmentally variable endogenous physiological patterns. The Quercus morphological index (QMI; Hanson et al. Tree Physiol. 2:273-281, 1986) was developed as a tool to relate physiological patterns to morphologically identifiable ontological stages, thereby allowing for treatment or measurement of seedlings at uniform ontological stages rather than strictly by chronology.

Aims

Although clear physiological patterns relative to seedling ontogeny have been observed using the QMI in pre-transplant half-sibling seedlings, we sought to determine whether physiological patterns remain consistent across genotypes within a species.

Methods

We examined net photosynthesis, transpiration, leaf chlorophyll concentrations, and chlorophyll fluorescence (F _v /F _m ) throughout the first flush after transplant for northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) seedlings from three half-sibling families.

Results

Neither net photosynthesis nor transpiration rates varied by family, whereas leaf chlorophyll concentrations and F _v /F _m differed significantly. Despite family differences for magnitudes of some parameters, no interactions between QMI growth stage and family were observed, and patterns of all parameters relative to growth stage were consistent across families. Net photosynthetic rates, transpiration rates, and F _v /F _m increased during the flush, while leaf chlorophyll concentration decreased, suggesting that chlorophyll synthesis is not a limiting factor during leaf maturation in this species.

Conclusion

Findings indicate that QMI-based physiological patterns may be at least regionally applicable within a given Quercus species.

     

Low within-population genetic diversity and high genetic differentiation among populations of the endangered plant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tetracentron sinense</Emphasis> Oliver revealed by inter-simple sequence repeat analysis

Key message

Tetracentron sinense Oliver, an endangered species from China, displays a low within-population genetic diversity and high genetic differentiation among populations, and the existing populations could be divided into three conservation and management units.

Context

The endangered tree Tetracentron sinense Oliver has great value; however, little is known regarding the within-population genetic diversity and differentiation among T. sinense populations.

Aims

We examined the genetic diversity and differentiation of T. sinense wild populations, and we tested the effect of small-size population on the level of genetic diversity within these populations.

Methods

Using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR), we assessed the genetic variation and structure among 174 individuals from 26 natural populations of T. sinense sampled across its distribution range in China.

Results

The ISSR primers yielded 180 amplified loci (123 were polymorphic). At the species level, the percentage of polymorphic loci (PPL), Nei’s gene diversity (H), and Shannon’s information index (I) were 68.3%, 0.196 and 0.300, respectively. The average population level PPL was 20.0%, and the Na, Ne, H, and I were 1.20, 1.13, 0.076, and 0.112, respectively. AMOVA revealed high genetic differentiation among populations (52.0% of total variance, P?=?0.001), consistent with the gene differentiation coefficient (Gst?=?0.607) and gene flow (Nm?=?0.326). The 174 individuals of the 26 T. sinense populations clustered into three groups, and T. sinense geographic and genetic distance were significantly correlated.

Conclusions

T. sinense exhibited intermediate within-species genetic diversity, indicating preserved evolutionary potential. The low within-population genetic diversity and high genetic differentiation among T. sinense populations may be one of important factors causing endangerment. Three conservation units were determined based on genetic difference and structure. Inter-population introduction of individuals within units via appropriate propagation and seedling management might be an effective strategy for increasing T. sinense within-population genetic diversity and population size.

     

Causes for the small scale variability of nitrate concentration in seepage water of an N saturated mature spruce stand

Context

In N-saturated forests nitrate concentrations in seepage water ( $ {\text{N}}{{\text{O}}_3}{^{ - }_{\text{seepage}}} $ ) regularly show high spatial variability even within homogeneous stands. Up to now the reasons of this variability are not fully understood.

Aims

The main objective was to identify the crucial parameters that control spatial variability of $ {\text{N}}{{\text{O}}_3}{^{ - }_{\text{seepage}}} $ at the H?glwald site.

Methods

We investigated a multitude of parameters (e.g. N turnover, root biomass, soil chemistry, soil physics, stand parameters) and related them to $ {\text{N}}{{\text{O}}_3}{^{ - }_{\text{seepage}}} $ , measured in 40?cm depth with suction cups.

Results

A small number of biological parameters (net N mineralization, root distribution, and stand density) explained up to 93?% of the variability of $ {\text{N}}{{\text{O}}_3}{^{ - }_{\text{seepage}}} $ in linear regression models. Net N-mineralization rates in the humus layer and fine root biomass in the upper mineral soil influenced $ {\text{N}}{{\text{O}}_3}{^{ - }_{\text{seepage}}} $ positively. Fine root biomass in deeper soil layers (30?C40?cm depth) and stand density had a negative influence.

Conclusion

The rate of net N mineralization in the organic layer is decisive for the nitrate production in the soil. Roots in the upper mineral soil increase $ {\text{N}}{{\text{O}}_3}{^{ - }_{\text{seepage}}} $ by intensive water uptake but excluding nitrate at the same time. The variation of these two parameters is responsible for most of the small-scale variability of $ {\text{N}}{{\text{O}}_3}{^{ - }_{\text{seepage}}} $ .     

A simple theory to link bole surface area,stem density and average tree dimensions in a forest stand

A geometrical model of a forest stand has been analyzed. A forest stand has been modeled as a population of cones which was described by the change of total bole surface area with density \(\hat{S}(N)\) , relation between density and a horizontal dimension (radius r) r(N), and the relation between vertical dimension (generatrix l) and radius l(r). It has been shown that there are close relationships between \(\hat{S}(N)\) , l(r) and r(N). In case of \(\hat{S}(N) = const\) , power exponent of l(r) can be predicted from the power exponent of r(N) and vice versa. A comparison of the model analysis with the data available on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands has been performed. In spite of the model simplicity, its inferences proved to be workable in many cases where the data can be interpreted as a dynamics of an even-aged forest stand. In particular, if the estimation of total bole surface area is constant, the power exponent in the relation of diameter and stand density DBH(SD) can be calculated on the basis of the power exponent in the relation of height and diameter H(DBH) and vice versa. Possible limitations and the meaning of the analysis are discussed.     

Sublethal effects of two reduced-risk insecticides: when the invasive ladybeetle is drastically affected,whereas the indigenous not

Chlorantraniliprole and novaluron, two reduced-risk insecticides (IRRs), are currently used to control codling moth (Cydia pomonella) in apple orchards in southeastern Canada. Reproduction of Harmonia axyridis (Pallas), an invasive ladybeetle, and the indigenous Coleomegilla maculata DeGeer, both important generalist predators, might be compromised after exposure of adults to these IRRs. The aim of the study was to compare the effects of chlorantraniliprole and novaluron on fecundity and fertility between the two ladybeetles in a laboratory setting. Reproductive mates were given chlorantraniliprole- or novaluron-treated prey for 24 h, and reproductive performance was followed during 15 days. Chlorantraniliprole did not affect reproduction of ladybeetles. However, novaluron-reduced fecundity, egg hatch, and fertility of the invasive ladybeetle H. axyridis, by 29, 43, and 78.7%, respectively, contrasting with no significant effect on the indigenous C. maculata. Additionally, H. axyridis oviposition pattern was altered by the same insecticide. This resulted in more egg masses containing fewer eggs, compared to the control. No such changes were detected for C. maculata. Chlorantraniliprole does not disturb reproduction of H. axyridis or C. maculata. Treatments of novaluron should have an important effect on populations of the invasive H. axyridis, and consequently on the impact of the invader on native ladybeetle species and on its dominance, and finally potentially on biocontrol services provided by the assemblage of ladybeetles.

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Effects of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Faidherbia albida</Emphasis> canopy and leaf litter on soil microbial communities and nitrogen mineralization in selected Zambian soils

The nitrogen status of most Zambian soils is inherently low. Nitrogen-fixing trees such as Faidherbia albida (F. albida) could have the potential to restore soil fertility. We conducted a study to examine the role of mature F. albida trees on the soil microbial communities and overall N fertility status in Zambia. Soil samples were collected under and outside the canopies of F. albida trees in representative fields from two sites namely; Chongwe (loamy sand) and Monze (sandy loam). To assess the long term canopy effects; total N, mineral N and soil organic carbon (C_org) content were directly measured from soils collected under and outside the canopy. Short term litter effects were assessed by subtracting concentrations of biochemical properties of non-amended controls from amended soils with F. albida litter during an 8 week incubation experiment. We also determined N mineralization rates, microbial community structure—Phospholipid fatty acids, microbial biomass carbon, and labile organic carbon (\({\text{C}}_{{{\text{org[K}}_{ 2} {\text{SO}}_{ 4} ]}}\)) during incubation. For the long term canopy effect, average N mineralization rate, C_org, total N and mineral N content of non-amended soils under the canopy were (all significant at p < 0.05) greater than soils outside the canopy on both sites. In the short term, amending soils with litter significantly increased N mineralization rates by an average of 0.52 mg N kg^?1 soil day^?1 on soil from Monze. Microbial biomass carbon measured after 4 weeks of incubation was on average significantly higher on amended soils by 193 and 334 mg C kg^?1 soil compared with non-amended soils in Chongwe and Monze soils, respectively. After 6 weeks of incubation, the concentration of all selected biomarkers for major microbial groups concentrations in non-amended soils were significantly higher (all p < 0.05) under the canopy than outside in Monze soil. Using principal component analysis, we found that the segregation of the samples under and outside the canopy by the first principal component (PC1) could be attributed to a proportional increase in abundances of all microbial groups. Uniform loadings on PC1 indicated that no single microbial group dominated the microbial community. The second principal component separated samples based on incubation time and location. It was mainly loaded with G-positive bacteria, and partly with G-negative bacteria, indicating that microbial composition was dominated by these bacterial groups probably at the beginning of the incubation on Monze soils. Our results show that the improvement of soil fertility status by F. albida could be attributed to a combination of both long term modifications of the soil biological and chemical properties under the canopy as well as short term litter fall addition.     

Near-infrared spectroscopy prediction of southern pine No. 2 lumber physical and mechanical properties

This study investigated near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to rapidly estimate physical and mechanical properties of No. 2 2 × 4 southern pine lumber. A total of 718 lumber samples were acquired from six mills across the Southeast and destructively tested in bending. From each piece of lumber, a 25-mm-length block was cut and diffuse reflectance NIR spectra were collected from the transverse face using a FOSS 5000 scanning spectrometer. Calibrations were created using partial least squares (PLS) regression and their performance checked with a prediction set. Overall moderate predictive ability was found between NIRS and the properties for the calibration and prediction sets: block specific gravity (SG) (R ² = 0.66 and R _p ²  = 0.63), lumber SG (0.54 and 0.53), modulus of elasticity (MOE) (0.54 and 0.58), and modulus of rupture (MOR) (0.5 and 0.4). Model performance for MOE (R _p ²  = 0.70) and MOR (R _p ²  = 0.50) improved when performing PLS regression on a matrix containing lumber SG and NIR spectra. Overall NIRS predicted MOE better than linear models using lumber SG (R ² = 0.46), whereas lumber SG (R ² = 0.51) predicted MOR better than NIRS. Overall NIRS has reasonably good predictive ability considering the small volume of wood that is scanned with the instrument.     

Regeneration patterns of the late-successional <Emphasis Type="Italic">Abies alba</Emphasis> Mill.: inhibition in monospecific stands and colonization in mixed stands

Key message

In Abies alba Mill. stands and mixed stands of A. alba and Picea abies L. (H. Karst), microsites neighbouring the trunks of adult trees were more conducive to A. alba regeneration. Although at the stand level, the effect of Fagus sylvatica L. was positive; the local effect of the adult F. sylvatica neighbourhood was insignificant. Hence, forming mixed stands with a fine-grained mosaic of admixed species might better facilitate natural regeneration of A. alba than monospecific stands.

Context

The establishment of natural regeneration in Abies alba Mill. stands is a slow, spatially heterogeneous and stochastic process. Recent studies based on inventory data indicate that A. alba more readily regenerates in mixed stands than in monospecific stands.

Aims

The objective was to examine how this positive association evidenced at the stand level operates on the scale of microsites with contrasting local species composition and stand density.

Methods

In 8 monospecific and 22 mixed stands with Fagus sylvatica L. or Picea abies L. (H. Karst), microsites with a contrasting density of A. alba seedlings were selected and compared in terms of local species composition, stand density, canopy characteristics and topsoil properties.

Results

In A. alba stands, seedling density was positively associated with the proximity of adult trees. In mixed stands of A. alba and P. abies, adult trees of both species exerted a positive effect on A. alba regeneration, but the P. abies neighbourhood influenced regeneration occurrence more strongly than the A. abies neighbourhood. In mixtures with F. sylvatica, however, the effect of local stand density and local species composition was not evidenced at all.

Conclusion

Although at the stand level, P. abies and F. sylvatica exert a positive effect on A. alba regeneration, on the microsite scale, their influences differ. In stands with a dominance of A. alba, the hampered seedling establishment in gaps may be considered an inhibitive effect that facilitates the emergence of other species.

     

Mechanical evaluation for laminated bamboo lumber along two eccentric compression directions

To evaluate the mechanical performance under two eccentric compression directions, 80 laminated bamboo lumber (LBL) column specimens were tested and analysed. Mechanical properties along two directions were compared. Bamboo nodes and drill hole are two main failure reasons for the specimens under two eccentric directions. More crack layers appeared for radial eccentric direction group specimens due to the layer structure. No matter which eccentric directions they are, the lateral deflection curves are close to the sine line, and the strain across the cross section of the LBL column for each specimen is basically linear throughout the loading process, following standard normal section bending theory. The mechanical properties for two directions are similar with each other and could follow the same design rules. Although the mechanical properties are similar for both LBL columns and parallel bamboo strand lumber (PBSL) columns as a whole, there are still some clear performance differences between the two kinds of materials. Combined all the test data under two eccentric directions, an equation for calculating the radial eccentricity influencing coefficient \( \varphi_{\text{e}} \) of LBL columns is proposed. The calculation results obtained from the equations give a good agreement with the test results.     

Analysis of floral scent emitted from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Syringa</Emphasis> plants

Syringa is an important aromatic woody angiosperm that is widely planted in gardens. Its dry flowers are traditionally used to manufacture infusions and spices in China. In this study, the floral volatiles emitted from nine different Syringa species and varieties, viz. S. chinensis, S. p rotolaciniata, S. o blata, S. o blata var. giraldii, S. o blata var. plena, S. v ulgaris ‘Mrs Harry Bickle’, S. v ulgaris ‘Bright Centennial’, S. v ulgaris ‘White Spires’, and S. v ulgaris ‘President Lincoln’ were collected by the dynamic headspace technique, and then identified by automated thermal desorption–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. There were significant differences in components and corresponding contents of floral scent emitted from the nine Syringa species and varieties. Among the detected components, β-ocimene exhibited the highest content, accounting for more than 70 % of the floral scent of S. p rotolaciniata, S. o blata var. giraldii, and S. v ulgaris ‘Bright Centennial’. A significant daytime variation of floral scent emitted from S. p ekinensis was recorded, especially for benzaldehyde, whose content first increased and then decreased. We studied the scent emitted from the in vitro flowers of S. v ulgaris ‘Pres Lincoln’ during the process of natural drying. Alcohol compounds were released in the greatest content, and the content of 2-ethyl-1-hexanol accounted for about 40 % of the total release amount. The results described the emission pattern and mechanisms of floral scent in Syringa.     

Flammability of some companion species in cork oak (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus suber</Emphasis> L.) forests

Key message

The high flammability of some companion species in Quercus suber forests, estimated in laboratory tests, could potentially generate an increase in fire vulnerability and in fire risk.

Context

Recurrent wildfire is one of the main causes of forest degradation, especially in the Mediterranean region. Increased fire frequency and severity due to global change could reduce the natural resilience of cork oak to wildfire in the future. Hence, it is important to evaluate the flammability of companion species in cork oak forests in the particularly dry bioclimatic conditions of North Africa.

Aims

This study aimed to assess and compare flammability parameters at laboratory scale among ten companion frequent species in cork oak forests.

Methods

Fuel samples were collected in a cork oak (Quercus suber L) forest in the southern part of the mountains of Tlemcen (Western Algeria). A series of flammability tests were carried out using a Mass Loss Calorimeter device (FTT ®). A cluster analysis to classify flammability of the selected species was conducted using the K-means algorithm.

Results

The results revealed differences in the four flammability parameters (ignitability, sustainability, combustibility and consumability), in both fresh and dried fine fuel samples from Quercus suber, Pinus halepensis, Quercus ilex, Quercus faginea, Erica arborea, Arbutus unedo, Pistacia lentiscus, Calicotome spinosa, Juniperus oxycedrus and Tetraclinis articulata. Application of the K-means clustering algorithm showed that C. spinosa, T. articulata, J. oxycedrus and P. halepensis are highly flammable because of their high combustibility and sustainability.

Conclusion

The findings identify species that could potentially increase the vulnerability of cork oak forests to forest fires.

     

Selection of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal strains to improve <Emphasis Type="Italic">Casuarina equisetifolia</Emphasis> L. and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Casuarina glauca</Emphasis> Sieb. tolerance to salinity

Key message

Selection of the best salt-tolerant combination of Casuarina sp. and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is one of the key criteria for successful setup of saline land rehabilitation program.

Context

Land salinization is a serious problem worldwide that mainly leads to soil degradation and reduces crop productivity. These degraded areas could be rehabilitated by planting salt-tolerant species like Casuarina glauca Sieb. and Casuarina equisetifolia L. These are pioneer plants, able to form symbiotic associations with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF), and nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

Aims

The aim of this study was to select the highest salt-tolerant combination of Casuarina/AMF that can be used for the rehabilitation of lands degraded by salinity.

Methods

C. equisetifolia and C. glauca were grown in sandy sterile soil in the greenhouse and inoculated separately with Rhizophagus fasciculatus (Thaxt.) C. Walker & A. Schüßler, Rhizophagus aggregatus (N.C. Schenck & G.S. Sm.) C. Walker, and Rhizophagus intraradices (N.C. Schenck & G.S. Sm.) C. Walker & A. Schüßler. After confirming the establishment of a symbiosis, the plants were watered with gradually increasing concentrations of saline solution. After harvest, size and biomass of the seedlings, root colonization by AMF, and AMF metabolic activities were evaluated.

Results

A larger growth was obtained in the two species when the individuals were inoculated with R. fasciculatus. Root colonization rates did not differ among fungal species, but fungal metabolic activities were higher in mycorrhizal roots of C. glauca plants inoculated with R. fasciculatus.

Conclusion

Among the three mycorrhizal fungi, R. fasciculatus was more efficient in association with Casuarinaceae species under salt stress. Our results suggest that selection of appropriate fungal strains is crucial to improve plant performance in saline soils.