Pine canker fungus,Lachnellula pini,and L. flavovirens in Finland

The distribution of Lachnellula pini, cause of pine canker and Lacbnellula flavovirens, occurring on pine needles and branches killed by snow blight, was studied in Finland.     

Yield Potential of Quercus robur Stands in Finland

Yield potential of common oak (Quercus robur L.) stands in Finland was examined by estimating the site index value with a Swedish model of a sample of 23 existing stands in southern Finland, and studying its correlation with site fertility and geographical location. Stand structure and yield parameters were compared with those suggested by the Swedish management regimes to assess their condition and potential for quality oak production. External wood quality and sawlog volume were examined in sample tree data. The study stands scored high site index values on the reference site index curves from southern Sweden. The most fertile sites showed an average site index value of H ₁₀₀=28-30 m, and the common Oxalis-Myrtillus type H ₁₀₀=24-26 m. In the absence of thinning and pruning, the external quality of the trees was poor. Defects had reduced the sawlog proportion on average by 40% from the estimated maximum allowed by tree dimensions.     

Distribution and frequency of Cronartium flaccidum on Melampyrum spp. in permanent sample plots in Finland

Abstract

In 2006, the distribution and frequency of pine stem rust Cronartium flaccidum was studied on Melampyrum spp. in permanent sample plots of an EU forest health monitoring program and of a BioSoil program in Finland. The frequency of Melampyrum spp. infected with C. flaccidum was low, but the rust was recorded in new locations of eastern Finland. No uredinia of C. flaccidum were observed in samples collected from over 700 plots. Telia were common on Melampyrum sylvaticum but were occasionally also found on Melampyrum pratense and Melampyrum nemorosum. Melampyrum pratense was the most common species growing in plots on mainly dry sites. Melampyrum sylvaticum was seldom detected, suggesting that alternate hosts are absent from northern Finland or that the current sample plot network is too sparse for effective disease monitoring in the north. No relationship between C. flaccidum, Melampyrum spp. and rust incidence in host trees was observed, which implies that the autoecious Peridermium pini is a more likely pathogen than C. flaccidum locally. Because plots containing M. sylvaticum occur almost solely in southern Finland, the plots with M. sylvaticum reflect the best changes in rust epidemics in that area. In the future, nutrient-rich sites containing M. sylvaticum may serve as a source of rust epidemics. It is unlikely that C. flaccidum will spread to dry sites via M. pratense.     

Comparative analyses of fungal biota carried by the pine shoot beetle (Tomicus piniperda L.) in northern and southern Finland

The pine shoot beetle, Tomicus piniperda, is a secondary colonizer of pines and other conifers. Although it is necessary to understand interactions of this insect with other organisms, few studies have focused on its fungal associates. This study focused on the effect of geographical distance on the occurrence of fungi carried by the beetle. Adult beetles were collected from Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) in North (Rovaniemi) and South (Hyytiälä) Finland. The mycota was isolated and identified using a combination of morphological and molecular data. The results revealed a great diversity of fungal taxa isolated from T. piniperda, with a total of 3073 isolates representing 20 taxonomic units. The most frequently isolated fungi in the bark beetles from North Finland were Beauveria bassiana, Kuraishia sp., whereas Penicillium velutinum was mostly observed in the insects from South Finland. Ophiostoma canum and Ophiostoma minus were also isolated from the beetles from both North and South Finland. The number of fungi isolates per insect was 2.58 in the North and 3.74 in the South, respectively. Significant differences were found between South and North Finland in fungal taxa isolated from the beetles. The highest richness and diversity of the fungal taxa was observed in the South. However, the overall fungal diversity index analysis revealed that the mycobiota was under-sampled which suggests that a proportion of the fungal species may have remained undetected.     

Pathogens observed on lodgepole pine grown in Finland

Literature on pathogens observed on lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia S. Wats.) grown in Finland is briefly reviewed. Heterobasidion annosum (Fr.) Bref. and Scleroderris lagerbergii Gremmen appear to cause the most serious damage. Lachnellula subtilissima (Cke.) Dennis, Crumenulopsis sororia (Karst.) Groves and Sclerophoma pityophila (Corda) v. Höhn. cause damage less frequently. The majority of over 300 stands have reached an age of 40–60 years and their health is described as satisfactory to good.     

An outbreak of Gremmeniella abietina in central Finland

G. abietina has damaged P. sylvestris forests in central Finland. The denser the stand, the greater the number of recoverable trees. Artificially regenrated stands were more infected than naturally regenerated ones. Forest fertilization decresed the proportion of recoverable trees.     

Fruiting pattern of Tricholoma matsutake in Southern Finland

Commercial harvesting of matsutake in Finland has driven the need to understand how fruiting is affected by climate and habitat. A productive site in Finland was studied in this respect. Productivity, duration, and early onset of fruiting were examined in relation to mean air temperature, soil temperature, accumulated degree-days, and precipitation. We monitored the fruiting of matsutake and other macrofungi during 2008–2013. As a pilot study, our results showed the timing and yield of the annual fruiting of Tricholoma matsutake varies in Southern Finland and can occur from the middle of July to middle of September; although we did not find a clear and simple correlation between fruiting and rainfall, an average amount of precipitation (i.e. 90–110% of the long-term average precipitation) prior to the first fruiting was associated with high yield; we did not identify any threshold soil temperature associated with the onset of fruiting, however, we found that soil temperature might provide a means to monitor the end of the matsutake fruiting period, and late onset or higher soil temperatures prior to the first fruiting were associated with shorter fruiting periods. These results can be further utilized for developing a model to predict the yield of T. matsutake in Nordic regions.     

The maturation of Pinus sylvestris seeds in relation to temperature climate in Northern Finland

The probability of achieving an anatomically mature seed crop of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in Northern Finland has been studied on the basis of earlier data and meteorological observations. The meteorological data over the period of 1951–1980 was used to calculate the probability of having a mature seed crop in various parts of Northern Finland. The climatic variables used were: (a) June‐August mean temperature (b) June—September mean temperature, and (c) annual temperature sum (+5°C base temperature). A non‐linear relationship between the percentage of mature seeds in a seed crop and the annual temperature sum was detected, indicating that 50% mature seed crop was achieved at appr. 890 degree days. The results suggest that the probability of having 50% mature seed crop is approximately 0.02–0.03 near the polar timber line. The probability of the occurrence of such years is, however, considerably higher in lowlands and lake districts even near the timber line.     

Pathogenicity studies with Bursaphelenchus mucronatus in Scots pine in Finland

The objective of the study was to determine the role of Finnish Bursaphelenchus mucronatus as a possible pathogen in Scots pine, Pinus sylvestris, under Finnish ambient weather conditions. Small seedlings and young field grown trees were used as inoculation targets. The results suggested the nematode being of minor importance as a tree pathogen in Finland.     

Retention of wind-felled trees and the risk of consequential tree mortality by the European spruce bark beetle Ips typographus in Finland

Abstract

Autumn storms felled about 7 million m³ of forest in southern Finland in 2001. Windthrow area and timber characteristics, as well as numbers of standing spruce trees attacked and killed by Ips typographus, were recorded in 61 Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.]-dominated windthrow areas. Generalized linear models were used to identify significant variables predicting the risk for consequential tree mortality by I. typographus. None of the windthrow areas with fewer than 20 wind-felled spruce trees (WFS) (n=28) and only half of the areas with 20 or more WFS (n=33) harboured trees killed by I. typographus during the years 2003–2005. The quantity and diameter of WFS and the basal area of recently dead standing spruce trees correlated positively with the risk of tree deaths. This study indicates that in Finland, at endemic I. typographus population levels, it is safe to leave fewer than 20 WFS in managed forests. Retention of even larger quantities of trees does not seem to evoke significant numbers of consequential tree deaths by I. typographus in managed forests. However, in stands where the natural mortality of spruce trees is high, the risks of consequential tree deaths after wind disturbance will also be higher.     

Incidence of Gremmeniella abietina in planted seedlings of Picea abies and Pinus sylvestris in northern Finland

The ascomycete Gremmeniella abietina causes a disease (scleroderris canker) on conifers. The pathogen kills terminal shoots and branches of Pinus sylvestris and Picea abies, sporulates on host shoots and causes leader changes (i.e. dieback). Damage caused by G. abietina was investigated in young P. abies and P. sylvestris plantations in northern Finland. Side branches from seedlings of both species and the main stems of P. sylvestris were collected from three sites in two locations (Poksa 1 and 2, Kivalo) in northern Finland. The number of cankers and leader changes was counted in branches of each age (i.e. year) in a total of ca. 6300 shoots of P. abies and 1200 shoots of P. sylvestris. Cankers were common on both P. abies and P. sylvestris in Poksa 1 (2002–2008) and on P. abies in Poksa 2 (1998–2001). In Kivalo, cankers occurred only sporadically on P. sylvestris. Leader changes were most frequent in 1999–2009 in Poksa 1, in 2001–2009 in Poksa 2 and in 2003 in Kivalo. Cankers and other symptoms of infection were more obscure on P. abies than on P. sylvestris. According to both conidial morphology and molecular analysis, the strain of G. abietina infecting both P. abies and P. sylvestris was small‐tree type (STT). This is the first report of G. abietina, STT or B type, injuring P. abies in plantations.     

The effects of nitrogen fertilization on the ultrastructure of mesophyll cells of conifer needles in northern Finland

Cytological injuries in needles of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] were studied at light and electron microscope level in northern Finland. Needle samples were taken from fertilized (mainly with nitrogen) and nonfertilized trees during winter 1980. The results are discussed in relation to the severe climate and growth response of the trees.     

Susceptibility and lesion development in Scots pine saplings infected with Peridermium pini in northern Finland

Susceptibility of Pinus sylvestris provenances from northern Finland to Peridermium pini and lesion development caused by the rust were investigated by inoculating 768 saplings. Resin‐top disease symptoms on the stem including stem swelling, occurrence of spermatial fluid and rust aecia, were recorded over a period of 9 years. The disease incidence was low (3.6%), varying within the range of 0–9.4% among pine provenances and 3.4–3.9% among spore sources in 1994–2002. Aecia were produced for the first time 2–4 years after inoculation, appearing mainly in early June, 2–9 years after inoculation. The aecia ruptured in late July to early August, and the overall sporulation lasted for 1–8 years among the pine provenances. Spermatial fluid was observed regularly in the year prior to aecia development 2–7 years after inoculation. Annual fresh swelling was observed for 1–6 years after inoculation. No statistically significant differences occurred neither between the pine provenances, the spore sources nor the years with regard to all the major disease variables. The results suggest that Scots pine provenances from northern Finland are highly resistant to P. pini regardless of the pine provenance or spore source.     

Annual growth rhythm of Larix sibirica and Larix gmelinii provenances in a field trial in southern Finland

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse how the growth onset and shoot elongation of seedlings differ in field conditions in Finland for 20 Russian larch provenances and five comparison entries, and if they could be explained by the geographic and climatic conditions of the provenance origins. In this work, the Dahurian larch (Larix gmelinii Rupr.) provenances had the earliest growth onset and the northern Siberian larches (Larix sibirica Ledeb.) slightly earlier bud burst. The temperature sum and latitude of the provenances explained the differences in shoot elongation. The time needed for shoot elongation and the temperature sum needed to obtain 50% of total shoot elongation were quite equal in the years 2008 and 2009 (larger difference with the 90% level). The growth cessation was affected by photoperiod regardless of provenance. However, it was affected in the southern provenances also by declining temperatures in autumn. The final height was in 2009 largest in southern Dahurian larches. Despite our findings, the use of seed sources of domesticated Raivola origin is the safest choice for regeneration in Finland. We should still study more in detail the performance of other provenances and their adaptation capacity and suitability to Finnish forestry.     

Spore deposition of Heterobasidion annosum coll. in Picea abies stands of North Karelia,eastern Finland

Spore deposition of Heterobasidion annosum coll.was measured with the wood disc method in 20 Norway spruce stands in June, July and September 1999 in North Karelia, eastern Finland. The study area crossed the presently known northern boundary of the distribution area of H. annosum (62°45′N). The spore deposition rate decreased northwards and in the northernmost parts of the study area, deposition was detected only in September. On average 71% of the spore deposition consisted of intersterility group P and 29% of intersterility group S. The proportion of S‐type in the deposition increased northwards. Most of the isolated colonies were homokaryons, but the proportion of heterokaryons increased with increasing deposition rate.     

Long-term variation in Scots pine seed crop size and quality in northern Finland

Abstract

Quantitatively and qualitatively good Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) seed years are rare in northern areas because of the short growing seasons. The seed crop size was studied in four natural pine forests in northern Finland during 1960–2004. Data on seed crop quality were collected during 1986–2004 and quality was determined by X-ray radiography. The long-term average annual seed crop of pine was 77 seeds m^?2, varying from 5 to 225 seeds m^?2. The expected average annual germination percentage of the seed crop was 61%, varying from 7 to 81%. General linear models were used to analyse the size and quality of the seed crop. Independent variables explained 52% of the variation in annual seed crop quality, and no proper model was found for determining the size of the seed crop; the coefficient of determination was only 5%. A combination of more than 100 seeds m^?2 and an expected germination percentage of over 50% was observed once during the years 1986–2004. In most years, natural regeneration in northern Finland is difficult and often limited by the seed crop's quality as well as quantity. These results confirm the importance of seed tree cutting in abundant seed crop years to enable the natural regeneration of pine.     

Chrysomyxa ledi,a new rust fungus sporulating in cone scales of Picea abies in Finland

Abstract

Seasonal fruiting and sporulation of cone rusts were investigated in Norway spruce cones during the growing season of 2007, a year after an excellent cone crop and a severe outbreak of rust. Current-year and 1-year-old cones were collected bimonthly to monthly from case-stands in southern and northern Finland and checked for rust fruitbodies. A previously unreported species of rust formed spermogonia and aecia, and sporulated on the cone scales of Norway spruce in two study areas. Morphologically, the rust was distinct from other spruce cone rusts and, based on ultrastructure of aecia and aeciospores, most closely resembled Chrysomyxa ledi. Molecular analysis of the aeciospores confirmed that the rust belonged to the C. ledi/C. rhododendri complex. The rust fruited frequently but only colonized a few scales per cone and presumably had a minor effect on cone development and seed crop.     

Growth and yield models for uneven-sized forest stands in Finland

Uneven-sized forestry is gradually gaining popularity and acceptability also in the Nordic countries. This is because of the willingness of the public and some forest owners to avoid clear-fellings and pursue more near-nature forest structures. It has also been realized that the profitability of uneven-sized forestry may be competitive with even-aged forestry. In Finland, management of uneven-sized stands is hampered by the lack of information about the dynamics of such stands, and about the yield and profitability of uneven-sized forestry. This study developed models which allow managers to simulate the growth and yield of uneven-sized stands in Finland, making it possible to predict the yield and analyze the sustainability of different management options. The model set consists of individual-tree diameter increment, height and survival models, and a model for ingrowth. The modeling data consisted of two long-term field experiments of uneven-sized forest management, a set of temporary sample plots measured earlier for growth modeling purposes, and the sample plots of the third National Forest Inventory of Finland. The application area of the models covers all growing sites, all main tree species, and the whole surface area of Finland. According to the models, the sustainable harvest of a fertile (Oxalis-Myrtillus site) uneven-sized Norway spruce forest varies between 5.5 and 7 m³ ha⁻¹ a⁻¹ in Central Finland, depending on the length of the cutting cycle, stand density, and shape of the diameter distribution. It is profitable to harvest large diameter classes more heavily than small ones. Due to the large amount of data the models for diameter increment are highly significant and reliably show the growth level of trees in uneven-sized stands. The weakest models are the ingrowth models, which are based on a clearly smaller data set than the other models.     

Effects of varying thinning regimes on carbon uptake,total stem wood growth,and timber production in Norway spruce (<Emphasis Type="BoldItalic">Picea abies)</Emphasis> stands in southern Finland under the changing climate

• Introduction  

Based on previous studies, it is assumed that the growth of Norway spruce (Picea abies) in southern Finland (61°N) may decrease under the changing climate due to the increasing soil water deficit, without management.