Is light the key factor for success of tube shelters in forest restoration plantings under Mediterranean climates?

Tube shelters were designed to protect against browsing, but they improve seedling survival in Mediterranean dry climates. Mechanisms for this response, however, are not fully understood and this knowledge can be useful to help design optimal tube shelters for Mediterranean species and climates. Our objective in this study was to determine if the positive effect of tube shelters is due to enhanced growth during the wet season or to reduced light stress during the dry season. We performed two independent experiments. In the first, we assessed root growth during the wet season in two Mediterranean species with contrasting light tolerance (Quercus ilex L. and Pinus halepensis Mill.) growing in tubes with varying light transmissivity. In the second experiment, we studied the response of a Quercus ilex plantation to different shelter treatments. Root growth during the wet season was reduced with decreasing light transmissivity in the shade intolerant P. halepensis, but not in the shade tolerant Quercus ilex. Survival of Q. ilex shaded by a mesh shelter only during summer was higher than in unsheltered seedlings and similar to the survival in tube and mesh shelters during the whole season. This suggests that shade during the dry period was the main factor explaining survival in this species. This effect could be related to the lower leaf temperature recorded in sheltered seedlings. We conclude that Q. ilex (and perhaps other late successional, shade tolerant Mediterranean species) should be planted in tubes with the currently used light transmissivity because these shelters reduce light stress in summer without impairing root growth in the wet season. However, current tubes impair root growth in P. halepensis (and likely other pioneer, shade intolerant Mediterranean species), so higher transmissivity tubes may be necessary. Optimal transmissivity for tube shelter in Mediterranean climates is species-specific and identifiable as the point that minimizes light stress during summer without impairing root growth in the wet season.     

雷州半岛尾巨桉人工林林下穿透雨特征研究

为深入了解桉树生态水文过程,正确认识桉树水文功能,本文通过野外实测法,对不同林龄尾巨桉林下穿透雨进行连续观测,并结合林外降雨量分析尾巨桉人工林林下穿透雨特征及其与降雨的关系.结果发现:尾巨桉各林龄林下穿透雨量与降雨量呈极显著正相关线性模型(P＜0.01);林下穿透雨率与降雨强度呈极显著正相关(P＜0.01),截留率与降雨强度呈极显著负相关(P＜0.01),变异系数随降雨强度的增大先增大后减小,且两者均与降雨量无显著相关性;干湿季林下穿透雨率差异显著,湿季显著大于干季(P＜0.05),最大穿透雨率及最小穿透雨率分别是干季的1.17倍和3.2倍.     

Assessment of early survival and growth of planted Scots pine(Pinus sylvestris) seedlings under extreme continental climate conditions of northern Mongolia

Environmental factors play vital roles in successful plantation and cultivation of tree seedlings.This study focuses on problems associated with reforestation under extreme continental climatic conditions.The objectives were to assess relative seedling performance(survival and growth)with respect to plantation age,and to analyze the influence of specific climatic factors during the early stages of Scots pine(Pinus sylvestris L.)plantations.The study was carried out in reforested areas of the Tujyin Nars region of northern Mongolia on six Scots pine plantations ranging from 5 to 10 years.In each of the six plantations,five 900 m^2 permanent sample plots were established and survival rates and growth performance measured annually over 7 years.Results show high variation in survival among the plantations(p<0.001,F=29.7).Seedling survival in the first year corresponded directly to the number of dry days in May.However,survival rate appeared to stabilize after the second year.The insignificant variation of height categories throughout the observation period indicated low competition among individuals.Two linear mixed-effect models show that height and radial growth were best explained by relative air humidity,which we consider to be a reliable indicator of site-specific water availability.Insufficient amounts and uneven distribution of rainfall pose a major threat during the first year of plantation establishment.Humidity and water availability are decisive factors for a successful seedling plantation.This highlights the impact of drought on forest plantations in northern Mongolia and the importance of developing climate resilient reforestation strategies.     

Why do large,nitrogen rich seedlings better resist stressful transplanting conditions? A physiological analysis in two functionally contrasting Mediterranean forest species

We analysed the physiological bases that explain why large and high nitrogen (N) concentration seedlings frequently have improved survival and growth relative to small seedlings in Mediterranean woodland plantations. Large seedlings of Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.) and holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) with high N concentration (L+), and small seedlings with either high (S+) or low (S−) N concentration, were planted on two sites of different weed competition intensity that created contrasting stress conditions. Seedling survival, growth, gas exchange, N remobilization (N_R) and uptake (N_U), and water potential were assessed through the first growing season. Weeds reduced survival and growth, but seedling response to weed competition varied among phenotypes and between species. At the end of the first growing season, L+ Aleppo pine seedlings had higher survival than both small seedling types in presence of weeds but no differences were observed in absence of weeds. Mortality differences among phenotypes occurred in spring but not in summer. L+ Aleppo pines grew more than small Aleppo pines independently of weed competition. No holm oak seedling type survived in presence of weeds and no mortality differences among phenotypes where observed in absence of weeds, although L+ holm oak seedlings grew more than small seedlings. Mortality and growth differences in Aleppo pine were linked to marked physiological differences among phenotypes while physiological differences were small among holm oak phenotypes. L+ Aleppo pines had greater root growth, gas exchange, N_R, and N_U than small seedlings, irrespective of their N concentration. Seedling size in Aleppo pine had a greater role in the performance of transplanted seedlings than N concentration. The functional differences among oak phenotypes were small whereas they were large in pine seedlings, which led to smaller differences in transplanting performance in holm oak than in pine. This suggests that the nursery seedling quality improvement for planting in dry sites could depend on the species-specific phenotypic plasticity and functional strategy. Improved transplanting performance in large Aleppo pine seedlings relative to small seedlings was linked to greater gas exchange, root growth and N cycling.     

Shade shelters increase survival and photosynthetic performance of oak transplants at abandoned fields in semi-arid climates

Forest restorations conducted in semiarid, seasonally dry climates must deal with the intense drought stress that affects tree seedlings during the dry season. Although this water deficit is the most commonly invoked source of mortality for seedlings, several other environmental factors may also preclude survival of transplants. For instance, it has been widely reported that excessive light reduces the efficiency of the photosynthetic apparatus, hence decreasing plant survival, but most seedling transplants in deforested areas are conducted under these light conditions. This study is focused in determining whether excessive light affects the photosynthetic performance and survival of Quercus coccolobifolia, a Mexican oak species, when their seedlings are transplanted in semiarid deforested areas. Further, this study tests the possibility of using artificial shade shelters to improve the ecophysiological performance and survival of seedlings. Oak seedlings were transplanted under full sunlight conditions and beneath artificial shade shelters of two different colors: white and black. To reduce water stress, and hence isolate the effects of light treatments, a drip irrigation system was implemented at each experimental plot. Seedling survival was monitored weekly for 128 days and photosynthetic performance was assessed by measuring chlorophyll fluorescence at three opportunities during the experiment. Sun-exposed seedlings showed lower photosynthetic performance and survival rates than those beneath shelters of both colors. These results suggest that sunlight damage can reduce seedling survival when they are transplanted in exposed sites, and that shade shelters can improve the success of forest restoration programs in semiarid climates.     

The influence of hydrogel soil amendment on the survival and growth of newly transplanted Pinus patula seedlings

Hydrogel amendments have been used to improve seedling survival and establishment particularly in dry environments. However, their effect on survival and growth of newly transplanted seedlings under varying water stress conditions is poorly known. In this regard, we examined the effects of Aqua Matrix Forestry~?, a potassium-based water-absorbent polymer, on the survival and early growth of Pinus patula seedlings planted in early-,mid-and late-dry season in the eastern highlands of Zimbabwe. The late-dry season was hotter and received more rainfall than the early-and mid-dry season. Hydrogel increased seedling survival by 34 and 22% in the mid-and late-dry season, respectively. Also, hydrogel-treated seedlings were significantly taller than untreated seedlings(P \ 0.001). The height to root collar diameter ratio of hydrogel-treated seedlings was greater than that of untreated seedlings only in the mid-dry season. In conclusion, increase in survival and early growth of hydrogel-treated seedlings suggests that hydrogels can be used to extend planting beyond the rainy season to include the dry months, a feat previously unattainable due to high seedling mortality. Further, these findings reflect similar findings with other hydrogels, suggesting that improved seedling survival and plant performance may be a general consequence of hydrogel amendments.     

Sitka spruce site index in response to varying soil moisture and nutrients in three different climate regions in Ireland

We examined the relationships between Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr.) site index, windspeed, former land use, soil moisture and soil nutrients with a view to identifying factors limiting the growth potential of the species in three climate regions in Ireland. We selected plantations covering three climate regions (delineated on the basis of ‘growing season’ balance of precipitation and potential evapotranspiration; representing dry, moist and wet climate regions) located on sites representing the range of soil moisture regimes (SMR), soil nutrient regimes (SNR), and land use types found throughout Ireland. Site index of Sitka spruce varied among climate region, with significantly lower site index associated with the wet climate region mainly due to the deterioration in edaphic conditions and adverse climatic conditions. The effect of edaphic variables (SMR, SNR) on site index was consistent across climate regions, site index increasing with increasing SNR, and decreasing with excess moisture or moisture deficit. Site index reached a maximum on fresh/very rich sites in the dry and moist climate regions and on moist/rich sites in the wet climate region. In the dry climate region, water supply (SMR) was the most important variable regulating growth, in wetter windier climates nutrient supply (SNR) was the most important factor, accounting for 69% of the variation in site index. The study has allowed region-specific recommendations to be made for successful plantation establishment in Ireland and for countries with similar climatic regions.     

Tree seedling survival and growth in logged and undisturbed seasonal deciduous forest fragments in central Brazil

We evaluated the survival and growth of Amburana cearensis, Cedrela fissilis, and Sterculia striata seedlings in three seasonally tropical dry forest fragments that were subjected to different logging levels (intact, intermediately and heavily logged). In each fragment, we planted 40 seedlings of each species and monitored these over a period of 1 year. The highest seedling survival rate (64%) occurred in the heavily logged fragment, which, however, also had the highest mortality risk for all species during the dry season. Only S. striata seedlings had different survival rates among the fragments. Height and diameter growth were higher at sites with higher canopy openness in the wet season. The survival and growth rates of seedlings planted in logged fragments indicate that this technique can be applied to restore and enrich logged forests of the Paran? River Basin.     

Nursery fertilization enhances survival and physiological status in Canary Island pine (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus canariensis</Emphasis>) seedlings planted in a semiarid environment

We tested the hypothesis that fertilized containerized Pinus canariensis seedlings increases survival when planted in semiarid sites through the improvement of their physiological status during the establishment phase by an increment in root growth. Seedlings were cultured under two different regimes: traditional (in non-fertilized natural soil) and alternative (in fertilized peat). Morphological attributes and nitrogen content were measured before planting. Measurements of survival and growth in the plantation were made periodically for 2 years and physiological plant responses (leaf water potential, gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence) during the third summer after planting were tested and finally a set of plants were excavated to measure the same parameters as before planting. Seedlings cultivated using fertilized peat achieved the highest values for all of evaluated parameters. During the third dry season, big seedlings exhibited better physiological status. Therefore, enhanced root growth can result in better water uptake during the dry period thereby increasing survival and growth in the next few years after planting. A feed-back physiological model is proposed to explain P. canariensis establishment in a semiarid environment.     

林木苗期营养诊断与施肥研究进展

林木苗期营养诊断与施肥研究对于指导培育壮苗、提高苗木质量和造林成活率至关重要。文中详细介绍了形态分析、植物组织分析、生理生化分析等几种主要的林木营养诊断方法在国内外林木苗期诊断试验中的应用情况, 从施肥方式、施肥量以及元素配比等方面对国内外林木苗期施肥研究进行总结, 并展望未来林木苗期营养诊断与施肥研究的发展方向。     

Growth of widely spaced trees. A case study from young agroforestry plantations in France

Pessimistic forecasts often suggest that widely spaced trees enjoying free growth (no competition with other trees) will fail to provide high quality timber. This challenges the temperate agroforestry practice of planting widely spaced trees to produce high quality timber. We analyse tree growth data from recent temperate agroforestry plantations aged three to eight years, featuring low tree plantation densities (50 to 400 stems ha−1), the association of trees with intercrops (silvoarable systems) or animals (silvopastoral systems), and the use of plastic shelter tubes to protect trees (1.2 to 2.5 m high) and avoid damage by cattle or sheep in pastures or facilitate maintenance in silvoarable systems. The plantations are located in climates ranging from Mediterranean, dry central temperate plains, cold and wet central uplands to mild oceanic areas. Some plantations included a forestry control (high density of plantation, no tree shelter, no intercropping nor grazing). Trees were evaluated for height and diameter growth and stem form (straightness and absence of knots). Trees in most agroforestry plots grew satisfactorily, often faster than in forestry control plots. In some experimental plots, average annual height increments as high as 1 m and diameter increments as high as 1.5 cm were observed. Few agroforestry plantations were unsuccessful, and the reasons for the failures are discussed: animal damage in silvopastoral plots, but also a wrong choice of tree species unsuitable for local soil and climate characteristics. From these early results we can formulate some guidelines for designing future agroforestry plantations in temperate climates, concerning tree density, use of tree shelters and care required for widely spaced trees. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The influence of hydrogel soil amendment on the survival and growth of newly transplanted <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus patula</Emphasis> seedlings

Hydrogel amendments have been used to improve seedling survival and establishment particularly in dry environments. However, their effect on survival and growth of newly transplanted seedlings under varying water stress conditions is poorly known. In this regard, we examined the effects of Aqua Matrix Forestry^®, a potassium-based water-absorbent polymer, on the survival and early growth of Pinus patula seedlings planted in early-, mid- and late-dry season in the eastern highlands of Zimbabwe. The late-dry season was hotter and received more rainfall than the early- and mid-dry season. Hydrogel increased seedling survival by 34 and 22% in the mid- and late-dry season, respectively. Also, hydrogel-treated seedlings were significantly taller than untreated seedlings (P < 0.001). The height to root collar diameter ratio of hydrogel-treated seedlings was greater than that of untreated seedlings only in the mid-dry season. In conclusion, increase in survival and early growth of hydrogel-treated seedlings suggests that hydrogels can be used to extend planting beyond the rainy season to include the dry months, a feat previously unattainable due to high seedling mortality. Further, these findings reflect similar findings with other hydrogels, suggesting that improved seedling survival and plant performance may be a general consequence of hydrogel amendments.     

Nutrient loading of forest tree seedlings to promote stress resistance and field performance: a Mediterranean perspective

The planting environment of Mediterranean areas is highly challenging as summer drought and winter frost jeopardize survival, and soil infertility limits establishment success. We review the potential for seedling nutrient loading to alleviate these post-planting stresses. A growing body of evidence indicates that nitrogen (N) rich seedlings have improved field performance in Mediterranean environments, due to their ability to grow new roots rapidly and out-compete weeds. In addition, frost resistance during hardening is crucial for relatively cold inland nurseries; recent research shows a positive relationship between N and shoot frost resistance though a knowledge gap exists regarding the influence of nutrition on root frost resistance. Some new evidence also implicates phosphorus as an important driver of seedling response in the Mediterranean due to its influence on root growth and physiology. Nutrient status influences other functional attributes critical to survival in Mediterranean areas, such as drought tolerance, root hydraulic conductivity, and mycorrhization. In light of the apparent benefits of high nutrient reserves for seedling performance in Mediterranean areas, we also review techniques for nursery nutrient loading. Exponential fertilization can be applied when species’ growth patterns match this application regime. However, many Mediterranean species exhibit episodic growth indicating that constant or fall fertilization could be more effective in reaching loading. In particular, late-season fertilization has shown good potential to avert nutrient dilution in the fall and increase frost resistance. Several needs for future research are identified, with special emphasis on the necessity to match fertilization regimes to species ecological traits and planting conditions.     

A hybrid model for intensively managed Douglas-fir plantations in the Pacific Northwest,USA

Recent advances in traditional forest growth models have been achieved by linking growth predictions to key ecophysiological processes in a hybrid approach that combines the strengths of both empirical and process-based models. A hybrid model was constructed for intensively managed Douglas-fir plantations in the Pacific Northwest, USA, by embedding components representing fundamental physiological processes and detailed tree allometrics into an empirical growth model for projecting individual tree and stand development. The simulated processes operated at a variety of scales ranging from individual branches to trees and stands. The canopy structure submodel improved predictions of leaf area index at the stand level when compared to allometric and other empirical approaches (reducing mean square error by 30–42%). In addition, the hybrid model achieved accuracy in short-term volume growth prediction comparable to an empirical model. Biases in 4-year stand growth predictions from the hybrid model were similar to those from the empirical model under thinning, fertilization, and the combination of these treatments; however, volume growth predictions in unmanaged plantations averaged approximately 36% less bias. These improvements were attributed to detailed information on crown structure (i.e. size, location, and foliage mass of primary branches), simple representation of key physiological processes, and improved site characterization. Soil moisture, temperature, and nitrogen mineralization predicted by the hybrid model also agreed closely with observed values from several previous studies. Overall, the model framework will be helpful for future analyses as it can lend insight into the influence of weather and site edaphic factors on growth, help identify mechanisms of response to silvicultural treatments, and facilitate the design of sound management regimes for Douglas-fir plantations across the Pacific Northwest region.     

Ectomycorrhizal inoculation with Pisolithus tinctorius increases the performance of Quercus suber L. (cork oak) nursery and field seedlings

Mediterranean ecosystems are characterized by large arid areas where the patchy distribution of trees offers little protection against harsh climate conditions for seedling establishment. Climate change is predicted to result in an increase in these arid regions, with pronounced effects on vegetation. Production of seedlings with developed ectomycorrhizas is a promising strategy for minimizing the initial transplant shock, thereby increasing plant survival and growth during the first, most critical years of a plantation. One important species in the Mediterranean basin is Quercus suber (cork oak), which occurs, together with other evergreen oak species, in an agro-silvo-pastoral system that represents an example of sustainable land use in Europe. In this study, a Pisolithus tinctorius isolate was used for ectomycorrhizal colonization of cork oak nursery seedlings, and the effects on aboveground plant growth and leaf structural and physiological parameters were investigated. Ectomycorrhizal development resulted in a significant increase in leaf area, dry weight, nitrogen content, and photosynthetic pigments, and mycorrhizal plants showed a higher photosynthetic capacity and water use efficiency. Nursery-inoculated plants established in the field showed increased survival and growth during the first year after transplant. These results indicate a potential for further enhancing the use of mycorrhizal inoculation as a cultivation practice in forest nurseries. Considering the difficulty of soil restoration under limiting environmental conditions, nursery inoculation with ectomycorrhizal fungi can be an important advantage for improving the quality of seedling stock and its performance after out-planting in the field, benefiting the regeneration of arid regions and the reintroduction of inocula of ectomycorrhizal fungi into these areas.     

阔叶树容器苗应用技术研究

通过对容器苗与裸根苗相比,容器苗具有成活率高,移栽季节长,移栽后苗期生长快、林分相对均匀、个体差异小等优点,是提高造林质量的重要手段之一.试验表明,一般情况下容器苗移栽可不受季节限制,但应尽可能避开在高温且长期干旱季节进行移栽.最佳移栽季节为常规格造林季节、雨季和9月;造林容器苗不宜过大,要保持根球、枝叶完整,避免受损.     

施P肥和外生菌根菌接种对蓝桉林产量和养分积累的影响

主要研究施P肥和接种外生菌根菌对蓝桉生长、生物量和养分积累的影响。在云南楚雄的试验表明：接种外生菌根菌只能在幼林期促进树木生长，3a后这种促进作用不显著。施P肥能在幼林期促进蓝桉树高和胸径的生长，但4．5a后这种促进作用也变得不显著。由于施P肥提高了蓝桉的保存率，所以也显著地提高了蓝桉林的生物量。低P处理时，树木保存率低，较大的生长空间促进了树木的后期生长，可能会导致施P肥对后期单株蓝桉树高和胸径生长作用不显著。施P肥还增加了树木N、P和K的养分积累量，提高了上述养分的利用效率。施P肥同时还明显增加了林下植被和林下凋落物P的积累量，但不能明显增加N和K的养分积累量。树木叶片和土壤分析结果进一步说明施P肥对蓝桉幼林作用明显。试验表现出接种外生菌根菌只能在低P情况下促进树木生长，不能在高P情况下促进树木生长的基本趋势。     

Seedling survival and growth of Aquilaria malaccensis in different microclimatic conditions of northeast India

We studied seedling survival and growth of Aquilaria malaccensis in three different environmental conditions(homegardens,green house and in different canopy conditions) of northeast India.Results show that mean seasonal survival was highest in green house(95.53%±2.33),followed by homegardens(89.3%±1.89) and different canopy conditions(77.62%±6.73);the highest values were found during February to April for both the homegardens(96%±1.68) and green house(98% ± 0.88) and lowest during November to January(78%±2.99) in homegardens and May to July(90%±4.53) in green house.In case of transplanted seedlings in different canopy conditions,mean seasonal survival was highest during May to July(98%±1.92) and lowest during August to October(66%±12.81).However,mean seasonal growth of collar diameter was highest in different canopy conditions(23.99%±1.76) compared to green house(21.52%±2.70) and homegardens(12.44%±1.33) and it was highest during rainy season(May to July) and lowest during dry winter(November to January) in all the three experimental sites.These variations may be due to the different microclimatic conditions as well as nutrient status of the soil in all the three experimental sites.Although,seedling quality plays a great role in their survival and growth,based on the result of green house experiment,it can be concluded that maintenance of seedlings in green house conditions during their early growth period may improve both the survival and growth for large scale plantation of the species.Thus,the species can be reintroduced in its natural forest range to compensate the loss of natural population of this precious species in northeast India.     

Growth and nutrient dynamics of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Betula alnoides</Emphasis> seedlings under exponential fertilization

Betula alnoides is a fast-growing hardwood species grown in large plantations in Southeast Asia and South China. Nitrogen requirements for producing robust seedlings, growth and nutrient dynamics were investigated using exponential fertilization treatments. Root collar diameter, height, dry mass and nutrient contents of seedlings increased exponentially in all fertilization treatments as time progressed. Moreover, with water soluble fertilizer (Plant Products plus microelements N–P₂O₅–K₂O: 20–20–20), 300 mg N seedling^?1 was adequate. Vector analysis revealed that P was the most responsive nutrient element, followed by N and K. Dilutions of N and K were evident in the plants without N addition, which induced initial P sufficiency and then luxury consumption probably due to the antagonistic interaction between N and P. However, deficiencies of N, P and K were mostly observed in all exponential regimes during the experiment because seedling growth rate exceeded nutrient uptake rate, inferring that further study on improving the nutrient uptake efficiency is needed. Analysis of relationships among nutrient supply, dry mass, N content and N concentration demonstrated that 100–400 mg N seedling^?1 induced sufficiency to luxury consumption of nitrogen without significant change in dry mass, and 400 mg N seedling^?1 is recommended to apply for nutrient loading of seedlings before outplanting. The findings will help improve seedling quality and enhance the production of robust seedlings for plantation forestry of this species.     

Field performance of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus halepensis</Emphasis> planted in Mediterranean arid conditions: relative influence of seedling morphology and mineral nutrition

In Mediterranean arid regions, relatively small planting stock has traditionally been used in an attempt to reduce drought susceptibility, though few studies have examined influences of initial seedling morphology and nutrition on long-term plantation establishment. We fertilized Pinus halepensis Mill. seedlings in the nursery with controlled release fertilizer (CRF) varying in formulations and rates; 9-13-18 and 17-10-10 (N-P-K) formulations at 3, 5 and 7 g l⁻¹ substrate plus an unfertilized control and we evaluated growth and survival 7 years after planting in arid conditions in Almería province, southeast Spain. Interactions between initial height and fertilizer treatments occurred during the first 3 years; initial size advantages of specific fertilizer treatments (7 g l⁻¹ of 9-13-18 and 17-10-10 at 3 g l⁻¹) persisted after 7 years. The largest and most nutrient-rich seedlings from 9-13-18 at 7 g l⁻¹ (41.0 cm tall, 4.4 mg of P per g of root tissue at time of planting) exhibited the highest survival after 7 years (79%), while survival declined to 42% for non-fertilized plants (12.9 cm tall and 0.6 mg of P per g of root tissue). Initial seedling morphological parameters were most consistently correlated with field performance. Root P concentration was the nutrient variable most closely related to survival. Our data emphasizes importance of longer-term experiments to accurately assess influences of nursery treatments on field responses, particularly in arid areas. We suggest that larger seedlings with greater nutrient reserves than are currently being used should be incorporated into Mediterranean plantations.