Performance of three-layer composites with densified surface layers of Nothofagus pumilio and N. antarctica from Southern Patagonian forests

Nothofagus pumilio and N. antarctica forests of Southern Patagonia, Argentina are currently being managed for production of saw logs with fast growing conditions. The result of these management strategies is faster growing forests, but also an increase in the percentage of low-density wood. The motivation for this study was to find a way to valorise this low-density wood. Surface and bulk densification treatments were applied these wood species and were then applied as face layers in three-layer composites. The mechanical properties of three-layer composites were studied. The modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, and modulus of hardness were improved compared to many types of structural composite lumber. This increase in mechanical properties of N. pumilio and N. antarctica wood opens the possibility for its use in structural composites and added value to these otherwise underutilised and undervalued species.     

Temperature response of leaf photosynthetic capacity in seedlings from seven temperate tree species

Seedlings of seven temperate tree species (Acer pseudoplatanus L., Betula pendula Roth, Fagus sylvatica L., Fraxinus excelsior L., Juglans regia L., Quercus petraea Matt. Liebl. and Quercus robur L.) were grown in a nursery under neutral filters transmitting 45% of incident global irradiance. During the second or third year of growth, leaf photosynthetic capacity (i.e., maximal carboxylation rate, Vcmax, maximal photosynthetic electron transport rate, Jmax, and dark respiration, Rd) was estimated for five leaves from each species at five or six leaf temperatures (10, 18, 25, 32, 36 and 40 degrees C). Values of Vcmax and Jmax were obtained by fitting the equations of the Farquhar model on response curves of net CO2 assimilation (A) to sub-stomatal CO2 mole fraction (ci), at high irradiance. Primary parameters describing the kinetic properties of Rubisco (specificity factor, affinity for CO2 and for O2, and their temperature responses) were taken from published data obtained with spinach and tobacco, and were used for all species. The temperature responses of Vcmax and Jmax, which were fitted to a thermodynamic model, differed. Mean values of Vcmax and Jmax at a reference temperature of 25 degrees C were 77.3 and 139 micromol m(-2) s(-1), respectively. The activation energy was higher for Vcmax than for Jmax (mean values of 73.1 versus 57.9 kJ mol(-1)) resulting in a decrease in Jmax/Vcmax ratio with increasing temperature. The mean optimal temperature was higher for Vcmax than for Jmax (38.9 versus 35.9 degrees C). In addition, differences in these temperature responses were observed among species. Temperature optima ranged between 35.9 and above 45 degrees C for Vcmax and between 31.7 and 43.3 degrees C for Jmax, but because of data scatter and the limited range of temperatures tested (10 to 40 degrees C), there were few statistically significant differences among species. The optimal temperature for Jmax was highest in Q. robur, Q. petraea and J. regia, and lowest in A. pseudoplatanus and F. excelsior. Measurements of chlorophyll a fluorescence revealed that the critical temperature at which basal fluorescence begins to increase was close to 47 degrees C, with no difference among species. These results should improve the parameterization of photosynthesis models, and be of particular interest when adapted to heterogeneous forests comprising mixtures of species with diverse ecological requirements.     

Low temperature responses of Nothofagus dombeyi and Nothofagus nitida, two evergreen species from south central Chile

Nothofagus dombeyi (Mirb.) Blume and Nothofagus nitida (Phil.) Krasser are closely related evergreen trees native to south central Chile. Nothofagus dombeyi is a pioneer in habitats subject to high daytime irradiances and nighttime freezing temperatures and has a wider altitudinal and latitudinal distribution than N. nitida, which is restricted to more oceanic climates. We postulated that N. dombeyi has a greater cold-acclimation capacity, expressed as a greater capacity to maintain a functional photosynthetic apparatus at low temperatures, than N. nitida. Because cold-acclimation may be related to the accumulation of cryoprotective substances, we investigated relationships between ice nucleation temperature (IN), freezing temperature (FT), and the temperature causing injury to 50% of the leaf tissues (LT(50)) on the one hand, and concentrations of total soluble carbohydrates (TSC), starch and proline on the other hand. Observations were made throughout a seasonal cycle in adults and seedlings in the field and in seedlings in the laboratory under cold-acclimation inductive and non-inductive conditions. In adults, LT(50) values were lower in N. dombeyi than in N. nitida, suggesting that N. dombeyi is the more frost tolerant species. Adults of both species tolerated freezing in autumn and winter but not in spring and summer. In the fall and winter, seedlings of N. dombeyi had a much lower LT(50) than those of N. nitida. Nothofagus nitida seedlings, in autumn and winter, exhibited freezing avoidance mechanisms. Although elevated TSC and proline concentrations may contribute to freezing tolerance in adults of both species, an increase in proline concentration is unlikely to be the dominant frost tolerance response in adults because proline concentrations were higher in N. nitida than in N. dombeyi. In seedlings, however, there were large differences in proline accumulation between species that may account for the difference between them in freezing tolerance. Starch concentration in both species decreased during winter. Chlorophyll fluorescence indicated that maximal photochemical efficiency (F(v)/F(m)) remained at optimal values (~0.8) throughout the year. The effective photochemical efficiency of PSII (PhiPSII) and relative electron transport rates (ETR(r)) decreased in winter in both species. In seedlings, fluorescence parameters were more affected in winter in N. nitida than in N. dombeyi. We concluded that adults and seedlings of N. dombeyi are hardier than adults and seedlings of N. nitida, which is consistent with its wider latitudinal and altitudinal distribution.     

Enrichment planting of native species for biodiversity conservation in a logged tree plantation in Vietnam

Decades of deforestation and over logging have created large expanses of degraded lands in many countries including Vietnam. Reforestation may offer one means of mitigating these processes of degradation while sustaining biodiversity conservation. However a lack of information regarding trees, in particular threatened tree species has been identified as an important limitation in being able to reforest for biodiversity conservation. In the current study, conducted in the Tan Phu “protection forest”, the investigation surrounds the feasibility of biodiversity restoration in a fast-growing plantation after logging. Twelve threatened and native species mainly belonging to the Dipterocarpaceae and Fabaceae families have been considered. Seedlings grown in a local nursery have been planted under the canopy of a 50 ha pioneer forest, with a distance of 5 m between plants and between rows. The experimental design consists of blocks, each one with a replication of a 16-tree plot for each species. Four years after plantation, the survival rate of seedlings is high (>70 %), except for Dipterocarpus costatus (<10 %). Growth shows possible inhibitions under a closed canopy but the mean annual increment is generally satisfactory. The early performance of the seedlings is promising to make this plantation a good example of biodiversity restoration. These results could enhance the reforestation efforts of forest managers and encourage them to use native tree species including threatened ones in order to restore a high level of biodiversity in tropical degraded forests.     

Evaluation of native tree species for the rehabilitation of deforested areas in a Mexican cloud forest

Four native tree species (Liquidambar styraciflua, Juglans pyriformis, Podocarpus matudae, and Carpinus caroliniana) were evaluated for their suitability in rehabilitating degraded areas of Mexican cloud forest. Plant survival and growth in height and diameter were determined in three mixed-experimental plantations with different land use histories; their performance was compared with two on-farm plantations started by landowners for forest restoration. Nearby forest fragments were controls for soil compaction. An experimental plantation with remnant trees had the highest plant survival (82%), height, basal diameter and relative growth rate. The plantation with the steepest slope had high plant survival (63%) and growth. The plantation characterized by dominance of grasses and compacted soils had the lowest survival (22%) and growth. On-farm plantations had good establishment of planted trees (5–10 species planted), and facilitated the recruitment of 9–11 woody species. Carpinus and Liquidambar appear to be suitable species for reforestation in all these areas. Podocarpus grew relatively slowly, although it performed well in two experimental sites. Juglans had high survival (76%) under the stressful conditions of the most adverse site, and therefore may be useful for rehabilitation of degraded sites. Differences among species and sites strongly suggest that species success depends on plantation site quality.     

Drought tolerance of Acacia karroo, a native tree species to South Africa, in Beijing

Acacia karroo is an indigenous, strong drought-tolerant and widely planted tree in South Africa. In order to match the plant with its adaptation to forest sites in China, it is important to know the drought-tolerance of this species under Chinese forest site conditions. Our study was carried out in cinnamon soils in Beijing and with Platycladus orientalis, the most drought-tolerant tree in Beijing, as control. Physiological parameters of young plants of the trees were measured and divided into three groups in response to soil drying. The first group included root activity, ABA content in roots and peroxidase (POD) activity in leaves. Their values changed similarly to those of P. orientalis and dramatically increased to maximum values when the soil water content (SWC) decreased from its normal level of 20% to 7.6% where the three indices decreased dramatically when SWC was reduced further from 7.6%. The second group of parameters included the contents of proline, soluble protein and malondialdehyde (MDA). Their values showed greater variation than those of P. orientalis and significantly increased when SWC decreased from 20% in response to soil drying. However, the proline and soluble protein contents fluctuated in A. karroo at a lower level than those in P. orientalis. In contrast, the content of MDA in A. karroo was much higher than that in P. orientalis which almost did not increase in the drying soil. The third group of parameters consisted of soluble sugar, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). These parameters showed greater diversity and fluctuations among the three varieties of A. karroo compared with the control in response to soil drying. These results suggest that A. karroo is characterized as a strong, drought tolerant species in most of physiological parameters but weaker than P. orientalis in membrane lipid antioxidation.     

Foliar herbivory and leaf traits of five native tree species in a young plantation of Central Panama

This study examined foliar herbivory on 1 year-old tree saplings planted in previously abandoned fields in central Panama. Plots (15 × 15 trees) of Anacardium excelsum (Anacardiaceae), Dalbergia retusa (Fabaceae), Pachira quinata (Malvaceae), Tabebuia rosea (Bignoniaceae), and Terminalia amazonia (Combretaceae) were tested for herbivory using leaf counts and digital image analysis. Values of foliar carbon, foliar nitrogen, specific leaf area (SLA), and leaf toughness were analyzed to describe mechanical defenses and leaf nutrients on young and mature leaves of each of these species. For all five species, less than 10% of total leaf area was found to be damaged by arthropods. Significant (P-value < 0.001) differences in herbivory were found among both the tree species and the insect feeding guilds considered: chewing, skeletonizing, mining, and leaf-rolling. On mature leaves, Anacardium excelsum had the highest amount of leaf damage (3.53%) while Dalbergia retusa exhibited the lowest herbivore damage (1.72%). Tabebuia rosea had statistically significantly higher damage than other species for young leaves caused by leaf-rolling insects (4.21% rolling of 5.55% total damage). Leaf toughness was negatively correlated with SLA and foliar N. Linear regressions showed that herbivory was positively correlated with foliar N for young leaves and negatively correlated with foliar N for mature leaves. No statistically significant relationships were found between herbivory and the mechanical properties of toughness and SLA. Overall, results from this study indicate that, as young saplings, the species evaluated did not suffer high amounts of foliar herbivory in the plantation environment.     

Light- and nutrient-related relationships in mixed plantations of Eucalyptus and a high diversity of native tree species

New Forests - Mixed plantations composed of Eucalyptus intercropped with a high diversity of native tree species are a promising option for combining biodiversity recovery with wood production...     

Quantitative estimates of tree species selectivity by moose (Alces alces) in a forest landscape

Abstract

An extensive literature is available on browsing preference for certain tree species. However, useful predictive tools for estimating the impact of deer on forests production and biodiversity can still be improved. A step in that direction is not only to rank preference among tree species but also to quantify the relative risk of being browsed. The foraging selectivity of moose was evaluated using three different statistical methods developed to study habitat utilization. The general pattern for the three methods was consistent. From the results, groups of forage species were clustered and a quantitative index of selectivity was calculated for the groups. The selectivity index showed that rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), willow (Salix ssp.) and aspen (Populus tremula) had a 14 times higher probability of being browsed than a group consisting of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and downy birch (Betula pubescens), while juniper (Juniperus communis) and silver birch (Betula pendula) had a 3.5 times higher probability than Scots pine and downy birch. Since the most preferred species were the least abundant, one should be cautious about the generality of the index between areas, as it may indicate that preference depends on plant species composition. The method used can easily be applied in forest management. Information on quantitative selectivity indices may improve the possibility of managing moose in accordance with acceptable browsing damage.     

Effect of shading and fertilisation on the development of container-grown Nothofagus glauca seedlings,a threatened species from central Chile

Nothofagus glauca is an endemic tree of the Mediterranean zone of Chile and is a threatened species. Currently, available information for the propagation and nursery cultivation of this species is conspicuously lacking. This study examined the effect of four levels of shade (18%, 35%, 65% and 80% with Raschel® plastic net) and four rates of slow-release fertiliser (2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 g l^?1 of Basacote® Plus 9M) on container-grown seedlings after one growing season. Growth was significantly affected by shade and fertilisation. Seedlings grown under 18% or 35% shade were larger in diameter and had more roots than those grown under 80% shade and fertilisation with 2.5–5 g l^?1 of media were smaller than those fertilised with 7.5–10 g l^?1.     

Photosynthesis, carbohydrate storage and survival of a native and an introduced tree species in relation to light and defoliation

Fraxinus uhdei (Wenz.) Lingelsh (tropical ash), a species introduced to Hawaii from Mexico, invades forests of the endemic tree Acacia koa A.Gray (koa). We examined physiological and morphological characteristics of koa and tropical ash to explore possible mechanisms that may facilitate invasion of koa forests by tropical ash. Seedlings of both species were grown in a greenhouse in three light treatments: 100% photosynthetic photon flux (PPF); 18% PPF; and 2% PPF inside the greenhouse. Light compensation point, maximum CO2 assimilation rate and dark respiration rate of seedlings differed significantly among light treatments, but were similar between species. A defoliation experiment indicated that tropical ash was better able to survive defoliation than koa, especially under high-light conditions. Tropical ash seedlings allocated more carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) to storage per unit PPF than koa seedlings. Total nonstructural carbohydrates were positively correlated with plant survival in both species. The patterns of C and N allocation associated with tropical ash seedlings favor their survival in high light, under intense herbivory and on sites where N availability is seasonal or highly variable. Variation in carbohydrate storage between koa and tropical ash greatly exceeded variation in photosynthetic performance at the leaf level.     

Allometric equations based on a fractal branching model for estimating aboveground biomass of four native tree species in the Philippines

Fractal branching models can provide a non-destructive and generic tool for estimating tree shoot and root length and biomass, but field validation is rarely described in the literature. We compared estimates of above ground tree biomass for four indigenous tree used on farm in the Philippines based on the WanFBA model tree architecture with data from destructive sampling. Allometric equations for the four species varied in the constant (biomass at virtual stem diameter 1) and power of the scaling rule (b in Y = aD ^b ), deviating from the value of 8/3 that is claimed to be universal. Allometric equations for aboveground biomass were 0.035 D ^2.87 for Shorea contorta, 0.133 D ^2.36 for Vitex parviflora, 0.063 D ^2.54 for Pterocarpus indicus and 0.065 D ^2.28 for Artocarpus heterophyllus, respectively. Allometric equations for branch biomass had a higher b factor than those for total biomass (except in Artocarpus); allometric equations for the leave + twig fraction a lower b. The performance of the WanFBA model was significantly improved by introduction of a tapering factor “τ“ for decrease of branch diameter within a single link. All statistical tests performed on measured biomass versus biomass predicted from the WanFBA results confirm the viability of the WanFBA model as a non-destructive tool for predicting above-ground biomass equations for total biomass, branch biomass and the leaf + twig fraction.     

Water consumption of a single tree from the main afforestation tree species in Western Shanxi Province, a loess area

Water is the key factor in vegetation growth in a loess area. Researchers have been keen on the study of tree transpiration for a long time. To provide a scientific basis and practical instruction for vegetation reconstruction and recovery in a loess area, the paper measured and calculated the water consumption of potted Platycladus orientalis, Robinia pseudoacacia, Armeniaca vulgaris and Pyrus hopeiensis separately during the growing season (from Apr. to Nov.). The four were the main afforestation species in a loess area of western Shanxi based on the principle of water balance. Using data on soil water dynamics and the range of available moisture on potted mature trees, the relationship between water supply and consumption and soil moisture availability and deficit state were analyzed. Several conclusions are listed as follows: 1) In the dry year (2002), during the growing season the precipitation was 430.7 mm and the water consumption of potted trees was from 430 to 490 mm. More water consumption and less available water supply occurred, showing a serious water deficiency. In the rainfall-rich year (2003), during the growing season the precipitation was 870.2 mm and the water consumption of potted trees was from 480 to 515 mm. Due to the uneven distribution of rainfall, the water budget balance was slightly affected in May and November. 2) The curves of soil water content of different species had similar annual changes, although the trends were different in the same month, and those of the same tree species in different test plots also had different trends in the same month. 3) Non-available soil water content of Platycladus orientalis, Robinia pseudoacacia, Armeniaca vulgaris and Pyrus hopeiensis was less than 8.0%, 8.4%, 9.2% and 9.7% respectively, which indicated that Pyrus orentalis used water more efficiently than the others. In the dry year (2002), for several months, soil water content of potted trees was lower than its threshold value for non-available soil water content, which could influence the healthy growth of trees. After supplements of precipitation of winter in the year and spring in the next year, soil water content was higher than the lower limit of soil readily available moisture content, which implied that a balance between inter-annual water supply and consumption could be maintained. __________ Translated from Scientia Silvae Sinicae, 2006, 42(9): 18–23 [译自: 林业科学]     

大力提倡发展乡土树种——东北地区城市绿化乡土树种推荐

在全球气候总体变暖的大背景下,我国北方地区冬春季气候异常波动现象频繁发生,常常导致园林树木生长异常,主要表现为边缘树种树木春季发芽推迟、枯黄及死亡。由于东北地区的乡土树种在本地区经历了长期的演化过程,与边缘树种相比,对气候的异常变化适应性较强。东北地区城市绿化应大力推广应用椴树、蒙古栎、色木槭、朝鲜槐等乡土树种。       

The potential of 44 native and non-native tree species for woodland creation on a range of contrasting sites in lowland Britain

A series of species trials were set up to investigate the establishmentand early growth (up to 14 years old) of 44 native and non-nativetree species on a variety of different site types in lowlandBritain. On good quality lowland afforestation sites, Platanusx hispanica (London plane) established and grew more successfullythan the native trees tested, and may be an example of a speciesthat could theoretically be established in anticipation of futureclimate change. Experiments on a variety of community woodlandsites indicated that a range of exotic species, such as X Cupressocyparisleylandii (Leyland cypress), may have the potential for establishinga woodland cover on poorly restored land where few other treeswould grow. However, on less challenging, better restored sites,a wide range of native species also grew successfully. Furtherlong-term and larger scale trials on a wider variety of sitesare required to confirm the potential of the species testedfor British conditions. The results from these experiments alsoshowed that relative growth rates of different species can varythrough time, highlighting the danger in making premature judgementsabout species suitability based solely on very early tree growth.     

Effects of leaf age and tree size on stomatal and mesophyll limitations to photosynthesis in mountain beech (Nothofagus solandrii var. cliffortiodes)

Mesophyll conductance, g(m), was estimated from measurements of stomatal conductance to carbon dioxide transfer, g(s), photosynthesis, A, and chlorophyll fluorescence for Year 0 (current-year) and Year 1 (1-year-old) fully sunlit leaves from short (2 m tall, 10-year-old) and tall (15 m tall, 120-year-old) Nothofagus solandrii var. cliffortiodes trees growing in adjacent stands. Rates of photosynthesis at saturating irradiance and ambient CO(2) partial pressure, A(satQ), were 25% lower and maximum rates of carboxylation, V(cmax), were 44% lower in Year 1 leaves compared with Year 0 leaves across both tree sizes. Although g(s) and g(m) were not significantly different between Year 0 and Year 1 leaves and g(s) was not significantly different between tree heights, g(m) was significantly (19%) lower for leaves on tall trees compared with leaves on short trees. Overall, V(cmax) was 60% higher when expressed on the basis of CO(2) partial pressure at the chloroplasts, C(c), compared with V(cmax) on the basis of intercellular CO(2) partial pressure, C(i), but this varied with leaf age and tree size. To interpret the relative stomatal and mesophyll limitations to photosynthesis, we used a model of carbon isotopic composition for whole leaves incorporating g(m) effects to generate a surface of 'operating values' of A over the growing season for all leaf classes. Our analysis showed that A was slightly higher for leaves on short compared with tall trees, but lower g(m) apparently reduced actual A substantially compared with A(satQ). Our findings showed that lower rates of photosynthesis in Year 1 leaves compared with Year 0 leaves were attributable more to increased biochemical limitation to photosynthesis in Year 1 leaves than differences in g(m). However, lower A in leaves on tall trees compared with those on short trees could be attributed in part to lower g(m) and higher stomatal, L(s), and mesophyll, L(m), limitations to photosynthesis, consistent with steeper hydraulic gradients in tall trees.     

Water stress responses of two Mediterranean tree species influenced by native soil microorganisms and inoculation with a plant growth promoting rhizobacterium

Soil microorganisms, such as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), play crucial roles in plant growth, but their influence on plant water relations remains poorly explored. We studied the effects of native soil microorganisms and inoculation with the PGPR strain Aur6 of Pseudomonas fluorescens on water stress responses of seedlings of the drought-avoiding Pinus halepensis Mill. and the drought-tolerant Quercus coccifera L. Plant growth, nutrient concentrations and physiology (maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (PSII; F(v)/F(m)), electron transport rate (ETR), stomatal conductance (g(s)) and predawn shoot water potential (Psi(PD))) were measured in well-watered plants, and in plants under moderate or severe water stress. Inoculation with PGPR and native soil microorganisms improved tree growth, and their interactions had either additive or synergistic effects. Both F(v)/F(m) and ETR were significantly affected by PGPR and native soil microorganisms. Marked differences in g(s) and Psi(PD) were found between species, confirming that they differ in mechanisms of response to water stress. A complex tree species x treatment interactive response to drought was observed. In P. halepensis, F(v)/F(m) and ETR were enhanced by PGPR and native soil microorganisms under well-watered conditions, but the effects of PGPR on Psi(PD) and g(s) were negative during a period of water stress. In Q. coccifera, F(v)/F(m) and ETR were unaffected or even reduced by inoculation under well-watered conditions, whereas Psi(PD) and g(s) were increased by PGPR during a period of water stress. Our results indicate that microbial associates of roots can significantly influence the response of tree seedlings to drought, but the magnitude and sign of this effect seems to depend on the water-use strategy of the species.