Key attributes to the disturbance response of montane cloud forest trees: shade tolerance,dispersal mode and the capacity to form a seed bank

? Context

Understanding the biological mechanisms related to plant response to disturbance is essential for predicting the changes in the structure of plant communities resulting from disturbance.

? Aims

The aims of this study are to identify the regeneration traits linked to the response to disturbance of tree species of a montane cloud forest in order to define regeneration types and to explore whether disturbance intensity acts to select specific regeneration types that can colonize disturbed plots.

? Methods

A theoretical model was developed and evaluated using structural equation modeling to link two latent variables: regeneration type and vulnerability to disturbance. We studied two plots that were subjected to different intensities of disturbance and one plot of mature forest.

? Results

Shade tolerance, dispersal mode, and the capacity to form a seed bank were the traits that determine regeneration type. There was a trend for re-sprouting capacity to be associated with the regeneration types dominant in disturbed plots. Regeneration types were differentially distributed among the sites.

? Conclusion

There was evidence that disturbance intensity has a filtering effect on the colonization of disturbed plots. Species vulnerability to disturbance depends on specific combinations of regeneration traits. Structural equation modeling is useful for exploring plant response to disturbance using key parameters linked to plant persistence.     

Notes on beech (Fagus crenata Blume) seed and seedling mortality due to rodent herbivory in a northernmost beech forest, Utasai, Hokkaido

We investigated the mortality of post-dispersal seeds and current-year seedlings of a beech species (Fagus crenata Blume) at the northernmost extent of its geographical range at Utasai (Kuromatsunai), Hokkaido, Japan. Introduced seeds that were protected from rodent predation by wire cages had a higher survival rate from winter to the following spring (mean ± SD: 84 ± 16.7%,n = 10) than controls without cages (mean ± SD: 12 ± 17.9%,n = 10). Unprotected transplanted current-year seedlings with almost fully opened primary leaves never survived more than three days (0%,n = 30), while more than 80% (n = 30) of seedlings within cages survived to the end of the growing season. These results indicate that rodent herbivory is a major mortality factor that strongly prevents the establishment of beech seedlings. In a natural population, we observed that 90% of seedlings (n = 197) disappeared within 10 days after their emergence and rodent herbivory caused this heavy mortality. A herbivorous rodent, the gray-backed vole,Clethrionomys rufocanus bedfordiae, was remarkably abundant in late June (101.5 voles/ha), suggesting that this species strongly affects the formation of the seedling bank. The presence ofC. rufocanus bedfordiae may be one of the reasons for the scarcity of beech seedlings and saplings and the rarity of recruitment in this northernmost beech forest.     

Growth, shoot phenology and physiology of diverse seed sources of black spruce: I. Seedling responses to varied atmospheric CO(2) concentrations and photoperiods

We conducted a greenhouse experiment to determine: (1) if diverse provenances of black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) respond similarly in growth, phenology and physiology to an approximately 300 ppm increase in atmospheric CO(2) concentration, and (2) the influence of photoperiod on both provenance and provenance x CO(2) interaction effects. Seedlings from provenances that originated from the Yukon (63 degrees 34' N, 135 degrees 55' W), British Columbia (58 degrees 47' N, 123 degrees 38' W), Alberta (52 degrees 22' N, 115 degrees 15' W), Newfoundland (50 degrees 54' N, 56 degrees 06' W) and Ontario (48 degrees 59' N, 80 degrees 38' W and 45 degrees 10' N, 77 degrees 10' W) were subjected to growth analysis in greenhouse growth chambers supplied with 712 +/- 93 (SD) ppm CO(2) (elevated) or 394 +/- 59 ppm CO(2) (ambient). Seedlings from Provenances 7000 and 6901 were also subjected to an extended photoperiod treatment and periodically measured for shoot and root gas exchange. In response to a natural photoperiod, southern provenances grew more, broke and set bud later, and partitioned more biomass to shoot versus root than northern provenances. These differences among provenances were influenced by the extended photoperiod treatment but not by the elevated CO(2) treatment. Averaged across all provenances, elevated CO(2) increased seedling final weights by 55%; however, the elevated CO(2) treatment had no effect on the provenance differences in any measured trait. We conclude that the large differences in physiology, phenology and growth among these diverse provenances of black spruce were expressed similarly in both ambient and elevated atmospheric CO(2) concentrations.     

Development, feeding and reproduction responses of Adalia fasciatopunctata revelierei(Mulsant) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) to Hyalopterus pruni(Geoffroy) (Homoptera: Aphididae)

This study was carried out to determine the development, survival and reproduction responses of Adalia fasciatopunctata revelierei (Mulsant) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) feeding on Hyalopterus pruni (Geoffroy) (Homoptera: Aphididae), using 20, 40, 80, 160 and 250 prey densities. All experiments were conducted at 25±1°C, 60±5% relative humidity, 16:8 light:dark under laboratory conditions. The average daily prey consumption of A. fasciatopunctata revelierei immatures and adults increased with increasing prey densities. Predation was not different for the larval stages at 80, 160 and 250 prey densities. The longevities of adult females were 35.67, 35.33, 49.00, 58.33 and 57.16 days when 20, 40, 80, 160 and 250 H. pruni were provided, respectively. The mean daily and total fecundity of A. fasciatopunctata revelierei increased with increasing prey densities. Females of A. fasciatopunctata revelierei feeding on H. pruni laid 89 eggs at 20 prey density and 301.67 eggs at 160 prey density. The search rate of females was higher than that of all larval instars; and the search rate of the fourth-instar larvae was higher than that of younger instars. Handling time decreased with development from larval stages to adult.     

Ethylenediurea(EDU) effects on Japanese larch: an one growing season experiment with simulated regenerating communities and a four growing season application to individual saplings

J apanese larch(La rix kaempferi(Lamb.) Carr.)and its hybrid are economically important coniferous trees widely grown in the Northern Hemisphere.Ground-level ozone(O_3) concentrations have increased since the preindustrial era,and research projects showed that Japanese larch is susceptible to elevated O_3 exposures.Therefore,methodologies are needed to(1) protect Japanese larch against O_3 damage and(2) conduct biomonitoring of O_3 in Japanese larch forests and,thus,monitor O_3 risks to Japanese larch.For the first time,this study evaluates whether the synthetic chemical ethylenediurea(EDU) can protect Japanese larch against O_3 damage,in two independent experiments.In the first experiment,seedling communities,simulating natural regeneration,were treated with EDU(0,100,200,and 400 mg L~(-1)) and exposed to either ambient or elevated O_3 in a growing season.In the second experiment,individually-grown saplings were treated with EDU(0,200 and 400 mg L~(-1)) and exposed to ambient O_3 in two growing seasons and to elevated O_3 in the succeeding two growing seasons.The two experiments revealed that EDU concentrations of 200-400 mg L~(-1) could protect Japanese larch seedling communities and individual saplings against O_3-induced inhibition of growth and productivity.However,EDU concentrations ≤200 mg L~(-1) did offer only partial protection when seedling communities were coping with higher level of O_3-induced stress,and only 400 mg EDU L~(-1) fully protected communities under higher stress.Therefore,we conclude that among the concentrations tested the concentration offering maximum protection to Japanese larch plants under high competition and O_3-induced stress is that of 400 mg EDU L~(-1).The results of this study can provide a valuable resource of information for applied forestry in an O_3-polluted world.     

Influence of provenance,silvicultural regime and tree shape on the quality of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) timber

The aim of this study was to establish the sources of variation in maritime pine wood properties related to appearance and strength, because of the importance of this wood in the sawing industry in Galicia (NW Spain). Ten trees from each of ten plots of the species (i.e., 100 trees) growing in Galicia were felled and sawn to produce the structural planks required for studying the presence of external strength-reducing characteristics. The planks were sampled from the basal logs to 16 m height in the stems, yielding cross sections of target dimensions 100 × 40 mm to 200 × 200 mm. We propose a model in which individual tree height and dominant height are used to predict the knottiness of planks from trees in mature stands. The abundance of externally visible knots on faces and edges of sawn planks is therefore more dependent on the stand location than on the prior silvicultural treatment of the stand.     

The impact of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), seedbed, light and seed fall on natural beech (Fagus sylvatica) regeneration

The aim of the present study was to quantify the effects of roe deer browsing relative to the effects of soil preparation, shelterwood density (light) and seed fall. Ultimately, the goal was better silvicultural guidelines to support the use of natural beech regeneration in the close-to-nature forestry context. In spring 1995, an experiment on natural regeneration with three experimental stands (0.28–0.6 ha) was installed in a beech (Fagus sylvatica) dominated broadleaved forest inhabited by a dense roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) population (24 deer km⁻²). The autumn of 1995 offered a large beech mast (stand average 307–1168 beechnuts m⁻²).Treatments installed included fencing to exclude deer, soil preparation, shelterwood thinning, and the relevant control treatments. Roe deer and soil preparation had dramatic effects on regeneration from the moment the seedlings sprouted in the spring 1996. The regeneration sprouted only sparsely in the unprepared seedbed producing only 5 seedlings m⁻² (average across fence treatments) after 2 months, which was reduced to 1 sapling m⁻² 8 years later. Deer had no significant effect on the regeneration density of the unprepared seedbed. In contrast, the cultivated seedbeds produced initially (after 2 months) up to 191 seedlings m⁻² protected by fence, whereas the densities in the unfenced treatments peaked by 22 seedlings m⁻². By the end of the study, these densities were reduced to 22 saplings m⁻² in the permanently fenced mineral soil seedbed and to 2 saplings m⁻² in the unfenced mineral soil seedbed. Regeneration height outside the permanent fence was generally only half the height of the regeneration inside. Additionally, we found significantly positive effects of increasing light and seed fall on regeneration density and of light on regeneration growth.We conclude that the roe deer only reduced the regeneration density of the dense regenerations established in the cultivated seedbeds. However, the regeneration density of the unprepared seedbed was not sufficient to support a future high quality stand. We found no treatment that within the timeframe of this study could support successful regeneration establishment outside the permanent fences. Whether this will change in the future with more time given for the regeneration to establish is yet to be revealed.     

Performance of samama (Anthocephalus macrophyllus) LVL based on veneer thickness,juvenile proportion and lay-up

ABSTRACT

A study to determine the quality of laminated veneer lumber (LVL) from samama wood (Anthocephalus macrophyllus) was carried out. Samama is a fast-growing endemic wood in eastern Indonesia. Factorial of three factors in RAL design was used to investigate the influence of veneer thickness, juvenile proportion and veneer lay-up to the quality of the resulted samama LVL. The veneer thicknesses were 1.5 and 3.0?mm. Juvenile proportions were arranged in five levels, which were 100% of juvenile veneer, 100% of mature veneer and combination of both juvenile and mature with juvenile proportion of 14%, 43% and 71%. Two veneer lay-up used in this study were loose side met loose side and tight side met loose side. The result of the study showed various specific gravity of LVL by different proportions of juvenile. This factor also affected the other physical traits. Shear strength of the LVL was equal to the solid wood, yet MOE and MOR were affected by juvenile proportion and veneer lay-up. LVL developed from 100% of mature veneer exhibited the highest MOE and MOR, yet no significant difference was noted in MOE and MOR between LVL 100% of juvenile and other tested juvenile proportions.     

Effect of temperature on development, mortality, fecundity, and reproduction of Aphis rumicisL. (Homoptera: Aphididae) on broadleaf dock (Rumex obtusifolius) and Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris vulgaris var. cida)

Temperature effects on developmental period, survival rate, and reproductive capacity of Aphis rumicis L. were studied on Broadleaf dock and Swiss chard at four constant temperatures (17.5°C, 20°C, 22.5°C, and 25°C). The developmental time of immature stages ranged from 10.9 days at 17.5°C to 6.5 days at 25°C on Broadleaf dock, and 11.8 days at 17.5°C to 6.5 days at 25°C on Swiss chard. The total percentage of survivorship of immature stages varied from 54.2% and 67.6% 17.5°C–25°C on Broadleaf dock, and 49.7% and 62.4% at 17.5°C–25°C on Swiss chard. The largest r _m value occurred with 0.2845 at 25°C on Broadleaf dock and with 0.2785 at 25°C on Swiss chard. The results obtained on this study indicated that Swiss chard was a less favorable host of the A. rumicis than Broadleaf dock. The optimal temperature for A. rumicis growth, developmental time, and reproduction was 22.5°C–25°C.     

Evaluation and classification of residential greenbelt quality based on factor analysis ＆ clustering analysis： An example of Xinxiang City, China

Five factors expressing greenbelt quality and one factor expressing quantity were adopted for evaluation of the residential greenbelt,and the AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process) method was used to determine the value of factors.Thirty residential areas were selected as the samples.Two principal components were extracted and their expression was constructed by method of factor anlysis,therefore,quality evaluation of residential greenbelt was obtained.The accuracy of the function and implement quality classification toward the residential greenbelts in Xinxiang City were validated by clustering analysis method.The results showed that the greenbelt quality of fourteen residential areas was higher than the average level,of which eleven were newly-built residential areas.The 30 residential areas were classified into three types according to their greenbelt features and their formation by clustering analysis method.Finally rational proposal basing on aforesaid evaluating results was proposed for construction and renewal of residential greenbelt,upon which directive basis was provided for construction and renewal of residential greenbelt.     

Pathogenicity of Metarhizium anisopliae (Deuteromycotina: Hyphomycetes) Isolates to the Ailanthus Webworm,Atteva fabriciella (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae) Under Laboratory and Field Conditions

The virulence of 25 Metarhizium anisopliae isolates was tested under laboratory conditions and the two most effective isolates were evaluated in the field for control of the Ailanthus defoliator, Atteva fabriciella. A bioassay was carried out to determine the dose and time mortality responses. The LC₅₀ of the isolates ranged from 3.16 to 647.81?×?10⁵ conidia mL^?1. Toxicity tests of the isolates MIS7 and MIS13 and 0.5% Pongamia pinnata seed oil, individually and in different combinations, indicated improved efficacy of the isolates when used in combination and also when combined with seed oil. Evaluation of these formulations in the field showed 66.36% reduction of infestation with MIS7 + MIS13 + 0.5% P. pinnata seed oil and 61.15% reduction with MIS7 + MIS13. The study indicated a possibility of employing combined formulations of M. anisopliae and also combination with P. pinnata seed oil for augmenting the effectiveness of the fungus.     

Effects of basic density,annual growth and drying schedule on selected quality factors of dried Siberian larch (Larix sibirica) timber

Abstract

Siberian larch (Larix sibirica Ledeb.) timber is suitable for many uses in the mechanical wood industry. Drying it without any decrease in value, however, is difficult and slow. The purpose of this research was to compare the drying quality of Siberian larch timber dried with three different conventional schedules taking into account the density and annual growth of wood. Five drying tests were performed. The final moisture content (MC), MC gradient, cracks, deformations (bow, crook, twist and cup) and case hardening were measured from the dried timber. The basic density particularly affected the MC, as shown in the differences regarding dried wood, with the denser wood having higher final MC and MC gradient. It was also found that large annual growth increased some deformations. Most of the measured factors were best after drying at the highest temperatures used; however, a slightly different trend was observed for bow, twist and cup. MC factors and twisting were the most problematic properties in drying according to this study. Sorting Siberian larch timber, particularly according to density, would improve the MC properties of dried timber by ensuring sufficient drying time, as economically as possible, for each timber piece.     

Growth,water relations,and survival of drought-exposed seedlings from six maternal families of honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa): responses to CO(2) enrichment

Low water availability is a leading contributor to mortality of woody seedlings on grasslands, including those of the invasive shrub Prosopis. Increasing atmospheric CO(2) concentration could favor some genotypes of this species over others if there exists intraspecific variation in the responsiveness of survivorship to CO(2). To investigate such variation, we studied effects of CO(2) enrichment on seedling survival in response to uniform rates of soil water depletion in six maternal families of honey mesquite (P. glandulosa Torr. var. glandulosa). Three families each from the arid and mesic extremes of the species' distribution in the southwestern United States were studied in environmentally controlled glasshouses. Relative water content at turgor loss and osmotic potential were not affected by CO(2) treatment. Increased atmospheric CO(2) concentration, however, increased growth, leaf production and area, and midday xylem pressure potential, and apparently reduced transpiration per unit leaf area of seedlings as soil dried. Consequently, CO(2) enrichment about doubled the fraction of seedlings that survived soil water depletion. Maternal families of honey mesquite differed in percentage survival of drought and in several other characteristics, but differences were of similar or of smaller magnitude compared with differences between CO(2) treatments. There was no evidence for genetic variation in the responsiveness of survivorship to CO(2). By increasing seedling survival of drought, increasing atmospheric CO(2) concentration could increase the abundance of honey mesquite where establishment is limited by water availability. Genetic types with superior ability to survive drought today, however, apparently will maintain that advantage in the future.     

不同含量引诱剂对落叶松八齿小蠹及其天敌红胸郭公虫的引诱(英文)

在内蒙古阿尔山的田间诱捕试验中,落叶松八齿小蠹引诱剂1共诱集到16头落叶松八齿小蠹和1319头天敌红胸郭公虫,而落叶松八齿小蠹引诱剂2诱集到24104头落叶松八齿小蠹和776头红胸郭公虫。室内的触角电位试验结果表明:落叶松八齿小蠹对引诱剂2的触角反应(雌虫2.139mV±0.678mV,雄虫2.169mV±0.473mV)大于引诱剂1(雌虫0.440mV±0.232mV,雄虫0.297mV±0.142mV),对引诱剂1的反应值和对照差不多;而红胸郭公虫对引诱剂1的触角反应(雌虫4.618mV±1.106mV,雄虫4.534mV±1.087mV)明显大于引诱剂2(雌虫2.209mV±0.680mV,雄虫1.953mV±0.601mV),对引诱剂2也有一定的反应值。触角电位试验与田间诱捕试验结果相符合。GC-MS分析结果表明:引诱剂1的主要成分为3.06%的cis-geraniol,1.98%的Ipsenol,80.36%的(S)-cis-verbenol和1.03%的1-verbenone;结合卖方公司提供的数据,引诱剂1的主要成分为4.78%的2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol,63.71%的Ipsenol(纯度为96.9%),1.46%的Cedrene和22.42%的Isocaryophillene。结合以上数据分析得出:不同成分引诱剂对落叶松八齿小蠹及天敌红胸郭公虫引诱能力显著不同,Ipsenol对诱集落叶松八齿小蠹起重要作用,而(S)-cis-verbenol则对诱集天敌红胸郭公虫起重要作用。     

Importation, colonization and establishment of Coccophagus cowperi Gir. (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) on Saissetia coffeae (Walk.)(Homoptera: Coccidae) in Egypt

The hemispherical soft scale, Saissetia coffeae (Walker) (Homoptera: Coccidae), is one of the most important pests attacking olive trees in Egypt. During the period 2001–2003, a total of about 300,000 individuals of the parasitoid Coccophagus cowperi Girault (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), obtained from India, was released at 35 sites for the biological control of S.coffeae on olive trees in Egypt. The maximum parasitism rates reached 53 and 62%, while average parasitism rates were 17.2 and 30.8% in the Marsy Mattrouh and El-Arish locations, respectively. These results indicate establishment of this parasitoid on this important economic plant in Egypt.     

Spatial distribution pattern of attack of the oak borer,Platypus quercivorus (Murayama) (Coleoptera: Platypodidae), and scolytid ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) on fresh logs

The spatial distribution patterns of the attack on fresh logs ofPasania edulis was studied for the oak borer,Platypus quercivorus (Murayama), and two species of Scolytid ambrosia beetles,Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Motschulsky) andXyleborus attenuatus Blanford, in 1994 and 1995. On the logs where onlyP. quercivorus attacked, the entry holes were distributed uniformly when attack intensity was low. However, the distribution pattern became more aggregated with the increase in attack intensity. On logs where bothP. quercivorus and the two Scolytid species attacked, there was a negative association between the spatial distribution of the entry holes ofP. quercivorus and that of scolytids. Simultaneous attack of two scolytids also increased the degree of aggregation of the entry holes ofP. quercivorus. The entry holes of scolytids were distributed in groups irrespective of the attack intensity of scolytids andP. quercivorus. These results suggest an asymmetrical interspecific relationship betweenP. quercivorus and scolytids. Concentration of the entry holes ofP. quercivorus in a small area may cause a considerable decline in the reproductive success in the galleries constructed there.     

2001-2002年度湘粤桂、湘粤赣(闽)边界护林联防工作报告(摘要)

20 0 1- 2 0 0 2年度 ,湘粤桂、湘粤赣 (闽 )边界护林联防工作由我省值班。两年来 ,我们遵照《边界护林联防章程》和 2 0 0 0年湖南长沙联防会议精神 ,积极加强与各省 (区 )的联系 ,及时了解和掌握各联防区开展护林联防工作情况。去年和今年 ,我们先后多次发出通知 ,部署边界护林联防工作 ,组织边界护林联防检查和开展评选边界护林联防先进单位和先进个人等工作。今年 7月下旬至 8月初 ,我们又会同湖南、广西和江西省 (区 )防火办的同志 ,组织 2个工作组分赴连南、连山、贺州、芝山、东安、全州、陆川、高州、龙川、信丰、井冈山、崇义、炎…     

Marking and retention of harlequin bug,Murgantia histrionica (Hahn) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), on pheromone-baited and unbaited plants

Harlequin bug (Murgantia histrionica) is an important pest of cole crops in the USA. The adults and nymphs feed on aboveground plant tissues by sucking cell contents and can seriously damage the host. Current insect control measures on cole crops target mainly lepidopteran pests, and the insecticides generally used do not control harlequin bug, so alternative management practices need to be explored. Previous research has established the existence of a male-produced pheromone attractive to both sexes and nymphs of M. histrionica. In this work, two systems of marking bugs were tested to verify if the mark affected fitness traits such as survival and host location. In a second phase, marked individuals were placed on trap host plants baited with synthetic pheromone lures to test whether migration rates were related to M. histrionica density on the trap plants and the presence of the attractants. Neither marking system affected the survival or orientation of the subjects compared to unmarked individuals. The pheromone lures significantly increased the attractiveness of the trap plants, but did not increase the retention time of the plants compared to unbaited plants. Emigration from the trap plants showed a constant rate and seemed unrelated to bug density on the plants. However, a mean peak density of ca. 36 bugs/plant was calculated. Beyond this number, density tended to decrease. These successful marking methods and retention time models support development of M. histrionica management with trap crops, by providing tentative control thresholds and decision rules.     

Impact of eastern dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium pusillum) infection on the needles of red spruce (Picea rubens) and white spruce (Picea glauca): oxygen exchange, morphology and composition

Eastern dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium pusillum Peck) is a hemiparasitic angiosperm that infects white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) and red spruce (P. rubens Sarg.) in northeastern North America. The effects of mistletoe infection differ substantially between white and red spruce, with white spruce suffering greater infection-induced mortality. In the present study, we sought to determine the role that species-specific differences in needle-scale responses to parasitism may play in the observed differences in the effect of infection on host tree health. Based on the measurements made, the most apparent effect of parasitism was a reduction in needle size distal to infections. The magnitude of this reduction was greater in white spruce than in red spruce. Eastern dwarf mistletoe was a sink for host photosynthate in red spruce and white spruce; however, there were no adjustments in needle photosynthetic capacities in either host to accommodate the added sink demands of the parasite. Needle total nonstructural carbohydrate concentrations (TNC) were also unaltered by infection. Red spruce needles had higher TNC concentrations despite having lower overall photosynthetic capacities, suggesting that red spruce may be more sink limited and therefore better able to satisfy the added sink demands of parasitic infection. However, if carbon availability limits the growth of the mistletoe, one may expect that the extent of the parasitic infection would be greater in red spruce. Yet in the field, the extent of infection is generally greater in white spruce. Taken together, these results suggest that dwarf mistletoe may not substantially perturb the carbon balance of either host spruce species and that species-specific differences in needle-scale responses to the parasite cannot explain the contrasting effects of infection on white spruce and red spruce.