林龄、叶龄对亚热带杉木人工林碳氮稳定同位素组成的影响

[目的]研究5个不同林龄(3,8,14,21,46年)、不同叶龄(当年生、1年生、2年生、3年生)杉木人工林叶片的碳、氮稳定同位素组成,并根据它们对氮循环等过程的指示作用来探索不同林龄、叶龄杉木人工林氮循环过程及氮饱和程度的差异,从而为不同生长阶段杉木人工林制定施肥措施提供科学依据.[方法]以福建南平峡阳林场5块相互毗邻的不同林龄杉木人工林为研究对象,在每个林龄的林分内分别设置4个20 m ×20 m的试验小区.分别采集不同林龄杉木活叶并根据“主干法”将采集的杉叶分为不同叶龄,然后在每个小区内采集0 ～ 10 cm深度土层的土样,用同位素质谱仪测定它们的碳、氮稳定同位素组成(δ13C,δ15N),用碳氮元素分析仪测定叶片氮含量,叶片15N富集指数由叶片δ15N值减去相应的土壤δ15N得到.[结果]叶片δ15N值的变化范围为-2.52‰～2.81‰,叶片氮含量的变化范围为7.72％～13.5％,二者在不同林龄间均具有极显著差异,并均呈现出幼林和老林较高、处于速生期的林分较低的趋势,且叶片δ15N值与叶片氮含量之间存在显著的相关性,但不同叶龄叶片δ15N值间则不具有显著差异;不同林龄叶片的15N富集指数存在显著差异,呈现出幼林与老林叶片15N富集指数较接近于0的趋势;叶片δ13C的变化范围为-29.93‰～-27.88‰,不同林龄间差异不显著,但同一林龄不同叶龄叶片的δ13C则有显著差异,且有随着叶龄增大而减小的趋势.[结论]不同林龄叶片δ13C差异不显著但呈现幼年较低的趋势,可能是不同树高导致不同林龄杉木水分利用效率间的差异所致,而同一林龄不同叶龄杉木δ13C间的显著差异则可能是光合作用效率不同造成的.不同林龄在叶片δ15N、叶片氮含量、叶片15N富集指数间的显著差异均指示出处于速生期的林分氮饱和程度显著低于幼林和老林,这说明虽然我国亚热带地区氮沉降现象严重,但氮素仍是限制处于速生期杉木人工林生长的因素.     

山茶属植物叶片δ~(13)C和δ~(15)N与养分含量及光合作用的关系

以11个山茶属植物为试材,测定其叶片稳定碳氮同位素比率(δ13C和δ15N)、光合参数(净光合速率、气孔导度、蒸腾速率、胞间CO2浓度、水分利用效率)以及叶片C、N、P和K元素含量等指标,分析叶片δ13C和δ15N与光合参数、养分含量之间的关系。结果表明:11个山茶属植物δ13C值在-26.38‰~-29.44‰之间,其中多齿红山茶显著高于其它10个物种;δ15N在-3.01‰~4.27‰之间,其中以攸县油茶最高,石果红山茶最低;普通油茶净光合速率最高,是其它10个茶属植物种的124%~496%;11个山茶属植物叶片C含量在47.72%~53.07%之间,叶片N、P含量分别以攸县油茶和普通油茶最高,各物种叶片K含量差异不大;叶片δ13C与C和大量元素含量、光合速率均呈负相关关系,其中与N、P含量以及胞间CO2浓度呈极显著负相关,与水分利用效率呈正相关;δ15N与N、P含量显著正相关,与K含量显著负相关,与光合参数呈正相关,与水分利用效率呈负相关。     

核桃叶δ13C、δ15N和碳氮含量对海拔变化的响应

【目的】探明海拔对核桃碳和氮代谢的影响,评估不同海拔范围核桃生长与环境气候因子的关系。【方法】以青藏高原东南部不同海拔(2 500～3 868 m)样地的核桃Juglans regia L.为材料,测定了叶片的稳定碳同位素组成(δ¹³C)、稳定氮同位素组成(δ¹⁵N)和碳氮含量及其比值,进行了各指标间的相关性分析及其与气候因子的逐步回归分析。【结果】核桃叶片δ¹³C值在-27.06‰～-30.03‰之间,平均值为-28.45‰;δ¹⁵N值在2.35‰～7.41‰之间,平均值为5.35‰。随海拔的升高,δ¹³C值呈先升高后降低的趋势,而叶C∶N值呈先降低后增加的趋势,碳含量变化趋势不明显。δ¹⁵N、单位面积氮含量和单位质量氮含量随海拔的升高均呈先升高后降低的趋势,拐点在海拔3 100 m。δ¹⁵N与单位面积氮含量显著正相关(P <0.01),而δ¹³C与碳含量无显著相关性(P> 0.01)。逐步回归分析...     

山鸡椒水分及氮素利用效率性别特异性动态

【目的】以雌雄异株山鸡椒为研究材料,分析雌雄植株在生殖生长过程中水分及氮素利用策略的性别特异性动态变化规律,以期为雌雄异株植物资源分配动态变化机制提供理论依据。【方法】测定雌雄植株在开花后105～165天共5个时期叶片养分含量(碳含量、氮含量、碳氮比)、稳定碳同位素组成(δ¹³C)、稳定氮同位素组成(δ¹⁵N),并分析其动态变化规律。【结果】1)雌雄株叶片δ¹³C平均值分别为-29. 38‰和-28. 08‰。性别和发育时期对雌雄株叶片δ¹³C值影响均显著,5个时期雌株δ¹³C值均显著低于雄株;且随发育进程雌雄植株δ¹³C值均不断下降。2)雌雄株叶片δ¹⁵N平均值分别为1. 90‰和2. 95‰。性别和发育时期对雌雄株叶片δ¹⁵N值均有极显著影响,开花后105～150天(即雌株果实中精油及柠檬醛含量快速积累期)雌株δ¹⁵N值显著低于雄株;随着发育进程,雌雄株叶片δ¹⁵N值均表现出双峰变化趋势,双峰出现在开花后105天和135天,雌株叶片δ¹⁵N在开花后120天达到最低值,雄株叶片在开花后165天时达到最低值。3)雌雄株叶片碳含量平均值分别为49. 44%和49. 28%。开花后105天和120天,雌株叶片C含量高于雄株叶片C含量,开花后135～165天(果实精油快速积累期到稳定期),雌株叶片C含量低于雄株。雄株叶片C含量随发育进程显著升高,而雌株叶片C含量在不同时期无显著差异。4)雌雄株叶片N含量平均值分别为1. 71%和1. 51%。性别对N含量影响显著,雄株叶片N含量均低于雌株(除开花后135天)。5)雌雄株叶片C/N平均值分别为29. 15和33. 72。性别对叶片碳氮比影响显著,雌株C/N值在不同发育时期均小于雄株,但发育时期对其无显著影响;随着发育时期推进,雄株C/N值下降程度高于雌株。6)雌雄植株叶片δ¹³C与N含量以及δ¹³C与δ¹⁵N之间均无显著相关性。【结论】山鸡椒雌雄植株在养分含量、水分及氮素利用策略存在差异,且在开花后105～165天表现出动态变化规律。雌株水分利用效率低于雄株,从果实精油及柠檬醛含量快速积累期到稳定期,雌株水分利用效率不断下降;雌株氮利用低于雄株,且随着植株发育,雌雄株叶片氮素利用效率均表现出双峰变化趋势;雄株叶片氮含量低于雌株,分配更多的氮素至花芽以保证花粉形成;果实精油快速积累期到稳定期,雌株叶片碳含量低于雄株,为果实及种子的形成提供更多的碳元素。     

美洲黑杨及其杂种F1不同生长势无性系叶片δ13C和氮素利用效率

以美洲黑杨不同生长势的杂种F1及其亲本为研究对象,通过测定不同冠层叶片的稳定碳同位素组成和碳、氮含量,分析不同生长势美洲黑杨叶片水分利用效率和氮素利用效率之间的差异及其相互关系.结果表明:不同生长势杂种F1的δ13C值及碳、氮含量均差异显著,超亲杂种F1在每个冠层的叶片δ13C值和碳、氮含量均显著大于低亲杂种Ft;美洲黑杨叶片δ13C值与氮含量呈极显著正相关(R2=0.941);叶片δ13C和碳、氮含量存在空间分布差异,树冠上层显著大于中层,下层最小;超亲杂种F1的水分利用效率(WUE)高于低亲杂种F1,但低亲杂种F1的氮素利用效率(NUE)极显著大于超亲杂种F1,WUE和NUE之间呈现显著负相关(R2=-0.652),说明美洲黑杨叶片的水分利用效率和氮素利用效率存在一定的制约关系.     

不同种源杉木树轮α纤维素δ13C对年气候因子的响应

[目的]通过对不同地理种源杉木α纤维素中的稳定碳同位素(δ^13C)与气候因子的相关性分析,筛选出影响杉木树轮δ^13C的主导气候因子,解释不同种源差异性响应,为种源层面上区域杉木的培育提供理论参考。[方法]以广西柳州的杉木试验林场的30个种源为研究材料,提取并测量α纤维素中δ^13C,利用相关分析和逐步回归分析方法,对杉木树轮δ^13C与当年、前1年、前2年的降水、平均温度、最低气温、最高气温、平均相对湿度、最小相对湿度、日照时数及湿润度指数进行分析。[结果]不同种源杉木(1987-2013)树轮δ^13C值的变幅为-20.997‰^-25.910‰,表现出较强的一阶自相关,相关系数为0.181~0.866。大部分种源杉木树轮的δ^13C与平均温度、最高气温、最低气温呈显著正相关(p<0.05),与日照时数呈不显著正相关,与平均相对湿度、最小相对湿度呈极显著负相关(p<0.01),而与降水及湿润度指数的相关性不统一。逐步回归分析结果发现,30个杉木种源中有26个种源与当年最小相对湿度呈线性关系。[结论]最小相对湿度是影响不同种源杉木树轮α纤维素中δ^13C的主导气候因子,而对降水的依赖性很小。杉木不同种源树轮δ^13C对气候因子的响应存在明显的滞后效应。研究有效的填补了种源层面上树轮稳定碳同位素对气候响应研究的不足,也为杉木培育及经营管理提供了参考。     

增温和氮添加对中亚热带杉木人工林土壤氮矿化和N2O排放的影响

[目的]研究增温和氮沉降对中亚热带森林土壤氮矿化和氧化亚氮(N₂O)排放的影响,以期深入认识全球变化背景下中亚热带森林土壤氮循环过程。[方法]选取经过野外增温和氮添加处理的中亚热带杉木人工林土壤,将野外非增温处理和增温处理的土壤置于不同温度(20、25℃)培养箱中,同时对野外氮添加处理的土壤继续添加不同梯度的氮素(0.1、0.2 g·kg^-1,以干土计),进行为期28 d的室内培养,研究增温和氮添加对土壤氮矿化和N₂O排放的影响。[结果]与对照相比,增温和氮添加及二者交互处理增加了土壤铵态氮、硝态氮和矿质氮含量,且氮添加水平越高增加越明显,增温处理增加不显著。与对照相比,培养28 d后增温处理的土壤净铵化速率、净硝化速率和净氮矿化速率变化不显著,低氮、增温+低氮显著增加土壤净硝化速率,而高氮、增温+高氮显著降低土壤净氮矿化速率。与对照相比,增温和氮添加及二者交互处理总体降低土壤N₂O排放速率,土壤N₂O累积排放量也显著降低(P<0.05),其中,单独增温、低氮、高氮、增温...     

利用氘同位素研究太行山南麓枣树水分利用的季节性变化

通过测定水中氘同位素的比值来研究枣树在不同水分条件下水分利用的季节性变化.试验结果显示:深层土壤δD值比较稳定,表层土壤水因蒸发而产生氢同位素的分馏,氘同位素富集,旱季表层土壤δD值与土壤含水量呈极显著负相关(R2=0.69,P＜0.01).枣树枝条δD值与表层土壤δD值呈极显著的正相关(R2=0.75,P＜0.01),与深层土壤δD值相关性不强,表明来源于表层土壤的水分能显著地影响到枝条δD值变化.雨季的降水不但增加表层土壤水分含量,也促使表层新根的生长.其根长比旱季增加621.46%,尤其是细根(平均直径0.16mm),从而提高根系对表层土壤水分的吸收.枣树枝条中的水分有一半以上来自于深层土壤,表层土壤水分的贡献决定枣树体内的水分平衡和受胁迫的程度.枝条中的δD值与枝条栓塞程度、叶片水势和光合速率显著相关,枝条δD值可以作为水分生理状态的一个指标.利用枝条δD值来量化植物水分欠缺程度,可以为植物水分利用效率研究提供参考.     

欧洲黑杨基因资源稳定碳同位素组成特征

通过测定从欧洲不同地区引进的134个欧洲黑杨无性系叶片的稳定碳同位素比率(δ13C值),研究了欧洲黑杨基因资源δ13C值的特点和水分利用状况.结果表明:(1)引进的欧洲黑杨基因资源叶片δ13C值为-30.40‰～-27.02‰,水分利用效率具有丰富的多样性,优于国内乡土树种,其中来自俄罗斯、土耳其和德国的基因资源δ13C值明显高于其它国家的基因资源,可为抗旱杨树新品种的选育提供优良的亲本材料;(2) 相同基因资源在不同地区栽植时,δ13C值受环境的影响较大.生长在内蒙古地区的欧洲黑杨无性系叶片平均δ13C值为-26.53‰,明显高于在陕西和北京地区测得的-28.39‰和-28.93‰,故在进行不同基因型的δ13C值评价和选择时要在相同条件下进行;(3)生长在不同地区的欧洲黑杨的δ13C值与生长量的相关程度不同,生长在北京地区的欧洲黑杨δ13C值与株高、地径呈极显著正相关(P＝0.01),相关系数分别为0.912和0.829,而生长在陕西和内蒙古地区的欧洲黑杨的δ13C值与生长指标虽然也相关,但达不到显著水平.在研究植物生长与水分利用效率之间的关系时,必须结合植物的生长环境进行分析.     

水分和热胁迫处理对4种针叶树苗木气体交换和水分利用效率的影响

以杉木、马尾松、花旗松和北美乔柏为研究对象 ,研究了水分和热胁迫对生长期间苗木的气体交换、瞬间水分利用效率和稳定碳同位素组成 (δ1 3C值 )等生理生态指标的影响 ,结果如下 :(1 )水分胁迫使杉木、马尾松、花旗松和北美乔柏 4个树种的净光合速率显著下降。但热胁迫只影响杉木和北美乔柏的净光合速率 ,对马尾松的净光合速率影响不大。 (2 )对针叶气孔导度的研究发现 ,水分和热胁迫均对马尾松苗木针叶气孔导度有显著影响 ,但对杉木和北美乔柏苗木针叶的气孔导度只有轻微影响。 (3)水分和热胁迫处理对马尾松苗木的瞬间水分利用效率有显著影响 ,但对杉木和北美乔柏的瞬间水分利用效率无显著影响。 (4 )水分胁迫处理对杉木、马尾松、花旗松和北美乔柏 4个树种的稳定碳同位素组成 (δ1 3C值 )均有显著影响 ,随着水分胁迫程度的加深 ,4个树种苗木针叶的δ1 3C值增大 (负值绝对值变小 ) ,说明其永久水分利用效率更高。 (5 )热胁迫对杉木和北美乔柏苗木针叶的δ1 3C值有显著影响 ,且在热胁迫下 ,两树种苗木针叶的δ1 3C值减小 (负值绝对值增大 ) ,即永久水分利用效率下降。但热胁迫对马尾松和花旗松苗木的δ1 3C值没有显著影响     

Decomposition and nutrient loss from prunings of different contour hedgerow species in tea plantations in the sloping highlands of Sri Lanka

Contour hedgerows of multipurpose tree species in the sloping tea lands of Sri Lanka are expected to reduce soil erosion and also add significant amounts of plant nutrients to the soil via periodic prunings. The objective of this experiment was to characterize the biomass decomposition pattern and quantify the amount of nutrients added through prunings of six tree species (Calliandra calothyrsus, Senna spectabilis, Euphatorium innulifolium, Flemingia congesta, Gliricidia sepium and Tithonia diversifolia) currently being used in hedgerows associated with tea. Withered leaf and stem prunings (50 g) were enclosed in 2-mm litter bags, placed at 5-cm depth and retrieved after one, three, six, nine and 12 weeks. Loss of initial dry weight, N, P and K was measured. Single exponential decay function adequately described both dry weight and nutrient loss. Tree species differed significantly in their rate of breakdown with decomposition constants (k) varying from 0.0299 to 0.2006 week⁻¹ for leaves and from 0.0225 to 0.0633 week⁻¹ for stems. Gliricidia showed the highest k for leaves with the rest in the following descending order: Senna > Tithonia ≥ Euphatorium > Calliandra > Flemingia. A similar pattern was observed for loss of all nutrients with Calliandra and Flemingia always having lower k values than the rest. Although N immobilization was not observed, immobilization of P and K was observed during the first week of incubation in some species, particularly in stem prunings. Annual biomass of prunings differed significantly between tree species in the following descending order: Calliandra > Senna > Flemingia > Tithonia > Gliricidia > Euphatorium. Calliandra added the greatest amount of nutrients annually to the soil with Euphatorium adding the least. Calliandra prunings provided the annual total K requirement and 49% of the N requirement of mature tea. However, none of the species provided more than 5% of the P requirement. It is concluded that among the tree species tested, Calliandra and Flemingia are the most suitable for contour hedgerows in tea plantations of this agroclimatic region because of their higher soil nutrient enrichment capacity and slower decomposition rates which would minimize leaching losses. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Trees and shrubs as sources of fodder in Australia

Experience with browse plants in Australia is briefly reviewed in terms of their forage value to animals, their economic value to the landholder and their ecological contribution to landscape stability. Of the cultivated species only two have achieved any degree of commercial acceptance (Leucaena leucocephala and Chamaecytisus palmensis). Both of these are of sufficiently high forage value to be used as the sole source of feed during seasonal periods of nutritional shortage. Both are also leguminous shrubs that establish readily from seed. It is suggested that a limitation in their present use is the reliance on stands of single species which leaves these grazing systems vulnerable to disease and insects. Grazing systems so far developed for high production and persistence of cultivated species involve short periods of intense grazing followed by long periods of recovery. Similar management may be necessary in the arid and semi-arid rangelands where palatable browse species are in decline.     

Rehabilitation of diseased cacao fields in Peru through shade regulation and timing of biocontrol measures

The objective of this case study was to test the effectiveness of biocontrol for the rehabilitation of abandoned, diseased (moniliasis, witches' broom and black pod) cocoa and to develop testable hypotheses regarding the effect of shade and biocontrol timing. Three trial fields differed in their shade regimes. Biocontrol was administered starting either at flowering or pod filling. Disease incidence and yield were compared with cultural control alone. Biocontrol reduced moniliasis from 49% to 25%, independent of the shading regime and application time. Witches' broom was most severe without shade and unaffected by biocontrol. No significant effects on black pod were observed. Although biocontrol increased percentage healthy fruit independent of shading and timing, only the shaded plot with biocontrol from flowering onwards responded with increased yield. Our hypothesis is: 'In the rehabilitation of abandoned cacao, only fields under sustainable shade management and early onset of biocontrol can realise their production potential.' This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Parasitism of canola aphids in France in autumn

In light of a recent increase in the aphid populations on young canola (Brassica napus) in autumn in Northwestern Europe, we carried out a survey of their parasitoid species during this season. The study was done in France from 1998 to 2001 using different sampling methods. Results highlighted the presence of two main species of Aphidiinae, Aphidius matricariae and Diaeretiella rapae (and to a lesser extent Aphidius ervi) on Myzus persicae, and of D. rapae on Brevicoryne brassicae. Nine other Aphidiinae species were found occasionally as well as some Aphelinidae parasitoids and hyperparasitoids. There was no difference in parasitoid species pattern between fields in Northern and Southern France. The principal parasitoid species found in the fields were reared in the laboratory to confirm their ability to develop on the canola aphids. Aphidius matricariae and D. rapae were reared successfully on M. persicae, but a low parasitism rate was obtained for A. ervi on this aphid. This study showed that A. matricariae and D. rapae could develop on aphids on canola and that they are present naturally in canola in autumn. However, the parasitism rate is low in autumn, so the options could be the use of these parasitoids in augmentative release biological control programs or in an IPM project on canola fields during this time of the year.     

The potential of alley cropping in improvement of cultivation systems in the high rainfall areas of Zambia I. Chitemene and Fundikila

Three trials investigating the potential of alley cropping to improve the traditional systems of cultivation, chitemene and fundikila, in the Northern Province of Zambia are described. Flemingia congesta, Tephrosia vogelii, and Sesbania sesban, were grown in association with finger millet, groundnut, cowpea, and maize in various traditional cropping sequences. The indigenous species Tephrosia vogelii and Sesbania sesban were not able to withstand repeated pruning and the long following dry season, and were replaced with Calliandra calothyrsus, and Cassia spectabilis.Over a four year period, there was no benefit by alley cropping with any of the tree species on crop yields, and yields in alley crop treatments even dropped significantly below the control treatments in the fourth year, casting doubt on the potential of alley cropping for sustainable production. There was also no consistent effect on soil chemical characteristics in any of the trials. It was suggested that this lack of beneficial response to alley cropping was due to low tree biomass production low quality of prunings, and an inappropriate cropping sequence. There was no evidence that alley cropping contributed to enhanced nutrient recycling, despite substantial localised pools of soil nutrients, particularly in the chitemene, with which recycling could potentially occur.     

Impact of tree coppicing on tree-crop competition in parkland and alley farming systems in semiarid Burkina Faso

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of tree coppicing on tree-crop competition in farmed parkland and in alley farming, both in semiarid Burkina Faso.Azadirachta indica A. Juss (neem) was studied in the parklands, while neem,Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. (albizia) andLeucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit (leucaena) were investigated in the alley farming system. The crop was sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) in both cases.Under non-coppiced neem trees in the parkland, the sorghum yield at 0–3 m distance from the tree (under the tree canopy) was 82% of open field yields at 6–9 m distance, but the difference was not significant (p=0.07). Close to trees (0–3 m distance) which had been coppiced before planting, the sorghum yield was 148% of open field yields. In alley farming, early coppicing was superior; sorghum yields were highest close to trees coppiced early and lowest close to trees coppiced late.

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Résumé La présente étude se propose d'évaluer les effets de la taille sur la concurrence entre arbres et cultures dans les parcs arborés et dans les cultures en couloir, en climat semiaride (Burkina Faso). Les espèces étudiées ont été:Azadirachta indica A. Juss (neem) dans les parcs et neem,Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. (albizia) ainsi queLeucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit (leucaena) dans les cultures en couloir. Dans les deux cas la plante cultivée concerné a été le sorgho blanc (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench).Sous les neems non taillés des parcs, le rendement du sorgho cultivé de 0 à 3 m de l'arbre (sous le bouppier de l'arbre) a atteint 82% du rendement obtenu en plein champ, soit à une distance de 6 à 9 m de l'arbre (différence non significative,p=0.07). Une taille effectuée en début de campagne a entraîné un accroissement du rendement de 148% pour les cultures situées de 0 à 3 m de l'arbre, par rapport aux rendements en plein champ.Dans les cultures en couloir, on a constaté qu'une taille precoce est préférable, c'est à dire que les rendements de sorgho ont été supérieurs dans les lignes proches des arbres taillés tôt que dans celles proches des arbres taillés tard.

     

Provenance variation in growth characters of four subtropical pine species planted in Mexico

In 1995 a species/provenance test was established in the state of Puebla, Mexico to assess and compare the growth of Pinus greggii var. australis, P. maximinoi, P. patula and P. tecunumanii, including 10, 5, 11 and 4 provenances of each species, respectively. Each provenance test lot consisted of seed from 7 to 10 individual trees collected in natural stands. Range-wide samples were included in the test for P. greggii var. australis and P. patula. Material of P. maximinoi and P. tecunumanii from Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, as well as Mexico was established in the test. The test site is in a mountainous area at 1440m elevation, near 20°N latitude. At 5 years of age significant differences were seen at both the species and provenance levels in survival, total height, diameter and volume. The overall test survival was 93%. Variance among species was three time greater than among provenances, comprising 25–33% of the total variation. P. maximinoi had the greatest height, diameter and volume (62dm³) followed by P. tecunumanii (53dm³). P. greggii var. australis had an average volume of 43dm³ and P. patula produced 30dm³. Although P. maximinoi had the lowest survival rate, the San Jeronimo provenance was the most productive of all 30 provenances tested; 98% survival and 73dm³ volume. This was equivalent to 2.8cm annual diameter increment and 2m in height growth per year. Significant growth differences among provenances within species indicate that potential gain exists using provenance selection.     

Inhibition of Trypanosoma cruzi by plant extracts used in Chinese medicine

In this work, we assessed the effect of extracts obtained from 17 plants used in traditional Chinese medicine. These extracts were tested in vitro with the epimastigote form of Trypanosoma cruzi, clone Bra C(15) C(2), at 27 degrees C in F-29 medium at a concentration of 100 microg/ml in axenic cultures. Allopurinol was used as reference drug. Seven plant extracts showed inhibitory activities lower than 25%. Pueraria lobata, Mahonia beaei, Dictamus dasycarpus, Kochia scoparia, Sophora flavescens and Ligustrum lucidum showed effects with inhibition values between 25% and 60%, whereas Lithospermum erythrorhizon, Saussurea lappa, Melia toosendan and Cinnamomum cassia showed the greatest inhibitory activity of 100%. The IC(50) of these extracts were: 0.4, 2.4, 1.8 and 3.9 microg/ml, respectively. The MTT assay was made and did not show cytotoxic activity. These results allowed us to suggest that L. erythrorhizon, S. lappa, M. toosendan and C. cassia could be a source of new compounds against T. cruzi.     

Initial growth of pioneer timber tree species in a Taungya system in the humid lowlands of Costa Rica

The temporary association of annual crops in juvenile tree plantations (Taungya system) can reduce or offset the initial costs of reforestation and hence provide incentives for tree planting on private farms. A replicated systematic spacing design, derived from a Nelder-fan design, was used to study the effects of tree-crop distance on growth and development of the timber species salmwood (Cordia alliodora) or eucalyptus (Eucalyptus deglupta), associated with maize (Zea mays) or cassava (Manihot esculenta), during the first year after transplanting the trees on two sites on alluvial soils in the humid lowlands of Costa Rica. Association with maize did not affect mean tree growth. However, mean eucalyptus and salmwood heights of 7–8 m and 3–4 m, respectively, after one year in pure plantation or associated with maize, were only 4.7 m and 1.4 m, respectively, when associated with cassava. Wider tree – crop spacings were more important for initial salmwood growth than for eucalyptus. It was concluded that the shoot growth characteristics (continuous or episodical growth) of the timber species is a very important consideration when selecting associated agricultural crop species and tree-crop distances.     

Effects of thinning on growth of six tree species in north-temperate forests of Lithuania

This paper summarises the results from 35 years-observed thinning experiments on 256 permanent sample plots in 10–60 year-old stands of ash, aspen, birch, oak, pine and spruce in Lithuania. Thinning enhanced crown projection area increment of residual trees. The largest effect was observed in stands of aspen and birch (growth increase by 200%), followed by ash and oak (over 100%), and spruce and pine (about 80%). Thinning also promoted dbh increment, especially in younger stands, and the increase of dbh increment was positively correlated with the thinning intensity. The strongest reaction was exhibited by oak and aspen, while ash, birch and conifers reacted to a lower extent. Low and moderate intensities of thinning stimulated volume production in younger stands while the opposite was observed in older stands with increasing removals. Spruce stands exhibited relatively strongest increase of volume increment and pine, –the weakest, while the effect on deciduous species was intermediate. The results demonstrate that significant increase in volume increment is achievable with thinning of only young forest stands, e.g. 10–20 year-old pine, birch and ash, or 10–30 year-old oak, aspen and spruce.