A non-linear model to predict crown recession of Norway spruce (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Picea abies</Emphasis> [L.] Karst.) in Austria

In this study, a non-linear model was developed that predicts the five-year change of height to crown base (HCB) of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.). Data were available from the Austrian National Forest Inventory and comprised 2,419 trees from 1,637 permanent sample plots measured during 1981 and 2002. The dynamic model explained 36% of the variation in the observed change of HCB. It is well behaved and meets biological expectations. Based on five independent data sets, the predictive ability of the new dynamic model was compared to an already existing static crown ratio model. For this comparison, the models were applied as follows: the new ∆ HCB model was used to predict the change in HCB directly. For the semi-dynamic method, the static model was applied at the end and at the start of the growth period to obtain two estimates of HCB. The difference of these two estimates was then added to the initial HCB. For the static method, the model was only applied at the end of the prediction period to obtain the new estimate of HCB. Except for one plot, the new ∆ HCB model yielded the smallest BIAS and the highest precision, followed by the semi-dynamic and the static method. Because the independent data sets cover a broad range of age classes and thinning regimes, the validation results also indicate that the new ∆ HCB is robust and the effect of stand management is adequately represented.     

Spatio-temporal heterogeneity effects on seedling growth and establishment in four <Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus</Emphasis> species

Introduction   

The great spatial and temporal heterogeneity of Mediterranean ecosystems can influence establishment success in woody species, whose natural regeneration occurs to a very small extent. In this work, the effect of the spatial pattern of environmental variables (light availability, soil moisture and herbaceous production) on seedling emergence, growth, survival and establishment success was examined by using a spatially explicit approach.     

Segregation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eucalyptus tereticornis</Emphasis> Sm. clones for properties relevant to solid wood products

Introduction   

Wood quality is an important criterion in the selection of superior genotypes when breeding for solid wood.     

Effects of chlorantraniliprole on development and reproduction of beet armyworm, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Spodoptera exigua</Emphasis> (Hübner)

The lethal and sublethal effects of chlorantraniliprole against Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) were evaluated under laboratory conditions by oral exposure of neonate larvae to the compound. The 72 h LC₅₀ value of this insecticide to S. exigua was found to be 12.747 μg l⁻¹. A progressive larval mortality of 24.32% for LC₃₀ treatment and 42.61% for LC₅₀ treatment was observed from 4th to 6th day after exposure, which resulted in the reduced pupation rates in exposure groups. The sublethal effects of this chemical were indicated by prolongation of larval period, the increase of pupal weight and decrease in hatch rate of egg. Chlorantraniliprole at LC₃₀ and LC₅₀ rate significantly delayed larval development; the developmental duration of surviving larvae was extended for 22.5 and 28.6%, respectively, compared with that of control group. LC₃₀ treatment increased the mean weight of pupa and induced to the production of heavier pupa (>150 mg). In LC₅₀ treatment, heavier pupa also showed up but the mean weight of pupa was not influenced. The egg hatch rate in LC₅₀ group was significant lower than that in control and LC₃₀ groups. No significant differences in pupal duration, emergence rate, sex ratio, egg number per female, and longevity of adults were observed among treatments. Chlorantraniliprole had exceptional activity against S. exigua according to concentration–response bioassay in laboratory, and the toxicities were primarily resulted from immediate lethality.     

The culturable leaf mycobiome of Viscum album subsp. austriacum

In Poland's pine forests, mistletoe (Viscum album subsp. austriacum) abundance has increased over the past 20 years. This mistletoe infestation has decreased the growth and vigour of Scots pine trees. In this study, we surveyed the culturable fungi from healthy and diseased V. album subsp. austriacum leaves from two stands in Poland. In total, 63 distinct species were identified, 99.8% of which belonged to the phylum Ascomycota. The community compositions of fungi in mistletoe leaves were similar in healthy and diseased leaves as Alternaria alternata, Aureobasidium pullulans, Botryosphaeria visci, Fusarium paeoniae and Microsphaeropsis olivacea were consistently found in leaves of all symptom types. The most frequently isolated fungus from asymptomatic leaves was M. olivacea, followed by A. alternata, A. pullulans and Hypoxylon rubiginosum. In comparison, the most frequently isolated fungi from leaves with rusty-brown necrotic spots were (in decreasing order) M. olivacea, B. visci, F. paeoniae and A. alternata, while the most frequently isolated fungi from leaves with black or dark brown spots were M. olivacea, A. alternata, A. pullulans, Epicoccum layuense and F. paeoniae. This study was the first comprehensive report showing that certain fungal species may be pathogens of V. album subsp. austriacum in Poland. This study was also the first report of F. paeoniae, F. juglandicola, Diaporthe vacuae and Heterotruncatella spartii from V. album, and the first report of D. vacuae and H. spartii in Poland.     

杉木、马尾松裸根苗水分关系研究

Water relation parameters of bare-root seedlings of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata Hook.)and Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.)were measured and changes of root growth potential as well as field survival rate of both species were studied after the bare-root seedlings were exposed in a sunny field condition.the results showed that masson pine had a lower osmotic potential(-2.07Mpa) at turgor loss point and at full turgor(-1.29Mpa),compared with Chinese fir(-1.80Mpa and -1.08Mpa respectively).The parameter Vp/Vo(63.27%) of Masson pine was higher than that of chinese fir (58.03%).This means that Masson pine has a stronger ability to tolerate desiccation,compared to Chinese fir according to analysis of above water relation parameters.Root growth potential and field survival rate decreased with prolonging duration of exposure.The field survival rate of both species was reduced to less than 40% after the seedling being exposed only two hours.Water potentials of -1.60 Mpa and -1.70 Mpa were suggested to be critical values for Chinese fir and Masson pine respectively in successful reforestation.     

Field test of new poplar clone in Shangdong Province

Poplar is one of the dominant tree species for the establishment of fast growing plantations in Shandong Province.Eighteen poplar clones belonging to Populus aigeiros section were introduced from Italy, Turkey and domestic regions. Populus deltoides cv. ‘Lux‘ 1-69/55 (1-69), which was widely used in Shandong Province, China, was taken as control clone (1-69).Following a randomized complete block design, seedling test and controlled afforestation trials were carried out at Juxian County,Caoxian County and Laiyang City. The results showed that the poplar clone (Populus x euramericana cv. ‘102/74‘), namely 102/74, performed well both in terms of adaptability and growth rate. The mean height of 13.9 m (H), diameter at breast height of 18.0 cm (DBH) and volume growth of 0.1445 m3 (V) were 2.2 %, 21.6% and 52.9% higher than those of 1-69 (CK), respectively,at the age of 5 years at three experimental sites. Moreover, the clone can be propagated easily and showed high resistance to poplar disease, pest as well as salinity and had longer growing period. Furthermore, wood basic density and fiber length of new poplar clone (102/74) were as same as 1-69 (CK). It was concluded that the selected clone (102/74) was ideal for the estab-lishment of fast-growing poplar plantations, especially for the pulpwood plantations in Shandong Province.     

辐射松引种栽培综述

辐射松(PinusradiataD.Don)原产于加利弗尼亚海岸,被引种到世界各地,现在是南半球主要的人工林造林树种。1990年以来辐射松被引种到长江上游四川省阿坝州的干旱河谷地区,幼树的成活和早期生长表现良好。本文的主要内容包括:辐射松在原产地和引种地的生长情况,种源和遗传上的差异,环境限制因子和辐射松的气候生境,病虫害,引种不成功的经验教训以及辐射松在生态恢复中的应用。文中还简述了辐射松在阿坝干旱河谷地区的早期生长情况,列举了在长江上游干旱河谷地区引种辐射松可能遇到的问题以及所需开展的研究。图4表5参90。     

Effect of temperature and compression on the mechanical behavior of steam-treated wood

The mechanical behavior of steamed spruce wood changes dramatically with compression along the grain, the change being much more moderate perpendicular to the grain. The stiffness decrement due to increased temperature is greatest in the tangential material direction. The stiffness decrement due to compression is greatest along the grain. Compression to 80% compressive strain at 131°C inverts the order of the material directions regarding stiffness, the stiffness being the least along the grain. Plastic strain due to compression is greater at higher temperatures. The compression-induced decrement of stiffness along the grain is greater at higher temperatures, but the off-axis decrement of stiffness is less at higher temperatures.     

Joint ventures in private forestry in Ireland

A study was conducted with the objective of obtaining a profile of farmers who have participated in the Farm Partnership Scheme in Ireland. This scheme is a joint venture between Coillte (The Irish Forestry Board) and farmers. Under the terms of the scheme, Coillte is responsible for the establishment, management and harvesting of the forest plantation on the farmer’s land. The farmer retains ownership of the land, receives premium payments and shares in the harvesting profits. Fifty farmers who joined the Farm Partnership Scheme between 1993–1997 were interviewed in 1999 and a detailed questionnaire was completed. Survey results indicate that the typical farm partner was male, married and aged 50 years or older. Over half of those surveyed had an off-farm job. The most popular reason for farmers opting to participate in the Farm Partnership Scheme was that they did not have sufficient time to undertake the establishment and management of a forest plantation themselves. The average size of forest established under the scheme was 23.7 ha, with Sitka spruce the most popular species planted. The average annual payment under the scheme was €8077. For 46% of those surveyed, the returns from the Farm Partnership Scheme comprised all of their farm income.