Determining the optimal intensities for precommercial thinning (PCT) in Pinus sylvestris stands, which hold significant ecological and economic value in Türkiye, is crucial for enhancing growth performance and ensuring well-formed stems. This study investigates the effects of various PCT intensities on the growth parameters of young, naturally regenerated stands located in the Western Black Sea and Central Anatolia regions of Türkiye. A total of 24 experimental plots (4 PCT intensities × 3 replications × 2 sites) were established in thicket-stage stands, and four PCT treatments were applied: T1 (classic), T2 (0.75–1.0 m spacing), T3 (1.5–2.0 m spacing), and a control (unthinned). Diameter at breast height, height, total basal area, and total volume were measured at the end of each growing season for five consecutive years. The results indicated that PCT intensity had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on all measured growth parameters. Both DBH and height increments were positively correlated with increased PCT intensity, with the greatest gains observed in the T1 and T3 PCT treatments. In particular, the relative increment values increased in parallel with the rise in PCT intensity in all measured growth parameters. In conclusion, leaving around 3000–3500 stems per hectare during PCT provides the best outcomes in terms of growth and stand structure. The findings suggest that PCT interventions should be performed on a 3–5 year cycle to maximize growth potential and maintain forest health.

Juniperus sabina var. balkanensis R.P.Adams et Tashev is a morphologically cryptic but genetically distinct tetraploid lineage, hypothesized to have originated through ancient hybridization between maternal diploid J. sabina var. sabina and a paternal ancestor related to J. thurifera L. Although its presence in Croatia has been confirmed, morphological and anatomical variability along the Dinaric range remains poorly understood. In this study, we analysed three natural populations from the Croatian Dinaric Alps (Biokovo and two sites on Velebit), comprising a total of 32 individuals. The aim was to assess intra- and inter-population variability, sex-based differences, and population × sex interactions, focusing on five vegetative traits and four cone traits. Our results revealed significant differentiation among individuals within populations for all measured traits, although variability was generally low to moderate, consistent with previous genetic studies. Statistically significant differences between populations were confirmed for four traits. Low to moderate intra-population variability and pronounced inter-population differences may reflect limited gene flow, clonal propagation, and inbreeding within fragmented habitats. Sex-based differences were observed in scale leaf number and leaf length; however, given the limited sample size and the presence of both monoecious and dioecious individuals, further research is needed to draw robust conclusions regarding sexual dimorphism. Overall, our findings contribute to a clearer understanding of the morphological variability of J. sabina var. balkanensis. Given its restriction to high-altitude, xerothermic habitats in the Dinaric Alps, this variety represents a valuable component of mountain biodiversity and should be considered in future conservation efforts targeting relict shrubland communities.

While studying a sap-feeding insect oak lace bug (Corythucha arcuata Say 1832, Heteroptera: Tingidae) and its association with entomopathogenic fungi, a new tritrophic association was discovered: C. arcuata infected with entomopathogen Beauveria pseudobassiana Rehner & Humber, which in turn is hyperparasitised by mycoparasitic fungus Syspastospora parasitica (Tulasne) Cannon & Hawksworth. This hyperparasitic fungus has been reported on various entomopathogenic fungi including B. pseudobassiana, but never in tritrophic association with C. arcuata. Although fungal hyperparasitism is widespread in nature, it is still poorly studied. In a context of biological control, the interest for hyperparasitic fungi is growing, since entomopathogens have an important role in the regulation of many insect pest populations.

Serbian spruce (Picea omorika (Pančić) Purk., Pinaceae) is a tertiary relict and one of the rarest, most endangered, and protected conifer species in Europe. Alarmingly, many studies report a continuous decline in its population and vitality. In response to this concerning trend, the present research aims to better understand the reproductive potential of this species by analysing cone and seed characteristics, as well as intra- and inter-population variability — the critical factors for designing effective in situ and ex situ conservation strategies. To achieve this, cones were collected during the 2022/23 season (autumn/spring) from 111 trees across seven natural populations and one urban population in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Immediately after collection, cones were measured and processed, seeds were extracted, and germination tests were conducted in April–May 2023. The analysis revealed significant differences among trees and populations for all cone traits. Notably, the level of intra-population variability observed closely resembles the patterns previously identified in genetic studies of the same populations, suggesting a consistent underlying diversity structure. However, the overall germination results point to very low seed viability, 57.03% on average, with 26.85% of seeds being empty. Population-level differences were pronounced: germination rates ranged from 20.40% to 81.14%, while the proportion of empty seeds ranged from 8.10% to 59.60%. Overall, our results suggest that small and endangered populations are particularly vulnerable, producing smaller cones with a higher proportion of empty seeds and significantly lower germination success. This highlights an urgent need for conservation action — to protect the species and support natural regeneration in situ, and to establish ex situ plantations beyond its natural range.

Praćenje prisutnosti vektora zaraznih bolesti od ključne je važnosti za očuvanje javnog zdravlja te dodatno naglašava potrebu za interdisciplinarnim pristupom u okviru koncepta „Jedno zdravlje” (engl. One Health). Ovaj rad temelji se na terenskom istraživanju krpelja kao vektora zoonotskih patogena te analizi pojavnosti krpeljima prenosivih bolesti na području Istarske županije. Podaci Hrvatskog zavoda za javno zdravstvo za razdoblje od 2016. do 2023. godine ukazuju na ukupno 126 prijavljenih slučajeva zoonotskih bolesti, od čega 114 (93,4 %) slučaja lajmske borelioze, dva slučaja Q-groznice te po jedan slučaj rikecioze i hemoragijske vrućice s bubrežnim sindromom. Osam prijavljenih slučajeva zoonoza bilo je evidentirano kod nerezidenata Istarske županije. U okviru istraživanja provedeno je sustavno uzorkovanje tvrdih krpelja (Acari; Ixodidae) u razdoblju od 2020. do 2023. godine metodom krpeljne zatege i prikupljanjem s domaćina, pri čemu je prikupljeno ukupno 2349 jedinki koje pripadaju 12 različitih vrsta iz rodova Ixodes, Dermacentor, Hyalomma, Haemaphisalis i Rhipicephalus<7i> te jedan meki krpelj iz roda Argas . Dominantna vrsta bila je obični ili šumski krpelj ( Ixodes ricinus L.) (70,84 %), poznat vektor bakterija Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (uzročnik lajmske borelioze) i Coxiella burnetii (uzročnik Q-groznice). Rezultati ukazuju na izraženu prisutnost i raširenost vektora odgovornog za prijenos lajmske borelioze, koja je potvrđena kao najzastupljenija zoonoza u regiji. Dobiveni podaci potvrđuju potrebu za kontinuiranim entomološkim nadzorom i epidemiološkim praćenjem vektorski prenosivih bolesti u svrhu bolje procjene rizika i donošenja javnozdravstvenih mjera.

U radu je testirana točnost trenutno najsuvremenijeg komercijalnog ručnog laserskog skenera (PLS) pri procjeni prsnog promjera i visine stabala u staroj sastojini hrasta lužnjaka (Quercus robur L.). Istraživanje je provedeno na tri primjerne plohe polumjera 20 m s ukupno 40 stabala. Kao referentne vrijednosti korišteni su prsni promjeri izmjereni mjernom vrpcom te visine stabala procijenjene statičkim terestričkim laserskim skeniranjem (TLS). Rezultati su pokazali vrlo visoku točnost PLS procjena za oba analizirana atributa: za prsni promjer srednje odstupanje (MD) iznosilo je 0,62 cm (1,28 %), a korijen srednje kvadratne pogreške (RMSE) 1,04 cm (2,13 %), dok su procjene visine stabala ostvarene s MD = 0,22 m (0,69 %) i RMSE = 0,30 m (0,95 %). U oba slučaja uočen je blagi trend precjenjivanja. Utvrđena visoka podudarnost s referentnim vrijednostima (r = 0,995) potvrđuje gotovo savršeno slaganje između PLS procjena i terenskih izmjera prsnih promjera te PLS i TLS procjena visina stabala. Dobiveni rezultati ukazuju da PLS tehnologija, pruža vrlo točne procjene prsnog promjera i visina stabala te predstavlja iznimno perspektivnu metodu za primjenu u operativnoj inventuri šuma.

The use of winch-assisted (tethered) mechanized harvesting systems has recently increased on steep terrain in the Pacific Northwest, USA. Tethered systems are used to support and stabilize the operation of production machines such as harvesters, feller bunchers, forwarders, and grapple skidders on steep slopes. Studies on the environmental impacts, productivity, and costs of these systems should be in focus due to the rapid use of winch-assisted systems in forestry. In this study, a tethered harvester operation working was evaluated using time and motion study analysis. The study was conducted in a clear-cutting area within a Douglas-fir stand in the Oregon Coast Range near Corvallis, Oregon, United States. The production activities were evaluated in stages, including the tethered harvester moving to the tree, preparing for cutting, cutting, and processing. The most time-consuming work stage in the study was determined to be the processing time of the tree. The average delay-free efficiency of the tethered harvester was determined as 40.16 m3/h, while the minimum efficiency was 16 m3/h and the maximum efficiency was 75.02 m3/h. Production efficiency was mostly affected by tree size, with productivity increasing as tree size increased. Statistical analysis showed that there was a significant relationship between tree height, tree diameter, tree volume, and productivity.

U Zadarskoj županiji nalazimo tri šumska ciljna stanišna tipa (CST) u tri biogeografske regije od kojih je jedan prioritetni stanišni tip. Prostorne analize obavezno su polazište i sastavni dio pripremnih radova za kvalitetno planiranje i upravljanje područjima ekološke mreže Natura 2000 te su stoga odabrane kao svrha ovoga istraživanja. Pomoću metode „Geoprocessing” u ArcGIS-u kreirane su nove vrijednosti s ciljem izračuna površina šumskih CST u područjima ekološke mreže u Zadarskoj županiji. Korištenjem alata GIS (Geografskog informacijskog sustava) prikupljeni su podaci koji pokazuju da se šumski CST u Zadarskoj županiji nalaze na 6.849,56 ha, što čini 5,55% kopnenog dijela Natura 2000 područja očuvanja značajnih za vrste i stanišne tipove (POVS), odnosno 1,88% kopnenog dijela županije. Opće stanje šumskih ciljnih stanišnih tipova na području Zadarske županije ocijenjeno je kao dobro, vrlo dobro i izvrsno. Rizik od požara je visok, a značajnu ugrozu predstavljaju i klimatske promjene. Nužna je uspostava sustavnog praćenja stanja šumskih ciljnih stanišnih tipova. Rezultati ovog istraživanja mogu se koristiti kao polazište za daljnje studije i planiranje očuvanja prirodnih staništa unutar ekološke mreže Natura 2000 u Zadarskoj županiji.

Urban parks are crucial components of a city’s green infrastructure, offering significant benefits from both social and environmental perspectives. They provide many ecosystem services and play a key role in maintaining, preserving, and enhancing urban biodiversity. This paper analyses the woody plant diversity in three urban parks in Skopje, North Macedonia. The research identified 90 different woody plant taxa in the analyzed parks, belonging to 42 genera and 23 families. The parks have a significantly higher number of non-native taxa compared to the native ones, as well as a significantly higher number of deciduous taxa compared to evergreen taxa. Although non-native species dominate to a great extent over the native ones, there is no threat from invasive plant species in the researched parks. Furthermore, the analyses included the calculation of biodiversity indices (alpha indices: Shannon, Simpson, and Berger-Parker, and also Sørensen beta index). The results showed that none of the parks are highly significant from a biodiversity perspective. The alpha indices indicate a low to moderate biodiversity in the studied North Macedonian urban parks. On the other hand, the Sørensen beta index indicated a more positive view, emphasizing the lack of significant similarity among the studied urban parks. Nevertheless, there is a clear need to enhance the biodiversity of woody plants in urban parks in Skopje. Integrating biodiversity considerations into the process of planning, landscape design of urban parks, and their maintenance is crucial. Establishing biodiversity monitoring as a standard practice will be essential for understanding the real situation in urban parks and enabling timely interventions.

In June 2020, stem and branch cankers were observed on young Quercus robur trees growing in a floodplain forest near the Sava River in the eastern part of Croatia. Samples of affected stems and branches were randomly collected, and fungi present in the symptomatic tissue were isolated on agar media. The molecular and morphological identification of the obtained cultures revealed 29 fungal isolates belonging to 12 different taxa. The most frequently isolated species was Diaporthe eres, found in 77% of sampled trees. The ability of D. eres to cause cankers was tested in a pathogenicity trial on 3-year-old Q. robur saplings. Bark and wood necroses developed on all inoculated saplings, and D. eres was successfully re-isolated and identified using molecular tools. None of the control saplings revealed any symptoms during the trial. Therefore, Koch’s postulates were fulfilled, and D. eres was verified as a causative agent of cankers on Q. robur.