Bark Of Deciduous Trees Research Articles

Licea nemotatarica sp. nov.—a corticolous myxomycete from northern nemoral border of Eastern European boreal ecotone

A morphologically atypical corticuloid representative of Licea was discovered at the northern border of the distribution of broadleaved forests in Eastern Europe. The species, named L. nemotatarica, contains several morphological and ecological features that strongly distinguish it from similar species such as L. nigromarginata, L. tuberculata, L. mariae and L. castanea. These include the peculiar light silvery or golden-green colouring of the smooth spores, their relatively small size, the wavy fusion of the peridium plate, the concentration of granular material on the surface in the form of a relief pattern, and the fact that it lives in the slightly alkaline and neutral environment of the bark of deciduous trees. The species also does not spread outside the forest protection zone established by Emperor Peter the Great in the 18th century. Based on the calculation of spore productivity, we assume that the species inhabits primarily the bark of Quercus robur and Tilia cordata, and secondarily Acer platanoides and Populus tremula, where it becomes active only after reaching a certain alkalinity in the cultures during decomposition.

Bryoflora of the Romaniv landscape region and adjacent territories (Lviv region)

Research was conducted on bryophytes of the Romaniv landscape reserve and adjacent territories, which belong to the North-Podilskyi-Dniester key territory of the regional eco-network of the Lviv region. 73 species of bryophytes from the divisions Marchantiophyta (7 species from the class Jungermanniopsida, 4 species – Marchantiopsida) and Bryophyta (2 species from the class Polytrichopsida, 60 species – Bryopsida) were found in the study area. Among the families, Pottiaceae (9 species, 6.6%), Brachytheciaceae (7 species, 5.1%), Mniaceae (6 species, 4.4%), Plagiotheciaceae (6 species, 4.4%), Bryaceae (5 species, 3.7%), Orthotrichaceae (4 species, 2.9%), the rest of the families are oligo- and monospecies. Among the genera are Ptychostomum (4 species, 2.9%), Plagiothecium (4 species, 2.9%), genera Plagiomnium, Didymodon, Tortula and Orthotrichum – 3 species each (2.2%). According to the substrate affiliation, there is the largest number of epigean bryophytes. Epiphytes predominate on the bark of deciduous trees, or in the root zone of beech trees. However, epixillae develop well at various stages of decay in various types of dead wood. Rocky areas in the middle of the forest, which are located outside the reserve have the biggest species diversity of bryophytes Mosses inhabit anthropogenically disturbed biotopes, in particular, sand mining quarries and agricultural land. Based on the geographical analysis, the bryoflora of this territory can be characterized as nemoral-boreal with some arid and cosmopolitan elements. Features of the geographical distribution of bryophytes are large areas, accordingly, the share of endemics among them is insignificant. Regionally rare for the mixed forest zone are Alleniella besseri, Aloina rigida, Marchantia quadrata, Taxiphyllum wissgrillii. For nemoral – Pellia endiviifolia, Porella platyphylla, Lophocolea bidentata, Encalypta streptocarpa. Data on the species composition of bryophytes and their substrate affiliation make it possible to more widely assess the types of biodiversity. The given sozological analysis of the bryoflora points to the need for further detailed research of the bryoflora. An annotated list of bryophytes was drawn up on the basis of bryofloristic studies of the Romaniv landscape reserve and adjacent territories.

The Biological Monitoring as a Source of Information on Environmental Pollution with Heavy Metals

Abstract The influence of environmental pollution on living organisms has been known for a long time, but it was not until the second half of the twentieth century that methodical studies on the influence of anthropopressure on changes in ecosystems began. Living organisms began to be used as biological indicators of environmental pollution. Cyclical and quantitative studies of pollutant concentrations in bioaccumulators have become the basis of modern biological monitoring (biomonitoring) of environmental pollution. Biomonitoring studies are carried out with the passive method (passive biomonitoring), in which living organisms occurring in their natural environment are analysed, and with active methods (active biomonitoring), in which, for example, plants living in the environment with low pollution are transferred and displayed in more polluted ecosystems e.g. heavy metals. The analysis of trace elements, including heavy metals accumulated in algae, mosses and lichens used in biological monitoring provides a lot of information on, among others concentration and origin of pollutants and the directions of their spread. Biomonitoring is used to assess the level of contamination of selected ecosystems, as well as the impact of individual emitters on the environment. An important element in determining the concentrations of trace elements in biological material used in biomonitoring is the proper planning of the experiment, taking into account, among others: methods of collecting or exposing samples, selection of analytical methods and methods of evaluation and interpretation of results. The aim of the presented long-term research, conducted by the Research Team of the Institute of Biology of the University of Opole, was to show that analytical techniques using biota samples can provide reliable data on the past, present and future state of the environment. However, it should be remembered that in order for the results of biomonitoring studies to be reliable and comparable, the applied research methodologies should be consistent and repeatable. In the presented research, Palmaria palmata and Spirogyra sp. algae, Pleurozium schreberi mosses, Hypogymnia physodes and bark of deciduous trees were used. In samples of biological material by the method of atomic absorption spectrometry, the concentrations of heavy metals, including Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb, were determined. On the basis of the conducted research, it was unequivocally stated that the biomonitoring methods are a good complement to the classic methods of environmental quality assessment. The analysis of the elements accumulated in the biological material provides us with information about the quality of the examined ecosystems, the introduced pollutants and their potential sources. This information allows for the introduction of effective measures to improve the quality of the environment.

Influence of Extracts from Bark of Deciduous Trees on the Activity of the Amylolytic Enzyme - Alpha Amylase

The effect of water extracts obtained from bark of growing in Latvia and widely spread in Europe grey alder (Alnusincana), black alder (Alnusglutinosa) and aspen tree (Populustremula), on the amylase activity in human saliva was evaluated. The extracts were obtained using advanced ACE equipment and distilled hot water as a solvent. The total yields of extractives from bark were rather similar and varied from 16 % to 21 % based on dry bark. However, the content of proantocianidine and salicine derivatives used as diagnostic characteristic for evaluation of effect of extracts on activity of amylase – a glucose-polymers cleavage enzyme - differed significantly. The results of in-vitro tests realized using the model of human gastrointestinal pass have shown that the abovementioned extracts in micro dosages are able to increase significantly activity of amylase. However, this effect is dose dependent and when the dose is exceeded the opposite effect – inhibition of amylase activity - is observed. This effect is explained by increasing of proantocianidins component in the volume of the tested extract dose, because pure proantocianidins, isolated from grey alder bark significantly inhibited activity of amylase. The further investigation is necessary in order to estimate effective and safe dosages for application of extracts providing a guaranteed unambiguous effect of activation or inhibition of amylase activity.

Two New Lichen Species, Thelopsis ullungdoensis and Phylloblastia gyeongsangbukensis from Korea

Two new species, Thelopsis ullungdoensis and Phylloblastia gyeongsangbukensis are described from Ullung-Do (Island), South Korea. The closest relatives from Europe and Korea are epiphytic Thelopsis flaveola which differs by their immersed or semi-immersed yellow ascomata, ascospores without halo and their habitat of smooth bark (mainly Fagus) in humid and cold climates. Thelopsis gangwondoensis differs by its bigger semi-immersed ascomata (600–700 µm in diam.), oblong halonate ascospores (8–12 × 6–8 µm) and its habitat of smooth bark of deciduous trees. P. gyeongsangbukensis differs from its relatives within the genus in having 5-septate ascospores (22–26 × 6–8 µm), semi-immersed, subglobose ascomata with a flattened top (250–400 µm) and a thin, matt, uneven gray-brown to gray-green continuous thallus without isidia.

First Data on the Morphology of Immature Stages of Flies of the Family Pseudopomyzidae (Diptera)

Data on the morphology of the larva and pupa of the family Pseudopomyzidae are given for the first time. Polypathomyia stackelbergi larvae are associated with wood substrates and occur under the bark of deciduous trees. The larvae differ significantly from those of the related families in their morphology: they have a different structure of the ventral cornua of the pharyngeal sclerite with a dorsal tubercle, the posterior end of the terminal body segment bearing spiracles is divided by a furrow, the creeping welts with large tubercles of an irregular shape. This species and its distribution are associated with the trees Maackia amurensis Rupr. et Maxim., Phellodendron sachalinensis Sarg., and Kalopanax septemlobus (Thunb.) Koidz. endemic to the East Asian Subregion of the Palaearctic.

ACROSTERNUM HEEGERI (HETEROPTERA: PENTATOMIDAE) IN SERBIA

The species Acrosternum heegeri Fieber, 1861 is a well-known member of the Mediterranean fauna in Europe and until recently was not recorded outside its natural range. In recent years, the presence of stable populations of the species in Budapest has been confirmed, and the first findings on the territory of Serbia are from 2013, when several overwintering adults were found under the bark of deciduous trees in Novi Sad. Since 2017, active individuals have been recorded throughout the season, for now mainly from the area of ​​Vojvodina. This bug is probably conquering new territories by transporting people and goods, but we assume that climate change is also responsible for establishing stable populations in new environments. The paper presents the findings of the species A. heegeri in Serbia, which were taken from the Alciphron database on insects in Serbia. A. heegeri is a polyphagous herbivore and has the status of an economically significant species in the Middle East because it causes damage in pistachio plantations.

Protective effects of proanthocyanidins extracts from the bark of deciduous trees in lipid systems

Abstract Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC) rich extracts (OPCEs) were isolated by sequential extraction from the bark of the deciduous trees grey alder (Alnus incana), black alder (Alnus glutinosa) and goat willow (Salix caprea). The yields of OPCE from all barks under study were rather similar and varied between 12.3% and 15.4% based on the oven dry (o.d.) bark. Content of proanthocyanidins in OPCEs ranged from 16.6% to 25% based on o.d. extract. The OPCEs were characterised by means of antioxidant activity with ABTS˙+ and DPPH˙ radical scavenging tests. All extracts being introduced into lipid-based substrates, i.e. mayonnaise and a basic composition of a cosmetic cream, showed antioxidant activity comparable to the reference commercial antioxidant tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ). The results of in vitro tests have revealed that the OPCEs could be useful for the human organism as they activated malfunctions of amylase, inhibited pancreatic lipase activity (duodenal digestion model), decreased lipid absorption in blood and decreased pyruvate level in blood plasma essential for regulation of carbohydrate metabolism. The data obtained confirms the advantages of OPC and OPCEs applications as an antioxidant additive for food, cosmetic and health industries.

Comparative analysis of urban moss floras of the Murmansk Region

The paper reports data from surveys of the moss floras of 6 towns in the Murmansk Region carried out in 2002-2010. Comparative analysis of species richness and taxonomic structure of these moss floras with the moss flora of the Murmansk Region at large is provided. Species that are common and specific for each moss flora are discussed. Urban moss floras appear quite rich in the number of species because of a great variety of conditions and ecotopes presented in urban territories. The species composition and structure of the bryofloras reflect the characteristic features of the regional moss flora. Mosses of antropogenic habitats and species with wide ecological amplitude play a great role in urban bryofloras. Most of them are indifferent to the type of habitats and substrates. The core of anthropotolerant species is very similar in all the towns. Simultaneously, many stenotopic species such as mosses inhabiting rock crevices, bark of deciduous trees, calcephyllic epilytes of shady habitats and large forest and bog hydrophytes are absent from the bryoflora of the towns. A majority of these species are rare in the Murmansk Region. The presence of certain specific mosses in the flora of a town is usually due to the availability of some unique urban habitats.

Identification of the fitness determinants of budding yeast on a natural substrate.

The budding yeasts are prime models in genomics and cell biology, but the ecological factors that determine their success in non-human-associated habitats is poorly understood. In North America Saccharomyces yeasts are present on the bark of deciduous trees, where they feed on bark and sap exudates. In the North East, Saccharomyces paradoxus is found on maples, which makes maple sap a natural substrate for this species. We measured growth rates of S. paradoxus natural isolates on maple sap and found variation along a geographical gradient not explained by the inherent variation observed under optimal laboratory conditions. We used a functional genomic screen to reveal the ecologically relevant genes and conditions required for optimal growth in this substrate. We found that the allantoin degradation pathway is required for optimal growth in maple sap, in particular genes necessary for allantoate utilization, which we demonstrate is the major nitrogen source available to yeast in this environment. Growth with allantoin or allantoate as the sole nitrogen source recapitulated the variation in growth rates in maple sap among strains. We also show that two lineages of S. paradoxus display different life-history traits on allantoin and allantoate media, highlighting the ecological relevance of this pathway.

Data on the occurrence of corticolous myxomycetes from Denali National Park, Alaska.

This data set contains data about corticolous (bark-inhabiting) myxomycetes from a 100×100 m2 plot including ca. 380 trees of Picea glauca (white spruce), of which 260 were large enough that bark could been sampled to prepare moist chamber cultures. At the end of the data set records of myxomycetes from 66 moist chambers prepared with bark of deciduous trees and shrubs, and outermost twiglets of P. glauca are included. These were sampled around the plot for purposes of comparison. A second data set shows measured tree parameters for the 380 trees examined in the plot. Data were used for a statistical analysis to search for environmental factors decisive for the occurrence of corticolous myxomycetes (Schnittler et al., 2016) [1].

Tannins of Deciduous Trees Bark As a Potential Source for Obtaining Ecologically Safe Wood Adhesives

The bark of deciduous trees grown in Latvia: grey alder, black alder, ash tree and goat willow were sequentially extracted using solvents of increasing polarity. The data about total content of both lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds were obtained using sequentially extraction with hexane and ethanol. The highest yields of hydrophilic extractives were found for grey alder and ash tree barks (25.7% and 25.8%, respectively). Hydrophilic extract from the both alder species contained high amount (up to 12% on bark dry mass) of condensed tannins (CT) or oligomeric proanthocyanidins, whereas CT content of extract from ach tree was negligible. The main component of ethanol-water extract from alder bark was identified using 13C NMR and MALDI–TOF MS spectroscopy as a mixture of A- and B-type oligomeric procyanidins with the epicatechin units polymerization degree of 2-7. Ecologically friendly wood adhesives were obtained on the condensed tannin basis.

Nowe Hyphomycetes - Garnaudia elegans gen. et sp.nov. i Endophragmiella tenera sp.nov.

Some interesling <i>Hyphomvcetes</i> collected on dead wood and bark of deciduous trees in Poland include <i>Garnaudia</i> gen. nov., <i>G. elegans</i> sp. nov., and <i>Endophragmiella</i> tenera sp. nov.

Five newCaloplacaspecies (teloschistaceae, ascomycota) from Asia

Five new species of the genus Caloplaca: C. austrocoreana S. Y. Kondr., L. Lőkös et J.-S. Hur (from rocks of coastal zone of South Korea), C. kudratovii S. Y. Kondr., B. Zarei-Darki et J.-S. Hur (from lichen thalli and silicate rocks of Iran), C. tarani S. Y. Kondr., S. I. Tchabanenko, I. Galanina et L. Yakovczenko (from bark of deciduous trees of Sakhalin, Khabarovsky and Primorsky regions of Russia), C. yeosuensis S. Y. Kondr. et J.-S. Hur (from rocks of coastal zone of South Korea), and C. zoroasteriorum S. Y. Kondr. et M. Haji Moniri (from bark of deciduous trees of Iran and Uzbekistan) are described, compared with related taxa, and illustrated.

Taxonomy of the genusMyrionora, with a second species from South America

AbstractA taxonomic and biogeographic overview of the genusMyrionorais provided. Two species are recognized,M. albidula(Willey) R. C. Harris andM. pseudocyphellariae(Etayo) S. Ekman & Palice comb. nov. The genus is characterized by polysporous asci, the presence of crystals in the hymenium and proper exciple that partly consist of lobaric acid, and a photobiont with large cells (mostly in the range 12–20 µm).Myrionora albidulais currently known from Germany, Norway, Sweden, the Russian Federation (Altayskiy Kray, Chelyabinskaya Oblast', Khabarovskiy Kray and Zabaykal'skiy Kray), and the United States (Alaska, Connecticut, Maine and Massachusetts). It inhabits bark of deciduous trees and shrubs and conifers over a wide range of latitudes.Myrionora pseudocyphellariaeis known from Chile and Ecuador, where it has been encountered on lichens and decaying bark. Based on morphological characteristics, we conclude thatMyrionorabelongs in theRamalinaceae.

Rodent damage to natural and replanted mountain forest regeneration.

Impact of small rodents on mountain forest regeneration was studied in National Nature Reserve in the Beskydy Mountains (Czech Republic). A considerable amount of bark damage was found on young trees (20%) in spring after the peak abundance of field voles (Microtus agrestis) in combination with long winter with heavy snowfall. In contrast, little damage to young trees was noted under high densities of bank voles (Myodes glareolus) with a lower snow cover the following winter. The bark of deciduous trees was more attractive to voles (22% damaged) than conifers (8%). Young trees growing in open and grassy localities suffered more damage from voles than those under canopy of forest stands (χ 2 = 44.04, P < 0.001). Natural regeneration in Nature Reserve was less damaged compared to planted trees (χ 2 = 55.89, P < 0.001). The main factors influencing the impact of rodent species on tree regeneration were open, grassy habitat conditions, higher abundance of vole species, tree species preferences- and snow-cover condition. Under these conditions, the impact of rodents on forest regeneration can be predicted. Foresters should prefer natural regeneration to the artificial plantings.

A new Bacidia with long-necked pycnidia from Central Europe

Bacidia pycnidiata sp. nov. (Ramalinaceae) is described from Poland and the Czech Republic. It is the first species within Bacidia s. lat., referable to the Bacidina group, known to have sessile, long-necked, lageniform pycnidia bearing straight macroconidia. It has been found growing on saxicolous as well as on corticolous bryophytes and directly on bark of deciduous trees within young, hardly changed woodlands or in the vicinity of human settlements.

The linden bark borer (Lepidoptera: Agonoxenidae) infesting European linden in Nova Scotia

The Holarctic genusChrysoclista(Lepidoptera: Agonexenidae) consists of very distinctive, small, brightly coloured moths whose larvae bore in the bark of deciduous trees. There are seven species worldwide including three found in Europe, two found in the Caucasus, and two Nearctic species,C. cambiella(Busck, 1915) andC. villela(Busck, 1904). In addition, the Palearctic speciesC. linneella(Clerck, 1759) has been introduced to North America (Karsholt 1997).In Europe,C. linneellais found across most of the continent, in all of the Baltic and Fennoscandian countries, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, France, Spain, Italy, Rumania, Russia (Karsholt and Razowski 1996), Turkey, and Ukraine (S. Koster, personal communication).

Evidence for Domesticated and Wild Populations of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is predominantly found in association with human activities, particularly the production of alcoholic beverages. S. paradoxus, the closest known relative of S. cerevisiae, is commonly found on exudates and bark of deciduous trees and in associated soils. This has lead to the idea that S. cerevisiae is a domesticated species, specialized for the fermentation of alcoholic beverages, and isolates of S. cerevisiae from other sources simply represent migrants from these fermentations. We have surveyed DNA sequence diversity at five loci in 81 strains of S. cerevisiae that were isolated from a variety of human and natural fermentations as well as sources unrelated to alcoholic beverage production, such as tree exudates and immunocompromised patients. Diversity within vineyard strains and within saké strains is low, consistent with their status as domesticated stocks. The oldest lineages and the majority of variation are found in strains from sources unrelated to wine production. We propose a model whereby two specialized breeds of S. cerevisiae have been created, one for the production of grape wine and one for the production of saké wine. We estimate that these two breeds have remained isolated from one another for thousands of years, consistent with the earliest archeological evidence for winemaking. We conclude that although there are clearly strains of S. cerevisiae specialized for the production of alcoholic beverages, these have been derived from natural populations unassociated with alcoholic beverage production, rather than the opposite.

Lecidea roseotincta, a new lichen species from Norway

Lecidea roseotincta sp. nov. is described from Norway. The species is mainly characterized by a white to grey or ± pink, amyloid thallus containing psoromic acid, black apothecia with a weakly developed proper margin, 16‐spored asci without a well defined ocular chamber, and simple or 1‐septate, medially constricted spores. It grows on bark of deciduous trees, mainly Alnus incana, in coastal sites.