Beech Seedlings Research Articles

Which grow better under the canopy of Norway spruce planted or sown seedlings of European beech?

Direct seeding and planting of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) are two common techniques for the conversion of pure Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) stands into mixed stands. This study tested whether the growth of sown beech seedlings differs from that of planted seedlings of two stock types. Therefore at two experimental sites repeated measurements were made of height, stem and first order branch diameter on sown and planted seedlings over a period of nine years. The results showed that the growth responses of planted and sown seedlings to the environmental conditions below the canopy of overstorey Norway spruce were rather similar. No differences between planted and sown seedlings were found in their diameter and their estimated aboveground dry weight. For all three batches the ratio between the estimated branch dry weight and the estimated main stem dry weight (branch-shoot-ratio (BSR)) was increased with age. Due to intraspecific competition BSR was lowest for the sown seedlings irrespective of their age. Differences in growth dynamics between planted and sown seedlings were found. For example, differences in the height or the estimated aboveground woody dry weight between sown and planted seedlings at a given age were not constant. Height, diameter and estimated dry mass of the seedlings in relation to age could be modelled precisely by a second-order polynomial function in the hitherto studied period.

Individual seedling mortality as a function of size, growth and competition in naturally regenerated beech seedlings

Young forest stands that are naturally regenerated are characterized by a large number of seedlings and high mortality rates. Good prediction of seedling mortality is therefore necessary to model the dynamics of young stands. We used data obtained in a natural beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) regeneration in north-eastern France, to fit logistic models to predict seedling mortality and to analyse how seedling size, seedling growth and local competition relate to seedling mortality. Good relationships were obtained with recent seedling diameter growth, and with a combination of local competition and initial seedling size. However, the relationships between the probability of mortality and recent growth appeared to be unstable and to vary substantially with local competition and among measurement years, precluding the use of these relationships in regeneration models.

Influence of nurse birch and Scots pine seedlings on early aerial development of European beech seedlings in an open-field plantation of Central France

Beech woodland can be restored by direct planting of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seedlings in abandoned areas, but this method is generally avoided in forestry because of the growth difficulties of beech in full-light conditions. This study tested a method that consists of planting beech seedlings in full-light conditions with silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.) or Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) as nurse trees. A total of 65 two-year-old beech seedlings surrounded by either 3, 4, 5 or 6 pine or birch seedlings or without competitors were planted in bare-soil open-field conditions in Central France. Tree growth and light availability were monitored at the end of each of the following 3 years, and soil moisture was also measured the last year. At the end of the experiment, aerial biomass measurements were made on the beeches. Results showed that relative beech growth in terms of diameter was significantly reduced by the local neighbouring trees and that this reduction was particularly noticeable in the pine treatments where there was extensive pine seedling development. In contrast, relative beech height did not exhibit any significant variations among the treatments. Light availability was decreased by the neighbouring trees, especially in the pine treatments. Light reduction was more pronounced in the last 2 years and in the middle or lower parts of the canopy of the subject beech. Soil water content was lower under the pine canopies than under the birch canopies, and was positively correlated to beech relative diameter growth. Specific leaf area, height-to-diameter ratio and crown length-to-crown width ratio weakly but significantly increased with competition from the neighbours. Beech biomass partitioning was only weakly affected by the treatments. This study showed that nurse trees tend to reduce beech growth but improve form although effects remained weak due to the insufficient length of the experiment. Further studies are also needed to quantify the effects of the neighbourhood on the growth of competitive herbaceous vegetation and on changes in the microclimatic conditions.

Gas Exchange and Antioxidative Compounds in Young Beech Trees under Free‐Air Ozone Exposure and Comparisons to Adult Trees

Three-year-old beech (Fagus sylvatica) seedlings growing in containers were placed into the sun and shade crown of a mature beech stand exposed to ambient (1 x O(3)) and double ambient (2 x O(3)) ozone concentrations at a free-air exposure system ("Kranzberg Forst", Germany). Pigments, alpha-tocopherol, glutathione, ascorbate, and gas exchange were measured in leaves during 2003 (a drought year) and 2004 (an average year). Sun-exposed seedlings showed higher contents of antioxidants, xanthophylls, and beta-carotene and lower contents of chlorophyll, alpha-carotene, and neoxanthin than shade-exposed seedlings. In 2003 sun-exposed seedlings showed higher contents of carotenoids and total glutathione and lower net photosynthesis rates (A(max)) compared to 2004. O(3) exposure generally affected the content of chlorophyll, the xanthophyll cycle, and the intercellular CO(2) concentration (c(i)). Seedlings differed from the adjacent adult trees in most biochemical and physiological parameters investigated: Sun exposed seedlings showed higher contents of alpha-tocopherol and xanthophylls and lower contents of ascorbate, chlorophyll, neoxanthin, and alpha-carotene compared to adult trees. Shade exposed seedlings had lower contents of xanthophylls, alpha-carotene, and alpha-tocopherol than shade leaves of old-growth trees. In 2003, seedlings had higher A(max), stomatal conductance (g(s)), and c(i) under 2 x O(3) than adult trees. The results showed that shade acclimated beech seedlings are more sensitive to O(3), possibly due to a lower antioxidative capacity per O(3) uptake. We conclude that beech seedlings are uncertain surrogates for adult beech trees.

CASIROZ: Root Parameters and Types of Ectomycorrhiza of Young Beech Plants Exposed to Different Ozone and Light Regimes

Tropospheric ozone (O(3)) triggers physiological changes in leaves that affect carbon source strength leading to decreased carbon allocation below-ground, thus affecting roots and root symbionts. The effects of O(3) depend on the maturity-related physiological state of the plant, therefore adult and young forest trees might react differently. To test the applicability of young beech plants for studying the effects of O(3) on forest trees and forest stands, beech seedlings were planted in containers and exposed for two years in the Kranzberg forest FACOS experiment (Free-Air Canopy O(3) Exposure System, http://www.casiroz.de ) to enhanced ozone concentration regime (ambient [control] and double ambient concentration, not exceeding 150 ppb) under different light conditions (sun and shade). After two growing seasons the biomass of the above- and below-ground parts, beech roots (using WinRhizo programme), anatomical and molecular (ITS-RFLP and sequencing) identification of ectomycorrhizal types and nutrient concentrations were assessed. The mycorrhization of beech seedlings was very low ( CA. 5 % in shade, 10 % in sun-grown plants), no trends were observed in mycorrhization (%) due to ozone treatment. The number of Cenococcum geophilum type of ectomycorrhiza, as an indicator of stress in the forest stands, was not significantly different under different ozone treatments. It was predominantly occurring in sun-exposed plants, while its majority share was replaced by Genea hispidula in shade-grown plants. Different light regimes significantly influenced all parameters except shoot/root ratio and number of ectomycorrhizal types. In the ozone fumigated plants the number of types, number of root tips per length of 1 to 2 mm root diameter, root length density per volume of soil and concentration of Mg were significantly lower than in control plants. Trends to a decrease were found in root, shoot, leaf, and total dry weights, total number of root tips, number of vital mycorrhizal root tips, fine root (mass) density, root tip density per surface, root area index, concentration of Zn, and Ca/Al ratio. Due to the general reduction in root growth indices and nutrient cycling in ozone-fumigated plants, alterations in soil carbon pools could be predicted.

Effects of vegetation control on nutrient removal and Fagus orientalis, Lipsky regeneration in the western Black Sea Region of Turkey

Dense Rhododendron ponticum (L.) understories of eastern beech ( Fagus orientalis Lipsky) stands in the Black Sea Region (BSR) of Turkey create challenging forest vegetation management problems relative to beech regeneration. Rhododendron traditionally is controlled in Turkish forests with grubbing and bulldozing. The effects of these practices on nutrient removal and natural beech regeneration have not been quantitatively studied. Two woody vegetation control treatments (bulldozing and hand-grubbing) were installed during late summer, 2002 in three mature beech stands with dense rhododendron understories in the Düzce Forest Management Directorate, in the Turkish western BSR. Aboveground biomass of each vegetation component, total aboveground vegetation biomass, nutrient concentrations, organic matter (OM) removal, and total amount of OM nutrients were determined for each woody vegetation control treatment. Soil bulk density and nutrient content, and beech seedling biomass, nutrient content, and natural regeneration also were studied. One year after treatment, the machine site preparation by bulldozing (MSP) that removed understory vegetation and attached roots, reduced mean forest floor OM content by about 84%, when compared to hand-grubbing. Mean soil C, N, K and Mg concentrations on the bulldozed sites were 36, 27, 50 and 55% less, respectively, than those on the grubbed sites. Total C and Mg amounts at the 5–10 cm soil depth were 24 and 47% lower, respectively, for mechanical site preparation (MSP) sites, when compared to grubbed sites. Overall, soil bulk density did not differ significantly between the grubbing and MSP treatments. Frequent passes on designated transects on MSP sites resulted in a significant ( P < 0.01) one-third increase in bulk density of the first 20 cm soil depth, when compared to grubbed sites. No natural beech regeneration occurred on untreated control sites. Mineral soil exposure on the MSP sites increased beech seedling germination substantially. One year after treatment, the mean number of naturally regenerated seedlings for MSP sites was 2.5 times greater than for grubbed sites. Woody control treatments had significant effects upon beech seedling chemistry, with N, P, K, Ca and Mg concentrations averaging 35, 47, 12, 33 and 25% lower, respectively, for MSP sites, when compared to grubbed sites. However, mean seedling biomass and nutrient content were significantly greater ( P < 0.05) on MSP sites. Long-term effects from windrowing on MSP site residues, associated topsoil and nutrients need to be evaluated.

Effects of Nitrogen Supply on the Sensitivity to O3 of Growth and Photosynthesis of Japanese Beech (Fagus crenata) Seedlings

To obtain basic information for evaluating critical levels of O3 under different nitrogen loads for protecting Japanese beech forests, two-year-old seedlings of Fagus crenata Blume were grown in potted andisol supplied with N as NH4NO3 solution at 0, 20 or 50 kg ha−1 year−1 and exposed to charcoal-filtered air or O3 at 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 times the ambient concentration from 16 April to 22 September 2004. The O3 induced significant reductions in the whole-plant dry mass, net photosynthetic rate at 380 μmol mol−1 CO2 (A380), carboxylation efficiency (CE) and concentrations of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) and total soluble protein (TSP) in the leaves. The concentrations of Rubisco and TSP were negatively correlated with the concentration of leaf acidic amino acid, suggesting that O3 enhanced the degradation of protein such as Rubisco. The N supply to the soil did not significantly change the whole-plant dry mass and A380, whereas it significantly increased the CE and concentrations of Rubisco and total amino acid. No significant interactive effects of O3 and N supply to the soil were detected on the growth, photosynthetic parameters and concentrations of protein and amino acid in the leaves. In conclusion, N supply to the soil at ≤50 kg ha−1 year−1 does not significantly change the sensitivity to O3 of growth and net photosynthesis of Fagus crenata seedlings.

The spatial association between beech seedlings and crowns of other canopy tree species in a beech forest of northern Japan

The spatial association between beech seedlings and crowns of other canopy tree species in a beech forest of northern Japan

Nitrous oxide emissions from selected natural and managed northern ecosystems

Microbial activity in soils is the main source of nitrous oxide (N2O) to the atmosphere. Nitrous oxide is a strong greenhouse gas in the troposphere and participates in ozone destructive reactions in the stratosphere. The constant increase in the atmospheric concentration, as well as uncertainties in the known sources and sinks of N2O underline the need to better understand the processes and pathways of N2O in terrestrial ecosystems. This study aimed at quantifying N2O emissions from soils in northern Europe and at investigating the processes and pathways of N2O from agricultural and forest ecosystems. Emissions were measured in forest ecosystems, agricultural soils and a landfill, using the soil gradient, chamber and eddy covariance methods. Processes responsible for N2O production, and the pathways of N2O from the soil to the atmosphere, were studied in the laboratory and in the field. These ecosystems were chosen for their potential importance to the national and global budget of N2O. Laboratory experiments with boreal agricultural soils revealed that N2O production increases drastically with soil moisture content, and that the contribution of the nitrification and denitrification processes to N2O emissions depends on soil type. Laboratory study with beech (Fagus sylvatica) seedlings demonstrated that trees can serve as conduits for N2O from the soil to the atmosphere. If this mechanism is important in forest ecosystems, the current emission estimates from forest soils may underestimate the total N2O emissions from forest ecosystems. Further field and laboratory studies are needed to evaluate the importance of this mechanism in forest ecosystems. The emissions of N2O from northern forest ecosystems and a municipal landfill were highly variable in time and space. The emissions of N2O from boreal upland forest soil were among the smallest reported in the world. Despite the low emission rates, the soil gradient method revealed a clear seasonal variation in N2O production. The organic topsoil was responsible for most of the N2O production and consumption in this forest soil. Emissions from the municipal landfill were one to two orders of magnitude higher than those from agricultural soils, which are the most important source of N2O to the atmosphere. Due to their small areal coverage, landfills only contribute minimally to national N2O emissions in Finland. The eddy covariance technique was demonstrated to be useful for measuring ecosystem-scale emissions of N2O in forest and landfill ecosystems. Overall, more measurements and integration between different measurement techniques are needed to capture the large variability in N2O emissions from natural and managed northern ecosystems.

First Report of Phytophthora cambivora Causing Bleeding Cankers and Dieback on Beech (Fagus sylvatica) in Italy.

European beech (Fagus sylvatica) is an important forest tree species common in northern and central Europe. In Italy, this species is typical in mountain areas over 1,000 m above sea level. In the last decade, decline and death was reported on European beech caused by several Phytophthora species (2), and P. pseudosyringae was recently reported in Italy (3). During 2004 and 2005, seven declining and dying F. sylvatica trees, older than 20 years, were observed in the Veneto Region of Italy with symptoms of bleeding cankers at the base of trunks and on branches. Cankers on the collar showed tongue-shaped necroses of the inner bark and cambium tissues. Four trees were in a public park of Mestre and three were in a forest stand in the province of Belluno. Samples were taken from declining trees, one in the park and two in the forest. Inner bark and cambium tissue pieces were cut from the canker margins, cultured on CARPBHy-agar (corn meal agar amended with 250 μg ml-1 ampicillin, 10 μg ml-1 rifampicin, 10 μg ml-1 pimaricin, 15 μg ml-1 benomyl, 50 μg ml-1 hymexazol), and incubated at 20°C. Ten morphologically similar isolates were subcultured as single hyphal tips and characterized. These isolates produced nonpapillate sporangia that were ovoid, obpyriform or ellipsoid, and exhibited predominately internal proliferation in soil extract. Hyphal swellings with outgrowths were present under those conditions. The morphological characteristics were consistent with those of P. cambivora (1). Base sequences of the ITS region of rDNA were determined for six of the isolates, and an 832-bp fragment was amplified for each isolate and that sequence was 100% homologous with sequences DQ396418 and AY880985 of P. cambivora in the NCBI database ( http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/BLAST/ ). The sequence of one isolate, ISPaVe 1950, was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. AM269752). Pathogenicity tests were conducted with 2-year-old potted beech seedlings. Inoculum of representative isolates was grown for 4 weeks on sterilized millet seeds moistened with V8 broth and added to soil at 3% (wt/vol). Control plants received sterilized inoculum only. The soil was flooded for 48 h. Inoculations were performed during May 2005 at 15 to 35°C with six replicates for the inoculated and control plants. The plants were maintained outdoors and assessed after 3 months. Wilt, root rot, and dark brown lesions at the collar developed on inoculated plants, but not on the controls. Symptoms were similar to those on naturally infected trees. The pathogen reisolated from the inoculated plants was morphologically identical to the original isolates, which confirmed P. cambivora as the causal agent. To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. cambivora on beech in Italy.

Using competition and light estimates to predict diameter and height growth of naturally regenerated beech seedlings growing under changing canopy conditions

In a naturally regenerated beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) stand in northeastern France, five regeneration patches were selected with different degrees of canopy closure; the percentage of above-canopy light (PACL) ranged between 5 and 45 per cent. The canopy was removed by a storm 2 years later. In order to analyse the immediate and delayed effects of PACL on seedling diameter and height growth, the effects of the light conditions prevailing before canopy opening on seedling growth measured before and after canopy opening were tested. The effects of local density were examined using neighbourhood analysis. Four different competition indices (CIs) and neighbourhood radii ranging from 10 to 200 cm were tested. Models including PACL and CI accounted for between 56 and 64 per cent of the variation in individual seedling annual diameter or height growth. Local density had a strong negative influence on diameter growth and a much smaller influence on height growth. PACL was positively correlated with diameter and height growth before canopy opening. Delayed effects of PACL on height growth were observed just after canopy opening, but disappeared after 2 years. No delayed effects of PACL on diameter growth after canopy opening were observed.

A simple general method to evaluate intra-specific transpiration parameters within and among seedling families

A method to evaluate the genetic control of plant response to increasing soil water deficit is proposed. A description of single tree transpiration behavior was obtained considering parameters independent from air and soil conditions. We removed environmental effects by using two approaches: the normalization of drought data to control (watered) plants and the fitting of a process model. We analyzed the transpiration of 475 4-year-old European beech seedlings, belonging to eight full-sib families. Approximately, one-third of the seedlings were kept in well-watered conditions while the others were exposed to drought for 14 days. Daily plant transpiration was estimated as the difference between two subsequent gravimetric measurements. A mechanistic model was fitted to transpiration data separately for each tree. In the model, the relationship of transpiration with vapor pressure deficit and soil water deficit of each tree is modulated by three parameters: maximum leaf conductance (gM1), maximum transpiration in well-watered soil conditions E(M0)1 and a parameter describing stomatal sensitivity to soil water deficit (c). The model successfully fitted most single tree data and a distribution of estimates for the three parameters (gM1, E(M0)1 and c) was obtained. Predicted transpiration values were in good agreement with observed data (R (2) = 0.86). The model approach produced parameters significantly correlated with those of the "normalization to control" approach. Estimated parameters vary considerably among trees, suggesting the presence of individual differences in stomatal behavior and response to drought. In spite of a large among tree (within family) variation, the among families component for gM1, E(M0)1 and c explained 9.5, 3.3 and 0.1% of total parameters variation suggesting a significant genetic control of transpiration processes.

The effect of drought on C and N stable isotopes in different fractions of leaves, stems and roots of sensitive and tolerant beech ecotypes

Beech seedlings from 11 German climatic provenances were exposed to a realistically timed drought treatment in a greenhouse experiment. The stable isotope composition of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) was analysed in pooled bulk material of roots, stems and leaves, as well as in the aqueous extracts and starch fractions. The delta 13C values increased in bulk samples (BS) of roots, stems and leaves by drought, although no leaf growth occurred during the experimental period. A clear drought effect on delta 13C in aqueous extracts was detected in leaves. In aqueous extracts of stems and roots as well as in starch fractions of all organs, abundance of delta 13C also tended to be increased by drought, but this effect was not statistically significant. For both delta 13C and delta 15N, enrichment was observed from the site of uptake/ source to the site of use/sink. A gradient for delta 13C in all fractions from leaves (-29.49, -28.89 and -27.85 per thousand) to stems (-28.81, -27.48 and -26.98 per thousand) and to roots (-27.60, -26.37 and -26.48 per thousand) was detected in BS, aqueous extracts and starch, respectively. An opposite gradient for delta 15N was found in BS: 1.59 per thousand, 1.84 per thousand and 3.05 per thousand in roots, stems and leaves, respectively. delta 15N was neither affected by drought in the BS nor in aqueous extracts, but an effect of provenance was observed. Particularly in roots and stems, drought-sensitive provenances showed the strongest shifts in delta 13C induced by drought and the lowest delta 15N values. In the present experiment, delta 13C values were more affected by the environmental factor drought, while delta 15N values were more affected by the genetic factor provenance.

Effects of simultaneous ozone exposure and nitrogen loads on carbohydrate concentrations, biomass, growth, and nutrient concentrations of young beech trees ( Fagus sylvatica)

Beech seedlings were grown under different nitrogen fertilisation regimes (0, 20, 40, and 80 kg N ha −1 yr −1) for three years and were fumigated with either charcoal-filtered (F) or ambient air (O 3). Nitrogen fertilisation increased leaf necroses, aphid infestations, and nutrient ratios in the leaves (N:P and N:K), as a result of decreased phosphorus and potassium concentrations. For plant growth, biomass accumulation, and starch concentrations, a positive nitrogen effect was found, but only for fertilisations of up to 40 kg N ha −1 yr −1. The highest nitrogen load, however, reduced leaf area, leaf water content, growth, biomass accumulation, and starch concentrations, whereas soluble carbohydrate concentrations were enhanced. The ozone fumigation resulted in reduced leaf area, leaf water content, shoot growth, root biomass accumulation, and decreased starch, phosphorus, and potassium concentrations, increasing the N:P and N:K ratios. A combined effect of the two pollutants was detected for the leaf area and the shoot elongation, where ozone fumigation amplified the nitrogen effects.

Suppression of Regeneration in New Zealand Mountain Beech Forests is Dependent on Species of Introduced Deer

We compared the impacts on forest regeneration of introduced sika (Cervus nippon) and red (Cervus elaphus) deer in New Zealand. Plot data were used to compare mountain beech (Nothofagus solandri var. cliffortioides) regeneration between a region with sika deer, and four regions without sika deer. All regions surveyed had red deer present. In the region where sika deer had been present for more than a decade, there was evidence of poor mountain beech seedling regeneration. In the four regions without sika deer, there was evidence of a strong regenerative response at stands with low occupancy by trees. When compared to larger deer species, sika deer have a digestive morphology allowing greater dietary versatility, which may result in them impeding forest regeneration where red deer do not. In contrast to mountain beech, some small-leaved shrub species may have been competitively advantaged by intensive browsing from sika deer. This is contra to a current view that small-leaved shrub species with interlacing branches were able to tolerate browsing from extinct ratite birds, but not introduced deer. Sika deer have been introduced into countries where other deer species are indigenous, such as Canada, Denmark, Great Britain, Czech Republic, Ireland and the United States of America. Because of their dietary advantage, sika deer may have a greater potential to impede forest regeneration and competitively exclude larger deer species, particularly at low basal area sites where impacts on tree regeneration are likely to be greatest.

Rhizoctonia solani AG 2‐1 as a causative agent of cotyledon rot on European beech (Fagus sylvatica)

Summary Rhizoctonia solani was frequently isolated in the Italian Alps from nursery‐grown European beech (Fagus sylvatica) seedlings displaying symptoms of cotyledon rot. Koch's postulates were verified and mode of infection of the associated isolates was investigated with light and scanning electron microscopy. Population structure of the pathogen was investigated by scoring the anastomosis reaction type in pairings between different isolates from the same seedbed. One pathogen genotype showed a large distribution area within the seedbed, this implying that the inoculum had been building up in the seedbed over a longer time period. Hyphal anastomosis tests and sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA indicated that the pathogen belongs to AG 2‐1 of R. solani. ITS sequence analysis indicates that the isolates from beech are closely related to R. solani isolates causing a disease on tulip. The striking similarities between the two diseases are discussed.

Physiological Changes of Fagus sylvatica Seedlings Infected with Phytophthora citricola and the Contribution of its Elicitin "Citricolin" to Pathogenesis

Beech seedlings were infected with the root rot pathogen Phytophthora citricola to study its impact on leaf physiology and water status. Net photosynthesis rate decreased two days after inoculation in infected seedlings. In contrast, electron quantum yield of photosystem II, leaf water potential, and total water consumption were only slightly impaired until 6 dpi. At the same time, wilt symptoms occurred on leaves. These results indicate the involvement of a mobile signal triggering the early changes in leaf physiology by root infection. As the elicitin gene of P. citricola was induced during root infection, we purified and characterised the elicitin protein and tested its ability to change leaf physiological parameters of beech and tobacco plants. P. citricola produced a single acidic elicitin (citricolin), which caused necrosis and decreased gas exchange of tobacco leaves. Furthermore, it induced an oxidative burst in tobacco cell suspension culture. However, none of these effects were observed in beech.

Herbivory and plant competition reduce mountain beech seedling growth and establishment in New Zealand

The effect of herbivory and resource availability on the competitive ability of different plant species has been an area of intense debate amongst plant ecologists for at least two decades, but the interactive effects of herbivory and plant competition between woody and herbaceous plants are rarely studied and theory is poorly developed. This study used experimental manipulations on transplanted and naturally occurring mountain beech (Nothofagus solandri var. cliffortioides) seedlings to show the effects of deer browsing and competition from deer-induced, herbaceous turf communities on mountain beech regeneration in New Zealand. Differences in the species composition of these turfs had little effect on mountain beech seedling establishment, but turf removal increased seedling growth and survivorship, showing that competition with other plants had direct effects on mountain beech regeneration. Deer browsing reduced the establishment and growth of seedlings, but the size of this effect did not vary with light and nutrient availability. There was no immediate compositional response of turf communities following the removal of deer browsing. The addition of nutrients appeared to reduce the intensity of belowground competition (stem growth increased relative to root growth) and increase seedling mortality, but there was no effect of changing levels of light. These results showed simple and direct negative effects of deer browsing on mountain beech regeneration. Indirect negative effects on regeneration were caused by deer-induced turf communities. We found little evidence for interactive effects between herbivory, plant competition and the availability of light or nutrients on seedling regeneration, which suggests that these factors acted independently.

Response of oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) seedlings to canopy gap size

Summary The response of nursery seedlings and wildings of oriental beech ( Fagus orientalis Lipsky) to canopy gap size was studied in a climax beech forest in northern Iran with respect to seedling survival, shoot growth and vitality. These parameters were followed for 2 years after planting in gaps of 50, 200 and 600 m 2 , as well as in the open fi eld. Foliage coloration was used as a criterion for vitality. The survival rate of nursery seedlings and wildings dropped rapidly with increasing gap size from 84 per cent in 50-m 2 canopy openings to �∼� 55 per cent in the 600-m 2 gaps and the open fi eld 2 years after planting. Shoot growth of wildings and nursery seedlings differed in response to gap size variation. Shoot growth of wildings was higher in small gaps than in larger openings, whereas for nursery seedlings the inverse was observed. Most beech seedlings were not discoloured or slightly discoloured under gaps of 50, 200 and 600 m 2 and were slightly to moderately discoloured in the open. There was a general tendency for higher discoloration in larger openings. It is concluded that small non-regenerated canopy gaps (�≤� 200 m 2 ) of beech forests in northern Iran can be restored by planting beech wildings as well as nursery seedlings in small openings, whereas nursery seedlings are preferred in larger gaps (�≥� 600 m 2 ).

Damping-Off of Beech Seedlings Caused by Fusarium avenaceum in Italy.

During May of 2004, damping-off of an estimated 70% of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seedlings was observed in a bare-root forest nursery located in northern Italy. Twenty-eight days after sowing, cotyledonary leaves were chlorotic, wilted, and occasionally desiccated; stem and collars appeared stunted and discolored with yellowish gray-to-brownish longitudinal streaks arising from the foot region, and rootlets were partially to completely rotten. No fruiting bodies were present on or near the damaged regions. Seedling establishment was poor within the disease foci that gradually increased in size. Longitudinal sections through the damaged stems showed dark brown streaks in the vascular tissue, and microscopic examination revealed that vessels frequently contained mycelium. Ten symptomatic plants were selected, and isolations were made from the necrotic margins of stems previously surface sterilized with 1% sodium hypochlorite and thoroughly rinsed, longitudinally cut into two parts 5-mm long, placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA), and incubated at 22 ± 1°C for 5 days in the dark. Although a variety of microorganisms were isolated, Fusarium avenaceum (Fr.:Fr.) Sacc. (1) was always recovered. Artificial inoculations with the fungus were made on 20-day-old, container-grown beech seedlings. The epidermis surrounding the collar was surface sterilized with 1% sodium hypochlorite, rinsed, and gently scraped with a sterile scalpel. After masking the rest of the plant with a plastic sheet, the wound was sprayed with a conidial suspension containing 103 macroconidia per cm3 in water and sealed with Parafilm. Controls were treated the same way but with sterile water. Each treatment was applied to 10 seedlings and incubated in the greenhouse (20 ± 2°C, 80% relative humidity, and 12 h of natural light per day). After 20 days, wounds treated with F. avenaceum showed necrotic lesions that developed into small patches of dead epidermis. Radial sections through the stem 2 cm above the inoculation site from five plants showed the presence of mycelium in the vessels, from which the fungus was reisolated. Thirty days postinoculation, the remaining five plants showed the same symptoms observed in the nursery, and microscopic observations confirmed the presence of the fungus. No disease symptoms or mycelium were observed in the inner tissues of control plants. The pathogenicity test was repeated twice with the same results. The fungus was not detected by culturing 100 surface-sterilized seeds from the same stock that had been sown in the nursery. F. avenaceum has a broad host range including angiosperms and gymnosperms, and the described symptoms are fairly typical (2). To our knowledge, this is the first report of this disease in Italy. Further research on fungal survivability in nursery soil and plant debris is in progress. The isolate is preserved in the Centraalbureau voor Schimmelcultures (NL) collection as no. 115957.