Beech Research Articles

Catalogue of Palamocladium euchloron (Müll. Hal.) Wijk et Margad. (Hypnales, Brachytheciaceae) specimens deposited in the State Museum of Natural History NASU, Lviv, Ukraine

The species Palamocladium euchloron (Müll. Hal.) Wijk et Margad. is distributed in Southern Europe (Greece), in the Caucasus, in Asia (Turkey, Iran, Turkmenistan, Pakistan, China). Findings in the Mountainous Crimea: Kirovskyi district, Agarmysh Mt. in the vicinity of the Old Crimea town, Old Crimea; Khapkhal Gorge near the Dzhur-Dzhur waterfall on the East Ulu-Uzen River, Crimean Nature Reserve, upper reaches of the Alma River; Bakhchysaraiskyi district, near the Bakhchysarai town, Sokolyne and Mashyne villages, Chufut-Kale rock . The species is scientifically significant as a relict (tertiary) one. This moss grows on the soil, on shaded limestone rocks and stones in oak and beech forests. The plant is dioecious. In the Crimea it does not form sporogonies and reproduces vegetatively. Palamocladium euchloron (Müll. Hal.) Wijk et Margad. is protected in the Crimean Nature Reserve, Khapkhalskyi hydrological reserve and the Agarmyskyi Forest landmark of nature . The species is recorded for the Staryi Krym vicinity in the work of M.P. Slobodian . The species is given in the study of fossil Pliocene bryoflora for the territory of Poland . Specimens of the Palamocladium euchloron (Müll. Hal.) Wijk et Margad., represented in the SMNH collection, were collected from the territory of the Crimean Peninsular (Bakhchysarai (Slobodian, 1969), Kirovsky district (Slobodian, 1966), Sudak town (Slobodian, 1968), Sokolyne village (Slobodian, 1969), Mashyne village (Slobodian, 1969), Golovkinskyi waterfall (Melnychuk, 1954); from the territory of Krasnodar Krai (Russia) territory were collected in Krasnaia Poliana (Lazarenko, 1937), from the territory of Azerbaijan near Novo-Alekseevka village (Окснер, 1936). The museum collection contains 14 specimens of Palamocladium euchloron (Müll. Hal.) Wijk et Margad. Two specimens are exsiccates (Institutum Botanicum nomine V.L. Komarivii Academiae Scientiarum URSS, 1961). Samples were collected by M.P. Slobodian, V.M. Melnychuk, A.S. Lazarenko, A.M. Oksner. Exsiccates were collected by I.I. Abramov and A.L. Abramova. Most specimens were collected in the second half of the 20th century. The specimens of A.S. Lazarenko and A.M. Oksner belong to the first half of the 20th century. The species has been included into the Red Data Book of Ukraine with conservation status: Rare. This article was written with the support of the National Research Foundation of Ukraine, call 2022.01 «Science for the Recovery of Ukraine in the War and Post-War Periods» the project 2022.01/0013 «Digitization of natural history collections damaged as a result of hostilities and related factors: development of protocols and implementation on the basis of the State Museum of Natural History of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine». The contents of this article do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Research Foundation of Ukraine and are the sole responsibility of the State Museum of Natural History, NAS of Ukraine.

Catalogue of Nebria picicornis (Fabricius, 1792) (Coleoptera, Carabidae) specimens deposited in the State Museum of Natural History NASU, Lviv, Ukraine

The species Nebria picicornis (Fabricius, 1792) belongs to the genus, distributed in the Palaearctic, Middle East and North Africa, and represented by more than 500 described species (Catalogue of Life, 2023). In Ukraine, the genus is represented by 9 species. Nebria picicornis (Fabricius, 1792) has been recorded from thefollowing localities in Ukraine: outskirts of Sambir town, Spas village (Nowicki, 1858), the Eastern Beskydy up to Chornohora range (Nowicki, 1864), Ivano-Frankivsk city at the Bystrytsia river, in the river silt deposits (Łomnicki, 1886), beech forest zone of the Carpathians (Nowicki, 1873), Galicia, Bukovyna, Podilska gubernias , Zelemianka river, Bolekhiv town , NR «Gorgany» , foothill and lowland areas of the Carpathians: Ciscarpathian Upland, Beskydy massif, Gorgany massif, Pokutsko-Bukovynski Carpathians, Krasna range, as well as the Klavdievo village near Kyiv city, 10.V.1976 р., 2 spec., V.G. Dolin (IZU) , the Carpathians (including the Ciscarpathian Upland with foothills above 300 m a.s.l.), Right-Bank Polissia (mixed forest zone), Broadleaf Forest Zone (including the Ciscarpathian Upland, but with foothills of the Carpathians up to 300 m a.s.l. and Male Polissia) . Nebria picicornis (Fabricius, 1792) is distributed in the mountains and foothills of Central Europe and the northern part of southern Europe (Burakowski et al., 1973). In Ukraine it is found in the belts of oak and beech forests and lives along the banks of rivers and streams . There are 34 specimens of Nebria picicornis (Fabricius, 1792) in the collection of the State Museum of Natural History NASU, Lviv. The beetles were collected by Łomnicki M., Polianskyi S., Stöckl A., Susulovskyi A.S., Rizun V.B. Most of them were collected in the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, a number of individuals – in recent decades. Three specimens (Inventory numbers: E2.19.01.08.02//17, Digital record number: SMNH010749, Data Centre “Biodiversity of Ukraine”: ID 58124; Inventory numbers: E2.19.01.08.02//18, Digital record number: SMNH010750, Data Centre “Biodiversity of Ukraine”: ID 58125; Inventory numbers: E2.19.01.08.02//19, Digital record number: SMNH010751, Data Centre “Biodiversity of Ukraine”: ID 58126) most probably were mentioned in the work by M. Łomniсki (Łomnicki M. Muzeum imienia Dzieduszyckich we Lwowe. Dział I. Zoologiczny oddział zwierząt bezkręgowych. IV. Chrząszcze, czyli Tęgoskrzydłe (Coleoptera). – Lwów, 1886. – 308 s.). In general, the collection contains specimens, collected from Ukraine: Lvivska, Ivano-Frankivska, Chernivetska, Zakarpatska provinces, and from Poland. Some part of the presented material was collected in nature conservation areas of Ukraine: the Nature Reserve «Gorgany», National Nature Parks «Boikivshchyna», «Carpathian» and «Hutsulshchyna». This article was written with the support of the National Research Foundation of Ukraine, call 2022.01 «Science for the Recovery of Ukraine in the War and Post-War Periods» the project 2022.01/0013 «Digitization of natural history collections damaged as a result of hostilities and related factors: development of protocols and implementation on the basis of the State Museum of Natural History of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine». The contents of this article do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Research Foundation of Ukraine and are the sole responsibility of the State Museum of Natural History, NAS of Ukraine.

Catalogue of Bombus wurflenii Radoszkowski, 1860 (Hymenoptera, Apidae) specimens deposited in the State Museum of Natural History NASU, Lviv, Ukraine

Bombus wurflenii Radoszkowski, 1860 belongs to the subgenus Alpigenobombus and is one of the 40 bumblebee species that occur in Ukraine. This Boreal-Alpine species has a disjunctive range and is confined to the mountains and hills of Europe. It occurs in Scandinavia, in central and southern Europe (the Cantabrian Mountains, the Pyrenees, the Alps, the Apennines, the Balkans, the Carpathians). It is also known from the far east of Europe (the Ural Mountains), and from the north-eastern Turkey and the Caucasus (Rasmont, Iserbyt, 2010-2012; Rasmont et al., 2015). All scenarios of future distribution of Bombus wurflenii project a moderate reduction of suitable areas by 2050. By 2100 the climatic niche space of the species would be even more restricted. With low dispersal capability and since Bombus wurflenii is a specialized species linked to cold boreal and alpine-subalpine conditions, it would suffer substantially from global warming (Rasmont et al., 2015). Bombus wurflenii is a medium sized bumblebee. It is highly adapted for “nectar robbing”, i. e. perforating holes at the base of long flower corollas to reach the nectar. To do this, it uses its modified mandibles, each with six denticles on outer margin . In Ukraine the species is represented by the subspecies B. wurflenii mastrucatus Gerst. and occurs in the Ukrainian Carpathians only. It inhabits mountain forests from a height of 500 m a. s. l. to the subalpine zone inclusive. The highest number of population of the species is observed within the altitude range of 800-1100 m above sea level (Konovalova, 2010). B. wurflenii is nesting underground, using the abandoned nests of rodents in beech, beech-spruce and spruce forests, in polonynas, meadows and also on rocky slopes in the subalpine. The emergence of queens from hibernation happens in late spring and early summer. The development of small colonies lasts until July-August, culminating in the emergence of new reproductive generation. In the Carpathian highlands B. wurflenii is considered a common one. However, during last decades, the destruction of both nesting sites and forage flora of this species due to excessive recreational pressure, is a serious factor threatening the persistence of its population. For this reason, B. wurflenii has been included into the Red Book of the Ukrainian Carpathians as vulnerable one, also taking into account a relatively limited area inhabited by populations of the species. The species plays a significant role in the pollination of high mountain flora. A feeding diet of this bumblebee in the Ukrainian Carpathians includes at least 23 plant species belonging to 16 families (unpublished data of the author). Among its favourite forage plants are: Centaurea phrygia subsp. carpatica (Porcius) Dostál, Cirsium waldsteinii Rouy, Gentiana asclepiadea L., Rhododendron kotschyi Simonk., Vaccinium spp., Aconitum spp. In the entomological collection of the State Museum of Natural History, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 42 specimens of B. wurflenii have been deposited. Only one specimen belongs to an old historical collection. It was collected from the Tatry Mts. in Poland on 30.07.1905 and identified by J. Snieżek. From the present territory of Ukraine B. wurflenii was recorded for the first time in 1939 in Chornohora mountain range, at an altitude of 1500 m a.s.l. (Fudakowski et al., 1939). The recent part of the collection includes specimens, found from 2000 to 2006 in mountain regions of Ivano-Frankivska and Zakarpatska provinces of Ukraine (fig. 1). The recent collection of B. wurflenii represents all three castes of the species: 1 queen, 32 workers and 8 males. Bumblebees were collected during June, July and August within altitudes of 800-1700 m a.s.l. in the following physiographic regions: UC: PlChr: Chornohora massif; UC: PlChr: Svydovets massif; UC: OCVV: Gg: Outer Gorgany range. The vast majority of specimens have been collected in protected territories: Carpathian Biosphere Reserve (Chornohora protected massif, Svydovets protected massif) and Carpathian National Nature Park.

Distribution of Colchicum speciosum Steven in Trabzon Province, Türkiye

Colchicum speciosum Steven belongs to the Colchicaceae family and is native to the Eastern Black Sea Region of Anatolia. The genus Colchicum is used in the pharmaceutical industry due to the colchicine alkaloids contained in both its corms and seeds. This study was carried out to determine the distribution areas of Colchicum speciosum, an important medicinal aromatic plant, in Türkiye. To reach this purpose, field studies were carried out, collecting samples of the plant during suitable vegetation periods between 2015 and 2021 in Trabzon province. The present study was done using a full-field screening method. All field information about the taxon was recorded in the GIS database, and the distribution map of the taxon including Trabzon province was created. It was determined that Colchicum speciosum has a wide distribution in the study area, from 349 to 2560 m asl. In the study area, the specimens was determined at 192 different points and 12 different habitat types. These habitat types are mainly: pasture-meadow areas, both deciduous and conifer forest clearings, agricultural areas, hazelnut plantations, deciduous forests, coniferous forests dominated by Picea orientalis, roadsides, stony areas, scrubs, beech forests, seasonal stream edges, and swamp-reed areas. Additionally, it has been observed that the flowering time of the plant is between September and October.

Lignocellulosic waste biosorbents infused with deep eutectic solvents for biogas desulfurization

This paper introduces an innovative method for treating biogas streams, employing lignocellulosic biosorbents infused with environmentally friendly solvents known as deep eutectic solvents (DES). The primary focus of this study was the elimination of volatile organosulfur compounds (VSCs) from model biogas. Biosorbents, including energetic poplar wood, antipka tree, corncobs, and beech wood, were used, each with varying levels of lignin and hemicellulose content. The selection of the DES with the greatest potential for VSC removal was carried out using COnductor-like Screening MOdel for Realistic Solvents (COSMO-RS) modeling. The chosen DES consisted of quaternary ammonium salts and glycols, specifically, tetrapropylammonium bromide and 1,2-hexanediol (1:3). The physicochemical properties of the new DES, such as the viscosity, density, and melting point, were evaluated. The biosorbents were treated with the selected DES after shredding, purifying, and sieving. Comprehensive analysis techniques, including thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction, were employed on the modified biosorbents both before and after modification. The subsequent step involved the adsorption of VSCs from biogas. The results of this study demonstrated the superior performance of a novel sorbent based on corn cob modified by DES compared to commercially available alternatives. The sorption capacity ranged from 103.8 to 112.1 mg/g for various VSCs. The adsorption process using the new biosorbent can be described by the pseudo second order kinetic model, as well as the Yoon-Nelson and Adams-Bohart models. The high efficacy of the VSCs removal was attributed to the concurrent operation of the absorption and adsorption processes. The resulting sorbent was also characterized by its ability to regenerate repeatedly without significant loss of sorption capacity of the new sorbents.

Towards an objective assessment of tree vitality: a case study based on 3D laser scanning

Key messageAnalyzing fine branch length characteristics in beech trees using single-tree QSMs derived from laser scanning reveals insights into drought-induced changes in vitality, which include branch shedding and reduced shoot growth.Climate change causes increasing temperatures and precipitation anomalies, which result in deteriorations of tree health and declines in ecosystem services of forests. It is therefore crucial to monitor tree vitality to preserve forests and their functions. However, methods describing tree vitality in situ are lacking reproducibility or are too laborious. Thus, we tested a laser-scanning based approach, assuming that an objective measurement of a tree’s outer shape should reveal changes according to tree vitality. QSMs of similarly sized beech trees from stands with varying degrees of drought damage were used. Absolute and relative fine branch lengths, their ratio to lower order branches’ lengths and their progressions over relative height were targeted to identify fine branch dieback and reduced growth. The absolute fine branch length was significantly lower for less vital beech trees, especially within the upper crown, leading to a less top-heavy vertical distribution of fine branches and a reduced fine-to-base order branch length ratio. Hence, height-dependent characteristics of fine branch lengths differed between vitalities. We conclude that using fine branch length characteristics derived from QSMs can be helpful in vitality assessments of beech trees. Still, uncertainties with regard to the plotwise assessment and problems with QSM quality are present.

Influence of polyethylene glycol and various carboxylic acids on the physical and mechanical properties of beech wood (Fagus sylvatica) and Scots pine wood (Pinus sylvestris)

ABSTRACT The goal of this study was to investigate the influence on physical and mechanical properties of beech wood (Fagus sylvatica) and Scots pine wood (Pinus sylvestris) modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400 as an alcohol and various carboxylic acids (citric acid, malic acid and 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid). PEG 400, chosen for its large and flexible structure, was expected to minimize the negative effects on mechanical properties. However, contrary to expectations, tensile and impact bending strength decreased – similar to other modifications. Tensile strength decreased (beech: 36.0% to 46.3%), while the modulus of rupture did not show a strong decrease (beech: 2.4% to 15.2%). The modulus of elasticity (beech: 1.6% to 14.7%), compression strength (beech: 11.7% to 40.6%) and hardness (beech: 6.0% to 17.1%) increased. Impact bending strength was reduced (beech: 43.0% to 69.3%). Modifying agents, fixed inside the wood, demonstrated high anti-swelling efficiency during leaching cycles (beech: 27.1% to 45.9%). Equilibrium moisture content was reduced between 20.8% and 39.1% for beech at a relative humidity of 65%.

Changes in carbon stocks according to stand development stages in oriental beech forests in the Marmara Region of Türkiye.

This study was conducted to determine the changes in carbon stocks of oriental beech (Fagus orientalis) according to stand development stage in the Marmara Region of Türkiye. For this purpose, sample plots were taken from a total of 32 areas encompassing four stand development stages (young, middle age, mature and overmature stand). The diameter at breast height and height of all trees in the sample plots were measured, and only three dominant trees's ages per plot were determined. Aboveground carbon stock was calculated using equations developed for beech forests, while the coefficients in the Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use guide were used to determine belowground carbon stocks. A soil pit was dug in each plot and soil samples were taken at different depths (0-10, 10-30, 30-60, 60-100cm). In addition, litters were sampled from four different 25 × 25cm sections in each plot, and then the physical and chemical properties of the soil and litters were analysed. The variations in carbon stocks in above- and below-ground tree mass, litter and soil, and in ecosystem carbon stocks according to development stage were examined by analysis of variance and Duncan test, and the relationships between the carbon stocks were investigated by correlation analysis. Aboveground (AG) and belowground (BG) tree, soil and ecosystem carbon stocks showed significant differences between the four stand development stages (P < 0.05), but not the litter carbon stocks (P > 0.05). AG and BG tree and ecosystem carbon stocks increased with progressive stand development stages, while the soil carbon stock was the highest at the young stage. These findings will contribute to the preparation of forest management plans and the national greenhouse gas inventory.

Does long-term drought or repeated defoliation affect seasonal leaf N cycling in young beech trees?

Forest trees adopt effective strategies to optimize nitrogen (N) use through internal N recycling. In the context of more recurrent environmental stresses due to climate change, the question remains of whether increased frequency of drought or defoliation threatens this internal N recycling strategy. We submitted 8-year-old beech trees to 2 years of either severe drought (Dro) or manual defoliation (Def) to create a state of N starvation. At the end of the second year before leaf senescence, we labeled the foliage of the Dro and Def trees, as well as that of control (Co) trees, with 15N-urea. Leaf N resorption, winter tree N storage (total N, 15N, amino acids, soluble proteins) and N remobilization in spring were evaluated for the three treatments. Defoliation and drought did not significantly impact foliar N resorption or N concentrations in organs in winter. Total N amounts in Def tree remained close to those in Co tree, but winter N was stored more in the branches than in the trunk and roots. Total N amount in Dro trees was drastically reduced (-55%), especially at the trunk level, but soluble protein concentrations increased in the trunk and fine roots compared with Co trees. During spring, 15N was mobilized from the trunk, branches and twigs of both Co and Def trees to support leaf growth. It was only provided through twig 15N remobilization in the Dro trees, thus resulting in extremely reduced Dro leaf N amounts. Our results suggest that stress-induced changes occur in N metabolism but with varying severity depending on the constraints: within-tree 15N transport and storage strategy changed in response to defoliation, whereas a soil water deficit induced a drastic reduction of the N amounts in all the tree organs. Consequently, N dysfunction could be involved in drought-induced beech tree mortality under the future climate.

Long-term behaviour of Cs-137, Cs-133 and K in beech trees of French forests

In the long-term after atmospheric deposit onto a forest ecosystem, Cs-137 becomes incorporated into the biogeochemical cycle of stable elements and progressively reaches a quasi-equilibrium state. This study aimed at determining to what extent Cs-137 activity distribution in tree vegetation could be predicted from that of stable caesium (Cs-133) and potassium (K), which are known to be stable chemical analogues and competitors for Cs-137 intake in tree organs. Field campaigns that focused on beech trees (Fagus sylvatica L.) were conducted in 2021 in three French forest stands with contrasted characteristics regarding either the contribution of global vs. Chornobyl fallouts, soil or climatic conditions. Decades after Cs-137 fallouts, it was found that more than 80% of the total radioactive inventory in the system remained confined in the top 20 cm mineral layers, while organic layers and beech vegetation (including roots) contributed each to less than 1.5%. The enhanced downward migration of Cs-137 in cambisol than podzol forest sites was presumably due to migration of clay particles and bioturbation. The distribution of Cs-137 and Cs-133 inventories in beech trees was very similar among sites but differed from that of K due a higher accumulation of Cs isotopes in roots (40–50% vs. < 25% for K). The aggregated transfer factor (Tag) of Cs-137 calculated for aerial beech organs were all lower than those reported in literature more than 20 years ago, this suggesting a decrease of bioavailability in soil due to ageing processes. Regarding their variability, Tags were generally lower by a factor 5 at the cambisol site, which was fairly well explained by a much higher value of RIP (radiocesium immobilisation potential). Cs-137 concentrations in trees organs normalized by the soil exchangeable fractions were linearly correlated to those of Cs-133 and the best fit was found for the linear regression model without intercept indicating that no more contribution of the foliar uptake could be observed on long term. Provided that the vertical distribution of caesium concentrations and fine root density are properly measured or estimated, Cs-133 was shown to be a much better proxy than K to estimate the root transfer of Cs-137.

Study of the Influence of Heat Flow on the Time to Ignition of Spruce and Beech Wood

Adherence to fire safety regulations for wood is one of the most important tasks in its use in structural and architectural applications. This article deals with determining the influence of heat flux on the ignition process of spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.) and beech wood (Fagus sylvatica L.). The heat flux was generated by an electric radiant panel. The analysed parameters included the ignition time of the spruce and beech wood samples, the influence of wood density, and sample moisture, and the course of sample combustion, both with and without flame, was observed. The heat flux was maintained at constant values, depending on the distance of the examined sample from the panel, along with the specific power of the radiation panel. The power of the radiation panel was set to constant values of 5 kW and 10 kW. The samples were placed at distances of 50, 70, 100, 150, and 200 mm from the heat source, and heat fluxes in the range of 13–92 kW·m−2 were observed. At a power of 5 kW and a heat flux of 64 kW·m−2, neither the sample of beech nor that of spruce wood, placed at the distance of 100 mm from the radiation panel, exhibited flaming combustion. The ignition time for the beech wood was approximately twice that of the spruce wood, likely due to the higher average wood density. It can be stated that wood density, as one of the main factors, significantly influences the ignition phase of burning. The statistical analysis examined variables including wood type, radiant panel output, distance, and heat flux in relation to ignition time. The analysis revealed a significant difference between ignition time and distance (p-value = 0.0000, H = 37.51583) as well as between ignition time and heat flux (p-value = 0.0000, H = 37.69726). Similarly, the time to ignition for all tested beech wood samples was longer than for spruce wood.

Chemical reagent for detecting tension wood in selected tree species

Reaction wood is a wood defect arising during the growth of the tree in the part of the trunk that is under tension (hardwood tree species) or compression (coniferous tree species). Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) tension wood has different anatomical and chemical characteristics than normal (opposite) wood. The difference in density is conditioned by the percentage of the gelatinous layer (G-layer). Fibre cells in reaction beech wood have a different cell wall structure and a different chemical composition. Tension wood cannot be detected by the naked eye. It is only possible to assume its occurrence based on the macroscopic characteristics of the logs, such as a woolly surface, taper or eccentric pith, and so forth. However, these are imprecise and unreliable methods that have minimal effectiveness, especially when shortening the length of the log for cut-outs. This study aimed to create a unique chemical reagent for the detection of tension wood in logs and timber and wood products immediately. The present research can contribute to the mitigation of flaws resulting from the reaction of wood in timber production while addressing noticeable constraints in manufacturing, such as energy resources and the availability of wood raw materials. This can be achieved through the efficient identification of reaction wood in materials. The colour change is only temporary and will fade over time. After the chemical reagent has dried on the surface, the surface can be milled. The colour change extends to a depth of approx. of 3 to 5 mm.

The enemy of my enemy… Exotic mammals present biotic resistance against invasive alien conifers

Plant invasions are a widespread and recurring phenomenon that cause significant economic and environmental damage. Invasive alien conifers are weeds that are not only costly to manage, but consistently reinvade after management efforts. Understanding how many seeds survive to germinate is a key part in understanding the weed life cycle puzzle. Here we investigated the contribution that seed predators have on reducing invasive alien conifer seed survival across both invaded and uninvaded habitats in Aotearoa New Zealand. We combined quantitative and qualitative experiments to measure seed predation across invaded and uninvaded habitats, as well as to identify which fauna are the most prolific seed predators. We utilised ex-situ empirical evidence with in-situ observations to provide realistic impacts from different seed predator species. We found that introduced mammals, particularly rodents, were the primary seed predators of invasive conifers. Seed predation pressure was highest in herbicide treated invasive alien conifer forests, indigenous beech forests, and managed pasture containing grazing livestock. Indigenous tussock areas support fewer vertebrate seed predators and as a result are particularly vulnerable to conifer invasion. The majority of seed predation occurs within the first two weeks post-dispersal. These results suggest that introduced mammal control operations, which are essential to protect endemic New Zealand species, will likely result in increasing invasive conifer populations by reducing seed predation pressure. Seed predation varies greatly between habitats, suggesting invasion and reinvasion rates are higher in ungrazed areas of lower forest density that support fewer introduced mammals.

Canopy nitrogen application effects on Quercus petraea L. and Fagus sylvatica L. ring width and wood density

AbstractAs an essential nutrient, Nitrogen (N) availability is fundamental in evaluating forest productivity, and as such, understanding the effects of changing atmospheric N inputs in forest ecosystems is of high significance. While most field experiments have been employing ground fertilization as a method to simulate N deposition, two experimental forest sites in Italy have adopted the more advanced canopy N application approach. Here we present findings from a case study of wood core analyses of predominantly pure, even aged, Sessile oak (Quercus petraea L.) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forest stands, treated with either below or above canopy N fertilization, comparing between the two simulation pathways of increased N deposition. The potential effects of elevated N availability on total ring width, mean ring density, and their corresponding earlywood and latewood fractions are examined. Our results indicate inconclusive effects of the treatments on the ring width traits of both Q. petraea or F. sylvatica, although basal area increment patterns appeared to be affected divergently between the species and treatments. Mean and earlywood, but not latewood, densities on the other hand, exhibited a decrease in certain years of the treatment period in Q. petraea as result of the above canopy N application only, whereas F. sylvatica wood density showed no clear response to any of the treatments. Thus, we are describing distinct reactions of the two broadleaved species to the different experimental N deposition approaches, discussing potential growth patterns under increased N availability, and emphasizing the importance of considering wood density in assessments of tree biomass accumulation and essentially Carbon storage capacities.

Influence of meteorological factors on the moisture content of fine forest fuels: responses of fire danger class to different microclimates on the example of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) stands

Abstract Due to the increased number of forest fires, a detailed examination and knowledge of the effects of the microclimatic conditions of forests is currently significant. The study carried out in Arboretum Borova hora (Slovak Republik), investigates the influence of meteorological factors (air temperature, relative humidity), the value of the Angström index, and the danger class of the Angström index on the moisture content of fine fuel at the edge of a beech forest stand, but also in its interior. We tested three working hypotheses: a) meteorological conditions differ significantly between the edge and the interior of the beech forest, b) the moisture content of fine fuel is higher in the beech forest interior than at the forest edge, c) the Angström index fire danger class is higher at the edge of the beech forest than in its interior. We created a calibration curve that was also used to measure the humidity of beech leaves with the help of the ME 2000 hygrometer. Our results show that edge beech stands are significantly more susceptible to fires, lower air humidity and fine fuel moisture content, and higher air temperatures than forest interiors. From our point of view, the microclimate is considered the main factor that explains the difference between the vegetation structure of the forest edge and the forest interior.

The association of protein-bound methionine sulfoxide with proteomic basis for aging in beech seeds

BackgroundEuropean beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) trees produce seeds irregularly; therefore, it is necessary to store beech seeds for forestation. Despite the acquisition of desiccation tolerance during development, beech seeds are classified as intermediate because they lose viability during long-term storage faster than typical orthodox seeds. In this study, beech seeds stored for short (3 years) or long (20 years) periods under optimal conditions and displaying 92 and 30% germination capacity, respectively, were compared.ResultsAged seeds displayed increased membrane damage, manifested as electrolyte leakage and lipid peroxidation levels. Analyses have been based on embryonic axes, which contained higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and higher levels of protein-bound methionine sulfoxide (MetO) in aged seeds. Using label-free quantitative proteomics, 3,949 proteins were identified, of which 2,442 were reliably quantified pointing to 24 more abundant proteins and 35 less abundant proteins in beech seeds under long-term storage conditions. Functional analyses based on gene ontology annotations revealed that nucleic acid binding activity (molecular function), ribosome organization or biogenesis and transmembrane transport (cellular processes), translational proteins (protein class) and membranous anatomical entities (cellular compartment) were affected in aged seeds. To verify whether MetO, the oxidative posttranslational modification of proteins that can be reversed via the action of methionine sulfoxide reductase (Msr) enzymes, is involved in the aging of beech seeds, we identified and quantified 226 MetO-containing proteins, among which 9 and 19 exhibited significantly up- and downregulated MetO levels, respectively, in beech seeds under long-term storage conditions. Several Msr isoforms were identified and recognized as MsrA1-like, MsrA4, MsrB5 and MsrB5-like in beech seeds. Only MsrA1-like displayed decreased abundance in aged seeds.ConclusionsWe demonstrated that the loss of membrane integrity reflected in the elevated abundance of membrane proteins had a higher impact on seed aging progress than the MetO/Msr system. Proteome analyses enabled us to propose protein Sec61 and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase as potential longevity modulators in beech seeds.

Determining thermal properties of beech and fir wood samples in longitudinal direction via modified transient plane source method

The increasing use of wood leads to the need for a better understanding of its thermal properties with the aim of quantitatively identifying the exchange of thermal energy between wood and the surrounding solar radiation as precisely as possible. Reliable and rapid measurement of thermal conductivity is one of the most important current industrial requirements. The aim of this study is to examine the validity of using the modified transient plane source method (MTPS), which uses the principle of one-sided heating of the sample, and is defined by the ASTM D7984-21 (2021) standard, for determining the thermal conductivity of complex biocomposite composite materials such as wood. The analysis of the available literature shows a lack of data on the thermal conductivity of the type of wood originating in Croatia. In this study, the thermal conductivities of beech and fir wood samples in the longitudinal direction was determined by the MTPS method depending on the temperature and moisture content in the samples. Measurements were made on samples with a moisture content of 0%, 10%, and 20% in the temperature range from 20 to 80 °C.

Niche dimensions in soil oribatid mite community assembly under native and introduced tree species.

Forest soils are a critical component of terrestrial ecosystems and host a large number of animal decomposer species. One diverse and abundant decomposer taxon is oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida), whose species composition varies with forest type and tree species composition. We used functional traits that indicate different niche dimensions, to infer assembly processes of oribatid mite communities in monocultures and mixed forests of native and introduced tree species. We found that coexisting species differed more in the resource-related niche dimension, i.e., reproductive mode and trophic guild, than in the morphological dimension, e.g., body length and width, sclerotization and concealability. These results suggest that both filtering and partitioning processes structure oribatid mite communities. In native European beech forests, but not in non-native Douglas fir forests, oribatid mites were mainly structured by filtering processes acting via traits related both to environmental tolerance and to resources. Furthermore, oribatid mite trait diversity, but not phylogenetic diversity, differed significantly between monocultures and mixed forests, demonstrating that multidimensional diversity indices provide additional information on soil biodiversity. Overall, the study provides evidence that traits representing different niche dimensions need to be considered for understanding assembly processes in soil animal communities and thereby soil biodiversity.

Elevation differentially shapes functional diversity patterns in understorey forest communities when considering intraspecific and interspecific trait variability

AbstractQuestionsWhat is the relative importance of interspecific and intraspecific trait variation and their covariation in the herb layer of European temperate beech forests, and how do they vary with elevation? Is there evidence of interspecific trait convergence at higher elevations, as postulated by the habitat‐filtering hypothesis, and is this convergence enhanced or counteracted by intraspecific variation?LocationNational Park “Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona and Campigna”, Italy.MethodsWe measured four functional traits – plant height, specific leaf area (SLA), leaf dry matter content (LDMC) and leaf area – across 775 individuals from 60 herb‐layer species in 28 forest plots (10 m × 10 m) spanning an 800 m elevation gradient. For each trait in each plot, we computed community‐weighted means (CWMs) and the standardized effect size of functional diversity (SES‐FD). We decomposed total trait variation into its interspecific and intraspecific components, and their covariation. We run linear regression models to assess the impact of elevation on these three components of functional variation. Lastly, we investigated whether higher elevation communities exhibited lower SES‐FD, indicating functional convergence that could hint to a stronger habitat filtering.ResultsInterspecific trait variation was more important than the intraspecific counterpart both for CWMs and SES‐FD. Only CWMs calculated for plant height and LDMC showed a significant relationship with elevation. Low‐elevation communities featured taller, more‐conservative species, whereas shorter, faster‐growing species were more common at higher elevations. SES‐FD remained consistently negative for species turnover and total variation, suggesting stable functional convergence across the gradient.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that interspecific and intraspecific trait variability can be decoupled along an elevation gradient, stressing the importance of individually considering each component of trait variation when studying community composition. Elevation significantly influenced various components of plant community trait variation, with habitat filtering playing a substantial role in selecting plants with specific traits across elevations.

Century-long recovery of mycorrhizal interactions in European beech forests after mining

Abstract Background and aims Ecological restoration strategies are emerging globally to counteract biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. However, restored ecosystems may not reach undisturbed biodiversity and functionality. One reason of this limited success may be a focus on short-term recovery of diversity, composition, or isolated functions. These simplified metrics may underestimate the real time ecosystems need to recover. Thus, studies of more complex metrics, like biotic interactions, at larger timescales, are essential to understand ecosystem recovery. Methods Using molecular identification, we assessed the recovery of the interactions between ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungi and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in two opencast iron mines in use since the fourteenth century and abandoned over 107 and 148 years. Results Species richness, species diversity, Basidiomycota/Ascomycota abundance ratio and taxonomic distinctness of EcM fungi recovered to undisturbed values, whereas species composition was still different. Certain fungal functional traits (i.e. exploration and sporocarp types) also reached undisturbed values. Differences in soil pH and NH4+ affected the composition of the EcM communities associated with beech, suggesting that mining caused a long-term impact in soil biogeochemistry, that directly impacted beech-EcM interactions. Conclusion Mycorrhizal interactions require more than 150 years to recover following mining. Contrary to the rapid recovery response provided by simple metrics like species richness, recovery metrics with more ecological information, like the identity of plant-EcM interactions, may be still capturing signals of incomplete recovery.