Birch Species Research Articles

Nagylepke fauna felmérése a Baláta-tó Természetvédelmi Területen (Lepidoptera: Macrolepidoptera)

Between 1986-1997, large butterfly and moth fau-na was examined in the Lake Baláta Nature Reserve (So-mogy county). In 1987, a light trap was operated for a year in Kanizsaberek, the closest settlement to the protected area, and the further faunistic investigation was carried out by light-ing in the other three points of the protected area. The but-terflies were collected along forest roads, the narrow-gauge railway and deforestation area. During the investigation, 68 butterfly and 401 moth species were found. 8190 specimens were collected by the light trap, which belonging to 367 spe-cies. According to cited literature and the present study, the number of species known from the area is 504 (73 butterflies, 431 moths). The fauna is characterized by the high number of birch and alder consumer species, which can be related to the the moorland. The number of protected species is 43 and 5 species of Natura 2000 (Lycaena dispar, Maculinea naus-ithous, Maculinea teleius, Proserpinus proserpina, Euplagia quadripunctaria) were found.

Light compensation points in shade-grown seedlings of deciduous broadleaf tree species with different successional traits raised under elevated CO2.

We measured leaf photosynthetic traits in shade-grown seedlings of four tree species native to northern Japan, raised under an elevated CO2 condition, to investigate the effects of elevated CO2 on shade tolerance of deciduous broadleaf tree species with different successional traits. We considered Betula platyphylla var. japonica and Betula maximowicziana as pioneer species, Quercus mongolica var. crispula as a mid-successional species, and Acer mono as a climax species. The plants were grown under shade conditions (10% of full sunlight) in a CO2 -regulated phytotron. Light compensation points (LCPs) decreased in all tree species when grown under elevated CO2 (720 μmol·mol(-1) ), which were accompanied by higher apparent quantum yields but no photosynthetic down-regulation. LCPs in Q. mongolica and A. mono grown under elevated CO2 were lower than those in the two pioneer birch species. The LCP in Q. mongolica seedlings was not different from that of A. mono in each CO2 treatment. However, lower dark respiration rates were observed in A. mono than in Q. mongolica, suggesting higher shade tolerance in A. mono as a climax species in relation to carbon loss at night. Thus, elevated CO2 may have enhanced shade tolerance by lowering LCPs in all species, but the ranking of shade tolerance related to successional traits did not change among species under elevated CO2 , i.e. the highest shade tolerance was observed in the climax species (A. mono), followed by a gap-dependent species (Q. mongolica), while lower shade tolerance was observed in the pioneer species (B. platyphylla and B. maximowicziana).

Selection cutting in a yellow birch–conifer stand, in Quebec, Canada: Comparing the single-tree and two hybrid methods using different sizes of canopy opening

We experimented three selection cutting patterns using different sizes of canopy opening, including single-tree (SIN, <100m2 in area), hybrid single-tree and small groups of trees (HGR, 100–300m2), hybrid single-tree and one larger gap (HGA, 700m2), and an uncut control (CON) to regenerate tree species with a range of shade tolerance in a yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britt.)–conifer stand, in Quebec, Canada. In this paper, we are presenting the 10-year effects on regeneration dynamics, seedbed coverage and light availability. During the six summers of monitoring, incoming solar radiation increased with canopy opening at a rate of 1.5, 3.9, 4.9 and 8.9MJ/m2/day in microsites distinctive of the CON, SIN, HGR and HGA, respectively. Yellow birch established well in the three cutting patterns (including the matrix and openings), which contained 5–6 times more seedlings >5cm in height than the control (2400/ha) after 10years (all p<0.001). Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) coverage was also higher in the three cuts (9–15% at year 10) than in the CON (<1%, p⩽0.001). Pin cherry (Prunus pensylvanica L. f.) rapidly emerged independently from the cutting pattern (6000–7000stems/ha, year 2), but had almost disappeared by year 10 (100–300stems/ha). The 100–300m2 groups and 700m2 gap were favourable niches for yellow birch development. The gap, where light blade scarification was carried out in areas without conifer advance growth, was by far the worst niche for both red spruce and balsam fir (Abies balsamea [L.] Mill.). Therefore, the hybrid method that removed small groups of trees revealed the best option to maintain yellow birch and conifer species in the study site.

Isolation of triterpene-rich extracts from outer birch bark by hot water and alkaline pre-treatment or the appropriate choice of solvents

Birch bark, left over as residue fuel in the pulp and plywood industry, is rich in pentacyclic lupane-type triterpenes – primarily betulin and lupeol – promising starting materials for the synthesis of biologically active compounds with a broad spectrum of medical applications. A comparative study on the main triterpenes of the outer bark of two birch species – silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.) and downy birch (Betula pubescens Ehrh.) – is reported. The total yield of extractives decreased with crop age. For the first time, pre-treatment with hot water and Na2CO3 water solution of birch outer bark was carried out before extraction. Pre-treatment with Na2CO3 water solution substantially improved the ethanol extracts’ triterpene content (from 67.7 to 99.0%). The effect of different solvents on the yield and composition of extracts was studied. Nonpolar solvents behave more selectively toward triterpenes and admixtures. It is possible to improve the extracts’ triterpene content by modifying the extraction technology employed and choosing the appropriate solvents.

A convenient synthesis of Lupeol from Betulin

Lupeol is an immense bioactive lupane-type triterpenoid that can be isolated from several different medicinal plants but in low yields. While, betulin, a triterpenoid structurally shares great similarities to lupeol, is present in concentrations as high as 30% of the dried bark of white birch, accounts for up to 78% content of the birch bark extractive. In this study a convenient synthesis of lupeol from betulin was successfully established with an overall yield of 50% in 4 steps. On the basis of this study, betulin from white birch species can be used as an economic and ever available source for lupeol.

Insights into the late quaternary paleoenvironment of northwestern Arizona

Because of the nature and process of precipitation, tufa deposits offer the potential to serve as sedimentary signatures of hydrology, climate, ecology, and biodiversity in areas otherwise lacking such historic archives. This study investigated a previously undocumented tufa site located in northwestern Arizona. Field mapping, X-ray diffraction, and thin-section analyses revealed a wedge-shaped deposit of nearly pure calcitic tufa. Leaf and bark molds were identified as closely resembling water birch (Betula occidentalis) and conifer species as well. A dense understory of tubular fossils suggestive of horsetails (Equisetum) and other wetland species were also found. Biotic content, lack of ikaite, and proximity to pluvial lake systems strongly correlate the deposit's age with numerous lacustrine deposits in the region and possibly extend the lake system to the south.

Molecular, proteomic and immunological parameters of allergens provide inclusion criteria for new candidates within established grass and tree homologous groups

Background Our knowledge of allergen structure and function continues to rise and new scientific data on the homology and cross-reactivity of allergen sources should be considered to extend the work of Lorenz et al., 2009 (Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 148(1):1–1, 2009) and the concept of homologous groups. In addition to this, sophisticated techniques such as mass spectrometry (MS) are increasingly utilised to better characterise the complex mix and nature of allergen extracts.Methods Homology models were used of Fag s 1 (Beech) and Cyn d 1 (Bermuda grass) and compared with template crystal structures of Bet v 1 and Phl p 1 from the ‘exemplar’ species of Birch and Timothy grass, respectively. ELISA experiments were performed to assess cross-reactivity of Beech (tree) and Bermuda (grass) extracts to rabbit sera raised to either “3-Tree” (Birch, Alder and Hazel) extract or “Grass” (12-grass mix extract), respectively. The comparability of biochemical stability of different allergen sources was assessed through statistical methods for a range of tree and grass species.Results Allergen cross-reactivity and/or structural homology have been described providing justification for inclusion of Beech within the Birch homologous tree group. Data from Bermuda grass (Cyn d 1) provides further justification for the inclusion of this species into the homologous group of the sweet grasses. However, further characterisation of relevant allergens from Bermuda grass and, in particular, comparison of cross-reactive patterns between subjects specifically in areas with high abundance of both Pooideae and Chloridoideae is sought.Conclusion MS allows the possibility to identify individual proteins or allergens from complex mixes by mass and/or sequence, and this has been extensively applied to the allergen field. New data on the homology, cross-reactivity and biological parameters of allergen sources have been considered to extend the work of Lorenz et al., 2009 in the context of tree and grass species. The concept of homologous groups is certainly dynamic allowing the flexibility and potential in streamlining quality parameters, such as stability profiles, due to extrapolation of exemplar data to a wider range of allergens.

Vertical distribution of macrolichens on the birches near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskii

Species composition and frequency of occurrence of macrolichens on Betula ermanii and B. platyphylla are studied. Frequency of occurrence of most species of these lichens is less than 10%. Frequency of occurrence of some species on different trunk levels was considerably different. Usually, frequency of occurrence of macrolichens on B. ermanii was higher than on B. platyphylla. Distribution of ten dominant species on different trunk height was studied applying one-factored ANOVA. Cladonia coniocraea, Parmelopsis sp., and Vulpicida pinastri occur preferably on trunk bottoms. Cetraria sepincola was homogeneously on trunks of both birch species. Hypogymnia physodes, Parmelia squarrosa, and P. sulcata are definitely confined to the middle part of trunks and branches only on B. ermanii. On B. platyphylla, these species are homogeneously distributed.

Differences in growth characteristics and dynamics of elements in seedlings of two birch species grown in serpentine soil in northern Japan

Key message Seedlings of two birch species were grown in serpentine soil, with Betula ermanii showing high tolerance. Betula ermanii and Betula platyphylla var. japonica, two typical light-demanding-deciduous trees in northern Japan, usually invade disturbed areas. B. ermanii can invade serpentine soil and grow in it, whereas B. platyphylla var. japonica can hardly regenerate in it. Serpentine soil is distributed throughout Japan and is characterized by excessive Mg and heavy metals (Ni, Cr, and Co) which can lead to suppressed plant growth. We examined the tolerance of the two Betula species by planting seedlings in serpentine and non-serpentine (brown forest) soils. The dry mass of each organ was suppressed in both birches planted in serpentine soil, and the photosynthetic rate was reduced by accumulation of Ni. Also, uptakes of K and Ca were inhibited by accumulation of Mg, Ni, Cr and Co. B. ermanii planted in serpentine soil showed high value of net assimilation rate in the second year and maintained the photosynthetic rate from June to September. The effects of Mg, Ni, Cr and Co accumulation were small on the relative growth rate of B. ermanii. In contrast, B. platyphylla var. japonica planted in serpentine soil showed decreased photosynthetic rate in September and smaller net assimilation rate than B. ermanii at the same time. In addition, B. platyphylla var. japonica showed decreased relative growth rate, induced by accumulation of Mg in leaves and Co in roots. We conclude that B. ermanii has the high advantage of regenerating in serpentine soil.

Chemical profile and antimicrobial activity of extractable compounds of Betula litwinowii (Betulaceae) buds

Abstract In spite of the long history of therapeutic use of buds from different birch species in folk medicine the existing information on their chemical composition is insufficient. The main goal was to develop a method for GC-MS determination of the chemical profile of birch buds as well as their antimicrobial activity. 150 substances of different classes were identified in Betula litwinowii buds. The volatile elements of the buds were mainly represented by sesquiterpene compounds. Ether extracts also contained other biologically active components such as flavonoids and triterpenoids. However, a particular feature of this fraction was the high content of sesquiterpene phenylpropenoids, including esters of ferulic and caffeic acids with caryophyllene-type alcohols that had not been previously found in any biological samples. Apart from carbohydrates, a series of free amino acids were detected in methanol extracts. The antimicrobial activity of the ether extracts of the buds was observed against all of the microorganisms tested, with MIC values from 0.04 to 0.08 mg mL-1 for Gram-positive bacteria and Candida albicans. However, their inhibitory activities against tested Gram-negative bacteria were rather occasional.

Ectomycorrhizas in vitro between Tricholoma matsutake, a basidiomycete that associates with Pinaceae, and Betula platyphylla var. japonica, an early-successional birch species, in cool-temperate forests.

Tricholoma matsutake is an ectomycorrhizal basidiomycete that associates with Pinaceae in the Northern Hemisphere and produces prized "matsutake" mushrooms. We questioned whether the symbiont could associate with a birch that is an early-successional species in boreal, cool-temperate, or subalpine forests. In the present study, we demonstrated that T. matsutake can form typical ectomycorrhizas with Betula platyphylla var. japonica; the associations included a Hartig net and a thin but distinct fungal sheath, as well as the rhizospheric mycelial aggregate "shiro" that is required for fruiting in nature. The in vitro shiro also emitted a characteristic aroma. This is the first report of an ectomycorrhizal formation between T. matsutake and a deciduous broad-leaved tree in the boreal or cool-temperate zones that T. matsutake naturally inhabits.

Delineation of Tree Crowns and Tree Species Classification From Full-Waveform Airborne Laser Scanning Data Using 3-D Ellipsoidal Clustering

Individual tree crowns can be delineated from dense airborne laser scanning (ALS) data and their species can be classified from the spatial distribution and other variables derived from the ALS data within each tree crown. This study reports a new clustering approach to delineate tree crowns in three dimensions (3-D) based on ellipsoidal tree crown models (i.e., ellipsoidal clustering). An important feature of this approach is the aim to derive information also about the understory vegetation. The tree crowns are delineated from echoes derived from full-waveform (fwf) ALS data as well as discrete return ALS data with first and last returns. The ellipsoidal clustering led to an improvement in the identification of tree crowns. FwfALS data offer the possibility to derive also the echo width and the amplitude in addition to the 3-D coordinates of each echo. In this study, tree species are classified from variables describing the fwf (i.e., the mean and standard deviation of the echo amplitude, echo width, and total number of echoes per pulse) and the spatial distribution of the clusters for pine, spruce, birch, oak, alder, and other species. Supervised classification is done for 68 field plots with leave-one-out cross-validation for one field plot at a time. The total accuracy was 71% when using both fwf and spatial variables, 60% when using only spatial variables, and 53% when using discrete return data. The improvement was greatest for discriminating pine and spruce as well as pine and birch.

Elevated carbon dioxide and ozone have weak, idiosyncratic effects on herbivorous forest insect abundance, species richness, and community composition

Abstract Elevated concentrations of carbon dioxide and tropospheric ozone pose important threats to the abundance, diversity, and composition of forest arthropod communities. In turn, modification of arthropod communities may alter forest health, productivity, and ecosystem services. We studied the independent and interactive effects of elevated CO2 (eCO2) and elevated O3 (eO3) on the abundance, species richness, and community composition of herbivorous arthropods in stands of trembling aspen and paper birch at the Aspen Free Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) site in northern Wisconsin, USA. We conducted timed, visual surveys of canopy arthropods during each of the summers of 2005, 2006, and 2007. We examined 26 983 arthropods on aspen and 8344 arthropods on birch across the fumigation treatments. Elevated CO2 and eO3 had species‐specific and temporally variable (i.e. idiosyncratic) effects on aspen and birch arthropod abundance and species richness. Weak, idiosyncratic effects of eCO2 and eO3 on herbivorous arthropod abundance and species richness did not significantly alter aspen arthropod community composition but occasionally altered birch insect community composition. Few interactive effects of CO2 and O3 were observed. Growing evidence suggests that the effects of eCO2 and eO3 on communities of insects are difficult to predict because responses are generally weak and species‐ and time‐specific. Although studies to date suggest that impacts of future atmospheres on insect community metrics are likely to be minimal, the possibility remains that effects on particularly important or susceptible species may cascade to alter trophic interactions and, ultimately, ecosystem processes.

Chemical Study of Wood Chip Drying: Biodegradation of Organic Pollutants in Condensate Waters from the Drying Process

In 2008, the European Union Commission put forward a proposal for a new directive on renewable forms of energy. Each of the member states should increase its share of renewable energies in an effort to boost the total share of the EU from the current 8.5% to 20% by 2020. The level of renewable energy in Finland was 28.5% in 2005, and the national target share of renewable energy by 2020 is 38%. To assist in reaching this goal, one solution is to further develop drying techniques of biomasses and utilization of untapped biomasses, because in Finland, up to 20 million tons of waste wood biomass per year are left unused during forestry operations. In this study the drying of biomasses and the condensate, including biodegradation of organic pollutants, is examined. The cost-efficiency and energy-efficiency of wood chips combustion can be increased by drying the wood to optimize moisture content before being utilized in different applications. However, the removal of moisture is the most expensive unit process in combustion. Studied wood species were pine (Pinus sylvestris), spruce (Picea abies), aspen (Populus tremula) and two birch species (Betula pendula and Betula pubescens). The biodegradation degrees of studied organic pollutants in condensing waters were between 25% and 61%. Furthermore, the biodegradation of organic compounds in condensing waters showed that at least the studied condensates can be safely disposed via municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP).

Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric examination of chemical composition of two Eurasian birch (Betula L.) bud exudates and its taxonomical implication

GC–MS was used to investigate the chemical diversity of bud exudates obtained from two species of white birch in Poland, Betula pendula Roth and Betula pubescens Ehrh. The ether extracts of the bud exudates contained more than 210 organic compounds including: terpenoids, phenylpropenoids of sesquiterpene alcohols and flavonoids. Headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) made it possible to detect as many as 140 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mainly sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and their oxygen derivatives. The chemical compositions of both the ether extracts and the VOCs varied qualitatively and quantitatively between the species. The extracts from B. pendula buds contained predominantly triterpenoids. However, B. pubescens exhibited high amounts of sesquiterpenoids, flavonoid aglycones and phenylpropenoids of caryophyllane series sesquiterpenols. The differences in the composition of compounds in the bud exudates enabled the two species of birch to be differentiated.

Dynamics of Leaf Area Index of 3 kinds of birch species grown under free air CO2 enrichment (FACE) system –Temporal changes of CO2 exposure for 4 years－

Dynamics of Leaf Area Index of 3 kinds of birch species grown under free air CO2 enrichment (FACE) system –Temporal changes of CO2 exposure for 4 years－

Формирование и рост полезащитных насаждений Воронежской области

Shelterbelt plantings in the Voronezh region occupy an area of approximately 60 thousand&#x0D; hectares. They were created at different times with tree species: poplars, silver birch,&#x0D; English oak, common and green ash , locust, elm, English field maple and Bosnian maple,&#x0D; little-leaved linden; bushes – Elaeagnus angustifolia,&#x0D; yellow acacia, Tatarian honeysuckle, fly honeysuckle, alder buckthorn and other&#x0D; pure and mixed in composition. Width of the bands, row spacing, and planting density&#x0D; determine their growth and condition. It was found that in artificial linear stands with the main species of silver birch with an increase of double width, there is average decrease of the growth parameters to 12 %. Mixed cultures of birch are more productive and in them by the age of 25 years conservation, average diameter, height is greater for 4,&#x0D; 8…16, 3 % as compared to pure composition&#x0D; forest belts. Silver birch is in a dominant&#x0D; position in the stands with green ash, locust,&#x0D; Norway maple and forest apple trees.&#x0D; European ash has higher inventory indices in&#x0D; co-cultivation with English oak and Norway&#x0D; maple than with elm and silver birch. Similar&#x0D; laws are identified also for green ash. For all&#x0D; the considered species active growth period in&#x0D; height and diameter up to the age of 10…15&#x0D; years is observed. At the same time at middleaged&#x0D; stands on the main soil types, there are&#x0D; differences in the growth of marginal tree belt&#x0D; and central belts. During this period of growth&#x0D; convex transverse profile is usually formed.

Common montane birds are declining in northern Europe

Large‐scale multi‐species data on population changes of alpine or arctic species are largely lacking. At the same time, climate change has been argued to cause poleward and uphill range shifts and the concomitant predicted loss of habitat may have drastic effects on alpine and arctic species. Here we present a multi‐national bird indicator for the Fennoscandian mountain range in northern Europe (Finland, Sweden and Norway), based on 14 common species of montane tundra and subalpine birch forest. The data were collected at 262 alpine survey plots, mainly as a part of geographically representative national breeding bird monitoring schemes. The area sampled covers around 1/4 million km2, spanning 10 degrees of latitude and 1600 km in a northeast–southwest direction. During 2002–2012, nine of the 14 bird species declined significantly in numbers, in parallel to higher summer temperatures and precipitation during this period compared to the preceding 40 yr. The population trends were largely parallel in the three countries and similar among montane tundra and subalpine birch forest species. Long‐distance migrants declined less on average than residents and short‐distance migrants. Some potential causes of the current decline of alpine birds are discussed, but since montane bird population sizes may show strong natural annual variation due to several factors, longer time series are needed to verify the observed population trends. The present Fennoscandian monitoring systems, which from 2010 onwards include more than 400 montane survey plots, have the capacity to deliver a robust bird indicator in the climate‐sensitive mountainous regions of northernmost Europe for conservation purposes.

Growth, stem quality and nutritional status of Betula pendula and Betula pubescens in pure stands and mixtures

The growth, technical quality and nutritional status of pure and mixed silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) and downy birch (Betula pubescens Ehrh.) plantations were studied 21 and 22 years after planting on afforested organic soil arable land and on upland forest soil. In mixtures, 50% of both birch species was planted. Silver birch trees grew better, but had higher mortality than downy birch trees on both sites. Mortality of both species was highest, and the difference in their growth smallest, on organic soil. In pure stands on organic soil, downy birch dominant height, diameter and mean volume were 96%, 92% and 82% of those of silver birch and on mineral soil 87%, 84% and 60%, correspondingly. On mineral soil, silver birch had a higher mean annual increment (MAI) (5.8 m3 ha−1a−1) than downy birch (3.9 m3 ha−1a−1), but on organic soil the MAI of both species was similar (3.3–3.4 m3 ha−1 a−1). Planting birches in mixture did not affect the growth of the trees on organic soil. On mineral soil, the mean diameter and mean volume of silver birch trees were higher in mixed than in pure plantations. The technical stem quality of both tree species was low. On mineral soils, pure silver birch is more productive than mixture, but on peat soil the higher growth of silver birch could contribute to increased productivity and downy birch would ensure sufficient survival for future timber production.

Regeneration of native broadleaved species on clearfelled conifer plantations in upland Britain

In upland areas of Great Britain, large tracts of non-native conifer plantations have been established on poor quality agricultural land. There is now considerable interest in the conversion of some of these plantations to a more natural woodland comprised of native tree species. We studied the tree regeneration and ground flora on 15 upland sites (altitudes ranging from 120m to 380m above sea level) that had been clearfelled of conifers. Regeneration of native tree species was successful where a clearcut site was adjacent to mature native trees, which acted as a seed source. Mean regeneration densities of native tree species on clearcut sites were typically greater than 1000stems/ha, exceeding minimum recommended planting densities for the establishment of new native woodland. Whilst 10 native woody tree species were recorded, the regeneration was dominated by birch species. Regeneration densities were significantly higher on clearcut sites than on adjacent areas of unplanted moorland, probably due to the lack of a dense ground flora following the clearfelling operations. Our results indicate that where local native seed sources exist, clearfelling upland conifer plantation sites to allow natural regeneration has the potential to be an effective method of establishing native woodland.