Pinus Brutia Research Articles

Investigation of the Effect on Tribological Properties of the use of Pinus Brutia Cone as a Binder in Brake Pads

Phenolic resin is invariably used as binder material for friction composites. But alternative materials are considered alternatively to phenolic resin due to negativities such as poor shelf life, harmful volatiles during processing, the need for addition of curing agent before shipment, shrinkage and voids in final products. For these reasons, pinus brutia cones are ground and pulverized and added to the brake lining content at different rates and thus 3 different samples were produced. The wear and friction tests of these samples were made on pin-on disc type brake lining test machine. After this, the density of the samples was determined by using Archimedes scale. The hardness was determined in the Brinell tester. And finally, the microstructure properties of the samples were determined by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM).

Predicting crown fuel biomass of Turkish red pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) for the Mediterranean regions of Turkey

Točna procjena količine goriva je važan preduvjet za učinkovito upravljanje šumskim požarima. Ovo je istraživanje imalo za cilj razviti empirijske alometrijske jednadžbe za procjenu količine goriva iz krošnji stabala kalabrijskog bora (Pinus brutia Ten.) u jugozapadnom mediteranskom području Turske korištenjem dendrometrijskih varijabli. Destruktivnom metodom uzorkovana su 84 stabla. Uzorci grana u gorivu iz biomase krošnji klasificirani su kao iglice i kao grane prema sljedećem rasponu promjera: vrlo tanke (≤0,3 cm), tanke (0,31–0,6 cm), srednje (0,61–1,0 cm), debele (1,01–2,5 cm) i aktivno gorivo. Za procjenu biomase krošnjanja korištene su prsne visine, visine stabala, visine krošnji i širine krošnji kao neovisne varijable. Za analizu odnosa između goriva iz biomase i značajki uzorkovanih stabala korišteni su stepwise funkcija i modeli logaritamske linearne regresije. Od svih dobivenih alometrijskih jednadžbi, varijacija u tankim granama najbolje je objašnjena širinom krošnji i visinom krošnji, koje zajedno objašnjavaju R<sup>2</sup><sub>adj</sub> od 90.2 varijacije u tankim granama. Varijacija u vrlo tankim granama objašnjena je najslabije visinom stabla, koja samo objašnjava R<sup>2</sup><sub>adj</sub> od 60.4% varijacije u vrlo tankim granama. Ukupna količina goriva iz krošnji kalabrijskog bora u ovom istraživanju u usporedbi s istraživanjima u Grčkoj i Turskoj pokazuje da se gorivo iz biomase kalabrijskog bora može razlikovati od regije do regije.

Direct and Indirect Assessment of Carbon Stock in Deadwood: Comparison in Calabrian Pine (Pinus brutiaTen. subsp.brutia) Forests in Italy

Direct and Indirect Assessment of Carbon Stock in Deadwood: Comparison in Calabrian Pine (<i>Pinus brutia</i>Ten. subsp.<i>brutia</i>) Forests in Italy

Trends in Woody Species Diversity Across Different Age Classes of Pinus brutia and Cupressus horizontalis Plantations in Ghapan Region, East of Golestan

Trends in Woody Species Diversity Across Different Age Classes of Pinus brutia and Cupressus horizontalis Plantations in Ghapan Region, East of Golestan

Post-fire recovery of the plant community in Pinus brutia forests: active vs. indirect restoration techniques after salvage logging

Abstract: Although reforestation is frequently utilized in many Mediterranean Basin countries to restore burned Mediterranean pine woodlands, post-fire recovery of the plant community is often neglected. To compare the post-fire recovery of the plant community following active and indirect post-fire restoration techniques, we studied three post-fire regeneration treatments in a salvage-logged Pinus brutia forest, including two active (plantation and seeding) restoration techniques and one indirect (natural regeneration). An unburned pine stand was also included in the study. We applied the point-intercept method to obtain data on the presence and cover of individual species and functional groups in six replicate one-hectare plots for each treatment. We found no significant differences in plant species richness among post-fire treatments; however, plant community composition and vegetation structure were significantly different between treatments. There was a shift in plant community structure when active restoration techniques were applied, from the woody- and resprouter-dominated plant community of the unburned site to an annual herbaceous- and non-resprouter-dominated one. Our results suggest that active restoration by planting tree saplings in Mediterranean pine forests after a fire may decrease the plant community’s resilience and provide empirical evidence that pine plantation treatments change the plant species composition of these forests. These results have important implications for post-fire management of Mediterranean Basin pine forests.

Properties of Pine Bark Tannin-based Adhesive Produced with Various Hardeners

Tannin-based adhesives are alternative bio-based products that can be used in the wood panel industry instead of synthetic adhesives that contain formaldehyde. For the production of these adhesives, formaldehyde is utilized generally as a hardener as in its synthetic counterparts. In this study, adhesive formulations were prepared using eight different hardeners and tannin powder from Turkish red pine (Pinus brutia) barks. While the shortest gel time values in the adhesive formulations were identified in the samples prepared with formaldehyde and paraformaldehyde, the longest gel time was obtained in the formulation prepared with tris(hydroxymethyl)nitromethane. As a result of the dry bonding tests, the values closest to the commercial UF adhesive were found in descending order as paraformaldehyde, formaldehyde, hexamine glyoxal, and poly[(phenyl isocyanate)-co-formaldehyde] (pMDI). According to the wet bonding strength test results, the adhesive samples in which furfural, tris(hydroxymethyl)nitromethane, and benzaldehyde were used as hardeners did not achieve wet bonding strength. As a result of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), commercial UF adhesive samples had dramatically lower thermal stability than all of the formulations prepared with tannin. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectral analysis revealed that new chemical bonds were established between the tannin and hardeners.

A novel approach to selecting a competition index: the effect of competition on individual-tree diameter growth of Calabrian pine

In this study, we evaluated the performance of 18 competition indices composed of nine distance-dependent and nine distance-independent indices in explaining the variation in individual-tree diameter growth of Calabrian pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) in the central Mediterranean region of Turkey. The data were obtained from 432 sample plots with varying stand age, site index, and stand density. To evaluate the performance of each competition index, the mean square error reduction approach was used relative to the noncompetition. Also, this study compared fixed and mixed effects models to analyze diameter growth. Statistical analyses showed that the best distance-independent competition indices performed as well as the best distance-dependent competition indices. The distance-independent competition index of Schröder and Gadow (1999; Can. J. For. Res. 29(2): 280–283, doi: 10.1139/x98-199) performed best and is recommended for use in future growth and yield models to be used in the central Mediterranean region of Turkey. Also, the best selection of competitive neighbors was achieved using the area of influence overlap method, whereas the fixed-radius and angle count sampling methods had no significant improvement in quantifying the competition effects. On the other hand, all mixed effects models provided much better fits than their fixed model counterparts.

Impacts of climate change on annual diameter increment of natural Calabrian pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) forests in Kahramanmaras

The effects of global warming on climate change have been recognized in global scale and it is expected that these effects will become even more obvious in near future. The climate change, especially in arid, semi-arid, and semi-humid regions, may result in detrimental effects on forests and water resources. Turkey is among the most affected countries from climate change due to located in Mediterranean region. With the global climate change, dams and ponds also influence on tree growth. This study was carried out in Menzelet watershed dam located in Kahramanmaras, Turkey. Menzelet dam was established during 1980-1989 and water deposition started in 1990. The climate of research area is semi-arid and characterized by extreme summer drought. The purpose of this study was to investigate the local climate effects on diameter increments resulted by Menzelet Dam Lake on the naturally distributed Calabrian pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) forests. Therefore, sampling areas were chosen from two different places namely as dam site and control site. Sample plots in dam site and control site were selected from the same stand structure and have the same properties such as site index, altitude, age distribution classes and aspect. Increment cores were taken from 20 Pinus brutia trees using increment borer at breast height (1.30 m) in each sample plots and two increment cores were taken from each tree. WinDENDRO software package was used on the measurement and determination of annual diameter increment. Annual diameter increment of trees in dam site and control site were compared with independent t test using SPSS 20.0 statistical program. The relationships between annual diameter increment and climatic factors such as temperature and precipitation were evaluated using Pearson correlation analysis. According to results, there is a statistically significant difference between average annual diameter increment in dam site and control site and dam influenced forest areas positively with respect to annual diameter increment. The values of the mean annual diameter increment of the trees in dam site are greatly higher than trees in control site. According to correlation analysis, temperature increase negatively affects annual diameter increment in control site. Important increase or decrease of annual total rainfall cause more significant changes in annual diameter increment in control site compare to dam site.

Mediterranean Islands Hosting Marginal and Peripheral Forest Tree Populations: The Case of Pinus brutia Ten. in Cyprus

Mediterranean islands have served as important Tertiary and glacial refuges, hosting important peripheral and ecologically marginal forest tree populations. These populations, presumably harboring unique gene complexes, are particularly interesting in the context of climate change. Pinus brutia Ten. is widespread in the eastern Mediterranean Basin and in Cyprus in particular it is the most common tree species. This study evaluated genetic patterns and morphoanatomical local adaptation along the species geographical distribution and altitudinal range in Cyprus. Analysis showed that the Cyprus population of P. brutia is a peripheral population with high genetic diversity, comprised of different subpopulations. Evidence suggests the presence of ongoing dynamic evolutionary processes among the different subpopulations, while the most relic and isolated subpopulations exhibited a decreased genetic diversity compared to the most compact subpopulations in the central area of the island. These results could be the consequence of the small size and prolonged isolation of the former. Comparing populations along an altitude gradient, higher genetic diversity was detected at the middle level. The phenotypic plasticity observed is particularly important for the adaptive potential of P. brutia in an island environment, since it allows rapid change in local environmental conditions.

Evaluation of the Effects of a Pinus Brutia Bark Extract on Biochemical Parameters and Blood Pressure in an Experimental Arterial Hypertension

The new hypertension therapies which are thought to improve the mechanisms impairing the target organs in arterial hypertension (AHT) would have great practical value. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of Pinus brutia bark extract (EPb) on serum lipid profiles and oxidative stress in N(G)-Nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertension. The experiment demonstrated that PbE improved lipid profile and reduced pro-oxidative effects of L-NAME, thus suggesting a possible role of the extract in the management of AHT. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure decrease was significant in the group undergoing simultaneous EPb extract and L-NAME therapy, as compared to the group that was administered only L-NAME. Due to its effects, the Pinus brutia bark extract may be used for the prophylaxis and as adjuvant therapy of cardiovascular conditions.

Tree Water Dynamics in a Semi-Arid, Pinus brutia Forest

This study aims to examine interactions between tree characteristics, sap flow, and environmental variables in an open Pinus brutia (Ten.) forest with shallow soil. We examined radial and azimuthal variations of sap flux density (Jp), and also investigated the occurrence of hydraulic redistribution mechanisms, quantified nocturnal tree transpiration, and analyzed the total water use of P. brutia trees during a three-year period. Sap flow and soil moisture sensors were installed onto and around eight trees, situated in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains, Cyprus. Radial observations showed a linear decrease of sap flux densities with increasing sapwood depth. Azimuthal differences were found to be statistically insignificant. Reverse sap flow was observed during low vapor pressure deficit (VPD) and negative air temperatures. Nocturnal sap flow was about 18% of the total sap flow. Rainfall was 507 mm in 2015, 359 mm in 2016, and 220 mm in 2017. Transpiration was 53%, 30%, and 75%, respectively, of the rainfall in those years, and was affected by the distribution of the rainfall. The trees showed an immediate response to rainfall events, but also exploited the fractured bedrock. The transpiration and soil moisture levels over the three hydrologically contrasting years showed that P. brutia is well-adapted to semi-arid Mediterranean conditions.

Potential Distribution Modeling and Mapping of Brutian Pine Stands in the Inner Parts of the Middle Black Sea Region in Turkey

Potential Distribution Modeling and Mapping of Brutian Pine Stands in the Inner Parts of the Middle Black Sea Region in Turkey

Centaurea kirmacii (Asteraceae), a new species from southwestern Anatolia, Turkey

A new species of Centaurea is described from Turkey. Centaurea kirmacii Uysal &amp; Armağan occurs on limestone slopes in Pinus brutia forests of Gökçukur plateau of Kavaklıdere (Muğla). The new species belongs to C. sect. Pteracantha Wagenitz, and taxonomically its closest relative is C. odyssei Wagenitz. Diagnostic characters of the new species are provided, with an updated key that includes related species of C. sect. Pteracantha in Turkey. The geographical distributions of the new species and its relatives of the same section are mapped.

Effects of forest roads on Ips sexdentatus infestation in black pine forest

Forest roads are important transportation equipment through forested areas in the rugged, mountainous terrain of northern Turkey. Forest roads harm forest ecosystems due to both the manner in which they are established and how they are used afterwards. Damage to trees that occur during road construction through forests stresses trees, which facilitates outbreaks of bark beetle populations. Bark beetles are significant risk to the health and productivity of Turkish pine forests and to pine forests worldwide. In particular, Ips sexdentatus (Boerner) (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Scolytinae) is a particularly destructive species of bark beetle in Turkish forests. Their damage to coniferous trees threatens the sustainability of the forest ecosystems. This study primarily aims to assess the intensity of damage that I. sexdentatus inflicts on Pinus nigra J.F.Arnold stands relative to several parameters: the distance to the nearest forest road, aspect (shady - sunny), slope (0–15% or &gt;15%), and other stand characteristics. In this study, we show how damage by an I. sexdentatus infestation in pure black pine stands varies with distance to forest roads and in situ edaphic factors. We sampled 45 plots (400 m2 each), slope, aspect and distances to the nearest forest road was determined using ArcGIS software and the region‘s road network overlays. Results showed that trees located within 100 m from the nearest forest road were the most severely damaged ones. The intensity of I. sexdentatus damage was about 16% in a hectare. Trees that were in 16–20 cm diameter class were damaged more often. I. sexdentatus damage did not show any significant correlation with the slope, aspect or degree of canopy closure.

NaOH ile Modifiye Edilmiş Kızılçam (Pinus brutia Ten.) Yongalarının Levha Üretimindeki Performansı

Bu çalışmada, %0.25, 0.50, 0.75 ve 1’lik NaOH çözeltileri ile işlem görmüş kızılçam (Pinus brutia Ten.) yongalarının kimyasal bileşimindeki ve termal özelliklerindeki değişimler ve bu değişimlerin üretilen levhaların fiziksel ve mekanik özellikleri üzerine etkileri değerlendirilmiştir. Ana kimyasal bileşen ve fourier dönüşümlü kızılötesi (FTIR) spektroskopisi analizleri, alkali işlemlerde NaOH derişimi arttıkça yongalardaki ekstraktif madde, lignin ve hemiselüloz miktarlarında sürekli düşüş, selüloz miktarında ise sürekli artış olduğunu göstermiştir. Termogravimetrik analiz (TGA) sonuçları, alkali işlemin yongaların termal dayanıklılığını düşürdüğünü ortaya koymuştur. Uygulanan alkali işlemler, üretilen levhaların su alma (SA) ve kalınlığına şişme (KŞ) değerlerini sürekli artırmıştır. Üretilen levhaların mekanik özelliklerinin uygulanan alkali işlem derişimi arttıkça gelişme gösterdiği belirlenmiştir. Çalışmada üretilen levhalarda belirlenen eğilmede elastikiyet modülü (EM), eğilme direnci (ED) ve yüzeye dik çekme direnci (YDÇD) değerlerinin TS EN 312 (2012) standardında belirtilen kuru şartlarda genel amaçlı kullanılan levhalar için beklenilen değerlerden yüksek olduğu görülmüştür.

Natural regeneration of Pinus brutia Ten. in a recreational public forest in Zawita-Kurdistan region, Iraq

Zawita natural forest has recently has been subject to mass recreational activities during spring that have denuded large areas of the forest. It was thus essential to assess regeneration before designing optimizing strategies. To this end, we studied the overstory canopy and microhabitat conditions for recruitment of Pinus brutia Ten in 10 plots (20 × 25 m) on the southern aspects where the Zawita natural forest is still present. In total, 1540 regenerating P. brutia were recorded, 854 seedlings, 597 saplings, and 89 trees. Seedlings and saplings were more frequent beyond the canopy than under the canopy of the parent trees. Regeneration requirements differed between seedlings and saplings. The probability of the occurrence of seedlings was negatively correlated with increasing litter depth and increasing soil compaction. The density of saplings only showed a positive significant correlation with increasing slope. The nearest neighbor index showed a trend toward a positive spatial association between understory shrubs with their neighboring seedlings at a mean distance of 1.6 m. Overall, the study highlighted the requirements for seedling regeneration as a relatively open canopy cover, a light understory litter layer, and non-compacted soils. These results are a step towards designing effective management and restoration programs.

Preparation and Characterization of Activated Carbon from the Cones of Iranian Pine Trees (Pinus eldarica) by Chemical Activation with H3PO4 and Its Application for Removal of Sodium Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate Removal from Aqueous Solution

The purpose of this study is to synthesize activated carbon (AC) from the Iranian pine cone tree (Pinus eldarica) for the removal of sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) from aqueous solution in batch experiments. Phosphoric acid with different saturation ratios is used for the synthesis of AC. The pyrolysis process is carried out in a ceramic furnace under nitrogen gas flow equal to 100 ml min−1 with a heating rate of 8 °C min−1 to 3 h in 750 °C. The precursor and synthesized ACs are characterized by titration, proximate, ultimate, elemental analysis, Boehm titration, SEM, BET, FT-IR, TGA, and XRF analysis. The acidic functional group is the most dominant group on the surface of prepared AC. The maximum surface area of 1580 m2 g−1 was obtained at an impregnation of 2 gg−1. The synthesized AC with a different impregnation ratio is used to remove the SDBS from aqueous solution in the batch system. The results show that AC with an impregnation ratio of 4 has the highest absorption capacity (93.10 mgg−1). The experimental kinetic data are analyzed with pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and intraparticle diffusion models. The results showed that pseudo-second-order kinetic model provides a better description of the adsorption process with R2 > 0.952.

Re-evaluation of glycerol esters of wood rosin (E 445) as a food additive.

The present opinion deals with the re‐evaluation of glycerol esters of wood rosin (GEWR, E 445) when used as a food additive. Regarding GEWR originating from Pinus palustris (longleaf pine) and Pinus elliottii (slash pine), based on the overall toxicity database, and given the absence of reproductive and developmental toxicity data, the Panel concluded that the current acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 12.5 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day for GEWR (E 445) as established by the Scientific Committee on Food (SCF) in 1994 should be temporary pending the provision of such data. This assessment is restricted to GEWR derived from P. palustris (longleaf pine) and P. elliottii (slash pine) and with a chemical composition in compliance with GEWR used in the toxicological testing. The Panel concluded that the mean and the high exposure levels (P95) of the brand‐loyal refined exposure scenario did not exceed the temporary ADI in any of the population groups from the use of GEWR (E 445) as a food additive at the reported use levels. For GEWR originating from Pinus halepensis and Pinus brutia, the Panel noted that concentrations of the fractions of ‘glycerol monoesters’, ‘free resin acids’ and ‘neutrals’, which are considered to be of particular toxicological relevance, are not known; therefore, the evaluation of chemical equivalence with GEWR originating from P. palustris (longleaf pine) and P. elliottii (slash pine) is not possible; no data on stability were available; no toxicological data were available. Therefore, the Panel concluded that a safety assessment of GEWR originating from P. halepensis and P. brutia could not be performed. The Panel recommended the European Commission to consider an update of the definition of GEWR (E 445) in the EU specifications. It should be indicated that GEWR (E 445) (i) contain, besides the mentioned glycerol di‐ and triesters, a residual fraction of glycerol monoesters, and (ii) contain residual free resin acids and neutrals (non‐acidic other saponifiable and unsaponifiable substances).

Heavy metal accumulation and changes in phenylpropanoid metabolism induced by mining activities in leaves of Pinus nigra and Pinus eldarica

Plants can absorb pollutants produced through industrial activities. In this research, biochemistry and lignin biosynthesis processes are studied in Pinus nigra and P. eldarica trees, that were exposed to pollutants from Sarcheshmeh copper complex and from the Kentuiyeh ascontrol area (both Iran). Needles were collected in areas adjacent to mining factory, where heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) are accumulated in higher concentrations than in plants from control areas. Comparison of the two studied pine species reveals that P. eldarica needles amass heavy metals 27% more than P. nigra. There was a higher content of total phenolic compounds and flavonoids in needles growing in close vicinities of the mining activity. Lignin content was similar in both species of pine and remained unchanged regardless of the pollution level. Higher activities of enzymes in phenylpropanoid pathway in needles from polluted areas were measured for both pine species. Findings of this study suggest involvement of general phenylpropanoid pathway in heavy metal resistance of pine trees. It seems that P. eldarica can accumulate more heavy metals in its needles and it has greater resistance to pollutants.

The effects of top pruning on growth and production of conelets and cones in Pinus brutia Ten seed orchards of different ages

In economic and biological terms (rapid growth, the ability to produce seeds at an early age, etc.) Pinus brutia Ten. is one the most important forest tree species in Turkey. Considerable progress has been made in Pinus brutia Ten. breeding program and both phenotypical and according to the results of progeny trials, totaling 615-hectare seed orchardshas been established. Pinus brutia Ten. seed orchardshas reached 43% of the total orchard area and covered the largest area. To acquire information on the management of seed orchards, top pruning has been carried out on three Pinus brutia Ten. seed orchards of different ages (old, middle-aged and young). Two top pruning regimes were applied in these three seed orchards, once in 2008 to the old orchard, while a single topping regime was applied in 2008 and 2012 to the middle-aged and young orchards.Each year, the height, diameter at breast height, and bi-directional crown diameter were measured, and all conelets and cones on ramets were counted beforeand after pruning. At the end of four years, control ramets in old and young seed orchards had higher values of height, diameter at breast height, and volume indexcompared to the middle-aged orchard. On the other hand, even though the control ramets in the middle-aged seed orchard reached a greater height, pruned ramets reached a greater volume index and diameter at breast height. While the height differences observed between control and pruned ramets in all seed orchards at the beginning eventually decreased, it was observed that the heights of pruned ramets grew proportionally larger. No difference was founded between the control and pruned ramets in terms of cone and conelet production. Pruning intervals and regimes varied in old, middle-aged and young seed orchards, and it was acknowledgedthat top pruning could be used for old, middle-aged and young seed orchard managements.