Control Trees Research Articles

The spruce bark volatiles and internal phloem chemical profiles after the forest gap formation: the annual course

Abstract Our study explores the impact of sudden gap formation on the bark volatile and internal chemical profiles of Norway spruce trees during the initial dry year of research plot 2018 following gap formation. We investigated the annual variation in two main physiological traits of Norway spruce trees at the forest edge (FE) and in the forest interior (FI): bark monoterpene (MT) emission spectra and internal phloem MT composition. Given that gap formation increases the solar radiation dose and temperature for trees at the forest edge, we hypothesized that the concentrations of airborne terpenes released from the tree bark and internal phloem terpenes will increase as a consequence of induced tree defenses. Our findings demonstrate significant increases in both airborne terpene concentrations and internal terpene composition in trees at the forest edge compared to the control trees in the forest interior. This study provides novel insights into the annual dynamics of bark monoterpenes following forest edge establishment and underscores the physiological changes experienced by trees in response to the gap formation.

Insecticide applications with trunk injection method for reducing the damage level of Leptoglossus occidentalis (Heidemann, 1910) in stone pine stands

Leptoglossus occidentalis was first detected in Türkiye in 2009. The pest's damage to stone pine trees and its effects on seeds cause economic losses. In recent years, observations and predictions show that there is a significant threat not only to stone pine but also to other coniferous forests throughout country. In this study, pesticides were applied by trunk injection method in the experiment areas taken in stone pine stands of Bergama - Kozak region. In the systemic application carried out in 2020 and 2021, the Arborjet system was used and the insecticide with the active ingredient Azadirachtin (0.3 g/Lt) was used as an organic insecticide, as well as pesticide with the active ingredient Imidacloprid (200 g/Lt). In 2020, the highest seed filling rate was achieved after systemic Imidacloprid insecticide application with the Arborjet system. As a result of this application, the full seed rate reached 70.7% in Asagicuma, while this rate was 63.6% in the Karaveliler. The seed occupancy rate obtained from control trees in the Asagicuma was 37.96% and this rate reached 70.7% after systemic Imidacloprid application in the same field. Similarly, in the studies carried out in Asagicuma and Yukaribey experiment sites in 2021, only 35% of the seeds were filled in the cones taken from control trees, while the occupancy rate in the cones without insecticide application in the Yukaribey was determined to be 32.76%. In both trial sites, the highest seed fill rate was achieved after systemic Imidacloprid insecticide application with the Arborjet system. As a result of this application, the filled seed rate reached 67.89% in the Asagicuma and 69.86% in Yukaribey experiment sites.

Quality Control Analysis Using Statistical Quality Control (SQC) and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) Methods in Semoga Laris Tofu Factory

Semoga Laris tofu factory is a business engaged in the production of tofu. This factory produces approximately 80 drums of tofu per day. There are problems faced at this factory, namely the increase in defective products, namely the texture of the tofu that is too soft, dirty tofu, and the shape of the tofu that is too thin. This can lead to decreased consumer confidence. Every day there are at least 10-15% defective products. This study was conducted to determine the types of product defects, the causes of product defects, and propose improvements to minimize defective products in tofu processing. The methods used in this research are Statistical Quality Control (SQC) and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA). The quality tools of SQC method are check sheet, histogram, pareto diagram, P control map, and fishbone diagram. Then proceed using the Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) method to determine suggestions and corrective actions. Based on the results of research using the SQC method, it is known that the number of thin size defects is 46.231, there is dirt on the tofu as many as 16.093 seeds, and the texture of soft tofu is 27.357 seeds. The results of the analysis using the fault tree analysis (FTA) method show that the causes of product defects include insufficient rest time (D2), irregular machine maintenance (E2), insufficient rest time (F1), and no temperature checker. Proposed improvements that can be given are by providing measuring instruments, making machine maintenance schedules, making machine control cards, giving breaks, supervising, giving gifts to workers, and providing thermometers.

Windthrow causes declines in carbohydrate and phenolic concentrations and increased monoterpene emission in Norway spruce.

With the increasing frequencies of extreme weather events caused by climate change, the risk of forest damage from insect attacks grows. Storms and droughts can damage and weaken trees, reduce tree vigour and defence capacity and thus provide host trees that can be successfully attacked by damaging insects, as often observed in Norway spruce stands attacked by the Eurasian spruce bark beetle Ips typographus. Following storms, partially uprooted trees with grounded crowns suffer reduced water uptake and carbon assimilation, which may lower their vigour and decrease their ability to defend against insect attack. We conducted in situ measurements on windthrown and standing control trees to determine the concentrations of non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs), of phenolic defences and volatile monoterpene emissions. These are the main storage and defence compounds responsible for beetle´s pioneer success and host tree selection. Our results show that while sugar and phenolic concentrations of standing trees remained rather constant over a 4-month period, windthrown trees experienced a decrease of 78% and 37% of sugar and phenolic concentrations, respectively. This strong decline was especially pronounced for fructose (-83%) and glucose (-85%) and for taxifolin (-50.1%). Windthrown trees emitted 25 times greater monoterpene concentrations than standing trees, in particular alpha-pinene (23 times greater), beta-pinene (27 times greater) and 3-carene (90 times greater). We conclude that windthrown trees exhibited reduced resources of anti-herbivore and anti-pathogen defence compounds needed for the response to herbivore attack. The enhanced emission rates of volatile terpenes from windthrown trees may provide olfactory cues during bark beetle early swarming related to altered tree defences. Our results contribute to the knowledge of fallen trees vigour and their defence capacity during the first months after the wind-throw disturbance. Yet, the influence of different emission rates and profiles on bark beetle behaviour and host selection requires further investigation.

Protecting Flowers of Fruit Trees From Frost With Dynamic Agrivoltaic Systems

Spring frost is a risk for fruit tree production. In this study, a dynamic agrivoltaic system (AV) was tested as a solution to protect trees from frosts. The study was done in a nectarine AV in France in 2022 and 2023. The AV plot was paired with an adjacent control plot without panels. Air temperature nearby the trees was measured continuously with thermo-hygrometers each year. In 2022 and 2023 frost sensors to mimic organ temperature were also used. In 2023, bud temperatures were continuously measured during bloom. Frosts during bloom were observed in 2022 and 2023 but only the 2022 frost was associated with flower damage. Solar panels were positioned in horizontal position during the nights with frost. Night air temperature nearby the AV trees was warmer in comparison with control trees (increases between 0.27 and 0.47 °C). An increase between 0.25-1.29 °C was also observed for frost sensors and between 1.61-1.69 °C for the flower buds. Phenology was similar between control and AV trees. In 2002, 35% of control flowers were injured during frost while less than 10% were injured in the AV. We conclude that agrivoltaics can be used to protect flowers from frost.

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.

Water level impact on pine seedlings in greenhouse conditions: assessing growth and survival potential in ditched and managed peatlands

ABSTRACT Tree establishment on peatlands has various adverse effects on the environment, with one of the most significant being their transformation from carbon sinks to carbon sources. This transformation has largely been instigated by economic-driven ditching initiatives. In this study, 80 peat-rooted pine seedlings were subjected to hydrological scenarios corresponding to natural, ditched, and rewetted conditions to investigate how different management strategies affect tree growth and survival. The study was conducted in a greenhouse where all plants were exposed to identical conditions except for the water level, and focused on factors like stomatal conductance, plant survival, length, biomass, and radial tree growth. Wet conditions, specifically treatments rewetted and natural, resulted in consistently lower stomatal conductance compared to drier treatments. Plant survival was affected, with 15 deaths in the rewetted and 2 in natural groups. Moreover, length, biomass, radial growth, and cell formation were significantly lower for the groups exposed to wet conditions. Rewetting can therefore effectively control tree colonisations, and thereby preventing water consumption, litter fertilisation, and other positive feedback effects for the trees that might be negative for the carbon uptake and biodiversity in peatlands. This study thereby offers valuable insights for rewetting initiatives in tree colonised peatland ecosystems.

Mitigating Norway spruce mortality through the combined use of an anti-attractant for Ips typographus and an attractant for Thanasimus formicarius

This study investigates the efficacy of combined treatment strategy, incorporating pheromones for bark beetle I. typographus (IT) and attractant of its natural enemy T. formicarius (TF), along with anti-attractants for IT (containing 1-hexanol, 1-octen-3-ol, 3-octanol, eucalyptol, trans-thujanol, and trans-conophthorin), to enhance protection methods for Picea abies against biotic disturbances. Two field experiments—trapping experiment and tree protection experiment—were conducted in June 2023 in managed spruce-dominated beetle-affected stands in Czechia. We anticipated higher catches of IT in traps baited with IT pheromone (containing s-ipsdienol, s-cis-verbenol, and 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol) and TF attractant compared to traps using IT pheromone alone, since compounds intrinsic to IT pheromone, namely 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol, ipsenol, and ipsdienol, are integral components of the attractant designed for TF. We hypothesized that application of TF attractant and IT anti-attractant would enhance the treatment's protective properties, assuming that attracted TF would function as a predator, reducing bark beetle population and increasing tree survival rates. Semiochemical composition declared by the producers was verified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. In the trapping experiment, EcoTrap-type traps were baited with six combinations of lures and anti-attractant. In the tree protection experiment, 28 mature Norway spruce trees situated at newly created forest edges underwent four treatment types: TF attractant, IT anti-attractant, their combination, and no treatment (“control”). Traps baited solely with TF attractant did not capture either beetle, whereas traps lured with IT pheromone, TF attractant and anti-attractant showed no captures of IT but recorded the highest numbers of TF, suggesting significant potential for combined treatment efficacy. Surprisingly, tree mortality was observed exclusively among trees treated only with TF attractant and in their vicinity, suggesting unique bark beetles' response to the mixture of predator's attractant and host tree kairomones, a phenomenon that was not previously reported. Application of anti-attractant and TF treatment effectively prevented tree mortality, demonstrating the repellent potential of IT anti-attractant against bark beetles. However, mortality rates showed no significant differences among control trees, those treated with anti-attractants, or those treated with the combination of anti-attractants and TF attractant, underscoring necessity for further research to optimize treatment efficacy.

Non-invasive surveillance of shared pathogens in the Eurasian brown bear (Ursus arctos) human interface

Multi-host communities are perfect scenarios for the emergence and spread of pathogens, threatening the recovery of endangered, isolated, or inbred populations, such as the brown bear (Ursus arctos) in northwestern Spain. The population recovery in recent years has forced bears to occupy highly anthropized areas, increasing their interaction with human and domestic animals, with potential consequences for global health. During 2022–2023 a survey of parasites, bacteria and viruses shared between wildlife, domestic animals and humans was performed in this population using non-invasive surveillance, i.e., bear fecal samples (n = 73) and sponge-based sampling of trees (n = 42; 14 rubbed trees and 28 control trees). Pathogen detection rates were defined as the percentage of qPCR or culture-positive samples. Generalized linear models were fitted to assess their relationship with environmental variables including dispersion of the human population, and percentage of agricultural and periurban habitats in a 6 km-buffer around each sample. Canine Adenovirus type 1 (45.2%), Giardia spp. (15.1%), Salmonella spp. (12.3%), and extended-spectrum-beta-lactamases (ESBL) Escherichia coli (1.4%) were identified in fecal samples. In contrast, only five sponges from three rubbed and two control trees resulted positive to E. coli (14.3%). The results suggest that several pathogens are common in the Cantabrian brown bear population and that anthropization of the territory modulates their prevalence and richness.The effective design of management programs for bear conservation will require a one-health approach, in which genetic analysis of non-invasive samples can be key tools for the sanitary surveillance at the wildlife-livestock-human interface.

Effect of virus infection on the fruit quality of sour cherry cultivar Łutówka

A survey was carried out on a commercial sour cherry fruit orchard located in Lublin province in Poland to determine the influence of viruses on the fruit quality of sour cherry cv. Łutówka. Leaf samples from trees of sour cherry cv. Łutówka were tested for Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV), Prune dwarf virus (PDV), Little cherry virus 1 (LChV-1), Little cherry virus 2 (LChV-2), Cherry virus A (CVA), Cherry green ring mottle virus (CGRMV), Cherry necrotic rusty mottle virus (CNRMV), Cherry rasp leaf virus (CRLV) and Cherry mottle leaf virus (CMLV) using the RT-PCR technique. The results indicated that PNRSV and PNRSV+CVA infected the samples. PDV, LChV-1, LChV-2, CGRMV, CNRMV, CRLV, and CMLV were not detected in any of the tested sour cherry trees. The effect of virus infection on the chemical composition of sour cherry fruits was investigated. The anthocyanin, total phenolic and vitamin C contents, and antioxidant activity were evaluated. The total phenolic compound, vitamin C contents, and antioxidant activity were significantly higher in PNRSV- and PNRSV+CVA-infected than in virus-free sour cherry fruits. The total anthocyanin content in PNRSV- or PNRSV+CVA-infected fruits was lower than in control trees. To our knowledge, this is the first report in the world about the effect of PNRSV or PNRSV+CVA infection on the anthocyanin compounds, total polyphenolic compounds, vitamin C contents, and the antioxidant activity of sour cherry fruits.

Homobrassinolide Delays Huanglongbing Progression in Newly Planted Citrus (Citrus sinensis) Trees.

Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening, is a devastating disease impacting citrus trees worldwide, with severe effects particularly noted in Florida. Current strategies to combat HLB focus on aggressive replanting, despite the high susceptibility of young trees to infection. In this context, it is critical to explore agronomic practices that can enhance the health and resistance of young citrus trees to HLB. Here, we demonstrate that treatment with homobrassinolide (HBr), a type of brassinosteroid, in newly planted citrus (Citrus sinensis) trees can delay HLB infection and improve tree health amidst the high psyllid pressure conditions endemic to Florida. Our study reveals a significant reduction in HLB infection rates in HBr-treated trees compared to control trees, with only 25% of treated trees testing positive for HLB by six months, in contrast to 100% infection in untreated trees. This delay in infection may be attributed to HBr inducing an immune response and negatively impacting psyllid performance, as subsequently demonstrated in a greenhouse experiment. Our findings suggest that HBr applications could serve as a viable strategy to enhance the resilience of citrus production against HLB, underscoring the need for further investigation into their mechanisms of action and potential role in a comprehensive pest and disease management strategy.

First report of Cryptostroma corticale causing sooty bark disease in California and first worldwide report of silver maple as a host.

In November 2022 and February 2023, CAL FIRE tree health experts examined four maples (Acer spp.) planted decades earlier in a residential setting in Elk Grove, Sacramento Co., California (USA). Three of the trees were silver maples (Acer saccharinum ) and one was a Norway maple (A. platanoides); both species are exotic to California. The trees were in an irreversible state of decline, with the canopy substantially thinned and browning. Extensive bark cankers elongating longitudinally along the stem were visible on all trees (Fig. S1). Cankers were filled by fungal stromata protruding through the bark and producing masses of elliptical dark brown conidia (Fig. S2), approximately 5.5 x 3.7 um in size, giving the cankers a sooty appearance. The cankered bark could be peeled off easily, revealing dark and discrete lesions in the phloem and xylem. Samples from the three trees were shipped to the U.C. Berkeley Forest Pathology and Mycology Laboratory and to the CDFA PPDC in Sacramento, CA. In the laboratories, small wood chips were taken from the margins of the lesions, surface sterilized by dipping them for 30 seconds in 70% Ethanol, rinsed for 30 seconds in sterile water and plated onto 2.5% Malt Extract Agar amended with 0.3g/L Streptomycin or onto one-half strength acidified potato dextrose agar (APDA). Two morphologically identical cultures were obtained, one (T2) from a silver maple and one (T6) from the Norway maple. Cultures were then grown in liquid 2.5% malt extract broth and, after one week, DNA was extracted using the Qiagen Plant DNeasy DNA extraction kit. The ITS sequences are diagnostic for this fungus (Li et al. 2021) and those of the two cultures (GB OR064033 and OR933565) were 100% homologous to GenBank sequences of Cryptostroma corticale ( e.g. GB OP474010-11). The RPB2 sequence of T2 ( GB OR992132) was 100% homologous to that of C. corticale (GB HG934116.1). The isolate obtained from silver maple was inoculated in four potted silver maples by removing a bark disk 50 mm in diameter with a cork borer in three spots staggered at different heights and sides on the stem, placing a colonized agar plug of C. corticale in contact with the phloem, replacing the bark disk and wrapping with parafilm. Two control trees were mock inoculated using sterile agar plugs. Trees were in 57 L pots, had an average stem caliper of 2.7 cm, an average height of 3.5 m and were kept in a lath house at average high temperatures of 18-24 degrees C. After ten weeks, average lesion length was 15.4 cm (SE= 4.6) and 4.3 cm (SE=2.3) in the fungus-inoculated and control trees, respectively. An ANOVA test, nesting lesions sizes within tree, determined lesions lengths were different between inoculated and mock trees (P= 0.04). The fungus was reisolated from all points in all inoculated trees but never from control trees. C. corticale was first described in the UK from sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) (Gregory et al. 1949) and is an emerging problem in Europe (Muller et al. 2023). In North America, it has been reported from A. negundo, A. campestre, A. macrophyllum and Cornus nuttallii (Worral 2020), and it appears to be present in the Pacific Northwest (Brooks et al. 2023, Goree 1969). Norway maple is included in the European Plant Protection Organization list of hosts for C. corticale (EPPO 2023), however our finding of C. corticale on silver maple is a first report of this host worldwide and of this pathogen in California. This report is noteworthy, given that C. corticale is also a human pathogen infecting the respiratory system (Braun et al. 2021).

Dodine an effective alternative to copper for controlling Venturia oleaginea, the causal agent of pea-cock eye disease, in highly infected olive trees.

A trial was carried out in central Italy in an olive orchard of cultivar Moraiolo, highly infected by Venturia oleaginea. The aim of the investigation was to evaluate the effects of autumn and spring applications of copper oxychloride or dodine to control the disease. Non treated trees were used as the control. The effects of the fungal attacks on leaves and inflorescence development confirmed the high susceptibility of the cultivar Moraiolo to the disease. The results show that in trees heavily infected, but with most of the infected leaves at the early stage of the disease (asymptomatic phase), treatments with dodine had a curative effect, with consequent reduction in the appearance of symptomatic leaves and defoliation with respect to the control or copper-treated trees. The use of dodine against the autumnal attacks of V. oleaginea allowed most of the old leaves to be maintained until the new ones had formed, which is important for the growth processes during the early part of the growing season. Overall, the results indicate that to efficiently control the pathogen using copper compounds, treatments must start soon after the beginning of the attack and be repeated in order to maintain the infection at a low level. Dodine can be efficiently used if there is a great increase in infected leaves. The use of dodine to solve particular situations and not for normal repeated use is regulated by the fact that in some countries, Italy included, protocols for integrated pest management allow only one dodine treatment/year.

Drought increases Norway spruce susceptibility to the Eurasian spruce bark beetle and its associated fungi.

Drought affects the complex interactions between Norway spruce, the bark beetle Ips typographus and associated microorganisms. We investigated the interplay of tree water status, defense and carbohydrate reserves with the incidence of bark beetle attack and infection of associated fungi in mature spruce trees. We installed roofs to induce a 2-yr moderate drought in a managed spruce stand to examine a maximum of 10 roof and 10 control trees for resin flow (RF), predawn twig water potentials, terpene, phenolic and carbohydrate bark concentrations, and bark beetle borings in field bioassays before and after inoculation with Endoconidiophora polonica and Grosmannia penicillata. Drought-stressed trees showed more attacks and significantly longer fungal lesions than controls, but maintained terpene resin defenses at predrought levels. Reduced RF and lower mono- and diterpene, but not phenolic concentrations were linked with increased host selection. Bark beetle attack and fungi stimulated chemical defenses, yet G. penicillata reduced phenolic and carbohydrate contents. Chemical defenses did not decrease under mild, prolonged drought in our simulated small-scale biotic infestations. However, during natural mass attacks, reductions in carbon fixation under drought, in combination with fungal consumption of carbohydrates, may deplete tree defenses and facilitate colonization by I. typographus.

Finding balance: Tree-ring isotopes differentiate between acclimation and stress-induced imbalance in a long-term irrigation experiment.

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is a common European tree species, and understanding its acclimation to the rapidly changing climate through physiological, biochemical or structural adjustments is vital for predicting future growth. We investigated along-term irrigation experiment at a naturally dry forest in Switzerland, comparing Scots pine trees that have been continuously irrigated for 17 years (irrigated) with those for which irrigation was interrupted after 10 years (stop) and non-irrigated trees (control), using tree growth, xylogenesis, wood anatomy, and carbon, oxygen and hydrogen stable isotope measurements in the water, sugars and cellulose of plant tissues. The dendrochronological analyses highlighted three distinct acclimation phases to the treatments: irrigated trees experienced (i) a significant growth increase in the first 4 years of treatment, (ii) high growth rates but with a declining trend in the following 8 years and finally (iii) a regression to pre-irrigation growth rates, suggesting the development of a new growth limitation (i.e. acclimation). The introduction of the stop treatment resulted in further growth reductions to below-control levels during the third phase. Irrigated trees showed longer growth periods and lower tree-ring δ13 C values, reflecting lower stomatal restrictions than control trees. Their strong tree-ring δ18 O and δ2 H (O-H) relationship reflected the hydrological signature similarly to the control. On the contrary, the stop trees had lower growth rates, conservative wood anatomical traits, and a weak O-H relationship, indicating a physiological imbalance. Tree vitality (identified by crown transparency) significantly modulated growth, wood anatomical traits and tree-ring δ13 C, with low-vitality trees of all treatments performing similarly regardless of water availability. We thus provide quantitative indicators for assessing physiological imbalance and tree acclimation after environmental stresses. We also show that tree vitality is crucial in shaping such responses. These findings are fundamental for the early assessment of ecosystem imbalances and decline under climate change.

Preference of trees for nest building by critically endangered white-rumped vultures (Gyps bengalensis) in Nepal.

White-rumped vultures (Gyps bengalensis) are critically endangered species, and protecting their habitats, particularly the nesting trees, may have a positive impact on their reproductive success. For a better understanding of vultures' habitat needs, the characteristics of nesting trees should be accounted. In this paper, we compare the characteristics of the trees that have vultures' nests and that do not by randomly select a control tree within a 10 m radius of the nesting tree. We extensively searched and monitored the white-rumped vultures' nests, nesting trees, and nesting tree species in Nepal between 2002 and 2022, and measured the characteristics of sampled trees such as their height, girth, canopy spread, branching orders, and whorls. We recorded 1161 nests of white-rumped vulture in total on 194 trees belonging to 19 species over the past two decades. White-rumped vultures preferred the kapok trees (Bombax ceiba) for nest construction than other tree species (χ 2 = 115.38, df = 1, p < .001) as 66.49% of nests were built on them. In the logistic regression model, the number of whorls on a tree, canopy spread, and the height of the first branch determined whether a nest was present or absent on a tree. These results help to prioritize the tree attributes in a habitat conservation plan for vultures.

Organic Amendments to Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) Plantation Affect Species Richness and Metal Accumulation of Spontaneously Growing Herbaceous Plants

Excess potentially toxic metals (PTMs) in soils require ad hoc approaches to salvage. Hence, this study explored the shoot accumulation of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) by herbaceous plants growing under previously established Salix and Populus clones Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) with compost and sewage sludge applications in an abandoned metallurgical site, Podlesí, Czech Republic; PTM decontamination of soils. Soils within the SRC experimental site and outside considered as control were analyzed for their chemical properties by multi-analytical techniques. Shoots of spontaneously growing herbaceous plants under trees in the site and without trees in control were determined for pseudo-total Cd, Pb, and Zn contents. Moderately to slightly acid soils, high cation exchange capacity, and C/N ratio supported mineralization and relative mobility of total Cd (7.7–9.76), Pb (1541–1929), and Zn (245–320 mg kg−1) in soils. Although soil amendments improved chemical properties, compost application supported higher species richness than sewage sludge. Over 95% of plants accumulated Cd and Zn above the WHO threshold and green fodder in the Czech Republic, with 36% Pb above the regional limit (40 mg kg−1). Approximately 100, 50, and 6% of herbaceous species had Cd, Pb, and Zn accumulation, respectively, higher than published average upper limits in plants (0.2 Cd, 10 Pb, and 150 Zn mg kg−1). Dicots recorded higher Cd content, Tenacetum vulgare (L.), Hypericum maculatum (Crantz), and Cirsium arvense (L.); Stachys palustris (L.), Lamium perpereum (L.), and Campanula patula (L.) for Pb; Glechoma hederaceae (L.), C. patula, and C. arvense for Zn in all treatments. Appropriate soil amelioration of SRC-supported PTM mobility and excess herbaceous species shoot accumulation, growth, and richness.

PENERAPAN METODE STATISTICAL QUALITY CONTROL DAN FAULT TREE ANALYSIS PADA PROSES STERILISASI DI CV. PASIFIC HARVEST BANYUWANGI

The purpose of this research is to find out the application of Statistical Quality Control and Fault Tree Analysis methods to control the types of defects that occur during the sterilization process, find out the causes of their occurrence, and provide suggestions for improvement. The research methods used were research preparation (literature study), field observations, problem solving, interviews, data collection, data processing, and data analysis. Application of the Statistical Quality Control method to control the types of defects that occur by using the seven tools. While the application of the Fault Tree Analysis method is by making a fault tree and determining the minimum cut set then analyzing it quantitatively. The results of the fishbone diagram analysis found that there are 3 factors that cause defects in the sterilization process, namely machines, materials, and humans. Proposed improvements to reduce the level of defects that often occur, namely carrying out daily inspection and maintenance of the machine, the machine must be calibrated, carrying out more thorough checks on cans sent from suppliers, disciplining employees by holding briefings once a week, conducting training on how to handle them properly and correct every 3 months or 6 months to employees, the seamer operator monitors the time during the draining process to the seamer process, checks the seamer machine before using the production process so as not to hinder the can closing process, and performs temperature sensors on a monthly basisThe purpose of this research is to find out the application of Statistical Quality Control and Fault Tree Analysis methods to control the types of defects that occur during the sterilization process, find out the causes of their occurrence, and provide suggestions for improvement. The research methods used were research preparation (literature study), field observations, problem solving, interviews, data collection, data processing, and data analysis. Application of the Statistical Quality Control method to control the types of defects that occur by using the seven tools. While the application of the Fault Tree Analysis method is by making a fault tree and determining the minimum cut set then analyzing it quantitatively. The results of the fishbone diagram analysis found that there are 3 factors that cause defects in the sterilization process, namely machines, materials, and humans. Proposed improvements to reduce the level of defects that often occur, namely carrying out daily inspection and maintenance of the machine, the machine must be calibrated, carrying out more thorough checks on cans sent from suppliers, disciplining employees by holding briefings once a week, conducting training on how to handle them properly and correct every 3 months or 6 months to employees, the seamer operator monitors the time during the draining process to the seamer process, checks the seamer machine before using the production process so as not to hinder the can closing process, and performs temperature sensors on a monthly basis

Yield sustainability through micronutrient management in Guava

A field study conducted with soil and foliar application of ZnSO4 and borax at different phenological stages of guava cv. Shewta in sandy loam soil, revealed that highest sustainable yield index (0.80) was recorded with two sprays of 0.4% ZnSO4 + 0.2% borax during fruit growth at one month interval, followed by 0.63 with three sprays of 0.4% ZnSO4 + 0.2% borax before flowering, fruit set and during fruit growth. Highest TSS (13.13°Brix), acidity (0.652%) and ascorbic acid (262.21 mg/100 g) was recorded in two sprays of 0.4% ZnSO4 + 0.2% borax at fruit growth in one month interval. Significant differences in Zn and B content in guava fruit pulp was recorded. It was noted that Guava fruit pulp had Zn content of 13.7 mg kg-1 in control tree fruits while 14.6 to 16.5 mg kg-1 in treated trees. Moreover, guava fruit pulp enriched with B (14.3 to 17.3 mg kg-1) in treated tree fruits as compared to 12.4 mg kg-1 in control trees. Micronutrient contents in leaf tissues showed significant difference in Zn and B concentration, whereas, Fe, Mn and Cu contents were statistically non-significant. The index suggested for attaining the sustainability and to economize the nutrient application, technology package consisting of two sprays of 0.4% ZnSO4 and 0.2% borax during fruit growth at one month interval should be adopted at growers’ field.

Aiming at a moving target: economic evaluation of adaptation strategies under the uncertainty of climate change and CO2 fertilization of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and Silver fir (Abies alba Mill.)

Key messageDrought severely worsened till 2100 and eventually outplayed growth-enhancing CO2 fertilization turning productivity gains into losses for beech and fir. Most scenarios generated notable losses in profitability but economic tipping points were later than for productivity due to lag effects related to discounting. Time mixture of fir and shortening rotation can counteract economic risks under climate change, but requires early admixture and moderate establishment costs.ContextAdaptation strategies to climate change (CC) such as establishing mixed forests are often based on ecological understanding while economic rationale is often disregarded.AimsThis paper studies CC uncertainty on productivity and profitability of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and Silver fir (Abies alba Mill.). Besides, the economic consequences to actively adapt beech forests by admixing Silver fir are investigated.MethodsWe used the process-based forest growth model GOTILWA + to simulate RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 climatic projection by the MPI-ESM-LR global circulation model (MPI-ESM-LR) with the CO2 fertilization effect (eCO2) switched on and off. We analysed the sensitivity of the land expectation value (LEV) on CC and economic parameters.ResultsCC initially increased productivity, but declined after a tipping point (2040–2070) and later also profitability (2045–2100). RCP8.5 had positive, RCP2.6 negative and RCP4.5 neutral effects on LEV. Switching off eCO2 turned RCP8.5 from the most profitable to the least profitable scenario and the opposite for RCP2.6. CC generally reduced optimal rotation (Ropt) being scenario dependant, but comparatively more for fir than beech. Admixing fir created an economic benefit when implemented before stand age 50 of beech. This benefit was nullified with protection costs for browsing control (fencing or tree shelters).ConclusionsEconomic parameters (not CC) were the major source of uncertainty stemming from discounting factors and establishment costs. Admixture of fir and shortening rotation can provide a solution to tackle economic and climate uncertainties, but requires early admixture and browsing control.