Cupressus Lusitanica Research Articles

Características higroscópicas de la madera de Enterolobium cyclocarpum, Cupressus lindleyi y Cedrela odorata

Hygroscopic characteristics of the wood of Enterolobium cyclocarpum, Cupressus lindleyi and Cedrela odorata. The objective of the research was to determine the basic density, the moisture content, the volumetric hygroscopic coefficient, the saturation point of the fiber, the maximum moisture content, the percent of the cell wall and the percentage of empty spaces, of the wood of E. cyclocarpum, C. lindleyi and C. odorata. For each species, 32 small specimens were prepared and hygroscopic tests were carried out, which consisted of measuring their weights and dimensions before and after hydrating treatments and drying the specimens. The experimental design proposed tests of normality in the distribution of independent samples, verification tests and analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis. It is concluded that the magnitudes of the basic density and characteristics of E. cyclocarpum, C. lindleyi and C. odorata are of the same order and follow the statistical trends as those reported in the literature. However, the values ​​are different for each species, but they are positioned close to the statistical trends of the bibliography data.

English

Qualities of planting stocks are critical factors for the success of forest plantations. Despite the huge number of annual seedling production in tree nurseries, awareness on quality of seedlings is very limited. This study evaluates the seedling quality across nursery ownership types in terms of morphological attributes and examines the effect of seedling quality on early growth and survival. Three nursery ownerships (private, GO and NGO) were selected from three districts of central Gondar zone with the assumption of different nursery management practices. Four tree/shrub species were selected purposively (common in all the nursery ownership types) and seedlings for quality assessment were sampled randomly. The study indicated that seedling qualities differ across the selected nursery ownership types and have significant effect on survival and early growth. Significant differences (α<0.05) were observed in the mean shoot length, root collar diameter, shoot and root dry masses among different tree nursery owners. These differences could be rooted from different management in different nursery ownership types. There were relatively higher seedling proportions having measured parameters out of threshold standards for height, root collar diameter, shoot to root ratio and height-diameter ratio in private owner. Generally, Grevillea robusta performed better in NGO, Rhamnus prinoides and Cordia africana in private nurseries and Cupressus lusitanica in GO nurseries. However, species, site, and management specific studies must be studied to clearly quantify seedling quality and the associated effect on early growth and survival. Key words: Quality, tree seedlings, nursery ownerships, central Gondar zone.  

Estimation of leaf area index of Pinus taeda L. and Cupressus lusitanica Mill. by vegetation indices

Estimation of leaf area index of Pinus taeda L. and Cupressus lusitanica Mill. by vegetation indices

Aboveground biomass, growth and yield for some selected introduced tree species, namely Cupressus lusitanica, Eucalyptus saligna, and Pinus patula in Central Highlands of Ethiopia

BackgroundSpecies of the genera Eucalyptus, Cupressus, and Pinus are the most widely planted tree species in the country in general and in Chilimo dry Afromontane forest in particular. Eucalyptus covers 90% of the total planted forest area in the country. However, only limited information exists in the country regarding aboveground biomass (AGB), belowground biomass (BGB), growth, and yield. This study was conducted to assess the variables on 25 and 30 years of age for three planted species: Cupressus lusitanica, Eucalyptus saligna, and Pinus patula in Chilimo plantation forest, in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia. A two-times inventory was conducted in 2012 and 2017. A total of nine square sampled plots of 400 m2 each, three plots under Cupressus lusitanica, 3 Eucalyptus saligna, and 3 Pinus patula were used for data collection. Data on height, diameter, soil, and tree stumps were collected. Percent C, % N, and bulk density was performed following chemical procedure.ResultsThe aboveground biomass ranged from 125.76 to 228.67 t C ha−1 and the basal area and number of stems from 3.76 to 25.50 m2 ha−1 and 483 to 1175 N ha−1, respectively. The mean annual basal area and volume increment were between 0.97 and 1.20 m2 ha−1 year−1 and 10.79 and 16.22 m3 ha−1 year−1. Both carbon and nitrogen stock of the planted forest was non-significant among the tree species.ConclusionThe aboveground biomass, growth, and yield significantly varied among the species. Cupressus lusitanica had the highest aboveground biomass, volume, and basal area, while Eucalyptus saligna had the lowest value .To a depth of 1 m, total carbon stored ranged from 130.13 to 234.26 t C ha−1. The total annual carbon sequestration potential was 12,575.18 t CO2 eq. Eucalyptus has the highest carbon stock density and growth rate than other species.

Woody Species Diversity and Management in Homegarden Agroforestry: The Case of Shashemene District, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Shashemene district, Ethiopia. Management-related data were collected using informal and formal surveys. Woody species diversity and related parameters were collected from 60 households. Woody species with ≥5 cm diameter at breast height (DBH) were measured and recorded and below 5 cm were counted and recorded in 10 m ∗ 10 m and 1 m ∗ 1 m plot, respectively. A total of 36 woody species were recorded, of which 58% were indigenous to the area. The overall mean number of woody species per plot was 3.13. Four woody species, namely, Cordia africana, Croton macrostachyus, Persea americana, and Catha edulis, showed highest importance value index. Farmers’ preference ranks for selected woody species were recorded in order of Cordia africana, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Croton macrostachyus, and Cupressus lusitanica, respectively. The similarity in woody species composition between the study villages ranged from 0.46 to 0.60. To sustain the management of woody species, farmers implemented pruning, thinning, composting, weeding, digging, and watering activities in the area. Garden availability and market and road accessibility are the major determinants of woody species in homegarden agroforestry. The study revealed woody species diversity, management practices implemented, and factors affecting woody species diversity management in homegarden agroforestry. Therefore, government should be worked on infrastructure, resource reallocation, and awareness creation in communities for the better improvement of species diversity and its sustainable management in homegarden agroforestry.

Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Two-way Pretreated Sawdust of <i>Eucalyptus globulus</i> and <i>Cupressus lusitanica</i>

Sawdust in Ethiopia, despite of its abundance, is not being properly utilized. Pre-treatment has been found to be crucial step before enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic resources to obtain sugars from such resources. Various pre-treatment methods have been developed to facilitate these bio-conversion processes. This research was aimed at investigating the effects of the combined pretreatments of steam and mild NaOH with white rot fungi (WRF) on sawdust samples from Eucalyptus globulus and Cupressus lusitanica were investigated. The amounts of losses of lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose contents of the pretreated sawdust samples were measured. Samples of the pretreated sawdust samples were then subjected to the enzymes from the hydrolytic wood rot fungi for hydrolysis into fermentable sugars. It was observed that lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose losses of the two sawdust types increased with the increasing incubation days but lignin and hemicellulose were preferentially degraded than cellulose. Sugar yield obtained from the sawdust pretreated in the combination of NaOH with WRF and steam with WRF was significantly higher compared to the yield obtained from the NaOH and steam alone pretreated sawdust samples. Pretreatment by the combination of NaOH with the wood rot fungi significantly modified the recalcitrance nature of the sawdust samples than when steam combined with the fungi. Similarly, with increasing enzymatic hydrolysis periods, sugar yields significantly increased. Higher sugar yields were obtained from sawdust samples of E. globulus than C. lusitanica. The ligninolytic and cellulolytic fungi tested resulted in a notable sugar yields indicating the possible application of the wood rot fungi in sugar production from lignocellulosic sawdust wastes which could be used for different industrial applications.

The Current Forest Status and Plant Species Diversity in Sekelemariam State Forest, Ethiopia

The aim of this study was to explore the characteristic of structure; species composition and species diversity in Sekelemariam State forest to enhance the forest’s plant biodiversity conservation and management practices through minimize the illegal deforestation practices by the local communities. The floristic composition and relative dominance of trees were studied in 66 (10m x 20 m) sample plots. A systematic sampling of plot of (10 m x 20 m) in each site was done to take vegetation samples. The data of tree individuals have served to give insight into the stand density, basal area, and frequency number of DBH class ranges. There were a large number of DBH class ranges but there were low DBH values. The species composition of Sekelemariam State forest is low rich and diversity with moderate density. The dominant species of trees were Croton macrostachys, Cupressus lusitanica Mil and Albizzia schimperiana, respectively. The maximum and minimum IVI values of trees were 34.97 and 0.66 of Croton macrostachys and Terminalia schimperiana , respectively. The density of vegetation in study area increases with increasing of DBH and height classes; this implies that the predominance of plantation tree individuals as the local community had been logging large sized natural tree species. The DBH size class distribution of trees in Sekelemariam State forest is shown to be on L-shape curve, which is high abundance of small trees. Keywords: Species diversity, Species richness, DBH, Diversity Indices. DOI : 10.7176/JBAH/9-24-02 Publication date: December 31 st 2019

English

Homegarden is a traditional farming practice that consists of growing adaptable landraces and endangered species which have been conserved. Previously, status of the homegarden has not been studied. Therefore, this study provided information about homegarden species composition, status and value of species for future food and rehabilitation program. The study was conducted in Chiro kebele, South Wollo of Ethiopia during February to May 2019. Totally 75 respondents were selected based on the possession of homegarden and data were collected using interviews, observation and group discussion. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and interpreted. Totally, 20 plant species distributed in 16 families were recorded. Fabaceae (25%) and Rosaceae (17%) were leading families in numbers of individual plants. Ten (50%) fodder, seven (35%) construction, six remedies and spice (30% each) and two (10%) vegetable and fruit plant species were documented. Malus domestica and Brassica carinata were the two perennial plant species used for household consumption. Hagenia abyssinica is the most accepted remedial plant followed by Solanecio gigas (Dysentery for sheep), Kalanchoe and Aloe (Wound healing), Acacia (Stomach ache for horse), and Mentha piperita (reduced kidney pain). Ruta chalepensis is predominant spice plant for tea, coffee, shiro wot, and Mitmit. Cytisus proliferus, Buddleja polystachya and Hagenia abyssinica were commonly grown bee and animal fodder plants and relevant for household and ploughing materials including Acacia and Cupressus lusitanica in the majority of homegardeners. This ecofriendly homegarden tree plants should be implicated for future plantation program.   Key words: Homegarden species, household, indigenous, predominant plant, tree.

Effect of Different Moisture Harvesting Techniques on Seedling Survivals and Growth of Trees in Degraded Lands of Southern Tigray

Tree planting on degraded lands play a key role in forest rehabilitation processes through afforestation and/or reforestation. Moisture harvesting structures (MHSs) has significant impact on seedling survivals at degraded lands. The objectives of this study were to investigate the impact of water harvesting techniques on seedling survival and growth performance of trees. Field experiments were conducted for two rainy seasons in southern Tigray, Atsela watershed. The experimental design followed was the split plot design. The MHSs as main plot used were eye-brow basins (EBs), micro trench (MTs), improved pit (IPs) and as control normal pit (NPs). The tree species grown as subplots were Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Grevillea robusta, Olea europaea and Cupressus lusitanica. The four tree species were planted by using seedlings. The tree survival rate, height, crown width (CW) and root collar diameter (RCD) of the four tree species were measured every six months after transplanting. The result shows that MHSs were significant in tree seedling height, CW and RCD but not in tree survival rate. Tree seedling height and CW grown in EBs were significantly higher than those grown in MTs, IPs and NP (P≤0.05). RCD of tree seedling was higher when grown in EBs than NP (control) (P≤0.05). The interaction of tree species seedlings and MHSs shows that those seedlings grown on MHSs were significantly thicker, taller and more survived than those grown on the NPs (control) (P≤0.05). So based on the experiments, it is concluded that MHSs particularly the eyebrow basin was considered as the most appropriate planting pit. Therefore, further demonstration of eyebrow basin tree planting should be carried out.

Importancia cultural de la flora para especialistas populares en Cedral y Corazón de Jesús. Zona de amortiguamiento. Reserva Biológica Alberto Manuel Brenes

Ethnobotanical research has acquired significance due to the accelerated loss of traditional knowledge and the decrease of useful species as a consequence of natural habitat degradation. This research rescues the ethnobotanical knowledge of popular specialists and identifies the plants with the highest cultural importance in two communities from the buffer zone of the Alberto Manuel Brenes Biological Reserve. The qualitative ethnobotanical research was conducted with folk culture specialists through the application of in-depth interviews, free lists and ethnobotanical walks. The Cultural Importance Index allowed the identification of the most relevant species for these communities. The use of 214 species or taxonomic groups from 75 botanical families was recorded. The family with the largest number of useful species, Asteraceae, includes mainly herbaceous species used as a medicinal resource, followed by Orchids (Orchidaceae) used to decorate the exteriors of houses or gardens. The most important cultural species was Cipres, Cupressus lusitanica, with multiple uses and secondly, the medicinal plants Neurolaena lobata (Gavilana), Chenopodium acuminatum (Apazote), Salvia rosmarinus and the multi-use tree Acnistus arborescens (Guitite).

Hydroclimatic variations reveal differences in carbon capture in two sympatric conifers in northern Mexico.

BackgroundForest ecosystems are considered among the largest terrestrial carbon sinks. The dynamics of forest carbon depend on where the carbon is stored and its responses to environmental factors, as well as the physiology of the trees. Thus, threatened forest regions with high biodiversity have great scientific importance, such as the Sierra Madre Occidental in Mexico. A comparative analysis of tree species can expand the knowledge of the carbon cycle dynamics and ecological processes in this region. Here, we examined the growth, wood density, and carbon accumulation of two threatened species (Pseudotsuga menziesii and Cupressus lusitanica) to evaluate their hydroclimatic responsiveness.MethodsThe temporal variations in the carbon accumulation patterns of two co-occurring species (P. menziesii and C. lusitanica) and their sensitivity to the local climate were studied using dendroecological techniques, X-ray densitometry, and allometric equations.ResultsThe results show that the annual carbon accumulation in C. lusitanica is positively associated with the temperature during the current fall, while the carbon accumulation in P. menziesii is correlated with the rainfall during the winter of the previous year. The climatic responses are associated with the intra-annual variations of wood density and ring widths for each species. The ring width was strongly correlated with carbon accumulation in C. lusitanica, while the mean wood density was linked to carbon accumulation in P. menziesii.DiscussionThis study has implications for the carbon accumulation rates of both species, revealing differences in the carbon capture patterns in response to climatic variations. Although the species coexist, there are variation in the hydroclimatic sensitivity of the annual carbon sequestered by trunks of trees, which would be associated with tree-ring width and/or wood density, i.e., directly by anatomical features. The results are relevant to analyze the response to the variability of climatic conditions expected in the near future of the tree communities of Sierra Madre Occidental. Therefore, this study provides a basis for modeling the long-term carbon budget projections in terrestrial ecosystems in northern Mexico.

Views and Attitudes of Local Farmers towards Planting, Growing and Managing Trees in Agroforestry System in Basona Worena District, Ethiopia

Agroforestry is a dynamic ecological-based natural resources management practice that integrates food crops, trees, and livestock in an agricultural landscape where the components may have ecological, economical, and social impacts. This study aimed at examining the views and attitudes of local farmers towards ‘planting, growing, and managing trees in agroforestry system’ in Basona Worena District, Ethiopia. As there was already a traditional agroforestry adopted by the farmers, the study kebele was purposely selected. A structured questionnaire was developed by accounting different socioeconomic variables. A total of 94 respondents were randomly contacted to collect the questionnaire data. Multiple linear regression technique was employed to analyze and interpret the data. Contrary to expectation, the findings showed that a greater proportion (about 60%) of the respondents did not practice agroforestry. However, those farmers who used to practice traditional agroforestry mainly exercised it to meet their household wood demands. Based on their economic values, the most commonly preferred tree species planted and grown by the farmers in descending order, included eucalyptus species, Acacia abyssinica, Croton macrostachyus, Sesbania sesban, Cupressus lusitanica, and Olea africana. The results also suggested that the farmers had conscious perceptions to determine the negative and positive effects of tree species on food crops, soils, and water. Generally, a greater proportion of the farmers strongly agreed (73.33%) that they had developed positive attitudes towards ‘planting, growing, and managing trees in agroforestry system’. Moreover, the multiple linear regression models showed that different socioeconomic variables significantly influenced the attitudes of farmers towards ‘planting, growing, and managing trees in agroforestry system’. Generally, the regression model explained about 36% of the variance in attitudes of the respondents towards ‘planting, growing, and managing trees’. Hence, providing improved agroforestry extension services, including incentives (e.g., seeds, tree seedlings, technical supports, and credits) may help increase the active participation of the farmers to adopt plant, grow, and manage trees in agroforestry system. Moreover, provision of adequate technical trainings on agroforestry technologies and establishing demonstration site is indispensable to increase the awareness level of the local farmers and thereby promote the adoption of agroforestry technologies in Basona Worena District and elsewhere.

Gross heating value of various shade-trees wood in coffee plantation in Costa Rica and its relation with extractives and specific gravity

Shade-trees with energy use in coffee plantations are an important alternative to increase profitability in groforestry systems. The aim of this study was to investigate gross calorific value (GCV) of 15 shade-tree species in coffee plantations in Costa Rica. The relationships between specific gravity and extractives content on GCV was evaluated. The results revealed that GCV varied from 15.9 to 21.9 MJ kg-1 for sapwood, and from 15.3 to 21.9 MJ kg-1 for heartwood. No consistency was observed regarding to relation of type of wood (sapwood orheartwood) and GCV. The highest GCV value was found in Pinus caribaea for sapwood and heartwood. However Cupressus lusitanica, presented high GCV in sapwood too. The lowest values were found in Schizolobium parahyba in sapwood and Zygia longifolia and Eucalyptus globulus in heartwood. Carbon content (C) and carbon/nitrogen ratio (C/N ratio) and extractives in sodium hydroxide and dichloromethane were correlated with GCV in sapwood and heartwood. Meanwhile extractives in hot water were correlated in heartwood, and nitrogen content (N) and extractives in cool water were too correlated in sapwood.

Conifer tree plantations for land rehabilitation: an ecological‐functional evaluation

Plantations of exotic fast‐growing tree species have been widely used for maintaining or restoring ecosystem functions. Despite this, in tropical countries with high biodiversity, these plantations have been the subject of heated debate. We evaluated the long‐term effect of coniferous tree plantations (Cupressus lusitanica, Pinus patula, Pinus elliottii) on the ecological rehabilitation of the Andean highlands in Colombia. To determine degree of rehabilitation, we assessed whether there were differences in the structure or density of native understory vegetation or soil ecological properties between plots established within tree plantations and plots established within other vegetation cover types (secondary forests, ferns, pastures, and abandoned mining areas). Measured variables were combined to create an index of ecological rehabilitation (ERI). We found significant differences in the ERI values among vegetation cover types: secondary forest (11.78) > conifer plantations (P. elliottii: 6.23, P. patula: 5.33, C. lusitanica: 5.24) > ferns (4.16) > pasture (2.50) > abandoned mining areas (0.43). The results obtained showed that, from the structure of native understory vegetation and soil ecological properties, conifer plantations favored the rehabilitation process. However, among them, it was highlighted that the P. elliotii plantations showed significant differences in the density of native understory species, their values being 1.7 and 2.1 times higher than those corresponding to P. patula and C. lusitanica, respectively. Thus, unlike these plantations that could represent an ecological barrier over time, P. elliottii plantations have enabled the advancement of natural succession, showing a high diversity of native species.

Influence of Climate Variation on Growth of Tropical Tree Species in Western Kenya

Aims: Growth-climate relationships were examined in 7 tropical tree species growing in the Yala river basin of western Kenya: Acacia mearnsii, Cupressus lusitanica, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus grandis, Eucalytus saligna, Mangifera indica, and Markhamia lutea.
 Methodology: Standardized basal area increments were correlated with monthly and seasonal (3 month periods) climate variables (precipitation, mean temperature, Climate Moisture Index) obtained from nearby meteorological stations.
 Results: A majority of the tree species (M. indica, C. lusitanica, E. camaldulensis, and E. saligna) showed positive correlations with monthly and seasonal precipitation and moisture index during periods of the long and short rainy seasons. This study also revealed significant correlations between monthly and seasonal temperature data and radial growth of M. indica, M. lutea and E. grandis. Growth of M. lutea was negatively affected by cool growing season conditions while M. indica and E. grandis experienced high temperature stress. 
 Conclusion: Associations between radial growth of tropical tree species and temperature are generally rare in warm tropical regions, and for some of the species examined in this study that are non-native (i.e., M. indica and E. grandis), strongly suggests that they may be growing outside the optimal temperature conditions of their native geographical range.

Plantation species-specific adjustment functions for the Forest Carbon Predictor in New Zealand

BackgroundNew Zealand’s planted forest area is dominated by radiata pine (90%), but also includes Douglas-fir (6%), and a range of minor species including eucalypts and cypress. Carbon sequestration in planted forest is currently estimated using yield tables from the Forest Carbon Predictor (FCP), which was designed to estimate dry matter in live biomass and dead organic matter pools in radiata pine stands. Stand variables required as model inputs include basal area, mean top height, stocking, and tending regime. In addition, wood density needs to be measured or estimated. When the FCP is applied to plantation species other than radiata pine, dry matter estimates may need to be adjusted to remove bias.MethodsTo test for and remove bias, existing biomass studies were compiled and additional biomass data collected to fill gaps. Measured dry matter stock estimates were compared with predictions from the FCP model. Species assessed included Pseudotsuga menziesii (10 stands), Cupressus lusitanica (2), Eucalyptus regnans (7), E. nitens (5), E. saligna (7), E. botryoides (2), E. fastigata (2), and Acacia dealbata (2).ResultsStem bark and crown components were higher in Douglas-fir than predicted by the FCP, whereas crown components were appreciably lower in hardwood species than predicted. Root biomass estimates in Douglas-fir and hardwood species were similar to predictions from the FCP. Dead organic matter stock estimates were similar in Douglas-fir to predictions from the FCP. Dry matter predictions from the model were adjusted by species or species group, to help reduce model prediction error when the FCP is applied to these species. Model bias for Douglas-fir averaged 4.1% for aboveground live biomass, with a root mean square error of 12.9%. Model bias for hardwood species averaged − 0.11% for aboveground live biomass, with a root mean square error of 16.1%. Owing to data limitations, model bias was poorly estimated for dead organic matter pools.ConclusionsThis study has shown that forest carbon models that have been developed for well-studied plantation species can be adapted with some degree of certainty and applied to other species with suitable, albeit limited, biomass data in order to improve the accuracy of predictions of stand biomass and carbon sequestration.

Status of cypress aphid on Cupressus lusitanica and Juniperus procera in protected and cultivated forests of South Wollo, Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, Cupressus lusitanica and Juniperus procera are important tree species. The incidence of the cypress aphid, Cinara cupressi, which has not been reported before on the exotic Cupressus lusitanica is becoming catastrophic. The appearance of the insect was reported for the first time in 2003 in Ethiopia. However, information is scarce on the status of this species in northeast Amhara state. The objectives of this study were to assess the extent of damage, abundance and status of the cypress aphid on C. lusitanica and J. procera in the protected and cultivated forests of South Wollo, Ethiopia. Results reveal that tree compositions of the three study areas differed. The dominant tree species were C. lucitanica (15–80%), Olea europaea (5–90%) and J. procera (14–70%). The cypress aphid showed significantly higher levels of infestation on C. lusitanica (35–90%) than on J. procera (1–16%). Moreover, there was higher C. lusitanica mortality (40–93%). In contrast, there was low infestation (1–16%) on J. procera and no mortality. The results reveal that the cypress aphid causes enormous losses of C. lusitanica. Therefore, it is recommended that insect surveillance be strengthened and the introduction bioagents be considered and integrated with other insecticides to minimize the degree of C. lusitanica infestation and loss.

Development and validation of a stem volume equation for Cupressus lusitanica in Gergeda Forest, Ethiopia

Stem volume equations were fitted for Cupressus lusitanica in Gergeda Forest, Ethiopia using six different established equation forms. A total of 260 trees were measured for their diameter at breast height (D), total height (H )and stem volume using destructive sampling methods. The data set was randomly divided into equal size for equation development and equation validation. Five fit statistics comprising of the fit index, root mean square error, bias (Ē ), absolute mean deviation and coefficient of variation were used to evaluate the performance of each equation. Among the different equations, the Schumacher and Hall function of the form V = b1Db2Hb3 (model 5), which estimates volume (V ) using diameter at breast height and total height as predicting variables, performed best and was then fitted to the combined data set for prediction of volume over-bark of C. lusitanica in Gergeda Forest. Overall, volume equations with two independent variables (D and H ) performed better than those with only one variable (D). The equations developed in this study can provide forest managers with accurate estimations of stem volumes for C. lusitanica in Gergeda Forest.

Development of cheese wrapped in barks of reforestation trees

ABSTRACTThis study aimed at evaluating the effect of ripening of cheeses in contact with bands of reforestation tree barks, similar to the ripening process of the swiss Vacherin Mont D’or® cheese. The treatments consisted of the side wrapping of cheeses during ripening in band of barks of Eucalyptus grandis, Pinus elliottii, Cupressus lusitanica and a control treatment. Physicochemical and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry analyses were carried out along with a sensory analysis. It was observed that in cheeses ripened in bark of Pinus elliottii the compounds camphene and β-pinene were the major terpenoids identified, while in the cheeses wrapped in barks of Cupressus lusitanica, the compounds myrcene, limonene and α-pinene were the most abundant terpenoids. The sensory analysis indicated that is possible to use the Eucalyptus grandis and Cupressus lusitanica barks as a way to take recycle byproducts of the wood industries and improving sensory attributes.

Impacts of a High Nitrogen Load on Foliar Nutrient Status, N Metabolism, and Photosynthetic Capacity in a Cupressus lusitanica Mill. Plantation

At present, anthropogenic nitrogen deposition has dramatically increased worldwide and has shown negative impacts on temperate/boreal forest ecosystems. However, it remains unclear how an elevated N load affects plant growth in the relatively N-rich subtropical forests of Southern China. To address this question, a study was conducted in a six-year-old Cupressus lusitanica Mill. plantation at the Scientific Research and Teaching Base of Nanjing Forestry University, with N addition levels of N0 (0 kg ha−1 year−1), N1 (24 kg ha−1 year−1), N2 (48 kg ha−1 year−1), N3 (72 kg ha−1 year−1), N4 (96 kg ha−1 year−1), and N5 (120 kg ha−1 year−1). Leaf physiological traits associated with foliar nutrient status, photosynthetic capacity, pigment, and N metabolites were measured. The results showed that (1) N addition led to significant effects on foliar N, but had no marked effects on K concentration. Furthermore, remarkable increases of leaf physiological traits including foliar P, Ca, Mg, and Mn concentration; photosynthetic capacity; pigment; and N metabolites were always observed under low and middle-N supply. (2) High N supply notably decreased foliar P, Ca, and Mg concentration, but increased foliar Mn content. Regarding the chlorophyll, photosynthetic capacity, and N metabolites, marked declines were also observed under high N inputs. (3) Redundancy analysis showed that the net photosynthesis rate was positively correlated with foliar N, P, Ca, Mg, and Mn concentration; the Mn/Mg ratio; and concentrations of chlorophyll and N metabolites, while the net photosynthesis rate was negatively correlated with foliar K concentration and N/P ratios. These findings suggest that excess N inputs can promote nutrient imbalances and inhibit the photosynthetic capacity of Cupressus lusitanica Mill., indicating that high N deposition could threaten plant growth in tropical forests in the future. Meanwhile, further study is merited to track the effects of high N deposition on the relationship between foliar Mn accumulation and photosynthesis in Cupressus lusitanica Mill.