Trunk Diameter Research Articles

Physiological and Structural Responses to Prolonged Water Deficit in Young Trees of Two Olive Cultivars.

This study aimed to characterize the physiological and structural responses of potted one-year-old olive trees belonging to two olive cultivars—‘Nocellara del Belice’ and ‘Cerasuola’—exposed to prolonged drought under greenhouse conditions. Two irrigation treatments based on evapotranspiration (ET) were imposed for 69 days, i.e., well-watered (WW, 100% ET) and drought-stressed (DS, 10–30% ET). Leaf stomatal conductance (gs), stem water potential (Ψstem), transpiration (E), photosynthetic capacity (Amax), water use efficiency (WUE), stem (Kstem) and root (Kroot) hydraulic conductance, trunk diameter variations (TDV), and leaf patch attenuated pressure fluctuations (pp, a proxy of the inverse of leaf turgor pressure) were measured in WW and DS trees at different stages of the experiment. Leaf gs did not significantly differ between cultivars under DS, whereas differences in Ψstem only became significant at the end of prolonged drought, when ‘Nocellara del Belice’ experienced Ψstem < −4 MPa. ‘Cerasuola’ trees expressed the best WUE under drought, although they were more susceptible to photoinhibition under optimal plant water status. Both cultivars tended to increase their Kstem at the end of the drought period. A marked reduction in Kroot occurred in ‘Cerasuola’ plants after prolonged drought; however, a similar mechanism was not observed in ‘Nocellara del Belice’. The ratio between Kstem and Kroot exponentially increased towards the end of the prolonged drought period in both cultivars, but more markedly in ‘Cerasuola’. TDV and pp trends suggested that ‘Cerasuola’ plants keep better plant water status under severe drought compared to ‘Nocellara del Belice’ by maintaining high leaf turgor and reduced trunk diameter fluctuations. These responses may be related to reduced cell wall elasticity and xylem vessel size and/or wall thickness—drought avoidance mechanisms. The Kstem/Kroot ratio can serve as an indicator of drought stress avoidance mechanisms to compare genotype-specific responses to drought stress.

Old‐growth structural attributes associated with the last giant subtropical conifers in South America

AbstractGiant Araucaria trees in Brazilian Atlantic forests today are rare but remain critically important for structuring these ecosystems, providing unique and rare habitat elements that can serve as points of reference for their management. Old‐growth Araucaria trees, with their complex crowns and big trunk cavities, supply more important ecological services than smaller trees with simple crowns. Forest ecology managers lack information on the old‐growth structures of Brazilian Araucaria forest, their ecological importance and their potential societal values and uses. In this study, we investigated old‐growth attributes of Araucaria angustifolia and relate their wide structural variability to ecological management goals. In this study, we used currently available data on the last large old Araucaria trees, as well as our own new records, from large trees of 1.6–3.2 m diameter in the Araucaria forests in southern Brazil. In order to quantify the structural attributes of these remnant trees, their main trunks, any reiterated canopy trunks and trunk cavities were measured for diameters, heights and volumes. These old‐growth trees had an average height of 38.4 m, and total tree volumes ranged from 21.5 to 106.6 m3. The biggest reiterated trunk was 1.1 m in diameter and 17 m long, which is larger than most adult Araucaria trees. Number of cavities and number of reiterated trunks were all significantly related to the diameters of these large remnant Araucaria trees; both features are absent in Araucaria &lt;50 cm in diameter. The maximum diameter and average length of reiterated trunks were correlated with the number and size of trunk cavities. Commercial wood values and uses are limited for all trees with main trunk diameters exceeding 1.5 m due to large internal cavities—however, these rare, relictual old‐growth structures are of high ecological value for the local fauna and flora.

Improving Nursery Tree Quality in Apples by Heading, Cytokinin and Gibberellin Applications

Bilinen en eski ve en basit dallandırma yöntemi bir budama tekniği olan tepe kesimidir. Tepe kesimine alternatif çok sayıda teknik geliştirilmiş olmakla birlikte henüz pratikte tüm çeşitler için kabul görmüş bir dallandırma metodu bulunmamaktadır. Bu çalışmayla tepe kesimi ve farklı bitki büyüme düzenleyici maddeler içeren uygulamaların 2 yaşlı fidanların kalitesi üzerine olan ekileri incelenmiştir. Çalışmada dört farklı elma çeşidi için (Mondial Gala/M.9, Golden Reinders/M.9, Starkrimson Delicious/MM.106 ve Granny Smith/MM.106) odun dallarının (&amp;gt;25 cm) sayısı, açısı, uzunluğu ve kalınlığı tespit edilmiş ve ayrıca fidan gövde çapı ile fidan boyu belirlenmiştir. Hem sitokinin hem de gibberellin içeren uygulamaların tepe kesimi ve tek başına sitokinin içeren uygulamalara kıyasla dallanmayı arttırdığı görülmüştür. Özellikle Granny Smith çeşidinde tomurcuk patlamasından sonra yapılacak olan düşük doz tekrarlı sitokinin+gibberelin uygulamalarının ticari fidanlıklarda etkili şekilde kullanılabileceği sonucuna varılmıştır

Volume, biomass, carbon stock and efficiency of water use in irrigated eucalyptus

Since eucalyptus is a fast-growing plant, it offers advantages in comparison to other forest species, and the use of localized irrigation systems can increase yield and reduce time to cutting. The aim of this study was to evaluate two eucalyptus hybrids, growth in crop condition: irrigated and dry land, during the first year of development of the crop. The experiment was set up in April 2011 in the irrigation experimental area of the State University of Mato Grosso do Sul, in the municipality of Aquidauana, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. A randomized block experimental design was use in split-plots, with four blocks and two replications within each block. Plots were composed of the irrigation treatments (drip, micro sprinkler and no irrigation), and the subplots were composed of two eucalyptus hybrids (Grancam and Urograndis). Evaluations occurred at 60, 120, 180, 240, 300 and 360 days after transplant (DAT), measuring the height of plants and trunk diameter; and, thus, the volume, biomass, carbon stock and efficiency in water use in all the periods evaluated was estimated. Data were subject to analysis of variance and compared by the Tukey test at the level of 5% probability. It is concluded that at 360 DAT, the drip and micro sprinkler irrigations led to gains in biomass and carbon stock of around 190% as compared to eucalyptus without irrigation.

Trunk growth rate frequencies as water stress indicator in almond trees

The continuous monitoring of water stress will increase the accuracy of the deficit irrigation scheduling. Almonds are very sensitive to water stress conditions and an important water consumer. Recently, a novel approach to the use of trunk growth rate (TGR) data has been proposed for olive trees. These works suggested the use of TGR frequencies to evaluate water status of the trees. The aim of the current work was to compare the seasonal pattern of three different indicators derived from the daily curves of trunk diameter fluctuations with midday stem water potential. During three consecutive seasons (2017–2019), an irrigation experiment was carried out in a mature almond orchard (cv Vairo) at Dos Hermanas (Seville, Spain). Four irrigation treatments replicated in four blocks were evaluated using the daily curves of midday stem water potential and trunk diameter fluctuations. The different irrigation treatments were: Control, full irrigated conditions; RDI-1 (irrigation scheduling based on midday stem water potential with a deficit irrigation during kernel filling [values around −1.2 MPa]); RDI-2(similar to RDI-1 but with a more severe water stress [−2 MPa]) and incomplete recovery after harvest due to limitation of the seasonal amount of water (around 100 mm); SDI, sustained deficit irrigation with a seasonal applied water equal to RDI-2. Trunk diameter fluctuations were measured with a wireless band dendrometer. The daily curves were processed to obtain three different indicators. Maximum daily shrinkage (MDS) was the difference between the daily maximum and minimum. Trunk growth rate (TGR) was the difference between two consecutive daily maximums. The frequencies of several ranges of TGR were compared with the midday stem water potential. Weekly frequencies of values greater than 0.3 mm day−1 decreased with the reduction of midday stem water potential, but the pattern changed greatly in different seasons. The weekly frequency of values between − 0.1 and 0 and between 0 and 0.1 mm day−1 were steadier in different seasons. Differences between seasons were related to growth pattern and yield.

RETRACTED: The effect of green belt as an environmentally friendly approach on energy consumption reduction in buildings

The practice of urban landscaping has many positive effects, both on the environment and the local economy. By shading buildings, absorbing sunlight, reducing UV light, cooling the air, and decreasing wind speed, these advantages include a reduction in indoor temperature. In the present study, tree planting patterns as a green belt surrounding an office building (Pematangsiantar Road Administration building) have been explored in an effort to reduce energy consumption. For this objective, three potential tree planting layouts at a distance of 10 m from the structure were examined. The cuckoo search method was used to identify 21 ideal planting situations out of 1020 possibilities. The tree was modeled using quantitative parameters of the Yackandandah species, including crown diameter, height, and trunk diameter. To validate the results, the temperature and relative humidity diagrams from the simulated building were compared with the actual data from the heat and humidity sensors. The results demonstrated that there is a substantial difference in building energy usage across different arboricultural models and instances. Compared to directed models, simultaneous tree planting in all directions of the building led to the lowest energy use. This phenomena can reduce the surface temperature of buildings and the need for cooling energy by up to 16 percent during warm seasons. According on the findings of an annual energy audit, annual energy savings could range between $400 and $1100.

Performance of Annona Plants Subjected to Different Graft Combinations, Soil Types and Iron Fertilization

In the last decade, annona crop was introduced to Lebanon. This experiment was conducted to enhance the adaptation of annona to local conditions. Three scion/rootstock combinations were obtained from self– and cross– cleft grafting of Annona squamosa (Sq) and Annona cherimola (Ch), planted in calcareous “white soil” and clay–loamy “red soil”, and fertilized or not by iron (Fe) through fertigation. In the third year, the treatment red soil–iron fertilization–Sq/Ch had significantly highest plant height, trunk diameter, leaf number, number of primary roots, fruit number and yield. In the third year, despite iron fertilization, plants of the three graft combinations cultivated in red soil had higher flower number, fruit number, individual fruits weight and yield, than those planted in white soil. In the same year, iron fertilization in white soil had only affected total dry mass, leaf mass fraction and leaf iron content. However, iron fertilization of Sq/Ch planted in red soil has improved leaf number, primary root number, primary root length, leaf chlorophyll index, and leaf iron content compared to non–fertilized plants. Conclusively, iron fertilization in red soil could be a useful method improving the performance and yielding capacity of annona crop mainly in Sq/Ch combination.

Отбор полусибов видов рода Malus L. по показателям роста и формирования в пригородной зоне Красноярска

The apple tree is one of the most popular and widespread fruit crops in the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere due to its great variety diversity and high biological and ecological plasticity. Ecological variety testing plays a significant role in the selection of the most promising range of varieties of fruit crops. It helps to ensure consistently high productivity of plantations based on the maximum degree of correspondence of the variety genotype to the specific soil and climatic conditions of the place of cultivation. The research was aimed at the selection of annual apple tree half-sibs by the indicators of growth dynamics and phytomass formation in the V.M. Krutovsky Botanical Garden located in the suburban area of Krasnoyarsk. Plants propagated by seeds are characterized by wide adaptive capabilities under various environmental conditions. Selection of seedlings before fruiting provides an opportunity to shorten the breeding process. The study of morphological features of the apple tree leaf allows the selection for accelerated breeding of seedlings of this species. The features of seed progeny growth of 37 large-fruited apple tree varieties of different geographical origin were studied. Among those are the following: 6 varieties of V.M. Krutovsky’s selection (Aurora, Krutovsky’s Green, Krasnoyarsk beauty, Krasnoyarskiy Sibiryak, Krasnoyarskoye, No. 22), 10 varieties of I.V. Michurin (Saffron Antonovka, Befler Chinese, Wax, Pepin Kitayka, Saffron Pepin, Renet Bergamot, Slavyanka, Antonovka Yellow, Winter Arkade, Kulon Kitaika), 1 variety of selection by R.I. Schroeder (Nobilis) and foreign (New Zealand) selection (Bismarck). Most varieties (57 %) of folk selection bred in the European part of Russia. Dynamics of preservation of cotyledon leaves, number and size of formed leaves, height and diameter of the root neck of seedlings were determined based on the results of the study during the growing season of 2020. The safety of half-sibs was found to be high under these conditions. Seedlings of varieties Antipaskhalnoye, Anisik obyknovennyi, Babushkino, Malinovka and Saffron Peppin showed the maximum height; seedlings of varieties Antipaskhalnoye, Anisik obyknovennyi, Voronezh Vorgul, Kulon Kitayka and Titovka showed larger trunk diameter; seedlings of varieties Titovka, Papirovka, Krasnoyarskiy Sibiryak and Antipaskhalnoye had large leaves. Reliable differences in leaf weight and LMA (weight of 1 cm2 of leaf in absolutely dry state) were revealed depending on belonging to summer or winter categories of apple varieties. The obtained results allowed identifying promising varieties in terms of rapid growth of seedlings, which is important for further breeding research.

Termite diversity and damage assessment in urban trees from different parks of Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

Termite infestation is one of the fundamental problems associated with the loss of urban trees and ecological services. However, no such study has been performed in Pakistan to investigate the termite occurrence and assess such damages to urban trees caused by termites. For Lahore, research and comparable data on urban tree damages are rare or missing. This study surveyed six different microhabitats, including Bagh-e-Jinnah, canal vegetation, Model Town Park, Jallo Forestry, Race-Course Park, and FC College Vegetation employing the three belt transects (100 × 5m) method. We geo-referenced termite-infested trees to investigate the termite occurrence on living and dead standing trees, termite diversity, and the assessment of tree damage by termites' attack. We recorded four termite species (Odontotermes obesus Rambur, Coptotermes heimi Wasmann, Heterotermes indicola Wasmann, and Microtermes obesi Holmgren) representing two families (Rhinotermitidae and Termitidae). However, the diversity indices revealed that O. obesus (higher termite) and C. heimi (lower termite) were dominant with 46.60 and 36% of occurrence among observed trees, respectively. Kernel density function indicated that the Lahore Canal and Bagh-e-Jinnah plantation shared all four termites' infestation evenly compared to other study sites. We observed the maximum number of damaged trees by termites in canal vegetation with the most damaged exotic tree species Populus euramericana along the canal green belt. Additionally, we observed significant (P < 0.05) termite-tree interactions with exotic, living, and dead standing tree species and found termite colony size positively (R = 0.985) correlated with the tree trunk diameter up to breast height (DBH). The average population of termites per unit volume of deadwood log was (0.39/cm3) within all plantation sites. In conclusion, this study provides simple, reckless, and inexpensive knowledge about the assessment of termite damage to trees, which may give a better idea in making decisions on tree selection and management in urban ecosystems.

Cyanoacrylate Adhesive Closure in the Real-World Practice: 2-Year Results of Varicose Vein Treatment

Introduction. Over the past decade, thermal tumescent (TT) ablation became the “gold standard” treatment of varicose veins. Non-thermal non-tumescent (NTNT) methods emerged in response to minimize the interventional invasion.Aim. To evaluate the two-year results of cyanoacrylate adhesive closure (CAC).Methods. Between July 2019 and July 2021, CAC was performed in 457 patients (average age 57.8 ± 15.7 years), on 634 limbs and 725 saphenous veins. Patient distribution according to CEAP was: C2 – 38%; C3 – 37%; C4 – 19%; C5 – 4%; C6 – 2%. The inclusion criteria were: incompetence of sapheno-femoral/popliteal junction and axial reflux &gt; 0.5 sec, diameter of saphenous trunk &gt; 6 mm, presence of varicosities. CAC was performed according to the protocol of the American Vein Closure System In more than 2/3 of cases (76.2%), CAC was performed selectively without tributary treatment . The pain was assessed by visual-analogue scale (VAS). The control ultrasound was performed on the 3rd day, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-intervention.Results. Anatomical success was achieved in 100%. The VAS pain score was &lt; 3 in 93% of patients. Partial recanalization occurred in 4 (0.6%) patients. Distal deep vein thrombosis was detected in 2 (0.3%) patients, migration of glue – in 7 (1%) patients, phlebitislike skin reaction – in 50 (11%), superficial thrombophlebitis – in 20 (4.4%) and soft tissue granuloma at the access site was diagnosed in 6 (1.3%) patients.Conclusion. CАC is a highly effective and safe treatment method with 99.4% occlusion rate in s. two-year follow-up period.

P118 THE ROLE OF PULMONARY ACT IN THE PATIENT WITH SARS–COV–2 INFECTION

Already from the first data in China it emerged that patients with cardiovascular comorbidities had an increased risk of contracting SARS–CoV–2 infection and a more unfavourable clinical course. From March to May 2020, 85 patients affected by COVID–19 were enrolled, hospitalized at the Hospital of Reggio Calabria. All patients underwent anamnesis, clinical evaluation, chest CT, ECG and measurement of markers of cardiovascular damage (Troponin I, CK–MB, LDH, D–dimer, BNP) and of inflammation (PCR, IL–6, and PCT). Thirty–one patients underwent echocardiography. In particular, we evaluated parietal dimensions and thicknesses, biventricular function and transvalvular tricuspid and pulmonary flows and correlated the data obtained with ECG, radiological, clinical, and biohumoral parameters. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of cardiovascular involvement in COVID– 19, investigating the effect of cardiovascular risk factors, levels of cardiovascular damage markers and newly emerging ECG and echocardiographic changes on a composite primary endpoint, consisting of the combination of death and the need for intensive care (ICU). The enrolled patients were divided into two subpopulations: those with better prognosis and those with poorer prognosis (ICU/exitus). We analysed the reciprocal correlation of each of the parameters and searched for the presence of echocardiographic signs of repercussion on the right sections of the pulmonary pathology. All markers of cardiovascular damage had significantly higher values in the most critically ill patients and similar behaviour had indices of inflammation. Patients with poorer prognosis had significantly lower lung AcT values, which correlated with higher D–dimer levels and more complicated hospital stays. There were no statistically significant differences between PAPs, right ventricular size, TAPSE and pulmonary trunk diameter in the two subpopulations. Larger right ventricular diameters were associated with more dilated lung trunks and higher IL–6 levels. The most interesting data of our study is the behaviour of pulmonary AcT: lower values of AcT were associated with higher levels of D–dimer, expression of a greater pulmonary microthrombotic burden, and a poorer prognosis, in the presence of PAPs normal. The dynamic analysis of this parameter, which is easy to calculate in the patient’s bed, can play a crucial role in the instrumental follow–up of patients hospitalized for SARS–CoV–2 infection.

Foraging decisions with conservation consequences: Interaction between beavers and invasive tree species.

Herbivore species can either hinder or accelerate the invasion of woody species through selective utilization. Therefore, an exploration of foraging decisions can contribute to the understanding and forecasting of woody plant invasions. Despite the large distribution range and rapidly growing abundance of beaver species across the Northern Hemisphere, only a few studies focus on the interaction between beavers and invasive woody plants.We collected data on the woody plant supply and utilization at 20 study sites in Hungary, at two fixed distances from the water. The following parameters were registered: taxon, trunk diameter, type of utilization, and carving depth. Altogether 5401 units (trunks and thick branches) were identified individually. We developed a statistical protocol that uses a dual approach, combining whole‐database and transect‐level analyses to examine foraging strategy.Taxon, diameter, and distance from water all had a significant effect on foraging decisions. The order of preference for the four most abundant taxa was Populus spp. (softwood), Salix spp. (softwood), Fraxinus pennsylvanica (invasive hardwood), and Acer negundo (invasive hardwood). The diameter influenced the type of utilization, as units with greater diameter were rather carved or debarked than felled. According to the central‐place foraging strategy, the intensity of the foraging decreased with the distance from the water, while both the taxon and diameter selectivity increased. This suggests stronger modification of the woody vegetation directly along the waterbank, together with a weaker impact further from the water.In contrast to invasive trees, for which utilization occurred almost exclusively in the smallest diameter class, even the largest softwood trees were utilized by means of carving and debarking. This may lead to the gradual loss of softwoods or the transformation of them into shrubby forms. After the return of the beaver, mature stages of softwood stands and thus the structural heterogeneity of floodplain woody vegetation could be supported by the maintenance of sufficiently large active floodplains.The beaver accelerates the shift of the canopy layer's species composition toward invasive hardwood species, supporting the enemy release hypothesis. However, the long‐term impact will also depend on how plants respond to different types of utilization and on their ability to regenerate, which are still unexplored issues in this environment. Our results should be integrated with knowledge about factors influencing the competitiveness of the studied native and invasive woody species to support floodplain conservation and reconstruction.

Clinical and embryological relevance of a unique thyroidea ima artery variation providing collateral circulation to the mediastinum

The thyroidea ima artery (TIA) is a highly variable arterial deviation of the blood supply to the thyroid gland with critical implications for surgical neck procedures such as tracheostomy. Though relatively common in the population at large (~3‐10%), most TIA variations are related to the initiation of the artery and whether it emerges from the common sites of the brachiocephalic trunk, aortic arch, right common carotid artery, or another more unique vessel as opposed to its dispersion pattern. Generally, TIA variants supply the thyroid gland, often co‐occurring with absent inferior or superior thyroid arteries. Here, we report on a unique case of a four‐pronged variation of the TIA discovered during an anatomy lab of first year medical students. This variant initiates from the brachiocephalic trunk (diameter 5.3mm, recorded averages 3‐5mm) and has three branches terminating in the thyroid and a fourth branch traveling into the thorax and providing accessory circulation in the mediastinum. Specifically, small arterial branches off of the inferior TIA branch supply the pericardium and surrounding fat deep to the sternum, with anastomoses to the left pericardiophrenic artery. Following the large size of the TIA itself, the thyroid gland of this individual is also markedly increased in size (A‐P diameter 21mm, lateral width 58mm, S‐I diameter 45mm) Potential embryological underpinnings of this variation include overactive HIF‐1α vascular remodeling. The size and spread of this TIA variation provide further support for imaging as a requirement before surgical neck procedures to prevent catastrophic bleeding in the event of a TIA variant.

EFEK MANGROVE TERHADAP PEREDAMAN ENERGI GELOMBANG

The research was conducted in Malalanda Village and Linsowu Village, North Buton Regency in November 2021 by collecting primary data (interviews and direct measurements in the field) and processing secondary data to determine the role of mangroves in reducing wave energy based on mangrove conditions (density, thickness and diameter of mangrove trunks). ) using the Thaha Method (2001). Wave conditions in the Kulisusu Bay area are predicted using wind data from the Beto Ambari Bau-Bau BMKG Station followed by predictions of the height and depth of the breaking waves. Changes in shoreline at two research stations that have different coastal protection (dykes and mangrove forests) were analyzed using ArcGIS 10.3 software and then expressed changes in shoreline in quantitative units. Based on the results of the analysis, it was found that the maximum wave height in the study area ranged from 2.27 m – 3.9 m with a maximum breaking wave height of 2.50 m and 3.57 m at a depth of 1.07 m – 3.15 m at a distance of 100 m to 200 m. The change in shoreline is greater at station 2, which is 6.48 m, and the condition of the mangrove forest at the research station has a thickness of 65.61 m and a porosity of 0.72 capable of damping waves with values ranging from 26.424% - 99.98%.Keywords: wave, mangrove, wave attenuation

Automatic Forest DBH Measurement Based on Structure from Motion Photogrammetry

Measuring diameter at breast height (DBH) is an essential but laborious task in the traditional forest inventory; it motivates people to develop alternative methods based on remote sensing technologies. In recent years, structure from motion (SfM) photogrammetry has drawn researchers’ attention in forest surveying for its economy and high precision as the light detection and ranging (LiDAR) methods are always expensive. This study explores an automatic DBH measurement method based on SfM. Firstly, we proposed a new image acquisition technique that could reduce the number of images for the high accuracy of DBH measurement. Secondly, we developed an automatic DBH estimation pipeline based on sample consensus (RANSAC) and cylinder fitting with the Least Median of Squares with impressive DBH estimation speed and high accuracy comparable to methods based on LiDAR. For the application of SfM on forest survey, a graphical interface software Auto-DBH integrated with SfM reconstruction and automatic DBH estimation pipeline was developed. We sampled four plots with different species to verify the performance of the proposed method. The result showed that the accuracy of the first two plots, where trees’ stems were of good roundness, was high with a root mean squared error (RMSE) of 1.41 cm and 1.118 cm and a mean relative error of 4.78% and 5.70%, respectively. The third plot’s damaged trunks and low roundness stems reduced the accuracy with an RMSE of 3.16 cm and a mean relative error of 10.74%. The average automatic detection rate of the trees in the four plots was 91%. Our automatic DBH estimation procedure is relatively fast and on average takes only 2 s to estimate the DBH of a tree, which is much more rapid than direct physical measurements of tree trunk diameters. The result proves that Auto-DBH could reach high accuracy, close to terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) in plot scale forest DBH measurement. Our successful application of automatic DBH measurement indicates that SfM is promising in forest inventory.

Pulmonary vascular volume is associated with DLCO and fibrotic score in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: an observational study

BackgroundIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a disease that primarily occurs in elderly individuals. However, it is difficult to diagnose and has a complex disease course. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and lung function testing are crucial for its diagnosis and follow-up. However, the correlation of HRCT findings with lung function test results has not been extensively investigated.MethodsThis study retrospectively analysed the medical records and images of patients with IPF. Patients with evident emphysema and lung cancer were excluded. The diagnosis of all the included cases was confirmed following a discussion among specialists from multiple disciplines. The correlation of HRCT findings, including fibrotic score, HRCT lung volume, pulmonary artery trunk (PA) diameter and pulmonary vascular volume (PVV), with lung function test parameters, such as forced vital capacity (FVC) and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), was analysed.ResultsA total of 32 patients were included. Higher fibrotic and PVV scores were significantly correlated with lower DLCO (r = − 0.59, p = 0.01; r = − 0.43, p = 0.03, respectively) but not with FVC. Higher PVV score significantly correlated with higher fibrotic score (r = 0.59, p < 0.01) and PA diameter (r = 0.47, p = 0.006).ConclusionOur study demonstrated the structural and functional correlation of IPF. The extent of lung fibrosis (fibrotic score) and PVV score were associated with DLCO but not with FVC. The PA diameter, which reflects the pulmonary artery pressure, was found to be associated with the PVV score.

The effect of a pulsed magnetic field on the processes of adaptation and vegetative development of microplants of apple clonal rootstocks (&lt;i&gt;Malus&lt;/i&gt; Mill.)

Adaptation of microplants to non-sterile conditions is the final stage of clonal micropropagation, which determines the yield of plants and the effectiveness of the entire method as a whole. To increase the survival of microplants, various methods are used, including the use of physical factors, which include exposure to a pulsed magnetic field. The objects of research were microplants of apple clonal rootstocks 54-118 and 57-490. Magnetic pulse processing (MPT) was carried out using the AMIS-8 magnetic pulse stimulation apparatus developed at the Horticulture Federal Research Center. At the stage of adaptation of microplants, MPT had a positive effect on the survival rate and biometric parameters of adapted plants of apple clonal rootstocks 54-118 and 57-490. Under the influence of MPT, the survival rate of microplants of the rootstock of the apple tree 54-118 increased by 50 %, 57-490 — by 25 % compared with the variant without treatment. The trunk diameter on average for 2 forms of apple clonal rootstocks after MPT was 13.3-21.5 % higher than the diameter of the trunk in plants without treatment. Plants of apple clonal rootstocks after MPT formed a more developed leaf apparatus with the number of leaves 1.4-1.6 times more than in control plants.

A MORPHO-BIOCHEMICAL PERSPECTIVE ON SIXTEEN PROMISING SWEET ORANGE (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) CULTIVARS

Sweet orange [Citrus sinensis (L.] Osbeck is the most important and widely cultivated group of citrus. For having rich nutritive profile, these fruits are treated internationally for table and processed products. Present study was undertaken for accurate evaluation of the germplasm and to exploit the distinctive characters towards varietal improvements, certification and ultimately towards variety registration. Studies on 55 traits of 16 sweet orange cultivars produced significant values. The measured quantitative traits like trunk diameter varied from 47-78 cm, leaf lamina length dispersed from 5.2-13.2cm, leaf lamina width deviated from 2.5-9.5cm, fruit weight diverged from 131.7-278.3g, fruit diameter differed from 57.56-81.21mm, number of segments varied from 10-14, segments length differed between 45.92-65.56mm, juice weight extended from 51-78 g, rind thickness spanned between 2.09-6.80mm and total soluble solids differed from 9.34-12.67 °Brix. Significant variation was also governed between morphological qualitative traits like trunk surface, tree shape, tree growth habit, branch angle, shoot tip surface and color leaf blade. Highest positive correlation was observed for leaf lamina length and leaf lamina width (0.961). The work on morpho-biochemical profiling will be helpful in precise evaluation of diversity, inter relationship studies between germplasm, dependable interpretation of morphological attributes of citrus germplasm, accurate detection of varieties and to exploit distinctive attributes through breeding. The study will be helpful for bringing diversification in citrus sector to broaden the base of sweet orange varietal cultivation.

Survival Rate of Young Pear Trees in Different Rootstock and Cultivar Combinations under Field Conditions: Preliminary Results

This study was carried out to determine the effects of 7 different rootstocks on rootstock diameter (mm), stem diameter (mm), and plant survival ratio (%) of some pear cultivars between 2019-2021. Rootstocks, cultivars, research years, and their interactions significantly affected all examined parameters in the study, except for the interaction of year x rootstock x cultivar. The ‘Deveci’/BA29 and ‘Deveci’/OHxF333 had the largest rootstock and trunk diameters, while the 'Williams'/MC had the smallest. The Fox11 and OHxF333 rootstocks had the highest plant survival ratios, whereas the MC rootstocks had the lowest. In terms of cultivar, the maximum plant survival ratio was found in the ‘Deveci’. At the end of the first 3 years after planting, there was a decrease in the survival ratio of the plants. ‘Williams’ had the lowest rootstock diameter, trunk diameter and survival ratio. The highest trunk diameter was in the OHxF333, BA29, Fox11 and Farold40 rootstocks, and the cultivar was in the ‘Deveci’. Plant survival ratios in quince clonal rootstocks were slightly lower than in pear rootstocks. This is due to the graft incompatibility between quince rootstocks and some pear cultivars. Compatible inter-stock with rootstock and cultivar should be employed to overcome this incompatibility problem caused by localized graft incompatibility. According to the findings of this study on young plants, it is required to extend the research and conduct additional observations in order to give more precise recommendations.

Strength Loss Inference Due to Decay or Cavities in Tree Trunks Using Tomographic Imaging Data Applied to Equations Proposed in the Literature

The importance of urban forests is undeniable when considering their benefits to the environment, such as improving air quality, landscapes and breaking its monotony. However, trees are subject to failures that can cause personal and economic damage. Therefore, it is necessary to know the health conditions of the trees to define their most adequate management. Some tools are used to detect plant health conditions, such as visual analysis, tomography, and drilling resistance. In addition, some formulas based on the cavity and trunk diameter relation or the remaining trunk wall dimension are also used to infer the strength loss of a tree and its consequent risk of falling. However, these formulas have limitations, such as assuming only cavities that are always centered and not considering areas with decay. Therefore, this research evaluates whether ultrasonic tomographic imaging allows us to improve the reach of the equations proposed in the literature to infer the strength loss of trees due to the presence of cavities and decays. The results showed that ultrasonic tomographic imaging allowed the equations to be closer to real conditions of the tree trunk, such as the inclusion of wood strength reduction from decay and the displacement of internal cavities in calculating the reduction in the second moment of area.