Trunk Diameter Research Articles

Characteristics of nest cavities used by White-backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos) in Hungary

Abstract The objective of this study was to document characteristics of cavities used for breeding by White-backed Woodpeckers Dendrocopos leucotos in Hungary. Twenty-five nest cavities were examined over a period of ten years (2011–2020). Five different tree species were used. The cavities were excavated at a mean height of 4.6 m and 2.2 m standard deviation and ranged from 2 to 8 m. All cavities found were in the main trunks of trees with trunk diameters ranging between 35–55 cm with a mean of 41.6 cm and 5.6 cm standard deviation. A southerly orientation of cavity entrances prevailed with a mean direction of 189±74 clockwise from north (median 180° IQR = 113°). The results suggest that cavity entrance orientation was non-random.

A Carica papaya L. genotype with low leaf chlorophyll concentration copes successfully with soil water stress in the field

In the context of increasing drought frequencies, water sensitive plant species need to have defined irrigation thresholds. One such species is papaya (Carica papaya L.), with a current demand for the selection of drought tolerance genotypes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth, leaf gas exchanges, sap flow and chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence in two papaya genotypes (pale-green leaf ‘Golden’ - G and dark-green leaf ‘Aliança’ – AL) under soil water deficit (Ψsoil) conditions. The experiments were carried out in the field, in an unconsolidated alluvial sediment soil type. The two papaya genotypes, contrasting in their leaf Chl contents, were grown under irrigated (I, Ψsoil of -12 kPa), and non-irrigated (NI, Ψsoil gradually diminished from - 23 to -311 kPa) conditions for 41 days. Leaf gas exchanges, xylem sap-flow, green intensity (SPAD index), plant height, trunk diameter and leaf area were measured five times, following Ψsoil decreases. At the lowest Ψsoil (-311 kPa), the Chl photochemistry and fruit number measurements were performed. Intrinsic water use efficiency was higher in the GNI than in the ALNI genotype. Leaf temperature and photochemical efficiency was not affected by soil water restrictions in GNI and ALNI. The water deficit effect on growth traits was linked to whole canopy assimilation, due to the higher leaf area in ALI than GI, or in ALNI than in GNI, once the leaf assimilation rate was similar between those treatments. The ψsoil of ca. -30 kPa can be considered as a threshold for papaya irrigation for the soil type studied here. Soil water stress did not affect the number of fruits in GNI, whilst this was reduced by 83% in ALNI compared to irrigated plants, indicating that pale-green leaf papaya genotypes are an alternative to cope with water stress.

Is leaning trees of Vatica pauciflora (Korth.) Blume related to their crown architecture?

Vatica pauciflora (Korth.) Blume (Dipterocarpaceae) or locally known as resak rawa is an important tree. It is categorized as vulnerable regarding the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List of Threatened Species. We can find the resak rawa tree collection in the Bogor Botanic Gardens, which serves as a place for research and tourism. Due to the diversity in individual tree anatomy within species, understanding correlation among individual tree traits, particularly crown architecture and tree leaning, is of great interest. That will be important because the leaning trees and crown architecture will affect the risk level to the safety of visitors. We can also use the architecture of the tree crown to understand the factors that influence tree growth. This study aims to investigate the correlation between the leaning trees and the crown architecture of V. pauciflora. Eight heritage trees of the species in the Bogor Botanic Gardens at the age of 54–105 years old were purposely, sampled in this study. The variables observed were height, trunk and crown diameter, leaning tree, live crown ratio, and direction of the main branches. The results show that crown shapes will follow the leaning trees with a correlation of 0.97. The main branches will be longer in the direction of the leaning trees (y=0.9956x+11.312; R²=0.9431). Suggestions to the management of V. pauciflora are to provide information boards to visitors and pruning the crown in the direction of the leaning trees is needed. The findings could be used to formulate mitigation measures as to the risk and safety of visitors.

TOPICAL ISSUES OF THE STUDY OF ORDINARY APRICOT (PRUNUS ARMENIACA L.) IN THE FOREST-STEPPEZONE OF UKRAINE

It is determined the relevance of the study of ordinary apricot from the Central Asian group in order to obtain dried fruit in the forest-steppe zone of Ukraine. The kinds and forms of the Central Asian group bear smaller, but high-sugar fruit. It is important to notice nowadays markets and supermarkets offer dried apricots imported from Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Turkey, Iran and other countries. The process of introduction of subtropical fruit crops P. armeniaca.was started in Khorol botanical garden. There is the sort P. armeniaca, belonging to the Central Asian group (September dried apricot) grown in Uzbekistan. The height of the experimental tree is above seven meters, its crown consists of four skeleton branches, its trunk diameter is fourteen meters. In 2021 it was in blossom at the beginning of May. This sort grown in the forest-steppe zone of Ukraine is characterized by bearing regular fruits. It is being planning to study the biochemical content of the fruits, their sugar content and dry content and producing dried fruits. In 2020 it was taken the sample of Kyrgyz apricot for science experiment of introduction P. armeniaca. Its fruits are fleshy. During drying they are practically stored as whole fruits. This apricot sort grown in Kyrgyzstan is characterized by dehydration and drying in the trees. It gives an opportunity to get dried apricots by natural way.

Genetic diversity of Coffea canephora Pierre ex A. Froehner in Temanggung District, Indonesia based on molecular marker RAPD

Abstract. Authors. 2021. Genetic diversity of Coffea canephora Pierre ex A. Froehner in Temanggung District, Indonesia based on molecular marker RAPD. Biodiversitas 22: 4775-4783. Temanggung District in Central Java Province, Indonesia is one of robusta coffee production centers. The condition of coffee plantations in Temanggung shows variations in some morphological traits. Variations in coffee phenotypes are considered less profitable for farmers because they produce yields of undesirable quality in the global market. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity of robusta coffee in Temanggung. The coffee plants were derived from six villages located at two levels of altitude. The morphological traits were observed from canopy width, trunk diameter, plant height, cherry volume, and bean volume, while the biochemical compositions were determined by caffeine content and brew’s pH value. The molecular assays were performed using PCR-RAPD with ten primers and species identification was based on the ITS rDNA. Our finding showed a variation in all morphological characters and biochemical compositions based on the LSD test 5%. The molecular marker RAPD revealed the genetic diversity by showing the DNA polymorphism levels of 95%, with the genetic similarity coefficient ranged from 0.35 to 0.86. The species identification also demonstrated that our robusta coffee was 97.11-99.70% similar to robusta coffee MK615737.1 from Philippines and robusta coffee DQ153593.1 from Cameroon. Thus, genetic diversity on six populations of robusta coffee was found, along with its variations on phenotypes which might lead the coffee yield quality to become uneven.

Cardiovascular status and echocardiographic changes in survivors of COVID-19 pneumonia three months after hospital discharge

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affects the function of all organs and systems. Today, studying the effect of COVID-19 on cardiovascular system, including on echocardiographic characteristics, is relevant.Aim. To study the prevalence of symptoms, cardiovascular disease and changes in echocardiographic data in persons after documented COVID-19 pneumonia 3 months after discharge from the hospital.Material and methods. The study included 106 patients after documented COVID-19 pneumonia. The patients underwent a comprehensive examination during hospitalization and 3 months±2 weeks after discharge from the hospital. The mean age of participants was 47±16 years (19-84 years); 49% of subjects were women.Results. Three months after hospital discharge, the symptoms persisted in 86% of examined patients. There were significant echocardiographic changes as follows: a decrease in LV end-diastolic, end-systolic and stroke volume (113,8±26,8 ml vs 93,5±29,4 ml; 37,7±13,0 ml vs 31,3±14,2 ml; 77,2±17,8 ml vs 62,2±18,7 ml, respectively, p<0,001 for all). The right ventricular anteroposterior dimension and the pulmonary trunk diameter decreased over time (26,0 [24,0-29,3] mm vs 25,0 [23,0-27,0] mm, p=0,004; 21,7±3,6 mm vs 18,7±2,5 mm, p<0,001), the same as the pulmonary artery systolic pressure, estimated by tricuspid regurgitation gradient (28,0 [25,0-32,25] mm Hg vs 21,5 [17,0-25,0] mm Hg). The right atrial volume (42,0 [37,0-50,0] m><0,001), the same as the pulmonary artery systolic pressure, estimated by tricuspid regurgitation gradient (28,0 [25,0-32,25] mm Hg vs 21,5 [17,0-25,0] mm Hg). The right atrial volume (42,0 [37,0-50,0] ml vs 31,0 [22,0-36,5] ml, p<0,001) a><0,001) and maximum width (36,1±4,6 mm vs 34,5±6,5 mm, p=0,023) decreased, while the right atrial maximum length increased (46,7±6,8 mm vs 48,6±7,1 mm, p=0,021).Conclusion. In survivors of COVID-19 pneumonia three months after hospital discharge, complaints persisted in 86% of cases. Cardiovascular diseases were detected in 52% of participants, including hypertension in 48,1% and coronary artery disease in 15,1%. Compared with in-hospital data, the echocardiographic characteristics improved, which was expressed mainly in a decrease in right heart load.

Древовидная форма можжевельника (Juniperus communis L.) в лесах Вологодской области

Common juniper (Juniperus communis L.) is one of the most widespread undergrowth species in the forests of Russia. It has not only important silvicultural significance but is also widely used in economic activities. Numerous works of Russian and foreign authors are devoted to its study. The article shows the results of geobotanical and forest inventory studies of a unique area of pine plantation in the Kirillovskiy district of the Vologda region. In the second understorey of which tree-form common juniper grows. The stand was classified as high-density (relative fullness – 0.85) and low quality (quality class – V–IV). The total stock of trunk wood on the site is 280 m3/ha, including the stock of juniper wood – 28 m3/ha. The average diameter of juniper trunks is 14 cm, the average height is 11 m and the age is 180 yrs. This is several times higher than its usual parameters in other forests. A significant number of specimens of juniper (50 pcs/ha) are in the stage of drying out or have already died and represent dead wood of different years. The number of small and medium-sized juniper undergrowth is 1.5 ths pcs/ha or 62.5 % of the growing. Undergrowth of European spruce, downy birch and black alder is also found. The existing undergrowth is assessed as promising, but Scots pine undergrowth is missing. The ground cover is dominated by green and sphagnum mosses as well as shrubs of the Ericaceae and Vacciniaceae families. The study of such objects, extremely rare not only in the north of the European part of Russia, but also everywhere, is of great practical importance. It is also important for understanding the biology of the only representative of the Cupressaceae family that naturally grows here. The tree-form juniper in the pine plantation has survived and reached a size not typical for this species due to the inaccessibility of the site, the lack of fires and forest felling. Such forest areas should be identified, protected, and subjected to stationary research. For citation: Evdokimov I.V., Dobrynin A.P., Armeeva N.A. Tree Form of Juniper (Juniperus communis L.) in the Forests of the Vologda Region. Lesnoy Zhurnal [Russian Forestry Journal], 2021, no. 5, pp. 201–209. DOI: 10.37482/0536-1036-2021-5-201-209

Особенности пространственно-временной структуры соснового древостоя на южном склоне восточного Саяна

Due to relatively long development and long life of forest-forming species most of the conclusions on stand dynamics are based on the data collected by indirect methods of comparative research and analysis of cenosis forming theoretically temporal and spatial succession sequences and need to be verified and clarified. The most reliable results on the stand dynamics can be received on stationary objects such as permanent sample areas. The article presents the analysis results of long-term monitoring (1968–2012) of a pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stand in low-mountain Eastern Sayan on the south slope with a steepness of 7–8º. The intermittent test of morphometric indicators of trees mapped on the permanent sample area was used. It is shown that the sum of tree trunk cross-section areas at breast height (1.3 m) varied by no more than 10 % with timber reserves on the lower, central and upper equal sites of the sample area during the entire observation period. At the same time heterogeneity of ecological conditions, taking place even on a small section of a smooth slope, influences the plantation self-thinning intensity. In the 42-year-old stand density ratio at lower, central and upper sites was 1:1.5:2.1. Stand density difference along the slope had been decreasing gradually over time, although it remained around 30 % at the time of the last observation. Over the years of observation, 53, 47, and 32 % of pines on the lower, central, and upper sites, respectively, have survived. The calculated average age of the died trees showed that in all groups of natural diameter classes, there was an earlier die-off of pines at the bottom of the slope with an increase in dying age up to the slope. Trees with larger trunk diameter (first telling) died later. All this led to a rearrangement of the horizontal structure of the plantation, a decrease in the average diameter and average volume of trees up to the slope. Typical for mountain forests clinal tree distribution, which affects their morphological indicators, is important to consider when studying and modeling forest ecosystems, as well as when implementing forest management measures. For citation: Ovchinnikova N.F. Spatiotemporal Structure Features of a Pine Stand on the South Slope of the Eastern Sayan Mountains. Lesnoy Zhurnal [Russian Forestry Journal], 2021, no. 5, pp. 34–47. DOI: 10.37482/0536-1036-2021-5-34-47

Segmental evaluation of right ventricular systolic function in atrial septal defect (ASD) type II patients

Abstract Introduction A left to right (LR) shunt in atrial septal defect (ASD) may cause right heart and pulmonary overfilling, at the expense of the systemic circulation. Purpose The study objective was to evaluate the impact of LR shunt on left (LV) and right ventricular (RV) filling, function, and myocardial strain by using cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). Methods Thirty-five ASD type secundum patients (42±18 y.o.) were compared to a control group (n=40). Cine imaging was used to calculate ventricular volumes and ejection fraction (EF), global longitudinal (GLS) and circumferential (GCS), free wall (FW) and interventricular septal (IVS) longitudinal strain. Phase-contrast imaging was used to calculate pulmonary flow to systemic flow ratio (Qp/Qs). Results Qp/Qs was 2.2±0.60 (range 1.3–3.6), which resulted in higher RV end-diastolic volume/BSA (EDVi, 152±42 vs. 82±11 ml/m2), lower LV EDVi (72±17 vs. 83±10 ml/m2), and higher RV/LV EDVi ratio (2.1±0.5 vs. 1±0.1) compared to controls (all p<0.001) [Figure 1]. Patients also presented with higher RV, but lower LV indexed stroke volumes (both p<0.001), and a strong trend toward lower RVEF (p=0.08). They demonstrated significantly lower RV GLS (p=0.03) and longitudinal IVS strain (p<0.001) [Figure 2]. RV FW strain or RV GCS did not differ among study groups. Shunt severity correlated with RV size and stroke volume, right atrial size and pulmonary trunk diameter (all p<0.001). In contrast, no correlation was identified with functional nor strain parameters. Conclusion Cardiac remodeling in ASD patients with long-standing LR shunt negatively affects RV systolic performance, which is likely related to longitudinal septal dysfunction. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1Figure 2

Comparison of echocardiographic parameters of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia in hospital and three months after discharge

Abstract Background COVID-19 affects firstly the respiratory system of patients however cardiovascular system is also damaged. To study the impact of a novel coronavirus infection on the cardiovascular system, in particular on echocardiographic parameters after SARS-CoV-2 is very important. Purpose To compare echocardiographic parameters in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia in hospital and 3 months after hospital discharge. Methods A total of 106 patients with confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia were included in the period from April to July 2020 within “One-year Cardiac Follow-up of COVID-19 Pneumonia”. All patients underwent clinical examination including transthoracic echocardiography in hospital and 3 months ± 2 weeks after discharge. Mean age of patients was 47±16 years (19–84 years), mean body mass index was 28.2±5.7 kg/m2, females were 49%. During hospitalization, chest computed tomography detected mild lesions in 29.2%, moderate lesions in 31.1%, severe lesions in 27.4% and critical lesions in 5.7%. Cardiovascular pathology detected in 52% of patients. Results Three months after discharge significant dynamics of mean echocardiographic parameters was observed. Left ventricular end-diastolic, end-systolic and stroke volume decreased (113.8±26.8 vs 93.5±29.4 ml; 37.7±13.0 vs 31.3±14.2 ml; 77.2±17.8 vs 62.2±18.7 ml, respectively; all p<0.001). End-diastolic right ventricular outflow tract diameter, pulmonary artery trunk diameter decreased (26.0 [24.0–9.3] vs 25.0 [23.0–27.0] mm, p=0.004; 21.7±3.6 vs 18.7±2.5 mm, p<0.001), as well as pulmonary artery systolic pressure (28.0 [25.0–32.25] vs 21.5 [17.0–25.0] mmHg) and rate of moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation (52.4 vs 19.8%, both p<0.001). Right atrium volume (42.0 [37.0–50.0] vs 31.0 [22.0–36.5] ml, p<0.001) and width decreased (36.1±4.6 vs 34.5±6.5 mm, p=0.023), however right atrium length increased (46.7±6.8 vs 48.6±7.1, p=0.021). Conclusions In patients after COVID-19 pneumonia echocardiography showed decrease of the load predominantly on the right heart 3 months after discharge. A subgroup analysis is planned depending on the severity of lung damage and presence of cardiovascular pathology. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Efficiency of Harvester with the Debarking Head at Logging in Spruce Stands Affected by Bark Beetle Outbreak

This paper deals with the use of debarking modifications of the conventional harvester head in the conditions of felling due to bark beetle calamity. For this purpose, a time study was established, in which the conventional heads were compared with the heads with debarking modifications on four research plots and two harvesters. The measurements were taken from August to September 2018. Harvester efficiency with the use of the head with the debarking configuration ranged from 41.2% to 41.8% from the efficiency of a machine with the conventional head, depending on the felling type. It was also demonstrated that the quality of debarking does not depend on the trunk moisture content in the growing season. In terms of diameter, it was found that the best debarked parts of the stem were those occurring in its middle. Specifically, in the central part of the stem with a diameter of 13 to 23 cm, 91.0% of the stem area was debarked in the main felling and 76.6% in the thinning. In contrast, the top parts of the stem (trunk diameter up to 13 cm) were the least debarked. In the main felling, it was 74.2% of the stem area and in the thinning, only 52.2%.

Естественное возобновление березы повислой (Betula pendula Roth.) в лесотепной зоне Республики Татарстан

A direct dependence of the birch coppice regeneration on the diameter of the tree trunk, felling age, forest growth conditions, seed regeneration, soil and climatic conditions and the degree of soil mineralization has been revealed. It was found that after the dying of a 30-year-old birch due to a drought in 2010, coppice shoots appeared in 10 % of the trees on the studied area. The reasons for vegetative regeneration have been determined, which mainly occurs by the degree of thickness in trees with a trunk diameter of up to 22 cm, or by the category of state in dead wood (70 % of the total number of coppice). The absence of seed birch undergrowth in drying birch plantations was found as a result of the tremendous soil ramping and the predominance of small-leaved lime, aspen undergrowth, Norway maple of seed origin, and seed origin oak, which requires tending. For successful birch seed regeneration under favorable climatic conditions, it is recommended to carry out soil mineralization of at least 50 % of the total area. When carrying out vegetative propagation, it is necessary to cut birch no older than 40 years, and in case of useful properties loss in birch forests over 71 years old in protective forests, we recommend the use of clear cutting but not selective cutting. Keywords: natural renewal, hanging birch, undergrowth, logging, Republic of Tatarstan

Mechanical resistance of Quercus robur L. at the environmental boundary of the species distribution in the steppe

The paper studies the mechanical resistance of old-age pedunculate oak trees which grow at the environmental boundary of the species distribution in the steppe. The trees of the studied species growing in the south of the East European Plain (Donetsk Ridge) can be about 200 years old and still be viable (good condition) and have a high mechanical resistance (critical mass (mcr)=105 kg, and flexural stiffness=9.8·107 N·m2) even under unfavourable environmental conditions. A strong dependence of the morphometric parameter of the ratio was established between the tree trunk diameter and its height on the parameters of the trunk bending stiffness, its critical mass, and the relative resistance to bending. The obtained results of statistical analysis can be used to monitor oak forests and scattered trees of Quercus robur L. in order to single out plants with low mechanical resistance with the help of the d/l parameter which serves as a morphometric marker of the tree resistance.

한국 조경수목 근원직경 측정의 합리적 위치 설정에 대한 연구†

This study was to investigate the measurement point of root collar diameter of landscape trees in Korea. It may contribute to avoiding disputes caused by the difference in measurement criteria of root collar diameter of landscape trees between tree growers and constructors. The difference between landscape trees’ root collar diameter measurement point was 3.59cm from 6cm underground to the surface and 1.35cm from 0cm to 6cm above ground. The source root collar diameter measurement point difference was larger in the basement than in the ground. The standard deviation of the root collar diameter of the landscape tree was 0.64 from 6cm underground to the surface, and the difference in standard deviation from 0cm to 6cm above ground was 0.16. The difference by measurement point of the root collar diameter was larger in the basement than in the ground. It has been proposed to set the reasonable measurement point of the landscaping tree root collar diameter at the inflection point where the standard deviation of the tree trunk diameter is the smallest in line with the size change of the standard for each root collar diameter measurement point. By tree species, Cornus officinalis Siebold & Zucc. 18cm above the ground, Chionanthus retusus Lindl. & Paxton. 12cm above the ground, Zelkova serrata (Thunb.) Makino. 12cm above the ground, Celtis sinensis Pers. 12cm above the ground, Styrax japonicus Siebold & Zucc. 10 cm above the ground, Cornus officinalis Siebold & Zucc. 10cm above the ground, Acer palmatum Thunb. ex Murray. 6cm above the ground, Ilex rotunda Thunb. 6cm above the ground, Quercus myrsmaefolia Blume. 4cm above the ground, Lagerstroemia indica L. 2cm above the ground The above heights were shown as reasonable measurement points. The difference by landscape tree root collar diameter measurement site showed that the standard deviation was small throughout the tree species, and the reasonable average measurement point with a stable slope of the deviation was 12cm or more on average. It can be said that the reasonable measurement point of the root collar diameter of a landscape tree is set at an average of 12cm above the ground. However, recognizing 30cm, which is a familiar ruler(尺) in traditional practices, is quick, It was recommended to measure at the height of 30cm from the surface for a reasonable measurement point of the root collar diameter of a landscape tree, for the uniformity of measurement standards.

WOOD VOLUMETRY OF Tachigali vulgaris PURE PLANTATIONS IN DIFFERENT PLANTING SPACINGS

The aim of this study was to develop volumetric equations for tachi-branco trees (Tachigali vulgaris L. G. Silva & H. C. Lima), by assessing the effect of initial planting spacing in volume estimates, as well as developing an equation to estimate the equivalent diameter (deq). Data are from an experiment located in north Pará. The experiment was conducted with the randomized blocks design, being three blocks with six treatments each. The most used volumetric models were assessed for two distinct situations: considering each trunk as a tree and using the tree deq as independent variables in the volumetric model. The need for individual equations for initial planting spacing was tested. In addition, an equation for deq estimate was proposed. The use of deq provided more precise and accurate volumetric estimates regarding diameter at breast height. Among the models tested, the Schumacher-Hall model was selected. Through the model identity test, the equation can be used to estimate tree volume of Tachigali vulgaris, regardless of planting spacing. The equivalent diameter can be estimated via equation from minimum and maximum diameters of tree trunks. The maximum percentage differences of volume by hectare obtained with the measurement of all trunks and deq were only 5% without loss in production accuracy per unit of area

Study of selected properties of red maple wood (Acer rubrum) from the experimental plot of the forest arboretum in Rogów

Study of selected properties of red maple wood (Acer rubrum) form the experimental plot of the forest arboretum in Rogów. As part of the work, investigation on the dendrometric, physical and mechanical properties of red maple trees and its wood from the Forest Experimental Plant in Rogów has been carried out. The obtained results of the research on the species experimentally introduced in Rogów were compared with the features of the Acer rubrum from the area of natural occurrence in North America. The results of the investigation showed that the trees from the Arboretum area have a lower height, a much smaller trunk diameter and their physical and mechanical properties are weaker than the maple wood grown in native conditions. Despite the above statements, the significant influence of the location of the wood in the trunk (distance to the core) on its density, acoustic properties and static modulus of elasticity, bending and compression strength along the fibers are noted.

Utility of Computed Tomographic Angiography for Pulmonary Hypertension Assessment in a Cohort of West Highland White Terriers With or Without Canine Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

West Highland white terriers (WHWTs) affected with canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (CIPF) are at risk of developing precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH). In humans, thoracic computed tomography angiography (CTA) is commonly used to diagnose and monitor patients with lower airway diseases. In such patients, CTA helps to identify comorbidities, such as PH, that could negatively impact prognosis. Diameter of the pulmonary trunk (PT), pulmonary trunk-to-aorta ratio (PT/Ao), and right ventricle-to-left ventricle ratio (RV/LV) are CTA parameters commonly used to assess the presence of PH. Pulmonary vein-to-right pulmonary artery ratio (PV/PA) is a new echocardiographic parameter that can be used in dogs to diagnose PH. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the use of various CTA parameters to diagnose PH. An additional aim was to evaluate the correlation of RV/LV measurements between different CTA planes. CTA and echocardiography were prospectively performed on a total of 47 WHWTs; 22 affected with CIPF and 25 presumed healthy control dogs. Dogs were considered to have PH if pulmonary vein-to-right pulmonary artery ratio (PV/PA) measured on 2D-mode echocardiography was less than to 0.7. WHWTs affected with CIPF had higher PT/Ao compared with control patients. In WHWTs affected with CIPF, PT size was larger in dogs with PH (15.4 mm) compared with dogs without PH (13 mm, p = 0.003). A cutoff value of 13.8 mm predicted PH in WHWTs affected with CIPF with a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 87% (AUC = 0.93). High correlations were observed between the different CTA planes of RV/LV. Results suggest that diameter of the PT measured by CTA can be used to diagnose PH in WHWTs with CIPF.

Primary tissues dominated ground-level trunk diameter in Sigillaria : evidence from the Wuda Tuff, Inner Mongolia

Arborescent lycopsid stumps are typically fossilized as casts, so that proximal anatomy is rarely available for study. This presents a roadblock for empirically reconstructing their early ontogeny, which requires knowledge of proximal tissue proportions. Here, we describe nine upright, in situ stump casts of Sigillaria from the earliest Permian Wuda Tuff, Inner Mongolia, China that preserve traces of internal anatomy. From these specimens, we interpret thin vasculature and periderm and a broad primary cortex within c . 50 cm of ground level in the living plant. These specimens support recent arguments that periderm production was limited in arborescent lycopsids and that the primary body reached its mature diameter close to ground level rather than distally further up the trunk. Supplementary material : Additional figures of specimens and data regarding where measurements were made are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5558620

Physiological responses of almond trees under regulated deficit irrigation using saline and desalinated reclaimed water

Regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) strategy using reclaimed water (RW) is becoming a common procedure in some Mediterranean regions. Full and regulated deficit irrigation were combined with desalinated (ECw 1 dS m−1) and saline (ECw 3 dS m−1) reclaimed water to irrigate young potted almond trees over a 3-year period. The full irrigation treatments received 130% of the crop evapotranspiration (ETc) and the RDI treatments received 80% of ETc during the kernel filling. Trunk diameter decreased in both RDI treatments at the end of the experimental period, although this response was more marked in the trees irrigated with saline RW. There were negative relationships between shoot growth and leaf Na+ and Cl+ contents in the saline treated trees, in which the accumulation of salts in leaves was associated with osmotic adjustment, which was responsible for maintaining midday leaf turgor. Plant water status, measured by the leaf and water potential, decreased in almond exposed to water deficit or irrigated with saline RW, indicating a slight dehydration in these plants due to the difficulty in water uptake from the substrate. Trees subjected to both deficit irrigation treatments showed lower stomatal conductance values than full irrigated treatments during the RDI period. However, at the end of experimental period, the lowest Pn values were found in plants irrigated with saline RW, especially in trees irrigated with saline RW combined with RDI strategy, verifying the relevance of duration of exposure to the stress. Saline and desalinated RW can be successfully used for irrigating almond trees, which might be of great economic and competitive significance for agriculture, but further research focused on a longer term should be carried out since detrimental effects might appear. Deficit irrigation combined with saline RW in P. dulcis is not recommended since it intensifies the negative effects of water and salt stress applied individually.

Detecting tree water stress using a trunk relative water content measurement sensor

Irrigation water management in tree crops requires timely and accurate determination of crop water status for making irrigation scheduling decisions. However, commonly used techniques for measuring tree water statuses, such as stem water potential measured with pressure chambers or leaf stomatal conductance measured with porometers, are manually operated and lack the timeliness for making irrigation decisions in real-time. The objective of this research was to develop and field test a new electronic sensor system capable of continuously monitoring tree trunk relative water content. Replicated sensors were installed in experimental orchards planted with pomegranate and nectarine trees. Data collected from the sensor readings were compared with periodic trunk diameter, stem water potential, and leaf stomatal conductance measurements. Strong linear correlations were observed between sensor readings and tree trunk diameter variations but with a 3–4-hour phase lag. Sensor readings were also strongly correlated to stem water potential (R2 = 0.58-0.85) and leaf stomatal conductance (R2 = 0.60-0.84) for both pomegranate and nectarine trees. The next step is to further validate the sensors in commercial orchards and apply the sensors for making real-time irrigation water management decisions.