Fir Forests Research Articles

Long-term physiological and growth responses of Himalayan fir to environmental change are mediated by mean climate.

High-elevation forests are experiencing high rates of warming, in combination with CO2 rise and (sometimes) drying trends. In these montane systems, the effects of environmental changes on tree growth are also modified by elevation itself, thus complicating our ability to predict effects of future climate change. Tree-ring analysis along an elevation gradient allows quantifying effects of gradual and annual environmental changes. Here, we study long-term physiological (ratio of internal to ambient CO2 , i.e., Ci /Ca and intrinsic water-use efficiency, iWUE) and growth responses (tree-ring width) of Himalayan fir (Abies spectabilis) trees in response to warming, drying, and CO2 rise. Our study was conducted along elevational gradients in a dry and a wet region in the central Himalaya. We combined dendrochronology and stable carbon isotopes (δ13 C) to quantify long-term trends in Ci /Ca ratio and iWUE (δ13 C-derived), growth (mixed-effects models), and evaluate climate sensitivity (correlations). We found that iWUE increased over time at all elevations, with stronger increase in the dry region. Climate-growth relations showed growth-limiting effects of spring moisture (dry region) and summer temperature (wet region), and negative effects of temperature (dry region). We found negative growth trends at lower elevations (dry and wet regions), suggesting that continental-scale warming and regional drying reduced tree growth. This interpretation is supported by δ13 C-derived long-term physiological responses, which are consistent with responses to reduced moisture and increased vapor pressure deficit. At high elevations (wet region), we found positive growth trends, suggesting that warming has favored tree growth in regions where temperature most strongly limits growth. At lower elevations (dry and wet regions), the positive effects of CO2 rise did not mitigate the negative effects of warming and drying on tree growth. Our results raise concerns on the productivity of Himalayan fir forests at low and middle (<3,300m) elevations as climate change progresses.

Photosynthesis, Ecological Stoichiometry, and Non-Structural Carbohydrate Response to Simulated Nitrogen Deposition and Phosphorus Addition in Chinese Fir Forests

Phosphorus (P) deficiency in soil affects plant growth and primary production. Accelerated nitrogen (N) deposition can cause ecological carbon:nitrogen:phosphorus (C:N:P) stoichiometry imbalance and increase the degree of relative P deficiency in the soil. However, it remains unclear how N deposition affects P uptake and C:N:P stoichiometry in coniferous timber forests, and whether P addition diminishes the effect of N-induced P limitation on plant growth. From January 2017 to April 2018, we investigated the effects of nine different N and P addition treatments on 10-year old trees of Chinese fir, Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook. Our results demonstrated that N and P additions at a high concentration could improve the photosynthetic capacity in Chinese fir by increasing the chlorophyll content and stimulating the photosynthesis activity. The C:N:P stoichiometry varied with the season under different N and P addition treatments, indicating that N addition at a moderate concentration could diminish the effect of the P limitation on the growth of Chinese fir. The soluble sugar content in the leaves displayed more stable seasonal variations, compared with those of starch. However, the non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) content in the leaves did not vary with the season under both P and N addition treatment. The data suggested that N and P combination treatment at moderate concentrations promoted carbon assimilation by accelerating the photosynthetic rate. Thus, our results provide new insights into the adaptation mechanisms of coniferous timber forest ecosystems to the effects of N deposition under P deficiency and can help to estimate the ecological effects of environmental changes linked to human management practices.

Beech and silver fir\u2019s response along the Balkan\u2019s latitudinal gradient

At the 1000 km geographical distance in Dinaric montane forests of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), the tree response from the north-western sites towards southern, warmer and dryer sites was performed during three consecutive growing seasons (2011, 2012 and 2013). On eleven permanent plots, positioned in uneven-aged beech and fir forests above 800 m along the geographical gradient, the physiological and morphological response to light intensity were measured in predefined light categories based on the analysis of hemispherical photos. Radial growth was analysed on all plots and compared to precipitation, temperature and two drought indexes. Analysis showed a decrease in the cumulative precipitation and no change in temperature between plots. Beech was most efficient in the open area light conditions, while fir proved most efficient under shelter. Physiological response for beech increased towards SE and reached its maximal values in the middle of transect, while fir’s response decreased from the NW towards SE. Tendency to plagiotropic growth decreased from NW to SE in both species. Growth response to climatic parameters is weak, stronger in fir than in beech and decreasing towards SE.

Plant Hydraulic Stress Explained Tree Mortality and Tree Size Explained Beetle Attack in a Mixed Conifer Forest

AbstractDrought predisposes conifer forests to bark beetle attacks and mortality. Although plant hydraulic stress mechanistically links to tree mortality, its capacity to predict trees' susceptibility to beetle attacks has not been evaluated. Further, both tree size and water supply could influence plant hydraulic stress, but their relative importance remained unknown. In this study, we modeled plant hydraulic stress of individual trees in a mixed forest of Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii), and Subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) in southern Wyoming, using an integrated model of plant hydraulics and hydrology, ground surveys of tree size as well as physiological and geophysical measurements. Based on the established link between plant hydraulic stress and tree mortality, we found interspecific differences in the relative importance of water availability and tree size. Pine mortality was best explained by the combination of tree size and water supply, and fir mortality was best explained by variations in water supply. We next compared the prediction of beetle attack by modeled plant hydraulic stress versus tree size and found tree size best explained beetle attack consistently for all three species. Taken together, our results suggested beetle attack was primarily influenced by beetle preference for large trees, potentially as food sources, rather than more hydraulically stressed trees. These findings highlighted the importance of integrated understanding of biotic/abiotic factors and their mechanistic pathways in order to accurately predict the sustainability of forests susceptible to drought and beetle outbreaks.

Long term forest conversion affected soil nanoscale pores in subtropical China

Long term land-use change, such as forest conversion, has been shown to strongly affect soil pore properties. The soil pores mediate soil processes and determine how soil functions. Despite their importance for understanding biological, water, and carbon stability, the properties of soil pores following long term forest conversion remain unclear in subtropical forests. We examined soil nanoscale pores in response to conversion from native forests to plantations and addressed how bacterial and fungal communities influenced soil pore properties. We found significant changes in soil pores 40 years after the conversion from native forests to Chinese fir forests or bamboo forests. The pores in mixed forest soils were similar to those in native forests, while Chinese fir forest soils contained the most pores, followed by bamboo forest soils. Chinese fir forests also had a higher surface area and volume of both total soil pores and macropores, whereas bamboo forests had a higher volume of mesopores and larger specific surface areas of the total, macro-, and mesopores. Both soil bacteria and fungi significantly influenced soil pore properties. The relative abundance of soil bacterial phyla (Planctomycetes and Verrucomicrobia), fungal phylum (Chytridiomycota), and bacterial and fungal diversity negatively affected average pore diameter. In addition, soil fungal phylum (Basidiomycota) and the total sequencing number positively affected soil mesopore volume and the specific surface areas of both total pores and mesopores. Our study demonstrated that forest conversion drove the changes in soil pores at the nanoscale. Changes in soil microbial abundance and diversity may be one of the factors that affect soil nanoscale pores, while soil fungal compositions influence soil mesopores and soil specific surface area.

Long-term Growth Variation and Selection of Geographical Provenances of Cunninghamialanceolata (Lamb.) Hook

In order to understand the long-term growth variation of Chinese fir’s geographical provenances and promote long-term genetic improvement, the experimental provenance forest of Chinese fir planted in 1981 was taken as a research object.The provenances originated from southeastern China. The study measured each diameter at breast height (DBH) and tree height at 5, 6, 8, 12, and 33 years of age and analyzed the genetic variation of major growth traits of trees withdifferent provenances at different forest ages. Additionally, the study analyzed the geographical variation of Chinese fir by using the trend surface and principal component analysis (PCA) and evaluated the long-term selection effect of provenance by using juvenile–mature correlation and cluster analysis. The heritability of the DBH, treeheight, and volume of Chinese fir with different provenances reached 0.35–0.76, and with increasing forest age, the heritability of each trait showed a rising and gradually stabilizing trend. There were obvious differences in geographical variation patterns among the tested provenances, and both the DBH and the tree height growth patterns are two-way gradients. This variation pattern is associated with climatic conditions in different regions, and the factors limiting the growth difference of Chinese fir may be the mean temperature in winter and the precipitation in autumn and winter.An early selection age has a significant effect on shortening the timber production cycle of Chinese fir. The selection of trees aged between 6 and 12 years is more conducive to improving the efficiency of the genetic improvement of Chinese fir.The 42 excellent provenances selected from the 33-year-old mature Chinese fir forests have a larger increase in growth than trees with local provenances, which are concentrated in the Wuyi and Xuefeng mountains and are suitable for plantation in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and surrounding areas.

Impacts Of The Invasive FourEyed Fir Bark Beetle (Polygraphus Proximus Blandf.) On Siberian Fir (Abies Sibirica Ledeb.) Forests In Southern Siberia

The emergence and spread of non-native invasive forest insects represent a major potential threat to global biodiversity. The present study examines the current invasion of the far eastern four-eyed fir bark beetle Polygraphus proximus Blandf. in southern Siberian fir (Abies sibirica Ledeb.) forests. We collected data on 38 large sized (2500 m²) sample plots, situated in fir forests of the Tomsk region. As a direct result of the four-eyed fir bark beetle infestation, stand density decreased by 34-37%, and stand volume by 30%. The mean height, individual age and diameter at the stand level consequently increased. Our results indicated that stands with complete left-sided or normal ontogenetic structure (composed primarily of late virginal firs or firs in young reproductive stage) are more resistant to invasion by the four-eyed fir bark beetle. By contrast, fir forests characterized by more right-sided ontogenetic structure (composed primarily of mature and old reproductive firs), exhibited the least resistance and, with rare exception, degraded rapidly in response to the invasion. Our results also pointed to a mechanism that initiates invasions of the four-eyed fir bark beetle in fir stands of all types of ontogenetic structure, which is the attack of virginal trees and trees in early reproductive stages. Trees up to average diameter are the most susceptible to invasions of the bark beetle. We identified thicker bark, larger DBH and low occurrence of heart rot as the most important parameters for indicating resistance at the single tree level. DBH and bark thickness (p&lt;0.05) correlated significantly with tree health status in infested stands. Our overall assessment of the potential natural regeneration of damaged stands is that the Siberian fir forests are resilient to invasive species and that the fir ecosystems can potentially recover from this disturbance.

Vegetation Structure, Classification and Climatic Characteristics in Temperate-like Mountain Forests Dominated by Abies jaliscana in Western Mexico

Aim&#x0D; of study:&#x0D; Examine patterns in woody species composition, vegetation structure,&#x0D; precipitation and temperature parameters over two fir forest elevation ranges&#x0D; and to discuss some biome-climate characteristics.&#x0D; &#x0D; Area&#x0D; of Study:&#x0D; Field sampling was conducted in 20 Abies&#x0D; forest sites over two elevation ranges (Laguna Juanacatlan and Cerro La Bufa)&#x0D; in western Jalisco, Mexico.&#x0D; &#x0D; Material&#x0D; and Methods: Using linear regressions, relationships between climate and&#x0D; fir forest structure were inferred. We examined vegetation structure&#x0D; complemented by cluster and indicator species analyses.&#x0D; &#x0D; Main&#x0D; results: A&#x0D; total of 2378 stems belonging to 67 species were recorded, species richness and&#x0D; Shannon index were not different between localities. Cluster analysis suggest&#x0D; three forest types: upper montane cloud forest (UMCF), mixed fir-UMCF and fir&#x0D; forest. Fir basal area and abundance showed differences between localities.&#x0D; Reverse J-shaped size distribution pattern was found, except in the Cerro La&#x0D; Bufa lower belt, where a J-shaped pattern indicates low recruitment and high&#x0D; number of canopy individuals. &#x0D; &#x0D; Highlights: The&#x0D; lower temperatures and increase in winter rainfall along the elevational&#x0D; gradient, enable an auspicious habitat for western Mexican fir forests.

THE MONUMENTS OF NON-LIVING NATURE OF THE BASINS OF PRUT AND LAZESHCHYNA RIVERS IN CHORNOHORA MOUNTAIN RANGE IN UKRAINIAN CARPATHIANS

The classification of the monuments of non-living nature of the basins of Prut and Lazeshchyna rivers in Chornohora mountain range in Ukrainian Carpathians as well as map, tables and suggestions for further alternative use of objects are presented. In the research the monuments of non-living nature are categorized such as geological, geomorphological and hydrological based on the main object of their value for protection. The classification of the geological and geomorphological monuments according to different principles such as meaningful, scientific and cognitive significance, genetic, purpose and size is developed. According to the main object of their value for protection and the genesis objects are classified into types of monuments, and by morphological expression – into species of monuments. The other methods of the research of monuments of non-living nature such as cartographic inventory and comprehensive certification are also presented. The river basins of Prut and Lazeshchyna are located on the northeast macro-slope of the Chornohora mountain range in the Ukrainian Carpathians in the area of the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve and the Carpathian National Nature Park. On the territory of the studied river basins 11 geological monuments, 23 – geomorphological monuments, 7 – hydrological and hydrogeological monuments are identified. There are also 9 sites of fir forests and 14 sites of ancient forests protected in the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve in the Lazeshchyna river basin. On the territory of the Prut river basin there are 81 sites of ancient forests and primeval forests in the area of the Carpathian National Nature Park. The monuments of non-living nature can be used not only as the conservation ones but also as the places for recreation and tourism, organization of research and environmental education of the region. In addition, 2 multi-day, 1 two-day and 9 one-day geotourism routes to promote the natural resources of the studied river basins with the purpose to reduce the recreational degression of the main eco-trail “To the Goverla Mountain” are developed. Key words: monuments of non-living nature; geological sites; Chornohora mountain range; Prut river basin; Lazeshchyna river basin; geotourism route.

Исследование сходимости результатов обработки радиолокационных снимков Sentinel-1А с натурными наблюдениями сельскохозяйственных участков

The manuscript discusses how to monitor the condition of seedlings on agricultural fields planted with winter wheat, fodder maize and areas of fir forest located in the Freudenstadt district of Baden-Wuerttemberg in Germany. To solve the range of agricultural problems , they often use modern technologies such as satellite remote sensing of the Earth. The paper displays the monitoring results of the Sentinel-1A radar satellites scenes, as well as visual spectrum imagery of field observations are presented when leaving directly to terrain segments. The processing deployed data chain, consisting of 11 Sentinel-1A scenes acquired in the timefrane from March to November 2018. Specifically, the SNAP Sentinel Toolboxes software was used to process the radar satellite images Sentinel-1А, the. Based on the the research outcomes the Committee of Agriculture of the Freudenstadt district is able to predict the yield amount with high accuracy due to good data convergence. According to the study, the following three important problems can be resolved by means of Sentinel-1A imagery

Tree regeneration after fire and logging in sub-alpine forest on the southeastern Tibetan Plateau

Forest ecosystems provide environmental services that benefit human communities. Despite their importance, forests have experienced deforestation and land-use changes that are particularly severe in the tropics and subtropics. Increasing concern about forest sustainability management and conservation supports the need for studies on forest recovery after deforestation. Many studies have estimated that recovery of forest structure, species composition and richness takes more than 50 years to reach a state similar to that of adjacent undisturbed forests. To date, most of these studies were carried out in the tropics and at high latitudes. However, less is known about the recovery process of sub-alpine forest after deforestation. The natural sub-alpine forest on the southeastern Tibetan Plateau is an important ecosystem, which ranges from 3000 to 4400 m above the sea level (a.s.l.), and these forests were disturbed by human before 1998. In the forests near the town of Lulang, Smith fir ( Abies georgei var. smithii ) is the dominant tree species above 3500 m a.s. l. The climate is mainly influenced by the Indian monsoon and westerlies. In summer, the Indian monsoon brings abundant precipitation to our study area. The winter climate is controlled by the westerlies producing cold and dry conditions. According to the instrumental record from the Nyingchi meteorological station, mean annual temperature and total annual precipitation are 8.9°C and 672.7 mm, respectively. This area has experienced a significant warming trend during the past five decades. Our study focused on logged and burnt sites of Smith fir forests (3460–3865 m a.s. l.) near Lulang in Nyingchi. Three and five rectangular plots (30 m ´ 30 m) were established in the logged (azimuth angle: 326°–328°) and fire-affected (azimuth angle: 243°–260°) gaps, respectively. Global Positioning System (GPS) was used to record the locations of the 8 plots. For each plot, the upper and lower sides were perpendicular to the direction of slope aspect. The lower-left side of each plot was regarded as the origin for each sampling grid. To assess the regeneration in each plot, we tagged all of the trees and measured their position coordinates ( x and y ). The tree species were also recorded. The ages of the gaps were estimated by taking increment cores from nearby adult trees surrounding the gap and examining the synchronous and abrupt growth release events. These cores were then air dried, carefully sanded, and crossdated in the lab. The ring-width series were measured under the Lintab 6 system (Rinntech, Heidelberg, Germany). We used several methods to estimate the age of each tree. For the seedlings and saplings, we estimated their age by counting the number of bud scars along the main stem. For the adult trees, we used the increment borer to get a core (close to the pith) at the base of the trunk. The ages of these samples were obtained by counting the number of rings under the stereomicroscope. The date of the burnt gap formation was estimated as 1942 and the logging gap formed in 1991, both based on abrupt growth release of nearby adult trees surrounding the gaps after fire and logging. According to the surveyed data and tree age, we obtained the decadal recruitment series for each tree species. In the burnt gaps (southwestern facing slope), we found that the regenerated tree species mainly consist of spruce ( Picea likiangensis var . linzhiensis ), juniper ( Sabina squamata ) and oak ( Quercus aquifolides ). In the logged site (northwestern facing slope), the regenerated tree species is mainly Smith fir. Compared with the natural Smith fir forest, the tree density is lower in the burnt and logged sites. In summary, once the forest on the southeastern Tibetan Plateau is logged or burnt, it will take longer time to recover to undisturbed Smith fir forest.

Dating and dendroprovenancing of the timbers used in Yenikapı historical jetty (İstanbul, Turkey)

In 2016, the Directorate of İstanbul Archaeology Museums unearthed an extensive jetty within the eastern portion of the Byzantine harbor excavated at Yenikapı, İstanbul. The purpose of the paper is to present the results obtained from the dating and dendroprovenancing of the wooden timbers from this historical jetty. A total of 145 oak and fir samples were collected for dating. The cutting dates of the oak timbers were determined to be from AD 1762-1763, which has also been confirmed by archaeological documents. The best statistical values (Gleichläufigkeit value 76%, TVBP 10.0 and CDI 82) were obtained using the oak chronology for Vezneciler from the Asian side of the Bosporus, which represents construction phases dating to AD 1762-1763. The highest statistical matches for the oak tree-ring series from both Yenikapı and Vezneciler were obtained using reference chronologies from northern Greece and Kosovo. Three site chronologies from the forests of Bolu, Karabük and Kastamonu were used to date the fir samples, and the cutting date was determined to be AD 1906. The best statistical results were obtained from the site chronology for Kastamonu (Gleichläufigkeit value 72%, TVBP 10.3 and CDI 79). Due to the significant correlation with this site chronology, the origin of the fir samples may be from the forests of Kastamonu, which is the nearest fir forest along the Black Sea. Because roads and railways were not common during this period, the fir timbers may have been transported via the Black Sea to Yenikapı located near the Marmara Coast. We can conclude from this evidence that construction near the Byzantine harbor continued to utilize imported timbers into the Ottoman period.

Nematode communities after the reintroduction of silver fir in beech-dominated forests

Converting monocultures into mixed stands has become a popular idea over the last decades, in light of the growing body of evidence on the positive effects of mixing tree species, on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. On the other hand, disruption of a habitat’s temporal continuity can be detrimental for many species and affects soil conditions. We studied the effects of the reintroduction of the silver fir in beech-dominated forests on soil food web conditions and functioning. To that end, we used several indices derived from soil nematodes communities (enrichment index, structure index, nematode channel ratio, metabolic footprints) sampled in three types of stand: beech-dominated forests (N = 5), mixed silver fir–beech forests (N = 5) and pure silver fir forests (N = 5). There was no difference of soil food web conditions (structure and enrichment) between stand types. But the presence of silver fir reduced the metabolic activity and negatively affected the abundance of several trophic groups. Differences in litter quality rather than litter quantity might drive those patterns.

Prolonging Rotation of Chinese Fir to over 25 Years Could Maintain a Better Soil Status in Subtropical China

Although Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook) is an important species for wood production in subtropical China, it serious declines in soil nutrients and timber productivity in plantations have been reported, probably caused by successive rotation and inappropriate cutting time. Although the significant effect of stand age on soil properties has been widely recognized, research on soil enzymes and microbial communities is relatively rare. In this study, assuming that short rotation period is one important reason for soil degradation, we measured soil physicochemical properties, microbial community composition, and enzyme activity in 3-, 15-, 25- and 45-year Chinese fir forests in Jiangxi province of China. Soil organic carbon (SOC) content decreased from 3-year to 25-year stands and then increased in 45-year stands. Despite the significant relationship between SOC and the abundance of total phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs), no notable changes in the abundance of PLFAs were detected with increasing tree ages, except for the abundances of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) which were significantly higher in 25-year stands. However, the ratios of gram-positive to gram-negative bacteria (G+/G−) and fungi to bacteria (F/B) both decreased with increasing stand age. 45-year stands showed the highest activities of both phosphatase and β-glucosidase. Total potassium (TK) content and net N mineralization rate both had significant links with soil microbial community structure. Collectively, our study emphasized that stand age could significantly affect soil physicochemical properties and the microbial community. In general, 25-year stands showed poorer soil status compared to that of 45-year stands. Thus, the cutting age of Chinese fir should be increased to over 25 years to maintain a better soil status.

Douglas fir stimulates nitrification in French forest soils

Douglas fir trees presumable stimulate nitrification in the soil. We studied in 21 French Douglas fir forests if and how nitrification is modulated by soil properties, past land use and current forest management. Soil (0–10 cm depth) was collected and initial concentrations of N-NH4+ and N-NO3−, potential net nitrogen mineralization (PNM) and net nitrification (PNN) rates and microbial biomass were measured. At 11 of the 21 sites, annual nitrate fluxes in the soil were measured using anion exchange resin bags. Soils contained between 2.3 to 29.4 mg N-NO3− kg soil−1. About 86% (±14%) of mineral N was nitrate. The proportion of nitrate increased to almost 100% during incubation. PNN varied from 0.10 mg N kg soil−1 day−1 to 1.05 mg N kg soil−1 day−1 (21 sites). Neither the initial nitrate concentration nor PNN was related to soil chemistry (pH, % C, %N, P, CEC), microbial biomass, texture, past land use or thinning. In situ net nitrate accumulation (NNA) estimated with resins beds varied from 4 to 100 kg N-NO3− ha−1 yr−1 (11 sites). It was positively correlated with base saturation, clay content, ELLENBERG N, temperature and negatively with soil organic N, C/N ratio and precipitation.

Chemical compositions of fog and precipitation at Sejila Mountain in the southeast Tibetan Plateau, China

Chemical compositions of fog and rain water were measured between July 2017 and September 2018 at Sejila Mountain, southeast Tibet, where fog events frequently occurred in original fir forests at altitude 3950 m. Fog water samples were collected using a Caltech Active Strand Cloud Collector (CASCC), and rain samples were collected using a precipitation gauge. Differences were observed between fog water and rain composition for most analyzed ions. Ion abundance in fog water was Ca2+ > Cl− > Na+ > SO42− > Mg2+ > NH4+ >K+ > NO3− whereas an order of Ca2+ > Na+ > Cl− > Mg2+ > SO42− > NO3− > K+ > NH4+ was observed for rain water. All ion concentrations were higher in fog water than in rain water. Additionally, Ca2+ was the dominant cation in both fog and rain samples, accounting for more than half of all measured cations. NH4+ and SO42− concentrations were notable for being higher in fog than rain water when compared with other ions. For trace elements, Al, As, Mn and Se were the most abundant elements in fog water; only Al and As were detected in rain water. Seventy-two hour back-trajectory analysis showed that air masses during fog and/or rain events mainly came from the south of Sejila Mountain. Spearman correlation analysis and source contribution calculations indicated that both marine and terrestrial sources contributed to the observed ion concentrations. Considering the higher concentrations of NH4+ and higher ratio of NH4+/NO3− measured in fog than in rain, we suggest that quantification of fog nitrogen deposition and its ecological effect in this area should be given more attention.

Early responses of bark and wood boring beetles to an outbreak of the hemlock looper Lambdina fiscellaria (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) in a boreal balsam fir forest of North America

AbstractWe investigated the early responses of bark and wood boring beetles to an extensive supply of balsam fir (Abies balsamea) trees, stressed or recently killed during an outbreak of the hemlock looper (Lambdina fiscellaria) in Quebec, Canada. The present study aimed to (i) examine beetle assemblages across all levels of defoliation and (ii) assess the relative influences of defoliation, tree mortality, stand structure and spatial context on beetle assemblages. We used three types of traps in each of 36 plots: multidirectional flight interception traps measured adult beetle flight activity within stands, trunk window traps measured visitation rates at trees and emergence traps measured beetle colonization of trees. Flight traps in nondefoliated plots allowed characterization of ‘pre‐outbreak’ beetle assemblages, which were not discernable in emergence traps because few insects colonize heathy trees. ‘Pre‐outbreak’ assemblages, characterized by a mix of polyphagous beetle species (e.g. Evodinus monticola, Dryocoetes autographus), shifted to those dominated by Trypodendron lineatum after extensive defoliation. Two Pissodes species colonized heavily defoliated trees but not dead ones. Defoliation level, conifer basal area, basal area of dead balsam firs and the extent of recently logged areas around sampling plots were positively correlated with the abundance of T. lineatum.

Reproduction of silver fir (Abies alba Mill) forests in the Ukrainian Carpathians

Abstract Existing knowledge of the Ukrainian foresters related to the historical changes and current state of silver fir forests, as well as on the various methods of restoration of such forests in the Ukrainian Carpathians were discussed. Forest cover of fir stands in this region has been diminishing in the last two centuries. Only in the period from 1947 to 1956, the area of fir stands in Ukrainian Carpathians decreased by 38.8%. Currently, the restoration of fir stands in these areas are crucial for Ukrainian forestry. Therefore, the natural as well as artificial regeneration using seeds obtained from seed orchards are currently used. Thus, improving the forest stands’ conditions mostly composed of single-spruce plantations need to be improved through changing the species compositions. However, the restoration of fir stands is time and labour-intensive, and require a long-term strategy.

A Reference Genome Sequence for the European Silver Fir (Abies alba Mill.): A Community-Generated Genomic Resource.

Silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) is a keystone conifer of European montane forest ecosystems that has experienced large fluctuations in population size during during the Quaternary and, more recently, due to land-use change. To forecast the species’ future distribution and survival, it is important to investigate the genetic basis of adaptation to environmental change, notably to extreme events. For this purpose, we here provide a first draft genome assembly and annotation of the silver fir genome, established through a community-based initiative. DNA obtained from haploid megagametophyte and diploid needle tissue was used to construct and sequence Illumina paired-end and mate-pair libraries, respectively, to high depth. The assembled A. alba genome sequence accounted for over 37 million scaffolds corresponding to 18.16 Gb, with a scaffold N50 of 14,051 bp. Despite the fragmented nature of the assembly, a total of 50,757 full-length genes were functionally annotated in the nuclear genome. The chloroplast genome was also assembled into a single scaffold (120,908 bp) that shows a high collinearity with both the A. koreana and A. sibirica complete chloroplast genomes. This first genome assembly of silver fir is an important genomic resource that is now publicly available in support of a new generation of research. By genome-enabling this important conifer, this resource will open the gate for new research and more precise genetic monitoring of European silver fir forests.

Обеспеченность подростом спелых и перестойных темнохвойных насаждений Пермского края

Provision with preliminary generation undergrowth of mature and overripe dark coniferous stands of the Middle Ural taiga forest region was analyzed based on the forest management materials’ data of Krasnovisherskoye forestry (Perm krai). It has been found that dark coniferous stands are represented by spruce, fir, and cedar forests; which occupy 55.3 % of area covered with forest vegetation and 83.7 % of area covered with coniferous stands. Herewith, spruce forests occupy 98.7 % of the total area of dark coniferous stands, fir forests – 1.2 %, and cedar forests – 0.1 %. There are stands of the 5th and elder bonitet classes (65.4 %), 3rd and 4th classes (87.1 %) with the stand density of 0.5–0.7 (67.9 % from the total area) among dark coniferous stands. Spruce stands usually belong to the following types of forest sites (forest growth conditions): C3 (66.2 %), B2 (12.5 %) and B4 (9.7 %). Under the canopy 90.8 % of mature and overripe dark coniferous stands’ area is occupied by coniferous un-dergrowth, while its density exceeds 2.0 thousand pcs/ha on 12.0 % of the area. The maximum provision with undergrowth in the C3 and B4 forest growing conditions is characterized by mature and overripe dark coniferous stands with the relative density of 0.6, and in the A4, B2, B5 and C4 forest growing conditions – 0.5. The latter should be considered in selective logging and methods of reforestation schedule.For citation: Vedernikov E.A., Zalesov S.V., Zalesova E.S., Маgаsumovа А.G., Tolkach O.V. Provision with Undergrowth of Mature and Overripe Dark Coniferous Stands in Perm Krai. Lesnoy Zhurnal [Forestry Journal], 2019, no. 3, pp. 32–42. DOI: 10.17238/issn0536-1036.2019.3.32