Japanese Fir Research Articles

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Response of Cryptomeria japonica to Feeding Stress of Dendrolimus houi Lajonquière Larvae

The Japanese fir, Cryptomeria japonica, is ecologically and commercially vital in China. However, infestations by Dendrolimus houi Lajonquière larvae cause widespread dieback, mimicking mechanical damage effects, with unclear differential impacts and mechanisms. To address this, 6th instar larvae of D. houi were introduced to three-year-old C. japonica seedlings to induce pest infestation, while mechanical damage and non-infested pests were controlled. Then, next-generation sequencing techniques were employed, and transcriptome sequencing was conducted to analyze the distinct damage mechanisms responding to C. japonica. This study revealed 10,412 DEGs between pest infestation and controls and 5535 DEGs comparing pest infestation to mechanical damage. Functional enrichment analysis highlighted the involvement of these DEGs in crucial processes such as photosynthesis, amino acid and nucleotide metabolism, flavonoid biosynthesis, and plant hormone signaling pathways. In particular, 786 unique DEGs were discerned in pest-infested samples. Key enriched pathways, such as pyruvate and propionate metabolism, were pinpointed, with flavonoid biosynthesis potentially closely linked to pest-feeding inductions. These findings provided valuable insights into the molecular responses of C. japonica to D. houi infestation, laying the foundation for future research aimed at developing pest-resistant varieties of Japanese fir.

Preparation of spherical phenol‐formaldehyde beads from phenol‐liquefied wood and the characteristics of carbonized materials

AbstractIn this study, wood of Cryptomeria japonica D. Don (Japanese fir) was liquefied with phenol as a solvent. Phenol‐liquefied wood was mixed with formalin and spherical phenol‐formaldehyde resin (PF) beads were prepared by a two‐stage suspension polymerization reaction. The influence of the kind and dosage of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) on the particle size distribution, mechanical strength and thermal properties of spherical PF beads were investigated. The results show that PF beads prepared with partially saponified PVA as a granulating agent are smaller than 75 μm, while the PF beads prepared with fully saponified PVA have larger diameters. However, the average diameter of spherical PF beads decreased with the increase of PVA addition. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicates that the initial thermal degradation temperature of the PF beads is around 150°C, and the main weight loss occurs between 400 and 600°C. Among them, the PF beads with BF‐04 as the granulating agent have the best heat resistance, and have the highest char yield at 800°C. The Brunauer, Emmett and Teller surface adsorption shows that the internal structure of the carbonized spherical PF beads is microporous pores. Carbonized beads prepared with high PVA adding have large absorption volume.

Out-of-plane Shear Strength of CLT with Japanese Larch or Sakhalin Fir II.

Out-of-plane Shear Strength of CLT with Japanese Larch or Sakhalin Fir II.

Complementary combination of multiplex high‐throughput DNA sequencing for molecular phylogeny

AbstractThe rapid development of DNA sequencing technology in recent years has provided new tools for phylogenetic data acquisition. By using high‐throughput DNA sequencing technology, molecular phylogenetic information can be obtained more quickly and economically. Here, we describe a complementary combination of two multiplex high‐throughput DNA sequencing methods. One is multiplexed phylogenetic marker sequencing (MPM‐seq), and the other is multiplexed inter‐simple sequence repeat (ISSR) genotyping by sequencing (MIG‐seq), whose protocol is improved over that of the original one. Both MPM‐seq and MIG‐seq begin with multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), each amplifying multiple phylogenetic markers and genome‐wide ISSR regions, respectively. After another PCR using a second PCR primer set that is common in both methods, next‐generation sequencing is used to simultaneously detect DNA sequences of multiple regions from multiple samples in each method. In this case study, we performed a molecular phylogenetic analysis of Japanese fir (Abies) and the closely related Abies species. MPM‐seq revealed DNA sequences of three regions from chloroplast DNA and one nuclear internal transcribed spacer and created a partially informative phylogenetic tree for 13 Abies species. Whereas MIG‐seq detected 6700 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms and exhibited clear clustering of related species with 97%–100% bootstrap support for all branches of the phylogenetic tree. Hence, with a complementary combination, quick, simple, and economical analysis can be performed in a wide range of genomic studies, including molecular phylogeny, as well as for investigating genetic differentiation or genetic identification among species, hybrids, and populations, and even among clones and cultivars, as a DNA barcoding technique.

Imperforate tracheary elements and vessels alleviate xylem tension under severe dehydration: insights from water release curves for excised twigs of three tree species.

PremiseWater stored in the xylem of woody plants is important for supporting the transpiration stream under prolonged drought, yet the source of stored water within the xylem during drought remains unclear. Insights into xylem water utilization during drought will uncover the adaptation strategies of the test species to stress.MethodsTo fill the existing knowledge gap, we excised twigs of Abies firma (Japanese fir, conifer), Cercidiphyllum japonicum (katsura tree, diffuse‐porous) and Quercus serrata (konara oak, ring‐porous) to quantify interspecific variation of water transfer in xylem corresponding with increasing cumulative water release (CWR) using micro x‐ray computed tomography and cryo‐SEM.ResultsFor all species studied, the main components of water storage within the operating range of water potential were not living cells but cavitation release and capillaries. Abies firma maintained water in the earlywood‐like cells, for possible maintenance of the transpiration stream. Cercidiphyllum japonicum maintained water in its vessels over 200 kg m‐3 of CWR, while Q. serrata lost most of its water in vessels with increasing CWR up to 100 kg m‐3. Cercidiphyllum japonicum exhibited a higher water storage capacity than Q. serrata. Under high CWR, narrow conduits stored xylem water in C. japonicum and imperforate tracheary elements in Q. serrata.ConclusionsAmong the species examined, increasing CWR appears to indicate differential utilization of stored water in relation to variation of xylem structure, thereby providing insight into the interspecific responses of tree species to drought.

Natural hybridization and introgression of Abies firma and Abies homolepis along the altitudinal gradient and genetic insights into the origin of Abies umbellata

AbstractTwo Japanese fir species (Pinaceae), Abies firma and A. homolepis, comprise the majority of the temperate forest vegetation zones of Japan. Their vertical distributions are exclusively segregated: A. firma occurs in low elevations and A. homolepis occurs in elevated regions; they contact each other at an altitude of around 1,000–1,100 m. Around the contact zone, A. umbellata is described as a tree with shoots of A. homolepis. It has the greenish cones of A. firma instead of the violet A. homolepis cones. An albinism hypothesis and a hybrid hypothesis were proposed to explain the origin of A. umbellata, provoking long debates. Therefore, we examined a total of 78 A. firma and A. homolepis trees (including an A. umbellata tree) along the altitudinal gradient in two study sites using 13 nuclear microsatellites and a species‐specific chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) marker and examined morphologies of shoots and cone scales. Finally, we tested the two hypotheses. The genetic analyses revealed that shoot morphologies of A. homolepis and A. firma correspond mostly to the genetic identity of the species, whereas nine trees with intermediate shoot morphologies and two trees (including the A. umbellata tree) with A. homolepis shoots were genetically intermediate, indicating natural hybrids of A. firma and A. homolepis. These 11 hybrids occur in the narrow altitude ranges of their contact zones. The genetic analyses also suggested that hybrid backcrosses with parental species occur. These results support the hybrid hypothesis and suggest that the natural hybrids should taxonomically be classified as A. × umbellata.

Seasonal changes in photosynthesis and starch content in Japanese fir (Abies firma Sieb. et Zucc.) saplings under different levels of irradiance

In response to irradiance seasonality, saplings under brighter conditions increased leaf biomass with high photosynthesis to realize high growth, whereas understory saplings depend on photosynthesis during canopy leaf fall, and larger root biomass contributed to storage. We studied the changes in photosynthesis, biomass partitioning, and starch content in Abies firma saplings in a mixed deciduous forest in southwest Japan. Saplings were examined under high, intermediate, and low irradiance levels. The relative irradiance at intermediate and low irradiance levels increased significantly during winter and spring due to leaf fall in the deciduous canopy trees. The maximum photosynthetic rates (P max) under low irradiance were lower than those under high irradiance throughout the year. The needle daily carbon balance in summer was negative under low irradiance, whereas the balance became positive in winter and spring due to increases in irradiance. The needle daily carbon balance in intermediate- and high-irradiance saplings remained positive year-round, although the midday photosynthetic depression suppressed the daily needle carbon gain under high irradiance. The starch content in needles, branches, and roots was higher in spring due to high photosynthetic production, and then decreased in summer under all irradiance levels. Root starch under low irradiance levels may be used to maintain carbon balance during summer, thereby contributing to survival. High needle biomass coupled with a high P max facilitated carbon gain under high and intermediate irradiance, whereas high relative root biomass under low irradiance may enhance storage ability. Overall, A. firma saplings seemed to acclimate to different irradiance levels with seasonal changes through changes in photosynthetic traits, starch storage, and biomass partitioning.

東京大学千葉演習林,秩父演習林のモミ,ツガを主林木とした天然生林における林分現存量,生長量およびリターの生産量

東京大学千葉演習林,秩父演習林のモミ,ツガを主林木とした天然生林における林分現存量,生長量およびリターの生産量

Radiocesium concentration in seeds of Japanese fir (Abies firma Sieb. et Zucc.) growing in Fukushima forests 4.5 years after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident

ABSTRACTSeed soundness is of paramount importance for all plants. Seed soundness of forest trees might have been negatively affected after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident in March 2011, when a massive amount of artificial radionuclides deposited on forest areas. However, information on seeds of forest tree species contaminated with radionuclides is limited because they are rarely encountered in forest ecosystems. Japanese fir (Abies firma Sieb. et Zucc.) is a predominant tree in natural secondary forests in the Abukuma Mountains in Fukushima, and this species shows masting; cone production occurs every 2 or 3 years, meaning that the contamination levels of A. firma seeds remain unknown. We investigated the contamination levels of 137Cs in cone components (seeds, wings and cone scales) of A. firma approximately 4.5 years after the FDNPP accident. The 137Cs concentration in seeds showed the lowest contamination level of the three cone components. In addition, there was a difference in 137Cs concentration between seeds and cone scales, suggesting a difference in 137Cs contamination levels between strict seed feeders and seed-cone feeders. Our results indicate that the combination of observed low contamination levels of seeds of A. firma and expected small root uptake of 137Cs from soil might lead to low contamination levels of 137Cs in recruits of this species.

Difference in 137Cs in needles between main and lateral shoots of Japanese fir growing in natural forests 5 years after the Fukushima accident

ABSTRACTJapanese fir (Abies firma Sieb. et Zucc.) usually shows a trifurcated branching form, differentiated into main and lateral shoots. We compared the radiocesium (137Cs) concentration in needles between the terminal main shoot and two terminal lateral shoots of Japanese fir in order to examine whether the shoot position (main or lateral) affected 137Cs concentration in needles. The 137Cs in needles of main shoot was significantly higher than that of the two lateral shoots, suggesting that differences in shoot positions are a factor affecting the 137Cs in needles. To examine the relationships between 137Cs in needles and shoot morphological traits, the dry mass of needles and branches and the length of branches were measured. The main shoots had statistically significant heavier needles and branches and longer branches than lateral shoots. However, the 137Cs in needles was not significantly correlated with the morphological traits of shoots. Our results suggest that the difference in 137Cs in needles between main and lateral shoots cannot be attributed to the difference in shoot morphology (dry weight and branch length). We recommend that when sampling needles for the evaluation of contamination of 137Cs, the shoot positions should be considered to eliminate 137Cs variation arising from these traits.

Effects of 10 years of fencing under a gap and closed canopy on the regeneration of tree seedlings in an old-growth Japanese fir (Abies firma) forest overbrowsed by sika deer

ABSTRACTWe report the effects of 10 years of fencing under a gap and under a closed canopy on the regeneration of tree seedlings in an old-growth fir forest overbrowsed by sika deer in the Tanzawa Mountains. We examined tree seedling emergence and growth of 10 major species over 10 years at four plots: inside and outside a deer exclosure under a gap and under a closed canopy (the plots were named “GAPF”, “GAP”, “CCF” and “CC”, respectively). Seedlings of Abies firma, Acer palmatum and Zelkova serrata were noted at all four plots during the initial investigation. Seedlings of five pioneer species emerged in GAPF and GAP, but had showed almost no emergence in CC and CCF. Seedlings of 10 target species showed the greatest tendency toward survival at GAPF among the plots. The survival of six species’ seedlings was significantly higher (p < 0.0487) at GAPF than at CCF. The height of most seedlings was <20 cm at first measurement. After 10 years, the maximum heights of 10 species showed that all species grew taller at GAPF but scarcely grew at the other plots. The height distribution at GAPF showed that pioneer species dominated >150 cm, while A. firma, A. palmatum and Z. serrata were mainly <120 cm. These results suggest that the 10 species were able to survive and grow most successfully in the gap without sika deer and that the construction of a deer exclosure just after gap formation was effective in promoting the regeneration of the overbrowsed forest.

3-1-1 トドマツの基礎熱特性とガス化反応の検討(3-01 ガス化1,Session 3 バイオマス等)

3-1-1 トドマツの基礎熱特性とガス化反応の検討(3-01 ガス化1,Session 3 バイオマス等)

Sampling design and required sample size for evaluating contamination levels of 137Cs in Japanese fir needles in a mixed deciduous forest stand in Fukushima, Japan

We estimated the sample size (the number of samples) required to evaluate the concentration of radiocesium (137Cs) in Japanese fir (Abies firma Sieb. & Zucc.), 5 years after the outbreak of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. We investigated the spatial structure of the contamination levels in this species growing in a mixed deciduous broadleaf and evergreen coniferous forest stand. We sampled 40 saplings with a tree height of 150 cm–250 cm in a Fukushima forest community. The results showed that: (1) there was no correlation between the 137Cs concentration in needles and soil, and (2) the difference in the spatial distribution pattern of 137Cs concentration between needles and soil suggest that the contribution of root uptake to 137Cs in new needles of this species may be minor in the 5 years after the radionuclides were released into the atmosphere. The concentration of 137Cs in needles showed a strong positive spatial autocorrelation in the distance class from 0 to 2.5 m, suggesting that the statistical analysis of data should consider spatial autocorrelation in the case of an assessment of the radioactive contamination of forest trees. According to our sample size analysis, a sample size of seven trees was required to determine the mean contamination level within an error in the means of no more than 10%. This required sample size may be feasible for most sites.

Morphological abnormalities in Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora) at the territories contaminated as a result of the accident at Fukushima Dai-Ichi Nuclear Power Plant

Our research, carried out in 2014–2016 at eight sites in the radioactive contaminated territories of Fukushima Prefecture, showed that the young trees of Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora) are sensitive to radiation. Irradiation induced cancellation of the apical dominance in this species. The effect is similar to that observed in young trees of Scots pine growing in the Chernobyl zone. At the same time, we did not observed any morphological abnormalities in mature trees of Japanese red pine. The probability of cancelling the apical dominance in Japanese red pine increased to 0.11 and 0.14 in the two less irradiated populations, and to 0.5 and 0.9 at sites were the absorbed dose rates were approximately 14 and 25 μGy h−1, respectively. Most of the observed abnormalities appeared in the second whorl after the beginning of exposure. No new abnormalities were observed in the fifth whorl. This temporal pattern is similar to those reported for Scots pine in Chernobyl and for Japanese fir in Fukushima. Additional detailed studies are necessary for interpretation of the observed temporal pattern and, in general, for explanation of the mechanism of formation of the morphological abnormalities.

Spatial variation in the 137Cs inventory in soils in a mixed deciduous forest in Fukushima, Japan

The spatial variation of the radiocesium inventory in forest soil was studied c.a. 44 km northwest of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, Japan. This study focuses on the effects of canopy interception and downward transfer from the forest canopy to the forest floor via stemflow and throughfall. We established a study plot (400 m2) in the canopy layer of a secondary mixed deciduous forest dominated by Japanese oak (Quercus crispula) and Japanese fir (Abies firma), in August and November 2014. Soil was sampled from 0 to 5 cm depth and 137Cs was measured under the canopy using a 2-m grid and also at the tree trunk bases. We divided the study plot into the five different types of subplot according to the canopy projection areas and the tree species for the analysis. The geometric mean and coefficient of variation of the 137Cs inventory were 202 kBq m−2 and 0.11 (0.52 in the arithmetic coefficient of variation), respectively. Within the forest, the variation in the 137Cs inventory under trees was larger than in crown gap areas. The large spatial variation may be attributed to canopy interception of the initial deposition and downward transfer of radiocesium via stemflow and throughfall.

Morphological defects in native Japanese fir trees around the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.

After the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (F1NPP) in March 2011, much attention has been paid to the biological consequences of the released radionuclides into the surrounding area. We investigated the morphological changes in Japanese fir, a Japanese endemic native conifer, at locations near the F1NPP. Japanese fir populations near the F1NPP showed a significantly increased number of morphological defects, involving deletions of leader shoots of the main axis, compared to a control population far from the F1NPP. The frequency of the defects corresponded to the radioactive contamination levels of the observation sites. A significant increase in deletions of the leader shoots became apparent in those that elongated after the spring of 2012, a year after the accident. These results suggest possibility that the contamination by radionuclides contributed to the morphological defects in Japanese fir trees in the area near the F1NPP.

Thermogravimetric analysis with gas chromatograph mass spectrometry of Japanese fir wood (Abies sachalinensis) in helium with or without steam–oxygen

Thermal properties of a kind of Japanese fir wood (Abies sachalinensis) were thermogravimetrically analyzed and produced compounds were gas chromatograph mass spectrometrically analyzed for basic study of biomass gasification. Atmosphere during each analysis was controlled to be helium alone or helium with steam–oxygen. Compounds identified in this series of measurements were roughly classified into three groups: (a) phenol and its derivatives, (b) oxygenated cyclic compounds, and (c) oxygenated compounds of low molecule. Their production rates were dependent on both temperature and atmosphere, which well explained high carbon conversion rate from feedstock to gas of advanced gasification technologies, such as entrained-flow type gasification, and high yields of solid and liquid residues of traditional gasification technologies, such as fixed-bed type gasification.

Bursaphelenchus firmae n. sp. (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae), isolated from Monochamus grandis Waterhouse that emerged from dead firs, Abies firma Sieb. et Zucc.

Bursaphelenchus firmae n. sp. is described. This new species was isolated during a field survey of longhorn beetle-associated nematodes. The fourth-stage dispersal (dauer) juveniles of the new species were recovered from dissected bodies (tracheal system) of Monochamus grandis, which emerged from dead logs of Japanese fir, Abies firma, collected from Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan. The new species is mid-sized for the genus, with females 603-828 μm and males 530-698 μm long. Four lateral lines occur on the body surface and seven genital papillae are found in males (P1 ventral single papilla and P2-P4 pairs). A long and arcuate spicule forms a trapezium in lateral view and a rather large, sub-squared, bursal flap and a vulva with conspicuous vulval flap are present. The female tail is smoothly tapered and possesses a conspicuous and blunt mucro. Based upon its diagnostic morphological characters, the new species belongs to the B. xylophilus group of the genus, and is closely related to B. fraudulentus, B. mucronatus, B. doui, B. macromucronatus and B. populi. It is distinguished from these five species by the morphology of the male bursal flap and the female mucro and several morphometric values. Molecular phylogenetic analyses inferred from D2/D3 LSU suggest that the new species is close to B. mucronatus and B. xylophilus, i.e., these three species form a well supported monophyletic clade within the genus. Although the new species has a weak pathogenicity to pine trees, it does not seem to be a severe risk to native pine forests.

Heteronuclear Single-Quantum Coherence Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (HSQC NMR) Characterization of Acetylated Fir (Abies sachallnensis MAST) Wood Regenerated from Ionic Liquid

An ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim]Cl), was used to dissolve Japanese fir (Abies sachallnensis MAST) wood. Milled woods prepared by planetary ball-milling for 8 h dissolved completely in [Bmim]Cl at 100 °C in 2 h. The dissolved woods were then subjected to in situ acetylation, and the fully acetylated woods were regenerated from [Bmim]Cl. (1)H-(13)C correlation heteronuclear single-quantum coherence (HSQC) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments were successfully conducted with the acetylated woods in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-d(6). The acetylated lignin and polysaccharide signals dispersed reasonably well on the 2D spectra. Characterization of the NMR signals for the whole cell-wall components, including lignin, cellulose, and hemicelluloses, was achieved by comparison with isolated lignin and commercial cellulose and hemicelluloses (arabinoxylan, galactomannan, and glucomannan). The procedure used here is applicable for the characterization of cell-wall components in various plant biomasses.

Effects of UV curable urethane acrylate resins treatments on the physical properties of medium‐ and small‐diameter softwoods

AbstractThis study analyzed the effects of ultraviolet curable urethane acrylate resin (UV resin) treatments on surface homogeneity, dimensional stability, and change in colors of medium‐ and small‐ diameter softwoods produced in Taiwan. The UV resins were formulated with urethane acrylate oligomer/methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer by the weight ratio of 50/50, 60/40, 70/30, 80/20, and 90/10, and 3% of photoinitiator (benzil dimethyl ketal) by the total weight of UV resins was added, respectively. Four kinds of softwoods, including Taiwanina, China fir, Taiwan incense cedar and Japanese fir with a diameter of 10–15 cm were obtained from Hui‐Sun Forest Station, Taiwan. Results show that the oligomer derived from 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2‐HEMA) and polymeric toluene diisocyanate (PTDI) by the molar ratio of NCO/OH = 1.0 could be readily synthesized and the prepared UV resin were also easily applied to the woods at room temperature and normal pressure. The surface hardness and moisture excluding efficiency (MEE) of woods were markedly enhanced and correlated with the increased in oligomer content of the UV resins as well as the homogeneity of softwood surfaces were also improved. According to the antiswelling efficiency (ASE), the increased in dimensional stability of woods were achieved; especially for the lower specific gravity China fir had the greatest improved efficiency of 60.68% at oligomer/MMA ratio of 80/20. In addition, a massive, colorful, and warm feeling in sense of sight on UV resin‐treated wood, which would appeal to most people, was also obtained. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011