Leaf Type Research Articles

Style-Consistent Image Translation: A Novel Data Augmentation Paradigm to Improve Plant Disease Recognition.

Deep learning shows its advantages and potentials in plant disease recognition and has witnessed a profound development in recent years. To obtain a competing performance with a deep learning algorithm, enough amount of annotated data is requested but in the natural world, scarce or imbalanced data are common, and annotated data is expensive or hard to collect. Data augmentation, aiming to create variations for training data, has shown its power for this issue. But there are still two challenges: creating more desirable variations for scarce and imbalanced data, and designing a data augmentation to ease object detection and instance segmentation. First, current algorithms made variations only inside one specific class, but more desirable variations can further promote performance. To address this issue, we propose a novel data augmentation paradigm that can adapt variations from one class to another. In the novel paradigm, an image in the source domain is translated into the target domain, while the variations unrelated to the domain are maintained. For example, an image with a healthy tomato leaf is translated into a powdery mildew image but the variations of the healthy leaf are maintained and transferred into the powdery mildew class, such as types of tomato leaf, sizes, and viewpoints. Second, current data augmentation is suitable to promote the image classification model but may not be appropriate to alleviate object detection and instance segmentation model, mainly because the necessary annotations can not be obtained. In this study, we leverage a prior mask as input to tell the area we are interested in and reuse the original annotations. In this way, our proposed algorithm can be utilized to do the three tasks simultaneously. Further, We collect 1,258 images of tomato leaves with 1,429 instance segmentation annotations as there is more than one instance in one single image, including five diseases and healthy leaves. Extensive experimental results on the collected images validate that our new data augmentation algorithm makes useful variations and contributes to improving performance for diverse deep learning-based methods.

Earth Observation for Phenological Metrics (EO4PM): Temporal Discriminant to Characterize Forest Ecosystems

The study of vegetation phenology has great relevance in many fields since the importance of knowing timing and shifts in periodic plant life cycle events to face the consequences of global changes in issues such as crop production, forest management, ecosystem disturbances, and human health. The availability of high spatial resolution and dense revisit time satellite observations, such as Sentinel-2 satellites, allows high resolution phenological metrics to be estimated, able to provide key information from time series and to discriminate vegetation typologies. This paper presents an automated and transferable procedure that combines validated methodologies based on local curve fitting and local derivatives to exploit full satellite Earth observation time series to produce information about plant phenology. Multivariate statistical analysis is performed for the purpose of demonstrating the capacity of the generated smoothed vegetation curve, temporal statistics, and phenological metrics to serve as temporal discriminants to detect forest ecosystems processes responses to environmental gradients. The results show smoothed vegetation curve and temporal statistics able to highlight seasonal gradient and leaf type characteristics to discriminate forest types, with additional information about forest and leaf productivity provided by temporal statistics analysis. Furthermore, temporal, altitudinal, and latitudinal gradients are obtained from phenological metrics analysis, which also allows to associate temporal gradient with specific phenophases that support forest types distinction. This study highlights the importance of integrated data and methodologies to support the processes of vegetation recognition and monitoring activities.

Morfologi Jenis - Jenis Tumbuhan Pada Lahan Reklamasi Tambang Batubara Bukit Asam Tanjung Enim

This study on the morphology of plant species in the Bukit Asam Tanjung Enim Coal Mine Reclamation Land, has been carried out from May 2021 to June 2021. The purpose of this study was to the determine the morphology and types of plants on the coal mine reclamation land in Tanjung Enim. This study uses a deskriptive survey method. Sampling using purposive sampling with exploring techniques. The results obtained are 12 plant species, namely: Kayu putih ( Melaleca leucadendra (L)), Akasia ( Acacia mangium ), Lamtoro ( Leucaena leucocephala ), Mahoni ( Swietenia macrophilla King ), Tanjung ( Mimusops elengi Linn ), Waru ( Hibiscus tiliaceus ),Seru ( Schima wallichii ), Kelapa sawit ( Elaeis guineensis ), Jati ( Tectona grandis ), Trembesi ( Samanea saman ), Angsana ( Pterocarpus indicus Willd ), Sengon ( Paracerienthes falcataria (L)).Morphological observations on the root ( Radix ), stem ( Caulis ), leaf ( Folium ), flower ( Flos ), fruit ( Fructus ). System that has been obtained is a tap root (Radix primaria) and fibers root (Radix adventica). Types of woody trunk (Lignosus), single leaf types (Folium simplex) and compound (Folium compositum), single flowers and compound flowers, and there are 4 types of fruit, namely box fruit, buni fruit, stone fruit and pod. Keywords : Morphology, Land Use

The submergence tolerance regulator SUB1A differentially coordinates molecular adaptation to submergence in mature and growing leaves of rice (Oryza sativa L.).

A typical adaptive response to submergence regulated by SUB1A, the ethylene-responsive transcription factor gene, is the restricted elongation of the uppermost leaves. However, the molecular and physiological functions of SUB1A have been characterized using entire shoot tissues, most of which are mature leaves that do not elongate under submergence. We aimed to identify leaf-type-specific and overlapping adaptations coordinated in SUB1A-dependent and -independent manners. To this end, we compared the transcriptomic and hormonal responses to submergence between mature and growing leaves using rice genotypes with and without SUB1A. Monosaccharide, branched-chain amino acid, and nucleoside metabolism, associated with ATP synthesis, were commonly activated in both leaf types regardless of genotype. In both leaf types, pathways involved in carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolism were suppressed by SUB1A, with more severe restriction in growing leaves that have a greater energy demand if SUB1A is absent. In growing leaves, accumulation of and responsiveness to growth-regulating hormones were properly modulated by SUB1A, which correlated with restricted elongation. In mature leaves, submergence-induced auxin accumulation was suppressed by SUB1A. This study demonstrates that different sets of hormonal pathways, both of which are modulated by SUB1A, contribute to distinct adaptive responses to submergence in mature and growing rice leaves.

When rain collides with plants-patterns and forces of drop impact and how leaves respond to them.

Raindrop impact on leaves is a common event which is of relevance for numerous processes, including the dispersal of pathogens and propagules, leaf wax erosion, gas exchange, leaf water absorption, and interception and storage of rainwater by canopies. The process of drop impact is complex, and its outcome depends on many influential factors. The wettability of plants has been recognized as an important parameter which is itself complex and difficult to determine for leaf surfaces. Other important parameters include leaf inclination angle and the ability of leaves to respond elastically to drop impact. Different elastic motions are initiated by drop impact, including local deformation, flapping, torsion, and bending, as well as 'swinging' of the petiole. These elastic responses, which occur on different time scales, can affect drop impact directly or indirectly, by changing the leaf inclination. An important feature of drop impact is splashing, meaning the fragmentation of the drop with ejection of satellite droplets. This process is promoted by the kinetic energy of the drop and leaf traits. For instance, a dense trichome cover can suppress splashing. Basic drop impact patterns are presented and discussed for a number of different leaf types, as well as some exemplary mosses.

Flow Intermittency Affects Leaf Decomposition and Benthic Consumer Communities of Alpine Streams: A Case Study along the Po River

Streams and rivers are becoming increasingly intermittent in Alpine regions due to the global climate change and related increases of local water abstractions, making it fundamental to investigate the occurrence of supraseasonal drying events and their correlated effects. We aimed to investigate leaf litter decomposition, the C:N ratio of the litter, and changes in associated macroinvertebrate communities in three reaches of the Po River: One upstream, consistently perennial, a perennial mid-reach with high hydrological variability, and an intermittent downstream reach. We placed leaf litter bags of two leaf types—chestnut and oak; both showed comparable decomposition rates, but the remaining litter mass was different and was attributed to the C:N ratio and palatability. Furthermore, (1) in perennial reaches, leaf litter decomposed faster than in the intermittent ones; (2) in intermittent reaches, the C:N ratio showed a decreasing trend in both leaf types, indicating that drying affected the nitrogen consumption, therefore the conditioning phase; (3) associated macroinvertebrate communities were richer and more stable in perennial reaches, where a higher richness and abundance of EPT taxa and shredders was observed. Our results suggest that the variations in the hydrology of mountain streams caused by global climate change could significantly impact on functional processes and biodiversity of benthic communities.

Morphological Characteristics of Different Ficus Species Found in Samaru-Zaria, Nigeria

The genus Ficus is an important genetic resource due to its high economic and nutritional values. It is also an important part of biodiversity in the rainforest ecosystem. The leaf shape is variable, even among the leaves on the same tree and such characters as acuminate tips and cordate bases are seldom constant. The research was aimed to determined the morphological characteristics of leaves from eight different Ficus species found in Zaria in wet and dry season. Macromorphological characters such as leaf type, leaf shape, leaf apex, leaf margin, leaf arrangement and leaf base were examined. Macromorphological characters show leaf arrangement to be alternate in all the species. The leaf apexes are acute, obtuse and Acuminate, with leaf base been cordate and obtuse, having a leaf margin of serrate, entire and scalloped, with the shapes of the leaf cordate, ovate and elliptic. Quantitative examination of the foliar characteristics in both wet and dry season showed a significant difference in the leaf number among all the species except for Ficus reliogosa, Ficus capensis and Ficus elastica having P values 0.938, 0.963 and 0.873 respectively. Leaf length also varies significantly among all species except for Ficus reliogosa, Ficus polita, F. platyphylla and F. natalensis while leaflet width also varies significantly among all the species except for Ficus platyphylla. Petiole length was also significant among the species except for Ficus elastica (P value 0.417) The findings from this research revealed that the macromorphological characteristics of Ficus species in Zaria during wet and dry season indicate a significant variation across species.
 Keywords: Morphological, Foliar, Ficus species, Wet and dry season

Elevated atmospheric CO2 enhances the phytoremediation efficiency of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) in Cd-polluted soil

With the economic development of society, concentrations of atmospheric CO2 and heavy metals in soils have been increasing. The physiological responses of plants to the interaction between soil pollution and climatic change need to be understood. Pot experiments were designed to assess variations in Festuca arundinacea dry weight, leaf type, chlorophyll content, antioxidase activities, and Cd accumulation ability, under different atmospheric CO2 treatments. The results showed that the total dry weights increased with increasing CO2, and Cd concentrations in falling leaf tissues increased with raised atmospheric CO2, before reaching a peak at 600 ppm, above which they remained constant. Compared with the control (400 ppm), 600, 650, and 700 ppm CO2 treatments increased the proportions of the falling tissues by 1.7%, 3.3%, and 4.5%, respectively. Antioxidant enzyme activities in plant leaves increased with increasing atmospheric CO2 levels. The concentration of H2O2 in leaf tissues increased with increasing CO2, reaching a peak at 600 ppm, and then decreased significantly as the CO2 content increased further, to 700 ppm. The results in this study suggest that F. arundinacea could be regarded as a potential candidate for phytoremediation of Cd-polluted soil; especially if senescent and dead leaf tissues could be harvested, and that raised atmospheric CO2 levels could improve its soil remediation efficiency. Novelty statement Extrapolation of results from experiments of environmental impacts in greenhouse to real scale field requires to be considered cautiously. External factors such as water, temperature, humidity, and pollution are variable in real field. Plants will face a lot of beneficial or detrimental conditions which will influence the magnitude of the results. However, the elevation of CO2 is an inevitable phenomenon in future. Therefore, findings from experiments under artificial conditions are sometime a good choice to obtain knowledge about elevated CO2 related impacts on phytoremediation efficiency of a specific plant. The final goal of this work is to find a suitable CO2 fumigation strategy optimized for soil remediation. We report on that elevated atmospheric CO2 can increase the phytoremediation efficiency of Festuca arundinacea for Cd. This is significant because the combined influences of elevated atmospheric CO2 and metal pollution in terms of biomass yield, pollutant uptake, and phytoremediation efficiency would be more complex than the effects of each individual factor.

Study of diversity in thermo-tolerant advanced lines of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) for Morpho-physiological, Yield and its Contributing Traits

The present study was carried out to examine the genetic diversity among 151 thermo-tolerant advanced breeding lines of wheat for two experimental years during Rabi 2017-18 and Rabi 2018-19 in randomized block design in an area of 312 m2 at Field Experimentation Center, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, SHUATS, Allahabad. The data were recorded in both the seasons for total 23 traits i.e. 18 quantitative characters to study variability, heritability, genetic advance and genetic divergence and 5 morphological characters. ANOVA showed significant differences for all the characters except flag leaf width, in both experimental seasons and for gluten content in season Rabi 2018-19 indicating the presence of a substantial amount of genetic variability which thus revealed different genetic backgrounds of genotypes. High estimates of both GCV and PCV were observed for biological yield in both experimental years. High heritability with high genetic advance was recorded for all quantitative characters except flag leaf width and gluten content indicating the predominance of additive gene effects and hence the possibilities of effective selection for the improvement of these traits. D2 analysis grouped these lines into 10 clusters in which cluster VII was biggest cluster with 26 lines. Further diversity analysis revealed that cluster IV and VII followed by Cluster VI and Cluster VII were most divergent from each other, and the genotypes present in them may be used as parents for further hybridization program to develop desirable heat type in wheat. Analysis of 5 Morphological characters i.e. leaf type, rachis colour, leaf shape, waxiness and stay green habit, depicted that HUW-213 x NW-1076 followed by HALNA x RAJ-4037 were found above average yielders and terminal heat tolerant primarily due to their semi-erect leaf type, green rachis color, broad leaf shape, stay green habit and less days to maturity as compared to checks.

Rhabdotaenia – a typical Gondwanan leaf from the upper Permian of Jordan

Rhabdotaenia, a typical leaf type of Gondwana (e.g., India, Australia, Africa, South America) is described from the Umm Irna Formation (Permian) of the Dead Sea Region, Jordan. Two fragments with well-preserved cuticles were collected during fieldwork in 2017 from a single locality. They are characterized by a taeniopterid morphology and sparsely anastomosing veins. Veins arise from the rachis at acute angles of about 45°, immediately dichotomize and recurve slightly to run at about 80° to the rachis straight towards the margin, sporadically dichotomizing a second time and forming sparse anastomoses. Epifluorescence microscopy revealed that stomata are confined to intercostal fields and are haplocheilic with exposed guard cells surrounded by only poorly differentiated subsidiary cells. Ordinary epidermal cells are characterized by slightly sinuous cell walls within intercostal fields. The new material is the northernmost occurrence of this genus reported so far, well within the palaeoequatorial belt of Pangea. This occurrence highlights the floral relationship of some assemblages of the so called ‘mixed floras’ of the Arabian Peninsula with Gondwana, and demonstrates that the Umm Irna Formation, in particular, still holds great potential for future palaeobotanical discoveries. Patrick Blomenkemper [p_blom02@uni-muenster.de], Paläobotanik, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Heisenbergstraße 2, 48149 Münster, Germany; Hans Kerp [kerp@uni-muenster.de], Paläobotanik, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Heisenbergstraße 2, 48149 Münster, Germany; Abdalla Abu Hamad [abdalla80@hotmail.com], University of Jordan, Queen Rania St, 2V7F + 85 Amman, Jordan; Benjamin Bomfleur [bbomfleur@uni-muenster.de], Paläobotanik, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Heisenbergstraße 2, 48149 Münster, Germany.

Effects of Region and Elevation on Adaptation of Leaf Functional Traits of an Invasive Plant Erigeron annuus in China

A key scientific challenge relating to the threat of invasive plants on agriculture at the region level is to understand their adaptation and evolution in functional traits. Leaf functional traits, related to growth and resource utilization, might lead to adaptation of invasive plants to the geographical barriers (region or elevation). In the field experiment, we discussed the effects of region and elevation on leaf functional traits on invasive plant Erigeron annuus in farmland habitats in China. We compared leaf size, coefficient of variation (CV) of leaf traits, and fluctuating asymmetry (FA) of E. annuus from three regions (east vs. center vs. west) and two leaf types (vegetative vs. reproductive leaf), and from nine elevations (980–2100 m) in the west region of China. Our results indicated region and leaf type influenced leaf functional traits, and leaf size was significantly higher and CV of leaf traits and FA in reproductive leaves were significantly lower in the east region than in the west and center regions. Elevation and leaf type affected leaf functional traits, and leaf size was significantly higher and CV of leaf traits in reproductive leaves were significantly lower in moderate elevation. E. annuus has higher leaf size and developmental stability (lower CV and FA) in the eastern region due to the longer adaptation period. Therefore, leaf functional traits play an important role in the adaptation of different longitudes and elevations. It can also facilitate the understanding of the invasiveness and adaptation of leaf traits of invasive plants in the agricultural ecosystem during their spread process in China.

Roles of YABBY tanscription factors in the regulation of leaf development and abiotic stress responses in <i>Camellia sinensis</i>

The formation of leaf polarity directly determines the development of leaf spreading and type, and affects the physiological functions of photosynthesis, transpiration and stress resistance of plants. Many famous Chinese teas are highly dependent on the morphological characteristics and size of the tea leaves. To date, there have been few reports on the establishment of tea leaf polarity and leaf type development. The plant-specific transcription factor YABBY family gene has been reported to be involved in the formation of leaf polarity and growth. Herein we describe the isolation and functional characterization of transcription factor YABBY genes of the tea plant (<i>Camellia sinensis</i>). Six YABBY transcription factors were isolated from tea plants and classified into five clusters in the protein phylogenetic tree. Among them, <i>CsFILa</i> and <i>CsFILb</i> were highly expressed in buds and mature petals, and their expression decreased with the stage of leaf development. The Arabidopsis transgenic lines of <i>CsFILa</i> and <i>CsFILb</i> showed abaxial curled and long-narrow leaves. The above results indicated that <i>CsFILa</i> and <i>CsFILb</i> regulated the leaf growth of tea plants. The growth and expansion rate of leaf on the picked shoots decreased significantly after being plucked from tea plants, especially those suffering from drought stress. In this process, <i>CsFILa</i> expression levels decreased 60%−80% compared to the control. These data indicated YABBY genes play important roles in the leaf development of <i>Camellia sinensis</i>.

Genomic markers analysis associated with resistance to Alternaria alternata (fr.) keissler-tomato pathotype, Solanum lycopersicum L.

Alternaria alternata, the causal pathogen of early blight (EB) disease, is one of the most important diseases in tomato, and other solanaceae family. We analyzed 35 tomato genotypes for quantitative/qualitative traits and biomass growth parameters, as well as the extent and structure of genetic variation associated with EB resistance. Phenotypic comparisons displayed significant differences in leaf blade width (24.95%), stem thickness (30.28%), foliage density (18.88%), and plant size (18.89%), with significant positive correlations with EB resistance (0.18-0.75). Correlation analysis showed that mature fruit size, thickness of fruit pericarp, and leaf type were significantly and negatively correlated with EB resistance (up to -0.41). The susceptible tomato seedlings represented significant reductions in biomass parameters. According to ISSR analysis, the highest resolving power (≥0.79) and heterozygosity (≥0.24) values revealed the presence of high genetic variability among the tomato genotypes. Bayesian model-based STRUCTURE analysis assembled the genotypes into 4 (best ΔK = 4) genetic groups. Combined phenotypic and molecular markers proved to be significantly useful for genetic diversity assessment associated with EB disease resistance.

Flora of Espírito Santo: Capparaceae

Abstract Capparaceae is a pantropical family of Angiosperm with about 40 to 45 genera and 700 to 900 species, which presents a wide morphological variation in flowers and fruits. There are 12 genera and 30 species of the family in Brazil, a half of it occurring in the Atlantic Forest. Here we study the species of Capparaceae occurring in Espírito Santo, with the objective of expanding the knowledge about the richness of this family in Atlantic Forest. The study was based on the analysis on herbaria collections, as well as samples collected during field collections. Capparaceae in Espírito Santo state is represented by the genera Capparidastrum (1 sp.), Crateva (1 sp.), Cynophalla (2 spp.), Mesocapparis (1 sp.), Monilicarpa (1 sp.) and Neocalyptrocalyx (2 spp.). Cynophalla grandiflora is first described here. Capparaceae is commonly found at a maximum altitude of 600 m in Espírito Santo, predominantly in “tabuleiros costeiros” and coastal plains, without records in mountainous regions. Morphological characteristics of such as habitat, pubescence, tertiary veins, nectaries on leaf axils and type of fruit, are fundamental for the delimitation of the species.

The characteristics of vegetation within ,,Javorina” protected area at Jahorina Mountain

The paper will analyse the vegetationtypes and distribution within protected zones ,,Javorina” at Jahorina mountain, near Sarajevo. European program Copernicus monitors the condition of forests and grassland in 39 European countries by using the High Resolution Layer (HRL) based on photointerpretation of satellite images. The HRL Forests database consists of 3 types of (status) products, and additional change products. The status products are available for the reference years 2012, 2015, and 2018. The status layers provide information on the Dominant Leaf Type and the Tree Cover Density at pixel level for the reference year 2018 in 10 m resolution. Grassland database provide detailed product specifications for the 2018 and two previous products for the reference years 2012 and 2015, following a 3-years update cycle.Also, the paper discusses the changes in vegetation that occurred in the period 2015-2018. In order to have a longer period of monitoring and determine the trends of changes, the CORINE Land Cover Changes database was also used for the periods 2000-2006, 2006-2012 and 2012-2018.

삽주 수집자원의 생육 특성 및 Sesquiterpenoid 함량 변이

Background: This study evaluated the local germplasm of Atractylodes japonica Koidz. And investigated the individual variation of growth characteristics and sesquiterpenoid contents.<BR>Methods and Results: Overall, seven local germplasm were collected in Korea. Sesquiterpenoids, atractylenolide III (AT3) and atractylon (ATLN), were analyzed quantitatively using higher performance liquid chromatography to evaluate the rhizome quality of each germplasm. The Haenam local population (n = 57) was maintained in an experimental field, and growth characteristics such as numbers of flowers, stem and leaves, inflorescence size, stem length, rhizome weight, and sesquiterpenoid contents were investigated. The local germplasm from Jeongsun, Youngcheon, and Haenam had higher amounts of AT3 and ATLN than those from Munkyung, Hamyang, Hadong, and Wando. The Haenam local population was grouped individually by the leaf type and by rhizome shpape. Individual level variation in the Haenam local population was relatively large in sesquiterpenoid contents and growth characteristics except in the sizes of inflorescence and involucre. Shoot growth characteristics were positively correlated with rhizome weight, but lacked correlation with sesquiterpenoid contents. There were no differences among AT3 and ATLN contents in plants with different leaf type, and rhizome shape, and plants with compound leaves of trifoliate and pentafoliate had larger shoot growth.<BR>Conclusions: Local germplasm of A. japonica had large variation in growth characteristics and sesquiterpenoid contents, and plants with greater shoot growth and compound leaves have potential for higher rhizome yield.

The Leaf and Stem Anatomy of Two Endemic Salvia (Section Salvia, Lamiaceae) from Turkey: S. aucheri subsp. canascens and S. heldrichiana

Salvia L. has a wide variety of traditional usages as digestive, appetizer, carminative, antiseptic, stimulant, pain reliever, antipyretic, diuretic, antitussive and for bronchitis, asthma and cold. Anatomical features are extremely important for the taxonomy of Salvia species, especially leaf and stem represent many specific characteristics. The aim of this study is to determine the distinctive anatomical structures of S. aucheri subsp. canascens (Boiss. &amp; Heldr.) Celep, Kahraman &amp; Doğan and S. heldreichiana Boiss. comparatively. The transverse-sections were taken from the leaf and stem to determine the anatomical features of two Salvia species. They differ in many anatomical characters like leaf type, which is bifacial and hypostomatic for S. aucheri subsp. canascens and monofacial and amphistomatic for S. heldreichiana. Besides, the leaf surfaces of both species are covered by different types of glandular trichomes. The midrib contains a big vascular bundle in S. aucheri subsp. canascens and has three big vascular bundles in S. heldreichiana. Additionally, the stem surface of S. aucheri subsp. canascens is glabrous while the stem is pilose in S. heldreichiana. In conclusion, our anatomical results were contributed to the taxonomy of S. aucheri subsp. canascens and S. heldreichiana and confirmed the importance of anatomy in the species level for the genus.

Analysis of the Manufacturing Variables of Binderless Panels Made of Leaves of Olive Tree (Olea europaea L.) Pruning Waste

While the construction industry consumes more raw materials than any other industrial sector, agriculture generates a large amount of waste that is not managed properly. The olive industry produces more than 7.5 million tons of waste that could be recovered. This paper presents a new method to valorize the leaves of olive tree pruning waste consisting of the manufacture of ecologic boards without adhesives by hot pressing. In order to analyze their influence, three manufacturing variables were varied to obtain the boards: leaf type (shredded and whole leaves), temperature (130, 140 and 150 °C) and time (4, and 12 min). Twenty-four boards were made and were then tested for their mechanical, physical and thermal properties according to the EN standards. The boards showed good results of thickness swelling (TS), water absorption (WA) and of thermal conductivity and can be used as an alternative for manufacturing thermal insulation boards. With a smaller particle size of shredded leaves, longer pressing times and higher pressing temperatures, the mechanical behavior of the boards could improve. The olive leaves are a low-cost renewable resource, and manufacturing products with a long, useful life can be beneficial to the environment.

Estimating recent forest losses in Bosnia and Herzegovina by using the Copernicus and Corine land cover databases

The analysis of data from the first two decades of the 21st century shows that the area under forests in Bosnia and Herzegovina is gradually decreasing. In order to gain a detailed insight into this process, the paper will analyse the forest databases of the European satellite monitoring program Copernicus. This program, among other things, monitors the condition of forests in 39 European countries by using the High Resolution Layer (HRL). The HRL Forests database consists of 3 types of (status) products, and additional change products. The status products are available for the reference years 2012, 2015, and 2018. The status layers provide information on the Dominant Leaf Type and the Tree Cover Density at pixel level for the reference year 2018 in 10 m resolution. The Forest Type layer largely follows the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) forest definition. Also, the paper will use the data on forests from the CORINE Land Cover project for 2000, 2006, 2012 and 2018. The time-series includes a land change layer, highlighting changes in land cover and land use. The CLC Changes database will be analysed separately for three periods: 2000-2006, 2006-2012 and 2012-2018, due to more accurate data on forest losses. The results of the research show that forests in Bosnia and Herzegovina were reduced by 2.95%, in the period 2012-2018, where 2.55% of them were coniferous. Forests are primarily endangered by the process of conversion to transitional forest / shrub and fires.

Influences of elevated O3 and CO2 on Cd distribution in different Festuca arundinacea tissues

It is necessary to reveal the responses of the biomass production and metal accumulation capacity of different plants to the variations of atmospheric conditions and soil metals, with the acceleration of urbanization and industrialization. In the present study, a series of experiments were designed to study the individual and interactive influences of O3 and CO2 fumigation on the biomass yield, variation in different leaf types, distribution of cadmium (Cd) in various tissues, and phytoremediation efficiency of Festuca arundinacea using open top chambers. The results found that an elevated O3 content of 80 ppb, a potential O3 content predicted for 2050, decreased the total dry mass of F. arundinacea and increased the proportion of falling leaf tissues of the species significantly. Under the same ambient CO2 levels, O3 fumigation increased the Cd concentrations in the roots and the fresh, mature, senescent, and dead leaf tissues by 27.8%, 133.3%, 94.4%, 125.3%, and 48.6%, respectively. An elevated CO2 content (550 ppm) promoted the biomass yield of F. arundinacea, particularly in the falling leaf tissues. The results of the combined O3 and CO2 treatment showed that CO2 fumigation alleviated the negative effects of O3 on plant growth and increased the accumulation capacity in different plant tissues. Significantly more Cd was accumulated in senescent and dead leaves under the synergistic action of CO2 and O3, suggesting that the phytoremediation effect on F. arundinacea using the falling leaves harvesting method could be improved under the future atmospheric environment of high CO2 and O3 levels.