Pinus Brutia Forests Research Articles

Dynamics of resin yield in Pinus brutia: A quantitative analysis using bark streak tapping

The sustainable harvesting of resin yield from forests plays a crucial role in providing valuable renewable resources. Specifically, Pinus brutia forests in Türkiye are significant for their oleoresin, utilized in various industries. Yet, understanding how dendrometric and meteorological factors influence resin yield is essential for optimizing production while ensuring forest sustainability. This study aimed to estimate oleoresin yield in Pinus brutia plantations using dendrometric parameters (such as diameter at breast height and tree height, basal area, volume and canopy closure) and meteorological parameters (including monthly; minimum, maximum, and average temperature, precipitation, humidity, vapor pressure, and wind speed), to identify the key factors affecting resin production. Resin was collected from 389 Pinus brutia trees of varying diameters across 27 different plots using the bark streak tapping method, with data recorded every 15 days over a year. Weighted Leased Square regression analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between resin yield and the aforementioned dendrometric and meteorological parameters. The analysis revealed that diameter at breast height, monthly average temperature, wind speed, and precipitation significantly influence resin yield. The study underscores the intricate interplay between these factors and resin production, indicating that larger diameters and specific meteorological conditions—especially average temperature, wind speed, and precipitation—are positively correlated with increased resin output. The findings suggest that sustainable resin extraction practices in Pinus brutia forests should account for not only the physical characteristics of the trees but also the local meteorological conditions to maximize yield without compromising forest health. This research contributes to the development of more effective guidelines for oleoresin harvesting, ensuring both economic viability and ecological preservation.

Determination of forest fire risk with respect to Marchalina hellenica potential distribution to protect pine honey production sites in Turkey.

Turkey is the leading producer of pine honey worldwide, accounting for 90% of global production, largely due to the presence of Marchalina hellenica populations. However, in recent years, devastating forest fires have caused substantial damage to Pinus brutia forests and M. hellenica populations, leading to a dramatic decline in pine honey production areas. The urgency for early intervention procedures against forest fires and relocation of M. hellenica populations to other P. brutia forests has become apparent. A comprehensive assessment of 25 criteria was conducted to investigate the thresholds and behaviors of each criterion, which play a vital role in the distribution of M. hellenica, using the maximum entropy model (MaxEnt). To evaluate the impact of forest fires on the distribution of M. hellenica, the potential locations of pine honey production areas were determined for 2022. Furthermore, the susceptibility of forest fires was modeled for all pine honey production months. The findings revealed that forest fires have destroyed 384.9 km2 (12.8% of the total pine honey production area), predominantly in August and September, with the most severe damage in Marmaris (156 km2) and significant impacts in Ula, Köyceğiz, and Milas. The analysis facilitates the estimation of new areas suitable for M. hellenica and pine honey production while providing valuable insights into strategies for mitigating forest fires and formulating proactive protection protocols.

Analysis of the Environments Where Natural Regeneration Is Established in the Absence of a Wildfire in the Open Pinus brutia Forests in the Middle Elevations of the Central Part of Cyprus

The objective of this research was to analyze the P. brutia natural regeneration and the environments where it was established in the absence of a wildfire in the open formations of the species in the middle elevations of the central part of Cyprus. Forty-eight rectangular plots of 0.1 ha were established in three site productivity types. Individuals of the species with a height from 0.1 m to 1.5 m were considered regeneration plants. Within each plot, various measurements and estimations were made. Moreover, 480 hemispherical photographs were taken. Additionally, hemispherical photographs were taken above each of the recorded naturally regenerated P. brutia plants. In all the site productivity types, the most regeneration plants were established and grew under the process of facilitation. In each of the site productivity types, there were no differences in the light condition diversity between the environments where the regeneration plants grew and the existing light conditions. Regeneration exhibited a small number of plants and constituted only a very small proportion of all trees in the three site productivity types. To achieve sustainability in P. brutia forests, forest practices must develop strategies for the enhancement of P. brutia regeneration in the studied area and in analogous environments.

Bunium serdengectii (Apiaceae), a new species from South Anatolia, Turkey

A new species, Bunium serdengectii (Apiaceae), is described from South Anatolia, Turkey. It grows in open Pinus brutia forests and in macchia formation of the Taurus Mountains in the district of Akseki (Antalya province). The taxonomic affinities of the new species were determined by analyzing morphological data and a molecular phylogenetic study of nrITS. Bunium serdengectii belongs to the section Elegantia, and is related to B. pinnatifolium, but morphologically is more related to B. sayae. The anatomical structure of the fruit is given in detail. The diagnostic morphological characters of B. serdengectii are discussed. In addition, the geographical distribution of the new species and the morphologically related species is mapped.

The occurrence and pathogenicity of fungi associated with Orthotomicus erosus on Pinus brutia in the Southern Marmara, Türkiye

Fungal pathogens associated with bark beetles constitute one of the most significant problems to forest health. The Turkish pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) is a native species in the forests of Türkiye and occurs in the Mediterranean-type climate. The Southern Marmara is a natural occurrence area of Turkish pine in the Marmara Region. In the present study, trap logs were set up in pure Pinus brutia forests to investigate fungi associated with Orthotomicus erosus (Wollaston) (Mediterranean pine beetle) throughout Southern Marmara. Orthotomicus erosus adults, larvae, and their galleries were sampled and individually cultured on a 1% CSMA (cycloheximide–streptomycin malt agar) medium. Three ophiostomatoid fungi were identified using morphological characteristics and molecular genetic analyses: Ceratocystis (syn. Ophiostoma) ips (Rumbold) C. Moreau, Graphilbum sp. H.P. Upadhyay & W.B. Kendr., and Leptographium wingfieldii M. Morelet. All three species were new in records of the fungal flora of Türkiye. The most dominant of these species, Ceratocystis ips was isolated 69%. Unexpectedly, L. wingfieldii had a high-frequency association with O. erosus (27%). The pathogenicity tests showed that all three species could cause lesions on branches of Turkish pine but were non-pathogenic or weak pathogenic.

Carbon Concentration in Tree Components of Mature Pinus brutia Ten. Forests in the Marmara Transition Zone

Aim of study: This study was carried out to determine the carbon concentration of the tree components (needles, wood, bark, root) and the weighted carbon concentrations of the above-ground and total tree mass. Area of study: Current study was carried out in natural Pinus brutia forests in the Marmara Transition Zone, southern side of Sakarya river. Material and methods: The samplings were made in 10 stands in the mature stage (dbh = 20.0-51.9 cm) that were different in terms of habitat characteristics. Needle, wood, bark, and root samples were taken from three dominant trees in each sample plot. Carbon was analysed in the laboratory in samples of tree components. The data obtained were evaluated by analysis of variance and Duncan multiple comparison test. Main results: Significant differences were determined between carbon concentration of tree components (p<0.001). The lowest carbon concentration (50.25%) was found in root and the highest (54.90%) in the bark. The weighted carbon concentration was calculated as 52.07% for the above-ground and 51.77% for the total tree biomass. Highlights: The results obtained can be used for the calculation of carbon stocks stored in both whole and in different components of trees in Pinus brutia forests.

Seasonal Variability of Large-Sized Particulate Matter Concentrations

Human exposure to particulate matter (PM) is of great scientific interest due to its impact on both human health and the environment (climate change, reduced visibility, deterioration of archaeological sites, etc.). The aim of the current paper was to study the concentration of large-sized particulate matter (PM10) in relation to the season of the year. Measurements were performed with the help of a personal Button Sampler in three repeated cycles, namely summer, autumn, and winter, in order to obtain comparable results from three different seasons of the year. A total of 45 samples were collected, 27 of which were obtained from a peri-urban Pinus brutia forest and 18 from an adjacent urban area (9 and 6 samples in each repeated sampling cycle, respectively). Results obtained from both sampling areas show a significant increase in PM10 levels during the summer (8.86 mg m−3/24 h) in comparison with the autumn and winter concentrations (3.71 mg m−3/24 h and 4.12 mg m−3/24 h, respectively).

Exploring Biodiversity and Disturbances in the of Peri-Urban Forests of Thessaloniki, Greece

Forests host important plant biodiversity. Nevertheless, due to climate change and human disturbances, the floristic quality of forest ecosystems is degraded. Greek peri-urban forests biodiversity is threatened by anthropogenic activities such as forest fragmentation, pollution, garbage, etc. Measurement of biodiversity status and the floristic quality assessment can be used to estimate the degree of forest degradation caused by anthropogenic disturbances. In this study, we compared and evaluated six forest ecosystem types in the peri-urban forests of Thessaloniki, northern Greece, by using Shannon’s biodiversity index as well as and α and β diversity Sørensen indices. Furthermore, we recorded the prevailing anthropogenic disturbances and compared the plant families and the ruderal species appearing in each forest ecosystem. Finally, the average conservatism value (C value) of the plant species found in each ecosystem was determined in order to calculate the ecosystem floristic quality index. Analysis of the results showed that the floristic and ecological parameters tested greatly vary among ecosystems. Broadleaf forests of higher altitude hosted the greatest biodiversity, and the higher floristic quality index and plant conservation value. On the contrary, most disturbances and most ruderal species were recorded in ecosystems of lower altitude, adjacent to the city (Pinus brutia forest and Maqui vegetation), the least disturbed ecosystems were found in the steep slopes (Castanea sativa forest). Most ruderal species found belonged to the Asteraceae and Rosaceae families. Accessibility and attractiveness of stands were positively correlated with disturbances. Insufficient management, lack of protection measures, and littering removal contribute to the increase in the level of disturbance.

Testing three rainfall interception models and different parameterization methods with data from an open Mediterranean pine forest

Various models have been developed to simulate rainfall interception by vegetation but their formulations and applications rely on a number of assumptions and parameter estimation procedures. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of different model assumptions and parameter derivation approaches on the performance of the Rutter, Gash and Liu interception models. The Rutter model, in contrast to the other two daily models, was applied both on an hourly and on a daily basis. Hourly data from a meteorological station, one automatic and 28 manual throughfall gauges from a semi-arid Pinus brutia forest (Cyprus) for the period between 01/Jul/2016 and 31/May/2020 were used for the analysis. We conducted a sensitivity analysis for the assessment of the model parameters and variables: canopy storage capacity (S), canopy cover fraction (c), the ratio of mean wet evaporation rate to mean wet rainfall rate (Ēc/R̄) and potential evaporation (Eo). Three parameter derivation approaches were tested: the widely used regression method and an automatic model parameterization procedure for optimization of S and c and for optimization of S (with c observed). The parameterized models were run with daily meteorological data and compared with long-term weekly throughfall data (2008–2019). The Gash and Liu models showed low sensitivity to Ēc/R̄. Test runs with different combinations of S, c and Ēc/R̄ revealed strong equifinality. The models showed high performance for both calibration and validation periods with Kling–Gupta Efficiency (KGE) above 0.90. Gash and Liu models with the automatic model parameterization procedures resulted in higher KGEs than with the regression method. The interception losses computed from the long-term application of the three models ranged between 18 and 20%. The models were all capable of capturing the inherently variable interception process. However, a representative time series of throughfall measurements is needed to parameterize the models.

Natural forests of Pinus pinea in western Turkey: a priority for conservation

Identifying, surveying, monitoring and protecting natural forests is a major task in conservation biology. However, it is often challenging to identify which forest is natural, especially in human-altered regions such as the Mediterranean. Consequently, the distributions of natural Mediterranean forest types and their underlying factors are often unclear. Here, we attempt to explain the restricted and scattered distribution of natural Pinus pinea (Stone pine) forests in western Anatolia (Turkey) by comparing it with the distribution and ecology of the widespread Pinus brutia (Turkish pine) forests in this area. We used climatic and topographic predictors to test for differences between forests dominated by these two pine species. We modelled the realized niches of both pine species using the most relevant climatic predictors. Then, we compared soil data collected in the field, partly complemented with those published in the literature. We found small differences in climatic (precipitation and temperature) and topographic characteristics between the two forest types, which did not adequately explain the differences in the distribution range of P. brutia and P. pinea dominated forests. Our data suggest that these two forest types mainly differ in soil characteristics. The primary habitat of natural P. pinea forests is characterized by a low soil pH and calcium content. The rare occurrence of such soil conditions in western Anatolia likely shapes the scattered distribution of P. pinea forests. Our study suggests that natural P. pinea forests are rare habitats that should be in the focus of nature conservation.

Litterfall production, carbon and nutrient return to the forest floor in Pinus brutia forests in Turkey

ABSTRACT In this study, we aimed at investigating carbon and nutrient concentration in litterfall components and calculating the weighted concentrations. Then, we estimated the annual carbon and nutrient return to the forest floor through litterfall. The study was carried out in even-aged stands of Pinus brutia in Antalya, in the South-Western part of Turkey. The litterfall samples were separated into five components, namely needles, bark, branches, cones, and “miscellaneous” which included flowers, buds, resins, etc. The amount of carbon and nutrients including N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Na were determined for each component. Carbon and nutrient concentrations differed significantly among litterfall components. The mean annual carbon returned to the forest floor was found to be 1515.9 (kg ha−1yr−1), which corresponds to 51.62 % in total annual litterfall. The annual amounts of nutrients of N, Ca, K, Mg and P returned to the forest floor were calculated as 149.7, 36.9, 7.2, 6.6, and 2.1 (kg ha−1yr−1), respectively. The weighted C concentration calculated in this study can be used for more accurate national carbon sink reporting. In addition, information on nutrients returned to the forest floor via litterfall could be useful in various forest and watershed management activities.

Distribution and genetic diversity of Dothistroma septosporum in Pinus brutia forests of south‐western Turkey

AbstractDothistroma needle blight (DNB) is a serious disease of the Pinaceae, mainly Pinus species, caused by the fungi Dothistroma septosporum and D. pini. Both species are regarded as invasive forest pathogens worldwide, with rising incidence in central and northern Europe over the last three decades. In this work, 29 sites were investigated between 2013 and 2015 in south‐western Turkey. Morphological examination of needles confirmed DNB infection (i.e., Dothistroma conidiospores observed) at 18 sites, and a total of 108 Dothistroma sp. isolates were obtained from 11 of the sites. Host age seemed to be an important factor in both occurrence and severity of DNB in Pinus brutia forests. Continuous rainy days, especially in December, may increase severity of disease; however, extreme rain events may reduce available conidiospores on plant tissues or in the air. Species‐specific mating type primers showed that all isolates were D. septosporum; D. pini was not detected. The mating type ratio was close to 1:1, indicating sexual recombination was occurring. Eleven microsatellite markers revealed 59 unique multilocus haplotypes (MLHs) among the 73 isolates originating from different conidiomata. The majority of MLHs were represented by a single isolate (n = 52) and only one MLH was shared between two localities. Analyses showed high genetic diversity, isolation‐by‐distance, and clear population clusters. These findings suggest that D. septosporum is well established in south‐western Turkey and is probably not a recent introduction.

Post-fire recovery of the plant community in Pinus brutia forests: active vs. indirect restoration techniques after salvage logging

Abstract: Although reforestation is frequently utilized in many Mediterranean Basin countries to restore burned Mediterranean pine woodlands, post-fire recovery of the plant community is often neglected. To compare the post-fire recovery of the plant community following active and indirect post-fire restoration techniques, we studied three post-fire regeneration treatments in a salvage-logged Pinus brutia forest, including two active (plantation and seeding) restoration techniques and one indirect (natural regeneration). An unburned pine stand was also included in the study. We applied the point-intercept method to obtain data on the presence and cover of individual species and functional groups in six replicate one-hectare plots for each treatment. We found no significant differences in plant species richness among post-fire treatments; however, plant community composition and vegetation structure were significantly different between treatments. There was a shift in plant community structure when active restoration techniques were applied, from the woody- and resprouter-dominated plant community of the unburned site to an annual herbaceous- and non-resprouter-dominated one. Our results suggest that active restoration by planting tree saplings in Mediterranean pine forests after a fire may decrease the plant community’s resilience and provide empirical evidence that pine plantation treatments change the plant species composition of these forests. These results have important implications for post-fire management of Mediterranean Basin pine forests.

Centaurea kirmacii (Asteraceae), a new species from southwestern Anatolia, Turkey

A new species of Centaurea is described from Turkey. Centaurea kirmacii Uysal & Armağan occurs on limestone slopes in Pinus brutia forests of Gökçukur plateau of Kavaklıdere (Muğla). The new species belongs to C. sect. Pteracantha Wagenitz, and taxonomically its closest relative is C. odyssei Wagenitz. Diagnostic characters of the new species are provided, with an updated key that includes related species of C. sect. Pteracantha in Turkey. The geographical distributions of the new species and its relatives of the same section are mapped.

The water balance components of Mediterranean pine trees on a steep mountain slope during two hydrologically contrasting years

Pines in semi-arid mountain environments manage to survive and thrive despite the limited soil water, due to shallow soil depths, and overall water scarcity. This study aims to develop a method for computing soil evaporation, bedrock water uptake and transpiration from a natural, open forest, based on sap flow (Heat Ratio Method), soil moisture and meteorological observations. The water balance of individual trees was conceptualized with a geometric approach, using canopy projected areas and Voronoi (Thiesen) polygons. The canopy approach assumes that the tree’s root area extent is equal to its canopy projected area, while the Voronoi approach assumes that the tree roots exploit the open area that is closer to the tree than to any other tree. The methodology was applied in an open Pinus brutia forest (68% canopy cover) in Cyprus, characterized by steep slopes and fractured bedrock, during two hydrologically contrasting years (2015 wet, 2016 dry). Sap flow sensors, soil moisture sensors, throughfall and stemflow gauges were installed on and around eight trees. Rainfall was 507 mm in 2015 and 359 mm in 2016. According to the canopy approach, the sum of tree transpiration and soil evaporation exceeded the throughfall in both years, which implies that the trees’ bedrock water uptake exceeds the surface runoff and drainage losses. This indicated that trees extend their roots beyond the canopy-projected areas and the use of the Voronoi polygons captures this effect. According to the stand scale water balance, average throughfall during the two years was 81% of the rainfall. Transpiration was 61% of the rainfall in 2015, but only 32% in 2016. On the contrary, the soil evaporation fraction increased from 26% in 2015 to 35% in the dry year of 2016. The contribution of bedrock water to tree transpiration was 77% of rainfall in 2015 and 66% in 2016. During the summer months, trees relied 100% on the uptake of water from the fractured bedrock to cover their transpiration needs. Average monthly transpiration areas ranged between 0.1 mm d−1 in October 2016 and 1.7 mm d−1 in April 2015. This study shows that bedrock uptake could be an essential water balance component of semi-arid, mountainous pine forests and should be accounted for in hydrologic models.

Long-term effects of fire on ant communities (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Pinus brutia forests of south-western Turkey

We studied how forest fire affects the structure of ant communities in the long term and how microhabitat variables that influence communities of ants in different succession stages change. For this purpose, we selected five sites burnt 3 to 26 years prior to the study and a control site unburnt for at least 50 years. Sampling of ants was conducted in four pit-fall traps in four transects in three replication plots at every successional site and in two plots at the control site. Microhabitat variables regarding the vegetation structure and litter layers were recorded and related to the abundances of ants. The results show that subshrubs, leaves, and needles were the most important microhabitat variables that affected the ant communities. In certain ant genera, significant changes depending upon successional gradient were determined. While the genera Aphaenogaster and Cataglyphis had non-linear relationships with successional gradient, negative linear relationships were found in Crematogaster and Prenolepis. Messor is the only genus caught in high numbers in the earliest successional stage. It showed a decrease with successional gradient. Significant changes in ant communities along the successional gradient were associated with the characteristics of vegetation and the litter layer.

Litterfall in relation to stand parameters and climatic factors in Pinus brutia forests in Turkey

ABSTRACTWith this study we investigated the effective factors on annual amount of total litterfall and needle litterfall in Pinus brutia forests and estimated them with a regression model based on certain stand parameters. We studied 27 permanent plots representing different stand structure and environmental conditions in South-Western Turkey. Litterfall was collected in three month intervals corresponding to each of four seasons for a three-year period. We found a significant relationship between litterfall and stand properties such as crown closure (%), basal area (m2 ha−1), stand stem volume (m3 ha−1), above-ground biomass (t ha−1), mean annual volume increment (m3 ha−1 yr−1) and site index (T = 75). Similar relationships also hold true between litterfall and each of such climatic factors as seasonal mean temperature (°C), relative humidity (%) and temperature/precipitation ratio (dimensionless). The mean annual litterfall considerably varied depending on stand characteristics and certain environmental factors. Both needle litterfall and total litterfall may be predicted for long term by regression models using certain stand parameters. Models developed for litterfall of P. brutia forests in this study may be used for national C inventory in Turkey.

Long-term changes in surface-active beetle communities in a post-fire successional gradient in Pinus brutia forests

Abstract: Fire is one of the most important ecological factors for many ecosystem types. Since prehistoric times, synergistic effects of fires and humans have led to changes in Eastern Mediterranean ecosystems. The effects of fire on different trophic levels, particularly regarding plants, have been examined intensively in fire-induced ecosystems. In this study, we aimed to study long-term changes in beetle community structure after fire in Pinus brutia Ten. forests. Five sites burned in different years and a control site unburned for at least 50 years were selected. Beetle sampling was conducted using four pit-fall traps in each of four transects in three replication plots at every successional site and in two plots at the control site. Microhabitat variables related to vegetation structure and litter layer were recorded and associated with abundances of beetles and feeding groups. The results showed that total, wood-eating, and predator beetles showed a decreasing trend of abundance along the successional gradient after fire. In contrast to these groups, herbivores tended to increase towards the late successional stages. Middle and late successional stages were important in terms of species richness, species diversity and evenness of beetle communities and feeding groups. The characteristics of vegetation and litter layer changed with successional gradient, playing a decisive role in the structure of beetle communities at successional sites. According to the data presented here, a mosaic structure consisting of different successional stages is very important to sustain high species diversity in beetle communities.

Classification of plant communities along postfire succession in Pinus brutia(Turkish red pine) stands in Antalya (Turkey)

The paper deals with the classification of plant communities that appear along postfire succession of Pinus brutia forests (Turkish red pine). The research took place in the Antalya region in the southern part of Turkey. Samplings were performed in nine areas, with different periods after fire: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 12, 20, 40 years, and a mature forest with an estimated age of 60 years. Numerical classification and ordination analysis were used to determine the communities and to understand the temporal changes. The vegetation classification showed that separate plant communities can be distinguished along the succession line. It was found that immediately after fire semiruderal, subnitrophilous communities (Ajugo chamaepitys-Lactucetum serriolae, Eryngio falcate-Securigerion securidacae, Carthametalia lanati, Artemisietea vulgaris) appear, which remain until the third year, when low scrub vegetation up to 1-m high develops, dominated by low scrub species and termed garrigue (Phlomido grandiflorae-Cistetum salvifolii, Helichryso sanguinei-Origanion syriaci, Cisto-Micromerietalia julianae, Cisto-Micromerietea julianae); during the following years, up to 5-m-high scrub vegetation called maquis appears (Arbuto andrachnes-Quercetum cocciferae, Arbuto andrachnes-Quercion cocciferae, Pistacio lentisci-Rhamnetalia alaterni, Quercetea ilicis), which remains until the twentieth year when forest vegetation dominated by Pinus brutia (Glycyrrhizo asymetricae-Pinetum brutiae, Quercion calliprini, Quercetalia ilicis, Quercetea ilicis) develops. The work also discusses the classification of vegetation in the wider area of the eastern Mediterranean region by also indicating some syntaxonomical problems in Turkey.

Hydnellum dianthifolium sp. nov. (Basidiomycota, Thelephorales), a new tooth-fungus from southern Europe with notes on H. concrescens and H. scrobiculatum

The new species Hydnellum dianthifolium is described and illustrated from Pinus brutia forests in Cyprus and southern Italy. Evidence from ITS-based phylogenetic and morphological analyses, including scanning electron microscopy is provided, and the relevant literature is reviewed. The long-standing taxonomic problems associated with the closely affiliated taxa Hydnellum concrescens and H. scrobiculatum, both variously interpreted in the literature and as yet phylogenetically unresolved, are discussed.