Pinus Sylvestris Needles Research Articles

The influence of Chemical Works “Police” on chemical composition of Pinus sylvestris needles, Pleurozium schreberi and soil samples

We’ve built this digital research platform to provide academics everywhere with fast, stable and secure digital access to our library of over 110,000 scholarly books and 800,000 journal articles. We’ve tested the platform in close cooperation with leading academic institutions. If you have any questions or you notice something doesn’t quite work as it should, please visit our <a href="/publishing/faq?lang=en" class="text-primary">Help/FAQ</a> page and let us know.

Seasonal changes in the fatty acid composition of Pinus sylvestris needle lipids

The fatty acid (FA) composition of common pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) needle lipids was studied. It was shown that FA composition of needle lipids changed during the entire growth period (from March to October) under the influence of environmental factors (temperature, solar radiation) affecting the biosynthesis of chloroplast membrane lipids in pine needles. Among needle lipid FAs, unsaturated polymethylene-interrupted FAs (Δ5-UPIFA) were identified: pinolenic, skiadonic, coniferonic, and other); in March and April, their content attained 16.1 and 16.9% of total FAs; it decreased in June to 6.0% and increased again in September to 20.4%.

Chlorophyll extraction from leaves, needles and microalgae: A kinetic approach

Currently, there is a strong focus on industrial production of chlorophyll as a natural pigment. Two factors are required in the economically feasible process to make chlorophyll production: material with high pigment content and efficient extraction mechanism. In this work, extraction of chlorophyll from harvested black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) leaves, Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) needles, field sow thistle (Sonchus arvensis) leaves, and green microalga (Chlorella sp.) was discussed. The highest pigment content was detected in Chlorella cells (4.46%) followed by black locust leaves (1.63%), sow thistle leaves (1.48%) and pine needles (0.38%). The chlorophyll extraction rate was the highest for black locust leaves (k = 3.59 h-1), sow thistle leaves (k = 2.90 h-1) and Chlorella cells (k = 2.80 h-1) with the use of methanol as a solvent. In investigated materials, needles showed higher resistance for chlorophyll extraction (k = 0.93 h-1) when compared to leaves and microalgae. Values of extraction kinetic constant were much lower for all materials (0.22 – 1.12 h-1) in the case of using ethanol as a solvent. Black locust leaves and Chlorella cells were proved to be the most attractive materials for chlorophyll production.

Content of Heavy Metals in Needles of Scots Pine (Pinus Sylvestris L.) in Selected Pine Forests in Słowiński National Park

Abstract The paper presents the results of study on heavy metals in needles of Pinus sylvestris in selected pine forests in Słowiński National Park. It was evidenced that heavy metal contents (Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe) in needles of Pinus sylvestris varied depending on the metal, the age of the needles and the humidity of a forest complex. Variation coefficients of such metals remained at the level of: 13-30% (Zn), 3-6% (Cu), 13-34% (Mn) and 12-30% (Fe) depending on the age of the needles. In the case of Zn, Mn and Fe higher concentrations of researched metal were found in the 2-year-old needles than in 1 year old needles, and in the case of Cu in 1 year old needles than in 2-year-old needles. The increase of zinc concentration found in 1-year-old needles after rainfall sums was (Bw, r = 0.67, p &lt; 0.05, n = 24) and (Bśw, r = 0.39, p &lt; 0.05, n = 24) in 2-year-old needles. The content of the above mentioned metals in needles of dry coniferous forests (Bs), fresh coniferous forests (Bśw) and humid coniferous forests (Bw) of the ground cover constitute the following decreasing series: Mn(323.8) &gt; Fe(103.4) &gt; Zn(65.5) &gt; Cu(5.9).

Spectral characteristics of pine needles at the limit of tree growth in subarctic Finland

Background: Forests in subarctic regions inhabit the transitional zone between the temperate region and the Arctic, where plant survival depends on the capability of individuals to adjust to changing environments. This transitional zone, generally falling between 50° N and 70° N, is becoming increasingly vulnerable under a changing climate, with treelines moving further north and also higher up slopes. Aims: The current study was carried out at 68° N, the most sensitive zone of the subarctic and northern limit of tree growth in Finnish Lapland. The physiology of trees in these conditions is still not fully understood, and an attempt is made here to contribute to a better understanding of the functionality of leaves by studying the spectral characteristics of needles of Pinus sylvestris along an altitudinal transect. Methods: A variety of spectral indices derived from high-resolution reflectance spectra were measured on freshly excised pine needles. The specific hypothesis is that spectral reflectance data can detect the stress that pine needles suffer at high elevations. We also wish to know which of the several possible indices is most indicative of stress. Results: All of the spectral indices, with the exception of NDVI, showed elevational as well as age-related trends consistent with the hypothesis that needles from the highest elevation suffer degradation of chlorophyll. Conclusions: We conclude that appropriate reflectance measurements provide useful information that may in future be used to detect stress effects on conifer foliage. The visual appearance of trees included in the study did also reflect in their spectral characteristics.

The antibacterial efficacy of pine oils on pathogens commonly found in biosolids applied to pine plantations

This study investigated the antibacterial activity of oils from the needles of Pinus radiata, Pinus pinaster, Pinus nigra and Pinus sylvestris against strains of Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Clostridium perfringens present in biosolids. The results showed that pine oil from fresh needles of P. radiata and P. pinaster trees have antibacterial properties against biosolids strains of E. coli and Salmonella spp. No potential antibacterial activity against C. perfringens was observed. Commercially produced pine oils, P.nigra and P. sylvestris oil had similar antibacterial actions to P. radiata and P. pinaster oil for E. coli.

A Modified Model of Direct Estimation Method for Fine Fuel Moisture Content Prediction by Considering Crown Density

Moisture content of forest fine fuel is one of the most important factors for forest fire risk assessment and fire spread prediction. The weather parameters above the fuel surface used in Catchpole's existing Direct Estimation Model are not suitable for forecast. The crown density of the forest area in the model, which may has great influence to the fine fuel moisture content in the forest, is not considered. A series of outdoor experiments were carried out in order to study the effect of the crown density, including 3 simulated crown densities and 2 real tests. In the experiments, the collected Pinus Sylvestris needles in the Da Hinggan Mountains of China are used. The dynamic variations of the weights of the needles are captured in 0.5h or 1h interval, and the dry weights of them are measured after 24h kiln dry. During the experiments, the local meteorological data including the temperature, the humidity and the winds velocity, are recorded from the homepage of Weather China at the same time. Based on the experiments, a modified model for fine fuel moisture content prediction is achieved, in which the crown density is used to adjust the temperature and the humidity near the fuel surface. The comparison results show that under different conditions of crown densities, the Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of the modified model are decreased significantly, and the Mean Absolute Percentage Errors (MAPE) for different crown densities are all less than 6%. The contrast validation between forest field observation and the prediction values of the modified method indicates that the absolute errors are less than 10%. This modified method can effectively reduce the prediction errors due to different crown densities; meanwhile, the calculation is using meteorological forecast data directly, so it has better applicability.

The macro- and microelemental content of Pinus sylvestris L. and Pinus nigra J.F. Am. needles in Cladonio-Pinetum habitat of the Słowiński National Park

Abstract The study of pine needles was carried out in 2005 within the confines of the Słowiński National Park (SNP). In soil from Cladonio-Pinetum habitat, most macro- and microelements accumulate in the organic sub-horizons (Ol and Ofh), however the nutrient content of the mineral horizons was very low. Needles of Pinus sylvestris (Ps) were characterized by higher content ofN, P, K, Ca, and Fe in comparison to needles of Pinus nigra (Pn); whereas needles of Pn were higher in content of Mg, Zn, Cu and Mn than those of Ps. Two-year-old needles contained on average more Ca, Mn, Cu, Fe then one-year-old needles for both species. A Mann Whitney test confirmed statistically-significant differences in the dynamics of P, K, Mg, Zn and Mn concentrations both in 1-year-old and 2-year-old needles examined in Cladonio-Pinetum. The greatest differences between research forests stands of Pinus sylvestris and Pinus nigra were in the sum contents of elements accumulated in the needles. In the needles of Pinus nigra there was notably higher accumulation of P, K, Ca, Mg and Mn than in the needles of Pinus sylvestris.

Influence of atmospheric pollution on the morphological parameters of the assimilation apparatus of pine and spruce in the basin of the Northern Dvina

The dynamics of damage and litter of the needles of pine Pinus sylvestris (L.) and spruce Picea obovata Ledeb. × P. abies (L.) Karst. in the basin of the Northern Dvina under atmospheric pollution was studied. Correlations of morphometric parameters of the assimilation apparatus with the distance to the source of emissions and concentrations of pollutants in the air, snow, and soil and heavy metals in needles were revealed.

Flavonoid Metabolites in the Hemolymph of European Pine Sawfly (Neodiprion sertifer) Larvae

Flavonoids in the hemolymph of European pine sawfly (Neodiprion sertifer) larvae that were feeding on Pinus sylvestris needles were identified. HPLC-ESI-MS analysis revealed that the main components in the hemolymph were flavonol di- and triglucosides and a catechin monoglucoside. These compounds were isolated from the larval hemolymph and their structures were established by HPLC-MS, GC-MS, and NMR spectroscopy. The isolated flavonoids were identified as (+)-catechin 7-O-β-glucoside, isorhamnetin 3,7,4'-tri-O-β-glucoside, kaempferol 3,7,4'-tri-O-β-glucoside, and quercetin 3,7,4'-tri-O-β-glucoside. The combined concentration of these four compounds in the hemolymph was 3.7 mg/ml. None of these compounds was present in the needles of P. sylvestris. Therefore, we propose that the flavonoid glucosides were produced by the larvae from flavonoid monoglucosides and (+)-catechin obtained from the pine needles.

Variations in the content of stress proteins in the needles of common pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) within an annual cycle

This investigation has focused on the content of heat shock proteins (Hsps) and dehydrins (dhn) in the needles of Pinus sylvestris L. (common pine) depending on environmental conditions and on adaptation of photosynthetic activity. Unlike the case of photosynthetic activity, no relationships have been revealed between variations in environmental conditions over 2 years of observations and variations in Hsps content. It has been discovered that constitutive and stress forms of Hsp70, Hsp60 and dhn are accumulated in the cold season of the year, whereas for Hsp17.6 and Hsp101 this accumulation occurs in the warm season. Seasonal air temperature variations influenced the content of Hsps; variations of temperature and moisture conditions influenced the content of dhn. The supposition is made that accumulation of Hsp70, Hsp60 and dhn in the needles may be the factor and/or the marker of the autumn and spring adaptation of the photosynthetic apparatus, while accumulation of Hsp17.6 and Hsp101 is the marker of summer “heat” adaptation.

Terpenoid emissions from heated needles of Pinus sylvestris and their potential influences on forest fires

It is assumed that terpenoids in biomass-derived fuels have important influences on forest fires due to their enormous flammability. The fires consuming terpenoid-rich fuels always burn violently and spread fast. But the mechanism how terpenoids influence occurrence and propagation of fires are little known. Some terpenoids are volatile organic compounds (VOC) as they are released from vegetation and litter in natural environment. Hence, they contribute to the characteristic composition of the ambient air. Many studies have reported terpenoid emissions in natural environment from different perspective. Nevertheless there are only a few studies concerning terpenoid emissions from heated fuels. The present study explored the differences in terpenoid emissions from needles of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica under natural and heated conditions. Terpenoids were sampled on Tenax-TA and analyzed using Thermal Desorption–Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (TD–GC–MS). The results showed that the emission rate of terpenoid from P. sylvestris in natural environment was low (0.167 μg g −1 h −1 DW). However, terpenoid emissions dramatically increased at the temperature of 200 °C, with a major component, α-pinene. Within 15 min, the emission of terpenoids emitted by heated needles was up to 16.314 μg g −1 DW for total and 10.321 μg g −1 DW for α-pinene. These considerable emissions of terpenoids from heated needles will have great influences on occurrence and propagation of forest fires.

Seasonal changes in photosynthetic activity and chlorophylls in the Scots pine and Siberian spruce with optimal or insufficient moistening

The paper studies the seasonal changes in photosynthetic activity and concentration of chlorophylls in the needles of the Scots pine Pinus sylvestris L. and Siberian spruce Picea obovata Ledeb. depending on the environmental factors. In drought, the daily peaks of photosynthesis are regulated by the level of moisture in the needles and concentration of chlorophylls. The work of chlorophyll is 2–6 times more effective with optimal moistening than in drought.

A high‐resolution portrait of the annual dynamics of photochemical and non‐photochemical quenching in needles of Pinus sylvestris

Partitioning of excitation energy between photochemical quenching (PQ) and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) processes is constantly adjusted in the leaf in order to preserve the photosynthetic energy balance. Adjustments in PQ and NPQ often result from a combination of different temporal components that can be simplified into reversible and sustained components. While reversible PQ and NPQ are relatively well understood, the controls behind the sustained components of PQ and NPQ, or the interaction between sustained and reversible NPQ, remain elusive. In this study, I used a full year of high-resolution chlorophyll fluorescence (ChlF) data obtained with a Monitoring-PAM fluorometer (Walz, Effeltrich, Germany) in needles of boreal Pinus sylvestris in situ to quantitatively analyse the dynamics and interaction between temporal components of NPQ and PQ and their control by the environment. To enable the estimation of sustained and reversible components of PQ and NPQ, a number of key ChlF parameters were reviewed and adapted to the analysis of long-term monitoring data. Overall, NPQ was drastically enhanced during winter via the accumulation of sustained NPQ in a process regulated by air temperature. Reversible NPQ retained some functionality even at temperatures well below zero and was not inhibited by the presence of sustained NPQ per se but by low temperatures alone. This suggests that temporal NPQ components co-operate in an additive rather than complementary fashion, conferring additional flexibility to the photoprotective role of NPQ. Finally, the potential of the sustained photochemical quenching parameter (qL(s) ) to track photoinhibition in situ was discussed.

The effect of latitude, season and needle-age on the mycota of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) in Finland

The seasonal and latitudinal influences on the diversity and abundance of mycota of Pinus sylvestris needles were investigated. A sample of 1620 needles resulted in a total of 3868 fungal isolates, which were assigned to 68 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). The majority of these OTUs (65%) belong to Ascomycota and only 0.03% was grouped as Basidiomycota. The dominant and most frequently isolated OTU was Hormonema dematioides. Other well-known species with a saprotrophic nutritional mode such as Lophodermium spp. were also observed. The abundance of fungi increased from fall to spring. Frequencies varied significantly in Northern and Southern Finland suggesting that factors associated with latitudinal differences have an impact on the abundance of fungi.

Thinning affects Pinus sylvestris needle decomposition rates and chemistry differently depending on site conditions

Changes in mass and chemical composition of Pinus sylvestris senescent needles were studied over a 5 year period in Mediterranean (MF) and Continental forests (CF) in the Pyrenees under varying levels of thinning (P0: reference, no thinning; P20: removal of 20% basal area, P30: removal of 30% basal area). Decomposition rates were higher in MF (k = 0.423 year−1) than in CF (k = 0.245 year−1). However, the maximum decomposition limit was higher in MF (87.9%) compared to CF (78.1%). The relative importance and timing of rainfall, and cellulose and lignin abundance on the decomposition process was similar among both sites. However, air temperature and degree-days only affected CF (the colder site) during the initial stages of decomposition, while litter moisture was significant only in MF (the drier site) in the latter stages of decomposition. Nutrient and carbon dynamics showed temporal patterns similar to those reported in higher latitudes (except for Ca), however, indicators of N mineralization such as C/N and lignin/N at the study sites were lower than values reported in the literature. Decreases in decomposition rates after thinning were higher in MF than in CF, indicating that this ecosystem could, in the short term, be more sensitive to human intervention. Thinning had similar temporary qualitative effects at both sites, slowing decomposition, increasing N and P immobilization and decreasing Ca immobilization. However, quantitative effects of thinning were site dependent in that the magnitude of nutrient immobilization was higher in CF. A conceptual model is presented to explain effects of thinning on litter N dynamics. These temporary changes are not trivial as nutrient immobilization and accumulated organic matter losses over a thinning cycle may affect tree growth particularly during short rotations and intensive fast-growing plantations. Under similar nutrient availability conditions, sites where nutrient release occurs faster may show higher post-thinning tree growth rates.

Decomposing capacity of fungi commonly detected in Pinus sylvestris needle litter

Abstract A major part of the fungal community in coniferous litter consists of fungi whose taxonomic position and ecology are unknown. Here, nine isolates from within commonly occurring phylogenetic groups were tested for their ability to decompose Pinus sylvestris needles. In a 1-yr long incubation study, needle mass loss as well as changes in cellulose and lignin content were determined and compared to those caused by two litter basidiomycetes ( Marasmius androsaceus and Mycena epipterygia ) with recognized ability to decompose needles. A basidiomycetous Clavulina / Sistotrema strain appeared to be cellulolytic but not ligninolytic. Chalara longipes and three other strains within Helotiales also decomposed cellulose but not lignin, whereas Mollisia cinerea (also Helotiales) and two Dothideomycetes – Sydowia polyspora and a Mytilinidion sp., seemed unable to cause significant mass loss of cellulose. Lophodermium pinastri (Rhytismatales) readily decomposed cellulose, and also caused considerable loss of lignin.

A new labdanic norditerpene from Pinus sylvestris

A new labdanic norditerpene and six known labdanic diterpenes were isolated from the petroleum ether extract of the needles of Pinus sylvestris. By spectroscopic methods, the isolated compounds were determined as 15-norpinifolic acid (1), pinifolic acid (2), 4-eplimbricataloic acid (3), monomethyl pinifolate (4), 18α-acetoxylabd-8(17)-en-15-oic acid (5), 2-pentenoic acid (6) and 3β-hydroxy-8(17),E-13-labdadien-15-oic acid (7), respectively. Compound 1 showed significant anti-tumour activity.

Effects of Alkalization of the Environment on the Anatomy of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) Needles

The effects of alkaline dust emitted from a cement plant for over 40 years on the anatomy of needles of Scots pine and lignin accumulation were analysed. Comparative analytical studies were conducted in stands similar as to their silvicultural indicators, climate and age in alkalised and in a relatively unpolluted area. Cross-section of needles were stained, photographed under microscope and measured. It was found that, due to the alkalisation of the environment, the total area of the needle cross-section, needle width and thickness and the area of mesophyll had decreased. At the same time, the vascular bundles and epidermis had increased. The greatest anatomical and biochemical differences between the needles from trees growing under optimum conditions and in the alkalised area were observed in the oldest needles. Visual analysis of cross-sections and biochemical analysis showed accumulation of lignin in older needles but more intensively in alkalised areas than in control.

Cryptococcus pinus sp. nov., an anamorphic basidiomycetous yeast isolated from pine litter

A novel species of the genus Cryptococcus, isolated from dead needles of Pinus sylvestris, was identified using mycocinotyping and rDNA sequence data. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the novel species was located in the Kwoniella clade of the Tremellales and was closely related to Cryptococcus dejecticola. The type strain of the novel species, Cryptococcus pinus sp. nov., is VKM Y-2958T (=CBS 10737T).