Scots Pine Plantations Research Articles

ОСОБЕННОСТИ СТРОЕНИЯ ГЕОГРАФИЧЕСКИХ ЛЕСНЫХ КУЛЬТУР СОСНЫ ОБЫКНОВЕННОЙ ПО ДИАМЕТРУ

The article analyzes the indicators characterizing modern structure in terms of diameter in provenance trial plantations of Scots pine, created in 1959 by manually planting 2-year-old seedlings using Kolesov's sword at the Stupinskoye Pole training ground in the Voronezh Region, with an area of 26.1 hectares on agricultural land. Based on the data of continuous tree counts on 32 temporary sample plots established in 2018-2020, and representing 18 forest-steppe and 14 steppe ecotypes from the forestries of the European part of the Russian Federation and Ukraine, the diameters of the thinnest, middle and thickest pine trees were determined, as well as rows of their distribution were built for 2 and 4 cm steps of thickness. It was found that distribution of trees in the forest-steppe ecotypes of pine has a unimodal character, typical for a normal distribution, but with insignificant right-hand asymmetry. The distribution of trees of steppe ecotypes is also asymmetric, but bimodal one. In this case, the top of the first right-sided and smaller peak falls on a step of 20 cm thickness, and the top of the second, higher peak falls on the central step of thickness (28 cm), which is associated with the natural cyclic-wave decay of small-sized pine trees of steppe ecotypes growing in conditions of the forest-steppe, where the object of research is located. In pine plantations of forest-steppe ecotypes, 65.3% of the trees are concentrated in the five central steps of thickness, and in the steppe ecotype - only 52.0% of their total number

ОСОБЕННОСТИ РОСТА И ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ ЛЕСНЫХ КУЛЬТУР НА ПЕРЕГНОЙНO-КАРБОНАТНЫХ ПОЧВАХ ВОРОНЕЖСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ

The problem of afforestation of zonal humus-calcareous soils with close occurrence of chalk rocks has been considered. The research results of reclamation plantations on zonal humus-carbonate soils (Voronezh region, Ostrogozhsky district, Korotoyaksky district forestry) are presented. The main taxation indicators of silver birch (Betula pendula), English oak (Quercus robur), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), such as average height and diameter, bonitet, density, preservation, stock, increase in stock, have been found. The characteristics of the current state and productivity of protective plantations are given. The course of growth and the state of Scots pine plantations on humus-carbonate soils depends on the depth of the chalk rocks. Less demanding tree species for soil and soil conditions, such as Betula pendula, Pinus sylvestris, have higher growth rates than more demanding species. It is possible to grow Pinus sylvestris plantations on humus-carbonate soils with a thickness of 40-50 cm - I bonitet; 30-40 cm - II bonitet; 15-20 cm - II - III bonitet. The influence of slabby chalk depth on the coefficient of growth stress is at least 90% of the total amount of influencing factors. With an increase in the thickness of the humus-carbonate layer from 15 - 20 cm to 40 - 50 cm, the growth stress coefficient decreases 2.4-2.5 times. It is not recommended to create plantations with 1.0 × 0.5 m planting points (15-20 thousand units/ha). Such plantations have a very high growth stress coefficient and are biologically weakened

Soil successions of Carbic Podzols (Arenic) under Scots Pine plantations in Kursk region

Anthropogenic activities lead to significant transformations of natural landscapes. In this article, an attempt was made to describe the soil succession in the context of 100-year dynamics of Scots Pine forest stand in Kursk region. The morphological, physical, chemical and physical and chemical characteristics of sandy podzols in the chronological order of pine forests functioning 0 - 70 - 100 years were under analysis. It was revealed that monodominant forest stand of Scots Pine leads to the transformation of soils at the type level. It is noted that forest stand of Scots Pine on Umbric Podzols contribute to the development of the podzolic process at an average rate of formation of the podzolic horizon - 0.11 - 0.17 sm / year. During the time period of the soil succession (100 years), the thickness of the soil profile has increased and the humus reserves in the profile have increased by 47.1%, as well as a total decrease in the content of mineral nutrients is noted. The content of mobile forms of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Ni, Mn and Co) in the genetic horizons of Carbic Podzols (Arenic) in the time interval of the succession 70 - 100 years decreases by 21.4 - 71.4%.

Silvicultural Efficiency of the Thinning Efficiency of Pinus sylvestris L. Plantation in the Dry Subzone of Northern Kazakhstan Steppes

Aim of study: Thinning efficiency after 18 years of cutting at the Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) plantations, in the subzone of the dry grass steppe, were examined.
 Area of study: On 45-year-old Scots pine plantations on the territory of the state enterprise "ZhasylAimak" in Nur-Sultan city in the Northern Kazakhstan.
 Material and methods: The plantations were established by high density planting (13,300 seedlings/ha) of 2-year old seedlings. The planting was carried out on forest-suitable soils. To assess the silvicultural efficiency of the thinning in the plantation, the coefficient of growth tension or a complex estimated figure (CEF) was used.
 Main results: The research confirm that Scots pine plantations can be established in the subzone of dry fescue feather-grass steppe (Festuca valesiaca-Stipetum capillatae Sillinger 1930). The maximum silvicultural effect of thinning was achieved with three steps. In the 1st step of the thinning of the forest, 10-15 years old trees are cut down. Trees with over-developed crown are also cut down. The 2nd step is made in 25-30 years with thinning intensity of 25% by stock. The 3rd step is made in 40-50 years in a uniform way.
 Highlights: In the harsh climatic conditions of Northern Kazakhstan steppe, deciduous trees and shrubs begin to age and die much earlier than the long-lived Scots pine.

МОРФОМЕТРИЧЕСКАЯ ОЦЕНКА РОСТА И КАЧЕСТВА ПЛЮСОВЫХ ДЕРЕВЬЕВ СОСНЫ ОБЫКНОВЕННОЙ НА ЛЕСОСЕМЕННЫХ ПЛАНТАЦИЯХ

The article presents research on the assessment of growth patterns, development and quality of Scots pine trees in relation to their breeding affiliation. Positive trees are identified that are the most promising for harvesting valuable reproductive material-seeds of improved breeding category and vegetative material-cuttings for creating clonal and family forest-seed plantations of Scots pine in the conditions of the dyurtyulinsky forestry. Based on the research results, recommendations are given for improving breeding activities with this tree species.

Развитие генетико-селекционных методов повышения продуктивности лесов

Представлена история становления института и основные направления работ ВНИИЛГИСбиотех за 50 лет научной и производственной деятельности. Основное внимание уделено инновационным разработкам и перспективам развития института. The article presents the history of the All-Russian Research Institute of Forest Genetics, Breeding and Biotechnology, the principal directions of its activity through over 50 years of scientific and production work. It focuses on innovations and the development perspective of the Institute. The Institute’s priority research areas are forest genetics and biotechnology. The Institute scientists were among the first in Russia to conduct research on the tissue culture methods for the plants genetic diversity and their future genetic improvement. The Institute has developed clonal micropropagation techniques for valuable tree biotypes, they have been put into forestry practice and are now 18 – 26 years old. Also, the Institute has developed the long-term in vitro storage method with the use of hormone-free nutrient solutions for valuable deciduous tree species. Based on this method, in 1991 our scientists began to create the collection of deciduous tree plants, which currently includes more than 70 clones of valuable, resistant, and fast-growing birch, poplar, aspen and willow genotypes. Throughout its existence the Institute has established a large experimental facility which includes seed plantations of Scots pine, pedunculate oak and other species. All experimental units are being closely monitored. Through over 50 years of scientific work we have developed the multi-year breeding program, selected the economically valuable clones and forms, obtained and patented new varieties of tree species. Our scientists are now focused on obtaining new genotypes of forest trees, increasing productivity and selective value of the main forest-forming species, studying their ecological and genetic parameters, creating new breeding facilities, conserving the plant genetic resources, etc.

PATHOLOGICAL PROCESS OF ROOT SPONGE OF PINE IN THE CONDITIONS OF FOREST EDATOPS AND CLIMATE CHANGE STATE ENTERPRISE «ZARICHANSKE FORESTRY»

Topical issues of forest pathological monitoring of Scots pine plantations on old arable lands affected by root sponge, as well as the impact of different soil types and climate change on the degree of damage to 20-35-year-old pine stands are substantiated.The subject of the work is the causative agent of the root sponge of Scots pine, which has become widespread in the old arable lands in the conditions of the State Enterprise "Zarichanske Forestry". The causative agent of the root sponge of Scots pine affects forest plantations aged 20-35 years on lands withdrawn from agricultural use. Climate change, in particular the increased temperature of the above-ground air layer, as well as the decrease in precipitation during June-August, exacerbate the pathological process of the root sponge pathogen of Scots pine, which forms epiphytosis in large areas.The aim of the work is a detailed study of the pathology of the causative agent of the root sponge of Scots pine in old arable lands, as well as the impact of different soil types and climatic conditions on the spread of infection in forest edatops of the State Enterprise «Zarichanske Forestry».The main methods of work are calculation and analytical collection and processing of phytopathological examination of pine plantations on old arable lands, monitoring of the impact of different types of forest soils on the spread of the root sponge of Scots pine in forest edatopes of the State Enterprise «Zarichanske Forestry» and pine stands with determination of the nature of drying depending on the degree of damage by the pathogen of the root sponge with changes in climatic conditions.According to the results of the work it was established that the causative agent of the root sponge of Scots pine affects stands at a young age of 20-35 years, depending on the type of fallow soils used in agriculture, as well as changes in climatic factors. It is established that the increase in temperature in the surface layer of the soil in June-August to +32oC significantly reduces the resistance of pine stands to the pathogen of the root sponge.The scope of the results is the forestry enterprises of the Zhytomyr Regional Department of Forestry and Hunting in order to preserve and protect the incoming pine forest plantations from the pathogen of the root sponge in the Polissya zone of Ukraine.The conclusions of the research are that in pine plantations on old arable lands the decisive role belongs to the pathogen of the root sponge in the curtain drying of pine stands in the conditions of A2-A3, B2-B3 of SE «Zarichanske Forestry». Foci of drying of Scots pine stands are formed on infertile soils lighter in mechanical composition. The decrease in rainfall and the increase in air temperature to +32, + 36oC for the period 2018-2020 has led to a significant decrease in the resistance of pine stands in old arable lands to the pathogen of the root sponge of Scots pine. High density of pine stands at a young age (25-30 years) and stopping the radial growth in conditions of excessive density without active differentiation and timely fall lead to a decrease in the resistance of Scots pine to the pathogen of the root sponge and as a result - their complete drying. In the cells of pine stands from the causative agent of the root sponge, the effect of precipitation during active growth (June-August) is higher than the coefficient of determination r=0.70 p<0.01 than in the adjacent intact stand (r=0.43, p <0.05). This means the leading role of moisture in increasing the resistance of pine stands to the pathogen of the root sponge at 25-35 years of age. Reduction of precipitation from 420 to 210 mm during 2010-2020 in the areas of forest use of SE «Zarichanske LH» with a simultaneous increase in air temperature in the surface layer from 25 to 32 oC is one of the reasons for reducing the stability of pine plantations aged 25-30 years on old arable lands to the pathogen of the root sponge of Scots pine.Keywords: pathogen, Scots pine, forest stands, epiphytosis, soil type, arable land, climate change.

Genome Analysis and Genomic Comparison of the Novel Species Arthrobacter ipsi Reveal Its Potential Protective Role in Its Bark Beetle Host.

The pine engraver beetle, Ips acuminatus Gyll, is a bark beetle that causes important damages in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) forests and plantations. As almost all higher organisms, Ips acuminatus harbours a microbiome, although the role of most members of its microbiome is not well understood. As part of a work in which we analysed the bacterial diversity associated to Ips acuminatus, we isolated the strain Arthrobacter sp. IA7. In order to study its potential role within the bark beetle holobiont, we sequenced and explored its genome and performed a pan-genome analysis of the genus Arthrobacter, showing specific genes of strain IA7 that might be related with its particular role in its niche. Based on these investigations, we suggest several potential roles of the bacterium within the beetle. Analysis of genes related to secondary metabolism indicated potential antifungal capability, confirmed by the inhibition of several entomopathogenic fungal strains (Metarhizium anisopliae CCF0966, Lecanicillium muscarium CCF6041, L. muscarium CCF3297, Isaria fumosorosea CCF4401, I. farinosa CCF4808, Beauveria bassiana CCF4422 and B. brongniartii CCF1547). Phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rRNA gene, six concatenated housekeeping genes (tuf-secY-rpoB-recA-fusA-atpD) and genome sequences indicated that strain IA7 is closely related to A. globiformis NBRC 12137T but forms a new species within the genus Arthrobacter; this was confirmed by digital DNA-DNA hybridization (37.10%) and average nucleotide identity (ANIb) (88.9%). Based on phenotypic and genotypic features, we propose strain IA7T as the novel species Arthrobacter ipsi sp. nov. (type strain IA7T = CECT 30100T = LMG 31782T) and suggest its protective role for its host.

Effects of afforestation with different species on carbon pools and soil and forest floor properties

Land use and land use change are factors that affect carbon and nutrient stocks in ecosystems. The aim of this research was to determine the effects of forest land use types on carbon pools and soil and forest floor features. This study was conducted in areas afforested with black pine (Pinus nigra Arn. subsp. pallasiana Lamb. Holmboe) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and on adjacent bare land within the Akdağ Nature Park, which is located in the West-Central Anatolia Region of Turkey. Three 20 × 20 m sample plots were selected within each forest land use, and the diameters at breast height and heights of all trees were measured. Tree biomass and carbon stocks in the unit areas were calculated using tree biomass equations, and carbon conversion factors were developed for two tree species. Within each sample plot, disturbed and core soil samples and forest floor samples were taken at three points at depths of 0–10, 10–20 and 20–30 cm. The physical and chemical properties of the soil and forest floor samples were determined in the laboratory and measurements were converted to a unit area using volume values. The data were evaluated using independent sample t-tests and analysis of variance. The results showed that the ecosystem carbon (C) stocks differed significantly with forest land use type; black pine plantations, Scots pine plantations and bare land accumulated 235.2 t C ha−1, 206.1 t C ha−1 and 37.4 t C ha−1, respectively. We found that in addition to the positive effect of afforestation on soil, black pine had a greater impact on some forest floor and soil characteristics in the region than Scots pine. Thus, we suggest that priority should be given to black pine in afforestation of the region and in other ecosystems with similar climates. Additionally, our results reveal the importance of afforestation on bare lands for reducing the impact of global climate change.

Does the enrichment of post-arable soil with organic matter stimulate forest ecosystem restoration—A view from the perspective of three decades after the afforestation of farmland

The restoration of forest ecosystems on former agricultural land faces numerous challenges resulting mainly from differences in soil properties between post-arable and continuously forested ground. We revisited a 34-year-old but very well-documented experiment with enrichment in organic matter of the arable sandy soil aiming to accelerate humus formation and soil biota regeneration in Scots pine plantation. The goal of our study was to determine whether the addition of a mixture of pine bark with sawdust or lupine cultivation would change the selected soil properties and, as a result, would shift soil microarthropods of post-agricultural plantations towards those occurring in pine monocultures on continuously forested land. The effect of tillage depth was also studied.The soil properties of the experimental plantation differed significantly from those of the forest soil with respect to the pH, nitrogen (N) content, C/N ratio, sum of exchangeable base cations and degree of soil saturation with base cations. Moreover, the diversity and taxonomic and functional structures of Collembola assemblages differed considerably from the assemblages of pine monoculture of the same age growing on continuously forested land. The expectation of the experiment was not met; however, a certain significant ameliorative effect on some soil properties was observed with some treatments. The total organic carbon content (TOC), C/N ratio and cation exchange capacity increased as a result of the addition of bark and sawdust. In plots where deep tillage was applied, the TOC and N contents were lower than those in plots with shallow soil cultivation. A significant increase in the number of hemiedaphic forms at the expense of euedaphic and atmobiotic forms was observed in plots with lupine, while a mixture of pine bark and sawdust caused an increase in the number of euedaphic forms.Soil pH was identified as a key parameter that determined the difference between forest and post-agricultural collembolan assemblages. The variability of the structure of post-agricultural assemblages depends on N and exchangeable Mg2+ contents and hydrolytic acidity. The enrichment of post-arable soil with organic matter and tillage had long-lasting effects on soil properties but did not stimulate restoration of forest collembolan assemblages on former farmland.

Occurrence of Dothistroma needle blight in Lithuania and Belarus: The risk posed to native Scots Pine forests

AbstractDothistroma needle blight (DNB) caused by the ascomycetous fungus Dothistroma septosporum is an important pine disease in Europe. In this study, we determined the distribution and abundance of D. septosporum in local Scots pine forests and plantations in Lithuania and neighbouring Belarus by combining morphological observations and molecular tools. This is the first valid report on the occurrence of D. septosporum in Belarus, based on detailed morpho‐cultural and molecular characteristics. Currently, in both countries only the asexual stage of D. septosporum is found on needles of the native Scots pine and on various ornamental exotic pines planted in botanical gardens and arboreta. Our results show that P. sylvestris may now be considered the most common host with varying susceptibility to D. septosporum. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of three different ITS haplotypes among Lithuanian and Belarusian D. septosporum isolates. Mating type (MAT) genes analysis showed that two mating types (MAT1‐1 and MAT1‐2) occur in both countries, indicating a high probability of D. septosporum sexual reproduction. Isolates from Lithuania were represented by the idiomorph MAT1‐1 and MAT1‐2 in the ratio of 1:1, while isolates from Belarus were dominated by the idiomorph MAT1‐1 (ratio 3:1). Our results also demonstrate the importance of DNB monitoring for prevention and control of disease outbreaks in Lithuanian and Belarusian Scots pine forests in the future.

Scots pine plantations growth adaptation to climate warming in locations at the southernmost distribution limit of the species

Under the current climate change conjuncture, understanding the forest plantations capacity of acclimation to warming and increased drought stress is crucial for forest managers. To get some understanding of their adaptability, plantations of similar provenance but located in climatically contrasting sites can be compared. Here we study the growth dynamics and their relationship with climate and drought in two Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) plantations located in the center (Sierra de Guadarrama, wetter site) and south (Sierra Nevada, drier site) of Spain, the latter situated at the southernmost distribution limit of the species. Our objectives are to quantify the trends in radial growth of these plantations, to quantify the influence of climate on growth, and to project the plantations growth as a function of forecasted climate. Results reveal that the plantations from the drier site show lower, and less responsive to climate, growth and greater resilience than those from the wetter site. Furthermore, if the current climate-growth relationships continue in the future, these plantations would maintain the current limited growth rate during the 21st century. On the contrary, plantations from the wetter site show higher growth rate and more resistance to drought, and they are projected to increase growth under the warmer conditions forecasted for the 21st century. Our study shows that plantations in drier sites may have a great capacity to acclimate to local climate conditions and would not be negatively impacted by the projected climate warming.

Experiences on establishment of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) plantation in ash dump sites of Reftinskaya HPES, Russia

Since the middle of the last century in the Urals of Russia there has been a problem of environmental pollution by man-made emissions. The purpose of this investigation has been to summarize the recultivation experience of Reftinskaya power plant ash dump. The station was put into operation in 1970 and it is the largest one in Russia. Specific feature of the used coal is high content of ash (47%). Daily consumption of coal in winter period constitutes 48 thousand tons. Yearly emissions of the station constitute 400 thousand tons. The main components of the emissions are sulphureous anhy-dride (up to 40%) solid stuff (up to 50%) and nitric oxides. The Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) plantations on ash dumps have shown good adaptation and growth. The plantations have formed 143 m3/ha total volume at the age of 20 in 1st site index of the recultivation site of the ash dump with ash layer up to 7 m. Weakly alkaline reaction of the ash spread by wind promoted soil dioxidation that results in soil fertility increasing significantly on territory of adjacent stands. Recultivation process includes two main stages which are ash dump surface covering with 25-40 cm soil layer, planting with 2-year old Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) seedling.

The Use of Wood Chips for Revitalization of Degraded Forest Soil on Young Scots Pine Plantation

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of several methods of mulching degraded forest soil with wood chips on the development of mite (Acari) community, with particular emphasis to oribatid mites (Oribatida), and on the growth of young plantings of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). Mulching with wood chips should contribute to revitalize soil fauna and restore natural forests on degraded soils. Scots pine seedlings were planted at the post-military training ground. Four experimental treatments were tested: control—uncovered soil (C), mulching with wood chips (W), W + mycorrhiza preparation (WM), and W + forest litter (WL). At the end of the growing season in 2012, 2013 and 2014, the following plant measurements were carried out: length of annual increment of the main stem, stem base diameter, number and lengths of lateral shoots in the annual whorl. The mite calculations included average mite density, dominance index, species richness, oribatid mite diversity, average number of species, and Shannon general species diversity index. The use of mulching with wood chips did not significantly affect the growth characteristics of Scots pine plants, but strongly increased the mite community. After mulching, the total number and species diversity of Acari increased many times, and Oribatida began to dominate among micro-arthropods. The number of Oribatida increased most in W. The largest species diversity was observed in WL. 24 species of Oribatida were found that were used as the bio-indicators of soil succession changes. Tectocepheus velatus clearly dominated in all mulching treatments. Oppiella nova and Scutovertex sculptus were also numerous populations of Oribatida. The study shows that mulching with Scots pine wood chips, especially with the addition of forest litter, significantly enriches soil fauna and is therefore useful in the regeneration process of degenerated forest soils.

Fitting the revised Gash analytical model of rainfall interception to Mongolian Scots pines in Mu Us Sandy Land, China

A rainfall interception experiment was completed for Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica plots with stand densities ranging from 925 to 2700 plants ha−1 in Mu Us Sandy Land, China from June to September 2013. The revised Gash analytical model was then applied to the canopy interception of the Mongolian Scots pine plantations. During the experimental process, the incident rainfall (P), throughfall (Tf), and stemflow events (Sf) were collected and measured, and meteorological data were simultaneously obtained on site. The Penman-Monteith equation and Gash regression method were used to estimate the evaporation rate (E) from the saturated canopy. The classical revised Gash calculation procedure and Leyton-constraint method were applied to obtain the canopy storage capacity (S). Parameters such as E, S, stemflow partitioning coefficient (pt), and trunk storage capacity (St) were scaled to the canopy cover fraction per unit area: Ec, Sc, ptc, and Stc in the revised Gash analytical model, which was also used in the simulation of the rainall interception (Tf, Sf, and I). The proportions of the measured Tf, Sf, and I accounted for 62.82%, 1.13%, and 36.05% of P, respectively. The ratios of Ec to rainfall intensity (R), Sc, ptc, and Stc were 0.0260 (0.0458), 1.210 mm (2.006 mm), 0.0630, and 0.0486 mm, respectively, during the experimental period. The analytical model with Ec and Sc equal to 0.182 (Penman-Monteith equation) and 1.210 mm (classical revised Gash calculation procedure) accurately simulated the canopy interception of the Mongolian Scots pine plantations, and the canopy interception variation in the analytical model was sensitive to P, Sc, Stc, c, Ec, and R, but was relatively insensitive to ptc.

Composition and volatility of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formed from oxidation of real tree emissions compared to simplified volatile organic compound (VOC) systems

Abstract. Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) is an important constituent of the atmosphere where SOA particles are formed chiefly by the condensation or reactive uptake of oxidation products of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The mass yield in SOA particle formation, as well as the chemical composition and volatility of the particles, is determined by the identity of the VOC precursor(s) and the oxidation conditions they experience. In this study, we used an oxidation flow reactor to generate biogenic SOA from the oxidation of Scots pine emissions. Mass yields, chemical composition and volatility of the SOA particles were characterized and compared with SOA particles formed from oxidation of α-pinene and from a mixture of acyclic–monocyclic sesquiterpenes (farnesenes and bisabolenes), which are significant components of the Scots pine emissions. SOA mass yields for Scots pine emissions dominated by farnesenes were lower than for α-pinene but higher than for the artificial mixture of farnesenes and bisabolenes. The reduction in the SOA yield in the farnesene- and bisabolene-dominated mixtures is due to exocyclic C=C bond scission in these acyclic–monocyclic sesquiterpenes during ozonolysis leading to smaller and generally more volatile products. SOA particles from the oxidation of Scots pine emissions had similar or lower volatility than SOA particles formed from either a single precursor or a simple mixture of VOCs. Applying physical stress to the Scots pine plants increased their monoterpene, especially monocyclic β-phellandrene, emissions, which further decreased SOA particle volatility and increased SOA mass yield. Our results highlight the need to account for the chemical complexity and structure of real-world biogenic VOC emissions and stress-induced changes to plant emissions when modelling SOA production and properties in the atmosphere. These results emphasize that a simple increase or decrease in relative monoterpene and sesquiterpene emissions should not be used as an indicator of SOA particle volatility.

Interaction Between the Effects of Provenance Genetic Structure and Habitat Conditions on Growth of Scots Pine in International Provenance Tests in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is one of the most important tree species in European forests, characterized by high genetic variability and complex population structure. This research aimed to determine whether there is an interaction between the effects of provenance genetic structure and habitat conditions on the growth of Scots pine in two international provenance tests in Bosnia and Herzegovina, to chose the best provenances for both habitats. For this research, heights and root collar diameters of Scots pine plants on two provenance tests in Bosnia and Herzegovina were measured and the interaction between the effects of provenance genetic structure and habitat conditions for these two traits was estimated based on regression. Eleven provenances represented on both tests were researched. Provenance tests were established in 2012 on two locations with contrasted ecological conditions: Kupres and Žepče. By assessing the interaction between the effects of provenance genetic structure and habitat conditions on Kupres and Žepče provenance tests, two interactions for the height of plants (between Germany NJ2 and Italy I2 and between Austria A2 and Romania R1) and one interaction for the root collar diameter (between Austria A1 and Italy I2) were identified. The number of survived plants and their productivity is different for all provenances in both habitats, indicating that the adaptability of provenances is not only conditioned by their genetic constitution but also by habitat conditions. Considering the productivity of provenances and the number of survived plants in both habitats, Austria A1, Austria A2, Austria A3, and Poland P1 provenances showed the best adaptability. The results of this study can be used in the process of Scots pine breeding and for its conservation by in situ and ex-situ methods.

Morphological traits of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in international provenance tests in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is one of the most important tree species in European forests. This study aims to determine whether there is inter-provenance variability in researched morphological traits in two international provenance tests of Scots pine in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We measured height, root collar diameter, and latest shoot length and counted branches on the latest branch whorl of Scots pine plants in two provenance tests. The provenance tests are located in Kupres and Žepče, in different climatic, edaphic, and orographic conditions. Kupres and Žepče contain 15 and 14 provenances, respectively, eleven of which are mutual to both sites. Descriptive statistics and analysis of variance showed differences among provenances in all investigated morphological traits. These differences were attributable to provenance test, provenance, and interaction between provenance test and provenance. The average values were higher in Žepče for all provenances and all studied traits. The Austria A1, Austria A2, Austria A3, and Poland P1 provenances showed the best growth in both tests, while the Italy I1 provenance showed good growth in Žepče but not in Kupres.

Sanitary state of water-protection pine plantations in the interfluve of Dnieper and Desna

The purpose of the study was to establish the sanitary state of pine plantations, identify the causes of the development and spread of diseases and pathogens, develop recommendations for improving the condition and increase the biological stability of pine plantations between the Dnieper and Desna rivers. The studies were carried out in middle-aged, mature and over-mature pine plantations of the Ukrainian interfluve of Dnieper and Desna. The sanitary state of the stands was determined on 52 circular trial plots laid in the forest growing conditions of fresh poor site and fresh rich site. On each trial plot, the index of the sanitary state was calculated according to the generally methodology accepted in forestry. Calculations of the sanitary state index showed that middle-aged plantations are more resistant to biotic and abiotic factors, the dominant number of trees is classified as weakened. In general, the sanitary state index of middle-aged pine forests of fresh poor site and fresh rich site is 2.04 and 1.79, respectively. The mature plantings of fresh poor site with sanitary state index 2.86 are highly weakened, and fresh rich site are weakened, due to the more fertile rich site soil conditions enriched by the biodiversity of the living ground cover. Pine plantations of ІХ and XI age classes, in which the sanitary state index varies between 2.30–2.33, and the percentage of drying and dead trees reaches 10 %, are weakened. It has been established that the most influential factors of a significant deterioration in the sanitary state of mature and over-mature water-protection pine plantations are changes in the hydrological regime of floodplain territories, which leads to tree damage by the mistletoe Austrian and root sponge. In order to prevent the development of these pathogens, it is recommended to create mixed plantations of Scots pine with the introduction of 20–40 % deciduous species, which will simultaneously serve as a fire barrier to the spread of ground fires. Key words: biological stability, state categories, indicator of sanitary state, Austrian mistletoe, roots sponge, dry wood.

Эколого-физиологические особенности реакции сосны обыкновенной на уровень плодородия почвы как показатель адаптации к условиям среды

Comprehensive ecological and physiological studies (on the organism level) of plant response of Scots pine to changes in soil fertility were carried out in order to obtain quantitative parameters of the leaf apparatus and root system functioning and nature of their interrelation. Biological productivity was calculated according to V.M. Lebedev and E.V. Lebedev (2006), net productivity of photosynthesis – according to A.A. Nichiporovich (1955), and mineral productivity – according to V.M. Lebedev (1998). The response of 2–3-year-old scots pine plants was studied for fertilization with 30, 60, 120 and 240 kg/ha of nitrogen against the fertilizer application rate of Р60К60 under the conditions of a microfield experiment on gray forest soil. An increase in the level of nitrogen nutrition led to a change in the ecological and physiological parameters of the root system and leaf apparatus functioning: the ratio between root and photosynthetic potential, nitrogen absorption by the unit of the active surface of roots per day, net productivity of photosynthesis, and biological productivity of plants. The nitrogen status slightly affected the net productivity of photosynthesis, however drove up an increase in biological productivity by 1.2–1.5 times. An increase in the nitrogen status led to a change in the ratio between the values of root and photosynthetic potentials in favor of the leaf apparatus. A high positive correlation (0.931–0.992) between the photosynthetic potential and increase in dry mass; and a high negative correlation (–(0.843–0.963)) between the ratio of root potential to photosynthetic potential and nitrogen uptake were established. The maximum of pine biological productivity was observed at a nitrogen rate of 120 kg/ha. A further increase of the nitrogen status led to a decrease in biological productivity and was found to be toxic. The response of pine to a decrease in soil fertility (due to its slow response) was determined as a result of a retrospective comprehensive ecological and physiological analysis of tabular phytomass data compiled by V.A. Usol’tsev (2002) for tree stands growing in the European and Asian parts of Russia in the age range from 10–20 to 150–300 years. The natural decrease in soil fertility of pine stands with the age from 25 to 100 years in all the regions caused a decrease in nitrogen uptake by 18.5–84.5 times, and net productivity of photosynthesis by 3.4–18.0 times. The correlation between plant age, nitrogen uptake, and net productivity of photosynthesis ranged from –0.714 to –0.870 and –0.894 to –0.991, respectively. The decrease in the activity of photosynthetic apparatus and root system adversely affected the biological productivity, which fell from 2.8 to 4.0 times depending on the region. The relationship between biological productivity and age was high negative (correlation coefficient ranged from –0.572 to –0.783). The relationship between mineral productivity with biological productivity and net productivity of photosynthesis in all cases was high positive from 0.907 to 0.994 and from 0.757 to 0.932, respectively. Starting from the age of 25, the plants adapted to a decrease in soil fertility by increasing the ratio of root to photosynthetic potential, which grew from 4.8 to 12.5 times during ontogenesis depending on the region. This nonspecific reaction is confirmed by the high positive correlation (from 0.947 to 0.997) of the ratio of root to photosynthetic potential with the tree age.For citation: Lebedev V.M., Lebedev E.V. Ecological and Physiological Features of the Scots Pine Reaction to the Soil Fertility Level as an Indicator of Adaptation to Environmental Conditions. Lesnoy Zhurnal [Russian Forestry Journal], 2019, no. 6, pp. 92–103. DOI: 10.17238/ issn0536-1036.2019.6.92