Pine Cone Research Articles

Processing of polymer wood composite material from pine cone and the binder of phenol formaldehyde/PVAc/molasses and improvement of its properties

This paper deals with the processing of polymer wood composite material from pine cone and the binder of phenol formaldehyde/PVAc/molasses and improvement of its properties. The most essential disadvantages of wood based materials are water absorption, flammability, and insect attack. These disadvantages limit the areas of use of wood-based materials. The production of pine cone based polymer binding and molasses added composite material, and the development of the nonflammability, insect attack and water resistance properties of this material has been studied in the research. To this end, pine cone, polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), phenol formaldehyde (PF), sugar beet molasses, hemp fiber and waste colemanite have been used in the production of composite materials. Composite materials were added PF and hemp fiber for increasing their water absorption and mechanical strength, and waste colemanite as for improving their nonflammability feature, thus eliminating the disadvantages of wood based composite materials. Besides them, the use of molasses as a substitute binder material in certain proportions instead of PVAc in the production of composite materials was investigated. According to the results of the flexural strength test conducted in the laboratory, the most suitable composite material producing parameters were detected as 0.25 filler/binder (f/b) ratio, 35% molasses ratio, 100 °C molding pressure temperature, 49 kg/cm2 molding pressure, 240 µm mean particle size, 20 min for molding pressure time, 20% PF ratio and 0.5% hemp fiber ratio. It was determined that molasses could be used at a ratio of 35% for producing composite materials and, PF resin and hemp fiber samples provide the necessary water resistance. It was observed that the colemanite waste used in the mixture adds the nonflammability property to the composite material and decreases flexural strength and screw withdrawal strength. As a result of this research; polymer composite materials can be obtained from waste pine cone, molasses, hemp fiber and waste colemanite, environmental friendly. Therefore, it is possible to submit as commercial product in the technological and feasible applications.

Reproductive and leaf morpho-anatomy of the Australian alpine podocarp and comparison with the Australis subclade

ABSTRACT Podocarpus lawrencei (Mountain Plum Pine) is an endemic Australian conifer species and morphologically, ecologically, and genetically close to P. nivalis, P. gnidioides, P. totara, P. acutifolius, and P. laetus. The reproductive biology and seed cone morpho-anatomy of P. lawrencei and the Australis subclade is not well understood. This study describes the detailed reproductive morpho-anatomy of P. lawrencei and compares it with these related species of Australis subclade. Seed cone reproductive developmental stages, morpho-anatomical features of the seed cones and leaf were investigated using histology, light, and scanning electron microscopy. Seed cone initiates with a terminal bud in late July, and the reproductive cycle takes 1 or more than 1 year (12–16 months) to complete. The ovule is inverted and ovule inversion is present. The reproductive cycle of this group of podocarps takes more than 1 year to complete. The seed cone of P. lawrencei has a fused non-fleshy epimatium (green-brown seed) with a brightly coloured reddish receptaculum. The seed cone shows morphological and anatomical similarity with P. nivalis in particular and no significant morpho-anatomical difference with other Australis subclade species. The brightly coloured fleshy cones of Australis subclade suggest frugivory and zoochory for dispersal of seeds. More extensive population genetic studies are required to evaluate the genetic structure, diversification, and historical biogeography of Australis subclade. This study provides a primary base from which to evaluate the genetic structure of all the species in this clade.

Low genetic diversity and population connectivity fuel vulnerability to climate change for the Tertiary relict pine Pinus bungeana

AbstractEndemic species are important components of regional biodiversity and hold the key to understanding local adaptation and evolutionary processes that shape species distributions. This study investigated the biogeographic history of a relict conifer Pinus bungeana Zucc. ex Endl. confined to central China. We examined genetic diversity in P. bungeana using genotyping‐by‐sequencing and chloroplast and mitochondrial DNA markers. We performed spatial and temporal inference of recent genetic and demographic changes, and dissected the impacts of geography and environmental gradients on population differentiation. We then projected P. bungeana's risk of decline under future climates. We found extremely low nucleotide diversity (average π 0.0014), and strong population structure (global FST 0.234) even at regional scales, reflecting long‐term isolation in small populations. The species experienced severe bottlenecks in the early Pliocene and continued to decline in the Pleistocene in the western distribution, whereas the east expanded recently. Local adaptation played a small (8%) but significant role in population diversity. Low genetic diversity in fragmented populations makes the species highly vulnerable to climate change, particularly in marginal and relict populations. We suggest that conservation efforts should focus on enhancing gene pool and population growth through assisted migration within each genetic cluster to reduce the risk of further genetic drift and extinction.

Monoterpene Synthase Genes and Monoterpene Profiles in Pinus nigra subsp. laricio.

In the present study, we carried out a quantitative analysis of the monoterpenes composition in different tissues of the non-model conifer Pinus nigra J.F. Arnold subsp. laricio Palib. ex Maire (P. laricio, in short). All the P. laricio tissues examined showed the presence of the same fourteen monoterpenes, among which the most abundant were β-phellandrene, α-pinene, and β-pinene, whose distribution was markedly tissue-specific. In parallel, from the same plant tissues, we isolated seven full-length cDNA transcripts coding for as many monoterpene synthases, each of which was found to be attributable to one of the seven phylogenetic groups in which the d1-clade of the canonical classification of plants’ terpene synthases can be subdivided. The amino acid sequences deduced from the above cDNA transcripts allowed to predict their putative involvement in the biosynthesis of five of the monoterpenes identified. Transcripts profiling revealed a differential gene expression across the different tissues examined, and was found to be consistent with the corresponding metabolites profiles. The genomic organization of the seven isolated monoterpene synthase genes was also determined.

Integrated environmental records in Late Pleistocene Poland: The paleofluvial regime and paleoclimate inferred from Krosinko site

Multiproxy analyses performed at the Krosinko site in the Warsaw–Berlin ice marginal valley have provided data that characterize the depositional conditions, the paleofluvial regime, and the paleoclimate and help reconstruct the paleo-environment at a time of significant sediment (alluvium) accumulation (starting in central Poland ca. 45 ka BP). The sedimentological study, including sand-grain morphology and micromorphology analyses, reveals the presence at Krosinko of a meandering river and of a braided river during the Eemian (MIS 5e) and Upper Pleniweichselian (MIS 2), respectively. The fluvial regime changed over time, from low-energy, through high-energy, to low-energy, as documented by the differently formed sedimentary units A–D (vertical sedimentary succession from base to top: sandy silt, sand, gravelly sand, and sand). Sedimentary unit A and the lower part of unit B were accumulated in the Eemian interglacial (MIS 5e) by the low-energy meandering river. The high-energy fluvial environment during the Weichselian is associated with long, intense sediment transport, organic remains, and flints, as confirmed by taphonomic studies on conifer cones (Picea cf. abies) and wood remains (Juniperus). The river operated under distinct environmental conditions. First, during the accumulation of the upper part of unit B and unit C, there was a strong influence of freezing and aeolian weathering, which weakened significantly over time (unit D). This in turn indicates a change in climate from periglacial (upper part of unit B and unit C), when we also document the presence of permafrost in the subsurface or relatively deep seasonal frost, to temperate (unit D). With warming in the Holocene (MIS 1), an oxbow lake developed in Krosinko, the presence of which is recorded by peat.

Physical and Mechanical Properties of Pinecone Scale Fiber/Vigna Mungo Powder Reinforced Polypropylene Based Hybrid Composites

ABSTRACT This study accounted for fabrication, physico-mechanical, and morphological properties of extracted pine cone scale fiber (natural fiber) and vigna mungo powder (natural filler) reinforced polypropylene composite using the compression molding technique. The behavior of hybrid composites was examined through tensile, flexural, hardness, impact, and SEM characterizations. Compared to the neat polymer matrix, the mechanical properties of the hybrid composites improved. The flexural and hardness properties where significantly enhanced with the addition of Vigna mungo powder. The hybrid composite C2 (30% pine cone scale fiber reinforcement) showed the highest density tensile and impact strength. The composite C5 (30% vigna mungo powder reinforcement) showed the least density, lowest impact, and high flexural strength. This was attributed to the chemical treatment of the fibers, which improved the fibers’ tensile properties due to the removal of the wax layer from fiber surface. The study concluded that naturally occurring pine cone scale fiber and vigna mungo powder could be used as potential reinforcements and can be a viable alternative material for polymer-based composites.

Mechanical, thermal and hydrodegradation behavior of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) composites with agricultural fibers as reinforcing fillers

Fully biodegradable polymer composites based on the bacterial polyester, poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), (PHBV), were produced using injection molding. Agricultural reinforcements in the form of nettle fibers (stalks and leaves), pine cones flour, and walnut shells flour were used in the amount of 15 wt%. The impact of natural additives on mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, and impact) at three different temperatures (−24, 23, and 80 °C) has been studied. For all the tested composites, Young's modulus was improved by ~20% with a slight decrease in the tensile strength. The mechanical properties correspond well with the DSC results. The values of the degree of crystallinity for the composites are higher or equal to those for neat PHBV, only the composites with stalk nettle fibers were characterized by a reduced degree of crystallinity. Research has shown that composites have higher stiffness stability at elevated temperatures.Furthermore, the materials were subjected to hydrolytic degradation at 38 °C to determine the synergistic effect between water uptake and water temperature on tensile and flexural properties. The work reveals that the addition of natural fillers increases the possibility of water absorption and decreases the value of the tested properties by ~40% after two weeks of water incubation.Recent work has shown that it is possible to produce fully biodegradable polymer composites using agricultural wastes. The addition of fibers not only reduces the price of materials but increases the stiffness of the polymer whilst controlling the biodegradation process. Moreover, in this approach, waste materials will be able to act as an efficient filler, what will lead to their effective management.

Relations in the Size Variation of Plant Organs: a Case Study of Staghorn Sumac Leaves and Longleaf Pine Cone Scales

Plants automatically control the size variations in organs to achieve efficient exploitation of resources. However, it is unclear whether the scaling relationships of plant organs share a similar character for different individuals under varied micro-conditions (e.g., light and soil water). We conducted a case study of the lengths of staghorn sumac leaves and longleaf pine cone scales to test the relationships. Our results indicated that although there were size variations, there existed power laws of frequency in the lengths of staghorn sumac leaves and longleaf pine cone scales. The exponents differed but were positively correlated with the minimum length of leaves or cone scales. Taylor’s Law existed in the lengths of cone scales and some tree leaves, and scale break was observed. This study provides new information on scaling relationships and self-organization in the patterns of tree parts arrangement. Taylor’s Law may be used to detect minor changes in the growth regime.

Pine Cones Motive on two Monuments from Humac near Ljubuški

Two stone monuments in the shape of pine cones have been found at Humac near Ljubuški, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Pine cones are a fairly common motif, mainly on funerary monuments. They also occur in relief on certain everyday objects, on stele, and in particular on Liburnian cippi, where pine cones were a decorative feature on the calotte-shaped top of the monument. These were small in size, to about 15 cm. Larger pine cones, up to a metre, such as those on tombstones from the Dardanian region, are less common. The stone pine cones from Humac are fairly large, up to half a metre, similar to those from Dardania. This motif has also been recorded on the pyramidal pediment of funerary arae and mausolea, rotundas, urns, and architectural features.

Investigation of some physical and thermal insulation properties of honeycomb-designed panels produced from Calabrian pine bark and cones

Investigation of some physical and thermal insulation properties of honeycomb-designed panels produced from Calabrian pine bark and cones

Сравнительный эколого-географический анализ кузниц большого пёстрого дятла Dendrocopos major (Aves: Piciformes) на севере и юге европейской части России

Сравнительный эколого-географический анализ кузниц большого пёстрого дятла Dendrocopos major (Aves: Piciformes) на севере и юге европейской части России

Effect of pine cone filler particle size and treatment on the performance of recycled thermoplastics reinforced wood composites

Present research studied the effect of 5% alkali treatment and size of pine cone (Pinus Roxburgii Sargent) on the mechanical performance. Recycled thermoplastic waste and alkali treated pine cone of different size has manufactured using microwave-assisted compression molding (MACM) technique. The MACM technique has used because of inherent benefits of less cost, time and energy consumption while manufacturing the wood composites. To explore the feasibility of uses of wood composites in different applications, mechanical performance i.e., tensile and flexural test were performed. Mechanical tests were employed to examine the influence of pine cone particle size on mechanical performance of the composite. This study revealed that wood composite having treated pine cone filler and fine particle size showed enhanced mechanical performance.

Inscription phénicienne sur une cruche au musée de Nicosie

A White-Painted IV jug acquired by the Nicosia Museum bears a short Phoenician inscription. A re-examination of this inscription reveals its contents: pine cones from Sidon. In the process, two new Phoenician words are identified for the first time, šbr = pine cone, ʾr = pine, words which should enter the vocabulary of West Semitic. Only the abbreviation “5 P” remains more enigmatic, probably referring to a measure. The Sidonian origin of the pine cone is the object of particular attention on the jug, perhaps emphasizing the quality of the pine seeds from that region.

High-surface-area activated carbon from pine cones for semi-industrial spray deposition of supercapacitor electrodes.

High surface area carbons are so far the best materials for industrial manufacturing of supercapacitor electrodes. Here we demonstrate that pine cones, an abundant bio-precursor currently considered as a waste in the wood industry, can be used to prepare activated carbons with a BET surface area exceeding 3000 m2 g-1. It is found that the same KOH activation procedure applied to reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and pine cone derived biochars results in carbon materials with a similar surface area, pore size distribution and performance in supercapacitor (SC) electrodes. It can be argued that "activated graphene" and activated carbon are essentially the same kind of material with a porous 3D structure. It is demonstrated that the pine cone derived activated carbon (PC-AC) can be used as a main part of aqueous dispersions stabilized by graphene oxide for spray deposition of electrodes. The PC-AC based electrodes prepared using a semi-industrial spray gun machine and laboratory scale blade deposition of these dispersions were compared to pellet electrodes.

Вплив температури та тиску піролізу на властивості біовугілля.

The aim of this work was to compare the yield, approximate composition, structure and surface morphology of biochar obtained from coniferous cones (SCP) at 400–700 ℃ at different pyrolysis pressures in the range of 0.1–2.0 MPa. The main product of pyrolysis, biochar, has a number of advantages, namely, high calorific value, good thermal efficiency, high biodegradability, a large number of surface functional groups, and the possibility of convenient transportation and storage compared to untreated biomass. However, changes in the composition and structure of biochar obtained from lignocellulosic biomass during pyrolysis under different conditions, as well as the relationship between these properties and the content of the three main components, have not been studied in detail yet. In particular, the ash content, high calorific value (Q), content of functional groups and the mechanism of adsorption of the obtained biochar need further study in order to develop the basis for predicting the possibility of various applications of this product produced from different raw materials. In this work, conifer cones were separately pyrolyzed in a fixed bed reactor under various conditions to further study the effect of biomass components and reaction conditions on biochar yield and properties. The combustion behavior and adsorptive capacity of biochar obtained from SHCP made at various temperatures and pressures was also investigated. The results obtained show that increasing the pyrolysis temperature improves the highest calorific value of the biochar, and increasing the pyrolysis pressure improves the yield of the biochar and increases the amount of surface functional groups and combustion characteristics. For experiments to determine the adsorption capacity of biochar, Pb2+ was chosen due to its inability to biodegrade and high toxicity. The kinetic data for Pb2+ adsorption best fit a pseudo second order model indicating a chemisorption-controlled process. The maximum adsorption capacity for Pb2+ is 235.9 mg/g. Keywords: biochar, interaction of components, pyrolysis conditions, combustion, adsorption of heavy metals. Corresponding author Valentin Valerievich Koval, e-mail: kovalen79@gmail.com

The Early Cretaceous mesofossil flora of Catefica, Portugal: angiosperms

Angiosperm mesofossils are described from the Lower Cretaceous Almargem Formation exposed near the village of Catefica, Portugal, and are thought to be of Aptian-early Albian age. The mesofossil assemblage from Catefica is diverse and, in addition to the angiosperms described here, also contains a rich assemblage of non-angiosperm fossils, including leafy axes of bryophytes and lycopsids, lycopsid and salvinialean megaspores, and sporangia, sori and leaf fragments of ferns. There are also twigs, cones, cone scales, seeds and sporangia of several kinds of conifers. Other seed plants include 11 species of chlamydospermous seeds and vegetative axes related to the BEG group (Bennettiales-Erdtmanithecales-Gnetales). In terms of the number of plant fragments identified, angiosperms are most abundant in the Catefica assemblage and account for more than half of all specimens. Angiosperms also dominate in number of species, but because the non-angiosperm fossils have not been studied in detail the total number of species in the flora is not yet established. Sixty-seven species of angiosperms are recognized. Angiosperm diversity is mainly at the level of non-eudicots, including ANA-grade angiosperms, Chloranthaceae and magnoliids. Remains of chloranthoid angiosperms are especially common, both in the number of specimens and in number of species recognized. About 40 % of the specimens, and more than 25 % of the species are chloranthoids. Remains of magnoliid angiosperms (Magnoliales, Laurales, Canellales, Piperales) are also prominent among the angiosperms. Eudicots are subordinate: only 3–4 % of all angiosperm specimens can be assigned confidently to eudicot angiosperms. Five new genera and six new species of angiosperms are established (Canrightia foveolata sp. nov., Elasmostemon paisii gen. et sp. nov., Endressistemon cateficensis gen. et sp. nov., Ibericarpus cuneiformis gen. et sp. nov., Proencistemon portugallicus gen. et sp. nov., Valvidistemon globiferus gen. et sp. nov.). Several other new taxa are also described, but not formally named.

Перспективи культивування рослин роду рододендрон (Rhododendron L.) в умовах північної частини Лівобережного Лісостепу України

The genus Rhododendron includes more than 1,000 species, a part of them is used in many countries for the ornamental purposes. In contrast, that plant is not widespread in Ukraine, because the peculiarities of its introduction have not been studied sufficiently. Our paper presents the results of the preliminary assessment of the promises for growing rhododendron 30 cultivars and species in the northern part of the Ukraine’s Left-Bank Lisosteppe. The evaluation was carried out on the parameters of winter hardiness, intensity of formation of viable seeds and shoots, and maturation of the latest, preservation of the bushes shape and reproductive efficiency. In the group of evergreen and semi-evergreen plants 67 % of the 15 researched taxa have appeared to belong to the first group of prospects for usage, i.e. almost without restrictions. 5 other taxa have been referred to group II due to the increased are classified to group II, due to increased sensitivity to early spring positive temperatures and subsequent frost damage. This group includes ‘Pearce’s American Beauty’ (Rhododendron catawbiense), ‘Geisha Orange’ (Rh. obtusum), hybrid varieties ‘Erato’ and ‘Rasputin’ and Rhododendron sichotense. In addition, the first two cultivars did not form seeds during the growing season. Among the 15 species and varieties of the studied deciduous plants, only 2 (Rh. mucronulatum, Rh. prinophyllum ‘White Lights’) belong to group II of prospects. A week maturation and increased sensitivity of shoots to the early spring positive temperatures were noted in the first species, whereas in the second species a lack of seeds in the boxes was fired, that is low genitive capacity. In the first species there was a weak maturation of shoots and increased sensitivity to early spring positive temperatures. In the second species there is a lack of seeds in the boxes, i.e. low generative capacity. Regardless of the prospects of rhododendron using in the investigation region, their successful vegetation requires utilizing the modified pH, which includes the sphagnum peat and light composted pine cones and needles (2:1).

First report of Diplodia tip blight on Scots pine in Finland

Diplodia sapinea (Fr.) Fuckel causes shoot blight on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). This fungus has been discovered in Finland as a saprophyte in 2015 on Scots pine cones. The endophytic mode of this fungus was later discovered in healthy Scots pine twigs. In 2021 the disease, Diplodia tip blight was observed on Scots pine in Finland. Currently, the disease symptoms are poorly identified so the role of D. sapinea in disease outbreaks in Finland are easily overlooked. The identification of the fungi is challenging in field conditions and requires targeted identification in laboratory. In this research note I report the first Diplodia tip blight outbreaks observed in Finland, the typical disease symptoms, and methodology for the species identification. Samples were collected from symptomatic trees based on observations made by the citizens. Diplodia sapinea was isolated from defoliated and surface sterilized twigs. The species identification by morphological characters was further confirmed with sequencing of ITS region of rDNA and with species-specific primers. A pathogenicity test confirmed that D. sapinea was the disease agent causing shoot blight. This is the first report of Diplodia tip blight on Scots pine in Finland.

Evolution of the coniferous seed scale.

The Florin model is the commonly accepted theory of coniferous seed scale evolution. It describes the derivation of extant seed scale morphology from the morphology of fossil conifers via the reduction of complex to simple axillary structures. In this framework the seed scale is composed of a reduced lateral shoot with fertile and sterile appendages which are interpreted as leaf homologues. The Florin model has three crucial problems that we address here: (1) the original derivation series does not take the ontogeny of extant conifers into account, (2) it cannot explain the morphology of all extant conifers and (3) Taxaceae were originally excluded. Examination of seed cones of extant conifers shows that ovules occur in three different positions in the cone: in an axillary position, replacing a leaf or terminating the cone axis. By interpreting the fertile appendage or seed-bearing structure as a leaf, not all positions are possible. The exclusion of Taxaceae from conifers is in stark contrast to recent molecular phylogenetic studies, which include Taxaceae in conifers as sister to Cupressaceae. Therefore, the Florin model does not offer an adequate explanation for taxaceous morphology. We conclude that the seed-bearing structure of conifers cannot be interpreted as homologous to a leaf. In the interpretation we present here, the seed-bearing structure is the modified funiculus of the ovule, multiples of which laterally fuse to form the seed scale. The seed scales of all extant conifers can be derived from a Cunninghamia-like morphology via fusion and reduction of individual funiculi.

COMPARISON OF THE ADSORPTION CAPACITY OF CARBON SORBENTS FROM DIFFERENT PLANT PRECURSORS

The sorption capacity of activated carbon obtained from various plant precursors – apple wood, birch wood, pine cones and cellolignin was studied. The plant material was first subjected to carbonation by heating to a temperature of 700 °C and further exposure at this temperature. The total heating time was 8 hours. Charcoal was then subjected to steam activation at a reactor temperature of 950 °C and an activation time of 40–45 minutes. The yield of activated carbon estimated on charcoal was 42–46%. The characteristics of the porous structure were determined by the method of low-temperature nitrogen adsorption. The total specific surface area according to the BET method was (m2/g) 674, 594, 552, 552, 622 for apple wood, birch wood, pine cones, cellolignin and an industrial sample of activated carbon, respectively. Determination of the adsorption capacity by iodine adsorption methods showed that this value, depending on the source of raw materials, falls in the order: birch wood > cellolignin ≈ apple wood > pine cones. The data on the sorption of benzene characterize approximately the same range of sorption capacity: birch wood > cellolignin > pine cones ≈ apple wood. The data on the sorption capacity show that unconventional plant raw materials can be used to produce activated carbon.