Quercus Mongolica Research Articles

Priority Conservation Area of Quercus mongolica Under Climate Change: Application of an Ensemble Modeling

As the primary secondary tree species in Northeast China, Quercus mongolica possesses significant ecological and economic value. This study employed the Biomod2 platform in conjunction with ArcGIS spatial analysis to assess the potential suitable habitat distribution area of Q. mongolica under current climatic conditions. Furthermore, it forecasted the distribution range and niche changes of potentially suitable habitats for Q. mongolica from 2022 to 2090 and pinpointed the key environmental factors influencing its distribution. The findings reveal that the total potential suitable area for Q. mongolica covers 74,994.792 km2, predominantly spread across Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, Jilin, and other regions. The primary determinants of suitable area distribution were peak temperature of hottest month, lowest temperature of coldest month, and altitude. Under future climate scenarios, the potentially suitable habitats of Q. mongolica are anticipated to diminish to varying extents, with the distribution center exhibiting a tendency towards northward migration. Concurrently, the overlap among different climate scenarios is predicted to expand over time. This investigation facilitates a comprehensive understanding of Q. mongolica’s adaptation to climate change, enabling informed adjustments and serving as a valuable reference for the preservation and sustainable management of Q. mongolica populations.

Pinus densiflora var. ussuriensis Forest Alliance

The Pinus densiflora var. ussuriensis forest is a unique pine forest type in Northeast China. The species grows normally under extremely adverse conditions because it has a strong tolerance to poor soils and drought. It also benefits the ecological environment significantly through water conservation, soil improvement and windbreak and sand fixation, thus making it an important pioneer species for improving site conditions. This paper systematically analyzes the geographical distribution, ecological and community characteristics, species composition and classification of Pinus densiflora var. ussuriensis forests in China through field surveys and literature review. The main findings are: (1) Based on the dominant species of each layer, Pinus densiflora var. ussuriensis forests can be divided into two categories of associations: Pinus densiflora var. ussuriensis - Rhododendron dauricum - Carex callitrichos association and Pinus densiflora var. ussuriensis + Quercus mongolica - Lespedeza bicolor - Carex caespitosa association. (2) According to sample plot surveys, a total of 134 vascular plant species, belonging to 59 families and 104 genera, were recorded in natural Pinus densiflora var. ussuriensis forests. Amongst them were one fern species, two gymnosperm species and 131 angiosperm species. (3) The composition of life forms in Pinus densiflora var. ussuriensis forests is dominated by terrestrial herbs, with fewer woody plants and with vines making up the smallest proportion. (4) The Pinus densiflora var. ussuriensis forests located on the hillocks of Xingkai Lake are in decline. If the soil in this area continues to increase in wetness, this community may eventually evolve into a broad-leaved mixed forest.

The Adaptive Mechanism of Ginseng Rhizomes in Response to Habitat Changes

Panax ginseng, a perennial medicinal plant, utilizes its dried roots and rhizomes for medicinal purposes. Currently, in China, ginseng cultivation employs two methods: under-forest and farmland planting. These methods create distinct habitats, significantly influencing the ginseng’s rhizome morphology and, consequently, its economic value. In this study, two-year-old ginsengs were transplanted into farmland (TCG), a larch forest (TLCG) and a Quercus mongolica forest (TQCG) to analyze the differences in rhizome phenotypes caused by habitat changes. The results showed that there were significant differences in light intensity and the soil’s available phosphorus and potassium contents between farmland and forest environments. The differences in habitats led to different adaptability of the ginseng’s rhizome morphology. Compared with TCG, the rhizomes of TLCG and TQCG were significantly elongated by 48.36% and 67.34%, respectively. After the rhizomes’ elongation in TLCG and TQCG, there was an increase in indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) contents and a decrease in lignin contents. By analyzing the expression of key genes, we found that, compared with TCG, the expression of key enzymes of lignin biosynthesis genes such as PgCOMT and PgCCR4 were down-regulated. The difference in ginseng’s rhizome length is related to the signal transduction pathway of auxin and gibberellin. In addition, we preliminarily screened out transcription factors PgWRKY75, PgDIV, and PgbHLH93.1, which can actively respond to habitat changes and play important roles in the elongation of ginseng rhizomes. In summary, this study elucidates the phenotypic plasticity strategy of ginseng rhizomes in response to habitat changes and delineates the regulatory mechanism behind phenotypic adaptation, offering novel insights into ginseng’s morphogenesis.

Первая находка рода Tayloriellina (Teloschistoideae) и североамериканского вида T. microphyllina в Евразии (Дальний Восток России)

The subfamily Teloschistoideae (Teloschistaceae) is mainly distributed in the Southern Hemisphere. Just a few its species were recorded in eastern Asia, and only Teloschistes flavicans has been known in the Russian Far East. Here, we report the discovery of Tayloriellina microphyllina in the Primorye Territory on the eastern shore of Lake Khanka where it is abundant in xerothermic conditions of Quercus mongolica–Pinus × funebris forest. This corticolous Teloschistoideae species has been previously known in the temperate regions from the southern Canada to central Mexico in North America. Our finding is confirmed by molecular data (nrITS). Morphology and chemistry as well as long distance dispersal vs. relict origin of the Far Eastern population of T. microphyllina are shortly discussed.

Contrasting foliar nitrogen nutrition of coexisting temperate and boreal trees across a modest temperature cline

The temperate-boreal forest ecotone represents a transition zone from temperate to boreal forest where nitrogen (N) is frequently limiting tree growth, which is highly sensitive to climate change. However, the spatial patterns and potential drivers of plant N nutrition and soil N availability remain poorly understood. To address this, we conducted a field investigation along a temperate-boreal forest ecotone in northeastern China, characterized by a modest mean annual temperature gradient (∼1°C) within the range of current climate warming. Our goal was to evaluate the spatial variation in foliar N nutrition and soil N availability, and the potential driving factors for Mongolian oak (Quercus mongolica) and Dahurian larch (Larix gmelinii), the dominant trees of the local temperate and adjacent boreal forests, respectively. Our results revealed no significant spatial trend in topsoil N availability across the sampling transect. Overall, foliar N concentration was significantly higher, but foliar δ15N was lower, for Mongolian oak than Dahurian larch. More important, foliar N concentration for Mongolian oak increased significantly toward the boreal forest, driven by lower mean annual temperatures and mean annual precipitation, with no significant trend observed for Dahurian larch. Additionally, foliar Δδ15N (foliar δ15N−soil δ15N) decreased significantly for Mongolian oak as it approached the boreal forest, while it increased significantly for Dahurian larch toward the temperate forest. Furthermore, the foliar N concentration, δ15N, and Δδ15N for Dahurian larch were all higher with an increasing basal area proportion of Mongolian oak. Our findings reveal contrasting patterns of foliar N nutrition between co-occurring temperate and boreal trees across a temperate-boreal forest ecotone which experiences a modest climatic gradient. These results underscore the importance of incorporating interspecific interactions to enhance our understanding of future N cycling in southern boreal forests in the context of climate warming.

Spatial structure and individual competition characteristics of secondary Mongolian oak mature forests in the mountainous area of eastern Liaoning Province, China.

The community structure of natural mature forests is determined by long-term forest succession, characterized by rational structure, rich biodiversity, and high ecological function. Understanding the spatial structure and formation mechanisms of mature forests is a fundamental prerequisite for forest management. We analyzed four structure parameters, including diameter structure, angular scale, size ratio, and mixture degree, as well as the Hegyi competition index, of secondary Quercus mongolica (Mongolian oak) mature forests in the mountainous area of eastern Liaoning Province. The results showed that Q. mongolica predominated the tree layer. In the sapling layer, Q. mongolica, Tilia amurensis, and Acer pictum were the dominant species. In the seedling layer, Acer pseudosieboldianum, T. amurensis, and A. amurensis dominated, with very few Q. mongolica seedlings. The overall diameter distribution of the stand showed an inverse "J" shape, while the diameter distribution of Q. mongolica, the dominant tree species, followed a normal distribution. The horizontal spatial structure of the stand was generally randomly distributed, with an average angle scale of 0.505, size ratio of 0.219, and mixture degree of 0.670 for Q. mongolica. From the perspective of spatial structure binary distribution, Q. mongolica individuals which had a random distribution exhibited greater growth advantages and higher levels of mixing, in comparison to other distribution types. Randomly distributed dominant and subdominant individuals made up nearly half individuals in the stand, and showed a high degree of mixing with surrounding trees. The stand-level individual tree competition index decreased with increasing diameter classes. When the diameter at breast height exceeded 20 cm, the competition index tended to stabilize (ΔCI<2). The competitive radius of individual Q. mongolica trees was 8 m, with intraspecific competition as the main pressure. Other species experienced competition pressure primarily from interspecific sources. Our results suggested that competition played an important role in shaping the spatial structure of secondary Q. mongolica mature forests.

Seasonal biogenic volatile organic compound emission factors in temperate tree species: Implications for emission estimation and ozone formation

Variability in biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions across species and seasons poses challenges for accurate regional emission estimates and effective ozone (O3) control policies. To address this issue, we conducted in-situ measurements of emission factors for six dominant tree species in Beijing across four seasons. Subsequently, we developed monthly dynamic standard emission factors (SER-MDs) to model monthly BVOC emissions and their impacts on O3 formation at citywide and district levels. Our observations revealed pronounced seasonal differences in the BVOC composition and emission rates, as well as their responsiveness to monthly average temperature. By introducing the SER-MDs, we estimated BVOC emissions from the dominant tree species in Beijing to be 38.2 Gg yr−1, with monoterpenes and isoprene contributing 49% and 11%, respectively. This calculation reduced the overestimation associated with constant standard emission factors by 31%–38% at district level. The estimates also revealed regional differences in plant compositions rather than simple feedback from regional temperature and photosynthetically active radiation periods. Under these conditions, the maximum monthly BVOC-induced O3 concentration occurred in August and ranged from 4 to 17 μg m−3 across districts, with isoprene being the dominant contributor. Quercus mongolica and Populus tomentosa played significant roles in the formation of BVOC-induced O3 due to their strong isoprene emitting potential in July–August. These results indicate the necessity of introducing species-specific rhythms of BVOC emissions from dominant species in the development of urban BVOC emission inventories. This approach could inform the development of air pollution management policies that are consistent with the local vegetation composition and O3 pollution characteristics. For Beijing and other similar northern cities, reducing the use of tree species emitting substantial amounts of isoprene during periods of regional peak ambient O3 concentrations could constitute an effective nature-based solution for improving urban air quality in the future.

Post-Pyrogenic Successions in Oak-Korean Pine Forests with Schisandra chinensis and Corylus mandshurica in Sikhote-Alin

This article discusses the results of long-term stationary studies of the formation and development of oak-cedar pine forests with magnolia berry and hazel growing in the Southern and Middle Sikhote-Alin. Considered here are the peculiarities of stands decline, seed-based reforestation, as well as the tree species growth and development courses during the process of reforestation successions in areas with different intensity of fire exposure. Following persistent ground fires, the stands decline is most intensive in the first 5 years, with decay rates and the number of surviving trees varying in different types of burnt areas. The most active seed-based reforestation occurs on post-fire sites mainly during the first 2 years, with birch, aspen and other early stage species predominating. The rate of annual growth of the young generation of trees is the most intensive on plots significantly damaged by fire, in serial species (birch, aspen, Maak’s bird cherry, etc.) they are an order of magnitude higher than in climax broadleaved and coniferous species. Determination of dominance indices, equally dependent on the numbers of undergrowth, thin and large trees, showed that during reforestation successions after both rapid and persistent lowland fires, the phytocenotic importance dynamics in Korean pine, Mongolian oak and other forest forming species has its own peculiarities.

Characterization of volatile compounds and sensory properties of spine grape (Vitis davidii Foex) brandies aged with different toasted wood chips

Aging is an important process for improving wine and brandy quality. In this study, the chemical characterization and sensory properties of spine grape brandies were compared after aging with various species of wood chips, including French oak (FO), American oak (AO), Mongolian oak (MO), Japanese blue oak (JO), chestnut, catalpa, and cherry. The results showed that high color intensity and significant concentrations of tannins and polyphenols were observed in the brandies aged with FO, AO, and chestnut chips. The volatile compounds, such as ethyl decanoate, ethyl 2-methylbutanoate, ethyl octanoate, methyl salicylate, (Z)-2-hexenol, and furfural, contributed to the floral, fruity, and roasted/smoky attributes of the brandies aged with FO, AO, and chestnut chips. The 1-butanol, 1-propanol, phenylethanol, phenylethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate, and linalool contributed to the fruity, honey, and floral attributes of the brandies aged with JO and cherry chips. These findings are extremely useful for the production of differentiated and high-quality spine grape brandies.

Effect of Microbial Degradation Treatments on Lignocellulose, Cellulose, and Water-Holding Capacity of Four Typical Forest Fuels from Northeast China

Since forest fuel decomposes slowly and increases the risk of forest fires by accumulating over the years, forest fuel management to accelerate the decomposition process is essential to prevent forest fires and protect forest resources. In this study, we conducted experiments on forest fuels (Pinus sylvestris var. mongholica, Larix gmelinii, Quercus mongolica and Fraxinus mandshurica) in four typical plantation forests in northeast China by adding Trichoderma spp. to investigate the decomposition process and the changes in cellulose, hemicellulose and the water-holding capacity of the fuels. The addition of Trichoderma spp. accelerated the decomposition of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin in the fuel. Trichoderma spp. promoted the ratio of water absorption and loss, as well as the water-holding capacity of the fuels. The ratio of water absorption and loss reached equilibrium when the decomposition time was up to 35 days, and the addition of Trichoderma spp. increased the maximal water-holding capacity of the fuel. The residual ratio of the four types of fuel degraded by the different treatments was inversely proportional to their maximal water-holding capacities and to the residual ratios of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. The residual ratios of degradation of the four fuels under different treatments were linearly related to their maximum water-holding capacity, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin residual ratios. Trichoderma spp. had a positive effect on the degradation effect and water-holding capacity of fuel on the ground surface of four typical plantation forests. The study is of positive significance for the decomposition of fuel in forests, it promotes the development of biological fire prevention technology and provides a basis for the reinforcement of the management of fuel in forests and the protection of forest resources.

Pre-drought effects on northern temperate trees and vine invasion in forest gaps hindering regeneration

Northern temperate coniferous forests serve as crucial connectors between boreal and temperate forests, yet they are vulnerable to various stressors such as climate change and human activities. Severe drought poses a significant threat to plant species within these forests, prompting recent research into its impacts. However, many studies lack explicit definitions of post-disturbance vegetation processes and fail to identify potential interactions with disturbance factors, necessitating comprehensive discussions. This study examines the effects of drought on tree growth patterns of the main dominant species in northern temperate regions: Abies nephrolepis and Picea jezoensis, along with two commonly associated Betula ermanii, and Quercus mongolica. Additionally, new disturbance factors in forests inhabited by these species (A. nephrolepis and P. jezoensis) were evaluated based on community classification. The study sites were located in the Mt. Baekdu (Changbai) and South Korea regions, which are positioned at the southern limit of the phytogeographical patterns of target species. Results indicate that A. nephrolepis and P. jezoensis exhibit high levels of recovery and resilience, while B. ermanii and Q. mongolica demonstrate high resistance. Species-specific responses align with drought intensity, with resistance, recovery, and resilience decreasing notably with increasing pre-drought radial growth. South Korean forests, the invasion of the vine species Tripterygium regelii after the death of A. nephrolepis in the overstory vegetation threatens the regeneration of new trees. However, certain environmental factors, such as high rock exposure and dense overstory canopy, limit vine invasion. Based on the results, pre-drought radial growth emerges as a key determinant in how trees respond to drought. Additionally, the results suggest the potential for new disturbances to emerge in forest gaps due to overstory vegetation mortality induced by global warming. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of increasing drought stress, aid in identifying climate refugia, and inform conservation priorities based on habitat characteristics.

Tradeoffs of nitrogen investment between leaf resorption and photosynthesis across soil fertility in Quercus mongolica seedlings during the hardening period

Tradeoffs of nitrogen investment between leaf resorption and photosynthesis across soil fertility in Quercus mongolica seedlings during the hardening period

Recent warming and increasing CO2 stimulate growth of dominant trees under no water limitation in South Korea.

Increases in temperatures and atmospheric CO2 concentration influence the growth performance of trees worldwide. The direction and intensity of tree growth and physiological responses to changing climate do, however, vary according to environmental conditions. Here we present complex, long-term, tree-physiological responses to unprecedented temperature increase in East Asia. For this purpose, we studied radial growth and isotopic (δ13C and δ18O) variations using tree-ring data for the past 100yr of dominant Quercus mongolica trees from the cool-temperate forests from Hallasan, South Korea. Overall, we found that tree stem basal area increment, intercellular CO2 concentration and intrinsic water-use efficiency significantly increased over the last century. We observed, however, short-term variability in the trends of these variables among four periods identified by change point analysis. In comparison, δ18O did not show significant changes over time, suggesting no major hydrological changes in this precipitation-rich area. The strength and direction of growth-climate relationships also varied during the past 100yr. Basal area increment (BAI) did not show significant relationships with the climate over the 1924-1949 and 1975-1999 periods. However, over 1950-1974, BAI was negatively affected by both temperature and precipitation, while after 2000, a temperature stimulus was observed. Finally, over the past two decades, the increase in Q. mongolica tree growth accelerated and was associated with high spring-summer temperatures and atmospheric CO2 concentrations and decreasing intrinsic water-use efficiency, δ18O and vapour pressure deficit, suggesting that the photosynthetic rate continued increasing under no water limitations. Our results indicate that the performance of dominant trees of one of the most widely distributed species in East Asia has benefited from recent global changes, mainly over the past two decades. Such findings are essential for projections of forest dynamics and carbon sequestration under climate change.

Neglected but Clinically Relevant Allergens in Korea.

Allergy diagnostics and immunotherapeutics in Asia heavily rely on imported products from Western countries, raising concerns about the accuracy and efficacy of these products for the management of Asian allergy patients. Recent advancements in allergen research have led to the identification and characterization of novel allergens from indigenous Korean species. While some allergens share homology with well-known allergens, others lack counterparts in imported allergen extracts. Classifying regional allergens in Asia into three categories based on their cross-reactivity with imported allergens offers valuable insights. Highly cross-reactive allergens, such as oak allergens Que m 1 from Quercus mongolica and Que ac 1 from Q. acutissima, can be effectively substituted with the imported allergens. Allergens with partial cross-reactivity, like the Asian needle ant allergen Pac c 3 (Antigen 5), permit limited diagnostic value by the currently available products. Unique allergens, including the Japanese hop allergen Hum j 6 (pectin methylesterase inhibitor) and the silkworm pupa allergen Bomb m 4 (30kDa hemolymph lipoprotein) lack alternatives in the available product list. Greater attention is needed, particularly for species listed as ecologically invasive in Western regions. Additionally, allergens from domestic fruits and vegetables causing pollen food allergy syndrome require characterization for the development of improved diagnostics.

Autumn sunlight promotes aboveground carbon loss in a temperate mixed forest

BackgroundPhotodegradation of plant litter plays a pivotal role in the global carbon (C) cycle. In temperate forest ecosystems, the exposure of plant litter to solar radiation can be significantly altered by changes in autumn phenology and snow cover due to climatic change. How this will affect litter decomposition and nutrient dynamic interacting with forest canopy structure (understorey vs. gaps) is uncertain. In the present study, we conducted a field experiment using leaf litter of early-fall deciduous Betula platyphylla (Asian white birch) and late-fall deciduous Quercus mongolica (Mongolian oak) to explore the effect of change in autumn solar radiation on dynamics of litter decomposition in a gap and understorey of a temperate mixed forest.ResultsExposure to the full-spectrum of not only significantly increased the loss of mass, C, and lignin, but also modified N loss through both immobilization and mineralization during the initial decomposition during autumn canopy opening, irrespective of canopy structure and litter species. These effects were mainly driven by the blue-green spectral region of sunlight. Short-term photodegradation by autumn solar radiation had a positive legacy effect on the later decomposition particularly in the forest gap, increasing mass loss by 16% and 19% for Asian white birch and Mongolia oak, respectively.ConclusionsOur results suggest that earlier autumn leaf-fall phenology and/or later snow cover due to land-use or climate change would increase the exposure of plant organic matter to solar radiation, and accelerate ecosystem processes, C and nutrient cycling in temperate forest ecosystems. The study provides a reference for predictive research on carbon cycling under the background of global climate change.

Contrasting light capture strategies between shade-tolerant and -intolerant tree seedlings responding to solar canopy spectral composition

Forest regeneration is a crucial ecological process for promote self-reproduction and restoration, which is essential for maintaining complex community structure and preserving biological resources. Although sunlight have been considered as the main driver of forest regeneration, how light quality shapes functional traits of seedlings is poorly understood in the forest understorey, where spectral compositions of solar radiation change dramatically. We investigated the responses of 15 typical functional traits of Pinus koraiensis and Quercus mongolica to five filter treatments that differed in the spectral transmittance: (a) 95 % of solar radiation was transmitted (280–700 nm); (b) ultraviolet (UV)-B radiation was attenuated (>315 nm); (c) all UV radiation was attenuated (>400 nm); (d) all UV radiation and blue light was attenuated (>500 nm); (e) all UV radiation, blue-green light was attenuated (>580 nm). Our results showed that functional traits responded to UV-B radiation (contrasting treatment [a] vs. [b]) with species-dependence, but consistently showed a positive response to blue light (contrasting treatment [c] vs. [d]). UV-B radiation decreased the relative growth rate (RGR) and leaf area ratio (LAR) of P. koraiensis seedlings by 48 % and 42 %, respectively; however, it increased seedling height, total leaf area (TLA), and above-ground biomass of Q. mongolica. Blue light consistently increased LAR and RGR of two species. Furthermore, Q. mongolica was more plastic in morphological traits (including plant height and TLA) and root/shoot ratio than P. koraiensis to the single spectral region (UV-B, UV-A, blue, and green light), but opposite in physiological and biochemical traits (such as chlorophyll and anthocyanidin). These suggest that two studied species have evolved different light capture strategies in the understorey: Q. mongolica seedlings tended to adjust morphology and biomass allocation to enhance light interception capacity, while P. koraiensis seedlings preferred to adjust physiological and biochemical traits to enhance light utilization efficiency. A better understanding how canopy spectral compositions affect seedling regeneration may provide a new insight for future forest management (i.e. the appropriate gap creation or tree species combination).

Comparison of biogenic volatile organic compounds emissions from representative urban tree species in South Korea and evaluation of standard emission rate models

Although trees generally help alleviate global warming, they generate biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) that may contribute to air pollution and exacerbate climate change. To estimate BVOCs emission rates, several models have been widely used to calculate the standard emission rate (ERs) that takes temperature and light intensity into account. In this study, the effects of temperature and light intensity on the isoprene and monoterpene emissions from various tree species were investigated. Four broad-leaved trees (Platanus occidentalis, Quercus mongolica, Zelkova serrata, and Acer palmatum) and three coniferous trees (Pinus densiflora, Metasequoia glyptostroboides, and Pinus koraiensis) were investigated in August 2022 for the comparison by the species. Emissions from Pinus densiflora were also measured in May for comparison with different climate conditions. Platanus occidentalis revealed the highest emission of isoprene, followed by Quercus mongolica, Zelkova serrata, and Acer palmatum. It was found that the isoprene emissions from Zelkova serrata and Quercus mongolica had a stronger correlation with light intensity than those from Platanus occidentalis. In contrast, the isoprene emissions from Platanus occidentalis exhibited the strongest correlation with temperature compared to other trees concerned. The monoterpene emission from Metasequoia glyptostroboides showed the highest correlation with light intensity (r2 = 0.662). Among the monoterpenes, α-pinene was the most affected by light intensity. Pinus densiflora was affected more by light intensity in May. The ERs estimation using the G93 model confirmed this pattern. Therefore, this study suggests that both light and temperature be taken into account in order to obtain more reliable ERs data of monoterpenes.

Common‐garden study of introgression at loci associated with traits adaptive to coastal environment from Quercus dentata into Quercus mongolica var. crispula

AbstractAdaptive introgression, which can provide genetic diversity resulting in the expansion to novel habitats and the creation of different ecotypes, has been proposed in oaks (genus Quercus). In northern Japan, Quercus mongolica var. crispula (Qc) is common in inland habitats, and Quercus dentata (Qd) occurs in coastal habitats. At the northern distributional limit of Qd, Quercus × angustilepidota (Qa), a hybrid taxon between Qc and Qd, occurs in coastal habitats. These taxa, Qc, Qa, and Qd, were transplanted to inland and coastal common gardens (sites). Genotypes at 27 495 loci, phenotypes of eight leaf and shoot traits, and the size of 30‐year‐old trees were measured for 224 individuals in both sites. Genotypic variation revealed a hybrid zone between Qc and Qd, including both northern‐edge Qd admixed with Qc and coastal Qa backcrossed to Qc. Phenotypes of Qa trees were intermediate between those of Qc and Qd trees. The size of Qa and Qd trees was smaller than that of Qc trees in the inland site but was larger in the coastal site, suggesting adaptation of Qa and Qd to coastal environment. Local ancestry was estimated from phased genotypes of admixed trees using reference genotypes of 47 Qc and 25 Qd trees, indicating heterogeneous ancestry along chromosomes. Admixture mapping of local ancestry detected loci significantly associated with a leaf trait, which were located in an introgressed genomic region with genes related to stress response. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the genetic basis of adaptive introgression resulting in Qd‐like phenotypes of Qa.

Generic Carbon Budget Model for Assessing National Carbon Dynamics toward Carbon Neutrality: A Case Study of Republic of Korea

Forests play a crucial role in South Korea’s carbon neutrality goal and require sustainable management strategies to overcome age-class imbalances. The Generic Carbon Budget Model (GCBM) offers a spatially explicit approach to simulate carbon dynamics at a regional scale. In this study, we utilized the GCBM to analyze the carbon budget of forests in South Korea and produce spatiotemporal maps for distribution of the forest biomass. The growth parameters of five representative tree species (Pinus densiflora Siebold &amp; Zucc., Larix kaempferi Carr., Pinus koraiensis Siebold &amp; Zucc., Quercus mongolica Fisch. ex Ledeb., Quercus variabilis Blume), which are the main species in South Korea, were used to operate the model. In addition, spatial data for harvest and thinning management activities were used to analyze the effects of anthropogenic activities. In 2020, the aboveground and belowground biomass were 112.98 and 22.84 tC ha−1, and the net primary productivity was 8.30 tC ha−1 year−1. These results were verified using comparison with statistics, a literature review, and MODIS NPP. In particular, broadleaf is higher than conifer forest in net primary production. The Canadian GCBM with Korean forest inventory data and yield curves successfully estimated the aboveground and belowground biomass of forests in South Korea. Our study demonstrates that these estimates can be mapped in detail, thereby supporting decision-makers and stakeholders in analyzing the carbon budget of the forests in South Korea and developing novel schemes that can serve regional and national aims related to forest management, wood utilization, and ecological preservation. Further studies are needed to improve the initialization of dead organic matter pools, given the large-scale afforestation efforts in recent decades that have established South Korea’s forests on predominantly non-forest sites.

Different drought recovery strategy between Larix spp. and Quercus mongolica in temperate forests

Forests are experiencing increasingly severe drought stress worldwide. Although most studies have quantified how tree growth was affected by extreme droughts, how trees recover from different drought intensities are still poorly understood for different species. We used a network of tree-ring data comprising 731 Quercus mongolica trees across 29 sites, 312 Larix olgensis Henry trees from 13 sites, and 818 Larix principis-rupprechtii trees from 34 sites, covering most of their distribution range in northern China, to compare the influences of drought intensity on post-drought recovery. The results showed that summer droughts had strong negative influences on tree growth. Post-drought growth varied with drought intensity for the three species. Larix species exhibited strong legacy effects after severe droughts, which is related to the lack of compensatory growth. In contrast, the compensatory growth of Q. mongolica reduced drought legacy effect. However, the compensatory growth of Q. mongolica gradually weaken with increasing drought intensity and disappeared during severe drought. Our findings indicated that influence of drought on Q. mongolica growth mainly shown in drought years, but Larix species suffered from long-term drought legacy effects, implying Q. mongolica rapidly recovered from droughts but Larix species need several years to recover from droughts, thus the two genera have different recovery strategy.