Abstract Key Message Stands stocked with European beech ( Fagus sylvatica L.), sessile oak ( Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.), and Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris L.) show distinct deep seepage patterns. An increasing importance of extreme summer precipitation contributing to deep seepage in the northeastern German lowlands was detected. Extreme summer precipitation events contributed 71% (pine), 22% (young oak), and 15% (beech) of the annual deep seepage. Adapted forest management may promote deep seepage caused by extreme summer precipitation and by precipitation during the winter half-year. Context To date, deep seepage and groundwater recharge in temperate lowland forests occured mainly during the winter half year, the only period in which precipitation exceeds potential evapotranspiration. The increasing occurrence of extreme summer precipitation events, however, has the potential to promote deep seepage during summer. Aims This study aims to quantify the deep seepage feed by extreme summer precipitation events, utilising three large-scale lysimeters below canopies of beech ( Fagus sylvatica L.), young oak ( Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.), and pine ( Pinus sylvestris L.), respectively. Methods Using a seepage hydrograph separation method, we were able to identify two major types of deep seepage: slow deep seepage due to winter precipitation and rapid deep seepage due to extreme summer precipitation events. Results Our measurements attributed substantial portions of deep seepage to extreme summer precipitation events, with distinct differences among lysimeters related to tree species and stand structure. The highest ratio of deep seepage by extreme summer precipitation to annual deep seepage occurred below pine, whereas the highest quantities of deep seepage by extreme summer precipitation were found under young oak. Conclusion Rapid deep seepage due to an increase in extreme summer precipitation events could be the most important mechanism for recharging near-surface groundwater aquifers under pine forests in the northeastern Germany lowlands. Deep seepage may be influenced by the choice of tree species and stand structure.

Seasonal climate warming affects temperate plant phenology differently. Early winter warming can delay dormancy release and budburst due to insufficient chilling, while late winter or spring warming advances budburst. Additionally, the influence of pre-spring non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) availability on leaf phenology remains poorly understood. We explored the effects of previous late-summer defoliation and winter-spring warming on NSC dynamics and spring leaf phenology in two species: deciduous sessile oak with low chilling sensitivity and evergreen Scots pine with intermediate chilling sensitivity. We observed species-specific responses of leaf phenology to warming and defoliation. Winter warming delayed leaf unfolding in pine but not in oak, likely reflecting the greater chilling requirement of the pine. Defoliation significantly reduced pre-spring NSC levels in twigs and roots of both species, and led to earlier needle emergence in pine, with no impact on oak's leaf out date. Our findings indicate a dual dependency of pine leaf unfolding on temperature and internal carbon reserves, suggesting that defoliation, e.g. through herbivory or diseases, affects the following year's spring phenology and leaf growth in evergreen species but not in deciduous trees. These findings are important for understanding the adaptive strategies of different plant functional types under uneven warming conditions.

Deep rooting revisited: Comparing the rooting patterns of European beech, Sessile oak, Scots pine, and Douglas fir in sandy soil to 3.8 m depth

Hericium erinaceus is a fungus that, in addition to its health-promoting properties (including regenerative properties for gastrointestinal membranes and support for neuronal regeneration in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease), has the ability to synthesize valuable metabolites, such as flavonoids (polyphenols) and terpenoids. These compounds possess strong biocidal properties. These substances provide the growing H. erinaceus mycelium with protection against colonization by other species of rot fungi, such as Trametes versicolor. For these reasons, the biological compounds produced by H. erinaceus can be used to produce ecological fungicides, which will find innovative applications in protecting forest tree seedlings. It should also be emphasized that valuable fungal substances are synthesized primarily by the mycelium of H. erinaceus during the initial stages of its development. Therefore, we undertook to develop an updated and modernized methodology for cultivating H. erinaceus mycelium in the laboratory, with the goal of commercializing the production of this mycelium, which will be used to isolate fungicidal substances metabolized by the fungus cultures. The biocidal substances obtained will be used to produce innovative fungicides in order to protect forest tree seedlings. The studies were conducted using various types of nutrient media, including Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), Malt Extract Agar (MEA), and wort medium, at various temperatures ranging from 15 °C to 25 °C. Simultaneously, experiments were conducted using solidified media with a pH ranging from 4.0 to 7.0. The research was also expanded to include the growth and execution of experiments using a processed wood substrate, namely, sawdust made from individual structural wood elements. The sawdust was prepared from the bark, sapwood, and heartwood of sessile oak. The PDA medium was more favourable to the mycelium growth of H. erinaceus at 25 °C. It was also found that an acidic pH in the range of 4.0–5.0 significantly influenced the changes in the growth rate of the mycelium species and their phenotype. It was observed that mycelial growth on a substrate of oak sawdust made from sapwood resulted in intensive mycelial growth and a significant reduction in the wood substrate compared to sawdust made from bark, heartwood, and a mixture of all types of sawdust. The reason for the low mycelial growth, low mass reduction and slight reduction in the mass of sawdust made from bark, heartwood, and a mixture of all types of sawdust was the presence of high levels of tannins, which inhibited the fungal growth.

Variation in wood density between mature sessile oak and English oak trees growing in different vegetation zones

This study presents a predictive model for estimating the sound absorption coefficient of perforated and non-perforated wooden panels, based on experimental data. Measurements were conducted on four wood species: fir wood (Abies alba), pine wood (Pinus sylvestris), pedunculate oak (Quercus robur), and sessile oak (Quercus petraea) in three panel thicknesses (11 mm, 18 mm and 25 mm), with perforation ratios of 0%, 10%, and 20%. The normal-incidence absorption coefficient was measured using the impedance tube method in accordance with ISO 10534-2. Measurements were performed in a 100 mm impedance tube, selected to match the specimen dimensions; therefore, the analysis is limited to the valid plane-wave frequency range of this tube, between 250 and 1600 Hz. Previous studies have shown that both panel thickness and perforation ratio significantly influence mid- and high-frequency absorption. Our results confirm that increased panel thickness and perforation enhance absorption, consistent with findings reported for micro-perforated and porous wood panels. Based on the measured values, we developed first-order regression functions linking the absorption coefficient to material density, thickness, and perforation percentage. The resulting equations allow reverse estimation of one or more physical parameters to meet target acoustic performance requirements. This data-driven approach provides a practical tool for designing wooden absorbers with predictable behavior and complements existing analytical models for acoustic optimization.

Bu çalışma, verniklenmiş ahşap lavabo ve küvetlerde uzun ve kısa süreli yaşlandırma işleminin verniklerin yüzeye yapışma ve sertlik değerine etkilerini belirlemek amacı ile yapılmıştır. Bu maksatla sapsız meşe ve irokodan hazırlanan deney örnek yüzeylerine epoksi uygulama sonrası üzerine ASTM D 3023’e göre selülozik ve akrilik vernik atılmıştır. Hazırlanan sapsız meşe (Quercus petraea Liebl.) ve iroko (Chlorophora excelsa) örnekleri UVB - 313 lambalarına sahip cihazda 252 ve 504 saat, yapay yaşlandırmaya tabi tutulmuştur. Yaşlandırma sonrası test örneklerinde ASTM D 4366 – 95’e göre vernik yüzey sertliği ve TS EN ISO 4624 standardı esaslarına göre yapışma değeri belirlenmiştir. Sonuç olarak; yüzey sertlik değeri, malzeme çeşidi bakımından en yüksek, meşe (40,31), selülozik vernik (41,03) ve uzun sürede (54,50), en düşük, iroko (33,94), akrilik vernik (33,22), kısa sürede (38,04) bulunmuştur. Çoklu etkileşimde en yüksek meşe + selülozik vernik + uzun süre (63,67), en düşük iroko + akrilik vernik + kısa sürede (27,67) çıkmıştır. Yüzey yapışma değeri(Newton) malzeme çeşidi bakımından en yüksek meşe (370,47 N), selülozik vernik (360,36 N), kısa sürede (340,29 N), en düşük iroko (310,28 N), akrilik vernik (320,39 N), uzun sürede (310,88 N) elde edilmiştir. Çoklu etkileşimde, yüzeye yapışma değeri, en yüksek meşe + akrilik vernik + kısa süre (460,67 N), en düşük iroko + akrilik vernik + uzun sürede (160,17 N) tespit edilmiştir. Küvet ve lavaboda ahşap kullanılması halinde su ve neme karşı dayanımını artırmak için bazı işlemlerden geçirilmesi gereklidir. Araştırmada elde edilen bu değerlerin, ahşap lavabo ve küvet yapımında göz önünde bulundurulması, ürünlerin kullanım ömürleri bakımından avantaj sağlayabilir.

Exclusion of wild ungulates is not the Holy Grail: the stronger effect of forestry treatments than exclosures on natural forest regeneration.

Molecular characterization of toasted oak wood (Quercus petraea) volatilome by untargeted GCxGC-ToFMS analysis

Impact of defoliation on tree growth for sessile oak and Scots pine following heat-drought events

Assessing the extent and magnitude of wildlife impact on forest regeneration (e.g., % browsed seedlings or reduction in regeneration density) remains a central challenge. This study explores the potential of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to quantify wildlife impact through the integration of drone-based thermal surveys and vegetation assessments. Specifically, it evaluates whether UAS-derived wildlife density estimates can be linked to browsing intensity and regeneration structure, thereby enabling an indirect assessment of silviculturally relevant forest dynamics. By combining remotely sensed wildlife data with field-based vegetation inventories, the study aims to identify measurable relationships between structural forest characteristics and browsing effects. This approach contributes to the development of spatially efficient, objective, and reproducible monitoring methods at the forest–wildlife interface. Ultimately, the study provides a novel framework for integrating modern remote sensing technologies into wildlife–ecological monitoring and for improving adaptive, evidence-based management in forest ecosystems increasingly affected by high ungulate densities and climate-related stressors. Two silviculturally contrasting study areas were selected: a broadleaf-dominated mixed forest in Hesse, where high ungulate densities were expected, and a pine-dominated site in Brandenburg, anticipated to experience lower browsing pressure. Thermal surveys were conducted using a DJI Matrice 30T drone equipped with a high-resolution infrared camera to detect and geolocate wildlife. In parallel, browsing impact was assessed using a modified circular transect method (“Neuzeller method”). Regeneration was recorded by tree species, height class, and browsing intensity. Statistical analyses and GIS-based spatial visualizations were used to examine the relationship between estimated ungulate densities and browsing levels. Results revealed clear differences in wildlife abundance and browsing intensity between the two sites. In the Heppenheim forest, roe deer densities exceeded 40 individuals per 100 ha, correlating with high browsing pressure—particularly on ecologically and silviculturally valuable species such as sycamore maple and sessile oak. In contrast, the Rochauer Heide exhibited lower densities and a comparatively moderate browsing impact, although certain tree species still showed signs of selective pressure. This study demonstrates that drone-based wildlife monitoring offers an innovative, non-invasive means to indirectly evaluate forest structural conditions in regeneration layers. The findings highlight the relevance of UAV-supported methods for evidence-based wildlife management and the adaptive planning of silvicultural measures. The method enhances transparency and spatial resolution in forest–wildlife management and supports evidence-based decision-making in times of ecological and climatic change.

Spurge-laurel (Daphne laureola L.) reaches the north-eastern limit of its range in the Vértes Mountains (Central Hungary). In Europe, it inhabits various plant communities, including beech woodlands. In Hungary, its primary habitat is beech woodlands, and it is the characteristic species of the Transdanubian Mountains beech forest (Daphno laureolae–Fagetum) association. In this study, the species’ habitat preference in the Vértes Mountains was examined based on 2635 occurrences and 725 vegetation stands. We searched for associations between D. laureola occurrences and actual and potential vegetation, the degree of naturalness of habitats, and elevation. It was found that the occurrence of D. laureola is restricted to certain vegetation types in the Vértes Mountains. Considering the actual vegetation, the plant can be found in beech woodlands, sessile oak–hornbeam woodlands, sessile oak–Turkey oak woodlands, downy oak woodlands, and occasionally in tree plantations, shrublands and grasslands. D. laureola was found to be positively associated with beech woodlands, sessile oak–hornbeam woodlands, sessile oak–Turkey oak woodlands, and downy oak woodlands, while negatively associated with non-natural vegetation types and grasslands. As to the potential vegetation, the positive association of D. laureola occurrences is valid for beech woodlands and downy oak woodlands, but not for sessile oak–Turkey oak woodlands and sessile oak–hornbeam woodlands. Based on the degree of naturalness of habitats, 87% of the species’ occurrences fall into the natural or the near-natural categories. D. laureola occurs in the Vértes Mountains between 350 and 450 m altitude most frequently, while in a considerable part of its range in Europe, it is a montane species appearing in 500–1500 m elevation. Such altitudinal distribution in the Vértes Mountains is similar to that of several coexisting herbaceous relict montane species living on dolomite rocks or in rock grasslands there. However, unlike those, D. laureola prefers forest habitats. Based on these, D. laureola can be considered a good, natural indicator species of undisturbed original forest stands in the Vértes Mountains. Furthermore, the presence of D. laureola supports the phytogeographical connection of the dolomite areas in the Vértes Mountains to the montane flora of higher altitudes in Europe.

Detecting powdery mildew disease in oak seedlings using drone technology is an emerging approach that allows efficient and precise monitoring of seedling health in nurseries and afforested areas. This is increasingly important given the growing biotic stresses, including powdery mildew caused by pathogens such as Erysiphe spp. This study aimed to identify NDVI values characterizing infected seedlings of second-year sessile oak (Quercus petraea) seedlings affected by powdery mildew in the Valea Iușului nursery. The research was conducted in 2024 at the Valea Iușului nursery, part of the Lechința Experimental Base, on a second-year sessile oak crop. Drone flights were performed using a DJI Phantom 4 drone with a multispectral camera at 10 meters altitude, in hover mode. Photographs were captured with 80% front overlap and 75% side overlap. Analysis of orthophotos and NDVI images showed that the spectral response of infected seedlings ranged from 0.400 to 0.650 NDVI, depending on infection severity. NDVI values decreased as the severity of powdery mildew increased. Indices between 0.400 and 0.500 indicated moderate to severe infection, while values between 0.500 and 0.650 reflected mild to moderate infection.

This study examines the influence of thermal treatment on the ignition properties of Norway spruce (Piceaabies (L.) H. Karst.) and sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.) wood. Using a cone calorimeter both untreated and thermally modified samples (180°C for 6 h) were analysed to determine key fire modelling parameters: combustion efficiency, critical heat flux, ignition temperature, thermal inertia, and thermal response parameter. Obtained results reveal that thermally treated wood exhibits higher combustion efficiency than its untreated equivalent, with spruce generally outperforming oak. The effect of thermal treatment on other properties was species-dependent. Thermally treated spruce showed an increase in critical heat flux and a decrease in both thermal inertia and the thermal response parameter. Conversely, thermally treated oak displayed a reduction in critical heat flux and an increase in both thermal inertia and the thermal response parameter. These results highlight the complex, species-specific effects of thermal modification on the fire behaviour of wood.

Role of ellagitannins and OTR of the Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl barrel staves for beverages aging☆

The article presents the results of the study of forest phytocenoses of the Beshtaugorsky State Nature Reserve located in the Mineralovodsky and Predgorny Districts of the Stavropol Territory. The object of the study is the unique ecosystem of the reserve with an area of 16,012 hectares, including nine laccolith mountains. Particular attention is paid to a detailed study of the floristic diversity and structure of plant communities of the territory. Particular attention is paid to the study of the altitudinal zonation of vegetation and its relationship with the landscape and climatic conditions of the territory. It was revealed that hornbeam dominates on the northern slopes, and English oak and sessile oak dominate on the southern slopes. The study identified the main types of plant communities: broad-leaved mountain forests, high-mountain meadows and crooked forests, mountain steppes, forb-feather-grass and desert Tauride-wormwood-tussock-cereal steppes, as well as vegetation of reservoirs and waterlogged places. The obtained results are of great importance for developing strategies for the protection and rational use of the natural resources of the reserve, as well as for understanding the mechanisms of formation and functioning of mountain forest ecosystems in the region.

Abstract Leaf metabolites are important drivers of biotic interactions. Leaf metabolic profiles are changing over ontogeny and in response to biotic and abiotic conditions. Additionally, plant species diversity can influence leaf metabolomes. However, it is rarely considered how changes in leaf metabolomes might affect the leaf litter volatiles, which mediate interactions with the decomposer community. We designed an optimized and validated solid-phase microextraction (SPME) method coupled with a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis to analyze liter volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. This method was applied to test the hypothesis that sessile oak ( Quercus petrea ) leaf litter VOC profiles are influenced by surrounding tree diversity. The results showed that plot diversity significantly affected oak litter VOC profiles by increasing the emissions of fatty acids. Tree diversity marginally modulated terpenoid emissions. Particularly, the emission rates of (-)-β-bourbonene and (E)-β-caryophyllene decreased with increasing species diversity. Also, ethanol emissions, likely due to microbial activity, decreased with increasing tree diversity. By detecting diversity- and C: N-related changes in terpenoids, and diversity effects on fatty acids and ethanol emissions of Q. petraea leaf litter, we provide new insights into how biodiversity shapes litter chemistry and potentially restructures decomposer interactions.

Soil contamination is a major contemporary issue. In light of increasing efforts to align seedling production with the sustainable use and preservation of soil resources, this study aimed to explore the potential of selected plant-growth-promoting bacteria as natural alternatives to mineral fertilizers, a major soil pollutant in the forestry sector. The experiment involved inoculating one-year-old sessile oak (Quercus petraea) seedlings with multiple single bacterial treatments and a consortia derived from sessile oak rhizosphere and monitoring their effects on plant physiological parameters such as chlorophyll, carotenoid, and nitrogen content, along with selected parameters of the rapid chlorophyll a fluorescence induction curve (an OJIP curve). The results indicated that the selected bacterial strains improved specific plant physiological parameters at certain points during the monitoring period; however, further research is necessary to draw statistically significant conclusions. Although these bacteria did not directly enhance photosynthetic parameters, their potential remains evident and could be harnessed through improved application methods. Future studies should focus on identifying site conditions that support the proliferation of the introduced bacterial populations.

The main objective of the study was to evaluate the colour changes generated by outdoor exposure on spruce (Picea abies L. Karst) samples used as shingles for the roof of a traditional Maramures gate. Additionally, samples made of oak (Quercus petraea Liebl.) have been used to simulate the gate pillar. The specimens have been treated with boiled linseed oil and exposed to the outdoor environment for nine months under two different trial positions. The colour and moisture content changes in the samples have been periodically evaluated. Reactions of the samples from two species have been analysed considering three different variables, such as exposure time, treatment chemical, and positioning during their outdoor exposure. The samples vertically positioned showed fewer discolouration compared to those with inclined exposure. The total variation in colour increased as the length of exposure time increased. After nine months, the highest variation, based on the ΔE* values, was recorded in the category of untreated samples exposed at an angle of 60° to the horizontal, which showed values of ΔE* = 24.87 for oak and ΔE* = 31.16 for spruce, respectively. The oil treatment had a significant impact only on spruce samples having orthogonal exposure. The findings of this study have the potential to provide a better understanding of such species used for construction applications in relation to weathering.

Abstract Tree-ring analysis provides a powerful tool for reconstructing past environmental and ecological conditions. This study examines the early growth dynamics of pedunculate oak ( Quercus robur ) and sessile oak ( Q. petraea ) across 30 stands in Eastern Europe, including the Białowieża National Park (BNP), by analyzing their basal area increment (BAI) over the first 55 years of growth. We identified three distinct BAI models reflecting different early-life growth trajectories, potentially indicative of varying habitat characteristics during the recruitment phase. While these models were present across the geographically diverse study area, their relative frequencies varied significantly between individual stands, indicating a strong influence of local ecological contexts on early oak development. Notably, the majority of oaks within the BNP exhibited a slow and steady linear BAI increase. This homogeneity infers a consistent, yet suboptimal, growth environment within the BNP interior during this period. We suggest that this growth pattern is indicative of oak regeneration occurring predominantly under the translucent canopies of pioneering tree species that established following historical disturbances. This finding contrasts with the heterogeneous BAI patterns observed in semi-open stands and wood pastures, highlighting the distinct ecological history of oak recruitment within the BNP’s forest interior. Our results challenge the notion that the current oak old-growth in BNP is primarily a direct legacy of extensive, long-lasting semi-open silvopastoral woodlands conducive to rapid early oak growth. Instead, they support a model of oak establishment within a dynamic forest shaped by specific anthropogenic historical disturbances followed by spontaneous ecological succession.