Pinus Sibirica Research Articles

Еловые леса долины р. Копту (Республика Тыва) – реликт растительности позднего плейстоцена

Spruce forests of the Tuva Republic are not sufficiently described in literature. Spruce forests occupy small areas, but they are characterized by high species diversity. Enclaves of forest communities outside the forest belt are particularly interesting. The actual problem concerns species composition which forms plant communities existing under environmental and climate conditions that are not favorable for it. The aim of the research is to describe the communities of the valley dark coniferous forests in the model river valley in Central Tuva, to assess their diversity, to analyze species composition and to identify the main factors determining it. In the course of the fieldwork in 2020, we examined coniferous forests along the Koptu river, on the southern slope of the Academic Obruchev range (See Figures). In this part of the range, the foothills are occupied by steppe vegetation; forest-steppe landscapes prevail at altitudes of 800-1000 m; above there is the taiga belt, the upper border of the forest is about 1900 m above sea level. Two key areas were investigated; one of them is located in the middle course of the river within the taiga belt (51.90- 51.92°N; 95.45-95.48°E, 1400-1500 m above sea level), the other is in the lower course of the river in the forest-steppe belt (51.55-51.70°N; 95.34-95.45°E, 700-900 m above sea level). In total, 11 relevés were made on plots of 20×20 m by the standard method. We established that the forests are rich in species: 98 taxa were registered (See Table). It could be expected that coniferous forests in the river valley within the forest-steppe belt are a continuation of the above located communities, a continuation of communities from the taiga belt. However, our materials have demonstrated that it is not so. We revealed that, despite the physiognomic similarity, the dark coniferous communities growing in the river valley in its lower course differ significantly from those growing within the taiga belt (See Table). Larix sibirica is abundant everywhere; but in the taiga belt Pinus sibirica dominates in the valley communities, and Picea obovata prevailes in the river valley in the forest-steppe belt. Apart from it, the communities of these two key sites differ significantly in their species composition. Analysis of the ecology of differentiating species shows that the difference is due to a complex of factors. Four groups of species can be distinguished in the investigated forests: I. Taiga species which are only encountered in forests of the upper part and are absent below (Aegopodium alpestre, Carex iljinii, Cerastium pauciflorum, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, V. uliginosum). II. Meadow species, symmetrically, only occur in the forests of the lower part and are absent in the taiga belt (Galium boreale, Lathyrus pratensis, Rubus saxatilis and Vicia cracca, Achillea asiatica, Adonis sibirica, Artemisia laciniata, Iris ruthenica). The two groups mentioned above reflect the difference in altitude as well as the influence of the zonal environment. III. A series of species in the downstream valley forests reflect a waterlogging process, which takes place there due to the altitudinal gradient declining and surface flattening (Angelica tenuifolia, Caltha palustris, Carex cespitosa, C. dioica, Equisetum scirpoides, Delphinium crassifolium, Galium uliginosum, Lathyrus palustris, Parnassia palustris, Ribes procumbens; among mosses – Calliergonella cuspidata, Helodium blandowii, Timmia megapolitana, Tomentypnum nitens). IV. A number of species with mainly taiga or Arctic-Alpine distribution were recorded only in larch-spruce forests in the river valley in the forest-steppe belt and they are absent in the forests of the upper key area (Carex alba, Bistorta vivipara, Carex sedakowii, Orthilia obtusata, Pedicularis sceptrum-carolinum, Saussurea alpina, Schizachne callosa). For these species, it is impossible to explain their presence in the forest-steppe belt by modern ecological conditions. Their presence in the valley spruce forests has historical reasons and could be caused by the conditions of the Late Pleistocene cooling. So, we can draw a conclusion that the massif of valley spruce forests in the lower part of the Koptu river is a relict community formed in the Late Pleistocene periglacial environment on permafrost soils. In present conditions, it is in unstable equilibrium. The massif is the habitat of a number of rare species. In particular, the Orchidaceae taxa were found here, four of which are included in the Red Book of the Republic of Tuva (Cypripedium calceolus, Dactylorhiza sibirica, Epipogium aphyllum, Neottianthe cucullata). The valley forest of the lower part of the Koptu river can be nominated as a high conservation value forest and recommended to be included in the list of the Important Plant Areas of the Altai-Sayan region. The massif is under the strong anthropogenic pressure; in order to avoid extinction, it needs to be protected.

System for automated environmental monitoring using remote sensing data of the Earth from open data sources

Environmental monitoring using remote sensing data requires an analyst to perform a large amount of routine work related to downloading, processing and analyzing data, especially in cases when the study area is covered with a large number of satellite imagery. The paper presents the results of the design and software implementation of the system that automates downloading and processing of remotely sensed data according to developed scenarios and, thus, greatly simplifies the processing of satellite imagery. It provides the description of tools for accessing data from the archive of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and describes the data flow in the system. The paper gives an analysis of results obtained using the developed system on the example of monitoring the state of Siberian pine forests of the Tomsk region.

To the creation of the exhibition of Altai flora in the Polar-Alpine Botanical Garden

The preconditions for creating an exposition on the botanical and geographical site "Altai" of the Polar-Alpine Botanical Garden of the KSC RAS, represented by cenotic elements characteristic of the forests of the Altai mountains: dark-coniferous, light-coniferous and black taiga. Such expositions in botanical gardens are one of the forms of preserving the biodiversity of introduced plants ex situ. The condition, structure, species composition of the created plantings for this period - the completion of the first stage of work ("Creating a tree tier") is described. Preliminary results of plant introduction the main tree species ( Abies sibirica Ledeb., Picea obovata Ledeb., Larix sibirica Ledeb., Pinus sibirica Du Tour, Pinus sylvestris L., Tilia cordata Mill ., Populus tremula L.) forests of the Altai mountains. The condition of coniferous plants is characterized as normal: they show climate and soil resilience, have a natural rhythm of development here, go through all stages and phases of ontomorphogenesis. A comparative analysis of the rhythms of seasonal development of plants of herbaceous species characteristic of the most contrasting ecotypes of the Altai mountains (foothill and high-mountain) showed that the conditions of the Northern taiga of the Khibiny mountains of the Kola Peninsula are more consistent with plants of high-altitude habitats (high-mountain ecotype). Features of growth and development of plants of Altai species ex situ indicate successful adaptation of most of these species to the conditions of the Kola Arctic.

A study of natural durability of selected coniferous wood species from north Asia affected by the fungus Coniophora puteana (Schumach.) P. Karst.

The aim of prestened study was to determine the natural durability of selected coniferous wood species from Asia to the effect of Coniophora puteana (Schumach.) P. Karst., which causes brown rot. The species tested were: Larix gmellini (Rupr.) Kuzen., Larix sibirica Ledeb. and Pinus sibirica Du Tour.. The test was conducted on the basis of PN-EN 350:2016-10 and PN-EN 113:2000. As a result of the research durability classes were determined. Wood durability of tested Asian species was compared with the domestic wood species such as Pinus sylvestris L. and Larix decidua Mill.. The most durable of the tested wood species was Larix sibirica Ledeb., while the European larch showed comparable durability. The wood of Larix gmellini (Rupr.) Kuzen. showed the lowest persistence among the tested species.

Phytopathogenic fungi in forest nurseries of Middle Siberia

Abstract: The paper presents the results of phytopathogenic fungi determination in bare-root forest nurseries of Middle Siberia. Genetic analysis of pathogenic microflora of Pinus sylvestris L., Pinus sibirica Du Tour and Picea obovata Ledeb. seedlings allowed identification of 17 genera of micromycetes: Phoma Sacc., Lophodermium Chevall., Sclerophoma Hohn. (teleomorph Sydowia Bres.), Cladosporium Link, Alternaria Nees, Typhula (Pers.) Fr. etc. Most frequently detected fungi represented genera Phoma (23.7 %) and Lophodermium (23.6 %). Pinus sylvestris L. seedlings harboured the highest diversity of fungal taxa. Seven genera of microscopic fungi (Phoma sp., Didymella sp., Alternaria sp., Cladosporium sp., Lophodermium sp., Gremmenia sp., Sclerophoma sp.) were detected in all studied forest zones: taiga, forest-steppe and Southern-Siberian mountain. The obtained results demonstrate the usefulness of DNA analysis for the identification of phytopathogenic fungi in forest nurseries of Middle Siberia with several implications for increasing the efficacy of forest management.

Comparative study of the fullness of dwarf Siberian pine seeds <em>Pinus pumila</em> (Pall.) Regel from places of natural growth and collected from plants introduced in northwestern Russia by microfocus X-ray radiography to predict their sowing qualities

As a result of analysis of the quality of Pinus pumila seeds by the method of microfocus X-ray radiography in combination with the automatic analysis of digital X-ray images, it was found that the best characteristics of individual structures and organs of seeds were demonstrated in samples collected from trees growing at site 71 of BIN RAS; the worst — from seeds taken from South Sakhalin. The seeding qualities of Pinus pumila seed samples were determined by standard methods. Based on analysis of the characteristics of digital X-ray images of Pinus pumila seeds, it was found that a seed sample from site 71 BIN RAS was characterized by the high level of embryo area 4.19±0.49 mm2, maximum embryo to thalus ratio 60.95±7.45 %, high level of endosperm area 23.93±1.24 mm2, and maximum ratio square of embryo area 9.45 ±1.17 %. The same sample was characterized by a maximum weight of 1000 seeds and a maximum absolute and soil germination ratio, compared to other samples. The obtained data showed that Pinus pumila seeds collected from plants introduced in northwestern Russia by most parameters are not inferior or are even superior to seeds from the natural range.

Ecological and cenotic features of the old-growth Pinus sibirica forests in the North-Chuya glaciation center, Russian Altai

Ecological and cenotic features of the old-growth forests of Siberian pine – Pinus sibirica Du Tour situated in the mountain-glacial basin Aktru in the North-Chuya glaciation center of the Russian Altai at the altitudes of 2160–2300 m a.s.l. were examined for the first time. These forests can be defined as virgin ones since they have never been subjected by direct human-caused disturbances throughout their existence. This makes them a valuable pattern of the undisturbed forests of the Altai. The age of the primary generation of P. sibirica forming the base of the tree layer of these forests is about 400 years; the age of some trees reaches 600 years and more. A significant floristic diversity (104 species of vascular plants) was detected in these forests. In the Aktru mountain-glacial basin, old-growth forests of P. sibirica exist in eight variants, significantly differing in the composition and structure of subordinate layers and the diversity of vascular plants, mosses, and ground lichens. We have carried out the phytoindication of the most important ecological factors at the old-growth P. sibirica forests situated on the northern, western, and eastern slopes of the valley of the Aktru River. Despite the fact, these forests are found on different types of soils (coarse-humus gleyed cryozems in the northern slope, typical soddy-podburs on the eastern one, and skeletal coarse-stony weak podburs in the western slope), all habitats are characterized by narrow ranges of moisture conditions – four grades (67.1 to 70.0) indicated series of humid-forest habitats and active soil richness – two grades (7.0 to 8.1) indicated series of mesotrophic habitats. Such environmental conditions are optimal for P. sibirica in all studied habitats. Both the great scientific significance of the examined old-growth P. sibirica forests for climatic and environmental studies and the need for their conservation, due to their rarity, undisturbed state, and significant age of the trees, are noted.

Результаты интродукции кедровых сосен в Магаданской области

Data on introduction of Siberian (Pinus sibirica Du Tour) and Korean (P. koraiensis Siebold et Zucc.) cedar pines in the south of Magadan Oblast are given. In 2018, male microstrobiles and female cones were formed on the Siberian pine for the first time here. The entry of the tree into the generative phase of development indicates a successful acclimatization of this species to the local conditions. Climatic changes observed in recent decades have provided sufficiently favorable conditions for the growth of introduced species of straight standing cedar pines in the south of Magadan Oblast. The results obtained show that cedar pines can be cultivated and used as decorative plantations in the conditions of Northern Priokhotye.

Climate‐driven conifer mortality in Siberia

AbstractAimAn increase in conifer mortality has been observed widely across the boreal forest biome. We investigate the causes of this mortality, in addition to the geospatial and temporal dynamics of mortality, in Siberian pine and fir stands.LocationCentral Siberia.Time period1950–2018.Major taxa studiedPinus sibirica Du Tour and Abies sibirica Ledeb.MethodsWe used geospatial analysis of satellite‐derived (MODIS, Landsat) data, topography (elevation, slope steepness and exposure) and climatic variables [precipitation, thermal degree days (TDD = ∑(t > 0 °C), standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) and root zone moisture content (RZM)], together with in situ data. Dendrochronology was applied for analysis of the radial growth increment (GI).ResultsSiberian pine and fir mortality has increased greatly in recent decades. The mortality of forest stands and trees was dependent on the TDD, RZM and SPEI. Mortality occurred mainly within the southern part of the species ranges and decreased northward, correlated with latitudinal gradients of TDD and SPEI. Mortality was observed mostly at elevations < 1,000 m and decreased with increasing elevation, whereas the area of forests and GI of trees increased with elevation. Forest mortality was preceded by the changes in tree GI. Since the onset of climate warming, GI increased until a breakpoint in the mid‐1980s. Further temperature increase caused a reduction in GI owing to moisture stress and division of the tree population into “decliners” and “survivors”. Mortality was caused by the combined impact of moisture stress and bark beetle attacks.Main conclusionSiberian pine and fir mortality was preceded by a reduction in the GI of trees caused by elevated air temperatures, acute droughts and subsequent insect attacks. Forest mortality was observed mostly at low elevations, whereas within the areas with sufficient moisture availability (at elevations c. < 1,000 m) the tree GI and forest area increased. With the projected increase in drought, Siberian pine and fir trees are predicted to retreat from their southern low‐elevation ranges.

ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTIRADICAL ACTIVITY OF INDIVIDUAL FRACTIONS OF PINUS SIBIRICA DU TOUR AND ABIES SIBIRICA LEDEB., NATIVE TO THE SIBERIAN REGION

By the method of exhaustive hydroparodistillation, essential oil was obtained from Siberian pine (Pinus sibirica Du Tour) and Siberian fir (Abies sibirica Ledeb.), growing on the territory of the Krasnoyarsk territory. Separate fractions of oil were obtained: the first one after 45 min from the beginning of distillation, the second – after 2 hours, the third – after 5 hours, the fourth-after 10 hours, the fifth fraction was collected after the end of hydrodistillation. The antimicrobial activity of separate fractions of essential oil of P. sibirica and A. sibirica was studied against strains of opportunistic microorganisms: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus 209p, Micrococcus luteus, Acinetobacter baumanii, Candida albicans. The performed studies showed that all the studied samples of essential oils showed either bactericidal or bacteriostatic activity against the strains of microorganisms taken in the experiment, except Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The type of activity displayed depended on the type of strain and sample of essential oil. It is noted that the sensitivity of the experimental strains to the components of the essential oils of P. sibirica and A. sibirica decreases during the transition from the first to the last fraction. We assume that, apparently, this is due to a decrease in the number of monoterpenes in the composition of oils.To study the antiradical activity, the reaction of essential oil components with a stable free 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical was used. Antiradical activity of both whole essential oils of P. sibirica and A. sibirica and their separate fractions was established. There was an increase in antiradical activity with a decrease in the content of monoterpenes in the composition of essential oil.

BIOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF VEGETATIVE EXPLANTS AND CALLUS PINUS SIBIRICA DU TOUR

The methods of sterilization of annual shoots Pinus sibirica Du Tour and the conditions for their introduction into in vitro culture were studied. Induction of callusogenesis of aseptically viable explants of P. sibirica proceeds more intensively on the modified Murasige-Skoog medium: hormonal supply of 0.4% kinetin and 0.25% 6-benzylaminopurine; reduced sucrose concentration of 1.5%. The frequency of callus formation was 83%. Close quantitative indicators of extractive substances were established (36 and 33% of absolutely dry weight for callus and explant, respectively); easily hydrolyzable polysaccharides (18 and 16%) and proteins (11 and 10%).Callus P. sibirica has a higher content of ascorbic acid, flavanoids, tocopherols and ash elements compared to explants and a low amount of hard-hydrolyzable polysaccharides, lipids, tannins, pigments, and essential oils.The electrophoretic spectrum of water-soluble callus proteins is represented by eleven fractions: 63% of the total water-soluble proteins are fractions with a molecular weight of 33 kD and above. Fractions with molecular weights of 50 and 62 kD (20 and 17%, respectively) are represented as much as possible.In the explants of P. sibirica, low molecular weight fractions of proteins with molecular masses of 5 kD and lower (59%) predominate. The amino acid composition of calli and explants of P. sibirica is identical and is represented by fifteen individual amino acids. Callus tissue has a higher content of glutamic acid and two hydrophobic amino acids (proline and isoleucine) compared to the vegetative part of the plant and low tyrosine content.

Late Holocene environmental and climatic changes in the Western Sayan Mountains based on high‐resolution multi‐proxy data

Southern Siberia is characterized by complex climatic and vegetation patterns, and the late‐Quaternary evolution of climate and vegetation in this vast region is still poorly understood. This study uses pollen, spores, testate amoebae and plant macrofossils to characterize environmental and climatic changes at Bezrybnoe Mire (Western Sayan Mountains, southern Central Siberia). Pollen data indicate permanent forest cover in the region during the Late Holocene and subtle variations in abundances of dominant taxa (Pinus sibirica,Abies sibirica,Larix,Pinus sylvestris and Betula pendula). Higher values of Betula and Artemisia at the beginning of the record (>2500 cal. a BP, probably c. 3300 cal. a BP) and c. 420–140 cal. a BP suggest slight expansion of birch forest and steppe. The intervening period has higher values of dark taiga taxa, suggesting a shift to higher moisture levels. Superimposed on this longer‐term variation, the testate amoeba record of mire wetness reveals 12 sub‐millennial episodes of drier conditions (with a sample resolution of c. 50–90 years). Mire plant communities reacted to the high‐frequency fluctuations in moisture but with a delayed response of c. 30–40 years. Both the short‐ and long‐term variations in moisture show general concordance with neighbouring regional records and align with observed cultural changes of the Eurasian steppe region. These variations in moisture probably relate to the degree of penetration of the moisture‐bearing Westerlies into southern Siberia.

Forest cover dynamics of the Bazoy Siberian pine (Pinus sibirica Du Tour) forest from 1915 to 2015

Abstract The article considers the long-term (100 years) dynamics of the forest cover of the southernmost unit of Siberian pine forests on the West Siberian plain. A key feature of forest management is that Siberian pine seeds are a valuable food product and, when cutting forests, this tree species, as a rule, is preserved. The basis of the experimental data was the material of the national forest inventories of 1915, 1974 and 2015 for a total area of 1,420.41 ha. During the period from 1915 to 2015, the forested area changed slightly (96.2 and 94.0%), while the share of Siberian pine stands increased significantly from 48.4 to 58.7%. Grassy Siberian pine forests (32.1%) of optimal age (120–140 years), which are characterised by the best seed productivity and the largest share of Siberian pine in the community (77%), predominate. Basically, human economic activity results in an increase in the area of Siberian pine stands, when deciduous stands with Siberian pine undergrowth are used for fuel and as building material. A decrease in the area of Siberian pine forests occurs mainly under the impact of fires. In the conflagrations of 1915–1920, 7 to 38% of silver birch forests have no Siberian pine undergrowth and are considered long-term secondary communities. In the remaining area, the proportion of Siberian pine undergrowth is 20–30% with a density of 800–1200 seedlings ha−1, which is sufficient for the natural formation of Siberian pine forests.

Elemental Composition of Needles of the Family Pinaceae in the Territory with Accumulated Environmental Damage, Southern Baikal Region

The concentrations of 20 elements in needles of forest-forming species of the family Pinaceae, namely Abies sibirica, Pinus sylvestris, Pinus sibirica, and Picea obovata, have been determined by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. The ratios and accumulation series of elements indicate a tendency toward accumulation of anthropogenic elements and inhibition of the accumulation of essential elements. The XRF data showed that the concentration of conditionally toxic elements does not exceed the reference values for terrestrial plants.

Динамика семеношения сосны кедровой сибирской (Pinus sibirica) в условиях Новосибирской области

The results of an analytical review and evaluation of long-term experimental data on the dynamics of seed-bearing of Siberian pine in the Novosibirsk region at the objects of the forest seed base in the Iskitim forestry are presented. The analysis of the development of the generative part of the cedar depending on the hydrothermal conditions of the years of study and the individual variability of clones. The data obtained indicate that the growing conditions and humidity, as well as the temperature factor affect the periodicity of seed production. The years that differ in the volume of cedar seed harvesting for the period 2009–2017 are highlighted. Years of mass harvests and crop failures need to be investigated to study the causes of periodicity of fruiting and features of the process of pollination, fertilization and development of cones.

УСПЕШНЫЙ ОПЫТ АККЛИМАТИЗАЦИИ КЕДРОВОГО СТЛАНИКА (PINUS PUMILA (PALL.) REGEL) НА СЕВЕРЕ ЛЕНИНГРАДСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ.

The Siberian dwarf pine (Pinus pumila (Pall.) Regel) has been successfully acclimatized on the northern shore of Glubokoye lake (Vyborg District of the Leningrad Region, the Russian Federation). This is the largest population (56 plants) of dwarf pine in Leningrad Region comprised of adult plants brought from the native habitat of the species. A survey of this population and statistical processing of data were carried out in comparison with the long known P. pumula population of the Scientific Experimental Station "Otradnoye" (Botanical Institute of the Russia Academy of Sciences). The dwarf pine successfully tolerates the present-day climate of the Northwest of Russia and yields full-grain seeds.

Earlywood structure of evergreen conifers near forest line is habitat driven but latewood depends on species and seasons

Near upper forest line, values of conifer wood anatomical traits are species-specific, but relationships among traits are common. Growing season temperature significantly impacts wood anatomy only in its extremes. Quantitative wood anatomy can provide detailed insight into adaptation of trees to changing environment, especially on the borders of species distribution ranges. This study investigated wood anatomy of Pinus sylvestris L., Pinus sibirica Du Tour, and Picea obovata Ledeb. near the forest line in the Western Sayan Mountains, where local climate changes rapidly. Anatomical traits reflecting three developmental stages of conifer tracheids (division = cell number, cell enlargement = radial diameter, and secondary wall deposition = cell wall thickness) were calculated for earlywood, latewood and total tree ring over 50 years. Similar earlywood anatomical structure and low between-trait correlations (r = 0.21…67) were observed in all species, which supports prevalence of external impact on its formation, i.e. that shared habitat, climate, and similar habitus provide common trade-off between hydraulic efficiency and safety. Also, stronger nonlinearity of relationship between cell number and radial diameter in earlywood decreased correlations between them. In latewood, anatomical traits are strongly interconnected (r = 0.63…93) for all species. However, Siberian pine has significantly less pronounced latewood; later switch from earlywood and different strategy of carbon allocation are proposed as possible reasons. Length of vegetative season and sum of temperatures above thresholds 5 °C and 8 °C have no significant correlations with anatomical traits, but extremes of these temperature variables led to forming more pronounced latewood (higher proportion of latewood cells with thicker walls) during warm/long vegetative seasons than during short/cool ones.

PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS OF CEDAR WOOD (SIBERIAN PINE) PINUS SIBIRICA DU TOUR.

As part of the study of extractives of biomass of coniferous trees of Siberia in order to predict the possibility of obtaining valuable biologically active products, a study was conducted of the chemical composition of the ethyl acetate extract of cedar wood (Siberian pine) Pinus sibirica Du Tour. The chemical composition of the phenolic compounds of cedar wood was studied, including the structure of oligomeric polyphenols. The yields of extractives extracted with ethyl acetate and water from cedar wood were 1.6 and 2.71% of a.s. (absolutely dry matter). The content of phenolic compounds in the ethyl acetate extract of cedar wood was 45.9% rel. Based on 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy data, it was found that the main monomeric phenolic extractive substances of cedar wood are stilbene – pinosilvin monomethyl ether (content in cedar wood 0.25% of a.s.) and flavonoids – tectochrizin, pinocembrin, and pinobankxin, as well as oligomeric and polymeric phenolic compounds. It was shown that the composition of cedar wood oligomers includes a complex mixture of stilbene derivatives of pinosilvin and flavonoids with the inclusion of carbohydrate residues. The content of the fraction of oligomeric and polymeric phenolic compounds in cedar wood is 0.39% of a.s.

Forest communities of the Salair ridge as habitats of protected lichen species

For a comprehensive assessment of the habitats of rare and vulnerable lichen species, four key sites inthe Eltsovsky, Togulsky and Zarinsky districts of the Altai territory were studied, which described plant communities –spruce forests, forests with spruce and cedar pine, as well as fir-aspen forests. In total, 20 geobotanical descriptionswere performed, each with an area of 400 sq. m; the vertical and horizontal structure and composition of species weredescribed. Fir-aspen forests and their derivatives are distributed along the peaks and slopes and are dominant in the axialpart of the ridge. They are significantly disrupted by logging. Spruce forests occupy low relief elements – river valleys,small in area. Despite the good development of spruce trees in these forests, they do not have any significant economicsignificance, as they are located in hard-to-reach places, often swampy. However, they can also be transformed as a resultof fires. The main threat to their existence is the process of gold mining in the valleys of small rivers, which destroys notonly spruce forests, but also the entire complex of environmental conditions necessary for their existence. Five species oflichens listed in the Red data book of the Altai territory were found in the studied forests.

Preliminary evaluation for quality of dimension lumber in four common softwoods in Mongolia

The quality of dimension lumber (2 by 4 lumber) was preliminarily investigated in four common Mongolian softwoods: Pinus sylvestris L., Pinus sibirica Du Tour, Picea obovata Ledeb., and Larix sibirica Ledeb. to produce high quality dimension lumber for structural use. In total 61, 39, 67, and 37 pieces of lumber were prepared for Pinus sylvestris, Pinus sibirica, Picea obovata, and L. sibirica, respectively. The lumber was visually graded and then tested in static bending to obtain the 5% lower tolerance limits at 75% confidence level (f0.05) of the modulus of elasticity (MOE) and the modulus of rupture (MOR). In addition, the effects of sawing patterns on bending properties were also analyzed. The f0.05 of the MOE and MOR were 4.75 GPa and 15.6 MPa, 3.39 GPa and 11.0 MPa, 3.78 GPa and 11.7 MPa, and 6.07 GPa and 22.3 MPa for Pinus sylvestris, Pinus sibirica, Picea obovata, and L. sibirica, respectively. These results suggested that with a few exceptions, characteristic values of MOR in the four common Mongolian softwoods resembled those in similar commercial species already used. In visual grading, over 80% of total lumber was assigned to select structural and No. 1 grades in Pinus sylvestris and Pinus sibirica, whereas approximately 40% of total lumber in L. sibirica was No. 3 and out of grades. Sawing patterns affected bending properties in Pinus sylvestris and L. sibirica, but did not affect Pinus sibirica and Picea obovata. Dynamic Young's modulus was significantly correlated with bending properties of dimension lumber for the four species. Based on the results, it was concluded that dimension lumber for structural use can be produced from the four common Mongolian softwoods.