Pinus Sibirica Research Articles

Development of microsatellite genetic markers in Siberian stone pine (Pinus sibirica Du Tour) based on the de novo whole genome sequencing

Siberian stone pine, Pinus sibirica Du Tour is one of the most economically and environmentally important forest-forming species of conifers in Russia. To study these forests a large number of highly polymorphic molecular genetic markers, such as microsatellite loci, are required. Prior to the new high-throughput next generation sequencing (NGS) methods, discovery of microsatellite loci and development of micro-satellite markers were very time consuming and laborious. The recently developed draft assembly of the Siberian stone pine genome, sequenced using the NGS methods, allowed us to identify a large number of microsatellite loci in the Siberian stone pine genome and to develop species-specific PCR primers for amplification and genotyping of 70 microsatellite loci. The primers were designed using contigs containing short simple sequence tandem repeats from the Siberian stone pine whole genome draft assembly. Based on the testing of primers for 70 microsatellite loci with tri-, tetra- or pentanucleotide repeats, 18 most promising, reliable and polymorphic loci were selected that can be used further as molecular genetic markers in population genetic studies of Siberian stone pine.

Fir decline and mortality in the southern Siberian Mountains

Increased dieback and mortality of “dark needle conifer” (DNC) stands (composed of fir (Abies sibirica), Siberian pine (Pinus sibirica) and spruce (Picea obovata)) were documented in Russia during recent decades. Here we analyzed spatial and temporal patterns of fir decline and mortality in the southern Siberian Mountains based on satellite, in situ and dendrochronological data. The studied stands are located within the boundary between DNC taiga to the north and forest-steppe to the south. Fir decline and mortality were observed to originate where topographic features contributed to maximal water-stress risk, i.e., steep (18°–25°), convex, south-facing slopes with a shallow well-drained root zone. Fir regeneration survived droughts and increased stem radial growth, while upper canopy trees died. Tree ring width (TRW) growth negatively correlated with vapor pressure deficit (VPD), drought index and occurrence of late frosts, and positively with soil water content. Previous year growth conditions (i.e., drought index, VPD, soil water anomalies) have a high impact on current TRW (r = 0.60–0.74). Fir mortality was induced by increased water stress and severe droughts (as a primary factor) in synergy with bark-beetles and fungi attacks (as secondary factors). Dendrochronology data indicated that fir mortality is a periodic process. In a future climate with increased aridity and drought frequency, fir (and Siberian pine) may disappear from portions of its current range (primarily within the boundary with the forest-steppe) and is likely to be replaced by drought-tolerant species such as Pinus sylvestris and Larix sibirica.

Monitoring of high-altitude terrestrial ecosystems in the Altai Mountains

The Aktru mountain glacier basin (the North-Chuya Ridge, Altai Mountains) is a region of highly important ecosystems. We have been performing a monitoring of the autotrophic component of the basin ecosystems for the last 16 years. The primary indicator species with the most clearly defined response to climatic changes are Siberian stone pine and Siberian larch with their individuals and populations. The ecosystem level of the monitoring includes that of old forests, ecotone ecosystems, and ecosystems on the new moraines. The old forests have remained stable for about 1000 years. The reasons for this stability are the long lifespan and the long generative stage of stone pine and larch, their ability to produce several growth forms, optimal ecological conditions of the basin for these species and high a-diversity of the old forests. The treeline has moved up by 100-200 m for the last 150 years and by 40-90 m for the last 40 years, mostly because of an invasion of stone pine to the ecotone. The primary successions on the moraines are also relatively stable, although at present only stone pine has been involved in the successions. No regeneration of larch has been observed for the last 16 years in the entire basin.

Optical-microphysical and physical-chemical characteristics of Siberian biomass burning: Experiments in Aerosol Chamber

A series of experiments aimed at studying the effect of combustion regimes of typical Siberian biomasses on the optical, microphysical, and physical-chemical properties of smoke aerosols was performed in the Large Aerosol Chambe, Institute of Atmospheric Optics, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences. A comprehensive data analysis showed that temperature regime of Siberian pine and coniferous tree burning has a key effect on the formation and time dynamics of all smoke characteristics. The polarization spectronephelometer measurements of light scattering are used to determine the size distributions and absorption indices of particles. Particles in the smoldering phase are weakly absorbing, but the mixed phase contains a strongly absorbing fine component produced in open flame phases. We studied microstructure characteristics of aerosols by the analysis of morphology and elemental composition. Groups of soot and organic particles were determined as micromarkers of emissions in open flaming and smoldering phases, respectively. The organic and elemental carbon contents, origin and concentration of chemical compounds in the water-soluble ion fraction exhibit a strong dependence on the combustion phase. Sugar anhydride (levoglucosan) was determined in the smoldering phase as a stable molecular marker of Siberian pine burning. A number of specific markers of coniferous wood burning were identified among the chemical compounds. Smoke aging is accompanied by condensation of organic and inorganic compounds, transformation of aerosol surface chemistry, and the formation of the group of potassium-rich particles, all demonstrating the complexity and variability of the chemical composition and microstructure of atmospheric aerosol pollution during Siberian forest fires.

Climate-induced mortality of Siberian pine and fir in the Lake Baikal Watershed, Siberia

Siberian pine (Pinus sibirica) and fir (Abies sibirica) (so called “dark needle conifers”, DNC) showed decreased radial growth increment within the Lake Baikal watershed since the 1980s with increasing mortality recorded since the year 2000. Tree ring width was strongly correlated with vapor pressure deficit, aridity and root zone moisture. Water stress from droughts made trees more susceptible to insect attacks causing mortality in about 10% of DNC stands within the Lake Baikal watershed.Within Siberia DNC mortality increased in the southern part of the DNC range. Biogeographically, tree mortality was located within the DNC – forest-steppes transition. Tree mortality was significantly correlated with drought and soil moisture anomalies. Within the interior of the DNC range mortality occurred within relief features with high water stress risk (i.e., steep convex south facing slopes with shallow well-drained soils). In general, DNC mortality in Siberia was induced by increased aridity and severe drought (inciting factors) in synergy with biotic attacks (contributing factor). In future climate scenarios with predicted increase in aridity DNC could be eliminated from the southern part of its current range and will be replaced by drought-resistant conifers and broadleaf species (e.g., Larix sibirica, Pinus silvestris, and Betula pubescence).

ЕФЕКТИВНІСТЬ «МАЗІ ДЛЯ РАН» У КОМПЛЕКСНІЙ ТЕРАПІЇ ПРИ ЛІКУВАННІ РВАНИХ РАН ДІЙОК ВИМЕНІ КОРІВ

In the study of cows’ mammary glands pathologies it was determined that the udder wounds constitute 1.2% in the overall structure of diseases. The peak of traumatism on cows’ breast wounds falls on summer (pasture–range period) – 77.3%, resulting from offences of sanitary requirements for cattle pasture and grazing. While testing new treatment regimens it was set the high efficiency of «Ointments for wounds» based on essential oils of Siberian Cedar, Eucalyptus, Clove, Cedar, Tea Tree and chlorophyllipt oil solution for treatment of avulsive wounds of cows’ udder teats. It has been proven the reducing of time for treatment compared with traditional drugs «Oxytetracycline Ointment 5%» containing oxytetracycline – a semisynthetic antibiotic of a tetracycline series. Complex therapy, including application of preparation for external use «Ointment for wounds» and hypodermic injection of NSAID «Celecoxib», together with the wound defects closing by sutures with polyglycolide, promotes rapid correction of the clinical condition of cows. It was observed upregulating of hemoglobin by 6.1%, the number of erythrocytes – 11.4%, leukocytes – 9% in the blood, compared with the traditional method of treatment («Oxytetracycline Ointment 5%» and nonsteroidal drug «Kefen»). Local application of phytopreparation «Ointments for wounds» and hypodermic injection of NSAID «Celecoxib» promotes acceleration of inflammatory reactions cancellation in 1,3 times, reduce udder edema – 1.2 times and enhance regenerative processes, thereby reducing treatment time 5 – 6 days compared to control animals.

Amide of Lambertian Acid Suppresses Hyperactivation of Inotropic Glutamate Receptors, but not Synaptic Potentiation in Hippocampal Sections.

Amide of lambertian acid suppresses hyperactivation of inotropic glutamate receptors in hippocampal sections induced by a decrease in the level of magnesium ions (a selective blocker of glutamate NMDA receptors). Treatment of the sections with amide of lambertian acid in standard physiological saline does not prevent development of NMDA-dependent synaptic potentiation. Lambertian acid isolated from needles and turpentine of Siberian pine (Pinus sibirica R. Mayr), and its derivatives may become a source of substances with glutamatergic mechanism of action for treatment of cognitive and neurodegenerative disorders.

Impacts of regional climatic fluctuations on radial growth of Siberian and Scots pine at Mukhrino mire (central-western Siberia)

Ring width (TRW) chronologies from Siberian (Pinus sibirica) and Scots (Pinus sylvestris) pine trees were sampled at Mukhrino – a large mire complex in central-western Siberia – to evaluate the impacts of hydroclimatic variability on tree growth over the last three centuries. For this purpose, we compared climate-growth correlation profiles from trees growing on peat soils with those growing on adjacent mineral soils. Tree growth at both peat and mineral soils was positively correlated to air temperature during the vegetation period. This finding can be explained by (i) the positive influence of temperature on plant physiological processes (i.e. growth control) during the growing season and (ii) the indirect impact of air temperatures on water table fluctuations. We observe also a strong link between TRW and the winter Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI), especially in Siberian pine, reflecting the isolating effect of snow and limited freezing damage in roots. Significant negative relations were, by contrast, observed between bog TRW chronologies and hydroclimatic indices during spring and summer; they are considered an expression of the negative impacts of high water levels and moist peat soils on root development. Some unusually old bog pines – exhibiting >500 growth rings – apparently colonized the site at the beginning of the Little Ice Age, and therefore seem to confirm that (i) peat conditions may have been drier in Siberia than in most other regions of western Europe during this period. At the same time, the bog trees also point to (ii) their strong dependence on surface conditions.

Reconstruction of Ob River, Russia, discharge from ring widths of floodplain trees

The Ob is the third largest Eurasian river supplying heat and freshwater to the Arctic Ocean. These inputs influence water salinity, ice coverage, ocean temperatures and ocean circulation, and ultimately the global climate system. Variability of Ob River flow on long time scales is poorly understood, however, because gaged flow records are short. Eleven tree-ring width chronologies of Pinus sibirica and Larix sibirica are developed from the floodplain of the Lower Ob River, analyzed for hydroclimatic signal and applied as predictors in a regression model to reconstruct 8-month average (December-July) discharge of the Ob River at Salekhard over the interval 1705–2012 (308yrs). Correlation analysis suggests the signal for discharge comes through air temperature: high discharge and floodplain water levels favor cool growing-season air temperature, which limits tree growth for the sampled species at these high latitudes. The reconstruction model (R2=0.31, 1937–2009 calibration period) is strongly supported by cross-validation and analysis of residuals. Correlation of observed with reconstructed discharge improves with smoothing. The long-term reconstruction correlates significantly with a previous Ob River reconstruction from ring widths of trees outside the Ob River floodplain and extends that record by another century. Results suggest that large multi-decadal swings in discharge have occurred at irregular intervals, that variations in the 20th and 21st centuries have been within the envelope of natural variability of the past 3 centuries, and that discharge data for 1937–2009 underestimate both the variability and persistence of discharge in the last 3 centuries. The reconstruction gives ecologists, climatologists and water resource planners a long-term context for assessment of climate change impacts.

Decline of dark coniferous stands in Baikal Region

The reasons for the decline in Siberian pine and fir in the Baikal Region (Khamar-Daban) were analyzed using remote sensing techniques, dendrochronology and GIS-technology methods, and in situ observations. It is found that a decrease in the value of the growth index (R 2 = 0.69) and an decrease in the SPEI drought index (Standardized Precipitation–Evapotranspiration Index) (R 2 = 0.72) has been observed since the 1980s. In the mid-2000s, the increase in aridity led to the division of Siberian pine trees into two cohorts: “survivors” and “decliners.” The spatial distribution of these cohorts is different: dead and declining stands are localized mainly on relief elements with increased risk of water stress (steep and convex slopes of southwestern exposure). The growth index of the trees is closely related to the dryness index in June (r 2 = 0.55). Along with water stress, declining trees were also exposed to stem pests and plant pathogens. The primary cause of Siberian pine decline is water stress due to the increasing climate aridity. The weakened waterstressed trees were sensitized to pathogens. The synergism of climatic and biotic effects led to the decline of Siberian pine stands. On the whole, heavily damaged and declining stands (over 50% of dead and declining trees) within the Khamar-Daban ridge are 8–10% of the total area of dark coniferous forests.

Quantitative characteristics of the phases of winter dormancy of conifer species at a site in Central Siberia

Traditionally the registration of seasonal changes in plant growth and development has been carried out phenologically, i.e., qualitatively using visual inspection. However, since the process of plant acclimatization to winter dormancy involves reversible biochemical and physiological changes at the level of cells, quantitative methods can be applied to determine the duration and the depth of winter dormancy in perennial plants. We used a method based on detecting thermally induced changes in the zero-level fluorescence (TICZF) on needles from four Siberian coniferous trees. Needles of Picea obovata Ledeb. and Abies sibirica Ledeb. recover from the state of winter dormancy much faster than those of Pinus sibirica Du Tour and Pinus sylvestris L. The photosynthetic apparatus in the needles of A. sibirica may be damaged during the spring period, characterized by unstable weather, when after several days of warm weather, the plants prematurely recover from winter dormancy. We conclude that under conditions of climate warming tree, species like A. sibirica may suffer from severe diebacks due to desiccation caused by premature break of winter dormancy.

Quantitative reconstructions of mid- to late holocene climate and vegetation in the north-eastern altai mountains recorded in lake teletskoye

We report the first high-resolution (20–50years) mid- to late Holocene pollen records from Lake Teletskoye, the largest lake in the Altai Mountains, in south-eastern West Siberia. Generally, the mid- to late Holocene (the last 4250years) vegetation of the north-eastern Altai, as recorded in two studied sediment cores, is characterised by Siberian pine–spruce–fir forests that are similar to those of the present day. A relatively cool and dry interval with July temperatures lower than those of today occurred between 3.9 and 3.6ka BP. The widespread distribution of open, steppe-like communities with Artemisia, Chenopodiaceae and Cyperaceae reflects maximum deforestation during this interval. After ca. 3.5ka BP, the coniferous mountain taiga spread significantly, with maximum woody coverage and taiga biome scores between ca. 2.7 and 1.6ka BP. This coincides well with the highest July temperature (approximately 1°C higher than today) intervals. A short period of cooling about 1.3–1.4ka BP could have been triggered by the increased volcanic activity recorded across the Northern Hemisphere. A new period of cooling started around 1100–1150CE, with the minimum July temperatures occurring between 1450 and 1800CE.

The decomposition rate of non-stem components of coarse woody debris (CWD) in European boreal forests mainly depends on site moisture and tree species

The decomposition rate of CWD is a key missing link for a quantitative understanding of forest ecosystem functioning. We examined factors influencing decomposition rates of bark, roots and branches from aspen (Populus tremula), birch (Betula pendula, B. pubescens), fir (Abies sibirica), spruce (Picea abies, P. obovata), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Siberian pine (Pinus sibirica) CWD in three primeval European boreal forests. The chronosequence approach with estimates of single exponential decomposition rate (k) based on calculation of mass loss was used. The k of non-stem parts increased in the order: branches (0.006 year−1 for P. sibirica and 0.020 year−1 for other species), roots in poorly drained sites (0.025 year−1), roots in well-drained sites (0.034 year−1) and bark (0.110 and 0.138 year−1 and 0.147 and 0.255 year−1 under poorly and well-drained conditions and from 1 to 3 m and >3 m above the root collar, respectively). Our results predict that the rate of decomposition of whole CWD pieces in European boreal forests is a function of vegetation zone, site conditions, tree species and size.

Needle structure of mutational witches’ brooms in Pinus sibirica

Needle structure of mutational witches’ brooms in Pinus sibirica

Структура и развитие годичного побега кедра сибирского (Pinus sibirica Du Tour)

Структура и развитие годичного побега кедра сибирского (Pinus sibirica Du Tour)

Морфолого-генетический анализ ценопопуляций Stachys sylvatica (Lamiaceae), произрастающих в горах Южной Сибири

Stachys sylvatica – реликт третичных широколиственных лесов гор Южной Сибири. Проведен анализ модификационной и генетической изменчивости признаков 11 ценопопуляций Stachys sylvatica, произрастающих в сообществах гор Южной Сибири. Выявлено, что данный вид встречается в хвойных (пихтовых, сосновых, кедровых, кедрово-пихтовых и кедрово-сосновых), осиновых, липовых лесах, а также в прирусловых ивняках и черемушниках. Климатический ареал вида ограничен годовым количеством осадков 500–1250 мм, суммами активных температур 1600–2050 °С и высотным распространением от 150 до 700 м над ур. м. При изучении состояния ценопопуляций S. sylvatica определяли численность, проективное покрытие, оценивали морфологическую изменчивость вегетативных и генеративных признаков. Для установления достоверности различий между среднепопуляционными значениями одноименных признаков использовали однофакторный дисперсионный анализ. Выявлено, что большинство морфометрических признаков характеризуются средним и высоким уровнем изменчивости. Генетическую вариабельность вида выявляли с помощью метода RAF-PCR (Randomly Amplified DNA Fingerprinting). Проведенный анализ генетической изменчивости ценопопуляций Stachys sylvatica, показал, что для изучаемого вида характерен очень высокий уровень внутрипопуляционного полиморфизма. Максимальный уровень генетической изменчивости отмечен в ценопопуляции, произрастающей на границе ареала. Генофонды всех изученных ценопопуляций характеризуются удовлетворительным состоянием и могут самостоятельно воспроизводиться. Все изученные ценопопуляции чистеца лесного слабо дифференцированы и не проявляют тенденции к образованию новых таксонов. Причем, сходную генетическую структуру обнаруживают ценопопуляции, произрастающие не только в разных частях ареала, но и в сообществах, кардинально различающихся по экологическим и фитоценотическим факторам. При усилении антропогенного воздействия на ценопопуляции наблюдается увеличение размеров генеративных органов Stachys sylvatica. На основе анализа морфологических признаков S. sylvatica выявлено разделение совокупности особей по географическому принципу. Выявлено, что данный вид обладает сравнительно широкой экологической амплитудой и слабой конкурентной способностью. Может поддерживать высокий уровень полиморфизма в стрессовых для других неморальных реликтов условиях. Характеризуется высоким уровнем внутрипопуляционной генетической изменчивости и слабой степенью дифференциации популяций.

Acceleration of embryonic development of Pinus sibirica trees with a one-year reproductive cycle

The study of the formation of embryonic structures in Pinus sibirica forms with a one-year reproductive cycle showed that the acceleration of the embryonic process manifested itself as a reduction of the coenocytic stage of the female gametophyte development (1.5 months instead of 1 year). The egg was not fertilized because of the asynchronous maturation of male and female gametophytes. Seeds without embryos were formed. We assumed that the acceleration of the reproductive process in Pinus sibirica was caused by a mutation in the female generative organs.

Formation of an Ecotone at the Boundary of Forest and Mountain Tundra—Morskoy Ridge as an Example, Middle Part of Eastern Coast of Lake Baikal

During last decades, new trends appeared in the ecotones of the upper boundary of forests at the ridges surrounding Lake Baikal: ones to advance of wood species (Pinus sibirica Du Tour, Abies sibirica Ledeb., Larix sibirica Ledeb.) out of timber stands into the area of sub-goltsy with Pinus pumila (Pallas) Regel. up to mountain tundras. In average, this is from 100 to 200 - 300 meters in linear distance from the margin of dense timber stand. A burst of forests renewal occurred in 1989-1995, it resulted probably from a high productivity of the seeds of wood species due to warmer winters in 1980ies-1990ies which favoured the formation of favourable climate-edaphic conditions for the development of forest communities above the forests boundary on the ridges surrounding Lake Baikal.

Structure of the organic matter pool in Pinus sibirica dominated forests of Central Siberia

Abstract Organic matter pool and its distribution between growing stock, dead wood and windfall in upland and lowland Pinus sibirica dominated forests of Central Siberia (along the Yenisei River) is evaluated. The average growing stock is changing with advancing age from 163.9 ± 20.4 to 295.4 m3 ha−1 thus reaching its maximum in the mature forests (337.0 ± 19.6 m3 ha−1). According to the data collected, stock variation coefficient numbers display acceptable (growing stock: 14–28%) and high variability (windfall and dead wood: 63–85%). Windfall prevails in the structure of coarse woody debris (CWD) from 130.8 ± 18.5 to 171.7 ± 20.1 m3 ha−1, with the stocks greatly exceeding the amount of growing wood stock in middle-aged and declining stands in 1.4 and 2.1 times, respectively. The observations comply with common trend of deterioration of dark coniferous forests in Siberia.

A synergistic effect of magnesium ions and lambertianic acid amide in the regulation of NMDA-type glutamate receptors in pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus

Although caused by different mechanisms, the most common neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases, as well as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and ischemic brain damage, may share a common pathway: abnormalities of ionotropic glutamate receptors, particularly, of the NMDA type. Drugs with a glutamatergic mechanism of action are currently being intensively developed for the treatment of cognitive disorders and neurodegenerative processes. The goal of this work is to study the effect of lambertianic acid amide on glutamatergic synaptic transmission. A functional integration of glutamate and nonneurotransmitter receptors of hippocampal pyramidal neurons has been analyzed. The plasma membrane receptors are prevalently involved in integration of the effects of selective signaling molecules (mediators) and numerous internal and external factors, as well as the sharing of signaling pathways. An examination of mouse hippocampal slices has shown that lambertianic acid amide does not interfere with the development of NMDA receptor-dependent synaptic potentiation and displays neuroprotective properties, normalizing the epileptiform activity triggered by the absence of an endogenous ion channel blocker (magnesium ions) of the NMDA receptor. Lambertianic acid extracted from the Siberian pine (Pinus sibirica R. Mayr) needles and galipot and its derivatives are presumably a promising source of drugs with a glutamatergic mechanism of action that are suitable for the treatment of cognitive disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.