Tilia Cordata Mill Research Articles

Assessment of deciduous trees state and phyllophagous composition in Yoshkar-Ola

This paper presents the results of long-term observations of the state of plantations of Betula pendula Roth and Tilia cordata Mill. in Yoshkar-Ola. Assessment of trees state was carried out by morphological analysis of the leaf blade, since the plants assimilation organs are most exposed to atmospheric toxicants, attacks of insects and pathogenic microorganisms. Based on the assumption that pollutants affect directly phytophages or through the forage resource, the species composition of the phyllophagous insects and mites was studied in the gradient of the increase in industrial transport emissions. Morphological changes in leaves and an increase in the area of damage in the pollution gradient are described. In this case, the area of the leaf blade can both increase in B. pendula, and decrease in T. cordata. Determination of the arachnoentomological material and the establishment of herbivorous insects and mites for characteristic lesions made it possible to describe in the crowns of B. pendula 84 dendrobiotic species, T. cordata 100 species. Among the phyllophagous there are gnawing and sucking leaves, miners and gall producers. The representatives of Coleoptera predominate. Under environmental conditions, the proportion of arthropods that are monophages and form protective devices increases. Under the conditions of the urban ecosystem, a decrease in the variety of phyllophages was revealed, but an increase in the relative abundance of the most protected species Aphidoidae (Homoptera), Cecidomyiidae (Diptera), Eriophyidae (Acarina). The calculation of the number of insects per unit volume of the crown was carried out. As a bioindicative indicator of the quality of habitat, it is suggested to use the state of tree leaves, the diversity and relative abundance of insects and mites of phyllophages.

Accumulation of particulate matter, heavy metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on the leaves of Tilia cordata Mill. in five Polish cities with different levels of air pollution

ABSTRACTUrbanized areas are struggling with the problem of air pollution and as the number of people living in cities is increasing, the situation is likely to deteriorate. One of the most harmful pollutants is particulate matter (PM). Increased levels of PM in the atmosphere are likely to have a negative impact on human health. Phytoremediation technology could be a solution. It involves plants acting as bio-filters by accumulating particles on, and in the leaves, thus removing the particles from the atmosphere. This study investigates the accumulation of PM including heavy metals (HMs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), on the foliage of small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata Mill.) in five Polish cities. There were significantly different PM amounts found in the trees between the cities which related to the different quantities of PM in the atmosphere at these cities. Significant differences were found between cities for the amounts of the different particulate size fractions, and the HMs and PAHs in leaves. Strong winds reduced the amount of PM on leaves, especially the smallest fractions, but no relationship with precipitation was found. The results suggest that T. cordata improves the air quality in cities and can be used as an effective bioindicator for PM air pollution.

Can chlorophyll-a fluorescence parameters be used as bio-indicators to distinguish between drought and salinity stress in Tilia cordata Mill?

Chlorophyll-a fluorescence measurements have been used (for many years) to study the function and performance of photosynthetic machinery of various plants. However, only few recent works have shown that this tool can be useful to identify stress factor that affects or/and limits plant growth. The aim of our research was to identify chlorophyll fluorescence parameters which can be used as indicators to drought or/and salinity stress in Tilia cordata Mill. Young potted trees (1–1.5 m high with a trunk of 2–3 cm in diameter) were exposed to drought stress or salinity stress for 4 weeks under semi-controlled conditions in a greenhouse. Chlorophyll-a fluorescence measurements were conducted every week four times during the stress treatment. The fluorescence parameters based on OJIP transient curves were calculated in order to ascertain which of them was affected by drought and/or salinity. We found that salinity and drought had similar mechanisms of action on the light-depend photosynthesis phase, however the response of photosystem II to applied stress occurred earlier in drought-stressed plants. Changes appeared as damage to the oxygen-evolving complex and reaction centres with a simultaneous increase in dissipated energy. Since both stress factors induced similar photo-inhibitory influence on the light-depending photosynthesis phase, the chlorophyll-a fluorescence tool cannot be recommended as a bio-indicator to distinguish between drought and salinity stress effects in Tilia cordata Mill.

Group planting of cherry (Prunus avium L.) fosters growth and tree quality is superior to conventional row planting in Germany

Wild cherry trees produce high-quality timber and provide multiple ecosystem services. However, planting and tending cherry stands in conventional rows are too costly. Therefore, low density group planting was trialled as an alternative to row planting. The mortality, growth, and quality of planted cherry trees were compared between the group and row planting. The influence of neighbourhood competition and light availability on growth and quality was studied. The group and row planting of cherry trees were established at a wind-thrown site in southwestern Germany in the year 2000. In group planting, five cherry seedlings and seven lime seedlings (Tilia cordata Mill.) were planted with a 1 × 1 m spacing. In total, 60 groups were planted per hectare with a 13 × 13 m spacing. In contrast, 3300 seedlings (2475 cherries and 825 limes) were planted per hectare in row planting with a 3 × 1 m spacing. Ten groups and plots (10 × 10 m) were randomly established in group and row planting stand, respectively. The survival rate, stability (height to diameter ratio), diameter, and height growth were significantly higher in group planting. In the group plantings, 40.5% of cherry trees had straight stems and 13.5% had a monopodial crown compared with 15% with straight stems and 2% with a monopodial crown in row planting. The proportion of dominant cherry trees in canopy was 49% in groups compared with 22% in rows. The length of branch free bole was significantly higher in cherries planted in groups than those grown in rows. Intra- and interspecific competition reduced the growth and stability of cherry trees in row planting, but not in group planting. Light availability did not cause any significant effects on growth and quality between group and row planting. This first study on cherry group planting indicates that the survival rate, growth, and tree quality were higher in groups than in rows at this early development stage. The competition by naturally born seedlings was an important reason for the difference in performance between group and row planting. This study will encourage forest practitioners to establish more cherry group planting trials on multiple sites to test the effectiveness of this alternative technique as a tool of regeneration and restoration silviculture.

Принципи фітотоксикологічної класифікації металів та рослин в умовах природних екосистем

Actuality. Metals excessive concentrations reduce biomass of plants in ecosystem. Trace elements effect on biotic systems as biochemical agents, breaking the ultrastructure of cells, physiological processes and metabolism of plants, affect the species composition, reproduction and recovery processes, productivity and resistance to pathogens. As the plants mainly define the environment of ecosystem, the determination of phytotoxicological risk plays an important role in ecosystem assessment. In large cities, natural ecosystems are confined to park areas. Goloseyevsko-Feofanivska and Koncha-Zaspivska green parks are very popular in Kyiv. Phytotoxicological assessment of the metals behavior risk in natural ecosystems is based primarily on classification principles. The phytotoxicological classification should be considered in two aspects. The first aspect concerns the metals toxicity for plants. The second aspect concerns the plants reaction to metals concentration in phytomass. Analysis of recent research and publications. According to the opinion of many scientists, species and families of plants differ in chemistry, and only due to the lack of research in this direction have to be limited in the classification of their morphological features. There are no classifications of metals and plants according to concentration in phytomass. Studies concerning the phytotoxicity of metals or the sensitivity (or the opposite of resistance) of certain types of plants to metallic pollution are non-systemic and relate solely to physiological aspects. The purpose of the study was to rank metals and plants by metals concentration in the phytomass in natural ecosystems of Goloseevo-Feofanivska and Koncha-Zaspivska green zones of Kyiv. Materials and methods of research . Goloseyevsky-Feofanivska and Koncha-Zaspivska green areas of Kyiv are part of the landscape of elevated hilly-sloping plains on the Paleogene-neogene basis, composed of forest sanded loams. Thanks to convex relief and loamy soils, studied areas have intensive removing of elements, in particular, anthropogenic pollutants. Both studied parks are located at the junction of the Right-bank Polissya and the Forest-Steppe zones of Ukraine in warm medium-tempered agro-climatic zone. The content of Cd, Co, Cu, Pb, Ni, Pb in the phytomass was analyzed in: Gagea lutea L., Tussilago farfara L., Anemone ranunculoides L., Ficaria verna Huds., Pulmonaria obscura Dum., Stellaria holostea L., Convallaria majalis L., Hypericum perforatum L.. The photosynthetic fraction of the phytomasses of the first and second tier of the trees was analyzed in: Quercus robur L., Carpinus betulus L., Salix caprea L., Tilia cordata Mill., Acer platanoids L.; Trees of the third tier: Sambucus nigra L., Prunus padus L.. Results and discution . The phytotoxicological classification of metals (Cd, Pb, Ni, Co, Zn, Cu) was developed for their concentration in phytomass. According to the Stargess equation, the metals were ranged in four dangerous classes. The middle arithmetic mean of each metal concentration in plants was used for calculation the scope of the metal’s dangerous class. The highest level of phytomass concentration in plants had copper, the lowest concentration in plants had cadmium and cobalt. Zinc as a physiologically important trace elements, and lead, whose physiological role is not thoroughly investigated, are both were in the middle phytotoxicological class. The middle arithmetic mean of metals concentration in each plant was used for calculation the scope plant class. Plants with low and moderate metals concentration in phytomass were: Carpinus betulus L. , Acer platanoides L. , Quercus robur L ., Prunus padus L. , Salix caprea L ., Tilia cordata Mill. , Sambucus nigra L. . Plants with high metals concentration in phytomass were: Tussilago farfara L ., Anemone ranunculoides L. . Highest metal concentration among the trees was in Goloseevka green park area near Goloseevsky Avenue. In our researches we tried to zoning the studied area according to metals concentration in trees. With helps of Fisher’s criteria the difference between trees concentration in different zones of studied areas was highlighted. The Ghoryhuvatska locality was characterized as most polluted zone than others in studied area. More pollution obviously could be explained by proximity to highway Goloseevsky Avenue. Conclusions and perspectives . The phytotoxicological classification of metals and phytotoxicological classification of plants were proposed for metals risk assessment in nature ecosystems. For the first time the algorithm of the metals ranking for the four danger classes according to metals concentration in phytomass was proposed. There were ranged all studied plants due to metals concentration in their phytomass. Assignment the metals and plants to phytotoxicological classes will allow not just only to characterize the hazard of metals for plants, but to detect the reaction of plants to metals influence in nature ecosystems.

Phytoextraction of potentially toxic elements by six tree species growing on hazardous mining sludge

The aim of the study was to compare the phytoextraction abilities of six tree species (Acer platanoides L., Acer pseudoplatanus L., Betula pendula Roth, Quercus robur L., Tilia cordata Miller, Ulmus laevis Pall.), cultivated on mining sludge contaminated with arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), thallium (Tl), and zinc (Zn). All six tree species were able to survive on such an unpromising substrate. However, A. platanoides and T. cordata seedlings grown on the polluted substrate showed significantly lower biomass than control plants (55.5 and 45.6%, respectively). As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Tl predominantly accumulated in the roots of all the analyzed tree species with the following highest contents: 1616, 268, 2432, 547, and 856 mg kg−1, respectively. Zn was predominantly localized in shoots with the highest content of 5801 and 5732 mg kg−1 for U. laevis and A. platanoides, respectively. A. platanoides was the most effective in Zn phytoextaction, with a bioconcentration factor (BCF) of 8.99 and a translocation factor (TF) of 1.5. Furthermore, with the exception of A. pseudoplatanus, the analyzed tree species showed a BCF > 1 for Tl, with the highest value for A. platanoides (1.41). However, the TF for this metal was lower than 1 in all the analyzed tree species. A. platanoides showed the highest BCF and a low TF and could, therefore, be a promising species for Tl phytostabilization. In the case of the other analyzed tree species, their potential for effective phytoextraction was markedly lower. Further studies on the use of A. platanoides in phytoremediation would be worth conducting.

Length of grow season for native tree species in different green spaces

The grow season length of native species is a good indicator of the changing environment, especially in urban green spaces. The aim was to determine the length of the grow season for native tree species in different types of green spaces. Tree vegetation was observed in Kaunas city green spaces and peri-urban forests in 2013–2015. It was found that types of green spaces less affected the grow season length of pedanculate oak (Quercus robur L.). The differences of the oak vegetation duration between the types of green spaces were not significant for all three research years. The types of green spaces more affected the grow season length of Norway maple (Acer platanoides L.), small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata Mill.) and silver birch (Betula pendula Roth). The growth duration (for maple 6–12 days, for lime 10–15 days and for birch 5–9 days) was longer in broad street greeneries than in peri-urban forests. All differences of the growth duration between peri-urban forests and broad street greeneries were statistically significant. Pedanculate oak from peri-urban forests had the longest vegetation in 2013, while the vegetation of small-leaved lime from street greeneries was shortest in 2015. Pedanculate oak is the most suitable tree species to grow in urban parks and street greeneries because it has the longest grow season. Small-leaved lime is the least suitable tree species to grow in urban parks and street greeneries because it has the shortest grow season, especially in street greeneries.

Assessment of the ecological status of the Central District (Saint-Petersburg) on the basis of ecophytoindication

Study of green plantation in Central district of St.-Petersburg demonstrated the basic elements of polluters Fe, Cr, Ni, Pb, which included in association of elements selected by factor analysis. Species peculiarities of accumulation of trace elements lie in the fact that leaves and bark of lime (Tilia cordata Mill.) have high content of majority of defined elements; Zn and Cd are accumulated in organs of poplar (Populus x berolinensis Dippel.). Ratios of microelement content city/background are: for lime leaves – Fe (9,4), Pb (5,3), Cr (4,7), Zn (4,6), Cu (4,5); for poplar leaves – Cd (6,3), Pb (5,5), Fe (4,7), Zn (3,7), Cr (3,2); for lime bark – Cu (15,9), Fe (9,6), Pb (7,5), Cr (5,8), Ba (5,5), Ni (5,1); for poplar bark – Cu (9,6), Fe (5,5), Pb (4,9), Ba (3,9). Analysis of summarized pollution indicators showed that the leaves of the trees represent seasonal pollution of the urban environment, and characterize it as medium and high, and the bark of the trees, accumulating pollutants during many years, represents the medium, high, and very high level of pollution in the district (foe lime bark 54% of samples characterized very high level of pollution). Spatial distribution of contaminants is very patchy, due to anthropogenic impact and the history of development for particular areas. It is noted that the plants exposed to the highest load landings on the streets with heavy traffic vehicles.

THE STRUCTURE AND DYNAMICS OF MAJOR PARC FORMING TREE SPECIES SHEDDING IN THE DENDROLOGICAL PARK "ОLEXANDRIA" OF NAS OF UKRAINE

Drying of major tree forming species has become of mass scale on the territory of Dendrological Park Olexandria. It justifies the aim of the research that is to define the structure and dynamics of woody plants shedding in the arboretum for the last 10 years to identify the main pathologies of trees of different species. The dynamics of tree shedding was determined on the basis of annual Acts on the Results of the Forest Pathology Survey of Plantations in the Territory of the Park Olexandria. The authors have visually defined the infestation of tree by diseases and pests by the presence of fruiting bodies, cancerous wounds, snipe, necrosis etc. Drying of Carpinus betulus L, Pyrus communis Mill., Populus L., Robinia pseudoacacia L. was small (25-40 exemplars) and relatively flat levels for 10 years. Most trees shedding are Acer platanoides L., Pinus sylvestris L., Betula pendula Roth., Piceа abies (L.) Karst., Tilia cordata Mill. (102-389 exemplars). T. сordata shedding was with some ups and downs, in other species it grew, reached its peak and went on the decline or continued to grow (in A. platanoides and F. excelsior). Peaks of shedding of different species did not match. Shedding centers were allocated in F. excelsior and P. abies. The cause of tree death was found only in P. abies. Drying of 180 trees was caused by bark beetle-typographer. Morphological features of F. еxcelsior drying are characteristic for a dangerous disease Chalara fraxinea, caused by invasive type of Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. On the A. platanoides massively observed necrosis-cancerous disease. Most often A. platanoides trees, like B. pendula, dried due to invisible signs of injury. On T. сordata rot, tumor, cancerous wounds were found, many trees of various ages were affected by mistletoe. The main reason of medieval P. sylvestris drying was coenotic oppression, old age – dying of conduction system. The carried analysis of the dynamics and structure of woody plants shedding in the Park Alexandria has shown that for some tree species shedding is typical high. To respond to the threats emerging recently, the organization of comprehensive research status of woody plants, studies of defeat of tree by pests and diseases, the study of the role of invasive organisms in the weakening and destruction of trees are needed.

Drought stress reactions of different populations of Quercus robur L. and Tilia cordata Mill.1

Abstract Locally adapted trees and shrubs are suggested to show higher fitness at their site of origin than non-locally adapted ones. The production in tree nurseries could take this into account to improve outplanting performance. However, separate production of specific ecotypes in nurseries increases the costs of production and may reduce the availability of a specific species. In this study, we investigated drought stress reactions of 2 year-old container-grown seedlings of Quercus robur L. and Tilia cordata Mill. from four and three different populations, respectively, each from a different site of origin. Slow- and fast-developing drought stress treatments were applied in a greenhouse study to determine any difference in drought tolerance. Control plants were well irrigated. Depending on the species and stress development, only marginal interpopulation differences in particular physiological (pre-dawn water potential, stomatal conductance, relative water content) and/or biochemical (glucose, fructose, sucrose, starch, proline) reactions to drought existed. These differences did not consistently reflect precipitation conditions at the population sites of origin, indicating only low level of local adaptation for populations of the target species. Index words: adaptation, carbohydrates, pedunculate oak, provenances, proline, small-leaved lime. Species used in this study: pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.); small-leaved linden (Tilia cordata Mill.).

The State of Tree and Shrub Plantings in the Restricted use Zones of the Industrial District of Kryvyi Rih City

Increasing the size and improving the quality of green spaces that perform health, environmental and aesthetic functions are vital for solving the problem of environment optimization in the major cities of industrialized regions. Greening of the city means optimization of the species composition of stands adapted to suit their ecological and biological properties of the habitat conditions. Consequently, the purpose of the study is to explore a current state and to assess the level of vitality of urban dendroflora of one of the districts of Kryvyi Rih city to optimize existing and create a stable and decorative crop plant communities. In the course of the research we have studied the tree and shrub plantings of the restricted use zones of the districts. The study has determined that the dendroflora of the district consists of 26 families, 49 genera and 84 taxa containing 77 species and 15 forms. The leading families by taxonomic diversity are as follows: Rosaceae., Salicaceae, Aceraceae, Pinaceae Lindl., Cupresaceae Bartl., Oleaceae Hoffmanns et Link. Among the study of the dendroflora the trees dominating are 5979 samples, which are represented by 55 species and forms 7. Betula pendula Roth., Aesculus hippocastanum L., Tilia cordata Mill. and Robinia pseudoacacia L. are the most common among the trees. Shrubs have the largest representation in the plantings of Spiraea × vanhouttei (Briot) Zabel, Lonicera tatarica L., and Swida alba (L.) Opiz. The conifers dominate by samples of Picea abies (L.) Karst, which is more than twice the number of Pinus pallasiana D. Don and P. pungens f. glauca (Regel) Beissn. Secondly, we have established that the planting of trees ranging in age from 10 to 80 years, but the vast number of plants is at the age of 30-40 years. Trees of this age are mostly represented by the following species: Aesculus hippocastanum, Betula pendula, Acer platanoides, Robinia pseudoacacia, Fraxinus lanceolata, Picea abies and Platycladus orientalis. The results of the analysis have shown that in general plantations are characterized by a good state of vitality, however, the considerable age of some trees, presence of pathogens and other damages require the continuous implementation of sanitary-improving and preventive measures on the studied objects, a scientifically sound selection being the key criteria.

Contrasting strategies for tree species to cope with heat and dry conditions at urban sites

Street trees planted at tree pits with impermeable pavements are exposed to a high level of both, atmospheric and edaphic stress. For many species tree physiology, optimal growth, and consequently long-term vitality may be hampered under these harsh conditions. Therefore, maintaining the vitality and promoting the ecosystem services provided by urban trees, for example aesthetic values and microclimatic benefits, it is important to establish trees with a high tolerance to stressful urban environments. Measurements of leaf gas exchange, leaf water potential, leaf surface temperature and chlorophyll-fluorescence were used for identification of specific response of Corylus corluna L., Ginkgo biloba L., Liriodendron tulipifera L., and Tilia cordata Mill. ‘Greenspire’. The summer months in 2013 with a period of heat and drought over eight weeks only interrupted by two rainy days were appropriate to access tree’s strategies to cope with low water availability. During the measurement period, the influence of high temperatures, high values of vapor pressure deficit (VPD) and low soil water availability on stomatal conductance, water-use efficiency (WUE) and leaf water potential (Ψmin, Ψmax ) was highest for Liriodendron followed by Ginkgo. These species showed high reductions in WUE in case of higher air temperatures and high values of VPD. Results indicate an avoidance strategy under increasing heat and VPD. In contrast, Corylus and Tilia followed a tolerance strategy indicated by decreasing values of Ψmin and lower reductions of WUE. In conclusion, wide species-specific variation in response to high temperatures and high VPD indicates that substantial potential exists in the selection for dry and hot urban places.

Inter- and intraannual growth patterns of urban small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata mill.) at two public squares with contrasting microclimatic conditions.

The effects of urban conditions on tree growth have been investigated in an increasing number of studies over the last decades, emphasizing the harsh environment of cities. Urban trees often grow in highly paved, compacted sites with consequently less soil moisture, higher soil temperatures, and greater vapor pressure deficits. However, there is still a knowledge gap regarding the impact of harsh paved environments on urban tree growth during drought years on the growth patterns of urban trees. The present study investigated the structure and growth of the common urban tree species small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata) at a highly paved public square (CPS) compared with a contrasting more open, greener square (OGS). Continuously, measured high precision dendrometer data along with meteorological data of the extreme dry and warm summer 2015 as well as dendrochronological data of the sampled trees were investigated to analyze tree growth during a drought year. The results highlight different tree dimensions and growth patterns of the trees at both sites, influenced by tree age and distinct site conditions. While the trees at OGS grew up to 2.5mm from July until mid of August, the trees at CPS had only 0.4-mm diameter increment. After the initial expansion at CPS, tree diameter contracted again during summer to the point of shrinkage (up to 0.8mm) at the end of our investigation. Further drought year analysis confirmed the patterns of significant stem growth reductions in the consecutive two years following the drought. A correlation analysis revealed that transpiration, air temperature, and vapor pressure deficit were negatively correlated with the daily diameter growth, whereas precipitation had a strong positive effect. Due to high transpiration rates associated with anisohydric water use behavior, T. cordata was able to provide evaporative cooling even during drought. However, this anisohydric behavior resulted in substantial growth decline afterwards especially at paved sites like CPS. Our results suggest selection of tree species, such as those with isohydric water use behavior, which may achieve a better balance between growth, transpiration, and hence evaporative cooling.

Shape- and dimensional stability of solid wood panels made from heat-treated lime wood strips

The paper presents the results of an experimental research performed with solid wood panels made from heat-treated and untreated lime wood (Tilia cordata Mill.) strips and then subjected to open-air exposure for 3 months. The dimensions of the panels were measured by means of an OPTODesQ Measurement Table, first after conditioning and sanding, then after each month of open-air exposure in order to assess their shape- and dimensional stability. After 3 months, the panels made from heat-treated wood strips showed up to 70% lower volumetric swelling and up to 143% lower flatness deviation than the panels made from untreated strips.

The Robin, Erithacus Rubecula (Passeriformes, Turdidae), as a Component of Heterotrophic Consortia of Forest Cenoses, Northeast Ukraine. Part 2

Abstract The role of the robin as a determinant of heterotrophic consortia is considered. The robin is a consort of determinants of autotrophic consortia, which core is represented mostly by dominating species of deciduous trees (Quercus robur Linnaeus, 1753, Tilia cordata Miller, 1768, Acer platanoides Linnaeus, 1753, Acer campestre Linnaeus, 1753), and also by sedges (Carex sp.) and grasses (Poaceae), connected with the determinants by fabric links. The robin also belongs to the concentr of the second and higher orders as a component of forest biogeocenoses and it is also the main determinant in species composition of the insects inhabiting bird nests. As a result of the taxonomic analysis of invertebrates in the robin nests, it has been found out that the most numerous class was Insecta (9 orders and 27 families), with the dominance of Coleoptera (30.7 %). The nidicolous fauna of the robin (38 species) was dominated by zoophages along with parasites and hematophages such as Hippoboscidae (46.4 %). The percentage of phytophages and saprophages among the invertebrate nest inhabitants was somewhat less (21 % each), then followed necrophages (12 %). Zoophages and parasites also dominated according to the number of objects in the nests (42 %; n = 150), the less was the portion of phytophages (34 %), saprophages (18 %), and necrophages (6 %). The highest number of species and objects of zoophages was recorded for climax and mature biocenoses (oak forests in NNP “HL” and pine cenoses in NNP “H””).

The acclimation of Tilia cordata stomatal opening in response to light, and stomatal anatomy to vegetational shade and its components.

Stomatal anatomical traits and rapid responses to several components of visible light were measured in Tilia cordata Mill. seedlings grown in an open, fully sunlit field (C-set), or under different kinds of shade. The main questions were: (i) stomatal responses to which visible light spectrum regions are modified by growth-environment shade and (ii) which separate component of vegetational shade is most effective in eliciting the acclimation effects of the full vegetational shade. We found that stomatal opening in response to red or green light did not differ between the plants grown in the different environments. Stomatal response to blue light was increased (in comparison with that of C-set) in the leaves grown in full vegetational shade (IABW-set), in attenuated UVAB irradiance (AB-set) or in decreased light intensity (neutral shade) plus attenuated UVAB irradiance (IAB-set). In all sets, the addition of green light-two or four times stronger-into induction light barely changed the rate of the blue-light-stimulated stomatal opening. In the AB-set, stomatal response to blue light equalled the strong IABW-set response. In attenuated UVB-grown leaves, stomatal response fell midway between IABW- and C-set results. Blue light response by neutral shade-grown leaves did not differ from that of the C-set, and the response by the IAB-set did not differ from that of the AB-set. Stomatal size was not modified by growth environments. Stomatal density and index were remarkably decreased only in the IABW- and IAB-sets. It was concluded that differences in white light responses between T. cordata leaves grown in different light environments are caused only by their different blue light response. Differences in stomatal sensitivity are not dependent on altered stomatal anatomy. Attenuated UVAB irradiance is the most efficient component of vegetational shade in stimulating acclimation of stomata, whereas decreased light intensity plays a minor role.

Ethnobotanical investigations on plants used in folk medicine in the regions of Constantine and Mila (North-East of Algeria)

Ethno-pharmacological relevanceConstantine and Mila regions have been investigated in an ethnobotanical study for the first time. A total of 102 medicinal plants have been cited to treat human ailments. Twenty-eight new species of 31 common plants with 151 new therapeutic applications and 12 new cited species including one endemic specie Zygophyllum cornutum Coss were found as compared to other Algerian regions. In addition, to the best of our knowledge, 369 new medicinal uses of 75 known plants, were reported for the first time in the Mediterranean basin. Aim of the studyThis study is aimed at contributing to safeguard world cultural heritage and document ethnomedicinal uses of plants in Algeria and the Mediterranean basin; data on the national and global uses in the world were obtained to extract new potential species for further phytochemical and clinical investigations. Materials and methodsThe survey was carried out in two cities in the northeast of Algeria: Constantine and Mila. It was based on semi-structured interviews of 79 local informants. Data were analyzed using quantitative indices, namely, informant consensus factor, fidelity level (FL), use value (UV), and relative frequency citation (RFC), to evaluate the reliability and richness of herbal knowledge in the region. ResultsThe interviewed persons used 102 plant species belonging to 90 genera and distributed among 53 families, represented mainly by Lamiaceae, Apiaceae, and Asteraceae (30%, 13%, and 10%, respectively), which were used to treat 14 ailment categories. The category of most frequent ailments (16%) was digestive disorders (diarrhea, constipation, and stomach bloating). The highest RFC was found for Origanum glandulosum Desf. With regard to the fidelity level, a higher FL was found for Tilia cordata Mill. (100%), followed by Artemisia herba alba Asso. with an FL of 95.74% and Punica granatum L. with an FL of 93.09%) to treat gastrointestinal system diseases, and Aloe sp. L. with an FL of 96.67% for skin diseases. The highest UV was found for Origanum glandulosum Desf. (2.280). Moreover, new medicinal uses were recorded for the first time in Algeria and Mediterranean regions. ConclusionThe present study has highlighted the rich herbal knowledge about newfound medicinal plants and their new uses in the Mediterranean region, which could be useful not only in facilitating other studies such as phytochemical and pharmacological investigations and upgrading the sources of biomolecules beneficial to people but also in reopening discussion on pharmacovigilance in herbal medicine as an imperative requirement for local authorities.

The Robin, Erithacus Rubecula (Passeriformes, Turdidae), As a Component of Autotrophic Consortia of Forest Cenoses, Northeast Ukraine

Abstract The role of the robin, Erithacus rubecula Linnaeus, 1758 as a consort of autotrophic consortia is considered. It has been found that representatives of 9 higher taxa of animals (Mammalia, Aves, Gastropoda, Insecta, Arachnida, Acarina, Malacostraca, Diplopoda, Clitellata) have trophic and topical links with the robin. At the same time, the robin is a consort of determinants of autotrophic consortia, which core is represented mostly by dominating species of deciduous trees (Quercus robur Linnaeus, 1753 (24.6 %), Tilia cordata Miller, 1768 (17.5 %), Acer platanoides Linnaeus, 1753 (22.8 %), Acer campestre Linnaeus, 1753), and also by sedges (Carex sp.) and grasses (Poaceae). The robin also belongs to the concentre of the second and higher orders as a component of forest biogeocenoses and forms a complex trophic system. In the diet of its nestlings, there have been found 717 objects from 32 invertebrate taxa, belonging to the phylums Arthropoda (99.2 %, 31 species) and Annelida (0.8 %, 1 species). The phylum Arthropoda was represented by the most numerous class Insecta (76.9 %), in which 10 orders (Lepidoptera (46.8 %) dominates) and 20 families were recorded, and also by the classes Arachnida (15.0 %), Malacostraca (5.3 %) and Diplopoda (1.9 %). The invertebrate species composition was dominated by representatives of a trophic group of zoophages (14 species; 43.8 %); the portion of phytophages (7 species; 21.9 %), saprophages (18.7 %), and necrophages (15.6 %) was the less. The highest number of food items was represented by phytophages (N = 717; 51 %), followed by zoophages (34 %), saprophages (12 %), and necrophages (3 %). The difference among study areas according to the number of food items and the number of species in the robin nestling diet is shown. In NNP “HF”, the highest number of food items was represented by phytophages - 47 % (N = 443), whereas zoophages were the most species-rich group (43.3 %, 13 species). In NNP “H”, phytophages also prevailed in food items - 62.3 % (N = 164), but the number of phyto-, zoo- and saprophage species was equal (30.8 %, 13 species). In the forest park, zoophages were more frequent - 45.5 % (N = 110), but phytophages were the most species-rich (42.9 %).

Рекреационно-экологическая оценка ландшафтных парков на примере Макс-Ашманн-парка

В пределах Калининграда выделено пять ландшафтных парков, наиболее четко принцип ландшафтной организации просматривается в Макс-Ашманн-парке, который и послужил в качестве объекта исследования. Осуществлена инвентаризация зеленых насаждений парка: представлен видовой состав. Выявлены лесотаксационные характеристики популяций древесных насаждений: диаметр ствола, площадь проекции кроны, высота, возраст, виталитет. Всего на территории парка выделено 70 экз. деревьев, перешагнувших столетний рубеж и представляющих интерес в историческом плане, в основном это популяции Quercus robur L., Populus nigra L., Fagus sylvatica L., Tilia cordata Mill. При создании картографических произведений использованы ГИС-технологии, в частности, получены тематические карты масштаба 1:500: опорный план, карта ландшафтных рубок (с учетом возрастных деревьев, подлежащих сохранению), карта тематических зон (на основе экземпляров древесной растительности, представляющих историческое наследие), план открытых, закрытых и полуоткрытых пространств. Исследования базировались на концепции сохранения парка именно как ландшафтного, как некой модели лесных экосистем, характерных для Калининградской области. Выполнена рекреационно-экологическая оценка территорий ландшафтного парка. Представлены результаты картографирования объекта рекреации. В процессе картографирования отображено современное состояние растительного и почвенного покровов (дорожно-тропиночной сети); оценен рекреационный потенциал парка как объекта оздоровительного, спортивного и историко-познавательного назначения. Макс-Ашманн-парк был подразделен на ряд объектов разного качества. Основой для этого деления послужили природно-территориальные комплексы на уровне фаций, дающих представление об общих отличительных особенностях территории и позволяющих судить о степени их привлекательности как зон для организации отдыха. Таким образом, характерными особенностями представленных карт стали информационная насыщенность, комплексность, наглядность, полифункциональность.

Urban salt contamination impact on tree health and the prevalence of fungi agent in cities of the central Lithuania

An analysis of tree health in urban greeneries exposed to winter road salt contamination was carried out in the cities of Alytus and Kaunas, Lithuania, during spring and summer 2009–2014. Trees were assessed for crown dieback, crown defoliation and foliage discolouration. In addition, the prevalence of saprotrophic pathogenic fungi that cause sooty mold disease was assessed in street and recreational plantings. Tilia cordata Mill. (small-leaved lime) was found to be the most common tree species among urban deciduous trees. Summarising the tree foliage results, saprotrophic fungi were detected on 16 species plants belonging to 13 genera. Three species of fungal pathogens belonging to two genera, two families, two classes, and two divisions, and 12 species of anamorphic fungi from nine genera were isolated and identified from Tilia cordata leaves. The most frequent sooty mold disease agents were Aspergillus brasiliensis and Cladosporium herbarum. Nonetheless, a weak correlation between salt contamination and lime tree damage by sooty mold was found.