Top Of Tree Research Articles

Spatial Dynamics of the Red-Tailed Hawk in the Luquillo Mountains of Puerto Rico

Abstract The Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is a top predator of upland ecosystems in the Greater Antilles. Little information exists on the ecology of the insular forms of this widely distributed species. We studied movements and resource use of the Red-tailed Hawk from 2000 to 2002 in the montane forests of northeastern Puerto Rico. We captured 32 and used 21 radio-marked Red-tailed Hawks to delineate home range, core area shifts, and macrohabitat use in the Luquillo Mountains. Red-tailed Hawks in the Luquillo Mountains frequently perched near the top of canopy emergent trees and were characterized by wide-ranging capabilities and extensive spatial overlap. Home range size averaged 5,022.6 ± 832.1 ha (305–11,288 ha) and core areas averaged 564.8 ± 90.7 ha (150–1,230 ha). This species had large mean weekly movements (3,286.2 ± 348.5 m) and a preference for roadside habitats. Our findings suggest fragmentation of contiguous forest outside protected areas in Puerto Rico may benefit the Red-tailed Hawk.

High-frequency analysis of the complex linkage between soil CO2 fluxes, photosynthesis and environmental variables

High-frequency soil CO(2) flux data are valuable for providing new insights into the processes of soil CO(2) production. A record of hourly soil CO(2) fluxes from a semi-arid ponderosa pine stand was spatially and temporally deconstructed in attempts to determine if variation could be explained by logical drivers using (i) CO(2) production depths, (ii) relationships and lags between fluxes and soil temperatures, or (iii) the role of canopy assimilation in soil CO(2) flux variation. Relationships between temperature and soil fluxes were difficult to establish at the hourly scale because diel cycles of soil fluxes varied seasonally, with the peak of flux rates occurring later in the day as soil water content decreased. Using a simple heat transport/gas diffusion model to estimate the time and depth of CO(2) flux production, we determined that the variation in diel soil CO(2) flux patterns could not be explained by changes in diffusion rates or production from deeper soil profiles. We tested for the effect of gross ecosystem productivity (GEP) by minimizing soil flux covariance with temperature and moisture using only data from discrete bins of environmental conditions (±1 °C soil temperature at multiple depths, precipitation-free periods and stable soil moisture). Gross ecosystem productivity was identified as a possible driver of variability at the hourly scale during the growing season, with multiple lags between ~5, 15 and 23 days. Additionally, the chamber-specific lags between GEP and soil CO(2) fluxes appeared to relate to combined path length for carbon flow (top of tree to chamber center). In this sparse and heterogeneous forested system, the potential link between CO(2) assimilation and soil CO(2) flux may be quite variable both temporally and spatially. For model applications, it is important to note that soil CO(2) fluxes are influenced by many biophysical factors, which may confound or obscure relationships with logical environmental drivers and act at multiple temporal and spatial scales; therefore, caution is needed when attributing soil CO(2) fluxes to covariates like temperature, moisture and GEP.

Digital Photogrammetry – State of the Art and Potential for Application in Forest Management in Croatia

Background and purpose: The main goal of this paper is to inform forestry community about the latest developments in digital photogrammetry, as well as to present its possible application in forest management. For this purpose, the current state of technological development of the main tools of digital photogrammetry (digital aerophotogrammetric cameras and digital photogrammetric workstations) has been presented. Furthermore, two adjusted methods of manual digital photogrammetry for application in forest management, namely: method for strata delineation (i.e. creation of forest management division), and method for measuring stand structure elements have been developed and presented here. Material and methods: Research was carried out on the selected part of multi-aged, privately owned forest of ''Donja Kupcina - Pisarovina'' management unit which includes 6 compartments and 24 subcompartments and covers total area of 480 ha. After conducted aerial survey of research area, acquired digital images were processed, and digital terrain model and digital elevation model were derived. Digital aerial images of ground sample distance of 10 cm, topographical maps, digital terrain model and digital elevation model, as well as the digital photogrammetric workstations with appropriate software (PHOTOMOD, Global Mapper) were used for developing methods for strata delineation and stand structure elements estimation. Developments of both methods were carried out in the stereomodel of colour infrared digital aerial images in PHOTOMOD StereoDraw module. Additional data processing was conducted in ArcGIS 9.1. (for strata delineation) and in Global Mapper (for stand structure elements estimation) software. Discussion and conclusions: This research has showed that PHOTOMOD Lite and Global Mapper software packages in combination with the used materials (digital aerial images, digital elevation model) and digital photogrammetric workstation completely satisfy the needs for strata delineation and stand structure measurements. The PHOTOMOD software enables simple creation of projects of digital images, easy manipulation of multiple digital images, and many other features that facilitate photogrammetric measurement and photo-interpretation, but its free version PHOTOMOD Lite has limited capabilities in terms of number of images and quantity of vector data that can be processed. If digital images of high spatial resolution are used (e.g. 30 cm or better), as was the case in this research, stereo- effect experienced by the operator and the quality of photo-interpretation are very good. That enables clear determination of vegetation types and as well as single tree species, more accurate pinpointing of tree tops and more accurate delineation of tree crowns. As long as automatic procedures are not available, digital photogrammetry has to rely on manual methods. Allometric relation between variables measured with photogrammetric method and desired variables need to be developed. An attempt to address this issue, at least in part, is made within the ongoing project 'Application of digital photogrammetry in practical forest management'.

Automated Individual Tree Detection and Crown Delineation Using High Spatial Resolution RGB Aerial Imagery

Forests have been considered one of the most important ecosystems on the earth, affecting the lives and environment. The sustainable forest management requires accurate and timely information of forest and tree parameters. Appropriately interpreted remotely sensed imagery can provide quantitative data for deriving forest information temporally and spatially. Especially, analysis of individual tree detection and crown delineation is significant issue, because individual trees are basic units for forest management. Individual trees in aerial imagery have reflectance characteristics according to tree species, crown shape and hierarchical status. This study suggested a method that identified individual trees and delineated crown boundaries through adopting gradient method algorithm to amplified greenness data using red and green band of aerial imagery. The amplification of specific band value improved possibility of detecting individual trees, and gradient method algorithm was performed to apply to identify individual tree tops. Additionally, tree crown boundaries were explored using spectral intensity pattern created by geometric characteristic of tree crown shape. Finally, accuracy of result derived from this method was evaluated by comparing with the reference data about individual tree location, number and crown boundary acquired by visual interpretation. The accuracy (K ˆ ) of suggested method to identify individual trees was 0.89 and adequate window size for delineating crown boundaries was 19ƒ19 window size (maximum crown size: 9.4m) with accuracy (K ˆ ) at 0.80.

Estimation of mean tree height using small-footprint airborne LiDAR without a digital terrain model

In order to estimate mean tree height using small-footprint airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data, a digital terrain model (DTM), which is a continuous elevation model of the ground surface, is usually required. However, generating accurate DTMs in mountainous forests using only the LiDAR data is laborious and time consuming, because it requires human-assisted methods, especially in the forests with poor laser penetration rates. Based on our previous finding that a hypothetical continuous surface model passing through the predominant tree tops (hereafter, called the “top surface model” or TSM) might be nearly parallel to a DTM, we assumed that the vertical difference between the TSM and the ground return was the mean tree height. According to this assumption, we propose a new methodology that does not require a DTM to estimate mean tree height. This method completely, automatically, and directly estimates mean tree height (MTHE) from the LiDAR data without requiring a regression analysis using reference data. From the relationships between the MTHE and the observed mean tree height (MTHO) in different hinoki cypress forests, we demonstrate that this method effectively estimates the mean tree height with nearly 1-m accuracy.

Avaliação de um sistema de cavaqueamento de ponteiras de eucalipto para aproveitamento energético

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram avaliar o desempenho e estimar os custos de um sistema de cavaqueamento de ponteiras de eucalipto, resultantes de colheita florestal, para aproveitamento energético em uma empresa de base florestal localizada no Estado do Pará, na Região Norte do Brasil. O sistema era composto por um picador florestal, dois tratores florestais transportadores autocarregáveis (com grua) e uma carregadora frontal. A coleta de dados baseou-se em estudo de tempos e movimentos, determinação do consumo de combustível e pesagem dos cavacos produzidos. A produtividade média do sistema foi de 17,51 toneladas por hora efetiva. A eficiência operacional foi de 51,9%, devido a diversas demoras operacionais, principalmente para conserto e manutenção do picador. O transporte de cavacos foi considerado o ponto de estrangulamento do sistema, devido a ocorrências de falta de caminhão disponível no local para o carregamento. O sistema pode produzir entre 94 e 162 vezes mais energia do que consome. O custo do sistema por hora efetiva foi de R$376,56, o que representa R$21,51/t de cavacos ou R$2,70/GJ.

Size-dependent variability of leaf and shoot hydraulic conductance in silver birch

Variation in leaf and shoot hydraulic conductance was examined on detached shoots of silver birch (Betula pendula Roth), cut from the lower third (shade leaves) and upper third of the crown (sun leaves) of large trees growing in a natural temperate forest stand. Hydraulic conductances of whole shoots (K S), leaf blades (K lb), petioles (K P) and branches (i.e. leafless stem; K B) were determined by water perfusion using a high-pressure flow meter in quasi-steady state mode. The shoots were exposed to irradiance of photosynthetic photon flux density of 200–250 μmol m−2 s−1, using different light sources. K lb depended significantly (P < 0.001) on light quality, canopy position and leaf blade area (A L). K lb increased from crown base to tree top, in parallel with vertical patterns of A L. However, the analysis of data on shade and sun leaves separately revealed an opposite trend: the bigger the A L the higher K lb. Leaf anatomical study of birch saplings revealed that this trend is attributable to enhanced vascular development with increasing leaf area. Hydraulic traits (K S, K B, K lb) of sun shoots were well co-ordinated and more strongly correlated with characteristics of shoot size than those of shade shoots, reflecting their greater evaporative load and need for stricter adjustment of hydraulic capacity with shoot size. K S increased with increasing xylem cross-sectional area to leaf area ratio (Huber value; P < 0.01), suggesting a preferential investment in water-conducting tissue (sapwood) relative to transpiring tissue (leaves), and most likely contributing to the functional stability of the hydraulic system, essential for fast-growing pioneer species.

Variation in telomeric repeats of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.)

The shortening of telomeres, the specific structures at the end of the eukaryotic chromosomes, has been associated with ageing and loss of cell replication or regeneration capacity. The aim of this study was to determine the variation in telomeric repeats during the life-span of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) by studying different tissues and age groups ranging from immature embryos to cambium, buds, and needles of mature, 200-year-old trees. The telomeric repeats in Scots pine including interstitial and centromeric repeats ranged from 0.9 up to 25 kb, and true telomeres were evaluated to have a mean length of 19.3 kb (±SE 0.17). Telomeres were observed to shorten with increasing tissue differentiation, embryonal samples having the longest repeats with an average length of 21.1 (±0.34) to 21.7 kb (±0.42) and the needles having, on average, the shortest repeats of 18.1 kb (±0.24). After germination, ageing per se had no significant effect on the length of telomeric repeats in cambium, bud, or needle tissues. In the older trees (50–200 years of age), the telomeres in stem cambium showed shortening towards the tree top. This is the first observation on such a position-related variation in telomeric repeats. Finally, there was a remarkable genotypic variation in the length of telomeric repeats, and this was consistent over the tissue types. In the small number of tested donor trees, the genotypic differences were not related to regeneration ability in tissue culture.

A Christmas Tree for Pyn (review)

Reviewed by: A Christmas Tree for Pyn Jeannette Hulick Dunrea, Olivier . A Christmas Tree for Pyn; written and illus. by Olivier Dunrea. Philomel, 2011. [32p]. ISBN 978-0-399-24506-0 $16.99 Reviewed from galleys R 5-7 yrs. Oother is "a bearlike mountain man who did not soften for anyone. Not even Pyn." Pyn is his tiny, plucky daughter, who desperately longs for a Christmas tree so that the pair can have a "real Christmas for the first time." Gruff Oother (who insists that Pyn call him by his name instead of "Papa") dismisses the idea, but Pyn is determined; when she sets out to cut one down herself, Oother changes his mind and helps her bring back a tree. Overjoyed, Pyn decorates it with natural objects she's been collecting for just such a tree, and Oother surprises her with both a beautiful handmade bird for the tree's top ("I made it for your mother") and a directive to call him "Papa" from now on. Oother's and Pyn's relationship is an intriguing one: Pyn accepts Oother's gruff ways with the easy cheer of a child who [End Page 142] has never known anything different, while Oother bears the subtle marks of a man in grief. Their relationship and the unexplained absence of Pyn's mother add a layer of emotional complexity that elevates this above a mere feel-good Christmas story. Dunrea's crisp, spare illustrations (rendered in pencil and gouache on watercolor paper) possess a pleasingly cozy, vaguely Scandinavian sensibility, and the petite Pyn with her upright pigtails is appropriately dwarfed by the scale of everything around her, especially big, black-bearded Oother. Young viewers will also particularly enjoy searching for a tiny mouse that appears in nearly all of the domestic interior scenes. While this would make a lovely holiday readaloud for any family or group, it might be particularly appreciated by single dads and their kids. Copyright © 2011 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois

Ornithology from the Tree Tops

Ornithology from the Tree Tops

Variation of telomeric repeats in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) – is there a connection to ageing and loss of regeneration ability?

The shortening of telomeres, the specific structures of repeated DNA sequence at the end of the eukaryotic chromosomes, has been connected with ageing and loss of cell replication or regeneration capacity. There is, however, only limited information available on telomeres of long-living trees. Physiological ageing, on the other hand, represents a serious problem for vegetative propagation of conifers, while in deciduous tree species ageing has no such a strict influence on regeneration ability. The aim of this study was, for the first time, to determine the variation in telomeric repeats in an economically important Nordic conifer, Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), and to study potential connections to tree ageing. Scots pine individuals ranging from immature embryos to 200-year-old trees were examined. In 1- and 5 year-old seedlings and 50-, 100- and 200-year old trees, cambium, bud and needled samples were collected from different positions within a tree. The length of telomeric repeats in the extracted total genomic DNA was then determined by Southern hybridisation. In addition, telomerase enzyme activity was measured from the protein extracts prepared from the same tissues using TRAP (Telomeric Repeat Amplification Protocol) . In Scots pine samples, the size of telomeric repeats detected was variable, ranging from 0.9 kb up to 26 kb. Based on exonuclease treatment, high molecular weight repeats seem to be genuine telomeres at the ends of the chromosomes, while the low molecular weight signals probably originate at interstitial or centromeric positions. The Southern hybridisation was thus adjusted to show only high-molecular weight signals, and analyses were performed based on them. A decline in the average length of the telomeric repeats was observed with increasing level of tissue differentiation: immature and germinating embryos had the longest repeats, followed by cambium, elongating buds with tiny meristems and, finally, full-sized needles without meristems having the shortest repeats. When embryo samples were excluded from the data, the age of the tree had no significant effect on the length of telomeric repeats, although there was a tendency for telomere shortening with increasing age. In cambium samples, also the position of the tissue within tree (stem base versus top) affected the length of telomeric repeats, the telomeres shortening towards top of tree. The telomeric repeats also varied remarkably between tree individuals. Potential connections to regeneration ability are discussed.

Snow disturbances in secondary Norway spruce forests in Central Europe: Regression modeling and its implications for forest management

Snow is an important ecological factor limiting vegetation distribution, growth, and regeneration, and the importance of snow in the latitudes of Central Europe is expected to increase in the future. We assessed snow damage to secondary spruce stands (not of native provenance therefore not adapted to local conditions) in a mountainous region of 14500 ha in Central Europe (Moravian–Silesian Beskids, Czech Republic). We used neural networks-based regression modeling to study the relationship between stand and environmental parameters and four types of snow damage (top tree, crown, and stem breakage, and uprooting) that occurred during heavy snowfalls in winter 2005/2006 and 2009. Almost 40000 trees were sampled in 345 plots after each of these two events. The results suggest that parameters that can be controlled by forest management (mainly stand density and taper) were not closely associated with spruce forest resistance to snow damage. Investigated snow damage types were primarily related to the developmental stage of the stand, as indicated by stand volume, age, height, and diameter. Damage in 2009, which was caused by shorter-lasting and lower snow loads than the damage in 2005/2006, was also associated with elevation and snow depth. The response of snow damage to all stand development-related variables was clearly unimodal. We infer that forest management can reduce snow damage to secondary spruce forests in Central Europe only to a limited extent, especially under heavy snow loads. This conclusion is supported by the heavy snows that have frequently fallen on forests in Central Europe in the past and the projected increase in winter precipitation in mid- and northern latitudes; thereby increasing snow damage to forest in the future. Therefore, managers of such spruce forests should not specifically consider forest resistance to snow damage but should apply general practices that maintain forest health and productivity.

Postcards

Postcards Glenna Sloan, Tanja Nathanael, Ines Galling, Jay Heale, and Glenna Sloan Translated by Claudia Soeffner P.S. Struck by a powerful earthquake, then massive tsunami, and on top of that, a serious nuclear power plant failure on March 11, Japan's northeast region is the scene of a compound disaster. Many child victims of the disaster have suffered psychologically and remain in uncertain and anxious circumstances. Barrier-free children's books are made through the loving and caring efforts of many people. Believing that these books, too, can help these children rebuild their confidence and hope, JBBY has also begun supporting the delivery of these books to the disaster-struck areas. Dr. Susan Bissell of UNICEF has this to say of the newest book in Citizen Kid, the collection of books from Kids Can Press that explain complex global issues for young readers: "For those of us working in the child protection sphere, this is a welcome addition to the education of people, young and old, about the challenges that children face... and the ways to meet them. "In this handsome, large-format book, a succinct, readable text is complemented by Armstrong's evocative paintings. Included throughout and as endnotes are the articles, in a child-friendly version, from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The book ends with suggestions for discussion and activities designed to inform readers of hard truths about adverse conditions blighting many children's lives. Can lucky children help others less fortunate? Smith says "Yes!" and tells them how. Glenna Sloan David J. Smith This Child, Every Child: A Book About the World's Children Illus. Shelagh Armstrong Toronto, Canada: Kids Can Press, 2011 36 pp. ISBN: 9781554534661 (nonfiction, ages 8+) [End Page 67] When Big Monster climbs to the top of a tall tree, he imagines he is on an adventurous journey to Monster Peak. As his tales get taller and taller, Little Monster feels left behind. What must a little monster do to get to the top? Fans of the award-winning Monster series will be delighted with this latest installment. The series highlights the friendship between two monsters who don't always get along. Big Monster learns that he is not always right; Little Monster learns that although he is small, he can still hurt Big Monster's feelings. Both discover a genuine sympathy for the other inspite of their differences and learn how to work together to overcome obstacles. The books, written collaboratively in Faroese, Swedish, and Icelandic, have been published internationally in ten countries. Jónsdóttir's striking colors and broad strokes create an intense atmosphere, while the expressive faces of the monsters will thoroughly captivate and charm readers of all ages. Tanja Nathanael Rakel Helmsdal, Kalle Güettler, Áslaug Jónsdóttir Skrímslahæddir (Monster at the Top) Languages: Faroese, Swedish, Icelandic Illus. Áslaug Jónsdóttir Tórshavn, Faroe Islands: Bókadeild Føroya Lærarafelags, 2011 30 pp. ISBN: 978-99918-1-808-5 (picture book, ages 2-6) [End Page 74] It's a little princess's dearest wish to finally become a character in a fairy tale. Convinced that one needs a prince to turn in to a fairy tale star, she tries various proven methods of prince-acquiring such as kissing slimy frogs and placing shoes on the castle's staircase. Yet, for the time being, nothing works. Still, a fairy tale wouldn't be a fairy tale if it didn't have a happy ending. Thus, one day a prince stands on her doorstep. It takes the princess seven Brother Grimm tales until her dream eventually comes true. Susanne Strasser has kept the basic motifs and structures of the original tales; yet, through wit and irony, she has shifted the emphasis and created new accentuation in her verbal and visual language. This results in a mixture of familiar and innovative elements that turn this unusual fairy tale book into a treasure that young and old readers alike will enjoy. Ines Galling (translated by Claudia Soeffner) Susanne Strasser Das Märchen von der Prinzessin, die unbedingt in einem Märchen vorkommen wollte (The Fair y Tale of the...

Impacts of changing the minimum diameter of roundwood on the accumulation of logging residue in first thinnings of Scots pine and Norway spruce

The aim of this study was to examine the impacts of different minimum top diameters of roundwood on the accumulation of logging residue in first thinnings of Scots pine and Norway spruce. The aim was also to compare estimates of residue accumulation calculated by tree-specific models with field measurements from thinnings. Felling experiments were performed in young pine and spruce stands to evaluate the model calculations. The felling was performed by a harvester with a single-grip harvester head. Sample trees were felled and processed to a minimum diameter of 12, 10, 8 and 6 cm and the delimbed branches and stem wood between these cutting points were weighed. The mean relative masses of the tree tops of spruce were nearly doubled with each increment of 2 cm in the top diameter. Respectively in pine, the mean relative tree top mass was increased by 50–60% when the top diameter was increased by 2 cm. The mass of total residue (tree top and all delimbed branches) was similarly increased, but the differences were not as large. Compared to pine, smaller variation in the crown mass of the spruce sample resulted in a more accurate model prediction of the mass of tree tops and total residue. The results of this study suggest that the biomass quantity and distribution of a small amount of trees cannot be predicted very reliably, but when these results are generalized to stand-level, the model predictions can be improved to a practicable level.

Interrupted irrigation and synchronism of reproductive bud development in organic and high density coffee trees (Coffee arabica L.)

This work assessed the impact of interrupted irrigation on the synchronism of reproductive bud development in coffee after pruning of the primary lateral branches and the tree top. The water regimes were: no irrigation; irrigation all year round; irrigation interrupted after 30 days and 15 days before harvesting; and during harvesting for IAPAR 59 and Obata cultivars. The treatments without irrigation and with irrigation all year around reduced the number of flowers and buds. Interrupted irrigation treatments improved the synchronism of coffee bud development. IAPAR 59 and Obata cultivars provided different results, depending on the studied variable.

Logging Business Practices and Perspectives on Harvesting Forest Residues for Energy: A Minnesota Case Study

Abstract Timber harvesting residues, specifically the nonmerchantable tree tops and limbs associated with a commercial roundwood harvest, have the capacity to supply substantial feedstock for energy production. Phone interviews of Minnesota's logging business owners who process residual woody biomass for energy using chippers and grinders were conducted in summer 2008 to characterize their practices on harvesting and processing these residues and to collect qualitative data describing biomass harvesting opportunities and constraints. Minnesota's logging businesses are highly variable with respect to many aspects of woody biomass harvesting, such as preferred tree species, equipment configurations, strategies for collecting and processing residual biomass, and utilization efficiency. Factors cited as having a substantial influence on future biomass harvesting opportunities included the environmental benefits of burning woody biomass over traditional nonrenewable fuels and the potential for biomass harvesting to positively affect wildlife habitat and forest health. Low prices received for delivered wood chips and grindings, high fixed and variable operating costs, and resource uncertainty about future harvesting restrictions due to environmental concerns were cited as important issues that could limit growth in the state's woody biomass harvesting sector.

Structural analysis of Castanea sativa Mill. leaves from different regions in the tree top

The aim of this work was to perform the histological characterization of the C. sativa leaves of three Portuguese cultivars to establish comparison among the leaves of the different quadrants in accord and with the cardinal points of the tree top and among different cultivars of this species, using light microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Measurements were also carried out for the leaf tissue thickness, stomatal density, leaf area in the four tree top quadrants. The leaves turned to the North had lesser thickness of mesophyll mainly due to lower amount of palisade parenchyma. The stomatal density was significantly lower in these leaves, unlike the leaf area that has the highest expression.

Addition of coarse woody debris – The early fungal succession on Picea abies logs in managed forests and reserves

Modern forestry practices have decreased the abundance of coarse woody debris (CWD), and as a result many species that depend on dead wood are now threatened. This implies a need to develop forestry practices that maintain biodiversity. We examined the conservation value of experimental spruce logs (control logs, logs placed in natural shade, and cut tree tops) for wood-inhabiting fungi in two forest stands, one nature reserve and one mature managed forest, in each of seven forest areas in northern Sweden. Here we report the initial findings of the experiment that was established in winter 2001–2002 and data were collected in 2002, 2003 and 2006. A pre-inventory of the local species composition in 2002 revealed a higher per area species richness, including red-listed species, in reserves than in managed forests. Ordination analyses of the experimental logs showed a significant effect of area, while not of stand type in 2003. ANOVA analysis showed no significant effect of stand type on species richness and abundance. In 2006, the species assemblage started to differentiate between the two stand types and forest age, forest site type (moisture), and distance to forest reserves, all explained part of the variation, whereas the amount of CWD, and species composition at the start of the experiment only showed a marginal effect. The early successional fungal community was dominated by two functional groups, humus-decayers and white-rot species, both characterized by a rapid, early colonization and fruit-body formation on the competition-free new substrate. A similar positive response to the new substrate was also observed for the mycorrhizal species in 2006. The high frequency and early appearance of humus-decayers and mycorrhizal species that do not primarily depend upon CWD for their nutrition suggest that their formation of fruiting bodies is limited by substrate availability. Thus some mycorrhizal fungi are apparently rare due to lack of suitable substrate for fruit-body formation. Evidence of dispersal-limitation was observed in 2006. Fomitopsis pinicola, an early colonizer in boreal forests, playing a key role for other wood-inhabiting organisms, colonized significantly more logs in the reserve stands compared with the managed stands. Our data demonstrate that lack of CWD strongly affects both species that depend upon wood for nutrition and species that depend upon wood for fruit-body formation. Thus some species may show an apparent rarity due to lack of suitable substrate. We conclude that creation of CWD appears to be a useful method to maintain or restore fungal diversity in boreal coniferous forests.

Arborização de Vias Públicas: O Caso do Bairro Jardim Águas do Paiol, em Araraquara, Sp-Brasil

A arborização urbana em calçadas é fundamental para a manutenção da qualidade de vida, proporcionando conforto aos habitantes das cidades. Contudo, existem problemas causados, principalmente, pela falta de planejamento na implantação e no manejo da arborização. Os objetivos do presente trabalho foram realizar análises qualitativas e quantitativas dos indivíduos arbóreos e avaliar o índice de área verde por habitante do bairro Jardim Águas do Paiol, no município de Araraquara-SP. Por meio de inventário, foram encontradas 159 árvores pertencentes a 15 famílias, sendo que Licania tomentosa (Benth.) Fritsch (oiti) foi a mais frequente, com 23,71%, e a encontrada com menor frequência foi Schinus lentiscifoluis (pimenteira), com 1,92%. A área total de copa das árvores encontradas nas ruas e avenidas do bairro foi de 1.817,82 m², e o índice de área verde foi 18,43 m²/habitante. A maioria das árvores plantadas nas calçadas não está em conflito com as redes elétrica e telefônica aéreas.

Glyphosate Use in Forest Plantations

Under Chilean conditions the lack of weed control at forest tree establishment results in an average of at least 60% less biomass accumulation during the first year of growth of radiate pine or eucaliptus, and glyphosate offers a series of advantages in forestry weed management because its activity in both herbaceous weed groups, monocots and dicots, as well as annuals, biennials and perennials. Also, its efficacy in woody undesirable vegetation makes glyphosate a very important herbicide that can be applied to control herbaceous and woody weeds as pre-planting and during the second or third years of trees growth as strip applications. The aim of this review is to discuss the main uses of glyphosate in reforestation worldwide, during the first 2 yr after tree establishment, as broadcast application over the top of the forest trees and the most important factors that could affect glyphosate efficacy as a forest herbicide, like weed growth stage, application technique, volume and water quality, rainfastness, dew effect and the use of extra adjuvant with formulated glyphosate.