Forestry Tree Research Articles

Nghiên cứu lựa chọn loài cây lâm nghiệp bản địa phục hồi rừng tự nhiên tại khu dự trữ sinh quyển cao nguyên Kon Hà Nừng, tỉnh Gia Lai

Selecting native forestry tree species is an important and decisive content in additional planting and restoration of natural forests. This research was conducted in Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve and surrounding areas of Kon Ha Nung plateau biosphere reserve. The methods of interviews, field surveys, reference to documents and experts were used to identify and quantify 3 groups with 8 criteria for selecting 30 promising native forestry tree species for restoration natural forests in the study area. The results of multi-criteria analysis with coefficient, ranking and testing the degree of adaptation using the tools Package scikit criteria, GIS, WSM, AHP models... have identified 5 species. The most promising native forestry species for additional planting and forest restoration on scrub lands with regenerated wood in Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve and surrounding areas include: Choerospondias axillaris, Michelia mediocris, Prunus arborea, Michelia florabanda and Dalbergia cochinchinensis.

Classic publications in food security research: A bibliometric analysis

AbstractThe article presents classic publications in the field of food security from 1993 to 2022 using bibliometric methods. Data come from the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI‐EXPANDED) of the Web of Science database. The results show that the years 2010 and 2011 stand out as the most prolific, with a total of three classic articles receiving the highest citations. The articles show that agricultural intensification does not necessarily lead to increased yields but rather contributes to environmental degradation through deforestation, biodiversity loss, and ultimately climate change. The articles highlight the adoption of ecologically friendly methods, natural solution, and technology‐based and sustainable agricultural practices to reduce the impact of climate change and address food insecurity. However, linking agricultural intensification to biodiversity conservation and hunger and the effectiveness of different adaptation models in the increasing variability of extreme events remain complex issues that require further research in the future. Similarly, machine learning research can be used to address food insecurity, especially in crop or plant, and forestry tree breeding, precision agriculture, and so forth.

Avifaunal Diversity in Telangana State: A Case Study in Campus of Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India

Population Studies on different agricultural and other bird species were carried out at Students farm, College farm, Agri biodiversity park, and Agricultural Research Institute farm areas of Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) Campus in semiarid region of Telangana state covering an area of about 36 Sq.km. for a period of eleven years (2012 to 2023). Population diversity of 92 species of different birds, and their distribution within the university campus farm areas were recorded. Important among them are 9 species namely: Blue rock pigeon (Columba livia), Spotted dove (Streptopelia chinensis), Rose ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri),Common myna (Acridotheres tristis), House crow (Corvus splendens), House sparrow (Passer domesticus), Baya weaver bird (Ploceus philippinus), White throated munia (Lonchura malabarica), and Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) which depredate experimental field crops among them only few birds such as: Rose ringed parakeets, House crows, House sparrows, Pigeons, Baya weavers, Peafowls and Munias were serious bird pests to major agricultural and horticultural crops. The University farm areas were found to be the most preferred habitat for many of these birds, it could be due to availability of food, breeding, roosting and resting sites in abundance because of more agricultural croplands and agro forestry trees.

Variations in Essential Oil Biological Activities of Female Cones at Different Developmental Stages from Azorean Cryptomeria japonica (Thunb. ex L.f.) D. Don (Cupressaceae)

In the Azores Archipelago, Cryptomeria japonica is, currently, the most cultivated forestry tree for timber production, landscaping, and gardening, generating large amounts of foliage waste that is used for local essential oils (EOs) production. However, the existing literature on the biological potential of EOs from different C. japonica foliage parts, such as female cones (FC), remains limited. Thus, in the present study, EOs extracted by hydrodistillation from Azorean C. japonica immature and mature FC (IFC and MFC), as well as some major EO components, were screened for their: (i) antioxidant capacity, evaluated by DPPH free-radical-scavenging activity (FRSA) and β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching activity (BCBA), (ii) antimicrobial activities, assessed by the disc diffusion method against eight bacteria and one fungus, and (iii) toxicity against Artemia salina. Among both FC EO samples, the IFC EO exhibited the best DPPH–FRSA, BCBA, and growth inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis, and Penicillium italicum, as well as a slightly increased toxic potential, due to their differential compositions, as assessed by GC–MS analysis. Thus, the FC’s maturation process decreased their EOs’ bioactivities. In conclusion, this finding could help in determining the optimal developmental stage for enhancing the antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds content in FC EOs. In turn, this contributes to increasing the commercial potential of C. japonica’s EO industry.

Unintended consequences of planting native and non‐native trees in treeless ecosystems to mitigate climate change

Abstract Naturally treeless ecosystems are being replaced by native and non‐native trees worldwide, often through deliberate afforestation using forestry tree species. By introducing species having novel traits, such as relatively rapid growth, many afforestation efforts also produce numerous changes in ecosystems, at the landscape scale. Trees are considered critical for climate change mitigation; indeed, many current carbon sequestration strategies rely on trees. Planting trees or allowing trees to naturally colonize through range expansions can be seen as an ideal way to increase atmospheric carbon capture. For example, a snapshot approach may show that introducing trees into treeless ecosystems enhances aboveground accumulation of carbon, helping increase ecosystem carbon storage. However, considering other impacts such as reductions in soil carbon or albedo and increased fire severity (through increases in fuel loads and connectivity) reduces the effectiveness of afforestation strategies for climate change amelioration. Additional negative impacts of afforestation are also likely, such as the reduction of native biodiversity and productivity, substantial water yield losses, and changes in nutrient cycles, which can exacerbate other global change drivers. Further, tree invasions originating from afforestation can exacerbate these negative impacts. Synthesis. This review highlights that the positive and negative impacts of planting trees in naturally treeless ecosystems as a strategy to mitigate climate change are idiosyncratic, depending on the location where trees are introduced, the time period trees are allowed to grow, and risks of spread and impacts associated with specific tree species. Although planting trees can potentially be a tool to fight climate change, a greater consideration of their impacts is required to minimize the unexpected negative consequences of afforestation efforts.

Identification of genetic relationships of Acacia auriculiformis clones using ISSR markers

In this study, seven clones of Acacia auriculiformis,collected in Cam Lo district, Quang Binh province were assessed for genetic diversity using 15 ISSR markers. The results showed that seven Acacia clones had an average level of genetic variation. In which, four ISSR markers including ISSR1, ISSR3, ISSR8, and ISSR15 showed higher polymorphism information content (PIC) value than the others. The results analysis indicated that 30 out of 40 DNA fragments were polymorphic (75%, PIC=0.28-0.33). The ISSR8 exhibited the highest genetic diversity index (0.33), while ISSR15 showed the lowest diversity (0.28). Seven clones of A. auriculiformis were divided into two main groups: group I comprised four clones: Clt7, Clt18, Clt19, and Clt26; group II included the remaining three clones: Clt25, Clt43, and Clt57. Genetic variation was correlated with plant growth ability. This result exhibited that the ISSR marker was an efficient tool in assessing and selecting the good genetic resource of A. auriculiformis for the forestry tree breeding program in Vietnam.

Phytochemical study on the essential oils of Callitris glaucophylla Joy Thomps. & L.A.S. Johnson, and assessment of their antioxidant, anti-enzymatic and allelopathic effects

Callitris glaucophylla Joy Thomps. & L.A.S. Johnson is a coniferous forest species of the Cupressaceae family native to Australia. This species is rich in essential oils (EOs) but few studies about variability and biological activity of these EOs are available in the literature. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the variability of production of C. glaucophylla EOs in relation to the different plant parts (needles, cones and stems) and to investigate their antioxidant, anti-enzymatic and herbicidal properties. EOs were obtained by hydro distillation and analyzed by GC and GC-MS. The antioxidant potential of EOs was assessed by ABTS, FRAP and DPPH assays, their phytotoxic activities were evaluated against germination and shoots and radical growth of Sinapis arvensis, Trifolium campestre, Lepidium sativum and Lolium rigidum. The EOs were evaluated for their possible anti-enzymatic effects with spectrophotometric assay. EOs resulted rich in monoterpenes hydrocarbons (61.04–77.82 %) and oxygenated monoterpenes (19.52–25.26 %). The main compounds were α-pinene as major compound in all plant parts (36.99–59.84 %), 1,8-cineole (19.88 % in stems) and limonene (18.94 % in needles). Herbicidal assays showed that all EOs have remarkable and significant phytotoxicity towards germination, roots, and aerial parts growth of the tested plants, depending on the EO, the doses and tested species. The EOs showed significant free radical scavenging potential and resulted more active against cholinesterases than α-glucosidase and α-amylase. The data obtained constitute an important contribution in selecting and valorizing appropriate forestry tree biomass as sources of antioxidant and phytotoxic molecules for sustainable application in food preservation and weeds control. The activities against the tested enzymes confirmed a possible use of these EOs as natural pesticides.

Pest categorisation of Mimela testaceipes.

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Mimela testaceipes (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), the striated chafer, for the EU, following a commodity risk assessment of dwarfed Pinus parviflora grafted onto P. thunbergii from China in which M. testaceipes was identified as a pest of possible concern to the EU. M. testaceipes occurs in Japan, northeast China, Far East Russia, South Korea and very likely North Korea. Adults are recognised pests feeding on and damaging the needles of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica), Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) and Japanese larch (Larix leptolepis) which are important forestry trees where the pest currently occurs. It has adapted to feed on the needles of Pinus species introduced into its native area, such as P. taeda, which is native to southeastern USA although M. testaceipes is not regarded as a significant pest of pines. Larvae are reported to cause root damage to grasses, as well as conifers. Eggs are usually laid in grassy soils by females that develop on conifer species. Larvae develop in the soil feeding on the roots of grasses or conifer hosts. Larvae overwinter in the soil and take 2 or 3 years to develop. In principle soil, host plants for planting and cut branches with foliage could provide pathways into the EU. However, prohibitions on the import of soil and hosts such as Chamaecyparis, Larix and Pinus regulate such pathways into the EU. Nevertheless, certain dwarfed Pinus spp. from Japan are provided with a derogation for entry into the EU. In addition, the host C. japonica is unregulated and could also provide a pathway. Hosts occur in the EU in climate zones that match those where M. testaceipes occurs in Asia. If M. testaceipes were to enter the EU, conditions in central and northern EU are conducive to establishment. Following establishment, impacts on Japanese cedar, Japanese cypress and Japanese larch would be expected; it is possible that M. testaceipes could adapt to feed on Pinus and Larix species growing in Europe. M. testaceipes satisfies the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest.

In Planta Study Localizes an Effector Candidate from Austropuccinia psidii Strain MF-1 to the Nucleus and Demonstrates In Vitro Cuticular Wax-Dependent Differential Expression.

Austropuccinia psidii is a biotrophic fungus that causes myrtle rust. First described in Brazil, it has since spread to become a globally important pathogen that infects more than 480 myrtaceous species. One of the most important commercial crops affected by A. psidii is eucalypt, a widely grown forestry tree. The A. psidii-Eucalyptus spp. interaction is poorly understood, but pathogenesis is likely driven by pathogen-secreted effector molecules. Here, we identified and characterized a total of 255 virulence effector candidates using a genome assembly of A. psidii strain MF-1, which was recovered from Eucalyptus grandis in Brazil. We show that the expression of seven effector candidate genes is modulated by cell wax from leaves sourced from resistant and susceptible hosts. Two effector candidates with different subcellular localization predictions, and with specific gene expression profiles, were transiently expressed with GFP-fusions in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Interestingly, we observed the accumulation of an effector candidate, Ap28303, which was upregulated under cell wax from rust susceptible E. grandis and described as a peptidase inhibitor I9 domain-containing protein in the nucleus. This was in accordance with in silico analyses. Few studies have characterized nuclear effectors. Our findings open new perspectives on the study of A. psidii-Eucalyptus interactions by providing a potential entry point to understand how the pathogen manipulates its hosts in modulating physiology, structure, or function with effector proteins.

Chemical composition and herbicidal potential of essential oil of Eucalyptus maculata Hook

In continuation of the search of eco-friendly and safe alternatives for chemical pesticide for weeds management, essential oils (EOs) of forestry tree may be a good candidate. Here, the EOs of Eucalyptus maculata were extracted by hydrodistillation and the study of their chemical composition was carried out by GC and GC/MS analysis. The allelopathic effects of E. maculata EOs was tested against two common weeds in Tunisia: Sinapis arvensis (dicot) and Phalaris canariensis (monocot) and Triticum durum as cereal monocot cultivated crop. The application of EOs has been carried out in two stages of growth: pre-emergence and post emergence. Analysis of the EOs resulted in the identification of 46 components representing 97.7% of the total oil. 1.8-Cineole was detected as the principal compound accounted for 42% of the oil totality and oxygenated monoterpenes (61.5%) was the major subclass that characterize E. maculata growing in Tunisia. On pre-emergence stage, Eucalyptus EOs significantly reduced germination and seedling growth of all tested species in a dose dependent manner and the phytotoxic effect of the EOs was differently effective depending on doses and tested species. On post-emergence stage, volatile oil induces a phytotoxic effect against all tested plants, a decrease in relative water content, an increase of relative electrolyte leakage percentage and levels of proline and malondialdehyde contents which explain their significant phytotoxic potential. Thus, E. maculata EOs inhibits germination and seedling growth of tested herbs in pre-emergence stage and post emergence stage, therefore E. maculata EOs shows potential towards weed management.

Early natural tree regeneration after wildfire in a Central European Scots pine forest: Forest management, fire severity and distance matters

In the last years, several wildfires destroyed large areas in Central European forest stands and the risk for fires is predicted to increase in the future. However, little is known about post-fire succession including the effect of forest management for this region. We studied recolonization patterns of natural regeneration of the pioneer tree species Betula pendula Roth (silver birch), Pinus sylvestris L. (Scots pine), Populus tremula L. (European aspen) and Salix caprea L. (goat willow) on 200 plots in a large, 334 ha burned pine forest stand two years after a severe wildfire. Natural regeneration in general was high, reaching higher densities than artificial regeneration on most plots. The influence of fire severity, post-fire forest management (complete and partial salvage logging and soil disturbance like skidder traffic, ploughing and raking) and distance to the next potential seed source on the number of tree regeneration was tested with multiple linear regression. High fire severities decreased abundance of pine, aspen and willow. The regeneration of all four investigated tree species was influenced by forest management. High birch regeneration was predicted for completely salvage logged plots in combination with skidder traffic or early ploughing and plots without any forest management. Pine regeneration was predicted to be highest on completely salvage logged and sites without any salvage logging. Forest management which includes partial salvage logging showed mostly lower predicted regeneration of birch, pine and aspen as probably an effect of timing. Willow regeneration was promoted by forest management which includes late ploughing. Regeneration of birch and pine decreased with increasing distance to the next potential seed tree, while aspen and willow sapling densities were not affected by distance due to their excellent dispersal by wind. For birch and especially pine, close seed trees are crucial for sufficient natural regeneration. Recolonization of burned areas is a highly dynamic process dependent on several factors. However, natural regeneration provides a fast, cost-effective way of reforestation which can be facilitated by suitable silvicultural treatments. We recommend to keep survived trees as green islands on site to provide close seed sources. To avoid seedling disturbance, forest management activities should be complied according to life cycles of naturally established tree seedlings. We also suggest using the benefits of deciduous pioneer trees in forestry in order to establish more diverse, less fire-prone forests after wildfires in the long term.

Towards resolvingNothophaeocryptopusandRhizosphaerainhabitants of spruce needles

AbstractOur knowledge of the endophytic fungal community associated with needles of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) is rather limited, which contrasts with the importance of this tree species for forestry in the UK. In our study, we focused on the detailed characterization of multiple isolates tentatively placed into the generaNothophaeocryptopusandRhizosphaerathat were obtained from needles of Sitka spruce and co‐occurring Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)at four sites in Scotland and Wales. After a thorough analysis of their phenotype and analysis of two nuclear regions (ITS rDNA and gene for β‐tubulin), we propose two species new to science and one new combination.Nothophaeocryptopus piceaewas isolated from healthy green or brown needles from spruces and is currently known only as a sterile culture, but the taxonomic novelty is well supported by host affinity and results of molecular data analysis.Rhizosphaera minterimay also be distinguished based on the combination of host and molecular data, but morphologically, it is similar toR. pini. Finally,Hormonema merioidesandR. pseudotsugaeare found to be conspecific and a new combinationR. merioidesis proposed following the phylogenetic placement of this species. Our study highlights the importance of multiple approaches used in the identification of microfungi associated with coniferous needles. It is evident that morphologically identical fungi may represent distinct species differing in their host range and severity on the host. This study also provides a basis for future monitoring of these fungi associated with important coniferous forestry trees in the UK.

Phylogenomics resolves the etiology of dieback disease and deciphers Ceratocystis dalbergicans sp.nov., causal agent of Dalbergia sissoo decline.

Dalbergia sissoo is one of the most economically important trees in forestry, agroforestry, and horticulture. This tree species is severely threatened by dieback. Widespread dieback outbreaks and infestations have drastically destroyed billions of D. sissoo trees. Hence, we attempted to resolve the dieback etiology through phylogenomics associated with D. sissoo mortality. The Ceratocystis species was evaluated using morphologically investigated fungal isolates collected from dieback-affected tissue plants. Based on the symptomatology, we have differentiated dieback from Fusarium wilt and concluded that the Ceratocystis fimbriata sensu lato complex is causing shisham dieback in Pakistan. As the Ceratocystis species complex is a cryptic species complex, we used genomics and phylogenetic analysis for deciphering its evolutionary hierarchical order. The pathogen's operational taxonomy was unlocked with the help of phylogenomics, and it was discovered that isolates from D. sissoo represent a species distinct from the other species in the C. fimbriata sensu lato species complex. The name Ceratocystis dalbergicans sp. nov. has been given to the fungus causing dieback disease in D. sissoo.

Field factory for the automated harvesting of forestry tree stock

Field factory for the automated harvesting of forestry tree stock

Implementasi Model Soil dan Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) Dalam Pengelolaan Das Mikro Sei Tanduk

The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model which is integrated with the Geographic Information System (GIS) can provide an overview or prediction of the influence of land management on the hydrology of the Micro Sei Tanduk watershed in accordance with the interests of evaluating and monitoring watershed management activities. The purpose of this study was to analyze the management of the Sei Tanduk Micro watershed based on land use patterns, as a basis for determining the best recommendations for planning and evaluating the Indragiri Rokan Watershed Management Project Activities for Fiscal Year 2003 by compiling a Master Plan for the Micro Sei Tanduk Watershed Master Plan Rumbio Village, Kampar Regency. The research method is to process primary and secondary data using a SWAT model that is integrated with GIS in analyzing hydrological characteristics in land use scenarios in the management of the Micro Sei Tanduk watershed, as a basis for providing recommendations. The best recommendation from the evaluation and analysis of the Micro Sei Tanduk watershed management based on land use patterns is scenario 2 in the form of applying agroforestry on mixed dry land agriculture with the insertion of forestry trees based on community participation in the Micro Sei Tanduk watershed, Rubio Village, Kampar District, Kampar Regency.

Phenological observations and trapping tactics for the granulate ambrosia beetle Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) in New Zealand

Abstract The granulate ambrosia beetle (GAB) Xylosandrus crassiusculus, was first formally detected in New Zealand in 2019. Since then, GAB has subsequently been found infesting numerous tree species in the Auckland region. Flight intercept traps baited with ethanol lures were deployed from October 2019 to May 2021 at three sites in the Auckland region to ascertain the phenology of GAB in New Zealand. Two distinct peak flight periods were identified in early and late summer, while a smaller and inconsistent third peak was detected in early autumn. Logistical analysis of GAB captures in the ethanol‐lured traps and degree‐day (DD) accumulation indicated that 90% of flight activity is completed by 800 DD. To assess monitoring tactics, flight intercept traps were baited with three different ethanol lures with varying release rates or ethanol‐soaked or non‐soaked wood bolts from three species of trees. A lure releasing 2 g ethanol per day was most effective at capturing GAB. Ethanol‐soaked bolts were less effective than the lures. Xylosandrus crassiusculus represents a significant risk for shrubs and trees native to New Zealand, as well as commercial horticultural and forestry trees. We recommend using ethanol‐lured panel traps for monitoring purposes.

Plus tree selection of Gao vang (Naucleo Orientalis) for big timber developing of indigenous plantations

The results of early growths assessment of the Gao vang experimental planting area at the stage 7 year old and the selection of plus trees for big timber plantations show that the average growths in diameter at breast height, crown diameter, total height and trunk volume of plus trees (TG) reached a value of 16.74 cm; 5.24m; 10.74m; and 118.20 dm3 per tree, respectively, exceeding the accompanying forest tree group (ĐR) of 1.60; 1.02; 1.15; and 2.82 times, respectively, under the same comparison criteria, environmental conditions and time. The forest tree groups including, ĐR1; ĐR2; ĐR3; ĐR4; and ĐR5 had a coefficient of variation (CV%) in diameter of 19.07; 18.41; 13.45; 17.90; and 17.18%. Growth speed in diameter of plus trees including, TG4; TG3; TG2; TG5; and TG1 reached a value of 2.31; 2.40; 2.40; 2.41; and 2.43 cm per year, respectively, growth farther other forests tree group by 1.55 to 1.59 times. Exceed level (%) in diameter of plus trees including, TG1; TG2; TG3; TG4; and TG5. Forest trees groups reached a value of 31.75; 30.72; 31.97; 31.52; and 30.89%, respectively, that were better than the accompanying forest tree groups and the standards of plus trees for big timber indigenous plantating development. In total, there are over 1360 Gao vang individuals measured and evaluated, but only 5 excellent trees in growth could be selected, that had a exceed level for diameter of over 30% compared to the accompanying forest tree group, a ratio of 0.36%, and a selective intensity of 0.99. The plus trees evaluated and selected are very valuable as propagation materials, contributing to providing information, scientific basis, quality seed sources, and diversifying the structure of forestry tree varieties for the goal of developing big timber plantations with native species.

Morphological Transformation and Spatial-Logical Aggregation for Tree Species Classification Using Hyperspectral Imagery

Hyperspectral image (HSI) consists of abundant spectral and spatial characteristics, which contribute to a more accurate identification of materials and land covers. However, most existing methods of hyperspectral image analysis primarily focus on spectral knowledge or coarse-grained spatial information while neglecting the fine-grained morphological structures. In the classification task of complex objects, spatial morphological differences can help to search for the boundary of fine-grained classes, e.g., forestry tree species. Focusing on subtle traits extraction, a spatial-logical aggregation network (SLA-NET) is proposed with morphological transformation for tree species classification. The morphological operators are effectively embedded with the trainable structuring elements, which contributes to distinctive morphological representations. We evaluate the classification performance of the proposed method on two tree species datasets, and the results demonstrate that the proposed SLA-NET significantly outperforms the other state-of-the-art classifiers.

Habitat suitability of five commonly planted non-native trees in Chile: Implications for an invasion process

Non-native tree (NNT) species have been deliberately introduced into new areas. Historically, NNTs were not considered as invasive species, given the benefits they provide, but that has changed during the last decades. The use of non-native trees, whichever purpose they have, should be assessed according to the location and susceptibility of the area to invasion. Forestry trees, such as Pinus and Eucalyptus have been introduced worldwide, being the most planted taxa. Here, we present a complete assessment of the actual invasive stage and potential distribution of most relevant non-native tree species established in the south-Central region of Chile (Pinus radiata, Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus nitens, Pinus contorta and Pseudotsuga menziesii) based on its presences and absences, their global and regional niches, Species Distribution Models (SDM), climatic and anthropogenic variables. None of the studied species maintain the environmental space of their native range. Some of them (P. radiata, E. globulus and E. nitens) have been established under new environmental conditions, thus expanding their niches. Others, such as P. contorta and P. menziesii present a high proportion of stable populations, but there is an even higher proportion of area available for their expansion. Beyond their actual status, all e studied species are capable of expanding their populations into new areas of the studied region. Conservation efforts must be efficiently planned, to reduce these species impacts wherever necessary, but also to avoid their further dispersal into new non-invaded areas.

Genetic analysis distinguished new natural population and old plantations of Cryptomeria japonica

Natural forest is important not only for conserving genetic diversity, but also as a future breeding resource, especially for forestry tree species. Cryptomeria japonica is an important forestry tree species in Japan, but natural populations are limited. We discovered apparently natural C. japonica individuals on Mt Aoba, adjacent to Wakasa Bay in Fukui Prefecture, Japan. The area around Wakasa Bay was an important refugia for this species during the Last Glacial Maximum. To clarify whether these individuals are natural origin or not, we sampled 195 individuals with a diameter at breast height (dbh) greater than 60 cm (with an average dbh of 79 cm), and conducted genetic analyses with 249 SNP and 20 SSR markers. We found two genetic clusters identified as ura-sugi and omote-sugi lineages and the genetic diversity of the sample was similar to known natural populations. The ura-sugi lineage showed a clear correlation between age and dbh, whereas the omote-sugi lineage showed no correlation. The ura-sugi lineage was also genetically very similar to nearby natural populations. Most of the omote-sugi lineage trees were about 100 years old regardless of dbh, and located in one small valley close to a village. The results suggest that the ura-sugi lineage (124 individuals) represents a population of natural origin, whereas the omote-sugi lineage (60 individuals) population was probably planted about 100 years ago using trees of non-local origin. Seven individuals appeared to be hybrids, displaying both ura-sugi and omote-sugi lineages. In situ conservation of the ura-sugi individuals should be a priority, after removing the omote-sugi lineage, in order to conserve the natural genetic resources they represent. Ex-situ conservation strategies should also be implemented to protect the endemic gene pool from gene flow from the many C. japonica plantations in the surrounding area.