Tree Trunks Research Articles

Overwintering of Thrips (Thysanoptera) Under the Bark of the Plane Tree (Platanus x hispanica Mill. ex Münchh.) in Southeastern Poland.

The insect fauna overwintering under the bark of tree trunks is very rarely studied. Thrips (Thysanoptera) associated with the plane tree (Platanus x hispanica Mill. ex Münchh., syn. Platanus x acerifolia (Aiton) Willd.) have not been studied so far, especially those overwintering on the non-native tree in Poland. The study was carried out in March and April 2014 and 2015 and in February 2016 in 29 localities in southeastern Poland. The study sites were localized in urban and rural parks. Tree bark samples were taken from each trunk at a height of 1-2 m and collected in 4 L plastic bags (approximately 250 cm2). Thrips were sorted from the pieces of plane tree bark in the laboratory and preserved in 70% ethyl alcohol; the species were identified on microscopic slides. Fifteen species, nine from the suborder Terebrantia and six from the suborder Tubulifera, were identified. Ten species were dendrophilous, among which all Tubuliferan species were fungivorous. A total of 494 thrips individuals were collected, with 84% representing the suborder Terebrantia. The most abundant thrips species included Dendrothrips degeeri Uzel, Phlaeothrips coriaceus Haliday, Thrips major Uzel, and Dendrothrips ornatus (Jablonowski). D. degeeri, i.e., the most numerous species, was found in the highest number of sites (22), while six species were only found in one site each. Generalized Linear Model (GLM) and Nonmetric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) analysis showed that the species composition was strongly associated with environmental such factors as insolation, the trunk circumference, and the number of trunks where the species overwintered. Our research has shown that the bark of plane trees (Platanus x hispanica) provided a suitable habitat for thrips overwintering.

Fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profiling for species-specific characterization and detection of fungal pathogens that cause tree and grapevine trunk diseases

ABSTRACT Fungal trunk diseases are of major concern for tree fruit, nut, and grape growers throughout the world. These diseases include Eutypa dieback of grape, caused by Eutypa lata, band canker of almond, caused by Neofusicoccum mediterraneum and Neofusicoccum parvum, and twig and branch dieback of walnut, caused by N. mediterraneum, Botryosphaeria dieback of grape, caused by Diplodia mutila, Diplodia seriata, N. mediterraneum, and N. parvum, and esca of grape, caused by Phaeomoniella chlamydospora and Phaeoacremonium minimum. Given the common occurrence of mixed infections, and the similar wood symptoms at the macroscopic level, species-specific detection tools are needed. Fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profiling can be an effective and inexpensive diagnostic tool. FAME analyses were conducted on pure cultures of multiple isolates per species to characterize profiles and assess whether this technique could result in consistent identification. FAME profiles were dominated by oleic acid (18:1 ω9c) and palmitic acid (16:0), with less abundant FAMEs in different ratios for each species and isolates within species. Canonical discriminant analyses revealed which minor FAMEs were most variable, with a total of 20 different FAMEs that can explain 69.01% of profile variance in the first two canonicals. Using these analyses, samples were self-tested and correctly sorted 97.18% of the time. Within species, canonical discriminant analyses were able to separate isolates further, often by original geographic location or by host plant species. These results further suggest that potential novel species, subspecies, or races may be present among the isolates analyzed, demonstrating the capacity of FAME profiling to have a role in discovering cryptic species and accurately identifying fungal pathogens in conjunction with other molecular techniques and genomic analyses.

Investigation of gold nanoparticles for Ganoderma fungi treatment in oil palm trees

In recent years, oil palm has been one of the industries that contribute substantially to the gross domestic product of producing countries. As per Plantation Industries and Commodities, palm oil accounted for roughly 66.1% of the total export earnings, reaching RM 44.63 billion in 2022. However, several threats to palm trees, such as Ganoderma basal stem rot disease (BSR), pose risks to our country's gross domestic product. BSR, caused by the fungus Ganoderma boninense, leads to the breakdown and degradation of the lignin trunk of palm trees. Therefore, gold nanoparticles have been fabricated in this project because of their ability to treat fungi. Gold nanoparticles were synthesized in two forms: gold nanorods (GNRs) and gold nanobipyramids (GNBPs) utilizing a wet chemical technique called the Seed-Mediated Growth Method (SMGM). Two plasmon peaks were obtained for synthesized nanoparticles corresponding to transverse surface plasmon resonance (t-SPR) and longitudinal surface plasmon resonance (l-SPR). GNRs have a t-SPR peak at 536 nm and an l-SPR peak at 713 nm, while for GNBPs, a t-SPR peak was obtained at 563 nm and 809 nm for l-SPR peak. For structural properties, the intensity peak at the plane (111) for GNRs and GNBPs occurs at 38.19° and the plane (200) occurs at 44.39°. The surface density of GNRs is 65.26±3.44% and for GNBPs is 69.44±2.94%. For the Ganoderma treatment process, the observation was made for three samples; no control, GNRs and GNBPs. It was found that GNBPs have a high ability to inhibit fungal growth GNRs with no fungal found in their area. In the GNRs area, 20% of fungal growth was found, and there was 60% of fungal growth around no control. In conclusion, GNBPs successfully inhibited fungal growth due to their curvature and sharp edge tips that will interact with microbial cell membranes, resulting in membrane damage and leakage of cellular contents of fungi.

Fungal canker disease on Populus spp. in China caused by three species of Nothophoma including N. populi sp. nov.

Diseases affecting branches and trunks of poplar trees (Populus spp.) cause severe damage in poplar cultivation areas within China. In this study, thirty-three poplar trunks and branches exhibiting canker symptoms were collected from Beijing and Ningxia provinces, China. Forty-three isolates of Nothophoma were obtained. Phylogenetic analysis, based on combined ITS, RPB2, and TUB2 DNA sequence data along with fungal morphological characteristics, identified three species of Nothophoma, namely N. populi, N. platycladus and N. juglandis. Of these, N. populi is a new species that is fully described. Koch's postulates confirmed that all three species of Nothophoma can cause canker disease in poplar. This study is the first report of poplar diseases caused by species of Nothophoma.

Carbon Sequestration Potential of Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) Plantations Across Climatic Gradients in Togo

The current study seeks to estimate the carbon sequestration capability of a cashew plantation in Togo as a function of climate gradient. The research was conducted in the Guinean and Sudanian climatic zones, on farmers' cashew plantations. The study was run from March to October 2023. This study was carried out in ten (10) cashew farms (five per climatic zone) which have ten years old. Cashew trees were classed based on their diameter at breast height (0-5 cm, 5-10 cm, 10-15 cm, and > 15 cm). To measure carbon stock in the biomass, allometric equations were utilized, and soil carbon stock was assessed using laboratory analysis. The Guinean zone has a higher soil carbon stock (86.89 ± 4.06 t C/ha) compared to the Sudanian zone (80.23 ± 3.78 t). The same trend can be observed in the various cashew tree components (trunk, branches and leaves). In general, the tree trunk had 79% of the carbon supply, compared to 19% and 2% in the branches and leaves, respectively. Carbon sequestration in the soil varies depending on the climatic zone and the soil depth (0-25 cm; 25-50 cm). Cashew-based cropping systems might be deemed carbon-efficient.

Studi Prototipe Alat Pemintal Pelepah Pisang Bagi Kelompok Pengrajin Gedebog Pisang di Desa Kedungkeris

Banana trees are commonly found in the village of Kedungkeris, Nglipar District,Gunung Kidul Regency. The abundance of banana trees has not yet been utilized to itsfullest potential. After being cut down, the banana tree trunks are simply left to rot, eventhough they have economic value. The objectives of this activity are: 1) To transferknowledge and technology (IPTEKS) as a tangible manifestation of the Tri Dharma ofHigher Education carried out by lecturers from Universitas Widya Mataram, and 2) Tocreate a banana pseudostem spinner and test the tool. The methods used are: 1)Preparation and planning, 2) Designing, 3) Fabricating the tool, 4) Testing the tool, and5) Evaluating the results of the tool testing. The results of this activity indicate thatimprovements are needed in the braking system, the technique for connecting bananapseudostems, and the dryness level of the banana pseudostems.

Bacterial community profiling and identification of bacteria with lignin-degrading potential in different gut segments of African palm weevil larvae (Rhynchophorus phoenicis).

The microbiota within the guts of insects plays beneficial roles for their hosts, such as facilitating digestion and extracting energy from their diet. The African palm weevil (APW) lives within and feeds on the high lignin-containing trunk of palm trees; therefore, their guts could harbour a large community of lignin-degrading microbes. In this study, we aimed to explore the bacterial community within the gut of the APW larvae, specifically with respect to the potential for lignin degradation in various gut segments as a first step to determining the viability of mining bacterial lignin-degrading enzymes for the bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass to biofuels and biomaterials. Bacterial metagenomic DNA was extracted from the foregut, midgut, and hindgut of larvae of the APW, and the V3-V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform. The generated data were analysed and taxonomically classified to identify the different bacterial phylotypes within the gut community cumulatively and per gut segment. We then determined the presence, diversity, and abundance of bacteria associated with lignin degradation within each larval gut compartment as a basis for suggesting the gut segment(s) where lignin degradation occurs the most. All sequences were classified and belonged to the bacterial kingdom. Firmicutes (54.3%) and Proteobacteria (42.5%) were the most dominant phyla within the gut, followed distantly by Bacteroidota (1.7%) and Actinobacteriota (1.4%). Enterococcus, Levilactobacillus, Lactococcus, Shimwellia, Megasphaera, Klebsiella, Pectinatus, Salmonella, Lelliotia, and Enterobacter constituted the most abundant genera found across all gut segments. The foregut and midgut had many similar genera, whilst the hindgut appeared unique. Overall, 29.5% of total gut bacteria comprising 21 genera were lignin degraders found predominantly in the Firmicutes and Proteobacteria phyla (56.8 and 39.5%, respectively), then moderately in Actinobacteriota (2.5%) and Bacteroidota (1.1%). The most abundant ligninolytic genera were Levilactobacillus (46.4%), Klebsiella (22.9%), Enterobacter (10.7%), Lactiplantibacillus (5.9%), Citrobacter (2.2%), Corynebacterium (1.8%), Paucilactobacillus (1.8%), Serratia (1.5%), Bacteroides (1.1%), and Leucobacter (1.0%) found in different amounts in different gut compartments. The foregut had the most diverse and highest abundance of lignin-degrading phylotypes, and we present reasons that point to the foregut as the main location for the depolymerization of lignin in the APW larval gut.

New Aegistohadra from Southwest China, with redescription of Aegistohadra delavayana (Heude) (Gastropoda: Camaenidae)

ABSTRACT Aegistohadra species identified in recent surveys suggested that the genus shows high diversity and has wide occupancy in southwest China. We introduce five new species of the genus, Aegistohadra chuxiongensis Wu & Ding, sp. nov., A. huzhengkuni Wu & Ding, sp. nov., A. mengziensis Wu & Ding, sp. nov., A. menglunensis Wu & Ding, sp. nov. and A. sheni Wu & Ding, sp. nov. from Sichuan and Yunnan, China. The distribution range of Aegistohadra in China, geographically and by microhabitats, is divided into the northern half for the ground-dwellers and the southern half for the canopy-dwellers. Takasagohadra lini Wu & Hwang, 2013, a living tree trunk-dweller in Guizhou, is redescribed from its type locality and is moved to Aegistohadra on the basis of the morphological, anatomical and molecular data. A phylogeny based on mitochondrial gene fragments (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and 16S rRNA) reconfirmed that Aegistohadra is monophyletic, which indicates that its basal species might have occupied the microhabitat of the canopy before the living tree trunk – and ground-dwellers – appeared.

Effects of organic mulching and regulated deficit irrigation on crop water status, soil and yield features in an orange orchard under Mediterranean climate

The adoption of soil and water conservation measures (SWCM) is essential for improving the use of natural resources and making the agro-systems more resilient to climate change. In this context, a three-years trial was carried-out in an orange orchard characterized by different soil management (SM, i.e., bare and organic mulched soils) and water regimes (WR, i.e., full irrigation, FI, and regulated deficit irrigation, RDI). In response to the applied SWCM, crop water status (CWS), soil and yield main features were explored using multiple soil-plant-atmosphere continuum (SPAC) monitoring approaches.Overall average water saving of 24 % was achieved under RDI in comparison to FI. The stem water potential revealed a year-dependent behaviour in accordance to the patterns of the main ancillary physiological indicators. The adoption of additional plant-based measurements provided continuous information on the CWS, both in terms of trunk water potential (TWP) and sap flow fluxes, resulting in higher absolute values of TWP (−0.93 ± 0.01 MPa versus −0.83 ± 0.00 MPa) and lower transpiration rates (0.64 ± 0.00 mm d−1 versus 0.88 ± 0.01 mm d−1) in mulched compared to bare soils. The soil water content showed higher rates under mulched soils than in bare soil condition, both in FI (up to 15 %) and RDI (up to 27 %) at 0.75 m from the tree trunk to the inter-row. Soil temperature was lower in mulched soils under RDI. However, a great time-variability was observed for most of the soil physical-chemical variables under study. Nevertheless, the application of SWCM improved the yield over the years, resulting in higher fruit weights under mulched FI conditions.Finally, the study suggests that the adoption of SWCM can serve as an efficient strategy to enhance soil and yield features, highlighting the critical role of using SPAC methodological tools for monitoring the CWS at the field level.

Radiation dosimetry performance appraisal of the optimal concentration of nitro blue tetrazolium dye in PVA composite film at low X-ray doses.

Due to the extensive use of radiation in various fields, such as food safety, sterilizing surgical materials, and medical diagnostics, it is essential to minimize radiation exposure for both patients and healthcare professionals, even at low doses. To meet this requirement, a composite film has been developed using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer and nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) dye to measure low radiation doses effectively. Various concentrations of NBT dye (ranging from 0.75 to 15g/L) were tested to determine the optimal concentration for maximum efficiency. The films were exposed to low doses of X-rays ranging from 20 to 100mGy. The PVA/NBT films exhibited good stability for 30 days after irradiation when stored in darkness. UV-visible absorption spectra showed a peak at 376nm, shifting to 384nm after exposure to X-rays. Furthermore, the response curve based on UV-Vis absorptions revealed a linear increase in absorbance with increased radiation doses up to 60mGy(R=0.99). XRD analysis indicated significant structural rearrangements in films with higher NBT concentrations and radiation doses. Specifically, X-ray irradiation caused two distinct peaks to shift from 2θ=20.12° and 40.18° to 2θ=19.66° and 41.24°. SEM analysis revealed that exposure to increased radiation doses resulted in significant morphological changes in PVA/NBT films, resembling torn tree trunks, especially with higher NBT concentrations. The preparation method was validated by XRF analysis, and the solubility of the NBT salt was excellent, with an R2 value of 0.9656. Results from Spectro colorimetric studies indicated that different CIEL∗a∗b∗ coordinates, as well as the total color difference (ΔE∗ab) and color strength (K/S), were directly proportional to the applied dose intensity, correlating with increasing NBT concentration. The PVA/NBT dosimeter containing 10g/L of NBT shows promising potential as an effective alternative for the prompt and accurate detection of low X-ray doses in diagnostic radiology.

First Report of Perenniporia fraxinea Causing Heart Rot Disease of Styphnolobium japonicum in China.

Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott, is an ornamental species of Leguminosae, widely planted as a roadside tree in north regions of China (Kite et al. 2007). In mid-June of 2022, 45 ca. 30-year-old plants of S. japonicum growing along roadsides in Dalian, China were found to be infected by a polypore fungus that appeared to be killing many of these plants. The infected trees show leaf wilt early in the growing season, and in mid-summer, pale yellow fruiting bodies appeared at the base of the tree trunks. The fruiting bodies were effused-reflexed, with a pale yellow to yellow-brown pileus when dry, and gradually formed whitish pores on their undersurface. Over two years, approximately 15% of S. japonicum trees became infected in a ca. 10-ha area. Thirteen morphologically identical strains were generated from 20 samples by collecting 8 mm3 tissue pieces from 20 fruiting body stroma and growing these out on potato dextrose agar (PDA). The basidiospores from field collected fruiting bodies were abundantly produced in pores which were circular and 4-6 per mm, hemispherical and dropletshaped, hyaline, thick-walled and smooth, (5.8-6.9)×(4.8-5.7) μm. On PDA, the mycelia were initially white and sparse, later becoming fluffy in the center, white at the margins, and pale yellow on the underside. These morphological characteristics were consistent with Perenniporia spp., as described recently in Cui et al. (2019). To further confirm species identification, representative isolate DL was selected for molecular identification. The small subunit (SSU), internal transcribed spacer (ITS), and large subunit (LSU) of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) were amplified with primers NS1/NS4, ITS1/ITS4 (White et al 1990), and LROR/LR7 (Aveskamp et al. 2010), respectively. The sequences were uploaded to GenBank as accession OQ592891 for ITS; OQ629793 for SSU; and OQ629858 for LSU. Sequence comparisons against the GenBank database showed 99% to 100% identity (GenBank accessions KX081110.1, MG847270.1, JF706344.1) with a strain of Perenniporia fraxinea (Bull.) Ryvarden [syn.: Vanderbylia fraxinea (Bull.) D.A. Reid]. Phylogenetic analysis also placed these isolates in a highly supported clade with the other isolates of Perenniporia fraxinea. To test pathogenicity, fresh hyphal plugs were inoculated onto sterile wounds artificially punctured on the stem surface of five healthy one-year-old S. japonicum seedlings, and plants were incubated at 28℃ with a 12-hour photoperiod in a humid chamber for 7 days. PDA plugs were used as controls and the pathogenicity test was repeated three times. After 7 days, lesions were observed on all inoculated stems, while the mock-inoculated stems were asymptomatic, and no fungal pathogen was isolated. The same fungus was re-isolated from the inoculated wounds to complete Koch's Postulates. The original pathogenic and the re-isolated inoculated fungus was identified as P. fraxinea. This fungus has also been found on Robinia pseudoacacia in Japan (Matsumoto et al. 2023) and in Germany (Kehr et al. 2020). However, to our knowledge, this is the first report of P. fraxinea causing heart rot of S. japonicum in China. The wide occurrence of this pathogenic fungus on stem bases of S. japonicum, and its lethal effect on host plants should be given more attention by landscape maintenance workers and extension agents.

Morpho-anatomical characterization and conservation status of the Whisk Fern Psilotum nudum (L.) P.Beauv. (Polypodiopsida: Psilotaceae) from Cooch Behar District of West Bengal, India

The district Cooch Behar of West Bengal, India is considered a unique zone for pteridophytes. The Whisk Fern Psilotum nudum (Family Psilotaceae), one of the primitive members of living vascular plants considering its age of evolution during the Devonian, is reported to occur in the Cooch Behar District. The present study has been designed to investigate the current conservation status as well as to describe the morphological and anatomical features of the epiphytic species. The present study revealed that the natural falling of old aged host trees and cleaning and white painting of host tree trunks lead to habitat destruction which may lead to extinction of the species from the studied areas. During the field visits, a new site of the occurrence (Madan Mohan Temple of Cooch Behar City) of the species has also been recorded. Plants are perennial and pendent in nature. The rhizome is achlorophyllous, freely branched, and covered with rhizoids. The aerial stem is up to 36 cm long, repeatedly dichotomously branched and chlorophyllous. Leaves are scalelike, without any midrib, lanceolate to ovate, and without ligules. Synangiums are composed of three connected sporangia, bearing numerous bean-shaped spores. Stele in rhizome is haplostelic type; while, it is actinostele in the aerial stem. Morpho-anatomical description of the species has been documented for the first time from West Bengal and has enriched the botanical information of the species. Proper conservation of the taxa is utmost necessary in order to maintain their population in natural habitat.

Depositional palaeoenvironments in a tide-influenced delta plain with amphibian and Cycadophyta remains - the Triassic Zarzaitine Formation (Algerian eastern Sahara)

In the region of In Amenas (south-eastern Algeria) Triassic deposits crop out, on top of Palaeozoic rocks under an angular unconformity. A study of their sedimentological and palaeoenvironmental characteristics has revealed a sandy-clay unit with vertebrate remains, tree trunks and ichnofossils of Middle-Late Triassic age. This so-called Zarzaitine Formation, which reflects deposition in a deltaic environment, shows three facies associations. The first defines an upper and shallow intertidal mixed flat zone with in-situ temnospondyl capitosauroid remains, associated with Skolithos ichnofacies, while the second one defines a lower intertidal delta plain zone, composed of sandstone, distributary channels and muddy interdistributary areas,which record daily tidal rhythmites and monthly tidal bundles. The third, and last, facies association represents an upper delta plain of the supratidal zone, characterised by coarse sandstone deposits of braided rivers and a Cycadophyta palaeosol. Previous work, which led to considering these Triassic deposits as a series composed of four formations, deposited in a braided rivers environment, whose lower floodplains constituted ecological niche for a temnospondyl fauna, under hot and dry climatic conditions and plants belonging to this same formation, for mushrooms and algae, will also be considered.

Effects of canopy management of umbrella tree (Terminalia brownii Fres.) on microclimate and maize (Zea mays L.) yield in agroforestry parkland of South Ari District, southern Ethiopia

IntroductionTraditionally, some smallholder farmers in the South Ari District of southern Ethiopia retain natural forest remnant trees on their crop fields, and they manage them through pruning and pollarding techniques. Among these, the umbrella tree (Terminalia brownii) is one of the most preferred and dominant species, with numerous multipurpose uses. However, the effects of canopy management on microclimate and crop yield have not yet been investigated. Here, we present the effects of Terminalia brownii canopy management on microclimate and maize yield in agroforestry parkland.MethodsMicroclimate and maize yield data from three radial distances from the tree trunks to the open field: D1 (0–4.1 m), D2 (4.1–8.2 m), and D3 (>15 m outside the tree canopy cover) were collected. Three tree canopy management treatments (pollarding, pruning, and control) were considered and replicated three times in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) for applying canopy management treatments.Results and discussionOur results revealed that the canopy management of the tree affected the microclimate, which in turn influenced maize yield. In all treatments, there were statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) observed in maize yield and yield components under tree canopy and open fields of both canopy-managed trees and control. The mean highest grain yields were observed in plots with pruned (3,717 kg ha−1) and pollarded (3,718 kg ha−1) trees, while the lowest yield (2,146 kg ha−1) was obtained from the control plot. The observed differences in yield might be due to a higher accumulation of soil nutrients, modified microclimate under the tree canopy, and reduced shading effects via canopy management. Therefore, we conclude that either pruning or pollarding of Terminalia brownii enhances maize yield by modifying microclimate and improving soil nutrients. Pruning, in particular, offers a balance of shade and light, creating a stable microclimate with consistent seasonal light and reduced temperature fluctuations, which supports better maize growth in agroforestry systems.

Biomechanics and ontogeny of gliding in wingless stick insect nymphs (Extatosoma tiaratum).

Many wingless arboreal arthropods can glide back to tree trunks following free falls. However, little is known about the behaviors and aerodynamics underlying such aerial performance, and how this may be influenced by body size. Here, we studied gliding performance by nymphs of the stick insect Extatosoma tiaratum, focusing on the dynamics of J-shaped trajectories and how gliding capability changes during ontogeny. After being dropped 40 cm horizontally from a visual target, the first-instar nymphs landed on the target within 1.1 s. After reaching terminal speed (at ∼0.25 s), they initiated gliding with significant horizontal force, during which the overall lift-to-drag ratio increased from 0.16 to 0.48. This transition from parachuting to gliding is characterized by a damped oscillation in body pitch, initiated with a rapid nose-down pitching and led to a higher-lift configuration with reduced body angle of attack. Among instars, increasing wing loading during ontogeny led to greater terminal speed, reduced agility during glide initiation and increased glide angle. Our study demonstrates that a sequence of controlled behaviors, from pre-glide descent, glide initiation and forward gliding underlies their gliding aerodynamics, which in aggregate form the basis for J-shaped aerial trajectories. Selection for improved gliding performance in wingless arthropods may foster the evolution of more rapid maneuvers and of dedicated morphological traits (such as winglets) that contribute to an overall reduction in wing loading, either across ontogeny or during the evolution of larger body size.

Determination of the relationship between the numbers of Linepithema humile (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) on irrigation pipes and tree trunks to facilitate automated monitoring in Southern California citrus orchards.

Argentine ant, Linepithema humile (Mayr) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), is a pest in southern California citrus orchards because it protects honeydew-producing hemipteran pests from natural enemies. A major impediment to controlling L. humile is estimating ant densities in orchards. Ants use irrigation lines to travel across orchard floors to reach trees infested with hemipterans. However, for making ant control decisions, it is the number of ants in trees, not on pipes that is critical. Work completed here demonstrates that the number of ants counted on pipes is highly correlated with the number of ants counted on trunks. Densities of ants counted on trunks are correlated with trunk diameter, citrus variety, and time of year and time of day counts. Six regression models, linear regression, zero-inflated Poisson regression, and zero-inflated negative binomial regression models, and each of their mixed model extensions, indicated a strong positive relationship between ant counts on irrigation pipes and ant counts on tree trunks. Mean squared prediction error and 5-fold cross-validation analyses indicated that the best performing of these 6 models was the zero-inflated Poisson mixed regression model. A binary classification model developed using support vector machine learning for ant infestation severity levels, categorized as low (<100 ants counted in 1min) or high (≥100 ants counted in minutes), predicted ant densities on trunks with 85% accuracy. These models can be used to estimate the number of ants on the trunks of citrus trees by using counts of ants made on irrigation pipes.

Pollen Composition from Coexisting Melipona scutellaris and Tetragonisca angustula Nests in a Semi-urban Meliponary Setting.

The Meliponini tribe is the most diverse group of social bees, thriving across tropical regions. Breeding stingless bees (meliponiculture) holds significant ecological and economic value. In meliponaries, multiple species often share small foraging areas, a scenario less common in natural environments. Due to deforestation, stingless bees face a diminishing availability of natural nesting sites, which are often found in hollow tree trunks. Consequently, meliponaries serve as a crucial nesting resource. In this study, we examined whether Melipona scutellaris and Tetragonisca angustula share pollen resources when reared closely together in high-density nest environment at the RCCO Meliponary in Aldeia, Camaragibe, and Pernambuco, which could potentially lead to competition. Our findings indicate that these bee species utilize different pollen sources, being Araceae type 1, Mimosoideae type 1, Asteraceae type 1, and Myrtaceae type 1 the most important for differentiating between groups. Their daily activity periods outside the nest differ, leading to varying responses to changes in temperature and humidity. The results suggest that competition for pollen resources may not be a significant issue between the two bee species in such situations.

Diversity of Cytospora Species Associated with Trunk Diseases of Prunus persica (Peach) in Northern China.

Peach (Prunus persica) is widely cultivated in China, but fungal diseases, particularly Cytospora canker, significantly impact tree health, reducing fruit yield and economic value. This disease mainly weakens tree branches and trunks, sometimes leading to tree death. There are no updated studies on the diversity of Cytospora species associated with peach Cytospora canker in northern China. To determine the Cytospora species associated with this disease, we surveyed five provinces from 2022 to 2023, collecting 72 disease samples with symptoms including branches with black fruiting bodies, cankers, cracking, dieback, and gummosis. Through morphology and multi-loci phylogeny, 127 isolates were identified into four known (C. ailanthicola, C. erumpens, C. leucostoma, and C. leucosperma) and two previously undescribed species (C. gansuensis sp. nov. and C. qinanensis sp. nov.). Cytospora leucostoma (73.60%) was the most abundant. Pathogenicity tests indicated that except for C. ailanthicola, all other species were pathogenic to peach, with C. erumpens being the most aggressive. This study is the first to report the novel host association of C. erumpens on peaches globally and represents the first comprehensive investigation of Cytospora species associated with canker diseases in the main peach production area in northern China, offering a foundation for developing effective disease management strategies.

PKM Improving the Quality and Quantity of Environmentally Friendly Smoked Fish Processing in Air Dingin Village, Bukit Raya District, Pekanbaru City

Through the Community Partnership Program (PKM), an activity can be carried out to improve the quality and quantity of smoked fish production in the MINA SALAI KUARAN business group in Air Dingin Village, Bukit Raya District, Pekanbaru, Riau to become an independent coaching group through two aspects: Increasing the level of empowerment of partners in the production aspect. Still lacking, because it uses traditional methods so that the target of this activity will result in a 50% increase in production quantity. And increasing the level of empowerment of partners in the social community aspect, this is done by using online marketing and SME information via Twitter and Facebook. Meanwhile, the lecture and discussion methods for participants are carried out directly in the field by presenting direct counseling materials that also involve students in the MBKM program, then conducting a demonstration method at the Partner's place of business. The innovation of biomass energy-based Salai fish processing technology that is made uses biomass waste raw materials from tree trunks, especially rambutan trees. The PKM activity of the MINA SALAI KUARAN business group, Making Salai Fish in Air Dingin Village, Bukit Raya District, Pekanbaru, Riau, is an application of technology with the hope of providing solutions to the obstacles faced by this MITRA, including: (1) making improvements to the management of the application of technological innovations in processing aspects of production and (2) improvements in the social aspect of society through the application of an online marketing information system and promotional media through Twitter, Facebook and MITRA's business signs, which are shown by the support and willingness to work together as partners with the community service team from the Physics Department, FMIPA, University of Riau.

Unveiling wind-thrown trees: Detection and quantification of wind-thrown tree stems on UAV-orthomosaics based on UNet and a heuristic stem reconstruction

Severe storm events cause significant biomass losses in European forests. In addition to direct storm damage, biotic, abiotic, and market-related factors contribute to further damage with far-reaching effects on forest and nature conservation. These subsequent damages can be minimized if the amount of damaged timber and its spatial distribution are known and can be used to plan salvage operations. Traditional methods and satellite-based remote sensing can only delineate affected areas and estimate the amount of damaged timber. Aerial remote sensing can determine the spatial distribution of tree trunks with a detection rate of up to 92%, but it cannot quantify the volume of individual trunks. Newer UAV approaches are promising, but a methodology for quantifying fallen trees has not yet been published. This work addresses this gap by using UAVs orthomosaics and a hybrid heuristic and deep learning approach to capture the spatial distribution of tree trunks and estimate their volume while even reconstructing occluded stem parts. For the training of the deep learning model, high-resolution orthomosaics were used, in which 760 trunks were manually outlined and labeled. The method achieved an average stem detection rate DR25 of 92.6%. while an average classification error rate (CE) of 1.6% and a reconstruction error rate of 0.2% were reported. In the consecutive quantification of the stem volume, a relative bias rbias of −4.35% was reported for 560 reference stems at 15 investigation sites, whereas the result differ between the site (rbias= [−22.44%, 9.06%]) due weather conditions during the flight, stand parameters and the wind-throw pattern itself. The proposed method provides additional information for the management of wind-throw areas and the monitoring of biomass and carbon cycles, supports the understanding of wind-throw dynamics, and promotes the development of sustainable management strategies.