Defense can be induced in conifer seedlings to reduce pine weevil (Hylobius abietis) damage, by treatment with the plant hormone methyl jasmonate (MJ). Few studies have addressed important practical issues regarding the use of MJ such as treatment incidence and timing, seedling age and its compatibility with plant nursery practices. We examined if levels of pine weevil damage depend on seasonal timing

In Turkey, current wood production does not meet the demand of wood-products, and this gap is expected to be larger in the near future. It is necessary to increase the productivity and growth efficiency of current forests and to expand the extension of forest plantations, including areas where drought is the main climatic constraint. Even though researchers are currently working on hybridization programs

There is a growing interest in improving wood properties through clonal selection. However, traditional methods for determining wood properties are difficult to implement at the scale required for large-scale selection programs. In this study, we used rapid phenotyping methods (i.e., drill resistance (DR) and stress wave velocity (SWV)) for assessing wood quality in a 3-year-old clonal trial containing

Enrichment planting can be an effective strategy for increasing the ecological and economic value of timber plantations, but success depends on appropriate matching of under- and overstory species and site conditions. This case study in the Panama Canal Watershed explores the viability of enrichment planting for rehabilitating underperforming teak (Tectonia grandis) plantations, which are common in

The present study is focused on the potential distribution of the Lebanese cedar (Cedrus libani) in the present and in the future throughout the twenty-first century. The location of this work encompasses Lebanon, Syria and Turkey. Twenty-four environmental variables are used and two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) scenarios for two different time periods are studied: RCP 4.5 2050, RCP

Gene flow from an experimental plot of genetically modified eucalypt was studied by measuring pollen dispersal at various distances from the pollen donor up to a maximum distance of 1592 m. Spontaneous seedling establishment around mother trees, the potential receptors of GM pollen, was also verified. All trees analyzed in this study were identified as compatible for crossing with the pollen donor

Promoting patchy recruitment of shade tolerant tree species into the midstory is an important step in developing structural diversity in second-growth stands. Variable-density thinning (VDT) has been proposed as a strategy for accelerating structural diversity, as its combination of within-stand treatments (harvest gaps, thinning, and non-harvested skips) should create variable overstory and understory

Understanding tree vulnerability to freezing temperatures will help resource managers to mitigate the effects of climatic variability. To test the effectiveness of tissue dehardening curves to represent whole seedling responses, we tested the cold tolerance of 4 conifer species to a range of freezing temperatures, − 15, − 25, and − 35 °C in late March, and − 5, − 10, and − 15 °C in early May. Results

Insufficient winter chilling related to rising temperatures has raised questions about its potential effects on budburst timing (growth initiation) and subsequent tree growth. We quantified budburst timing and growth of seedlings of six Ontario temperate forest tree species after exposure to different levels of winter chilling using controlled forcing experiments. Based on chilling–forcing relationships

Plantations are playing an increasingly important role in providing forest products and improving the ecological environment, but they also face many challenges, such as low biodiversity, severe pest and disease problems, reduced productivity, and diminished soil fertility. Reasonable management strategies are vital for their sustainability. In this study, we took a Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata

Cultivation of seedlings in trays requires the use of specifically developed substrates. This study presents the results of the analyses of selected physical and mechanical parameters of a peat–perlite substrate, in which seedlings of the Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst), European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), and pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) were grown

Alkaline residues of recycled paper production (ARRP) can be an alternative for correcting soil acidity and adding bases to Pinus taeda L. systems. Our aim was to investigate the effect of increasing doses of ARRP on tree, forest floor (litter and root), and soil composition in a 3-year-old Brazilian pine forest plantation. In 2007, ARRP treatments of 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 T ha−1 were imposed. Tree

The quality of forest seeds may be maintained in the course of storage for their use in the restoration of degraded areas and the conservation of genetic resources. In this sense, physiological and biochemical markers were evaluated during the short-term storage of Pityrocarpa moniliformis seeds, a pioneer species native to the Caatinga. Seeds harvested from 25 mother trees were stored in a growth

Competition suppression within loblolly pine plantations (Pinus taeda L.) is typically carried out within the first 2 years of a plantation, but competition control for longer durations could improve productivity. As plantation growth improves with increasing vegetation suppression frequency, it may be necessary to pre-commercially thin stands to reduce intraspecific competition. The effect of these

There is rising global interest in growing more trees in order to meet growing population, climate change, and wood energy needs. Using recently published data on planted forests by country, we estimated relationships between per capita income and planted forest area that are useful for understanding prospective planted forest area futures through 2100 under various United Nations Intergovernmental

Planted forests contribute to maximizing timber production but their role as valuable habitat for diversity is of increasing concern, particularly in tropical montane cloud forest (TMCF) landscapes, which present extremely high diversity and endemism. We compared tree diversity, potential timber productivity and estimated net revenues in planted forests of Pinus patula and mixed TMCF species in southern

Between 1994 and 2017, 137,455 ha of agricultural land were afforested in Andalusia (Spain), using a great diversity of tree species, under the Common Agricultural Policy scheme. Quercus ilex and Pinus halepensis were the most used species. In view of the need to know the spatial distribution of survival according to the potential species habitat, the current survival was assessed under current and

Monitoring and assessment reveal important information about restoration areas and can also be useful for understanding ecological processes such as succession and species-area relationships. Herein, we investigated whether the time after restoration determines the similarity between restoration forests and reference ecosystems, and whether the age and width of the forest as well as the surrounding

This study investigated the growth (height, diameter at breast height and volume) of Picea koraiensis families at two sites and explored the genotype × environment interaction (GEI) of growth traits to provide a theoretical basis for the improvement of P. koraiensis families. Genetic variation analysis and genetic parameter estimation of growth traits were carried out using 52 families of three provenances

The article [Effect of soil preparation method on root development of P. sylvestris and P. abies saplings in commercial forest stands], written by [Santa Celma, Katrīna Blate, Dagnija Lazdiņa, Kārlis Dūmiņš, Santa Neimane, Toms A. Štāls, Kristīne Štikāne], was originally published Online First without Open Access. After publication in volume [#], issue [#], page [#-#], the author decided to opt for

Perennial crops such as Christmas trees have increasingly been cultivated throughout Europe. However, knowledge on the influence of Christmas-tree plantations (CTP) on biodiversity is still scarce. We examined phytodiversity and soil and habitat-structure characteristics within young (CTP-YOUNG, tree age ≤ 6 years) and old (CTP-OLD, tree age > 6 years) conventionally managed CTP in comparison with

The use of heavy forestry machines for clear-cutting and site preparation causes soil compaction, which can decrease forest productivity. This process becomes complicated in forests with high levels of precipitation due to the erosion and deposition of surface soil. Here, we investigated how soil compaction and slash dispersal on compacted soil affect soil nitrogen (N) mineralization in a high precipitation

In post-disturbance grasslands in New Zealand shrubs can serve as nurse plants. However, while many canopy trees may establish under a shrub canopy, shade may also restrict seedling establishment. We assessed the potential of shrubs and canopy manipulations in restoring mature forest species in a stressful environment. Mountain beech (Fuscospora cliffortioides, Nothofagaceae) seedlings were planted

Fineroots (≤ 2 mm diameter) are dynamic components of the forest ecosystems and play important role in water and nutrient acquisition in forests. These roots are sensitive to forest fertilization and therefore, the response of fineroots to nutrient application would provide better understanding of the forest carbon and nutrient dynamics that will be helpful in sustainable forest management plans. Two

Sprouting by woody plants can increase species resilience to disturbance and foster regeneration during periods with little recruitment from seed. Though sprouting often plays a critical role in oak forest regeneration, there is little information available on sprouting capacity and sprout physiology at the seedling stage, particularly for new germinants. This study compared sprouting capacity and

The aim of this study was to improve the rooting efficiency of Eucalyptus urophylla clones by in vitro reinvigoration/rejuvenation in two clones (02 and 04) from the breeding program of the V&M Florestal company. An in vitro culture began with 200 meristems of each clone, which were excised, disinfected, and inoculated in culture medium. When shoots from these first meristems inoculated reached a height

Biomass from forestry is one of the largest components of Sweden's renewable resources. Poplars are currently the highest producing tree species available and are therefore natural choices for biomass-oriented production. Growing poplars has been of most interest on agricultural land, but the knowledge and experience about their cultivation is still limited. Factors that have a large impact on the

Introduction of non-native species, such as Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco), can be a means of mitigating the effects of climate change by meeting the growing demand for biomass and high quality wood. The aim of this study was to investigate early growth, survival and damage from late-spring frost and winter desiccation. A provenance trial with four coastal and three interior provenances

In northern Europe, there are high risks of severe pine weevil (Hylobius abietis) damage to newly planted conifer seedlings. Site preparation is one of the most important measures for reducing these risks and as several studies have shown the damage is highly dependent on the amount of pure mineral soil around the seedlings. We investigated effects of three site preparation techniques: (1) disc trenching

Using a diverse assemblage of suitable species for reforestation is necessary to enhance biodiversity and ensure resilient forest ecosystems. However, selection of diverse native species for reforestation is difficult, requiring consideration of the preferences of different stakeholders. In this study we identify species to be included in reforestation of an ecologically important watershed in North

Reclamation of surface mined sites to forests is a preferred post-mining land use option, but performance of planted trees on such sites is variable. American chestnut (Castanea dentata (Marsh.) Borkh.) is a threatened forest tree in the eastern USA that may become an important species option for mine reclamation. Chestnut restoration using backcross hybrids that incorporate blight resistance may be

There has been an increasing interest in fodder trees and their potential to help the rural poor. However, few studies have addressed the ecological impacts of fodder tree harvesting. We investigated the species harvested and the techniques used, and the effects of fodder harvesting on (1) species' populations and (2) forest carbon stocks in three montane forests in Kenya. Focus-group discussions were

Conifer tree species belonging to Abies are notoriously difficult to propagate vegetatively due to aging of material, slow rooting, and persistent plagiotropism in rooted cuttings. We produced orthotropic shoots by reiteration from strongly pruned trees (5–6 years and 12–14 years, respectively), and harvested cuttings in summer. By HPLC–MS we analyzed the stem base of each cutting for initial hormonal

Hevea brasiliensis natural rubber production is strategic for the world economy. Meloidogyne exigua causes the main root disease in this crop in Brazil. Its early diagnosis allows better pest management, reducing losses. This study aimed to identify rubber tree orchard areas infested by M. exigua using remote sensing and vegetation spectral indices—normalized difference vegetation (NDVI) and simple

Recently, pest occurrence in forest plantations has been increasing influenced by genotypes and environmental conditions such as climate change, thus impacting production negatively. In 2008, the exotic pest Leptocybe invasa (Hym: Eulophidae), known as the blue gum chalcid, was introduced in Brazil causing damage to eucalypt plantations in many regions of the country. To this end, this study evaluated

Eucalyptus harvests generate residues that remain on the soil and affect the efficacy of preemergent herbicides in the following planting cycle. The objective of this work was to evaluate the dynamics of flumioxazin, sulfentrazone, and isoxaflutole herbicides applied on different amounts and compositions of eucalyptus harvest residues subjected to different rainfall depths; and evaluate the weed control

Seasonal internal nitrogen (N) cycling is an important strategy for trees to uncouple growth from N acquisition. While N uptake, allocation and storage has been intensively studied in association with leaf phenology and vegetative growth, influence of reproduction on these key processes is still poorly understood. Therefore, we applied pulse 15N labelling to three fruiting and three non-fruiting trees

Mediterranean holm oak forests are subjected to chronic seasonal droughts coinciding with the warmest conditions during the summer. Importantly, climate change projections support increased frequency and intensity of droughts in the future. In order to evaluate whether thinning practices can be used as efficient adaptation strategies to climate change, we measured canopy cover as a surrogate of defoliation

With the demand for, and scale of, ecological restoration increasing globally, effectiveness monitoring remains a significant challenge. For forest restoration, structural complexity is a recognised indicator of ecosystem biodiversity and in turn a surrogate for restoration effectiveness. Structural complexity captures the diversity in vegetation elements, from tree height to species composition, and

Native trees from the Caribbean were tested for seed desiccation responses, by adapting the “100-seed test” protocol. Ninety-seven seed lots of 91 species were collected in the Dominican Republic and tested for germination immediately after collecting, and after drying and moist storage. Seed desiccation sensitivity was assessed as a continuous variable (Viability Loss Index; VLI), based on seed germination

Casuarina equisetifolia is planted extensively in clonally-established coastal shelterbelts in South China. During the last decade, the plantations have been severely attacked by Ralstonia solanacearum bacterial wilt, causing widespread decline and mortality. It has been thought that lack of genetic diversity, both within individual sites and at a regional scale, may render the plantations particularly

Primary physiological dormancy and secondary physiological dormancy of Korean pine seeds restrict the regeneration of broad-leaved Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) mixed forest. Dry and imbibed seeds were stratified at 1 °C and 5 °C for 1, 2, 4 and 6 months. Germination percentage, mean germination time (MGT) and germination rate index (GRI) were measured to determine the optimal low temperature and

According to some studies, the use of forest biomass for the generation of electric power and/or heat would result in a significant reduction in the emission of greenhouse gases. This would happen even in the case of soils substitution that currently have an agricultural use although its implementation would require more studies on the environmental impact that they could have in each particular case

Seed dormancy is an adaptive mechanism that allows seed germination under suitable environmental conditions. Germination of stored dormant seeds proceeds after dormancy breaking induced by stratification. To improve understanding of dormancy breaking in beechnuts, we: investigated effects of moisture content and temperature during storage; analysed contents of abscisic acid, abscisic acid metabolites

Climate change is projected to increase fire severity and frequency in the boreal forest, but it could also directly affect post-fire recruitment processes by impacting seed production, germination, and seedling growth and survival. We reviewed current knowledge regarding the effects of high temperatures and water deficits on post-fire recruitment processes of four major tree species (Picea mariana

The coppice is a very flexible cultural system producing several calibers adapting to the demands of the market. Small-caliber roundwood from sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) coppices, formerly in great demand, is now less interesting for the market. Thus, the improvement of coppices management by applying alternative silvicultural models in order to obtain benefits and sustainability is essential

American chestnut (Castanea dentata) was a foundation species in the eastern United States until chestnut blight (Cryphonectria parasitica) infestation resulted in range-wide catastrophic reduction. Since 1983, The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) has engaged in a breeding program aimed at restoring C. dentata to the wild. The primary goal has been to introduce blight resistance from Castanea mollissima

Forest managers are increasingly planting non-native tree species that are adapted to anticipated future conditions such as increased droughts. This work quantified individual tree growth patterns of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa P. & C. Lawson), a western US species, planted outside of its natural range in Minnesota, USA. After 50 years, survival was as high as 69% for some ponderosa pine seed sources

Scheduling the first thinning in young cork oak stands is an important decision in management that is usually subjectively defined by each manager. An analysis of competition in cork oak plantations is extremely relevant as a support for this important decision. This study aimed to understand the relationship between stand characteristics and tree growth efficiency, and subsequently help identify the

Potassium has important physiological functions in eucalypt plantations, increasing their productivity when applied to soil via mineral fertilizers. There is interest in identifying alternative sources to KCl owing to its high cost and limited reserves. The aim of the study was to test the effect of replacing KCl with NaCl and phonolite rock powder. Two comparisons were made: (1) application of 283 kg ha−1

As a multiple function tree species, Cyclocarya paliurus is planted and managed for timber production and medicinal use. However, it remains unclear to what extent geographical gradients in growth and wood quality are shaped by the environment. We used data of 197 trees from 22 natural populations to assess geographic variation patterns in radial growth and wood density, and their correlations with

Canopy openings due to harvesting practices constitute a disturbance that changes the environmental conditions of microsites. Its impact on the relative performance of the regeneration of different tree species could also be affected by site conditions and forest structure. The objective of this study was to determine how regeneration establishment of Nothofagus mixed forests is influenced by shelterwood

Seed orchards play a critical role in reforestation, but often struggle to consistently produce enough seed. A mixture of the less polar gibberellins, GA4 and GA7, has been shown to promote flowering in Pinaceae species, but the responses vary significantly based on species, genotype and provenance, application method, timing and dosage. Previous studies with lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. var

Salvage logging after forest disturbances is a controversial but common practice, yet it remains relatively poorly studied, particularly after windstorms within deciduous forests. Here, we present results from the first growing season following salvage logging on four gaps (3.5–6 ha) created by a 2012 tornado. While salvage logging shifted the distribution of stem heights to smaller sizes, it increased

A plant's induced defense system can be triggered by the application of the plant hormone methyl jasmonate (MeJA), and recent research suggest that MeJA treatment may become a tool for protection of conifer seedlings against insect herbivory (e.g. by the pine weevil Hylobius abietis). A side-effect of MeJA application is temporarily reduced height growth. This has generally been considered as negative

Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb) Hook) is a promising timber species for planting in the sub-tropical ecosystem. However, the germination rate of Chinese fir seed lots is low, and viability determination by conventional methods (germination test and tetrazolium test) is time-consuming and destructive. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential of Near Infrared (NIR)

Spanish red cedar, Cedrela odorata L. (Meliaceae), is a valuable timber tree in tropical American forests. Existing demand for elite individuals endangers the conservation of interesting germplasm, prompting the development of efficient protocols for the establishment of orchards for tree breeding. Based on previous work regarding grafting adult individuals onto young rootstocks, superior trees from

Information about nutrient dynamics is of upmost importance in order to contribute to the restoration of degraded forest environments in the Andes of southern Ecuador. This study aims to investigate the differences of nutrient dynamics between a native alder (Alnus acuminata) and an exotic pine (Pinus patula) tree species in this region. Based on litterfall, forest floor and mineral topsoil (0–20 cm)

Prior to the 1950s, common partial harvesting operations in the southern Appalachians USA involved the removal of logs by ground-skidding and the construction of steep access roads and skid trails along stream channels. Little is known about how these historical practices affected long-term vegetation changes. An experimental watershed in the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory was partially harvested in

Genetic parameters were estimated for tree height (H), diameter at breast height (DBH), and volume from a progeny trial conducted in Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi) in Liaoning, China. A 12 × 12 full-diallel mating design with selfing was adopted, and data were collected in 2005 and 2014 at 20 and 29 years after planting. Based on an analysis of 55 of 144 potential crosses, general combining ability