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Larix decidua Mill. may become more important than Picea abies (L.) Karst for reforestation and restoration of the natural balance, and therefore it is necessary to investigate this species. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to conduct an inventory of Larix taxa in the protected areas of the mixed forest zone of Ukrainian Polissia, to analyse their distribution, age structure, and use. Research methods used: route, analytical, comparative analysis, systematisation. It was found that 5 species, one variety and two hybrids of larch grow in the protected areas of the mixed forest zone of Ukraine. It was established that L. decidua is the most widespread - it grows in parks-monuments of landscape art, natural monuments, protected tracts, reserves in pure mixed plantings, alleys, row plantings, groups and as a solitaire tree. L. sibirica, L. kaempferi grow as solitaire trees and in groups of 3 to 10 specimens in 9 and 10 protected objects, respectively. L. gmelinii is present in two arboretums, L. laricina - in one. Larix decidua var. polonica (Racib. ex Wóycicki) Ostenf. & Syrach is not widespread, represented in groups in 6 parks-monuments of landscape art and Bereznivskyi denrorark. Larix × eurolepis A. Henry. is widespread in pure and mixed stands, grows in an alley in the Slavianskyi park-monument of landscape art, in groups - in the Lisova Aleia Botanical Reserve, Bereznivskyi denrorark, and in mixed stands of the Riznolissia General Zoological Reserve. The age structure is quite diverse, represented by L. decidua, L. sibirica, L. decidua var. polonica aged from 100 to 200 years. Other species, varieties, and hybrids are represented by specimens aged from 3 years (L.×eurolepis) to 80 years (L. kaempferi). 69.2% of larch stands are in good condition, 28.9% are in satisfactory condition, and only 1.9% are in poor condition. The results of the research can be used in the further creation of pure and mixed stands, alleys, etc. in the mixed forest zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Real-Time Kinematics (RTK) can provide high-precision, real-time, and global coverage of location information in open areas. But in arboretum environment, the ability to achieve continuous high-precision positioning using global positioning technology is limited due to various sources of interference, such as multi-path effects, signal obstruction, and environmental noise. In order to achieve precise navigation in challenging GNSS signal environments, visual SLAM systems are widely used due to their ability to adapt to different environmental features. Therefore, this paper proposes an optimized solution that integrates the measurements from GNSS-RTK and stereo cameras. The presented approach aligns the coordinates between the two sensors, and then employs an adaptive sliding window approach, which dynamically adjusts the window size and optimizes the pose within the sliding window. At the same time, to address the variations and uncertainties of GNSS signals in non-ideal environments, this paper proposes a solution that utilizes a Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) to model the potential noise in GNSS signals. Furthermore, it employs a Variational Bayesian Inference-based (VBI) method to estimate the parameters of the GMM model online. The integration of this model with an optimization-based approach enhances the positioning accuracy and robustness even further. The evaluation results of real vehicle tests show that in challenging GNSS arboretum environments, GMM applied to GNSS/VO integration has higher accuracy and better robustness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spiders are omnipresent terrestrial predators that use a wide range of predatory strategies, occupy variety of niches, and exhibits guild-specific responses to environmental changes. Present work is an attempt to study the diversity and guild structure of spiders in the selected habitats of KFRI Field Research Center, Velupadam, Kerala, India. The study was conducted during the period of December 2021 to March 2022 in the fields of Bambusetum and Arboretum in the FRC campus. Sampling methods such as ground hand collection, aerial hand collection, vegetation beating, litter sampling, and visual search were used to collect spider samples. A total of 63 species from 53 genera in 15 families were collected from the total study area. Araneidae was the most dominant family in the total study area. Both fields had equal species richness and evenness and comparatively similar diversity indices, however the Bambusetum had slightly higher spider diversity than the Arboretum. The analysis of feeding behaviour of collected spiders revealed a total of six feeding guilds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this manuscript is to contribute to the discussion on the links between arts and sciences in the practices of environmental care and biodiversity conservation. The starting point is the experience in Isla Victoria Laboratory project. This island, located in Nahuel Huapi Lake, is a historical environmental emblem, where a century ago the most important Arboretum in Patagonia was installed and where many conservation projects are currently being developed. The study presents a debate of de arts-sciences relationship in the context of environmental crisis, and hence, taking the case of Isla Victoria as a starting point, explores certain questions and experiences on the horizons of these approaches in pursuit of environmental care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement Trees are the backbone of many terrestrial ecosystems and provide essential benefits for people and the planet. This unique life form requires specific horticultural, management, and conservation expertise to grow and thrive. ArbNet—the global, interactive community of arboreta—was established in 2011 to identify arboreta, define industry standards for arboreta, raise professionalism, support tree planting and proper care, facilitate collaborations, and advance tree research and conservation. Over the past 10 years, ArbNet has been instrumental in helping establish, grow, and network arboreta around the world and bring awareness to the importance of trees. This report presents ArbNet's flagship programs and resources and outlines opportunities for engagement at the individual or institutional level, to further strengthen the global network of arboreta and tree‐focused professionals and to ensure healthy trees for the future of people and the planet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a multi‐year insect emergence survey for the monitoring and detection of invasive non‐native species at two urban arboreta in Boston, Massachusetts and New York City, New York. Arborists pruned and sequestered pieces of these trees for up to 2 years inside emergence containers.Host material was sampled from 117 trees comprising 67 species from the two sites. From these samples, 15 370 beetles were identified from all families, including 246 buprestids (21 species), 822 cerambycids (29 species) and 8825 scolytines (46 species).Individual emergence chambers employed two collection methods: phototaxis toward an attached collection cup and sweeping barrel contents following the sequestration period. Sweeping resulted in many species not collected from cups.We documented 17 new state records for Massachusetts and New York and 143 new host associations for buprestids, cerambycids and scolytines, including 22 new host associations of non‐native beetles on native host trees and 51 new host associations of native beetles on non‐native hosts.One buprestid species, not native to North America yet new to science, Agrilus sp. 9895, was discovered. The combination of new state records, new host associations and new species detections illustrates how this survey method can be effective and beneficial for detection purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Botanical gardens perform active introductory work, carry out educational and academic activities, preserve the gene pool of the red book species, and serve as a source of enrichment plant resources. The leading role in solving these problems is played by dendrological collections, on the basis of which botanical research is carried out. The main part of the woody collections is located in the Stavropol Botanical Garden (SBG) arboretum. Work on the construction of the SBG arboretum began in 1959. Initially, it was planned to collect various species, natural and cultural forms of woody and shrubby plants from the temperate, and partly northern and subtropical zones. In addition, four models of forest vegetation formations of the Stavropol Krai and Karachay-Cherkessia were created on the territory of the SBG. The article presents the main stages of the introduction work on the creation of dendrological collections, the methods used. Most of the collections were formed in a short time due to the preliminary selection and mobilization of planting material. The long period of introduction made it possible to judge the advantages and disadvantages of the chosen method of genus complexes. The modem composition of the collections is analyzed, the role of the introduction process in the conservation of biodiversity is noted. The species that are promising for use in the landscaping of the region are listed. In the future, work with dendrological collections implies the attraction of new species, the introduction of information technologies, continuation of study and monitoring of plants listed in the Red Books of the Stavropol Krai, Russia and the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The four Macadamia species (M. integrifolia, M. tetraphylla, M. ternifolia and M. jansenii) occur naturally in the wild in fragmented habitats in Australia and there is limited information on their vulnerability to pathogens including species of the genus Phytophthora. Macadamias in commercial orchards are affected by Phytophthora cinnamomi and Phytophthora multivora causing stem canker and root rot. Wild germplasm is often regarded as sources of resistance in macadamia breeding programme. We assessed the performance of 152 trees of wild macadamia genotypes in the field using a Phytophthora disease severity rating scale and used in vivo leaf assay to examine their susceptibility to P. cinnamomi and P. multivora. Macadamia ternifolia trees showed the highest Phytophthora disease severity compared with the other species. In the in vivo trial, there were significant variations in disease severity among the genotypes within each Macadamia species. Comparison of the mean leaf lesion area of the Macadamia spp. showed that M. tetraphylla and M. jansenii were the most resistant to P. cinnamomi, whereas M. ternifolia and M. jansenii followed by M. tetraphylla had the least disease severity to P. multivora. The quantitative variations among the genotypes with strong differential effects resulted in demarcation of the wild genotypes into three resistance groups. Overall, a total of 14 M. tetraphylla and 2 M. integrifolia genotypes were identified as resistant to both P. cinnamomi and P. multivora in the in vivo assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Major gut digestive enzymes of butterflies are hydrolytic enzymes, i.e. amylase, protease, and lipase. Junonia is the most abundant butterfly species in the arboretum area of Universitas Padjadjaran, West Java, Indonesia. This study was aimed to determine the amylase, protease, and lipase activity of butterflies of Junonia almana and Junonia atlites. All enzyme activity was measured at the maximum wavelength of remaining substrates or products with the UVvisible spectrophotometric method. Both butterflies have higher amylase activity than protease and lipase activity. Amylase activity of J. atlites higher than J. almana at its optimum temperature and pH, i.e. 37 °C and 6.8. This study has provided the first information about amylase, protease, and lipase activity in J. atlites and J. almana butterfly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying emerging invasive species is a priority to implement early preventive and control actions. In terms of the number of invasive tree species, forestry represents the second largest pathway of introduction, with an invasive debt likely existing for alien conifers in Europe. In the early 1900s, a network of arboreta was established in southern Belgium to assess the wood production potential of prospective conifer and broadleaved species. Here, we use eight arboreta as natural experiments to identify alien conifers presenting invasive behavior. Through systematic sampling, we quantified the natural regeneration of alien conifers and recorded local environmental variables. For each species, regeneration density, dispersal distances, and age structure were analyzed. Generalized mixed effects models were fitted to test the effect of planted area and tree-stand type on regeneration. The environmental space occupied by regenerating alien conifers was evaluated using principal component analysis. Out of 31 planted alien species, 15 (48%) were identified in natural regeneration, of which eight (26%) exhibited important regeneration density and dispersal distances. The most invasive species were Tsuga heterophylla and Abies grandis, confirming earlier field observations. Both large planted areas and areas planted with alien conifer species increased the density of regeneration. Species that had the highest regeneration density tolerated a wide range of environmental conditions, including shaded understory, which could lead to the invasion of mature, undisturbed forests. This study showed that 17% of the studied alien conifers are potentially invasive because they show important regeneration, long-distance dispersal, and, of importance, have already produced offspring that have matured and are capable of creating new satellite populations. In conclusion, our results provide a guideline for future planting operations, recommending extreme caution when planting these species in the temperate forests of Western Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying emerging invasive species is a priority to implement early preventive and control actions. In terms of the number of invasive tree species, forestry represents the second largest pathway of introduction, with an invasive debt likely existing for alien conifers in Europe. In the early 1900s, a network of arboreta was established in southern Belgium to assess the wood production potential of prospective conifer and broadleaved species. Here, we use eight arboreta as natural experiments to identify alien conifers presenting invasive behavior. Through systematic sampling, we quantified the natural regeneration of alien conifers and recorded local environmental variables. For each species, regeneration density, dispersal distances, and age structure were analyzed. Generalized mixed effects models were fitted to test the effect of planted area and tree-stand type on regeneration. The environmental space occupied by regenerating alien conifers was evaluated using principal component analysis. Out of 31 planted alien species, 15 (48%) were identified in natural regeneration, of which eight (26%) exhibited important regeneration density and dispersal distances. The most invasive species were Tsuga heterophylla and Abies grandis, confirming earlier field observations. Both large planted areas and areas planted with alien conifer species increased the density of regeneration. Species that had the highest regeneration density tolerated a wide range of environmental conditions, including shaded understory, which could lead to the invasion of mature, undisturbed forests. This study showed that 17% of the studied alien conifers are potentially invasive because they show important regeneration, long-distance dispersal, and, of importance, have already produced offspring that have matured and are capable of creating new satellite populations. In conclusion, our results provide a guideline for future planting operations, recommending extreme caution when planting these species in the temperate forests of Western Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social Impact Statement: Botanic gardens and arboreta have evolved significantly from their origins as oases reserved for the elite, to the conservation powerhouses they are today, visited by over half a billion people annually. Now, with their sophisticated facilities and botanical expertise, gardens are uniquely positioned to address many of the challenges associated with preserving plant diversity for the benefit of people and the planet. Globally, however, resources for and awareness of these efforts are limited. Funders, governments, corporations, and global citizens need to greatly increase their support of gardens, recognizing the critical role they play in a scientifically informed, coordinated, global effort to save plants from extinction – because all life depends on plants. Summary: Over centuries, botanic gardens and arboreta have evolved considerably in purpose and audience, from a historic focus on teaching and reference collections to championing plant conservation today; gardens fill a major global conservation need at the intersection of horticulture, living collections, plant science, and public education. With a sixth global mass extinction event underway, we are losing plant species before they can even be described, and over 20% of plant species are threatened with extinction. In response to this crisis, gardens are increasingly placing the conservation of plant diversity at the center of their missions, programming, and collections. However, there are significant challenges to preserving the world's vast plant diversity, and plant conservation efforts remain chronically underfunded. We envision a future where gardens have the resources, coordination, and capacity needed to reverse the plant extinction crisis. With sufficient resources, the garden community could: (a) operate an active network of globally coordinated gardens with capacity to carry out integrated plant conservation focused in biodiverse regions; (b) complete threat assessments for all plant species, to inform and prioritize conservation efforts; (c) conserve all "exceptional species" in genetically diverse living collections; and (d) ensure more informed, resilient, and productive landscape restoration efforts are successfully sequestering carbon and supporting biodiversity globally. The garden community is poised to lead these global efforts to preserve and protect plant diversity. Gardens have the expertise, tools, facilities, and networks in place to be the strongest force for plant conservation – they just need the resources to match the global need. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ornamental plantations in cities and particularly botanical gardens and arboreta are rich sources of alien flora. Mlyňany Arboretum, established in 1892, cultivates 1049 non-native woody plant species on the area of 67 ha. In this work we answered following questions: 1. How many taxa are spontaneously spreading in the arboretum and how is the spreading intensity related to their ecological demands and reproduction traits? 2. How many taxa appear behind the fence? 3. How far from the arboretum they can get? 4. Do private gardens and historical aristocratic park in the studied village cluster contribute to species escapes from culture? 5. Which from the widely spread taxa can represent future risk of invasiveness on the national level? We found that about one tenth of taxa spread across the arboretum (particularly Cotoneaster spp., Prunus laurocerasus, P. serotina and Quercus rubra) and number of their seedlings corresponded only with the mother plant number. Almost one third of these species left the arboretum and their seedlings were observed in distance up to 500 m from the village (mainly Mahonia aquifolium, P. serotina). Private gardens were a large source of Juglans regia seedlings, frequency of which decreased with the distance from villages (no species escaped from the historical park). Weed risk assessment revealed potential invasion danger only for Amorpha fruticosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arboretum of Shatsk Forest College named after V.V. Sulka is a valuable center of dendroflora for enriching the biodiversity of Volyn Polissya. Occupies an area of ​​1.5 hectares. The history of the formation of the arboretum of Shatsk Forest College named after V.V. Sulka from the beginning of creation to the present (for 50 years). The results of the arboretum dendroflora inventory are presented. Which has 147 species (109 rare species) belonging to 94 genera, 41 families, 23 orders, two classes. Most species belong to the Magnoliophyta division - 115 species (78.2%), to Pinophyta - 32 species (21.8%). Plants grow in such plantations as groups, alleys, hedges, hedges, tapeworms, common mixed groups. 144 species of woody plants belong to phanerophytes, dominated by mesophanerophytes (38.9%) (megaphanerophytes - 24.3%, microphanerophytes - 26.4%, nanophanerophytes - 10.4%) and 3 species of hamephytes. The analysis of ecological structure (in relation to light; demanding to moisture, demanding to soils) is resulted. The ecological structure is represented mainly by hemiskiophytes - 65 species (44.2%) and heliophytes - 62 species (44.2%), much less represented by schiophytes - 20 species (13.6%). Mesotrophs of 72 species (49.0% of the total number of species) were identified by plant demanding to soil fertility; slightly less oligotrophs (27.9%) and megatrophs (20.4%), the least represented mesooligotrophs - 2.7%. The range of species of arboretum woody plants has six types of hygromorphs, common are: mesophytes of 57 species and xeromesophytes of 25 species, uncommon hygromesophytes of 4 species (2.7%). Almost the same number of hygrophytes (16 species, 10.9%), xerophytes (16 species, 10.9%) and mesohygrophytes (18 species, 12.2%), mesoxerophytes are 11 species (7.5%). The current state of woody plants is assessed. 95% of woody plants are in good condition, four species have - satisfactory and unsatisfactory condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement: Polls continue to show distressingly high percentages of people around the world do not accept that evolution has occurred. Even among individuals who accept evolution, surveys indicate that many do not understand its mechanistic basis, natural selection. Botanical gardens and arboreta are typically not viewed as museums of natural history. Yet, these institutions house collections of living museum objects that can allow visitors to directly observe ongoing evolution, namely, mutations and the origin of biological novelty, the astonishing amount of variation within species, and the consequences of selection that underlie descent with modification. When botanical gardens and arboreta are reconceptualized as museums of living, evolving objects, there will be huge opportunities to engage and educate the public about the process of evolution through the lens of horticulture and botany. Summary: Plants are central to the evolutionary history of biodiversity on Earth. However, unlike most museums of natural history, botanical gardens and arboreta are typically less engaged in the important mission of promoting the public's understanding of evolution. As museum collections of living (and evolving) objects, botanical gardens and arboreta have a unique set of opportunities to teach the public about evolutionary processes in ways that complement the efforts of traditional natural history museums. Charles Darwin himself relied heavily on his extensive reading of the horticultural and botanical literature to gain insights into evolutionary process and, after publication of On the Origin of Species, made plants the frequent centerpiece of his many books to convince the world of natural selection and descent with modification. There is good reason to believe that Darwin's highly effective 19th century botanical tactics for promoting evolutionary ideas among scientists and the broader society remain equally compelling today in the 21st century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that Nottingham was one of the most densely built and overcrowded towns in Victorian England. Following the enclosure, 1845-65, green spaces, including public parks, had to be provided in the new suburbs. This article looks at the creation of parks in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries to show how a combination of government policies, local authority commitment to providing open spaces and recreation grounds, and philanthropic involvement, led to the post-1845 town and its newly created suburbs having numerous accessible green spaces. This provision has, in turn, impacted on how the modern city has evolved, and the article suggests that this is important for our understanding of urban development more generally. The paper notes the impact of more recent development where large swathes of working class housing, with few or no green spaces, has been swept away and replaced by a significantly greener environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We completed the first survey of the bryophyte flora of the Huzella Garden in Göd, Hungary in 2018 and 2019. Altogether 55 species (2 liverworts and 53 mosses) were encountered in the recently poorly maintained arboretum covering 6 hectares. Most bryophytes found in the garden are common to Hungary, while four species have the near threatened (NT) status such as Brachythecium glareosum, Cirriphyllum piliferum, Orthotrichum obtusifolium, Syntrichia latifolia. Extensive populations covering altogether 30 m² of the critically endangered (CR, Hungarian Red List) Entodon concinnus were found in the garden, that is a new record of the species in Hungary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oak dominated, silvo-pastoral systems of the Iberian Peninsula are known collectively as dehesa (or montado in Portuguese). They represent a high-potential model for regenerative agricultural systems within climatically appropriate regions of Australia and beyond. The vast majority of the Australian continent is brittle ecosystem and in both pre- and post-colonial contexts savannah is a dominant biome type (Gammage 2011). Savannahs provide a vast suite of critical ecosystem services, notably a general mitigating of environmental extremes. These are particularly valuable in brittle environments. Furthermore, the extra-environmental yields that semi-domesticated savannah models provide result in numerous benefits to agricultural production such as increased stock animal wellbeing and significant supplementary feed sources (Vargas et al. 2013). Research also suggests that due to the hundreds of thousands of years of evolution within similar biomes, Homo sapiens has a deep genetic and cultural proclivity toward savannah systems. The resulting positive response to these environments increases psychological wellbeing in local human populations (Wilson 1984). This paper explores the dehesa model of agroforestry, arguing that such a model is one that could work in Australia and contribute to solving some of the serious environmental and food-production issues facing the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Berezne Dendrological Park plays an important role in the enrichment of dendrofloral biodiversity in Rivne region. The park covers an area of 29.5 hectares. Plants are grouped by botanical-geographical zones (eight areas), and within zones - by a systematc principle (five areas). The results of the inventory of dendrorarites of the Pinophyta Division of 36 species, that belong to 10 genera of three families, have been analyzed. The largest number is represented by the genus Picea A. Diet. (28.0 %), Pinus L. (22.0 %), whereas genus Abies Mill has somewhat fewer representatves (19.0 %). The genera Tsuga Carr., Pseudotsuga Carr., Metasequoia Miki., Chamaecyparis Spach, Thuja L., Juniperus L., Taxus L. are poorly represented, accountng for between 3.0 and 8.0 % of the total number of the species of dendrorarites. Their current state has been assessed. The conditon of the overwhelming majority of the Pinophyta Arboretum is satsfactory. The ecological structure (by relaton to light; by exactngness to moisture, by exactngness to soil) has been analyzed. The ecological structure is represented mainly by scyophytes - 23 species (63.9 % of the total number of species), by heliophytes 6 species (16.7 %) and by hemiskiophytes 7 species (19.4 %). By demand of plants for soil fertlity 10 species (27.8 %) of eutotrophs, 16 species (44.4 %) of mesotrophs, 9 species (25.0 %) of oligotrophs and semiotrophs have been detected. According to the results of the research, it has been established that the spectrum of the species of the dendrorarites of the Pinophyta division has three main types of hygromorphs: hygrophytes, mesophytes, xerophytes. Widespread species are: mesophytes 16 species (44.5 %) and hygrophytes 12 species (33.3 %). Less widespread are: xerophytes 3 species (8.3 %), mesohygrophytes 3 species (8.3 %), there is one submesophyte (2.8 %) - Juniperus sabina L. and mesoxerophyte (2.8 %) - Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mlyňany Arborétum is 127 years old and it has the largest zvoody-plant collection in Middle-Europe, zvith al-most 2,000 taxa. Therefore, it is not surprising that this arborétum became a most important research inštitúte focussing on foreign dendroflora, in the second half of the tzventieth century. Moreover, each year there is a zvide choice from many research - popularising and environmental consciousness enhancing events organized f or pub-lic/children. The most popular of these include the Ambrozy's days, Science and Technology Week, "Plánt your ozvn tree" and "The world zvater day in the Mlyňany Arborétum". Most importantly, it also has an interactive lesson room, "The Tree's World", zvhich provides education Services f or younger pupils throughout the year. Here, children of all ages can form their ozvn creativity as combined zvith education on náture protection in a Creative zvorkshop facility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper is to assess the current situation of forest seed production and conservation in Ecuador, through the analysis of documents. It is noted that there are two strategies for the conservation and/or production of seeds in the country. In situ conservation shows results from the selection of seed sources from different actors: the EcoPAr foundation selected 20 in Andean forests in the Sierra, the Municipality of Quito identified 28, while Solidaridad Internacional installed 33 in Orellana, among others. Ex situ conservation developed alternatives such as: cryopreservation, long term, medium term, in vitro and field. The National Germplasm Bank of The National Autonomous Institute of Agro-Livestock Research has 72 species with 85 accessions, the Bank of the Private Technological University de Loja has 500 species in more than 800 accessions and there are also seven botanical gardens. The efforts made and the different experiences obtained are isolated. There are limitations of constructive and technological infrastructure, human resources, as well as deficiencies in the inter-institutional coordination of inventories and management plans of the forests that have seed sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formulation of the problem. This article briefly describes the main problems that arise during landscape and ecological investigation of territories. On the example of V.V.Dokuchayiv KHNAU’s arboretum the comparative and ecological method of estimating the soil conditions for the forest-based effect, i.e. species composition and productivity of indigenous forest vegetation groups is considered. The forest represents a system of vegetation and habitat. From the ecological point of view it is a reflection of the environment, as its forestry effect. The objective is also to justify measures aimed at solving urgent landscape and environmental problems, namely, transformation and pollution of the natural environment, the development of morphodynamic processes. Soils, as the element of the landscape, are an important block of ecosystems whose destruction has a multidimensional value for the stability of the natural environment. Aggregate soil transformation has traditionally been evaluated as progressive. However, scientific analysis suggests that extensive farming, inappropriate chemical fertilization and fetishization of pesticides have led to a significant decline in fertility, and in some cases, its loss due to the development of erosion of natural soil cover on large areas. Such processes stimulate soil microflora to decompose organic contaminants and promote the absorption of harmful substances by the plant. The landscape-ecological approach is currently used in solving many scientific problems: both theoretical and practical. The purpose of the article. The purpose of this work was to study the landscape and ecological structure of the forest massif, to identify the relationship between the components of landscapes on the example of the V.V. Dokuchayiv KHNAU’s arboretum by mapping the territory. Methods. The authors’ own achievements as well as the research results of domestic and foreign investigators made the methodical basis for the article. Results. The content of heavy metals on the territory of the arboretum is investigated, a ranking of factors influencing the distribution of concentrations of pollutants has been carried out and the type of ecological situation is determined by means of mapping methods. Modern and ecological methods of disturbed territories’ restoration with the help of phytotherapeutic technologies, which are much cheaper and safer, are offered. When implementing phytoremediation methods, there is less secondary pollution, physical and granulometric composition of soils does not deteriorate, biological activity does not decrease, and productivity is kept constant. This technology is most convenient for cleaning of moderately polluted soils. Scientific novelty and practical significance. One of the main mechanisms for regulating the ecologization of land resources is the identification, evaluation and implementation of the maximum possible reserves for increasing the efficiency of this process. This is reduction of unproductive losses in the mode of use and conservation of resources and the possibility of using the basic solution as a scientific and technological progress. Digital terrain models are designed for interactive visualization and have an effect of presence on the ground. Such models are used to substantiate measures to optimize land use in order to restore and stabilize the ecological situation, assess the natural recreational potential of the territory, monitor the components of the environment, predict transformation and degradation processes and environmental phenomena development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Argument. The article is about nature and forest area education. The subject of analysis was forest inspectorate of Nowe Ramuki, which is one of the most beautiful part of Mazury-Podlasie region. The advantages of this area predetermine it to educational tasks. The concept discussed. Theoretical part of the document describes geographical and natural features of Nowe Ramuki forest inspectorate area and their historical brief. This part also presents how the area is suitable for nature and forest education today. It describes in detail didactic paths, forest education spots like Nature and Ecology Education Posts or Local Base of Ecology Education. Results and conclusions. Practical part focuses on how educational features of Nowe Ramuki forest inspectorate can improve in the future. To find out what needs to be changed, people were polled. Part of inspectorate area near Pluski was researched more carefully. Landscape analysis, forest inventory and evaluation of touristic attractiveness was done. This area has great abilities to improve tourism. Orginality. Final effect of researches is design conception of arboretum in Nowe Ramuki forest inspectorate area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper recounts the genesis and further developments of two devices that were created in Brussels and nearby around 1900: the Forestry Museum and the Geographic Arboretum in Tervuren. Both the Museum and the Arboretum were designed to serve botanical science, national industry, and agriculture, but also became instrumental in carrying philosophical and political messages and even in achieving down‐to‐earth political aims. The Museum, imposed upon the State Botanic Garden by a Catholic ministry, carried out messages for social pacification, while also taking to the battlefield in the fight between what were then called pure science and applied science. For its part, the Geographic Arboretum had long broken its ties with the State Botanic Garden and even with its own scientific claims by the time the Forestry Museum disappeared in the early 1980s. However, the Forestry Museum had increasingly lost its vocation as a research tool, eventually and solely becoming a tool of communication toward an ever‐widening public, following Belgian society's expanding democratization in the late 19th Century. The lives and fortunes of both devices reveal most of the tensions that rhythmed the history of museums and the political history of a European country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise of the Study: Plant phenology is a critical trait, as the timings of phenophases such as budburst, leafout, flowering, and fruiting, are important to plant fitness. Despite much study about when individual phenophases occur and how they may shift with climate change, little is known about how multiple phenophases relate to one another across an entire growing season. We test the extent to which early phenological stages constrain later ones, throughout a growing season, across 25 angiosperm tree species. Methods: We observed phenology (budburst, leafout, flowering, fruiting, and senescence) of 118 individual trees across 25 species, from April through December 2015. Key Results: We found that early phenological events weakly constrain most later events, with the strongest constraints seen between consecutive stages. In contrast, interphase duration was a much stronger predictor of phenology, especially for reproductive events, suggesting that the development time of flowers and fruits may constrain the phenology of these events. Conclusions: Much of the variation in later phenological events can be explained by the timing of earlier events and by interphase durations. This highlights that a shift in one phenophase may often have cascading effects on later phases. Accurate forecasts of climate change impacts should therefore include multiple phenophases within and across years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Carabidae is among the best-studied families of beetles in Europe from the faunistic point of view, there is still a lack of available information on the ecological requirements of the particular carabid species. The habitat preferences that determine the distribution of species are largely influenced by habitat structure and microclimate. In addition to other factors, these habitat parameters are influenced by the nature of the vegetation. Therefore, our study investigated the influence of tree species on carabid beetle communities. We conducted the research at 9 stands in the Borová Hora Arboretum (Zvolen, Central Slovakia). Each studied site represents a monoculture of one of nine tree species. At each site, some soil and leaf litter attributes (pH, conductivity, and content of H, C, N and P) were evaluated. Ground beetles were collected by pitfall trapping during the vegetation periods in 2008–2011. In total, 3012 individuals of 29 species were obtained. Significant differences in the total dynamic activity and species richness of the carabid beetle communities among the compared forest stands were revealed. The results of the research confirmed statistically significant relationships among 1) the soil conductivity and both the richness and Shannon diversity of the ground beetle communities, 2) the litter and soil N content and richness, the Shannon diversity and the species composition of the ground beetle communities. The Shannon diversity and richness were negatively related to the soil conductivity and positively related with the N content. Our research showed that dominant tree species indirectly influence diversity and composition of carabid communities via the soil properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the largest objects of landscaping on the territory of the city of Kherson is the Arboretum of the Kherson State Agrarian University (further the arboretum of KSAU). The harsh natural conditions of southern Ukraine caused the poor species composition of aboriginal tree plants. Therefore, on the arboretum territory the process of introduction, adaptation and naturalization of various types of ornamental plants has been carrying out for 70 years. In 1983, the Arboretum was given the conservation status of a park-monument of landscape architecture of local significance. Throughout the history of its creation, experimental research has been conducted on the introduction decorative species of trees and shrubs into the culture. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis of tree plants at the KSAU Arboretum, as well as the development of proposals for the formation of a range of tree plants for inclusion in the investigated object and for greening the city of Kherson are relevant to date.During the inventory of the species composition of tree plants in the Arboretum of KSAU, 126 species belonging to 87 genera, 44 families, 21 orders, 2 classes and 2 divisions have been identified. The Magnoliophyta division (120 species; 95.2%) prevails in the taxonomic structure of the arboretum dendroflor. The division of Pinophyta is represented by only six species (4.8%). The leading families of the given dendroflora are Rosaceae Juss. (32 species; 25.4% of the total species numnber), Salicaceae Lindl. (10 species; 7.9%), Caprifoliaceae Juss. (6 species; 4.8%), Oleaceae Lindl. (6 species; 4.8%), Ranunculaceae Juss. (5 species; 4.0%). The Families of Cupressaceae Bartl. and Fabaceae Lindl. are presented by four species each (3.2%). Other families are represented by fewer species. There have been discovered 10 life forms of tree and semi-tree plants in the Arboretum. The most numerous is a group of single-stranded deciduous trees (51 species; 40.5%) and erect deciduous shrubs (39 species; 31.0%). Most plants are erect and deciduous.The vast majority of species (111 species; 88.1%) are introduced from different parts of the world (Europe, Asia, and North America). Only 15 species of tree plants are aboriginal ones: Betula borysthenica Klok, Populus nigra L., P. alba L., P. tremula L., Quercus robur L., Corylus avellana L., Ephedra distachya L., Amygdalus nana L. and others. The analysis of the ecological structure showed that the groups of scioheliophytes (49 species; 38.9%) and heliophytes (44 species; 34.9%) predominate among the heliomorphs, xeromesophytes (56 species; 43.8%) are quantitatively predominant in the hygromorphs. Thermomorphs are represented by megathermophytes (68 species; 53.1%) and mesothermophytes (60 species; 46.9%). In relation to the trophy of the substrate, plants that grow on poor substrates - oligotrophy (86 species; 67.2%) dominate. Sozological analysis showed that in the KSAU Arboretum has plants from the Red Book of Ukraine: Betula borysthenica Klokov, the endemic of the Northern Black Sea and Syringa josikaea J.Jacq. ex Rchb., as well as species included in the List of Protected Plants in the Kherson Region: Clematis integrifolia L., Ephedra distachya L. and Quercus robur L. The dominant of formation of Amygdalieta nanae - Amygdalus nana L. grows on the territory of the Arboretum.Taking into account the climatic conditions of the city of Kherson, high solar activity during the summer period, low rainfall, temperature fluctuations during the year and seasons, as well as the microclimatic conditions of the Arboretum location, we propose to expand its range of tree plants in the future by including plants that combine decorative qualities with resistance to the environmental conditions: Magnolia soulangeana Soul.-Bod., Liriodendron tulipiferum L., Cornus alba L., Cotoneaster horizontalis Dcne. and C. multiflorus Bunge, Prunus serrulata Lindl., Cercis canadensis L., Picea pungens f. glauca, Acer ginnala (Maxim.) Maxim. and Acer platanoides L., Cotinus coggygria Scop., as well as to expand the range of glacial plants of Metasequoia glyptostroboides Hu et Cheng, Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco, decorative forms of the genera Taxus L., Buxus L., Quercus L., Tilia L., Berberis L., Thuja L., Juniperus L., Chamaecyparis Spach and others. Decorative species that will grow successfully on the territory of the Kherson State Agrarian University Arboretum can be planted in other landscaping facilities of Kherson City. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Besides the fragmentation, alteration and destruction of habitats by man, the spread of invasive alien species and their habitat transformation significantly contribute to the decline of biodiversity worldwide. The defense against invasive organisms can be effective only if the countries of a larger region act on together. Therefore, the European Union set up a common regulation in 2014. Within this framework, a list of species was published, against which common measures are necessary and possible. As the first step of defense, it is worth collecting the experience gathered formally in a country about the species on the list. Botanical gardens have a long tradition in collecting horticultural and ecological knowledge on non-native plant species. For this reason, by using a questionnaire survey, we assessed the experiences of Hungarian botanical gardens on terrestrial plant species listed in the 2017/1263 executive regulation (list of invasive species dangerous for the whole EU) which are not yet widespread in Hungary. From the studied nine terrestrial species, which are on the list of European Invasive Species, but absent or not widespread in Hungary, six are cultivated in the 13 respondent botanical gardens in Hungary. The saltbush (Baccharis halimifolia) is the most frequent appearing in seven gardens, while the Brazilian and Chilean giant rhubarb (Gunnera manicata and G. tinctoria, the two species treated as one taxon) and the large-leaved lupin (Lupinus polyphyllus) can be found in six gardens. According to our survey, it cannot be excluded for two species (saltbush and large-leaved lupin) that they can be able to spread spontaneously and can become invasive at least in some regions of Hungary. Botanical gardens provide an excellent opportunity for long-term observations on the biology and ecology of plant species which are rare or hardly feasible for ecological research. Thus, botanical gardens can play important role in the assessment of the invasive potential of alien plant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Abandoned human-modified forests are refuges for remnant biodiversity. However, there are very few studies on the biodiversity and regeneration of native species in human-modified forests which are rich in exotic trees. Our research aim is to evaluate the regeneration status and biodiversity of two adjacent human-modified forests. The two forests have distinct overstorey exotic species richness prior to abandonment: one is an exotic tree plantation low in species richness, and the other is an exotic arboretum high in species richness. The original management practices of the two forests have been neglected for more than 20 years. A primary forest was selected as a reference forest to compare their diversity and regeneration status. We asked: (1) Is there a structural difference among the three forests? (2) What are the proportions of native saplings in the human-modified forests? (3) Are the introduced exotic species able to naturalize? Results: We recorded 1316 individuals from 88 species, belonging to 69 genera and 34 families in the three forests [each sampled 16 quadrats (10 m × 5 m)]. Both human-modified forests were similar in their height structure, diameter structure, and sapling density, but differed in species diversity (characterized by rarefaction curves) and floristic composition (indicated by a quantitative similarity index). In the arboretum, only 50% of the sapling individuals were native. Surprisingly, when sampling efforts were standardized, the arboretum had higher native sapling species richness than the exotic species-poor plantation. Moreover, both human-modified forests had conserved a few rare and endemic species. Nevertheless, some exotic species in the arboretum had escaped to the nearby plantation. Conclusions: After 20 years of abandonment, the two human-modified forests had converged in structure, but not in diversity patterns of native saplings. This could be due to that the diversity of exotic overstorey composition can influence the natural regeneration of understorey plants. Our study also raised concerns about conserving native species and managing naturalized exotic species in these human-modified forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research concerns the dynamic results of heavy metal content investigation and microbiological characteristics of arboretum named after Nikolai Klyuev (Vitegra, Vologda Region, Russia). It defines the average proportion of the following heavy metals: copper, lead, zinc, mercury, silver, cadmium as well as microbiological indicators, i.e. the proportion of actinomycetes, bacteria and fungi in soil layers placed in three separate zones of the arboretum (conifer, broad-leaved and narrow leaved ones). The heavy metals proportion indicators and microbiological characteristics of soils and their comparative analysis are based on the laboratory research. The report also includes a literature review of soil research in Vologda region and suggests a better possible use of arboretum named after Nikolai Klyuev. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A long-term survey of tritrophic (plant–aphid–parasitoid) associations in the urban ecosystems of Lleida (Catalonia) and Paris (France) resulted in the detection of associations of two bamboo aphids,Takecallis arundinariae(Essig) andTakecallis taiwanus(Takahashi), respectively, with a new aphid parasitoid species.Trioxys remaudiereiStarý & Rakhshani sp. nov. is described and illustrated as a unique parasitoid ofTakecallisaphids outside the area of their origin. The new species is easily distinguishable from its congeners in having the ventral prongs of the abdomen fused over two-thirds of their length, then bifurcated towards the tip. The only morphologically similar species isTrioxys betulae(Marshall), which exhibits a clearly different prong shape (and has a different host range,SymydobiusMordvilko andClethrobiusMordvilko). The new species is compared with allied taxa associated with bamboo aphids. The occurrence ofTakecallis taiwanuson bamboo is recorded in France for the first time. www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:ED15BA16-E8A9-4CEA-BDA7-FBAB02FEB091 [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Although harvestmen (Opiliones) are among the best studied groups of arachnids in Europe from the faunistic point of view, there is still lack of available information on ecological requirements of the particular species. Habitat preferences that determine the distribution of species are largely determined by the habitat structure and microclimate. Besides other factors, these characteristics of habitats are also influenced by the nature of the vegetation. Therefore, our study dealt with the influence of tree species on harvestmen communities. We conducted the research on nine sites in the Borova hora arboretum (Zvolen town, Central Slovakia). Each studied site represents a monoculture of one of nine tree species. On each site also some attributes of soil and leaf litter (pH, conductivity, content of H, C, N and P) were evaluated. Harvestmen were collected by pitfall trapping during vegetation periods in 2008-2012. In total, 2515 individuals of 17 species and 3 families were obtained. Significant differences were revealed between the compared forest stands in terms of total epigeic activity and species richness of harvestmen. The hierarchical cluster analysis divided harvestmen communities into two main clusters (except community of the site with European hornbeam). The first one represented four sites with relatively lower canopy (< 50%) and with the higher number of captured individuals, the second cluster grouped four sites with higher canopy (> 50%) and with the lower number of captured individuals. The results of research confirmed statistically significant relationships between the litter conductivity and equitability and between the litter pH and equitability of harvestmen communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The realized host range of herbivores is expected to increase with herbivore population density. Theory also predicts that trait similarity and phylogenetic relatedness between native and exotic plants is expected to increase the susceptibility of introduced plants to feeding by native herbivores. Whether the ability of native herbivores to extend their host range to introduced species is density dependent is still unknown. We addressed this question by monitoring pine processionary moth (PPM, Thaumetopoea pityocampa) attacks during nine consecutive years on 41 pine species (8 native and 33 introduced) planted in an arboretum. The survey encompassed latent and outbreak periods. A total of 28 pine species were attacked by PPM. There was no difference in the probability of attack between native and introduced pine species. Host range increased and was more phylogenetically clustered during outbreak than latent periods. When population density increased, PPM expanded its diet breadth by attacking introduced pine species that were closely related to native hosts. This study demonstrates the density dependence of host range expansion in a common pine herbivore. Importantly, it supports the idea that the degree of phylogenetic proximity between host species can be a better predictor of attacks than the introduction status, which may help to predict the outcomes of new plant-herbivore interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adoption of exotic plants by indigenous herbivores in the region of introduction can be influenced by numerous factors. A botanical garden in Western Siberia was used to test various hypotheses on the adaptation of indigenous phyllophagous insects to exotic plants invasions, focusing on two feeding guilds, external leaf chewers and leaf miners. A total of 150 indigenous and exotic woody plant species were surveyed for insect damage, abundance and species richness. First, exotic woody plants were much less damaged by chewers and leaf miners than native plants, and the leaf miners' species richness was much lower on exotic than native plants. Second, exotic woody plants having a congeneric species in the region of introduction were more damaged by chewers and hosted a more abundant and species-rich community of leaf miners than plants without native congeneric species. Third, damage by chewers significantly increased with the frequency of planting of exotic host plants outside the botanical garden, and leaf miners' abundance and species richness significantly increased with residence time in the garden. Finally, no significant relationship was found between insect damage or abundance and the origin of the exotic plants. Besides the ecological implications of the results, this study also illustrates the potential of botanical gardens to test ecological hypotheses on biological invasions and insect-plant interactions on a large set of plant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Genomic research depends upon access to DNA or tissue collected and preserved according to high-quality standards. At present, the collections in most natural history museums do not sufficiently address these standards, making them often hard or impossible to use for whole-genome sequencing or transcriptomics. In response to these challenges, natural history museums, herbaria, botanical gardens and other stakeholders have started to build high-quality biodiversity biobanks. Unfortunately, information about these collections remains fragmented, scattered and largely inaccessible. Without a central registry or even an overview of relevant institutions, it is difficult and time-consuming to locate the needed samples. Scope: The Global Genome Biodiversity Network (GGBN) was created to fill this vacuum by establishing a onestop access point for locating samples meeting quality standards for genome-scale applications, while complying with national and international legislations and conventions. Increased accessibility to genomic samples will further genomic research and development, conserve genetic resources, help train the next generation of genome researchers and raise the visibility of biodiversity collections. Additionally, the availability of a data-sharing platform will facilitate identification of gaps in the collections, thereby empowering targeted sampling efforts, increasing the breadth and depth of preservation of genetic diversity. The GGBN is rapidly growing and currently has 41 members. The GGBN covers all branches of the Tree of Life, except humans, but here the focus is on a pilot project with emphasis on 'harvesting' the Tree of Life for vascular plant taxa to enable genome-level studies. Conclusion: While current efforts are centred on getting the existing samples of all GGBN members online, a pilot project, GGI-Gardens, has been launched as proof of concept. Over the next 6 years GGI-Gardens aims to add to the GGBN high-quality genetic material from at least one species from each of the approx. 460 vascular plant families and one species from half of the approx. 15 000 vascular plant genera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With 10% of trees (> 8,000 species) threatened with extinction there is an urgent need for botanical gardens to protect threatened trees in dedicated conservation collections. Species conservation is mentioned in the mission statements of most major botanical gardens, yet the actual conservation value of existing ex situ tree collections is low. We conducted interviews with members of the botanical garden community and organized a symposium at the 5th Global Botanic Gardens Congress to identify challenges and collect recommendations to improve living ex situ tree collections. We summarize and evaluate this information to facilitate gardens becoming more effective agents for global tree conservation. Experts agree that gardens offer valuable strengths and assets for tree conservation. Some challenges exist, however, including a lack of strategic conservation focus, collection management limitations, gaps in fundamental biological information for trees, and a lack of global coordination. Solutions are offered to facilitate gardens and arboreta of all sizes to participate more effectively in tree conservation. Prioritizing genetically diverse tree collections, participating in conservation networks, developing tree-specific conservation models and guidelines, and strengthening tree science research efforts are a few examples. Most importantly, a more coordinated global effort is needed to fill knowledge gaps, share information, and build conservation capacity in biodiversity hotspots to prevent the loss of tree species. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A two-year study was carried out on the ericaceous plant collection of the Botanic Garden of the Jagiellonian University in Cracow and the Rogów Arboretum of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences on the following plants: wild rosemary Ledum palustre L., leatherleaf Chamaedaphne calyculata (L.) Moench and American cranberry Oxycoccus macrocarpus (Ait.) Pursh. Diverse micromycetes species composition was specified on the leaves of tested ericaceous plants. The perpetrators of dying leaves were recognized, among which the dominant role was played by the necrotroph Pestalotiopsis sydowiana. Quantitative and qualitative comparative analyses of micromycetes in both locations were carried out, showing a comparable degree of plant colonization by these fungi in the botanic garden and arboretum. The study may be helpful in explaining the causes of dieback of protected and endangered plants in Polish flora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El artículo presenta información acerca de algunas de las especies invasoras en el Jardín Botánico de la Universidad Central "Marta Abreu" de las Villas en Cuba. Los autores comentan sobre la propagación de plantas, el proceso de reforestación en la región y la promoción de educación ambiental en Cuba.

The paper explores the use of ancient and historic material cultures and architectures within the recent resurgence in public commemoration in the UK. Using the case study of the National Memorial Arboretum (Staffordshire), the study focuses on how ancient designs (including prehistoric, classical and medieval styles and forms) interleave with the arboreal, geological and celestial themes of the memorial gardens. Together these designs serve to create a multitude of temporal poises by which auras of commemorative perpetuity and regeneration are projected and sustained. The paper proposes that archaeologists can bring their expertise to bear on the investigation of the complex, varied allusions to the past within contemporary landscapes of memory. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The Buda Arboretum was initiated in the winter of 1893/94. Now it covers 7.5 hectares and is surrounded by the constantly growing city of Budapest. At present, the Arboretum is under very strong urban effect. Within the framework of a EU-project "Preservation and Restoration of Living Plant Collections and Historical Gardens" the Buda Arboretum was profoundly reconstructed and developed between 2010-2012. There were reconstructed selected objects serving to special purposes, e.g.: 1. Special biotypes (garden pond and the surrounding wetland, rock-gardens, pergolas for the climbing plants; a retaining wall giving shelter for the Mediterranean collections; greenhouse as a biotope for tropical and subtropical plants), 2. The historic geometrical garden part (called Parade Square), 3. Ecological solutions for water supply, 4. Suppression of invasive species and development of Laurocerasus, Malus, Potentilla, Prunus, Syringa collections, wetland-perennials, collection of Hungarian bred woody ornamentals introduction and trial of new Mediterranean species, etc. After reconstruction, the plant material includes over 1,900 woody species and cultivars, more than 240 kinds of bulb-flowers, 500 different perennials, 250 annuals and round about 300 tropical and subtropical (greenhouse) taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research aimed at verification of fungi species colonizing phyllosphere of pontic azalea Azalea pontica L. and at comparison of the fungi species composition:-in the natural stand in the Kołacznia nature reserve,-in arboretum collections at Bolestraszyce and Rogów. 600 fragments of healthy, infected and fallen leaves of pontic azalea were collected for mycological analyses. The species forming the largest number of colonies identified from the healthy leaves were: A. alternata, Ph. cyclaminis, E. nigrum, Ph. medicaginis and B. cinerea, from infected leaves: A. alternata, E. nigrum, Ph. cyclaminis, S. fimicola, T. viride and A. phaeospermum, whereas: E. nigrum, A. alternata, S. fimicola, Ph. cyclaminis and B. cinerea were isolated from the fallen leaves, which indicates that a majority of fungi persistently colonize the leaves during vegetation period and damage them, which leads to defoliation. Colonization of pontic azalea phyllosphere in arboreta by more numerous fungi colonies and species than under conditions of natural sites evidences their increased pressure in the arboreta environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information is provided about the performance of tropical trees and shrubs that can be used in agricultural areas for different productive aims. The technique of multivariate analysis (clusters) was applied for data processing. The arboretum 1 was sown with 50 species in the Experimental Center of Pastures and Forages, and the arboretum 2 with 36 species in the cattle unit "Genético 4", both facilities are located at the Institute of Animal Science. Out of all the species of the arboretum 1, Adenanthera pavonina, Enterolobium contortisiliqum, Sophora tomentosa, Siderocarpus flexicaulis, Bauhinia purpurea, Pongamia pinnata and Lonchocarpus punctatus were noteworthy due to their higher survival (100 %), growth, and lower acceptance. In the arboretum 2, Caesalpinea paucijuga, Peltophorum affricanum, Enterolobium contortisiliquum, Casia moschata, Albizia lebbekoides, Colvillea racemosa and Moringa oleífera reached greater height, and agreed with those of higher survival. The most consumed genera in the two arboretums were Erythrina, Bauhinia and Albizia. The species of greatest intake in the two arboretums was Albizia caribeae, and those of lowest, Enterolobium contortisiliquum and Siderocarpus flexicaulis. Further studies are recommended about those of best performance, mainly in the arboretum 1, which could have insecticide action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The small dendrological garden in Glinna (about 6 ha) near Szczecin (northwest Poland) is one of the 16 scientific places in Poland, which is well-known for growing a lot of unique trees. The local mild microclimate in combination with the Atlantic climate of West Pomerania produce favourable conditions for growing many varieties of trees and shrubs which undergo freezing in central and eastern Poland. The garden's collection amounts up to 632 taxons of trees and shrubs, representatives of 199 genera. What is valuable in the collection of the arboretum is that the cultural varieties among the gymnosperimous plants make only 25%, whereas among the angiospermous plants - 10%. The mammoth tree remains the garden's symbol and its speciality consists in species of Chinese origin (180 taxons) and maples (68 taxons). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although millipedes are faunistically among the best studied groups of edaphon in Europe, there is still a lack of available information on the ecological requirements of particular species. Habitat preferences that determine the distribution of species are largely controlled by soil properties, habitat structure and microclimate. In forests, habitat features are predominantly driven by the properties of woody tree species. Millipedes, like other saprophages, are influenced by the characteristics of litter and soil. However, the effect of tree species on millipede communities has not been investigated in forest stands consisting of several autochthonous or allochthonous tree species. Our study examines the effect of soil properties related to several autochthonous and allochthonous tree species on millipede communities. The research was carried out at 9 stands in the Arboretum Mlyňany (western Slovakia). Each stand represents a monoculture of one of 9 tree species: 4 autochthonous species (Picea abies , Taxus baccata , Quercus cerris , and Carpinus betulus) and 5 allochthonous species (Picea orientalis , Pinus nigra , Pinus ponderosa , Thuja occidentalis , and Castanea sativa). The results of this research confirmed relationships between (1) the soil pH and the total activity-density of millipedes, (2) the soil pH and the structure of the millipede communities, (3) the soil conductivity and the structure of the millipede communities, and (4) the leaf litter pH and the equitability of the millipede communities. In terms of the total activity-density and species richness of the millipedes, forest stands with autochthonous tree species provided more favourable conditions for millipedes than forest stands with allochthonous tree species. Millipedes achieved high abundance and diversity in these stands and can therefore contribute to the faster decomposition of dead organic matter and nutrient recycling in forest ecosystems. • Soil and litter properties driven by dominant tree species shape millipede communities. • The total activity-density of the millipede communities is negatively related to the pH of the soil. • The equitability of the millipede communities is positively related to the pH of the leaf litter. • Soil pH and conductivity influence the structure of the millipede communities. • Higher litter quality in stands with autochthonous tree species supported higher total activity-density of the millipedes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the relationships between academic major, environmental concern, and the presence of a campus arboretum. Twenty-seven men and 43 women from a small liberal arts college, ages 18-36, completed a series of surveys including the Environmental Preference Questionnaire (EPQ), the Environmental Concern Scale (EC), and the New Ecological Paradigm scale (NEP). As hypothesized, environmental studies majors scored significantly higher on all measures of proenvironmental concern and preferences than did economics majors or students of other academic disciplines. Environmental studies majors were significantly more likely to value and to use the arboretum than were the other groups. Results are discussed in terms of the relationships between education, environmental concern, and behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]