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Literature shows that tourists can make significant financial contributions towards efforts of erosion prevention, but very few studies are done in the context of developing countries, especially to protect World Heritage sites. This paper provides the first estimates of willingness to pay (WTP) for differing coastal erosion measures by domestic and foreign tourists visiting Hoi An, an UNESCO World Heritage site located in Vietnam. Using a discrete choice experiment, our study presents several new and important findings. Tourists support visible protection structures and trees on beaches even though these hard measures can affect the natural aesthetics. There exists preference heterogeneity among tourists. Most importantly, our analysis shows that WTP of each tourist is USD $13.45, nearly seven times greater than WTP by local residents estimated in previous literature for a similar erosion protection program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beehives have previously been used to protect large trees from elephant impact in sub-arid savannas, thus improving the persistence of large trees as habitats for other species. This brief report aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the presence and absence of beehives as a management tool for reducing elephant-induced tree mortality. The study was conducted in three phases: Phase 1 (2015–2020) involved actively maintaining beehives on marula trees (Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra), Phase 2 (2020–2022) the systematic reduction in the number of active beehives, and Phase 3 (2022–2024) the removal of all beehives. The persistence rates of the trees with beehives were compared to those without beehives. We found that beehives significantly improved the persistence of the trees in the presence of elephants. During Phase 1, only 10% of the trees with beehives died compared to 34% of the trees with no beehives. In Phase 2, with a reduced number of active beehives, the mortality rates increased slightly for both trees with beehives and those without. However, in Phase 3, after the removal of all the beehives, the mortality rates significantly increased for all the trees monitored as part of the study. We also found that the mortality rate of the original trees with no beehives increased when beehives were removed from the study site, whilst the mortality rate of the original beehive trees without beehives in Phase 3 (8.7%) surpassed that of the 8.1% prior to the hanging of beehives. These findings highlight the effectiveness of beehives as a tree protection method against elephant impact and how beehives can improve the persistence of tree populations co-occurring with elephants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic utilization of woody vegetation by African savanna elephants may transform woodland vegetation to open savanna and threaten the extirpation of targeted species. This situation has arisen in Gonarezhou National Park (GNP), Zimbabwe, where a large elephant population (>2 km−2) threatens the persistence of the long‐lived baobab (Adansonia digitata) tree, through elevated mortality levels. This study investigated whether complete or partial refugia from elephant utilization existed for baobabs, and whether protection of trees by management, using wire netting or log‐ or rock‐packs around a tree base, had been effective. A total of 563 baobabs were sampled across northern GNP. Elephants had debarked 99% of trees to some degree, and gouged holes in the stem of 22% of trees. The probability, and severity, of debarking and gouging decreased with increasing distance to permanent water, increasing slope, and the amount of boulder cover. Slope gradient had the greatest effect on elephant impact, with trees located on steep slopes being less affected by elephants than those on flat ground. Distance to water had an effect despite the farthest tree, at 9 km from water, being within the 15 km foraging range of bull elephants. Large boulders partly protected trees even on gentle terrain. None of these factors provided a complete refuge from elephant impact within GNP, but, individually and collectively, provided a partial refuge at current elephant densities. Protection measures doubled tree survival over approximately 5 years, with fencing wire wrapped around baobab stems proving to be the most effective method. Assessment of the future security of baobabs in GNP requires knowledge of their distribution and that of the refugia provided by distance from permanent water, slope, and boulder cover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The non-native invasive box-tree moth Cydalima perspectalis causes severe damage to ornamental box trees (Buxus spp.) and natural boxwood stands. So far, no promising natural enemy of C. perspectalis has been discovered in Europe. Many garden owners would like to protect their box trees from C. perspectalis without the use of insecticides, which also harm other arthropod species. In a controlled experiment under natural conditions, we tested whether box trees covered with a net during the flight period of C. perspectalis are as well protected against the moth as trees treated with a bioinsecticide. After 1 year, the box trees covered with a net during the moths' flight activity (monitored by light traps) showed no damage by larvae (average loss of leaves 0%), as did box trees regularly treated with a bioinsecticide (control group 1). In contrast, box trees with no protection (untreated box trees; control group 2) lost 97.7% of their leaves due to larval feeding. In a second experiment, we investigated whether defoliated box trees can recover when covered with a net during the flight period of the moth. Protected by the net, the emerging new leaves were not attacked by C. perspectalis. After 1.5 years, the trees had 24% of their original foliage again. Our study demonstrates that temporarily covering box trees with a net protects them against damage by C. perspectalis in an effective way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trees growing in urban environments are often impacted by maintenance or construction work involving the cutting of roots. Tree protection zones have been proposed to avoid critical damage to the tree. However, despite incorporating quantitative information, they heavily rely on expert judgement that remains to be validated. In a study conducted across six parks in Quebec City, Canada, two commonly found tree species, Acer platanoides L. and Tilia cordata Mill., presumed to be different in terms of vulnerability to root damage, were subjected to a range of trenching treatments. The trees were between 23 and 40 cm diameter at breast height (DBH). A safety factor was calculated relating the turning moment the tree can withstand to the turning moment imposed by high winds likely to occur. The safety factor against uprooting was assessed for each tree before and after root trenching using a non-destructive pulling approach. The effects of tree species, distance to the trench, and their combined interaction were tested on tree stability. The relationship between tree stability and soil texture, tree characteristics, and the number of damaged roots were also tested. Safety factors were initially variable, ranging from 0.5 to 4.5. T. cordata safety factors were lower than those of A. platanoides and influenced by soil texture. Trenching treatments had no effect on the safety factor, even when two perpendicular trenches were dug at 1 m from the stem. No index of the amount of root damaged was significantly related to the safety factor. Root trenching treatments that encroached closer to the tree trunk than the recommended tree protection zones did not affect the stability of both species. Nevertheless, it is essential to recognize that other ecophysiological processes might still be influenced, and long-term monitoring is crucial. Both should be taken into account when determining these zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During an interdisciplinary study of the mire "Torfowisko pod Małym Śnieżnikiem", a very old specimen of the Norway spruce (Picea abies L.) was encountered. The aim of the present work was to perform a detailed examination of this tree, to compare it to other spruce trees on the mire, and to provide support for establishing protection for this tree stand. Tree ring cores were sampled at 1.3 m above ground using a Pressler borer, in two field campaigns: June and July 2023, the latter campaign aiming to find the oldest trees. A total of 46 trees were sampled, yielding 84 measured radii. Tree ring widths were measured down to 0.01 mm under a stereomicroscope. The oldest sampled tree yielded a total of 370 tree rings in the two radii, representing the period 1653–2022. The average tree ring width for this oldest tree equals 0.33 mm/year, and shows low values (on average 0.19 mm/year) for the period 1742–1943, i.e., during the Little Ice Age cooling. Changes in the tree ring width coincide with periods of cooling and warming in the nearby Tatra Mountains. The oldest tree does not stand out from other trees from the population with respect to height or trunk diameter. A comparison of the age of this tree to the oldest spruce trees in Poland indicates that it is one of the longest living specimens of this species. Considering the natural character of the stand, the remaining flora, and the peat-forming processes taking place within the mire "Pod Małym Śnieżnikiem", we argue that the mire should become protected by the law as soon as possible in order to preserve this valuable high mountain habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to guide orchard management robots to realize some tasks in orchard production such as autonomic navigation and precision spraying, this research proposed a deep-learning network called dynamic fusion segmentation network (DFSNet). The network contains a local feature aggregation (LFA) layer and a dynamic fusion segmentation architecture. The LFA layer uses the positional encoders for initial transforming embedding, and progressively aggregates local patterns via the multi-stage hierarchy. The fusion segmentation module (Fus-Seg) can format point tags by learning a multi-embedding space, and the generated tags can further mine the point cloud features. At the experimental stage, significant segmentation results of the DFSNet were demonstrated on the dataset of orchard fields, achieving an accuracy rate of 89.43% and an mIoU rate of 74.05%. DFSNet outperforms other semantic segmentation networks, such as PointNet, PointNet++, D-PointNet++, DGCNN, and Point-NN, with improved accuracies over them by 11.73%, 3.76%, 2.36%, and 2.74%, respectively, and improved mIoUs over the these networks by 28.19%, 9.89%, 6.33%, 9.89, and 24.69%, respectively, on the all-scale dataset (simple-scale dataset + complex-scale dataset). The proposed DFSNet can capture more information from orchard scene point clouds and provide more accurate point cloud segmentation results, which are beneficial to the management of orchards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acer truncatum is a unique multipurpose woody oil species in China. It is crucial to study the geographical distribution patterns of fruit utilization of A. truncatum under climate change scenarios to ensure the rational site selection and germplasm resource protection of this tree. In this study, the Maxent model and Geographic Information System (GIS) spatial analysis technology were used to construct a suitable area model for the plant under current climate conditions by selecting 138 sample points and 15 ecological factors, and to predict the potentially suitable areas under four climate scenarios in 2050 and 2070. The results showed that under current conditions, the main suitable areas were concentrated in China, such as Inner Mongolia, Shaanxi and Hebei, with an area of 1.64 × 106 km2. Under future conditions, the suitable area in 2050 and 2070 showed an expanding trend compared with that in the current period, and the expansion ratios were as high as 36.52% and 45.80% under the RCP2.6-2050 and RCP8.5-2070 scenarios, respectively. The expansion area is concentrated in the middle latitudes of China (38° N~52° N), basically covering the middle and northeast of Inner Mongolia and the middle and north of Heilongjiang, while the loss area is mainly located in northern Sichuan, northern Hubei and eastern Henan. The center of the suitable area is expected to migrate to the northeast in 2050 and 2070, with a maximum migration distance of 355.46 km. Under future conditions, the suitable area shrinks in low-latitude regions and expands in high-latitude regions, and the expanded area becomes larger than the contracted area. This conclusion provides important guidelines for the directional cultivation of A. truncatum for utilization of its fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is a study of risk assessment posed by trees in selected urban woodlands (urban forests) of Warsaw. Two groups of trees were analysed and compared: exhibiting signs of maturity and ageing (hollow-bearing trees with open or hidden cavities and/or caries) and with no signs of decay. 373 individual trees growing near routes frequently or continuously used for recreational purposes were examined using Roloff's vitality classification, and tree risk assessment method, complemented by instrumental studies: a resistance resistograph, pulling tests, and sonic tomography (SoT). The collected data was analysed using the Chi-square test. The results indicate that it is not possible to conclude unequivocally that the presence of hollows in aged trees significantly increases the risk of falling. According to the safety factor results from the SoT and pulling tests, no correlation was demonstrated between the presence of hollow trees and an increase in risk class. The highest proportion of hollow trees (89.42%) was in the low risk group for trunk fracture and uprooting. The results also indicate the coherence of the diagnostic methods to be necessary for providing sufficient information to assess the statics and, ultimately, as our study showed, the protection of hollow trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Daena: International Journal of Good Conscience is the property of Spenta University Mexico and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study aims to categorise the tree protection legislative provisions (TPLPs) being implemented by local planning authorities (LPAs) worldwide to protect their urban trees. Through inductive thematic analysis of content in numerous LPA websites and the legislation documents downloaded from the websites, this study identified five categories of TPLPs: 1) Tree Felling Prohibition, 2) Significant Tree Register Establishment, 3) Tree Conservation Area Designation, 4) Tree Preservation Order (TPO), and 5) Tree Protection Planning Conditions. The first TPLPs category is for LPAs to prohibit tree felling or other tree damaging activities without their consent. The second category is to allow LPAs establishing registers of trees that are considered significant for protection. The third gives power to LPAs to designate their conservation areas and protect the trees inside the areas. Next, the TPO is the orders made by LPAs to protect specific trees, groups of trees or woodlands in the interests of amenity. The final TPLPs category is about conditions imposed by LPAs on a grant of planning permission that requires the developers to retain and protect any tree. The comprehensive information gathered has also enabled and protected urban trees to be broadly categorised into two: 1) Regulated Trees, and 2) Registered Trees. Moreover, several concepts of urban tree protection were developed and described to elucidate the categorisation. The concepts are: "Prohibitive vs Directive" commands pertaining to approaches taken by LPAs to protect trees; "Specific vs Blanket" methods to declare the protected trees; and "To be Protected vs To be Preserved" status to explain implications of being in each of the protected urban tree categories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In IP networks, packet forwarding is destination-based and hop-by-hop, and routes are built as needed. Kwong et al. introduced a protection routing in which packet delivery to the destination node can proceed uninterrupted in the event of any single node or link failure. He then showed that "whether there is a protection routing to the destination" is NP-complete. Tapolcai found that two completely independent spanning trees, abbreviated as CISTs, can be used to configure the protection routing. In this paper, we proposed dual protection routing trees, denoted as dual-PRTs to replace CISTs, which are less restrictive than CISTs. Next, we proposed a transformation algorithm that uses dual-PRTs to configure the protection routing. Taking complete graphs Kn, complete bipartite graphs Km,n, hypercubes Qn, and locally twisted cubes LTQn as examples, we provided a recursive method to construct dual-PRTs on them. This article showed that there are no two CISTs on K3,3, Q3, and LTQ3, but there exist dual-PRTs that can be used to configure the protection routing. As shown in the performance evaluation of simulation results, for both Qn and LTQn, we get the average path length of protection routing configured by dual-PRTs is shorter than that by two CISTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Any stretch of coastline requires protection when the rate of erosion exceeds a certain threshold and seasonal coastal drift fluctuations fail to restore balance. Coast erosion can be caused by natural, synthetic, or a combination of the two. Severe storm occurrences, onshore interventions liable for sedimentation, wave action on the coastlines, and rising sea levels caused by climate change are instances of natural factors. The protective methods used to counteract or prevent coastal flooding are categorized as hard and soft engineering techniques. This review paper is based on extensive reviews and analyses of scientific publications. In order to establish a foundation for the selection of appropriate adaptation measures for coastal protection, this research compiles literature on a combination of both natural and artificial models using mangrove trees and polymer-based models' configurations and their efficiency in coastal flooding. Mangrove roots occur naturally and cannot be manipulated unlike artificial model configuration which can be structurally configured with different hydrodynamic properties. Artificial models may lack the real structural features and hydrodynamic resistance of the mangrove root it depicts, and this can reduce its real-life application and accuracy. Further research is required on the integration of hybrid configuration to fully optimize the functionality of mangrove trees for coastal protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban afforestation is an important strategy for promoting sustainable urban development. In cities where large new green spaces are not available, the planting of curbside trees is deemed to be an important afforestation strategy. However, variations in the ecosystem services provided by street tree assemblages across socioeconomic gradients have been unexplored. We examined such variations in ecosystem services provided by street tree assemblages along an urban–suburban continuum. Our findings were as follows. (i) Not all ecosystem services showed increasing trends along the urban–suburban continuum. Some ecosystem services at the street tree assemblage level, such as air purification and rainfall interception were prominent in areas of high urbanization intensity. (ii) Diverse ecosystem service trends were found in relation to differential characteristics of street trees assemblages. Structural properties of street tree assemblages, such as tree density and age structure, are likely key factors influencing variations. (iii) Although street tree density could partially compensate for the loss of large old trees, the protection of such trees is important because of their close associations with key ecosystem services, such as total carbon storage. To maximize the value of street trees in promoting urban sustainable development, trade-offs among multiple ecosystem services should be integrated within the overall planning process and adjustments of planting regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protection of Norway spruce stands using anti-attractants was tested during an outbreak of bark beetles (Ips typographus) in their spring flight. The aims of this study were as follows: (1) to test the proposed experimental design for tree protection; (2) to evaluate height-specific alternatives for dispenser installation on trees; and (3) to evaluate the efficiency of tree protection measures using anti-attractants under bark beetle infestation and drought stress. The experiment was conducted at the forest edges adjacent to recent clearcuts on 10 blocks in the eastern Czech Republic. Each block had three adjacent experimental areas, with 20 trees growing in two rows at the recently cut forest edge (10 trees per row). In front of a block in each of the three areas, four pheromone traps were installed. The treatment area was protected by anti-attractants. The second area served as a so-called switch area, where beetles from the treatment area, as the outflux redirected from the anti-attractant, would start new attacks if not caught in nearby pheromone traps. The third area was a control. We attached anti-attractant tube dispensers on each tree trunk of the treated area at two heights. The results suggest a redirecting effect of anti-attractants, pushing beetles into the switch area and causing subsequent attacks, which was greater than in areas containing treated trees. There was no difference between two dispensers placed at 1 and 8 m height and both at 1 m. A switching effect of beetle attacks occurring outside of the treated areas was observed. Mounting anti-attractant dispensers on tree trunks at one low position above the ground can be substantially less labour-intensive and as efficient as positioning them at two different heights. For areas affected by severe drought and extremely dense bark beetle populations, the use of anti-attractants did not prove effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Central and North Gondar Zone, climate change is causing a challenge for smallholder farmers to improve their living standards. Rural communities face different climate change variables which negatively affect their livelihoods. Hence, this paper investigates rural households' perception of climate change, its determinants and their indigenous mitigation strategies in response to the perceived impacts of climate change. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and a review of different documents. To carry out the study, a multistage sampling procedure was employed. From each zone, study districts were selected purposively based on their economic activity and agroecological representativeness of the zone. A systematic sampling technique was employed to select 130 rural households. Primary data collected were analyzed by simple descriptive statistics and a logit regression model. The study results revealed that rural households did not similarly perceive climate change due to socioeconomic factors. Socioeconomic factors that significantly (at p≤0.05) determined rural households' perceptions of climate change were age, sex, educational status and access to extension services (at p≤0.01). The finding indicates that smallholder farmers used different indigenous mitigation strategies such as reforestation, minimizing deforestation, planting trees on their farmland and protection and tillage management practices for resolving climate change. According to the study, female-headed households participated less in agricultural training and had less access to information and restricted mobility outside the community to share information that help them to perceive climate change. Hence, equity issues should be considered for female-headed households and concerned bodies such as environmental protection experts and agricultural extension service providers should emphasize the upgrade of the farmer's capacity to mitigate climate change through indigenous knowledge for enhancing their living standard. In addition, development agents' facilitation of indigenous knowledge sharing among farmers should be emphasized to mitigate climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research is the ecological evaluation of the trees of a riparian peri-urban park, with measurement, inventory and processing of qualitative and quantitative variables of trees (Dendometry) in the riparian forest of the river Karpenissiotis in Central Greece. Each tree is recorded in relation to its species (structural elements) including the diameter at breast height (DBH), the height (H), the ruggedness coefficient (H/D), the height of the crown (Hk), the length of the crown (Lk), the diameter of the crown (Dk), the order of the crown, the order of vitality, the tendency of evolution, the position of the trunk, the shape of the crown, the problems in the space of the roots, the crown, pruning, insect infestations, fungi, and runoff. From the statistical analysis and processing of the measurements, assessment was made of the condition of their health and stability; and necessary measures are proposed in order to significantly improve the ecological conditions of a riparian forest. Thus, the main problems presented by the forest species of trees concerned mainly the sloping, crooked and serpentine trunks, asymmetrical crown shape, insect and fungal infestations. The riparian peri-urban plane forest studied is dominated by trees, which are classified as remaining, normally growing with long asymmetrical crowns with a moderate health status and moderate stability. For the sustainable management and sustainable development of the riparian forest, measures are proposed which are necessary for the forest protection of the trees including their health and safe growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Policies and strategies for tree management and protection on a national, regional, and local level have not sufficiently considered differences between rural and urban areas. We used expert knowledge to compare rural and urban areas in a case study evaluating the relative importance of ecosystem services (ES) in policy development. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and focus group discussions were used to rank 17 ES, representing four classes of services: provisioning, regulating, habitat, and cultural. The results indicated that effective protection strategies, beyond simply increasing general tree cover, should consider specific benefits trees provide to local communities. We discuss the role of objective prioritization of ES delivered by trees in urban and rural areas and their consequences for decision-making processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective of the study: to review the history of the strategy to protect trees in the city of São Carlos/SP and analyze the main reasons. Methodology: a qualitative methodological approach, called documentary research, was adopted to conduct this study, covering the years between 1948 and 2020. Originality/Relevance: although the protection of trees through the official declaration or listing is part of the legal framework, there is a lack of work focused on the qualitative analysis and reflection of the motivations for the special protection of these individual trees. Results: between 2001 and 2007, 134 trees were declared protected from felling by 6 municipal decrees. The main reasons for protection were: "site/location", "ecological" and "beauty". Of note is Decree No. 133 of 2001, which protects the tree species Araucaria angustifolia from felling. All trees were declared protected from felling when the same political grouping was at the head of the local government, showing that this strategy is a government policy rather than a state policy. Social/Management Contributions: This work contributes to the development of knowledge on the legal protection of tree species and the politicization of the urban forest issue, which has historically been shaped by the technical approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Catalana de Dret Ambiental is the property of Universitat Rovira I Virgili and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) plantations in central Europe are currently damaged by a large-scale infestation by bark beetles (Scolytinae). Ips acuminatus and Ips sexdentatus are among the most aggressive species causing infestations of pine trees that are currently simultaneously attacked by Ips typographus. In pine plantations prone to damage, it is therefore necessary to carry out the bark beetle monitoring. One of the used methods is the pheromone bark beetle trapping using synthetic lures. The efficacy of synthetic lures differs. We tested the efficacy of commercially available lures used in the protection of pine trees. In total, we deployed 10 trap series, each consisting of traps with eight different lures and two unbaited traps (controls). Ips acuminatus and I. sexdentatus were most abundantly captured in Pheagr-IAC- and Sexowit-baited traps. Interestingly, the spruce species I. typographus was also captured and most often found in traps with Pheagr-IAC and Erosowit Tube lures. The number of captured beetles was consistent with the gradation phase of bark beetles. Our results suggest the suitability of pheromone traps for bark beetle monitoring. The use of Sexowit can be recommended especially in southwestern Moravia, where I. sexdentatus occurs in high numbers in the long run. In other parts of the Czech Republic, Pheagr-IAC alone can be used with sufficient efficacy. The use of the Erosowit Tube lure is also suitable for I. typographus and I. sexdentatus monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs) play a significant role in contemporary governance. They act as bottom-up advocates while discussing sustainability and environmental issues. They try to engage different stakeholders and society members for common actions. Communication is cited as a very appropriate process for the cooperation and coordination of joint actions. Digital technologies provide new communication possibilities as an e-communication mode that covers various networks. E-communication is very complex and requires strict management that is usually unaware of for small ENGOs. This study aims to propose a theoretical model of e-communication for enhancing ENGOs communication effectiveness on sustainability issues. A literature analysis was used with a content approach helping to collect components and criteria for the framework. The approach of logical classification and distribution was applied to construct the framework. The framework appeals to the idea of diversification of communication for different audiences and is based on the e-communication objectives and measurement of messages as the results. The framework can be adapted to the particular sustainability problem such as air pollution, protection of trees, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) in inducing host specific gene knockdown and mortality has been demonstrated in a multitude of insects and dsRNAs are being integrated for pest suppression in a variety of agricultural and horticultural crops. However, less attention has been applied to their use in forest settings, despite the demonstrated susceptibility of multiple forest pests to RNAi. Prior to implementation for forest pest suppression, characterization of the specificity, efficacy, and behavior of dsRNAs in the environment is essential. Therefore, we investigated the translocation and retention of exogenously applied dsRNA in an economically and ecologically significant hardwood tree when applied hydroponically. White oak (Quercus alba , L.) seedlings were exposed to dsRNAs as a root soak, and at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days post-exposure were destructively sampled, divided into stem and leaf tissue, and the RNA extracted. Gel electrophoresis was used to visualize the presence of exogenous dsRNA in treated seedling material and Sanger sequencing was used to further verify recovery of treatment dsRNAs. Both techniques confirmed the presence of the exogenously applied dsRNAs in each tissue type at each sample interval, demonstrating successful uptake and translocation of dsRNAs through white oak tissues. Our findings support root uptake as a viable delivery method for dsRNAs in hardwood seedlings, which could provide single tree protection from selected tree feeding pests or pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cumberland Homesteads Historic District, located on the Cumberland Plateau in East Tennessee, is home to one of the first and largest Homesteads projects attempted during the New Deal era. Although the settlement did not succeed in its original objective, the history of the Cumberland Homesteads has become a valued foundation of the local community, which in turn strives to protect the legacy of the Cumberland Homesteads Tower. To preserve the integrity of the structure as well as the historical integrity of the landscape, the Cumberland Homesteads Tower Association sought to date and potentially remove trees that were not present during the period of significance (prior to 1938). The majority of the trees in close proximity to the Tower were identified as Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carrière) and 15 trees total were sampled. Additionally, three post oak (Quercus stellataWangenh.) trees located in a historic 'triangle' across the highway from the Tower and targeted for removal were sampled. Samples were successfully dated, and ca. half of the hemlock were confirmed to have been planted after the construction of the Homesteads Tower. Additionally, post oaks analyzed near the Tower were dated back to the early 1800s, which motivated their protection in the midst of a road project threatening their survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) in inducing host specific gene knockdown and mortality has been demonstrated in a multitude of insects and dsRNAs are being integrated for pest suppression in a variety of agricultural and horticultural crops. However, less attention has been applied to their use in forest settings, despite the demonstrated susceptibility of multiple forest pests to RNAi. Prior to implementation for forest pest suppression, characterization of the specificity, efficacy, and behavior of dsRNAs in the environment is essential. Therefore, we investigated the translocation and retention of exogenously applied dsRNA in an economically and ecologically significant hardwood tree when applied hydroponically. White oak (Quercus alba, L.) seedlings were exposed to dsRNAs as a root soak, and at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days post-exposure were destructively sampled, divided into stem and leaf tissue, and the RNA extracted. Gel electrophoresis was used to visualize the presence of exogenous dsRNA in treated seedling material and Sanger sequencing was used to further verify recovery of treatment dsRNAs. Both techniques confirmed the presence of the exogenously applied dsRNAs in each tissue type at each sample interval, demonstrating successful uptake and translocation of dsRNAs through white oak tissues. Our findings support root uptake as a viable delivery method for dsRNAs in hardwood seedlings, which could provide single tree protection from selected tree feeding pests or pathogens.

Some regions may be characterized by a very low annual lightning ground flash density, and yet lightning strikes seem to have been in those areas the cause of widespread wildfires in forested areas. Due to global climate change, these occurrences seem to be an increasing threat. In this article, the authors discuss the withstand capability of trees against lightning and introduce the criteria for the deployment of tree lightning protection systems to protect forested areas, where deemed necessary by the tree risk assessment. This work analytically identifies the critical trunk radius of the tree below which the tree may explode in the case of a lightning strike and ignite the surrounding vegetation. The critical heights of trees requiring lightning protection systems to prevent loss of human life and cultural heritage are also identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to take the appropriate tree protection measures, it is crucial to determine and track abnormalities that may occur in olive trees in time to time for many reasons. Abnormalities start in different sections of the trees, depending on the environmental effects of the olive tree, with a specific impact like fungal diseases, drought, etc. after a certain age especially in non-resistant species. Protection steps may be taken when abnormalities are apparent or predictable in certain olive trees, using some external indicators. However, when abnormalities formed within trees cannot be identified externally, there is a sudden breakdown and overthrow of valuable properties, such as monument trees. In the literature, various devices and methods are explained to classify these defects in different trees. By the way, in this research, a non-destructive inspection method (thermography) was clarified and used to assess anomalies in old olive trees without damage in the interior. According to the results of average thermal data, 60, 400, 600 years-old olive trees, 60-40, 70-30 and 80-20 learning-prediction data rates decision tree and random forest results according to normal and abnormal thermal difference, the thermal range was found as 35.95 ° at 60 years-old tree, also it was found as 36.25 ° at 400 years-old tree and it was found as 38.25 ° at 600 years-old tree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Tree structure reflects grazing and deadwood removal history of areas. • Deadwood and grass cover favor rodent species that need complex habitats. • Protection provided by trees was differentially perceived by rodent species. • Different land management scenarios allow for conservation of the whole rodent assemblage. Large old trees are keystone organisms that generate a highly connected network of interactions because they provide refuge and feeding sites to mammals with different habitat requirements through their under canopy structure and deadwood. In dry woodlands, these keystone trees are found within agricultural landscapes, where grazing and deadwood removal are the main subsistence activities carried out by local people. These activities can modify the structure of trees and, in turn, affect small mammal communities. Our objective was to assess how different land management types modify the structure of P. flexuosa trees, and to determine the effects of modified tree structure on the abundance and composition of small mammal communities. The study was conducted in P. flexuosa forests within a protected area and in grazing fields. We found that the trees and the vegetation structure beneath their canopies reflect the management history of areas. Trees in the protected area and in an abandoned field were structurally more similar to one another than were those in grazing fields with deadwood removal and, in turn, presented greater total abundances of small mammals. Under tree canopy, the amount of deadwood and grass cover favor the presence of species that need closed and more complex habitats. Also, protection provided by the trees was differentially perceived by species, according to their ecological requirements. We can conclude that different land management scenarios allow for the conservation of the whole rodent assemblage and that, the trees determine the presence of species, particularly of those needing more complex habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In UK forestry, the synthetic pyrethroid insecticides alpha-cypermethrin and cypermethrin have been used for many years to provide protection for young trees planted on restock sites from damage by the large pine weevil, Hylobius abietis L. However, concerns over the toxicity of these insecticides to aquatic life if misused have led to a search for alternative forms of protection. This paper describes a detailed programme of efficacy experiments undertaken between 2009 and 2015 to find replacements for these products. Over 50 combinations of chemical and non-chemical approaches were tested on 16 different sites. Of the alternative synthetic insecticides tested, applications of 0.037 g a.i. stem−1 acetamiprid provided high levels of protection from Hylobius browsing damage on young Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carrière) trees, without causing any phytotoxic symptoms, and gave comparable levels of protection to those achievable using alpha-cypermethrin or cypermethrin. Acetamiprid is less toxic to aquatic life than alpha-cypermethrin or cypermethrin and has not been linked to bee decline. Applications of 0.0129 g a.i. stem−1 chlorantraniliprole also showed promise, and this relatively low toxicity non-neonicotinoid insecticide merits further study. Although imidacloprid and thiacloprid also provided good levels of protection, their use in forests is not now permitted due to concerns over their potential impacts on bees and drinking water, respectively. Whilst the natural product insecticide spinosad, and the entomopathogenic fungal control agent Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschn.) Sorokin , gave only limited protection in our work, they may have some future potential if methods of deployment can be improved. Other chemical and non-chemical approaches tested, but found to be largely ineffective in UK conditions, included the natural product insecticides azadirachtin, maltodextrin and pyrethrins, the synthetic insecticides lambda-cyhalothrin and spirotetramat and a wide range of repellents, flexible stem coatings and physical barrier products. However, we conclude that physical barrier sleeves such as MultiPro® and BioSleeve® may have a limited role as a partial substitute for the use of insecticides in the UK in some circumstances, but only if on-site populations of Hylobius are predicted to be low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerald ash borer (EAB, Agrilus planipennis) is an invasive phloem feeder from East Asia that has killed millions of ash trees in North America. Currently, effective options for individual tree protection are limited to systemic insecticides, in particular neonicotinoids, which have come under increased scrutiny for their nontarget effects. In this study, green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) trees were treated with two neonicotinoid insecticides, imidacloprid and dinotefuran, at full and half label rates based on trunk diameter to evaluate residues and efficacy. Analyzing the leaf, stem, and root tissues, there was no difference in insecticide residues between application rates within each tissue type. However, there were significantly higher residues of imidacloprid in root tissue compared to other plant tissues, and dinotefuran applied at the full label rate resulted in lower residues in stem phloem tissue. Additionally, insecticide-treated stems were artificially infested with EAB eggs to measure larval success (survival and growth). EAB larvae consumed less phloem in treated trees compared to untreated controls. These findings suggest that, in small-diameter ash, lower than label-recommended doses may be a viable component of an integrated management plan for EAB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of SDU Journal of Engineering Sciences & Design / Mühendislik Bilimleri ve Tasarım Dergisi is the property of Journal of Engineering Sciences & Design and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Microbial endophytes are well known to protect host plants against pathogens, thus representing a promising strategy for the control of xylem-colonizing pathogens. To date, the vast majority of microbial communities inhabiting the olive xylem are unknown; therefore, this work pursues the characterization of the xylem-limited microbiome and determines whether the culture isolation medium, olive genotype, and the plant material used to analyze it can have an effect on the bacterial populations retrieved. Macerated xylem tissue and xylem sap extracted with the Scholander chamber from olive branches obtained from two cultivated and a wild olive genotypes were analyzed using culture-dependent and -independent approaches. In the culture-dependent approach using four solid culture media, a total of 261 bacterial isolates were identified after performing Sanger sequencing of 16S rRNA. Culturable bacteria clustered into 34 genera, with some effect of culture media for bacterial isolation. The cultivated bacteria belonged to four phyla and the most abundant genera included Frigoribacterium (18.8%), Methylobacterium (16.4%), and Sphingomonas (14.6%). On the other hand, in the culture-independent approach conducted using Illumina MiSeq 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing [next-generation sequencing (NGS)] of the xylem extracts, we identified a total of 48 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonging to five phyla, being Sphingomonas (30.1%) , Hymenobacter (24.1%) and Methylobacterium (22.4%) the most representative genera (>76% of reads). In addition, the results indicated significant differences in the bacterial communities detected in the xylem sap depending on the genotype of the olive tree studied and, to a minor extent, on the type of sap extraction method used. Among the total genera identified using NGS, 14 (41.2%) were recovered in the culture collection, whereas 20 (58.8%) in the culture collection were not captured by the NGS approach. Some of the xylem-inhabiting bacteria isolated are known biocontrol agents of plant pathogens, whereas for others little information is known and are first reported for olive. Consequently, the potential role of these bacteria in conferring olive tree protection against xylem pathogens should be explored in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predators can indirectly structure local plant communities by altering the diversity and behaviour of herbivores. These 'trophic cascades' can be seriously disrupted by the local extinction of top predators. They can also be restored by the subsequent re-introduction of top predators by conservationists. Here, we investigated trophic cascades involving kākā, puriri moths and their host trees. New Zealand kākā (Nestor meridionalis, Nestoridae) are large parrots that were extirpated from most of its range in the 20th century. Unlike most other parrots, kākā forage primarily by digging through the vascular cambium of trees in search of wood-boring insects. They regularly consume puriri moths (Aenetus virescens, Hepialidae), a giant species of ghost moth whose larvae tunnel into the heartwood of trees for protection. Puriri moths are host specific and frequently attack makomako (Aristotelia serrata, Elaeocarpaceae), a sub-canopy tree species. We conducted a field experiment in Zealandia, a nature reserve to which kākā were reintroduced over a decade ago, to test the hypothesis that kākā would increase tree fitness by removing larval parasites (i.e. herbivores). Contrary to our expectations, results revealed an additive, negative effect of both the predator (kākā) and parasite (puriri moths) on plant fitness. Therefore, the tri-trophic interactions restored by the reintroduction of kākā into Zealandia appear to be unique, as the actions of the predator decreased fruit and flower production, rather than increasing plant fitness, as typically reported for trophic cascades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement: The scientists that study and work to improve forest health need information on where pests and diseases are spreading, as well as where healthy, resilient trees remain. TreeSnap is a citizen science project and mobile app created to meet this need by enabling citizens to easily submit global positioning system (GPS) locations, photos, and observational information about trees of interest to scientists. The app was designed and built to ensure that the data being collected directly helps scientists engaged in a number of forest health research activities, including studying the genetic diversity of tree species, breeding trees, and monitoring tree health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Loss of large trees due to indiscriminate timber cutting and opening of new areas for human use is a global problem. Brazil is well known for tree species richness within its extensive forested areas composed of various biomes. Giant trees are “key” to recognize the original forest structure. Decline of their populations in Brazil may be estimated by comparing data of the National Forest Inventory (NFI) with those of regional data and other surveys. In fact, Santa Catarina is the first state in Brazil to have currently completed its forest inventory. However, only few large trees were sampled systematically. Recognition of the maximum tree growth is important for their ecological management and tourism potential. Public policies for cataloging and management of these resources must be developed before it is too late.

Bark beetles are among the most influential biotic agents in conifer forests, and forest management often focuses on bark beetle chemical communication for tree protection. Although acoustic communication occurs in many bark beetle species, we have yet to utilize acoustic communication for bark beetle control. Here, we describe the stridulatory organs and ‘stress’ chirps of the pinyon engraver, Ips confusus, a significant pest and mortality agent of pinyon pine in western North America. Only females possessed stridulatory organs and their stress chirps varied significantly in duration, pulses per chirp, and dominant frequency. We tested an array of acoustic-vibrational treatments into logs but were unable to disrupt male entry into logs or alter female–male interactions, female tunneling, and female oviposition. We found acoustic–vibrational treatments had little effect on I. confusus behavior and suggest further studies if acoustic methods are to be utilized for bark beetle control.

Copyright of Technical Transactions / Czasopismo Techniczne is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Platycladus orientalis L. (Cupressaceae) has a lifespan of thousands of years. Ancient trees have very high scientific, economic and cultural values. The senescence of ancient trees is a new research area but is poorly understood. Leaves are the primary and the most sensitive organ of a tree. To understand leaf structural response to tree senescence in ancient trees, experiments investigating the morphology, anatomy and ultrastructure were conducted with one-year leaves of ancient P. orientalis (ancient tree >2,000 years) at three different tree senescent levels (healthy, sub-healthy and senescent) at the world's largest planted pure forest in the Mausoleum of Yellow Emperor, Shaanxi Province, China. Observations showed that leaf structure significantly changed with the senescence of trees. The chloroplast, mitochondria, vacuole and cell wall of mesophyll cells were the most significant markers of cellular ultrastructure during tree senescence. Leaf ultrastructure clearly reflected the senescence degree of ancient trees, confirming the visual evaluation from above-ground parts of trees. Understanding the relationships between leaf structure and tree senescence can support decision makers in planning the protection of ancient trees more promptly and effectively by adopting the timely rejuvenation techniques before the whole tree irreversibly recesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to biometrically characterize fruits and seeds of Astrocasia jacobinensis. We also aimed to evaluate the germination potential according to the fruit color and to determine the optimal temperature for germination tests. Fruits were harvested from 4 matrices trees in the Environmental Protection Area of "Lago de Pedra do Cavalo", Bahia, State, Brazil. The fruits were used to install two experimental areas. In the first one we evaluated the germinative behavior according to fruit color using four replicates. The second experiment was used to test the optimal germination temperature, with tests conducted under constant temperatures (15, 25, 30, 35 °C) and alternating temperatures (25-30 and 15-30 °C), using four replicates per treatment. Evaluations for both experiments were performed daily. The fruits presented a mean size of 7.5 mm in length and 9.6 mm in diameter. The seeds were circular with a mean diameter of 3.52 mm. Green fruits have seeds with better germination potential. For future germination tests within this species we recommend a temperature within the range 25 °C to 30 °C. O objetivo neste trabalho foi caracterizar biometricamente os frutos e as sementes de Astrocasia jacobinensis (Müll.Arg.), avaliar o potencial germinativo em função da cor do fruto e definir a temperatura ideal para testes de germinação. Os frutos foram colhidos de 4 árvores matrizes na Área de Proteção Ambiental do Lago de Pedra do Cavalo, BA, sendo usados para a instalação de dois experimentos. No primeiro foi avaliado o comportamento germinativo em função da cor dos frutos (verdes ou marrons) utilizando-se quatro repetições. No segundo testou-se a temperatura ótima de germinação, com testes conduzidos sob temperaturas constantes (15, 25, 30, 35 °C) e alternadas (25-30 e 15-30 °C), utilizando-se quatro repetições por tratamento. As avaliações para ambos os experimentos foram realizadas diariamente. Os frutos apresentavam dimensões médias de 7,5 mm de comprimento e 9,6 mm de diâmetro. As sementes eram circulares, com diâmetro médio de 3,52 mm. Os frutos verdes apresentaram sementes com melhor potencial germinativo. Testes de germinação de A. jacobinensis devem ser conduzidos sob temperatura entre 25 oC a 30 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From forests to ancestral letters and from open graves to the streets of Vienna, Frostig uses her sensibilities as a memory artist to engage audiences in a series of interactive, multi-media experiences that call out fresh ideas about memory and responsibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New residential development is most often a death sentence for the trees that stand in its way. This behavior might be altered if developers thought there was an economic value to being more selective. Unfortunately, the relationship between tree preservation and new development is not well studied. The purpose of this study was to characterize the economic value gained from the preservation of mature trees during the land development process. The study focused on six counties constituting the greater Cleveland, Ohio, U.S., real estate and land development market. A mixed quantitative and qualitative approach was used. GIS-based data and a series of hedonic models determined the value of tree canopy associated with new home sale prices from 2009 to 2011. Qualitative interviews of development and real estate professionals revealed a nuanced association of value and challenges to tree preservation during the residential land development process. Previous methods for estimating the economic value of trees were moved forward through aerial location of trees on parcels using Google Earth™ and the National Agricultural Imagery Program (NAIP) data and through the mixed-method approach. The study provided information to a state-level agency managing the state's incentive-based smart growth program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building new homes on wooded lots is common in the upper Midwest, United States. Existing trees are often left behind during construction to become part of the future landscape. A study conducted in 1980 found that homebuilders in Portage County, Wisconsin, U.S. generally had a poor understanding of how construction activities could impact the health of trees intended to be preserved. Researchers replicated that study 27 years later by surveying homebuilders in the same region to see how their tree preservation knowledge and use of construction activities have changed during that time. The results indicate few construction activities changed significantly, showing that little has changed overall to improve tree preservation. Even though builders significantly improved their knowledge of the negative effects that storage of fill soil on roots poses to tree preservation, they also significantly increased usage of that very same activity. Builders almost never consulted a tree preservation expert and thought doing so was the least important activity when making tree preservation decisions. Interest in a tree preservation training workshop was limited. Unless pressured by consumer demand or regulation, builders will probably not improve their tree preservation knowledge, change their construction activities, or include tree experts anywhere in the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has been a pioneer in tree protection legislation. Among other things, Massachusetts enacted the first state legislation requiring a municipal tree warden. As guardians of the municipal landscape, tree wardens decide whether and when to plant new public shade trees, or to permit those that already exist to be cut, trimmed, or removed. Today's tree wardens are continually called upon to strike a balance between preservation of public trees and protection of the public from hazardous tree conditions. This Article describes the important historical role the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has played in protecting public trees, the legal basis for tree warden authority, and attendant liability issues. This Article also addresses the need to amend the Public Shade Tree Act to address current issues in arboriculture and forestry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many cities are making substantial capital investments in urban tree planting. Residents play active and diverse roles in enhancing and protecting the urban forest, and are therefore critical to many municipal-level policy objectives. The way residents perceive and value the urban forest can have implications for achieving urban forestry goals through residents and volunteers. However, urban residents are not a monolithic block or homogenous category; instead, they have diverse opinions, needs, and constraints. Moreover, relatively little is known about how residents hear about available resources, such as free trees, and decide to 'opt-in' to tree planting initiatives, choosing to plant and maintain trees on or near their properties. The focus of this study was to address three questions about participation in a request-driven program that provides free street trees to residents of New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.: 1) Who requests trees through this program? 2) How did the requesters hear about this program? 3) Why did residents request free street trees? Survey respondents were primarily long-term residents of New Haven; mostly learned about the opportunity from their neighbors; and requested a street tree to replace a removed tree, because they value the aesthetics, and to a lesser extent the environmental benefits. Future research should systematically investigate differences between participants and non-participants in local tree planting initiatives, exploring possible trends across cities and programs. Such studies would identify opportunities and barriers to engaging private residents in efforts aimed at increasing canopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]