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The studies were carried out on the dumps of overburden rocks and tailings of poor ores of the chrysotile asbestos deposit. According to the scheme of forest site zoning, the studying area belongs to the pre-forest steppe district of pine and birch forests of the Zabaikal’ye plain province of the West Siberian plain forest site area. The survey sites were laid out on the terraces of the dump along the running lines. Undergrowth was counted at each survey site. It was classified by viability, size (small, medium, large), and life form (tree, bush, scrub). The provision with undergrowth of the indicated type of disturbed soils was defined and recommendations for measures aimed at accelerating the process of reforestation were given. Undergrowth on the dumps is represented by Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.), aspen (Populus tremula L.), and goat willow (Salix caprea L.). Scots pine and silver birch are the dominant species in the undergrowth composition. Large share of Scots pine of scrub and bush form is the specific feature of the developing young growth. These specimens were found among small- and medium-sized undergrowth. It is the undergrowth of these heights that becomes an annual attrition without passing into the large-sized category. The latter is the main reason for faster conversion of the dumps into forest-covered area, for increasing the share of clay particles in the upper 50 cm thick dump layer, or for coating the dump surface by non-traditional fertilizers, in particular sewage sludge. It was noted that silvicultural trend in the dump reclamation on the chrysotile asbestos deposit is the most preferable. Scots pine should be preferred as the primary species for reclamation planning. For citation: Zaripov Yu.V., Zalesov S.V., Zalesova E.S., Popov A.S., Platonov E.P., Starodubtseva N.I. Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) Undergrowth on the Dumps of the Chrysotile Asbestos Deposit. Lesnoy Zhurnal [Russian Forestry Journal], 2021, no. 5, pp. 22–33. DOI: 10.37482/0536-1036-2021-5-22-33

Common juniper (Juniperus communis L.) is one of the most widespread undergrowth species in the forests of Russia. It has not only important silvicultural significance but is also widely used in economic activities. Numerous works of Russian and foreign authors are devoted to its study. The article shows the results of geobotanical and forest inventory studies of a unique area of pine plantation in the Kirillovskiy district of the Vologda region. In the second understorey of which tree-form common juniper grows. The stand was classified as high-density (relative fullness – 0.85) and low quality (quality class – V–IV). The total stock of trunk wood on the site is 280 m3/ha, including the stock of juniper wood – 28 m3/ha. The average diameter of juniper trunks is 14 cm, the average height is 11 m and the age is 180 yrs. This is several times higher than its usual parameters in other forests. A significant number of specimens of juniper (50 pcs/ha) are in the stage of drying out or have already died and represent dead wood of different years. The number of small and medium-sized juniper undergrowth is 1.5 ths pcs/ha or 62.5 % of the growing. Undergrowth of European spruce, downy birch and black alder is also found. The existing undergrowth is assessed as promising, but Scots pine undergrowth is missing. The ground cover is dominated by green and sphagnum mosses as well as shrubs of the Ericaceae and Vacciniaceae families. The study of such objects, extremely rare not only in the north of the European part of Russia, but also everywhere, is of great practical importance. It is also important for understanding the biology of the only representative of the Cupressaceae family that naturally grows here. The tree-form juniper in the pine plantation has survived and reached a size not typical for this species due to the inaccessibility of the site, the lack of fires and forest felling. Such forest areas should be identified, protected, and subjected to stationary research. For citation: Evdokimov I.V., Dobrynin A.P., Armeeva N.A. Tree Form of Juniper (Juniperus communis L.) in the Forests of the Vologda Region. Lesnoy Zhurnal [Russian Forestry Journal], 2021, no. 5, pp. 201–209. DOI: 10.37482/0536-1036-2021-5-201-209

Purpose This paper studies the characteristics of the seedling regeneration, stand structures, undergrowth biomasses, litter amounts and soil water contents of planted forests of Pinus tabuliformis in the Liaoheyuan Nature Reserve after a fire disturbance in 2014 and analyzes the significant factors affecting seedling regeneration to offer a scientific basis for the ecological restoration of vegetation in burned areas. Methods Plots of forest stands that experienced different fire severities (high severity, moderate severity, low severity) and control sample plots were used to study the significance of differences in seedling regeneration, stand structure, undergrowth biomass, litter amount and soil water content characteristics among stands under the effects of different fire severities by using single element variance analysis. The major factors affecting seedling regeneration characteristics were also analyzed here by using correlation and principal component analyses. Results (1) There was no significant difference in the density and growth characteristics (base diameter, plant height and crown diameter) of regenerated seedlings of Pinus tabuliformis under the different fire severities (P ​> ​0.05), and the spatial distribution of regenerated seedlings fit the aggregated distribution pattern. (2) There was no significant difference in diameter at breast height (DBH), plant height or crown diameter of Pinus tabuliformis under different fire severities (P ​> ​0.05), but there were highly significant differences in scorch height, biomass of undergrowth woody plants, biomass of undergrowth herbs, undecomposed litter amount, semidecomposed litter amount and soil water content under different the fire severities (P ​ Conclusion In the 5th year after a fire disturbance, the seedling regeneration of Pinus tabuliformis in a burned area was influenced by factors such as the stand structure, undergrowth plants, litter and soil. Low- and moderate-severity fires promote the natural regeneration of stands and are conducive to the stable balance of ecosystems.

Climate change entails shifts in the ranges of woody plants along both latitudinal and altitudinal gradients in the boreal forest biome. In this study, dendrochronological and GIS technologies have been used to evaluate shifts in the upper distribution limits of trees and shrubs in the Eastern Sayan Mountains. The results show that upward expansion along the altitudinal gradient and increase in projective cover against the background of climate warming reach a maximum in shrubs (Betula spp., Salix spp.); then follow Siberian larch (Larix sibirica Ledeb.), Siberian stone pine (Pinus sibirica Du Tour), and Siberian fir (Abies sibirica Ledeb). The abundance of P. sibirica undergrowth in the mountain forest–tundra ecotone has increased, which is due to a rise in May–August air temperatures (r = 0.97). In zones with sufficient moisture supply (high mountains), warming stimulates radial growth of trees and shrubs and promotes their expansion to the mountain forest–tundra.

Abstract To assess the state of plants and their response to changes in soil properties, the elemental composition of leaves of widespread and pollution-tolerant species Betula pubescens Ehrh. and Salix caprea L. has been studied near the nonferrous metallurgy enterprises in the Kola Peninsula. The content of nutrients and heavy metals in the leaves of undergrowth on technogenic barrens and remediation sites differing in remediation technologies has been analyzed. According to the results of leaf diagnostics, both species under barren conditions are characterized by a noticeable deficiency of K, Ca, P, and, especially, Mn and Zn. The leaves of both species accumulate Ni, Cu, Co, As, Cr, Fe, Al, Pb, V, and S. Willow leaves contain more Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, Cu, Al, Fe, As, S, Ca, K and less Mn than birch leaves. Chemophytostabilization has little effect, and the covering of contaminated soils with a constructed fertile layer leads to the enrichment of birch and willow leaves with Ca, K, and P. Under conditions of continuing atmospheric emissions and gradual accumulation of bioavailable heavy metals in soils after the remediation, the accumulation of metals in leaves is largely determined by the distance from the pollution source, reflecting the possibility of both root and foliar uptake. The concentrations of Ni and Cu in leaves in 2018 did not decrease compared to 2011. The low, albeit varying, ratios of the contents of heavy metals in undergrowth leaves and in the soil and weak correlation of heavy metal contents in these media indicated that B. pubescens and S. caprea retain their ability to regulate their chemical composition even under extreme conditions of technogenic barrens. At the same time, supporting the protective capabilities of plants via optimizing mineral nutrition and soil acidity in combination with a reduction in atmospheric pollution is a prerequisite for efficient remediation of technogenic territories in the Far North.

The present work has been done to provide basic data for a better conservation and valorization of Khaya senegalensis stands in Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon. A 100 m x 50 m transect method was undertaken to measure floristic diversity through the use of species richness, Shannon index, Pielou equitability, Simpson index, importance value index and importance value family. The vegetation structure is determined by density, basal area and biovolume. The inventory included trees with a dbh ?10 cm on an area of 1 ha per plot. A total of 6743 individuals distributed in 24 families, 33 genera and 54 species were inventoried in all Khaya senegalensis stands studied. Statistical analysis showed significant differences, Shannon index, Simpson index, Pielou equitability, density, basal area, biovolume, species richness, heights class, diameters class, circumferences class but does not certify a significant difference of importance value index among in the villages. The undergrowth of Khaya senegalensis stands is more diverse at Bame with a Shannon diversity index (ISH=5.87 ± 0.12 bit). The greatest of Pielou equitability is observed at Bame (EQ=0.80 ± 0.01). The largest of Simpson index is recorded at Bame (D=0.098 ± 0.001). Khaya senegalensis Stands are denser at Bame (194 ± 3.12 individuals/ha). The basal area and biovolume of Khaya senegalensis stands are very high at Bame (BA=25.87 ± 0.06 m2/ha and Biovolume =15.32 ± 0.012 m3/ha). The species importance value is maximal in all the studied villages (SIV=300 ± 71.45). The importance value index of species revealed a clear dominance in the undergrowth of Khaya senegalensis stands are Combretum adenogonium; Acacia senegal; Terminalia laxiflora; Guiera senegalensis; Acacia nilotica; Entada Africana. The vertical structure has three aspects, like the L (Dbh), asymmetric (height) and dissymmetrical (circumference) structures attesting to a strong regeneration of the understory ligneous woods of Khaya senegalensis stands studied.

Being able to persist in deep shade is an important characteristic of juvenile trees, often leading to a strong dominance of shade-tolerant species in forests with low canopy turnover and a low disturbance rate. While leaf, growth, and storage traits are known to be key components of shade tolerance, their interplay during regeneration development and their influence on juveniles' survival time remains unclear. We assessed the ontogenetic effects of these three traits on the survival time of beech (Fagus sylvatica), and Norway and sycamore maples (Acer pseudoplatanus, Acer platanoides) in a primeval beech forest. Biomass allocation, age, and content of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) were measured in the stems and roots of 289 seedlings and saplings in high- and low-vitality classes. Saplings experienced a trade-off between absolute growth rate (AGR) and storage (NSC) as the leaf area ratio (LAR) decreases with biomass development. High LAR but low AGR and low NSC corresponded to beech with a marked ability to persist in deep shade while awaiting canopy release. In turn, a comparably small LAR in combination with a high AGR and higher storage (NSC), as observed in Norway maple and sycamore maple, reduced sapling survival time, thus offering an explanation for beech dominance and maple disappearance in the undergrowth of old-growth beech forests., Ecology and Evolution, 11 (15), ISSN:2045-7758

Background Forest management affects the habitat conditions for many forest-dwelling species. Among them, the capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) is a rare forest grouse inhabiting old, mature forests. We compared the structure of forest habitat among 9 active and 9 abandoned leks in the Augustów Forest (North-Eastern Poland), within a radius of 1 km of the leks, defined as the Key Areas for the capercaillie in lowland temperate forest. Habitat measurements were conducted on 1779 circular plots. Assessments made on all plots related to 13 habitat variables measured or noted in the field, including stand structure, canopy closure, stand developmental stage, percentage of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), soil fertility and soil moisture, the share of undergrowth, the cover of shrubs, the cover of bilberry (Vaccinium sp.), and the presence of certain habitat elements important to the capercaillie. Results To compare the still-occupied and the abandoned KAs for the capercaillie, a logistic regression model was developed. The variables best explaining differences between these two categories were: the occurrence of undergrowth layers, canopy closure in the second canopy layer, and stand age. According to the model, with the increase of the shrub-layer cover as well as the density of trees, the probability of the presence of the capercaillie decreased. The capercaillie in the area of the Augustów Forest occupy mainly dry and poor, middle-aged, pine-dominated forests, with a moderate extent of stand canopy closure and only weakly-developed layers of undergrowth. Conclusions The filling-in of mature stands with sub-canopy trees and shrubs (the process which is stimulated by climate change and site eutrophication) causes structural changes, which are unfavourable to the capercaillie. This might explain why in the course of the recent decades the capercaillie has abandoned the oldest stands, distinguished by the presence of bigger shares of undergrowth. The capercaillie has shifted to younger stands, which reveal a lesser extent of canopy closure and a more limited development of understorey vegetation.

This paper studies the vegetation cover organization of the Aryskannyg cluster of the state natural biosphere reserve Ubsunurskaya Kotlovina. In the course of the work 2 ecological and phytocoenotic profiles were laid and 2 large-scale mapping was carried out. The steppe type of vegetation is mainly represented by different variants of real turf-and-slag steppes: shrubby, petrophytic and dry. The original steppe communities are the resurrection (Selaginella sanguinolenta) and eastern feather grass coenoses (Stipa orientalis). An independent high-altitude belt forms mountain expositional forest-steppes. The forest component consists of grass and rhytidium larch forests, and the daurian rhododendron occupies an active position in the undergrowth. The steppe component consists of thickened mixed-grass-stop-grass meadow, as well as mixed-grass-fine-grained-slag petrophytic steppes. The mountain-taiga belt is represented by communities of larch and cedar formations. The high-altitude belt is dominated by yernik (Betula rotundifolia) and dryad (Dryas oxyodontha) mountain-tundra communities. It is revealed that the territory has a complex vegetation cover, which was formed in the conditions of mountain relief and sharply continental climate, the diversity of plant communities (from dry-steppe to mountain-tundra) is due to the length of the cluster territory in three high-altitude zones and the complex influence of latitudinal and local abiotic factors. The leading factors in the distribution of vegetation are the exposure of the slopes and the absolute height of the terrain.

In this study, a dense Copernicus Sentinel-1 time series is analyzed to gain a better understanding of the influence of undergrowth vegetation, in particular of eagle fern (Pteridium aquilinum), on the C-band SAR signal in a temperate forest in the Free State of Thuringia, Germany. Even if signals from the ground below the canopy may not be expected at C-band, previous studies showed seasonal fluctuations of the backscatter for temperate forests without canopy closure, notably for evergreen coniferous stands. Many factors can be responsible for these observed fluctuations, but in this study, we analyze one possible factor: the presence of undergrowth vegetation, in particular, of fern. Especially, the Sentinel-1 backscatter signal is analyzed for different acquisition configurations regarding its temporal and its spatial stability at different growth stages. This time series study shows that a difference of backscattered signal of up to 0.7 dB exists between forest patches with a dense fern density in the understory and the ones with low undergrowth vegetation. This signal difference depends on the season and is remarkably strong comparing winter (no fern undergrowth) with summer (major fern undergrowth).

The understorey functions as a ground cover that maintains moisture so that the rapid decompositionprocess can provide nutrients for the main crop the nutrient cycle can take place perfectly, theavalanches that fall as litter will be returned to the tree in the form of nutrients which, as is known, willbe broken down by bacteria and microbes. This study aims to determine the type, number, andpresence of each understorey in the area of the Samarinda State Agricultural Polytechnic ForestManagement Study Program, precisely behind the Silviculture Laboratory. The research method useda single plot measuring 60 m x 32 m with sub plots measuring 2 m x 2 m which were arrangedsystematically so that there were 480 sub plots.The results of the study found as many as 23 speciesof understorey which were included in 22 genera, 18 families, as many as 14.616 individuals, in1.528 attendances. The most common species found were Asystasia intrusa as many as 5.728individuals with distribution in 304 plots, then Clidemia hirta (L.) D.Don with 1.864 plants withdistribution in 240 plots and Stenochlaena palutris (Burm.f.) Bedd species. as many as 1.344 with adistribution of 56 plots. While the types of Alpina sp and Imperata chylindrica as many as 8 plant in 8plot.

Plant functional traits have been shown to vary with environmental conditions. However, we lack empirical data on how plant functional traits of different plant life forms respond to environmental factors. We studied the influence of environmental conditions on the distribution of plant functional traits in a Quercus wutaishanica forest with the aim of exploring the patterns of functional traits across different life forms and determining the driving factors of functional trait variation at fine spatial scales. We collected data on environmental factors (soil nutrients and soil moisture, canopy variables, topography) of 70 20 m × 20 m plots. Leaves were harvested from 26 species (4 tree species, 7 shrub species and 15 herbaceous species), and community-weighted mean (CWM) trait values for leaf area (LA), leaf mass per unit area (LMA), leaf carbon content (LCC), leaf nitrogen content (LNC), leaf phosphorus content (LPC), and leaf potassium content (LKC) were calculated. We also measured the height (H) of plants. The importance of biotic and abiotic factors in controlling plant functional traits was quantitatively assessed using redundancy analysis (RCA). Regression was used to determine relationships between CWM trait values and environment variables. We found that plant functional traits varied with life forms of plants. LA, LMA and LCC of trees were greater than those of the understory, whereas LNC, LPC and LKC of herbaceous were greater than those of trees. Responses of plant functional traits to environmental factors varied with different life forms. The combined effect of canopy, topography and soil factors had a greater impact on plant functional traits in understory layer than tree layer. General linear models showed that openness is the main factor affecting various functional traits of undergrowth plants, and the relationship between the element content in leaves of herbaceous plants and environmental factors is greater than that of shrub plants. The strong correlation of plant functional traits and environmental factors at fine spatial scales indicates that Q. wutaishanica forests have high spatial variability. Considering the variation of traits in different life form of plants and their interactions with biotic factors, it provides further insights into ecological mechanisms of shaping plant communities and driving plant community dynamics.

Aims The introduction of Robinia pseudoacacia (RP) has some effects on undergrowth herbaceous plants (UH), soil properties and their relationships, which may be related to the vegetation zone. However, few studies have tested effects of RP on UH and soil over a large-scale area of the Loess Plateau. Methods The study area consisted of three vegetation zones (the steppe, forest-steppe and forest zone). Two canopy plant types were selected: RP stands and adjacent native vegetation. We measured five leaf functional traits: leaf carbon content (LC), leaf nitrogen content (LN), leaf phosphorus content (LP), specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf tissue density (LTD). The functional diversity, species diversity and community-weighted mean (CWM) traits were calculated. Important Findings (i) CWM.LN, CWM.LP and CWM.SLA increased significantly, whereas CWM.LC and CWM.LTD decreased significantly in the three vegetation zones, compared with the native communities. (ii) Species diversity, functional diversity and community biomass decreased in the steppe zone, increased in the forest zone, and did not differ significantly in the forest-steppe zone. (iii) We found only soil organic carbon (P < 0.05) and soil total nitrogen (P < 0.05) in the forest zone decreased significantly compared with the native plots. (iv) The relationship between UH and soil properties was affected by RP and the vegetation zone. Overall, the effect of RP on UH and soil properties was associated with the vegetation zone. This result is of great significance to the planning of restoration and reconstruction of artificial forests in the Loess Plateau.

The studies were conducted on the territory of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug Yugra (Surgutskiy District) in 20182020 in the Surgut natural wildlife reserve and in 2020 in the vicinity of the Kamennyi Cape ski resort on the left bank of the middle Ob. The paper notes the poor knowledge of the distribution of the Altai mole in the forest zone of Western Siberia, especially on the northern and western borders of the range. Hence, there is almost complete lack of information on its biology and ecology in the area. The Altai mole was collected while counting other small mammals using trapping grooves and guiding fences made of polyethylene membrane; a total of 43 individuals were counted. As in other parts of the forest zone of Western Siberia, the Altai mole near the northern border of the range the left bank of the Middle Ob is confined to mixed and small-leaved forests with rich undergrowth and grassy layer. During the observation period, the maximum abundance of the Altai mole was in 2019. In 2018 and 2020 its abundance was 26 times lower. One of the reasons for such fluctuations can be abiotic factors, in particular, the difference in winter temperature conditions, the height of the snow cover and others. Information about freezing of both Talpa europaea Linnaeus, 1758, and Talpa altaica Nikolsky, 1883, moles during little snowy harsh winters is known.

The study covered 10 small rivers in the North-Eastern part of the Samara Volga region. The author studied the vegetation cover, which is understood as a set of phytocoenoses and their constituent plant species. On the territory of Pokhvistnevsky District, there are two groups of river valleys that are heterogeneous in geobotanical terms. The first group includes the rivers with forested valleys (Kutlugush, Murakla, Karmalka). Their slopes are more or less symmetrical and steep. The vegetation cover of an undeveloped floodplain is usually uniform, and there is usually no belt. The valleys of the second group are treeless; their slopes are sharply asymmetrical (Amanak, Tergala, Talkish). The right-bank tributary of the Maly Kinel River the Lozovka River with its length of 20 km and the left tributary Kuvayka River with its length of 16 km were studied on the territory of Kinel-Cherkassky District. The Padovka and Zaprudka rivers and the right tributaries of the Bolshoi Kinel River (Kinelsky District) were also studied. The most common associations are (Salix fragilis heteroherbosa, Scirpus sylvaticus purum, Agrostis stolonifera Amoria repens, Elytrigia repens + Poa angustifolia heteroherbosa). In total, 19 types of phytocoenoses were noted, 4 of them are found in half of the studied rivers. In the plant communities of small river valleys there are 232 species of higher wild plants, which belong to 139 genera from 48 families. This is 60% of the total number of higher plants registered in the flora of small river valleys of the Samara Region. Rare protected plant species are registered here: Adonis volgensis Steven ex DC., Cacalia hastata L., Delphinium cuneatum Stev. ex DC., Globularia punctata Lapeyr.

The aim of this study is to understand how the crop farms and forest plantations affect the regeneration of local flora. Ten plots of 10 m × 10 m size were established per vegetation type and all DBH categories of vascular plants were inventoried. The richness of adult plants (DBH ≥10 cm) was similar to those of juvenile plants (10 cm > DBH ≥1 cm), which was between 20 and 50 times lower than the richness of seedlings and herbaceous plants (DBH

On the base of the researches carried out on the permanent study area silvicultural effectiveness of improvement felling was analyzed in soft-leaved plantations formed on the former agricultural lands in Khanty-Mansi Autonomons Okrug – Yugra. It was experimentally found that among 25–30-year-old soft-leaved stands there is Siberian pine (Pinus sibirica Du Tour); besides this, nominal undergrowth of this species can be found under the canopy. Improvement felling can provide an increase in the share of Siberian pine in the composition of the forming plantations and even its dominance in stands. It is recommended to carry out improvement felling by the strip method. On the first-stage the felling of soft-leaved species in strips of 10 m wide is carried out, while leaving strips of similar width without care. On the second stage in 10 years soft-leaved trees are cut down in those strips where care was not taken. Felling of all the accompanying Siberian pine trees in a single shot is inadmissible, since it leads to intensive growth of herbaceous vegetation, sodding and exclusion of the Siberian pine undergrowth as well as dramatically increases the fire danger in spring and autumn. In addition, at the indicated intensity, the specimens of Siberian pine left for cultivation are affected by Pineus cembrae (Cholodovsky, 1988). For citation: Zalesov S.V., Belov L.А., Opletaev А.S., Magasumova A.G., Kartashova Т.Yu., Debkov N.M. Formation of Siberian Pine Forests by Improvement Felling on Former Agriculturаl Lands. Lesnoy Zhurnal [Russian Forestry Journal], 2021, no. 1, pp. 9–19. DOI: 10.37482/0536-1036-2021-1-9-19

The successful rehabilitation of Wanagama teaching forests, which began in the late of 1960s, has created a distinctive forest ecosystem. Currently the forests become the habitat of Apis cerana, enterprised by the surrounding villagers to produce natural forest honey as a non-timber forest product. This paper aims to explore the adoption of smallholder beekeeping of A. cerana, the beekeepers’ socio-economic characteristics, the potential and value of forest honey production, the distribution of bee-boxes inside the forests and potential tree sources of nectar and pollen. Data collection was carried out in July - September 2019 with in-depth interview techniques to 38 beekeepers. Field observations and ground checks were carried out on the sites where beekeepers were placing the bee-boxes in the forest. In addition, an analysis of aerial photograph images taken with drone was also carried out to identify the area of trees as sources of nectar and pollen. The results show that between 1982 and 2019 the development of the adoption of the A. cerana beekeeping increased significantly. The total production of honey from 506 bee-boxes reached 658 liters or 894.9 kg in year of 2018/2019. The number of bee-boxes placed in Wanagama was mainly distributed inside Compartment of 13, 17, 14, 16, 5, and 18. Acacia mangium, eucalyptus, cajuput and mahogany were the main types of nectar-producing trees, in addition to the abundance of flowering undergrowth plants. Many of the challenges faced by honey beekeepers included climate change, the shortage of nectar and pollen sources, pests and diseases and human disturbances. This research suggests the need for a social, institutional and technical approaches to increase the forest productivity as sources of nectar and pollen. It is suggested encouraging the smallholders to adopt beekeeping as the main livelihood alternatives in future and planting more trees in Wanagama forests.

The Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) is a “Critically Endangered” insectivorous mammal. There is a lack of information on the ecology, distribution and behavior of this species in Nepal, even though community forests in the Midhills Region of Nepal are considered to be prime habitats for the species. We conducted an ecological assessment of the habitat use of this species in nine community forests covering an area of 170.69 ha in Balthali village in Kavrepalanchok district, Nepal. We divided each forest into 50 × 50 m grids and searched for Chinese Pangolin burrows along 50 m transects in each grid. We categorized burrows into two types, new and old burrows, and recorded 10 environmental variables for each burrow. We found a total of 542 burrows, including 323 old burrows and 219 new burrows. The average width and height of a burrow opening was 21.66 ± 3.94 cm (n = 542) and 22.42 ± 5.02 cm (n = 542). The total density of burrows in the study area was 3.1 ha−1, with new burrows density of 1.2 ha−1 and old burrows density of 1.8 ha−1. We found most burrows in sites with an elevation range of 1400 - 1500 m above sea level, gentle slopes, brown colored soil, high density of tree crown cover and undergrowth vegetation, southern exposure, within 150 m from a water source and less than 200 m from a human settlement. Our study has generated baseline data on the habitat use of Chinese Pangolin, which we hope will help in designing site-specific action plans for Chinese Pangolin conservation in Kavrepalanchok district, Nepal.

This paper presents data on the state of stands and undergrowth of the main forest-forming species at the Karadag Nature Reserve in oak forests of downy oak (Quercus pubescens) and sessile oak (Q. petraea) under the conditions of an excessive density of the European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). By 2016, the exponential growth in the number of roe deer in the reserve, which has been observed since its establishment in 1979, led to an increase in its number to 750 individuals and density of up to 437 individuals per 1000 ha, which is 10 times higher than the norm. At the same time, the level of damaged undergrowth increased from 7.6 to 88.9% in sessile oak and from 8.4 to 83.7% in downy oak. This has resulted in a decrease to an absolute minimum in the numbers of the medium and the complete absence of large undergrowth in both sessile oak and downy oak. The alignment of tree species in abundance (estimated by the Berger–Parker index) is 1.2 for sessile oak stands and 1.18 for downy oak stands; the undergrowth is 3 and 1.6, respectively. At the Primorskoe Forestry located next to the reserve, which exhibits a relatively satisfactory density of roe deer (37 individuals per 1000 ha), damage to the undergrowth of the main species was 5.5% in sessile oak groves and 7.2% in downy oak groves. In the Primorskoe Forestry oak forests, alignment of tree species in abundance is 1.25 for sessile oak and 1.54 for downy oak and 2.15 and 2.11 for their undergrowth, respectively. Based on cumulative data, it is concluded that even providing the conditions of a super-high density of ungulates, oak forests of the Karadag Reserve retain the ability to regenerate through an increase in the density of small undergrowth (sessile oak groves) and alignment of the undergrowth species (downy oak groves). The role of the overabundance of roe deer in the reserve is negative in relation to the reproduction of the main species and positive in regards to biodiversity in terms of the alignment of tree species of the undergrowth in abundance.

Fungus spores resembling teliospores of the genus Nyssopsora (Pucciniales) were found in a sample of Sakhalinian amber. Morphological features of the spores in the examined amber sample in general correspond to description of teliospores of the extant species Nyssopsora trevesiae parasitizing host plants of the Araliaceae, Trevesia sundaica in Java and Sumatra and Brassaiopsis ciliata in Southern China. It can be assumed that the plant on which those teliospores formed most likely belongs to the Trevesia–Brassaiopsis group. Extant species of these genera are characteristic of the undergrowth in humid forests from the Himalayas to Indonesia, which supports paleofaunistic data on rather warm and humid climate of Sakhalinian amber forest.

This study aims to determine the impact of forest harvesting machinery on the temporarily moist soil of spruce forests (Picea abies Karst.) during the summer. For research purposes, we investigated 23 sites of the boreal forest in the European North of Russia (Arkhangelsk region) where logging operations had been carried out using harvesters and forwarders (CTL, cut-to-length harvesting). In the 15 years after logging, the sites were monitored for changes in physical soil properties and the depth/width of ruts and vegetation. In freshly cut areas, the depth of the ruts was linked to the amount of logging residue that had been used to strengthen skidding trails. After 15 years, the ruts were smooth but had not disappeared entirely. The average depth of the ruts decreased from 36 cm to 18 cm during the period under review. At a depth of 0-10 cm, the soil bulk density of the section between the control area and the wheel track increased by 19-27% within the first two years. At a depth of 10-20 cm, the soil bulk density only increased by 16-17% within the two-year period. After 15 years, the soil bulk density had decreased to the extent that there were no signs of heavy machinery movement. The natural restoration of vegetation in the ruts was affected by the presence of stagnant water in the initial post-logging period. Ruderal species and species with broad ecological amplitude to environmental factors grew over the skid trails. 15 years after logging, this overgrowth had stabilised, with the biodiversity level in the control area approaching its pre-logging state. Primarily, the renewal of the cutting areas occurred through species such as birch (Betula pendula Roth.) and aspen (Populus tremula L.). The highest amount of undergrowth (more than 30.000 ha-1) was detected 6-8 years after logging. This then decreases in areas that were cut down earlier. There are environmental consequences of clear-cutting (using the CTL system) on temporarily moist soil. To prevent the formation of deep ruts, it is recommended to leave 15-20 kg m-2 of felling residue.

The study results of hoofed animals impact on vegetation in aviaries of different size of the Volyn Regional Department of Forestry and Hunting are presented. The reaserch sites are laid in forest stand, which belonged (before the construction of the aviary and the arrangement of the feeding area) to one taxonomic department that determines their forestry-taxonomic identity what allows to apply the method of comparative ecology. The impact of hunting hoofed animals on forest vegetation was studied in aviaries and forest stands of Gubynsky, Karasynsky and Muravyshchansky forestry units, which are part of the structure of state enterprises "Volodymyr-Volynske forestry", "Manevytsia forestry" and "Kivertsy forestry", respectively. In oak stands of the aviary of Gubinsky forestry for breeding Sus scrofa, which has been operating since 2010, as of 2017, a twofold decrease in the species composition of vascular plants was observed. Outside the enclosure, 2 times more viable self-seeding and undergrowth of Populus tremula, Ulmus scabra – 8 times, and Sambucus nigra – more than 2 times were recorded. The coefficient of similarity between the grass cover inside and outside the enclosure is insignificant - 9.5%. Within the enclosure, a slight change in the sanitary condition category of such tree species as Salix caprea, Betula pendula, Populus tremula, Quercus robur was registered. As a result of exposure of wild boar within the enclosure, the sanitary condition of Carpinus betulus trees has changed to significantly weakened compared to healthy outside the enclosure. As of 2017, the grass cover restoration was registered in the aviary of Karasinsky forestry for breeding Sus scrofa, which operated from 2004 to 2010. In aviary conditions the dominant herbs are Vaccinium myrtillus, Vaccinium vitis-ideaea, Calamagrostis epigeios, Pteridium aquilinum and Pleurozium schreberi. The projective cover is dominated by Vaccinium myrtillus, Calamagrostis epigeios and Pleurozium schreberi, their total abundance is 41%. The coefficient of similarity of grasses in the pine-birch stand of the aviary and outside it is 61.5%. Within the aviary of Muravyshchansky forestry, where Bison bonasus, Cervuselaphus, Sus scrofa are kept, the areas of intensive influence of hoofed animals on forest vegetation are feeding grounds. Self-seeding, undergrowth and undergrowth were not found in pine-birch stands within the existing feeding site. Crops and weeds that are not typical for forest stands have been found in the vegetation within the feeding site. A total of seven grass species were identified, including a cultivated plant (Avena sativa) and two weeds (Calysteria sepium, Chenopodium album). Cultivated plants enter the forest environment together with the fodder they feed hoofed animals. It was found out that with the cessation of animal feeding, the composition of tree species and undergrowth species on the feeding site was restored and is identical to the vegetation outside it. Four years after the cessation of feeding of hunting animals, grain crops and weeds fall out of the grass cover of the former feeding ground and the forest environment is restored. There are 25 species of herbs registered here. The most common are Festuca ovina, Hieracium pilosella, Vaccinium myrtillus and Calysteria sepium. Hylocomium splendens (12%) and Vaccinium myrtillus (8%) predominate in the projective cover. Coefficient of similarity of the grass cover is 26.7%. The sanitary condition of wood species on the functioning feeding site has not changed significantly.

Introduction One of the key conditions for further development of the forest sector in Ukraine is the transition to close to nature forestry, which provides, in particular, the formation of stands with an optimal balance of productivity and resilience based on natural regeneration. Currently, the main way to increase the resilience of pine forests is growing mixed deciduous-pine stands of complex structure from native forest-forming species. For these reasons, objective current information on the health condition and reforestation potential of natural regeneration of Scots pine after strip felling of the main use in the conditions of Western Polissya is extremely important. Materials and methods The object of the research were experimental and production plots with different options for natural pine regeneration on the felling sites after strip felling conducted in 2014–2015 with felled strip width of 50 m. The plots situated in Troyanivske Forestry in the Gorodotske Forest State Enterprise, Volyn Region. The field materials were collected in accordance with the generally accepted forestry and mensuration research methods. We assessed natural regeneration by continuous accounting of all individuals of available tree species. The natural regeneration success was estimated by the URIFFM scale and the table of groups of natural regeneration success of pine and oak for Western Polissya. The study was conducted on 6 sample plots with an area of 0.9–2.2 hectares, laid on 5–6-year-old felling sites. Results The study has shown that after strip felling in the autumn-winter period and activities to promote natural regeneration when furrows are made every 2 m, a large amount of seeds from left pine seed trees or from the forest walls surrounding the felling area fell into these furrows. Here, as well as in the sites mineralized during the felling, a large number of Scots pine seedlings emerged in the spring of the first year. Accounts for 2016 showed that 2-year-old felling sites were intensively occupied by pine self-seeding mainly concentrated in the furrows. In particular, in the plots where partial forest plantations had been established additionally, the density of 1–2-year-old self-seeding pines reached 50 thousand trees per ha. In the plot, where targeted reforestation measures were not applied at all, abundant pine self-seeding was also found. In 2020, the highest ratio of natural pine regeneration success was recorded at all study sites, the density of which was 9,200–17,300 trees per ha at the age of 5–6 years. Conclusions Strip felling in pine stands in the wet oak-pine relatively infertile forest type provides vigorous and effective pine regeneration in a natural way. The density of 5–6-year-old viable natural undergrowth of pine on felling areas is 9,200–17,300 trees per ha. The effectiveness of natural regeneration has been assessed as “good” according to URIFFM scale. The part of vigorous advance regeneration of pine makes 65–85 %, its location on the plot is uniform (the occurrence exceeds 80 %). The available number of pine seedlings should provide a formation of new pine stands after strip felling. Consistent measures aimed at promoting emergence of pine seedlings are necessary in case of a lack of mineralization. However, it is inappropriate to establish planted forest stands after strip felling, even its partial type. 1 Fig., 1 Table, 18 Refs. Key words: Pinus sylvestrys L., natural regeneration success ratio, clear felling with narrow coupes, main-use felling.

In response to expansion of Cydalima perspectalis Walker, 1859, mass scale drying of Buxus colchica Pojark. resulted in succession of forest communities of the Western Caucasus in 2014–2017. Changes in illumination of the forest low storeys were conducive to intensive growth of such herbaceous plants as Symphytum grandiflorum DC., Asarum intermedium (C. A. Mey. ex Ledeb.) Grossh., Festuca drymeja Mert. & W.D.J. Koch, Allium ursinum L., etc. and Ruscus colchicus Yeo, Geranium robertianum L., Rubus anatolicus Focke, Hedera colchica (K. Koch) K. Koch in the undergrowth. The ground vegetation with total projective cover up to 100 % was formed. Under current conditions the total number of B. colchica seedlings 2–15 cm high is only 10–320 pcs/ha on the southern macroslope and 5–87 pcs/ha on the northern macroslope. It is hundreds and thousands of times less as it was before boxwood forests extinction. The research purpose was to determine the factors effecting seed regeneration of B. colchica in the Western Caucasus under the conditions of succession caused by C. perspectalis expansion and further epiphytotics of boxwood forests. We carried out the studies on the southern and northern macroslopes of the Western Caucasus in the basins of the Khosta, Kurdzhips, and Tsitsa rivers in 2018–2019. The number of B. colchica seedlings was determined by their complete enumeration within 66 sampling plots; the area of each plot comprised 400 m2. When revealing the factors which effect seed regeneration of B. colchica, we analyzed 17 landscape and phytocenotic parameters: altitude above sea level; exposure and slope inclination; crown density of upper storey; parameters of undergrowth, main species stands, and dead boxwood; total projective cover of undergrowth and herbage. The principal factor preventing development of B. colchica seedlings is growthinhibition due to the herb-shrub storey. The total projective cover of undergrowth and herbage are the most important predictors for the number of B. colchica seedlings on the sampling plots. For the mentioned parameters we revealed the maximum regression coefficients b* at the significance level p < 0.05: –0.589 and –0.478 for the southern macroslope, and –0.667 and –0.954 for the northern macroslope. The maximum projective cover of undergrowth in forest areas with boxwood regeneration is 50 % for both macroslopes. The maximum acceptable herbage cover is 15 % in the basin of the Khosta river, and 40 % in the basins of the Tsitsa and Kurdzhips rivers. Shading from the side of the forest upper storey suppresses growth of ground vegetation, and also prevents the development of B. colchica seedlings. Therefore the crown density, within the complex of factors, has no direct effect on the parameters of seed regeneration of B. colchica. In case of further intensive growth of the herb-shrub storey in forest phytocenoses, natural boxwood forests regeneration is highly improbable in the Western Caucasus. Artificial removal of undergrowth and herbage in forest areas will facilitate seed regeneration of the species. The research results are the basis for further monitoring of the regeneration processes of boxwood forests or their possible aboriginal change in the region.For citation: Chadaeva V.A., Pshegusov R.H. Seed Regeneration of Buxus colchica Pojark. under the Conditions of Epiphytotics of Boxwood Forests. Lesnoy Zhurnal [Russian Forestry Journal], 2020, no. 6, pp. 55–73. DOI: 10.37482/0536-1036-2020-6-55-73Funding: The research was carried out with the financial support from the RFBR grant No. 18-04-00961 and within the framework of the state assignment No. 075-00347-19-00 on the topic “Regularities of the Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Meadow and Forest Ecosystems in Mountainous Areas (The Russian Western and Central Caucasus)”.Acknowledgements: We gratefully acknowledge I.B. Rapoport, candidate of biology, the head of the Laboratory for Ecology of Invertebrate Species and Communities of the Tembotov Institute of Ecology of Mountain Territories of the Russian Academy of Sciences, for comprehensive assistance in collecting the field data.

The article considers the long-term (100 years) dynamics of the forest cover of the southernmost unit of Siberian pine forests on the West Siberian plain. A key feature of forest management is that Siberian pine seeds are a valuable food product and, when cutting forests, this tree species, as a rule, is preserved. The basis of the experimental data was the material of the national forest inventories of 1915, 1974 and 2015 for a total area of 1,420.41 ha. During the period from 1915 to 2015, the forested area changed slightly (96.2 and 94.0%), while the share of Siberian pine stands increased significantly from 48.4 to 58.7%. Grassy Siberian pine forests (32.1%) of optimal age (120–140 years), which are characterised by the best seed productivity and the largest share of Siberian pine in the community (77%), predominate. Basically, human economic activity results in an increase in the area of Siberian pine stands, when deciduous stands with Siberian pine undergrowth are used for fuel and as building material. A decrease in the area of Siberian pine forests occurs mainly under the impact of fires. In the conflagrations of 1915–1920, 7 to 38% of silver birch forests have no Siberian pine undergrowth and are considered long-term secondary communities. In the remaining area, the proportion of Siberian pine undergrowth is 20–30% with a density of 800–1200 seedlings ha−1, which is sufficient for the natural formation of Siberian pine forests.

The dendrological part of the forest fund, which is located in sq. 32 of the Volodymyrsky Arboretum of Gutyanske Forestry and is administratively located on the territory of Muraf Village Council of Krasnokutsky District of Kharkiv Region, at a distance of 12 km northeast of the village of Krasnokutsk. The subjects for the study were written and cartographic materials about the object of research, as well as the results of field surveys of the arboretum. The research was conducted by the method of sub-tree inventory in accordance with the instructions for the inventory of plantations. Field-Map technology was used in the research. According to existing information, the total area of Volodymyrsky Arboretum is about 7.0 hectares. After studying the historical and cartographic materials, as well as the study of the territory, we established the actual balance of the territory. The total area of the arboretum is 6.56 ha, and 4.83 ha (or 73.6 %) are covered with trees and shrubs, and 1.73 ha (or 26.4 %) are not covered and are used as roads (paths, roads) and as areas for walking and recreation. The predominant tree species in the Volodymyrsky Arboretum is Pinus sylvestris L. Its plantations of artificial origin of 50-60 year old with shrub undergrowth cover an area of 0.28 ha, and natural seed plants of 8-12 year old – 3.35 ha, which together is 3.63 ha, or 51 % of the arboretum area. Spruce (Picea abies (L) Karst) occupies 0.28 ha, or 4.3 % of the arboretum area and grows in the curtain N 18 alley. Alleys of larch (Japanese) (Larix kaempferi) (curtain N 19) is located on an area of 0.23 ha, or 3.5 %, and the alley of western thuja (Thuja occidentalis L.) (curtain N 20) – 0.12 ha. Common oak (Quercus robur L.) is represented by two curtains (N 7 and 21) and covers an area of 0.22 ha, or 3.4 % of the arboretum area; red oak (Quercus rubra L.) (curtain N 11) – 0.12 ha. Other species occupy a small area or are represented by single specimens. As a result of research and analysis of the territory of the Volodymyrsky Arboretum, we can note that the created curtains of wood species have mainly preserved their contours. At the same time, during 17 years of the arboretum existence, new plantings of natural origin from low-value tree and shrub species have appeared in the open areas of the park (lawns, meadows, and outskirts).

The development of the mining industry has led to the appearance in many parts of the world of vast technogenic territories from which toxic heavy metals enter the environment and food chains. Physical, chemical, and biological methods of cleaning industrial land due to technological complexity and high cost are relatively little used on a large scale. Natural forest overgrowth of mining sites and the removal of heavy metals by woody plants can be an effective form of recovery. Therefore, the study of this process is of significant scientific and practical interest. The analysis of the annual growth in height and width of the annual rings of the stem of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in 2004–2019 was made on the territory of the Uchalinsky mining and processing plant (South Ural, Russia) contaminated with heavy metals. Relatively high concentrations of copper and zinc were found in soils, roots, bark, young shoots, comparable to exceeding the maximum allowable concentrations. Despite the spatial uniformity of the heavy metal content in the stands, the tree samples significantly differed in terms of annual growth. Results suggest that the lack of nutrients and not stress from exposure to heavy metals is the main reason for relatively low growth rates on slopes of industrial wastes. It was confirmed by studying the annual growth in height of the undergrowth in habitats with different soil cover conservation. The data prove the relatively high potential of Scots pine for the natural recovery of industrial lands polluted with heavy metals by mining enterprises.

The periphery of Mbam and Djerem National Park in Cameroon harbors valuable forest resources including key non-timber forest products (NTFPs) that contribute to sustain livelihood of many people in terms of consumption and income generation. However, poor studies have been carried out to assess the socio-economic importance of the value chain of key NTFPs, threats on resources and implication for trade development. We used the value chain analysis approach to map and assess the socio-economic importance of the value chain of three key NTFPs such as Xylopia aethiopica, Beilschmiedia anacardioides and Beilschmiedia jacques-felixii, from forest to market place. The results of the study showed that interesting parts of the plants are the fruits that are harvested and processed for sale or local consumption. Annual profit margins for 17 producers of B. anacardioides and B. jacques-felixiiare was estimated at 1,196,188 FCFA (2023.45 USD) representing 68%, and for 52 producers of X. aethiopica was estimated at 31,280,000 FCFA (52912.57 USD) accounting for 85%. This constitutes an important contribution to the total income of producers of these NTFPs across the region. Profit margins of wholesalers are more important than that of producers and can be classified as follows: 11 wholesaler’s of B. anacardioides and B. jacques-felixii, 1,908,937 FCFA (3229.12 USD) representing 75% (t-test, df= 26; p= 0.0004); and 20 wholesalers of X. aethiopica, 51,888,000 FCFA (87772.61 USD) representing 94% (t-test, df= 70; p=0.0009). The exploitation of X. aethiopica is practiced by felling the trees and the species recorded a high vulnerable index (VI = 2.61). This practice jeopardizes the natural regeneration of the species in the undergrowth and alters the structure and floristic composition of the plant communities. In the north-eastern part of the park, local people manage the existing species through enrichment plantings. Key words: Values, plant species, products, park, Cameroon.

Mining activities were carried out, causing damage on soils, increased rates of erosion, decline in productivity and stability of the land. The revegetation process takes a long time, so it needs to plant cover crop plants. The goal of planting cover crop is to protect the soil from erosion . This research aims to study the composition of understory vegetation, and its potential to function as cover crops on soil which contain lime and silica in PT Holcim Indonesia Tbk. Undergrowth vegetation which was dominant in the ex- mining land of silica and lime were Imperata cylindrica and Eleusine indica soil properties in both locations were categorized as not fertile. Key words: cover crop, diversity of species, mining, soil properties, understorey

Hazel grouse habitat requirements are relatively well known in coniferous forests, and less known in mixed or deciduous forests. We studied habitat differences between sites occupied by hazel grouse Tetrastes bonasia and control plots in mixed mountain forests of the Western Carpathians in 2009 and 2010. Hazel grouse presence at sites was determined in April and May. The habitat variables (n = 21) and the proportion of tree and shrub species (n = 22) were collected both in sites of hazel grouse presence and control plots within a radius of 100 m. Greater numbers of tree species and greater proportions of deciduous trees (mainly birch Betula sp.) were found in sites where hazel grouse was present. Lower canopy cover was an important variable for hazel grouse occurrence, and sites with hazel grouse had a greater proportion of young trees (Populus sp.) and willow (Salix sp.) were the most important tree species for hazel grouse occurrence. The presence of habitat structures and the vegetations richness provides good shelter or food for the hazel grouse. Extensive forest management should be proposed to increase the number of hazel grouse. Large areas covered by herbs and light-seeded tree species of low economical value for forestry are recommended to support hazel grouse population.

Martins, Gustavo de Melo, Ferreira, Dalila de Fátima, Pacheco, Sérgio, Ribon, Rômulo, Lopes, Leonardo Esteves (2021): Territorial behaviour and breeding in the Southern Antpipit Corythopis delalandi (Aves: Rhynchocyclidae) in southeastern Brazil. Journal of Natural History 54 (29-30): 1827-1844, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2020.1830193, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2020.1830193

We investigated whether mowing the undergrowth in apple orchards affects the occurrence of spider mites and their predators, phytoseiid mites. We compared their occurrence between one unmown and one mown plot in an apple orchard in Akita Prefecture, northern Japan. Neither plot was mown in 2014 or 2015, but one plot was mown monthly from late May to late August in 2016 and 2017. Both plots were sprayed with narrow-spectrum insecticides in 2014 and 2015 and broad-spectrum insecticides in 2016 and 2017. In 2014 and 2015, some Tetranychus urticae were present on leaves in both plots, but their numbers did not increase greatly. In 2016, numbers of Panonychus ulmi and T. urticae surged in the mown plot, but grew slightly in the early growing season and then decreased in the unmown plot in association with rapid population increases of the predacious mites Typhlodromus vulgaris and Neoseiulus womersleyi. In 2017 also, numbers of T. urticae surged in the mown plot but remained low in the unmown plot. In addition, the numbers of T. vulgaris until July were significantly greater in the unmown plot in both years. Moreover, the population density of T. urticae when N. womersleyi began to appear was significantly lower in the unmown plot in both years. These results suggest that the resurgence of spider mites can be avoided by not mowing in apple orchards.

Alchornea floribunda is an evergreen plant that grows up to 32 feet tall and belongs to the family of Euphorbiaceae. It is found mainly in African forest undergrowth. In Nigeria, its leaves, stems and roots are widely used in folkloric medicine to manage ailments and diseases. The pharmacological activity of A. floribunda depends mainly on the part used. A previous study showed that the leaves have antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-cancer activities, while its roots and stem possess antibacterial activity. Thus, this review takes a critical look at previously reported findings and information about the phytochemistry, biological activities and various isolated bioactive constituents from the leaf, root and stem of Alchornea floribunda. Keywords: Alchornea floribunda, Phytochemistry, Inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Anti-cancer

The paper is concerned with 137Cs distribution peculiarities in the forest bio-geocenosis components of the Ukrainian Polissia fresh groves. Investigations were carried out on experimental areas laid in Naro-dyshy Forestry. Before measuring 137Cs specific activity, all samples were dried to air-dry state and homog-enized. The density of soil radioactive contamination was 267±9.6 kBq/m2. 137Cs specific activity in the bio-geocenosis components differed by several orders of magnitude, with the minimum in deep horizontal soil layers (28–30 cm layer – 40 Bq/kg) and the maximum in the above-ground phyto-mass of some plant species (Dryopteris carthusiana (Vill.) – 85,937 Bq/kg). In addition, significant fluctuations in radionuclides specific activity between separate components of forest bio-geocenosis have been identified. Thus, the components of pine stands can be arranged in a line by reducing 137Cs specific activity: shoots > internal bark > needles > outer bark > thin branches > thick branches > tree, while grass-shrub cover is characterized by the follow-ing line: Dryopteris carthusiana (Vill.) > Vaccinium myrtillus L. > Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull >Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. > Lycopodium clavatum L. > Orthilia secunda (L.) >Luzula pilosa (L.) Willd. Moss cover is characterized by higher values of specific radionuclide activity as compared with lichen cover, where the epiphytic lichen species have lower 137Cs content than epigeic ones. Soil cover retains the major share of the total radionuclide activity in pine bio-geocenosis and amounts to 76.66 %, while forest litter retains 14.24% and soil mineral layers – 62.42 %. Other components amount to 23.34 %, where pine stands and moss cover account for 12.02 % and 11.04 % respectively, and undergrowth, lichen and grass-shrub cover account only for 0.28 %. The main phytocenosis phytomass falls upon tree stands and accounts for 85.10 %, and moss cover – 14.48 %, while the role of other vegetation layers in this ecotope was insignificant and amounted to 0.42 %. 137Cs total activity distribution by components differs significantly from the distribution of phytomass per area unit. Thus, the maximum share of gross 137Cs total activity is retained by the tree stands (51.49 %) and moss cover (47.32 %). The fraction of the remaining layers is insignificant – 1.19 %, and is presented in the following order by the reduction of radionuclides retention capacity: grass-shrub cover > lichen cover > undergrowth. In pine bio-geocenosis, the key components in the capacity to retain and intensity of radionu-clides biogeochemical circulation are forest soil, tree stands and moss cover.

Successful reproduction of mixed stands with the participation of common oak involves a set of forestry measures that provide conditions for the emergence of self-seeding of common oak, or artificial creation by planting oak seedlings in forest areas. Common oak is one of the most valuable tree species that grows in Ukraine and its cultivation is payed special attention. In different forest vegetation conditions, the companions of oak are different tree species such as hornbeam, maple, small-leaved linden, common ash, cherry, etc. The task of the forester should be to focus on ensuring the presence of a significant number of associated species during the cultivation of oak stands, which, along with the function of adaptation, would play an important role in the formation of abundant rainfall. The considerable variety under the most various portions is equal not only to formation of an equal, high and arid trunk, but also has made enrichment of soil the maintenance of easily accessible nutrients which takes place and neutral acidity. However, the significant diversity of tree species significantly exacerbates competition and requires the constant participation of foresters in the formation of highly productive stands with the participation of oak. It is noted that in the conditions of Transcarpathia the forest fund of separate (Mukachevo, Vynohradiv, Berehiv) forestry enterprises is characterized by a significant share of stands with a predominance of common oak. It is revealed that young stands with the participation of common oak are characterized by a high intensity of stock accumulation and formation of species composition in the initial stages of growth and requires a proper assessment of their assessment parameters at a young age. We conducted a number of assessment works aimed at assessing the silvicultural and taxonomic parameters of mixed oak stands at stationary research facilities with the implementation of various options for the system of felling of stands. According to the calculations performed in the experimental plots, hornbeam-oak and hornbeam-ash-oak young stands of the II class of quality are presented. Estimation of the relative completeness of such objects shows that mixed stands at this age are able to grow with greater actual productivity. The indicator of relative completeness exceeds the norm by 2-3 times. The density of the analyzed objects also differs significantly from each other (approximately 4 times). The share of oak in the stand (about 5 units) also varies greatly. Thus, despite the same potential productivity, young oak trees in the plot differ greatly in other assessment parameters. The taxonomic characteristics of the formed stands on the experimental plots indicate that the height of common oak is the lowest (3.3 m) on the plot C-4 and (3.1 m) on the plot C-3 and oak in these parameters is significantly inferior to hornbeam (3.8 m) on the plot C-3 and (4.3 m) in control and actually loses the competition. At the same time, on the plot C-1, where hornbeam was cut down by 1/3, oak is in the same layer with hornbeam, which will recover from the damage for some time and weaken its negative impact on the growth of common oak. Similar conditions were formed on the plot C-2, where the undergrowth of hornbeam was completely cut down. It was also noted that the measures taken helped to preserve the amount of oak undergrowth on the plot C-1 (8.2 thousand units/ha) and increase the stock of oak to 15.3 m3/ha on the plot C-2 and to 31.1 m3/ha on the plot C-1. At the same time, according to the conducted researches on various indicators 6 variants of oak trees at a stage of lighting were allocated. It is noted that while taking into account the share of oak in the composition, stock of stands, average height and number of oak trees – the best option for the formation of indigenous, high-yielding mixed stands with oak are forests formed by the program of measures implemented on the plot C-1 and on the plot СВ-1(1/3 Hornbeam), where 1/3 of the height of hornbeam undergrowth trunks was cut down. In any case, the system of forestry measures implemented on the plot C-1 and СВ-1(1/3 Hornbeam) gives at the initial stage of formation of mixed oak stands the optimal result, both to achieve a high total stock of stands and the formation of oak forest element, in particular. On the basis of the conducted researches, it is identified that delay in carrying out lighting of an ordinary oak at the age of 10 years, can cause sharp loss from structure of young plantings of seedlings and saplings of the main forest-forming tree species (Control and plot C-4). Timely regulation of the height of the hornbeam (plots C-1 and СВ-1) allows significant strengthening the position of the common oak in the competition with secondary wood species. In our opinion, continuous felling of hornbeam undergrowth and other tree species is inexpedient, because such a measure causes a slowdown in the growth of the apical shoot of common oak and promotes the growth of lateral ones.

Pinus sibirica Du Tour is one of the main forest-forming tree species of Siberia. It is distinguished not only by its high forestry characteristics, but also by the nutritional qualities of pine nuts. The aim of the study was to assess the productivity of clones of Siberian pine of different geographical origin over a 10-year period, the allocation of ramets, characterized by the greatest formation of cones on a tree and in a bunch, with an annual or short inter-crop period. The study object was the grafted trees of Pinus sibirica on a hybrid seed plantation created using cuttings of different geographical origin. The cuttings were cut from 21-22-year-old (mother) specimens of Siberian cedar, growing in the arboretum of the Siberian State University, grown from seeds collected in populations that differ in the place of growth. Sowing of seeds was conducted in the years 1961-1962 under the guidance of O.P. Olisova, Associate Professor, the Forest Cultures Department. The seedlings were grown and then transplanted to the geological school in the arboretum of the Siberian State University. In 1982, after a selection assessment, specimens were selected in each variant for harvesting cuttings and vaccinations on a hybrid-seed plantation (HSP) using 6–8 years old ordinary pine as stock. The vaccination was carried out by the method of "core to the cambium" according to E.P. Prokazin (1960). The placement of grafted plants was 5 × 5 m. The rest of the Scots pine undergrowth and other tree species was removed. We analyzed the variability of a 26-36-year-old scion of Siberian cedar according to the cones formation over a 10-year period, the number of cones on a tree and on a shoot “in a bundle” depending on geographical origin and clone affiliation. The number of cones was determined visually using binoculars. It has been established that the number of harvesting years and cones over a 10-year period in Pinus sibirica depends on the geographical origin of the mother trees. The shortest harvesting period had the trees of Sverdlovsk and Kemerovo origin. They also had the largest number of cones on the tree. It was established that the level of variability of ramets in terms of the number of harvesting years over a 10-year period was average (28.0%), and it was very high in the number of cones on a tree (52.2%). The number of trees that formed cones varied in some years from 58.3 to 100%. It should be noted that the variability in ramets yield is also manifested depending on the mother tree from which the cuttings were cut, i.e. a clone. Comparing the number of cones on grafted trees, it was found that abundant seed production occurred in 2009, 2013 and 2016. The smallest cone formation was observed in trees in 2014. The maximum number of cones (78 and 75 pcs.) was recorded in 2016 at the ramets of 15-8 Altai and 11-3 Sverdlovsk origin, respectively. The ramets that formed the largest number of cones during the study period and seed-bearing annually or with a minimum inter-crop period were selected. Multi-cone shaped ramets with 4-5 cones on the shoot “in a bundle” were identified.

This paper deals with the problem of the connection between small mammals spatial distribution and the vegetation cover. The study was carried out during the summer period of 2018 and 2019 in the landscape protected area «Oakwood of the NNSU Botanical Garden» in the province of Nizhny Novgorod. Three releves were set up in various plant associations: Ulmetum pulmonarioso-asaroso-aegopodiosum, Acereto-Tilietum pulmonarioso-impatienosum (noli-tangerae), Querceto-Acereto-Tilietum asareto-aegopodiosum. A standard geobotanical description was carried out according to the generally accepted method using a series of Raunkier sites registration. Microtine rodents were trapped by standart traps and live traps. The caught animals turned out to belong to 2 genera and 3 species: the bank vole Myodes glareolus Schreber, the pygmy wood mouse Apodemus uralensis Pallas, and the field mouse Apodemus agrarius Pallas. The low population size of animals, as well as the fact that Apodemus agrarius is a co-dominant, may indirectly indicate the anthropogenic pressure in the investigated oak groves. Ecological plasticity of the species Myodes glareolus has been confirmed. Bank voles inhabit micro-habitats with the average data of illumination as well as shaded ones. In general, the vegetation projective cover and the presence of Norway maple undergrowth are crucial for the microtine rodents spatial distribution. Small mammals choose sites with a minimum number of Acer platanoides undergrowth, and gravitate to places where the projective cover of grass has moderate rates (from 35 to 50%). The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) using a vegetation cover species spectrum showed the presence of a significant factor for microtine rodents, which is associated with nitrophilous species (common nettle and touch-me-not balsam). The presence of those plants may indicate a significant anthropogenic pressure on the vegetation cover. In addition, it is important that plants belong to a particular eco-coenotic group. The species Myodes glareolus and Apodemus agrarius differ on the «nemoral» factor, and their ecological niches do not overlap.

Climate Smart Forestry is a modern forestry concept that aims to reduce the negative impacts of climate changes on forests and to develop a long-term forest management strategy that considers climate changes and natural disasters effects on forests. Structural changes in virgin forests are a natural response on climate changes and this justifies the importance of their study in the context of Climate Smart Forestry. The dynamics of the Common beech virgin forest in the Ukrainian Carpathians has been studied from 2000 to 2015 on a 10-hectares permanent plot in accordance with the IUFRO methodological guidelines as a joint effort with the Swiss Federal Institute of Forest, Snow and Landscape (WSL). Climate changes (increase in the sum of active temperatures – by 22 % and decrease in precipitation – by 46 %) recorded on the meteorological station of the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve, which is located 3 km away from the research plot, and the impact of windthrow – according to the data of 4 inventories. An analysis of the 15 years dynamics of virgin forest revealed significant changes in some forest stand parameters against the background of the overall stability of its structure. Investigation results confirmed that beech virgin forest of the Ukrainian Carpathians is a very complex forest stand (four layers, nine species, and fluctuation of the trees’ diameter – from 6 to 132 cm and the trees’ age – from 1 to 400 years), but very stable (variability of 6 out of 8 key parameters does not exceed 10 percent) too. The increase in the number of trees in the beech virgin forest from 2010 to 2015 was 60 % (from 278 to 445 trees per ha) and the main reason for this was the windfall in 2007. The increase in the diameter increment was also significant from 2005 to 2015 (by 35 % – from 0.26 to 0.36 cm/year), even in spite of the increase in the number of trees and the decrease in average diameter. The uprise of four new species (Rocky oak, Cherry, Mountain ash, Goat willow) in the species composition of the virgin forest resulted from the vitality deterioration of the Common beech and other tree species that formed the virgin forest earlier. These changes in the virgin forest cannot be explained by its internal dynamics, and the structural stability of the virgin forest indicates that these factors were due to external factors, first of all – changes of the site conditions (global warming). Therefore, our research gives grounds to consider some proposals for Climate-Smart Forestry in the beech forests of the Eastern Carpathians: for prevention of the wood volume losses due to natural disasters, it is necessary to pay more attention to damages to trees and crowns within cuts (stem hollows, stem cancer, big crowns); for the formation of a native forest stands through the natural regeneration it is expedient to reduce the size of gaps within cutting to 1 – 2 trees of the main layer; in order to save in forests those species, which tend to deteriorate vitality, it is necessary to prevent their damage within cutting; it is expedient to increase the intensity of cuttings by 15 % or reduce the intervals between them in order to regulate the wood volume because of the increase of increment. Keywords: site conditions change, uneven-aged forest stand, tree number, diameter increment, undergrowth, new species.

This article presents the results of studies on the structural organization of the crown in Ulmus glabra. Knowledge of types of shoot systems regularly changing in the tree crown in the ontogenesis of a species is of both theoretical and practical importance. In our studies, we use an architectural (modular) approach that enables us to describe the spatiotemporal program of tree-crown development. The results show that the main structural unit of the tree crown, resistant to the changes in climatic factors, is a biennial shoot system (BSS). The choice of this unit is determined by the fact that zonality in maternal shoot can be detected only in the second year of the shoot lifespan. To identify the spatiotemporal structure of the BSS, we have compared the traits of 1- and 2-year-old shoots. The BSS of U. glabra undergrowth plants in the forest-steppe oak forest of the Belogorye Natural Reserve have been studied. The study involves 100 species of the same ontogenetic stage. The shoot systems in the studied trees have been differentiated into large (“growth”) and small (“basic”) ones with the same location within the crown. Based on the cross-correlation function, which depends on the internode number on the maternal shoot, a regression model of the length distribution of lateral shoots has been created. It is shown that, when numbering the internodes on the maternal shoot from the top downwards, the dependence of the lateral shoot length of both the growth and the basic BSS in U. glabra vs. the number of internodes is consistent with the exponential model. The development of the BSS is found to be dependent on the light conditions and positioning in the crown. The comparison of two samples allows us to introduce a shift parameter into the model, which defines a specific zone in the maternal shoot.

In our study, we examined the movement of two wild boars marked with GPS/GSM transmitters in city of Budapest. We hypothesised that: the wild boars do not leave the urban area (H1); the wild boars prefer places that are less disturbed by people, and which are rich in potential hiding places (H2); and their home ranges would be smaller than that of wild boars living in non-urban environment (H3). Based on our results, we accepted our first hypothesis, as the wild boars had not left the area of Budapest. However, we partly rejected our second hypothesis: the wild boars preferred urban areas that were forested and richly covered with vegetation; however, human presence therefore disturbance was also high in those areas. The home range sizes of both marked wild boar sows were remarkably smaller than those of the wild boars living in natural environment (H3). City habitat modification, e.g. clearing undergrowth vegetation, could result that wild boars cannot find any hiding places. The significant part of food sources will disappear with the elimination of these places. By eliminating the two main factors together could prevent wild boars finding their living conditions within the city.

Background Liriope muscari (Decne.) L.H. Bailey is a valuable horticultural and medicinal plant that grows under a range of light intensities, from high to low, in the understories of shrubs. To understand how this species adapts to these various environments, we selected two groups of lilyturf growing under poplar trees at two different spacings. Each group was divided into three types, open field, forest edge and shaded forest with high, medium and low irradiance levels, respectively, and then we examined their photosynthetic characteristics, physiology and biomasses. Results Light saturation point, light compensation point and in situ net photosynthetic rate (PN) were highest in lilyturf growing under high light. In contrast, lilyturf growing under low light had a higher apparent quantum yield and Chl a and b contents, indicating that they adapted to low light. Although the leaves of lilyturf growing under low light were small, their root tubers were heavier. Conclusions The research demonstrates the eco-physiological basis of lilyturf’s shade adaptation mechanism as indicated by photosynthetic activity, chlorophyll fluorescence, Chl a, Chl b and Car contents when grown under different irradiances. We believe that lilyturf is a shade-tolerant plant suitable for planting in undergrowth, but attention should be paid to the canopy density of the forest when interplanting. The findings presented here advance our understanding of the photosynthetic characteristics of understory plants and may assist in the optimization of irradiances in the future.

Introduction Scots pine stands in Forest-Steppe in Kharkiv Region cover an area of almost 40 thousand ha. A considerable part of them belongs to the nature reserve fund, which allows studying natural processes and conducting long-term observations. The majority of pine forests in Kharkiv region is of artificial origin, so it is necessary to analyze the state of natural regeneration and how the ground vegetation influences it in order to maximize the use of natural regeneration and the formation of more stable natural stands. The aim of the research was to assess pine stands in Kharkiv Region by means of forest-taxation indicators, their ground vegetation and natural regeneration. Materials and Methods The study was conducted on 27 sample plots, which were laid in the forest stands of State enterprise State Enterprise “Skrypayivske ERFE”, State Enterprise “Zhovtneve Forest Economy” and National Nature Park “Slobozhansky”. The type of forest, tree species composition, age, average height and diameter, density of stocking, site index, growing stock per 1 ha were determined on the sample plots. Species composition, age, density and state of the natural regeneration as well as a variety of ground vegetation were also evaluated. Results The stands’ density of stocking increases with age in dry and fresh infertile sites (A1-2). As for the forest site types, the highest density of stocking is in fresh fairly infertile one (B2). As the fertility increase (C2), the stands’ density of stocking becomes slightly less, along with that more undergrowth appears. Based on the analysis of forest inventory data and our research on sample plots, the most common type of pine forest in Kharkiv Region is a fresh oak-pine forest in fairly infertile site condition (B2). It includes a wide age range and has a high growing stock per hectare. We have found that in areas with a density of stocking of 0.8 or more, there is much less pine undergrowth (500 stems ha-1) than in areas with a density of stocking of 0.6 and less, especially in canopy breaks (2,500 stems ha-1). The most productive undergrowth is usually can be found in groups near the edge of the gap, with partial shading. Conclusions The pine stands in Forest-Steppe of Kharkiv Region grow mainly in fresh fairly infertile (B2), fresh infertile (A2) and fresh relatively fertile (C2) site conditions. Site index classes vary from Ia to II, growing stock ranges from 80 to 616 m3·ha-1. At intensive monitoring plots in the State Enterprise “Zhovtneve Forest Economy” and National Nature Park “Slobozhansky” the annual change of growing stock in pine stands is 8.3 m3 ha-1. In the studied stands, the projective cover of the ground vegetation varies from 15 to 90%. The highest indices of vegetation diversity and the highest cover are observed in oak-pine forest in fairly infertile sites (B2). Natural regeneration is mainly formed by pine, with little participation of oak (on several plots). Pine trees of 4–8 years old predominate in fresh fairly infertile site condition (B2), with their average height of 2.7 m, while in fresh fairly fertile (C2) and fresh infertile site condition (A2) the height of pines is 1 and 1.1 m, respectively. In A2 conditions, the density of Scots pine undergrowth is 1,500 pc.·ha-1, in B2 there is a mix of species such as oak and birch, although pine undergrowth dominate in plots reaching 2,500 pc. ha-1. In C2 conditions, the undergrowth of oak reaches 50%. 3 Figs., 6 Tables, 11 Refs.

A recent re-evaluation of the Noronhia species from the Guineo-Congolian forests resulted in a much more restricted circumscription of N. mannii. A part of the specimens excluded from N. mannii represents the two new species described here. Both new species, N. silvatica from Liberia, Ivory Coast and Ghana, and N. cameroonensis from Cameroon, have red fruits, while N. mannii has dark purplish fruits. Both new species are small trees or shrubs found in the undergrowth of evergreen forest.

Cultivos hortícolas y extensivos en los estados de Aguascalientes, Durango y Zacatecas, localizados en el norte centro de México son susceptibles de ser infectadas con virus transmitidos por la mosquita blanca del camote Bemisia tabaci Genn. (SPWF). Poblaciones de SPWF pueden coexistir en esta región con otra especie, la mosquita blanca de los invernaderos (Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood) (GHWF), el objetivo del trabajo fue confirmar la presencia de SPWF y GHWF en parcelas comerciales de cultivos hortícolas y extensivos y zonas de maleza en el norte centro de México. Durante 2017 fueron colectadas cantidades variables de mosquitas blancas en parcelas seleccionadas al azar, de chile, frijol, tomate, melón, sandía y un manchón de maleza. En la mayoría de las parcelas muestreadas coexisten poblaciones de SPWF y GHWF, aunque el número de GHWF fue generalmente superior que el de SPWF.

An investigation on the forest and savanna vegetation types in NnamdiAzikiwe University, Awka campus, in Anambra state was carried out. This study was conducted on two communities (Science village forest vegetation type and Bank site savanna vegetation type) both located within the University Awka campus. The plot size of 5000 m-2 (50 m × 100 m) for the forest and 650 m-2 (25 m × 26 m) for savanna being their respective minimal areas were used. An analysis of the abundance of plant species above 1m in height in the forest vegetation type revealed that Elaeis Guineensis had the highest basal area (2268.59 M2ha-1) and the Gambeya Albida had the lowest basal area (0.72 M2ha-1). It also revealed that Elaeis Guineensis had the highest important value index (35.7778 %) and Gambeya Albida had the least significant important value index (0.7589 %). The results further revealed that there were 38 families identified in the community. An analysis of the abundance of plant species above 1 metre in height in the savanna vegetation type revealed that 15 families of plant species were identified in the community. It also revealed that Rothmannia Hispida(61.53M2ha-1), had the highest basal area while Napoleana Vogelii had the lowest basal area (1.03M2ha-1). It also showed that Terminalia Ivorensis (51.63%) had the highest important value index while Cnestis Ferruginia(1.03%) had the lowest important value index. A critical look at the abundance of undergrowth plant species in the forest vegetation type revealed that 12 families of plant species were identified in the community. It further showed that Setaria Longista had the higher significant relative density (31.38%) and Combretum Racemosum (0.42%), Cola hispid a(0.42%), Andropogangayanus(0.42%), Glyphaea Brevis(0.42%), and Holarrhaeno Flouribunda(0.42%) had the least relative density. The abundance of undergrowth plant species in the savanna vegetation type showed that 9 families of plant species were identified. The result also showed that the community had the plant species diversity value of 0.88. Since soil pH, N, P, K and organic carbon are the five main contributing factors for plant growth and diversity in the study area, natural resources managers must consider the budget and balance of these resources for protection and to ameliorate soil, vegetation degradation and nutrient limitation.

This article discusses the state and the resumption of tree species in plantations of terebinth (Pistacia mutica) on land of the Karadag reserve. Pistacia mutica is a Mediterranean relict species of the Tertiary period, included in the Red Books of Russia, Crimea and Ukraine. Terebinth (Pistacia mutica) creates rare relict plant communities (formation P. mutica) listed in the Green Book of Ukraine. A comparative analysis of small, medium and large undergrowth in the sample areas laid in 2005–2006 and in 2017 for undergrowth damage monitoring. Counting of the number and extent of damage to young growth stands of sessile in 2005–2006 and in 2017 – have shown that the undergrowth density was 2.0 thousand units/ha and 3.5 thousand units/ha correspondently. The degree of damaged undergrowth in 2005–2006 and in 2017 was 5.0 % and 88.6 %, respectively. The number of undergrowth in plantations in 2005–2006 is 1.7 times lower than the number of undergrowth in 2017. At the same time, the density of large undergrowth in plantations in 2005–2006 is 3 times higher than the density of large undergrowth in stands in 2017. The studies noted that there is replacement of the main forest-forming specie of terebinth (Pistacia mutica) bedrock prevailing in the plantations, in the downy oak (Quercus pubescens) and oleaster pear (Pyrus eleagnifolia). In undergrowth Pistacia mutica takes 29 %, and in large undergrowth it takes about 12 %. Most of damaged species is downy oak in all categories of undergrowth and oleaster pear in young growth stands. The undergrowth of European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) is rare. As the number of European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus Linnaeus, 1758) grows, the pressure on the floristic complexes of the reserve increases too, due to excessive population density of this species (the her density in 2016 is 10 time higher than optimal density – 437 species on 1000 ha ). A great destruction of the undergrowth observed. Most of damaged wildlife species is downy oak in all categories of undergrowth, and oleaster pear in small undergrowth. Meanwhile, the share of affected undergrowth of terebinth increased from 2,9 to 85.0 %, the share of downy oak – from 4.8 to 93.4 %, and the share oleaster pear – from 3,3 to 96,4 %. Renewal of tree species in plantations of Pistacia mutica in the Karadag reserve should be considered unsatisfactory. P. mutica populations in Kardag reserve require ongoing monitoring and conservation.

The limited number of studies on mixed plantations makes it difficult to accurately predict success of mixed-species combination especially with regards to growth, undergrowth diversity and carbon sequestration potentials. This study therefore provides information on the effects of Ceiba pentandra, Terminalia superba, Cedrela odorata and Khaya anthotheca in three different stand combinations on growth, undergrowth diversity and carbon sequestration potential. A 15-year-old coupe of 32 ha of mixed tree species stand combinations was selected for the study. The coupe was stratified based on the species combinations. Nested sub-plots (25 m × 25 m) were randomly laid in different species stand combinations for growth data collection. In each nested sub-plot, 1 m × 1 m plots were also randomly laid for undergrowth diversity study. The results revealed that two species stand combination of Ceiba pentandra and Terminalia superba performed better in terms of growth, carbon sequestration and carbon content as compared to the other species stand combinations. The saplings on the other hand, were more diverse under the three species stand combination plots. Also, the effective number of species, species richness, evenness, and dominance were higher in the four species stand combination plots. Generally, Ceiba pentandra and Terminalia superba are compatible as it produced the highest growth and carbon sequestration potential.