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Globally, several medicinal plants have been reported in treating Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD is characterised by decreased acetylcholine-mediated neurotransmission, in which acetylcholinesterase inhibitors have an impact as neuron-protective. The aim is to discover a new therapeutic agent for AD from available natural sources with fewer side effects than other synthetic ones. The current work provides evidence of the preventive and therapeutic properties of three coniferous plants, Cupressus arizonica Greene (CA), Cupressus lusitanica Mill. (CL) and Pinus canariensis C.Sm. (PC). This was achieved by screening their potential in inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Additionally, the antioxidant activity was determined through three different assays; Ferric-reducing antioxidant power, radical cation-based 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity. Phytochemical screening was performed through the determination of their total polyphenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). The results proved that the best inhibition of AChE was possessed by CL and CA (IC50: 199.7 ± 15.3 and 263.7 ± 17.3 µg/mL, respectively). CA showed a significantly more potent inhibition on BChE (IC50: 74.3 ± 2.1 µg/mL) than CL and PC (136.3 ± 3.8, ˃500 µg/mL, respectively), in comparison to standard. The extracts showed potent activity in the antioxidant assays (107-1143 µM Trolox eq/mg sample). CA had the highest concentration of TFC, while CL had the highest concentration of TPC. This study revealed significant in vitro antioxidant potential, and AChE and BChE inhibitory effects of CA. In conclusion, CA extract could be a promising source of bioactive metabolites for treating neurological diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The housefly, Musca domestica Linnaeus is a household pest mostly controlled by use of synthetic insecticides that often affect the environment and promote insecticide resistance. Plants of Cupressaceae family are often used locally in Rwanda and Uganda as an eco-friendly way to repel houseflies. In spite of this high utility of the plant, scientific proof of its efficacy is still limited. This study aimed at assessing the insecticidal activity of essential oils (EOs) from Cupressus lusitanica Mill. (Cupressaceae) growing in three agro-ecological zones (AEZs) of Rwanda; highland (Burera), midland (Huye) and lowland (Kayonza) against adult houseflies. EOs were extracted from fresh leaves using steam distillation method. Male and female adult houseflies were exposed to individual test solutions of 90, 70, 50 and 30% v/v (DDVP or EOs/Acetone) for 6, 12 or 24 h. The levels of repellant activity, contact and fumigant toxicity were then recorded. Acetone and DDVP insecticide served as negative and positive test controls, respectively. DDVP showed higher toxicity and repellant activity compared to tested EOs, whereas Acetone repelled less than 14% of exposed houseflies in 24 h. The EOs from leaves collected in lowlands had higher fumigant and contact toxicity, followed by that from midlands, while least toxic effects were observed for EOs from highlands. The higher repellant activity was exhibited by EOs from midlands, followed by oil from lowlands. The observed promising activity among investigated AEZs implies that the EOs of C. lusitanica could be used as alternative to synthetic insecticides for control of the housefly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Ethiopia, sawmills have poor capacity utilization primarily due to the outdated equipment that resulted in a low recovery rate and the production of a high amount of wastage. The lumber recovery rate is the output (lumber) of a log in the sawing process. In Ethiopia, Cupressus lusitanica is significantly used for lumber, for furniture production, construction, poles and posts. Sampled logs were processed according to the normal production rate and standard lumber dimension of the sawmill for the purpose of estimating the lumber recovery rate. The present study aimed to investigate the lumber recovery rate of C. lusitanica and the factors affecting it. A total of 26.93 m3 of lumber was produced by the sawmilling operation, representing 72.86% of the overall lumber recovery rate. Furthermore, the sawdust and slabs were recorded as 2.92 m3 (7.90%) of sawdust and 7.11 m3 (19.24%) of slabs, respectively. There were a number of factors that decreased the magnitude of the lumber recovery rate. It was observed that cutting using a wider saw kerf caused a reduction in the rate of lumber recovery owing to the generation of an increased quantity of sawdust. The lumbers were air-seasoned in the sawmill yard. Maximizing the volume of the lumber recovered from the logs can increase the sawmill profitability, lessen the effects of climate change, ensure the sustainable use of natural resources, enhance the energy efficiency and manage wood waste (e.g., recycling and prevention) for green economic development and industrial transformation. This species has a great demand in the wood industry of Ethiopia; hence, the plantation and yield of C. lusitanica must be expanded in order to provide sustainable forestry, protect valuable forest resources and safeguard the biodiversity in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cypress species Hesperocyparis lusitanica (Mill.) Bartel and H. macrocarpa (Hartw.) Bartel (formerly known as Cupressus lusitanica and C. macrocarpa) are widely grown in New Zealand where they are noted for their high-value timber. Preliminary cypress growth models were developed in New Zealand in 2004 based on limited growth data. Here, we describe new stand-level growth models developed for these two species using measurements from 521 permanent sample plots. Each model consists of several component sub-models including a height/age model, a diameter/age model, a mortality function and a stand-level volume function, with different parameter estimates used for each species. The mean top height is predicted from age and site index using common-asymptote Richards models. Modified common-asymptote Korf functions are used to predict the mean diameter as a function of age, stand density and a diameter index. The volume-based 300 Index, defined as the mean annual volume increment at age 30 years for a reference regime of 300 stems ha−1, can be calculated directly from the site index and diameter index using the volume function. These models will be of considerable value to forest managers for regime evaluation and yield prediction. By more robustly describing site productivity using the 300 Index, the models provide an improved framework for understanding and quantifying site productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing productivity and tolerance against cypress canker disease is an important goal in the Mexican white cypress breeding program in New Zealand, and screening has been in place since 1983. Cypress canker disease is caused by Seiridium cardinale and Seiridium cupressi, the current study presents the results of two progeny trials within the breeding program in the North Island of New Zealand. The trials were established as open-pollinated progeny tested and were assessed for diameter at breast height, branch size, canker severity score, malformation score, and stem straightness score and acceptability score. Heritability estimates were moderate ranging from 0.21 to 0.41 for diameter at breast height and from 0.14 to 0.31 for canker severity score. Stem form attributes showed heritability from 0.08 (malformation) to 0.38 (straightness). No trait showed any significant G × E interaction between investigated sites. This was supported by the very strong genetic correlations estimated between the traits recorded in Welcome Bay and Matata trials. Unfavourable genetic correlations ranging from 0.25 to 0.46 were found between diameter at breast height and canker severity score, indicating that the continued selection for genotypes with improved diameter at breast height would also increase susceptibility to cypress canker. Additionally, unfavourable genetic correlations ranging from 0.52 to 0.73 were found between branch size and diameter at breast height and should be considered in selection programs. The moderate heritability estimated for canker severity score indicates that breeding values for this trait could be predicted with acceptable accuracy and included in the breeding program for Cupressus lusitanica, enabling the identification of genotypes with tolerance to canker severity to be deployed to locations where cypress canker is present in New Zealand.

Increasing productivity and tolerance against cypress canker disease is an important goal in the Mexican white cypress breeding program in New Zealand, and screening has been in place since 1983. Cypress canker disease is caused by Seiridium cardinale and Seiridium cupressi , the current study presents the results of two progeny trials within the breeding program in the North Island of New Zealand. The trials were established as open-pollinated progeny tested and were assessed for diameter at breast height, branch size, canker severity score, malformation score, and stem straightness score and acceptability score. Heritability estimates were moderate ranging from 0.21 to 0.41 for diameter at breast height and from 0.14 to 0.31 for canker severity score. Stem form attributes showed heritability from 0.08 (malformation) to 0.38 (straightness). No trait showed any significant G × E interaction between investigated sites. This was supported by the very strong genetic correlations estimated between the traits recorded in Welcome Bay and Matata trials. Unfavourable genetic correlations ranging from 0.25 to 0.46 were found between diameter at breast height and canker severity score, indicating that the continued selection for genotypes with improved diameter at breast height would also increase susceptibility to cypress canker. Additionally, unfavourable genetic correlations ranging from 0.52 to 0.73 were found between branch size and diameter at breast height and should be considered in selection programs. The moderate heritability estimated for canker severity score indicates that breeding values for this trait could be predicted with acceptable accuracy and included in the breeding program for Cupressus lusitanica , enabling the identification of genotypes with tolerance to canker severity to be deployed to locations where cypress canker is present in New Zealand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implementation of green chemistry and biorefinery concept are needed to boost production of biomass-derived fuels, chemicals, and materials with cost-effective processing of sustainable feedstock. The use of imidazole as a novel solvent for biomass pretreatment creates an approach that helps accomplish this concept. The present work is dedicated to study the pretreatment of residual lignocellulosic biomass, namely, extracted solid waste of Cupressus lusitanica, by application of the alkaline solvent—imidazole. The pretreatment allowed obtaining cellulose- and hemicellulose-rich fractions, whereas lignin was depolymerized. Both cellulose and hemicellulose recovery were highly dependent on the reaction conditions. The highest cellulose content was obtained at 160 °C for 4 h and was 40.7 ± 0.6 wt% with a delignification yield of 65.2 ± 0.4 wt%. The effect of biomass delignification on the efficiency of enzymatic digestibility was also analyzed and it was observed a good linear relationship between the delignification yield and the glucan to glucose yield. The presence of added-value phenolic compounds from depolymerized lignin in recovered imidazole was analyzed by capillary electrophoresis and determination of total phenolic content and antioxidant activity was also performed. These compounds were tentatively identified and their structures proposed on the basis of the HPLC–MS analyzes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to fit and evaluate ten existing nonlinear height diameter functions for Cupressus lusitanica in Gergeda forest Ethiopia. A total of 260 trees were measured for their diameter at breast height (D) and height using destructive sampling methods. This data were randomly split in to two datasets for model development (50%) and for model validation (50%). Considering hetroscadasticity of variance, all functions were fitted using weighted nonlinear least square regression. To evaluate the performance of each model, five fit statistics-such as Coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), bias (Ē), absolute mean deviation (AMD), and coefficient of variation (CV%) were used. Among all the models tested, the Weibull type function of the form H = 1.3 + a (1-exp (-bDc)) + ɛ was observed to give the best fit based on the model’s goodness of fit and predictive ability. Therefore, this model with three parameters has been conformed to provide reliable estimate of total tree height for Cupressus lusitanica in Gergeda forest, Ethiopia.

In this research sawdust samples of Ecalyptus globulus and Cupressus lusitanica were evaluated for bioethanol productions. The sawdust samples were first pretreated with three white rot fungi alone and also by combining the white rot fungi with mild NaOH and steam. Both the fungal and combined pretreated samples were then hydrolyzed with hydrolytic enzymes from three cellulolytic wood rot fungi. Finally, the resulting sugars were fermented into bioethanol using S. cerevisae in anaerobic conditions. Results obtained, in general, indicated that bioethanol amount produced in all cases of sawdust management was significantly higher than the amount obtained from the un-pretreated sawdust samples (p<0.05). In both fungal alone and combined pretreated sawdust samples, higher ethanol yield was obtained from E. globulus than from C. lusitanica. Similarly, combination with NaOH showed better bioethanol yield over combination with steam. The highest alcohol concentration was obtained when pretreated NaOH-006-2G and hydrolyzed with enzymes from 033-1G and followed by results when pretreated with 005-1G and 003-2G, respectively, and hydrolyzed with enzymes from 033-1G. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Ethiopia, Cupressus lusitanica and Juniperus procera are important tree species. The incidence of the cypress aphid, Cinara cupressi, which has not been reported before on the exotic Cupressus lusitanica is becoming catastrophic. The appearance of the insect was reported for the first time in 2003 in Ethiopia. However, information is scarce on the status of this species in northeast Amhara state. The objectives of this study were to assess the extent of damage, abundance and status of the cypress aphid on C. lusitanica and J. procera in the protected and cultivated forests of South Wollo, Ethiopia. Results reveal that tree compositions of the three study areas differed. The dominant tree species were C. lucitanica (15–80%), Olea europaea (5–90%) and J. procera (14–70%). The cypress aphid showed significantly higher levels of infestation on C. lusitanica (35–90%) than on J. procera (1–16%). Moreover, there was higher C. lusitanica mortality (40–93%). In contrast, there was low infestation (1–16%) on J. procera and no mortality. The results reveal that the cypress aphid causes enormous losses of C. lusitanica. Therefore, it is recommended that insect surveillance be strengthened and the introduction bioagents be considered and integrated with other insecticides to minimize the degree of C. lusitanica infestation and loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Las emisiones de carbono (C) a la atmósfera, así como sus reservorios, en el sector de agricultura, silvicultura y otros usos del suelo son significativas en el balance global del ciclo del carbono; sin embargo, a pesar de esta importancia, es el sector con la mayor incertidumbre en el balance global debido principalmente a la falta de conocimiento preciso de los factores de emisión, por lo que se requiere mayor investigación en el tema. Debido a lo anterior, este trabajo tuvo como objetivo estimar el C almacenado en los cinco depósitos considerados en ecosistemas forestales: biomasa viva sobre el suelo, biomasa viva debajo del suelo, madera muerta sobre el suelo, mantillo y carbono orgánico del suelo (COS) en dos sitios de muestreo ubicados en las faldas del Monte Tláloc, Texcoco, Estado de México: el primero en un bosque de oyamel (Abies religiosa) y el segundo en un bosque de ciprés (Cupressus lusitanica). El promedio de la densidad de carbono en el bosque de oyamel en los cinco depósitos estimados fue de 376 Mg ha‑1, siendo el depósito más importante el de biomasa aérea (59%), seguido del COS (22%); en tanto que en el bosque de ciprés fue de 205 Mg ha-1, siendo el depósito con mayor densidad el COS (50%), seguido de biomasa aérea (36%). Los valores de densidad de carbono para biomasa aérea en el caso de bosque de oyamel fueron superiores a los reportados en otros trabajos; lo cual se explica por la existencia de árboles de grandes dimensiones de esta especie en el sitio de muestreo, lo cual nos da una idea precisa del potencial como almacén de carbono que este tipo de vegetación tiene cuando llegan a estados maduros.

La producción de árboles de navidad es, en Costa Rica, una actividad económica con base en el ciprés (Cupressus lusitanica Mill.) desde los años 60. Se elaboró una base de costos exhaustiva del cultivo de árboles de navidad en Costa Rica, a partir de un paquete tecnológico para un ciclo de producción de 2,5 años, que inició con la siembra de 4444 árboles.ha-1 (a 1,5 x 1,5 m) y la venta de 3111 (70%). La estructura de costos incluye como costos directos el establecimiento de 200 m de cercas.ha-1 más una estimación del costo de mano de obra que incluye la seguridad social voluntaria. El costo del jornal en el país al II semestre del 2016 se establece en ¢11.273,75 ($20,13 a una tasa de cambio de US $ 1 = C.R. ¢560). El ciclo completo de producción requiere aproximadamente 373 jornales en 3 años, unos a 125 jornales.año-1. El costo total de producción se determinó en ¢6.170.786 ($11.019,3) por hectárea, donde 60,5% corresponde a mano de obra y 39,5% a insumos agrícolas. El costo total de producción por árbol es de ¢1984 ($3,54), mientras que el precio de venta es siempre superior a ¢7500 o 4 veces el costo de producción. La base de datos utilizada fue confiable estadísticamente y realista, a partir de la producción de árboles de navidad en Costa Rica. Se concluyé que toda mejora en el paquete tecnológico se vería reflejada en aumento de los indicadores de productividad y en disminución de costos de producción, para lo cual es vital nutrir y actualizar permanentemente la base de datos.

Plantations of exotic fast‐growing tree species have been widely used for maintaining or restoring ecosystem functions. Despite this, in tropical countries with high biodiversity, these plantations have been the subject of heated debate. We evaluated the long‐term effect of coniferous tree plantations (Cupressus lusitanica, Pinus patula, Pinus elliottii) on the ecological rehabilitation of the Andean highlands in Colombia. To determine degree of rehabilitation, we assessed whether there were differences in the structure or density of native understory vegetation or soil ecological properties between plots established within tree plantations and plots established within other vegetation cover types (secondary forests, ferns, pastures, and abandoned mining areas). Measured variables were combined to create an index of ecological rehabilitation (ERI). We found significant differences in the ERI values among vegetation cover types: secondary forest (11.78) > conifer plantations (P. elliottii: 6.23, P. patula: 5.33, C. lusitanica: 5.24) > ferns (4.16) > pasture (2.50) > abandoned mining areas (0.43). The results obtained showed that, from the structure of native understory vegetation and soil ecological properties, conifer plantations favored the rehabilitation process. However, among them, it was highlighted that the P. elliotii plantations showed significant differences in the density of native understory species, their values being 1.7 and 2.1 times higher than those corresponding to P. patula and C. lusitanica, respectively. Thus, unlike these plantations that could represent an ecological barrier over time, P. elliottii plantations have enabled the advancement of natural succession, showing a high diversity of native species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stem volume equations were fitted for Cupressus lusitanica in Gergeda Forest, Ethiopia using six different established equation forms. A total of 260 trees were measured for their diameter at breast height (D), total height (H )and stem volume using destructive sampling methods. The data set was randomly divided into equal size for equation development and equation validation. Five fit statistics comprising of the fit index, root mean square error, bias (Ē ), absolute mean deviation and coefficient of variation were used to evaluate the performance of each equation. Among the different equations, the Schumacher and Hall function of the form V = b1Db2Hb3 (model 5), which estimates volume (V ) using diameter at breast height and total height as predicting variables, performed best and was then fitted to the combined data set for prediction of volume over-bark of C. lusitanica in Gergeda Forest. Overall, volume equations with two independent variables (D and H ) performed better than those with only one variable (D). The equations developed in this study can provide forest managers with accurate estimations of stem volumes for C. lusitanica in Gergeda Forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A non-destructive method for measurement of the modulus of elasticity (MOE) was compared with the static method on beams of Cupressus lusitanica and Populus x canadensis. The dynamic method is based on the principle of the resonance frequency, using longitudinal vibrations (Timber Grader MTG, accelerometer) and the static method for measurement of the flexural modulus of elasticity is according to EN 408 (2012). The differences between the ascertained dynamic and static MOE values were 1.1% to 2.4% for the Populus x canadensis sample and 12.7% to 15.5% for the Cupressus lusitanica sample. Furthermore, the correlation dependence of the applied methods was determined and the regression equations are shown. Experimental measurement showed the effect of the knot clusters, which appeared primarily in Cupressus lusitanica samples and considerably impacted the resultant values.

Predicting paper properties based on a limited number of measured variables can be an important tool for the industry. Mathematical models were developed to predict mechanical and optical properties from the corresponding paper density for some softwood papers using support vector machine regression with the Radial Basis Function Kernel. A dataset of different properties of paper handsheets produced from pulps of pine (Pinus pinaster and P. sylvestris) and cypress species (Cupressus lusitanica, C. sempervirens, and C. arizonica) beaten at 1000, 4000, and 7000 revolutions was used. The results show that it is possible to obtain good models (with high coefficient of determination) with two variables: the numerical variable density and the categorical variable species.

The plant diastereoisomeric diterpenes ent -pimara-8(14)-15-dien-19-oic acid, obtained from Viguiera arenaria , and isopimara-8(14)-15-dien-18-oic acid, isolated from Cupressus lusitanica , were distinctly functionalized by the enzymes produced in whole cell cultures of the fungus Preussia minima , isolated from surface sterilized stems of C. lusitanica . The ent -pimaradienoic acid was transformed into the known 7β-hydroxy- ent -pimara-8(14)-15-dien-19-oic acid, and into the novel diterpenes 7-oxo-8 β-hydroxy- ent -pimara-8(14)-15-dien-19-oic and 7-oxo-9β-hydroxy- ent -pimara-8(14)-15-dien-19-oic acids. Isopimara-8(14)-15-dien-18-oic acid was converted into novel diterpenes 11α-hydroxyisopimara-8(14)-15-dien-18-oic acid, 7β,11α-dihydroxyisopimara-8(14)-15-dien-18-oic acid, and 1β,11α-dihydroxyisopimara-8(14)-15-dien-18-oic acid, along with the known 7β-hydroxyisopimara-8(14)-15-dien-18-oic acid. All compounds were isolated and fully characterized by 1D and 2D NMR, especially 13 C NMR. The diterpene bioproduct 7-oxo-9β-hydroxy- ent -pimara-8(14)-15-dien-19-oic acid is an isomer of sphaeropsidin C, a phytotoxin that affects cypress trees produced by Shaeropsis sapinea , one of the main phytopathogen of Cupressus . The differential metabolism of the diterpene isomers used as substrates for biotransformation was interpreted with the help of computational molecular docking calculations, considering as target enzymes those of cytochrome P450 group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edible mushrooms are important resources with higher economic value than other non-timber forest products (NTFPs). In this study, we assessed quantitatively how the permanence of native ectomycorrhizal trees within Cupressus lusitanica plantations affects the availability of edible wild mushrooms. We conducted our study in an area composed of native ectomycorrhizal oak-pine forest and no ectomycorrhizal plantations of C. lusitanica. Availability of saprobic and ectomycorrhizal edible mushrooms was evaluated as a multifactorial variable including density, fresh biomass weight, potential monetary value, species richness, dominance and temporal availability of edible wild mushrooms. These variables were compared between plantations and native oak-pine forest through statistical and multi-criteria analyses. No significant differences in temperature and relative humidity at the ground level or in the physical and chemical properties of the soil between the two forest types were detected. We found greater biomass and temporal availability of edible wild mushrooms in the oak-pine forest. Nonetheless, in plantations we found 62.5% of ectomycorrhizal fungi including one species not found in the oak-pine forest (Strobilomyces floccopus), which indicates that native trees in the plantations maintain high diversity of wild mushrooms as well as the availability of some culinary important edible mushrooms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest plantations are considered the main carbon sinks thought to reduce the impact of climate change. Regarding many species, however, there is a lack of information in order to establish metrics on accumulation of biomass and carbon, principally due to the level of difficulty and the cost of quantification through direct measurement and destructive sampling. In this research, it was evaluated carbon stocks of forest plantations near the dam of hydroelectric project Cachí, which belongs to Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad. 25 unit samples were evaluated along some plantations that contain three different species. 30 Pinus caribacea trees, 14 Cupressus lusitanica and 15 Eucalyptus deglupta were extracted. The biomass was quantified by means of the destructive method. First of all, every component of the tree was weighed separately; then, sampling was obtained in order to determine the dry matter and the carbon fraction. 110 biomass samples from the three species were analyzed in laboratory, including all the components (leaves, branches, shaft, and root). The carbon fraction varied between 47,5 and 48,0 for Pinus caribacea; between 32,6 and 52,7 for Cupressus lusitanica, and beween 36,4 and 50,3% for Eucalyptus deglupta. The stored carbon was 230, 123, and 69 Mg ha-1 in plantations of P. caribaea, C. lusitanica and E. deglupta, respectively. Approximately, 75% of the stored carbon was detected in the shaft.

In an effort to find eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic pesticides in grain storage, residual contact toxicity and repellence of Cupressus lusitanica and Eucalyptus saligna leaf essential oils were evaluated against adult Tribolium castaneum, Acanthoscelides obtectus and Sitophilus zeamais . In bioassays, oil was applied at 0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20% v/w to wheat and bean grains and stored for 30–120 days after which test insects were introduced into sub-samples of treated grains. Both oils at 0.20% v/w and 120 days grain storage duration caused a mortality of 5.0–65.0% in test insects whereas in the repellence bioassay, at same doses and grain storage duration produced percent repellence values of 34–52.4% of test insects. Considering other pesticidal properties of C. lusitanica and E. saligna oils, current results point oils as potential residual contact toxicants and repellents for possible integration into insect pest management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Torrefaction can increase the energy yield of biomass for better utilization in bioenergy, but chemical changes occur during the pretreatment process. Wood residues of Cupressus lusitanica, Dipteryx panamensis, Gmelina arborea, Tectona grandis, and Vochysia ferruginea were torrefied for three different time periods (8, 10, and 12 min) and three different temperatures (200, 225, and 250 °C). The mass loss, net calorific value, ash, volatiles, lignin, cellulose, extractives, and infrared spectra were evaluated. The results showed that the mass loss in torrefied biomass varied between 10% and 70%, ash content varied between 0.19 and 7.00%, and volatiles content varied between 63 and 85%. Net calorific value values varied between 17 and 23 MJ/kg, increasing with the increased torrefaction temperature. Cellulose varied between 49.85 and 67.57%. Lignin varied between 27.33 and 41.09%. The extractives varied between 3.70 and 16.86%. The change in the ratio of intensity (RI) for the bands identified using FTIR analyses showed that large changes occurred in hemicellulose components. The multivariate analysis showed that lignin, ash, extractives in hot water, volatiles, and mass loss were the variables that contributed most. The analysis of all these variables showed that torrefaction at 250 °C for 12 min presented the greatest biomass degradation. Torrefaction at 200 °C and 225 °C for 8, 10, and 12 min was optimal for thermal treatment of the biomass of these woody species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study quantified changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (STN) stocks from the conversion of natural forest to crop field followed by afforestation of these fields. Soil (0–100 cm), leaf and fine roots were collected in the natural forest, the adjacent to 50-year-old crop fields converted from the natural forest, and 5, 8, and 17-year-old Cupressus lusitanica plantation sites (hereafter P5, P8 and P17, respectively) established on the converted crop fields in Southern Ethiopia. Soil and leaf pH, soil texture, bulk density, fine root mass, and SOC and STN contents and stocks were determined. The results showed that soil pH was lower and clay fraction was higher in P17 site than natural forest. Leaf pH of Cupressus lusitanica in plantation sites was lower than those of trees in natural forest. Fine root mass was greater in the plantation sites than the crop field. Soil bulk density (0–40 cm) was higher in the crop fields than the natural forest but there was no significant difference between crop field and plantation sites. SOC and STN stocks (0–100 cm) were higher in the natural forest than the crop field and all plantation sites and there was no significant difference between the crop field and all plantation sites. Overall, SOC and STN stocks decreased by 22.9% and 40.3%, respectively, in conversion of natural forest to crop field. However, after 17 years of afforestation, the crop field showed no change of stocks. The results suggest that afforestation in agricultural lands may not guarantee, or take a long period, to restore SOC and STN to the original natural forest level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is a major constraint of forest productivity and tree growth across diverse habitat types. In this study, we investigated the drought responses of four conifer species growing within two locations of differing elevation and climatic conditions in northern Mexico. Two species were selected at a mesic site (Cupressus lusitanica Mill., Abies durangensis Martínez) and the other two species were sampled at a xeric site (Pinus engelmannii Carr., Pinus cembroides Zucc.). Using a dendrochronological approach, we correlated the radial-growth series of each species and the climatic variables. All study species positively responded to wet-cool conditions during winter and spring. Despite the close proximity of species at a mesic site, A. durangensis had high responsiveness to hydroclimatic variability, but C. lusitanica was not responsive. At the xeric site, P. engelmannii and P. cembroides were very responsive to drought severity, differentiated only by the longer time scale of the response to accumulated drought of P. engelmannii. The responsiveness to hydroclimate and drought of these tree species seems to be modulated by site conditions, or by the functional features of each species that are still little explored. These findings indicate that differentiating between mesic and xeric habitats is a too coarse approach in diverse forests with a high topographic heterogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of carbon finance as an incentive in forestry farming has a potential of increasing the amount of carbon sequestered. However, this has created a daunting task among investors in forestry to optimise the joint production of wood and carbon sequestration. For instance, investors might find it profitable to give up some timber returns in exchange for carbon credits. This study evaluated expected income from growingCupressus lusitanicaMill.,Pinus patulaSchiede ex Schltdl. & Cham.,Eucalyptus salignaSm. andJuniperus proceraHochst. ex Endl. for wood and/or the carbon market in central Kenya. The global average unit price of carbon and stumpage royalty were used to estimate expected returns from sale of carbon credits and wood, respectively. There were significant differences (p< 0.01) in the expected amount of income from sale of carbon and wood among the four species. Specifically, at economic rotation of 30 years with stand density of 532 trees ha−1P. patulaandC. lusitanicayielded US$28 050 and US$23 650, respectively, from sale of carbon compared with US$59 000 and US$51 000, respectively, from sale of wood. This was twice the value investors receive from clear-felling as compared with sales from carbon. Similarly, at economic rotation of 33 years with stand density of 150 trees ha−1, a forest investor inE. salignawould earn US$15 400 from sale of carbon compared with US$33 000 from sale of wood. Overall, the amount expected to be realised from sale of carbon was lower compared with that from sale of wood. This demonstrates that the price dynamics of carbon offsets in the voluntary and the compliance markets need to remain competitive and attractive for the forest owners to give up some timber returns in exchange for carbon income or to modify forest management regulation in order to increase carbon sequestration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A non-destructive method for measurement of the modulus of elasticity (MOE) was compared with the static method on beams of Cupressus lusitanica and Populus x canadensis. The dynamic method is based on the principle of the resonance frequency, using longitudinal vibrations (Timber Grader MTG, accelerometer) and the static method for measurement of the flexural modulus of elasticity is according to EN 408 (2012). The differences between the ascertained dynamic and static MOE values were 1.1% to 2.4% for the Populus x canadensis sample and 12.7% to 15.5% for the Cupressus lusitanica sample. Furthermore, the correlation dependence of the applied methods was determined and the regression equations are shown. Experimental measurement showed the effect of the knot clusters, which appeared primarily in Cupressus lusitanica samples and considerably impacted the resultant values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La región Río Macho, un paisaje altamente fragmentado con riesgos inminentes de derrumbes e importantes servicios ambientales, ha sufrido una recuperación parcial de su vocación forestal por reforestación con especies exóticas y regeneración natural. Hemos comparado algunos rasgos del sustrato mediante la combinación del potencial bioindicador de los oligoquetos, rasgos del mantillo y características fisicoquímicos del suelo en tres sitios (bosque secundario viejo, tacotal y plantación Cupressus lusitanica). El bosque presentó la menor densidad de oligoquetos, el menor pH y el mayor contenido de humedad (CA) y fósforo del suelo. Hubo una correlación positiva entre los cocientes de C/N y C/P del mantillo y el pH del suelo, y negativa entre la profundidad, nitrógeno, fósforo del mantillo y fósforo del suelo. Los resultados sugieren que los oligoquetos son sensibles a cambios de los rasgos antes mencionados, que algunos de estos rasgos pueden ser buenos indicadores de la condición actual de regeneración de las coberturas estudiadas, y las coberturas han alcanzado concentraciones de varios nutrientes similares al bosque secundario viejo. Estos estudios a nivel ecosistémico a través de la evaluación de criterios sencillos pueden ayudarnos a inferir rápidamente el estado de algunos de los muchos y complejos compartimentos de los ecosistemas.In Costa Rica, the region of Río Macho is a highly fragmented landscape with imminent risk of landslides. This area, which provides important environmental services, has been partially recovered to its original forest through intentional reforestation with exotic species or natural regeneration after abandonment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioindicator potential of oligochaete presence as well as some litter and soil characteristics. The ecosystem recovery of the two common restoration modes was measured within three different forest covers. For this, some substrate characteristics were analyzed and compared in a 50 years old secondary forest, a 13 years tacotal, and a 35 years cypress (Cupressus lusitanica) plantation. The three sites studied differed in density, biomass and average mass of oligochaetes, and in some litter (depth, nitrogen, phosphorus and C/N ratio of litter), and soil variables (soil water content (CA), pH, phosphorus, cation exchange capacity, and magnesium). The forest registered the lowest density of earthworms and soil pH, and the highest soil CA and phosphorus. CA was inversely related to the oligochaete density across sites. Besides, there were positive correlations between C/N and C/P ratios from the litter and soil pH, and inverse correlations of litter depth, litter N and P concentrations with soil P. Discriminant Analysis (AD) performed with all soil and litter variables, produced a sharp classification of the three forest cover types. AD suggests that site differences were mostly determined by soil CA and litter nitrogen concentration. Considering all the evaluated parameters, our results suggest in the first place, that oligochaetes are sensitive to changes in some soil and litter characteristics. Secondly, aside from the striking oligochaete differences between the old secondary forest and the other two sites, some soil and litter traits resulted good indicators of the present recovery of the three forest covers. In addition, comparing soil nutrients content (organic carbon, nitrogen, calcium, potassium and sulfur) among the three sites, our findings indicate that the cypress plantation had reached soil nutrient conditions similar to the old secondary forest, presumably by the accumulation of nutrients, as a result of low nutrient recirculation. In conclusion, ecosystem level studies throughout simple evaluation criteria (soils, oligochaetes and ground litter) can be used as rapid indicators of the state of some of the many and complex forest ecosystem compartments.

En bosques montanos naturales de Quercus humboldtii y reforestados (Pinus patula y Cupressus lusitanica) de la región de Piedras Blancas, Antioquia (Colombia), fue evaluada la producción de hojarasca por un periodo de 2 años. Se utilizaron trampas de hojarasca con el fin de recoger el material desprendido del dosel para su posterior separación en fracciones y pesado respectivo. El promedio de caída de hojarasca anual para Q. humboldtii, P. patula y C. lusitanica fue de 7877,20; 8362,47 y 3725,97 kg ha-1año-1 respectivamente; siendo la fracción foliar la que mayor participación tuvo en la producción total. Mediante análisis de regresión lineal múltiple se ajustaron modelos de producción de hojarasca según fracciones por cobertura en función de diferentes variables hidrológicas, tales como la intensidad y la cantidad de lluvia del período simultáneo a la recolección de la hojarasca o inmediatamente anterior.Litter production was measured over two years in a montane oak forest (Quercus humboldtii) and in pine (Pinus patula) and cypress (Cupressus lusitanica) plantations in Piedras Blancas, Antioquia ( Colombia ). Litter traps were used in order to collect litterfall to be subsequently separated into fractions and weighed. Annual mean litterfall for Q. humboldtii, P. patula and C. lusitanica was of 7877,20; 8362,47 and 3725,97 kg ha-1year-1 respectively; being the leaf fraction of highest participation in total production. Multiple linear regression models were used to fit litter production for each fraction and forest cover as a function of different hydrological variables such as intensity and quantity of precipitation, both during the period when the leaf litter was collected and immediately preceding one.

El agua gravitacional y su composición química fueron medidos en bosques montanos de Quercus humboldtii y reforestados (Pinus patula y Cupressus lusitanica) de la región de Piedras Blancas, Antioquia (Colombia), por un período de tiempo de dos años. Se utilizaron lisímetros sin tensión con el fin de estimar el agua gravitacional y los flujos de nutrientes a diferentes profundidades en el perfil del suelo. El mayor valor anual de agua gravitacional en el nivel más profundo (50- 80 cm), fue hallado en la cobertura de ciprés ( 492,7 mm), seguido por pino pátula ( 14,2 mm) y roble ( 2,0 mm). De manera similar ocurrió con la pérdida de nutrientes, mostrando el mismo patrón hallado para el agua gravitacional. Así, para roble, pátula y ciprés, en su orden, se presentaron los siguientes valores de pérdida: Ca: 0,004, 0,084 y 2,270 kg ha-1 año-1; P: 0,008, 0,052 y 1,234 kg ha-1 año-1; Mg: 0,004, 0,022 y 0,667 kg ha-1 año-1. De K se registraron 0,08 y 7,092 kg ha-1 año-1 para roble y ciprés respectivamente. Estos flujos siguieron el siguiente orden según cobertura, roble: K>P>Ca>Mg, pátula: Ca>Fe>P>Mg>Zn>Mn, y ciprés: K>Mn>Ca>P>Fe>Zn>Mg.Gravitational flow and its chemical composition were measured in montane oak forests (Quercus humboldtii), in pine (Pinus patula) and cypress (Cupressus lusitanica) plantations in Piedras Blancas, Antioquia ( Colombia ), over two years. Zero tension lysimeters were used at different depth soil levels. The highest gravitational flow value at highest depth (50- 80 cm) was obtained in cypress plot ( 492,7 mm), followed by pine ( 14,2 mm) and oak forest ( 2,0 mm). A similar behavior was encountered for nutrient losses, following the same pattern as gravitational flow. Thus, for oak, pine and cypress, nutrient losses were respectively: Ca: 0,004, 0,084 and 2,270 kg ha-1 y-1; P: 0,008, 0,052 and 1,234 kg ha-1 y -1; Mg: 0,004, 0,022 and 0,667 kg ha-1 y-1. K losses were 0,08 and 7,092 kg ha-1 y-1 for oak forest and cypress plantation respectively. Nutrient losses followed the next order for each type of forest: oak: K>P>Ca>Mg, pine: Ca>Fe>P>Mg>Zn>Mn, and cypress: K>Mn>Ca>P>Fe>Zn>Mg.

In nature, allelopathic substances are likely to influence the germination of seeds. Callistemon viminalis, Tephrosia vogelii, Senna spectabilis, Cupressus lusitanica, and Polyscias fulva are found around some tomato culture fields in Cameroon. These plants may produce allelochemicals that can influence tomato seed germination and seedling characteristics. Methanol extracts and their fractions were prepared from leaves of these plants and tested on seed germination rate, shoot diameter, root and stem lengths, and vigor index of seedlings. The tested substances did not significantly (p > 0.05) affect the seed germination rate. Aqueous extracts of T. vogelii, C. lusitanica, and C. viminalis exerted the highest inhibition on seed germination while methanol extract, hexane, and ethyl acetate fractions of all the plants induced significant increases in diameters of seedlings. Aqueous extracts were effective on the stem length. All treatments generally reduced the root length. Methanol extracts induced significantly higher vigor indices (p < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cell culture of Cupressus lusitanica was used to investigate the reaction of a plant to certain airborne chemicals. Compared with laboratory and field methods using intact plants or tissues, a cell culture is advantageous because it is not affected by environmental factors, and the experiments are easier to reproduce. When exposed to an elicitor, our cell line produces 10 monoterpenes and β-thujaplicin, which is a strong phytoalexin. These monoterpenes are emitted into the vapor phase and are expected to play a role in airborne signaling. In the present study, the cells were exposed to monoterpene vapors, and the volatiles present in the culture flasks were monitored. When the culture cells were exposed to low doses of sabinene, we detected γ-terpinene and p-cymene. After exposure to γ-terpinene, we found p-cymene and terpinolene, whereas p-cymene exposure resulted in terpinolene emission. By contrast, the other seven monoterpenes we investigated did not induce any emissions of other monoterpenes. These results strongly suggest that in C. lusitanica a signaling cascade exists that starts with the emission of sabinene and moves to γ-terpinene, p-cymene, and finally to terpinolene, which accelerates the production of the phytoalexin β-thujaplicin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]