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Climate change has significant natural and economic implications, but its extent is particularly challenging to assess in forest management, a field which combines both of the previous aspects and requires the evaluation of the impact of climate change on tree species over a 100-year timeframe. Oaks are among the tree species of significant natural and economic value in Europe. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze all oak stands in Poland and verify the hypothesis regarding differences between Quercus robur and Quercus petraea stands in terms of soil type, annual total precipitation, average annual air temperature, and the length of the growing season. Additionally, this study aimed to analyze the impact of these differences on the growth rates of both oak species and test whether climate change may affect oak stands. A database containing 195,241 tree stands, including different oak species with varying shares in the stand (from 10% to 100%), was analyzed. A particular emphasis was placed on Q. robur and Q. petraea. The results show that, although both oak species have a wide common range of occurrence, there are clear differences in their habitat preferences. Based on the ordinal regression analysis of selected oak stands, it was concluded that an increase in air temperature of 1 °C could impair the growth of Q. robur and slightly improve the growth of Q. petraea. This may indicate the possibility of expanding the geographic range of sessile oaks towards the east and northeast under warming climatic conditions, provided that appropriate moisture conditions are maintained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dependent upon the relatively severe ecological conditions of the forest stands at the highland landscapes, they sometimes experience transformations. Forest stand tree species, which are a bit more tolerant to these conditions, gain advantage over the others, and hence often tend to intrude into the nearby stands, transforming them and influencing their canopy characteristics. At a highland landscape of Western Black Sea Region in Turkey, a sessile oak stand, which had remained young and pure along the 20 years (1986–2006), has then been invaded by the Bornmüllerian fir seeds from the surrounding stands and consequently been transformed into young-mature mixed stand throughout the subsequent 15 years (2006–2021). Therefore, then intruded Bornmüllerian firs have primarily and gradually altered the physiological characteristics of the canopies within this mixed stand. The aim of this study is to monitor and analyse the inter-annual physiological changes of these tree canopies using some canopy parameters following the occurrence of the species mixture. The stand canopy physiological characteristics were monitored and analysed by hemispherical photographs and associated parameters obtained from them. These canopy parameters; Leaf Area Index (LAI), Light Transmission (LT), Gap Fraction (GF), Canopy Openness (CO), were acquired for the Junes of the years, 2015, 2018 and 2021. The mean LAI had increased almost 0.50 m2 m–2 within the stand along the eight years period (2007–2015). However, it could only increase 0.20 m2 m–2 along the subsequent six years monitoring period. On the other hand, the percentage values of the other canopy parameters had accordingly decreased. This situation indicated that the first occurrence of the Bornmüllerian fir canopies together with the canopies of the sessile oaks along those eight years period had led to the sudden rise of the mean LAI. Nevertheless, the gradual and slight increment of the mean LAI along the subsequent six years monitoring period, has been attributed to the normal physiological development of the tree species; Bornmülerian firs in particular. In fact, due to the case with the study parcel, the highland landscape has potentially been experiencing gradual increment in the percentage of eco-physiologically more tolerant Bornmüllerian firs and conversely gradual decline in the percentage of eco-physiologically sensitive sessile oaks, whose sustainability within highland landscape should be supported with the ecological and comprehensive management proposals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of oak seedlings in intensive crops involves the modification of natural conditions, namely the degree of humidity, through artificial irrigation, which favors the appearance of the pathogen Erysiphe alphitoides, responsible for the Oak Powdery Mildew (OPM) disease. Thus, it is necessary to identify new substances and technologies to control OPM. In this sense, new products approved by the European Union (EU) and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) were identified, both synthetic and, a great novelty, biological (based on chito-oligosaccharides-oligogalacturonans: COS-OGA). In order to quantify the results, a correlation was made with climatic factors, by sampling data related to temperature and relative humidity with Data Logger devices. The obtained results suggest that OPM has a high virulence in the temperature range of 20 to 30 °C; at a relative humidity above 75%. The data obtained from the field experiments show that the synthetic products controlled OPM with an effectiveness between 70% and 95%, and the biological product behaved almost similarly, between 60% and 90%, which creates high opportunities for environmentally friendly control of forest pathogens.

The production of oak seedlings in intensive crops involves the modification of natural conditions, namely the degree of humidity, through artificial irrigation, which favors the appearance of the pathogen Erysiphe alphitoides, responsible for the Oak Powdery Mildew (OPM) disease. Thus, it is necessary to identify new substances and technologies to control OPM. In this sense, new products approved by the European Union (EU) and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) were identified, both synthetic and, a great novelty, biological (based on chito-oligosaccharides-oligogalacturonans: COS-OGA). In order to quantify the results, a correlation was made with climatic factors, by sampling data related to temperature and relative humidity with Data Logger devices. The obtained results suggest that OPM has a high virulence in the temperature range of 20 to 30 °C; at a relative humidity above 75%. The data obtained from the field experiments show that the synthetic products controlled OPM with an effectiveness between 70% and 95%, and the biological product behaved almost similarly, between 60% and 90%, which creates high opportunities for environmentally friendly control of forest pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Color and glossiness are two important aesthetic properties of wood flooring and wood furniture that significantly affect consumers choice. With time the coating deteriorates altering the surface properties. Understanding these changes is important for furniture industry, impacting design choices, material selection, and long-term maintenance. The effects of thermal aging (30 °C for 30 days, 60 °C for 60 days, and 90 °C for 90 days) on color parameters (C*, L*, b*. a*, ho) and glossiness on both perpendicular (⊥) and parallel (║) directions at 20°, 60°, and 85° angles in UV-cured coatings applied on sessile oak were studied. Results show that statistically significant differences were observed in the glossiness values, as well as in C*, b*, a*, L* and ho. As the temperature and duration of the thermal aging process increased, there was a noticeable increase in the values of color parameters b*, a*, and C*, while the values of ho and L* decreased. The characteristics of the surfaces exposed to thermal aging have undergone a complete transformation.

Abstract Background Quercus seeds that are recalcitrant to desiccation and freezing temperatures cannot be stored in gene banks under conventional conditions. However, the germplasm of some recalcitrant seeded species can be stored in liquid nitrogen (–196 °C). Unfortunately, for many species, among them for almost the whole genus Quercus, an effective cryostorage method is still unknown. In this study, we propose a successful cryostorage protocol for Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl. germplasm using plumules (a shoot apical meristem of an embryo) frozen on aluminium cryo-plates. Results The plumules isolated from the acorns of ten provenances were prestored in 0.5 M sucrose solution (for 18 h). To form alginate beads (one plumule per bead), the plumules were placed in the wells of a cryo-plate and embedded in calcium alginate gel. For cryoprotection, the encapsulated plumules were immersed in cryoprotectant solution containing 2.0 M glycerol and different concentrations of sucrose (0.8–1.2 M) for 40 min at 25 °C and desiccated under a laminar flow cabinet for 1.0–4.0 h. Cryo-plates with plumules were directly immersed in liquid nitrogen and then cryostored for 30 min. For rewarming, cryo-plates with plumules were immersed in 1.0 M sucrose solution and rehydrated for 15 min at 25 °C. Survival rates varied from 25.8 to 83.4 were achieved after cryoprotection in 1.0 M sucrose solution and the drying of plumules for 2 h. The in vitro regrowth rate of cryopreserved plumules varied among provenances and was 26–77%. Conclusions This study presents, for the first time, a successful, simple and effective protocol for the cryopreservation of Q. petraea germplasm that could be used in gene banks. The experiment was successfully repeated on seeds from various provenances, each yielding similar, good results. However, seed quality and storage time after harvesting are important factors in plumule regrowth after cryopreservation.

Background Quercus: seeds that are recalcitrant to desiccation and freezing temperatures cannot be stored in gene banks under conventional conditions. However, the germplasm of some recalcitrant seeded species can be stored in liquid nitrogen (–196 °C). Unfortunately, for many species, among them for almost the whole genus Quercus, an effective cryostorage method is still unknown. In this study, we propose a successful cryostorage protocol for Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl. germplasm using plumules (a shoot apical meristem of an embryo) frozen on aluminium cryo-plates. Results: The plumules isolated from the acorns of ten provenances were prestored in 0.5 M sucrose solution (for 18 h). To form alginate beads (one plumule per bead), the plumules were placed in the wells of a cryo-plate and embedded in calcium alginate gel. For cryoprotection, the encapsulated plumules were immersed in cryoprotectant solution containing 2.0 M glycerol and different concentrations of sucrose (0.8–1.2 M) for 40 min at 25 °C and desiccated under a laminar flow cabinet for 1.0–4.0 h. Cryo-plates with plumules were directly immersed in liquid nitrogen and then cryostored for 30 min. For rewarming, cryo-plates with plumules were immersed in 1.0 M sucrose solution and rehydrated for 15 min at 25 °C. Survival rates varied from 25.8 to 83.4 were achieved after cryoprotection in 1.0 M sucrose solution and the drying of plumules for 2 h. The in vitro regrowth rate of cryopreserved plumules varied among provenances and was 26–77%. Conclusions: This study presents, for the first time, a successful, simple and effective protocol for the cryopreservation of Q. petraea germplasm that could be used in gene banks. The experiment was successfully repeated on seeds from various provenances, each yielding similar, good results. However, seed quality and storage time after harvesting are important factors in plumule regrowth after cryopreservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to climate change, forest tree species are expected to be impacted by drought. As drought becomes a worldwide problem, there is a need to investigate the responses of forest tree species to drought. In this study, the objectives were (I) to determine the physiological and biochemical responses of seedlings grown from seeds obtained from different populations of Quercus petraea subsp. iberica naturally distributed in Turkey under drought stress, (II) to establish the relationships between morphological variations among populations and the physiological and biochemical responses of seedlings to drought stress, and (III) to provide recommendations for the selection of populations with better adaptation to drought for future afforestation activities. It was determined that total carotenoid, proline, and total carbohydrate contents increased, while predawn xylem water potential, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll amounts decreased in seedlings exposed to drought stress as the stress intensity increased. Furthermore, strong relationships were revealed between root percentage and Dickson quality index, which are important for seedling quality classification, and the physiological and biochemical responses of populations to drought stress. The populations of Alucra, Koyulhisar, and Mesudiye with water potential above -1.0 MPa during the drought stress experiment and experiencing more severe summer drought in their natural habitats have apparently exhibited higher drought tolerance compared to other populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change has significant natural and economic implications, but its extent is particularly challenging to assess in forest management, a field which combines both of the previous aspects and requires the evaluation of the impact of climate change on tree species over a 100-year timeframe. Oaks are among the tree species of significant natural and economic value in Europe. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze all oak stands in Poland and verify the hypothesis regarding differences between Quercus robur and Quercus petraea stands in terms of soil type, annual total precipitation, average annual air temperature, and the length of the growing season. Additionally, this study aimed to analyze the impact of these differences on the growth rates of both oak species and test whether climate change may affect oak stands. A database containing 195,241 tree stands, including different oak species with varying shares in the stand (from 10% to 100%), was analyzed. A particular emphasis was placed on Q. robur and Q. petraea. The results show that, although both oak species have a wide common range of occurrence, there are clear differences in their habitat preferences. Based on the ordinal regression analysis of selected oak stands, it was concluded that an increase in air temperature of 1 °C could impair the growth of Q. robur and slightly improve the growth of Q. petraea. This may indicate the possibility of expanding the geographic range of sessile oaks towards the east and northeast under warming climatic conditions, provided that appropriate moisture conditions are maintained.

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

The objective of this research was to establish comparatively some relevant features of Turkey oak and sessile oak wood, in order to better understand the drying behavior of these species. The analyzed samples were obtained from freshly harvested trees of the same age, originating from the Southern Sub-Carpathians. The microscopic analysis revealed that Turkey oak has larger earlywood pores than sessile oak. In heartwood, they are partly filled with tyloses for both species. The macroscopic analysis showed that Turkey oak wood has a much lower proportion of heartwood (only 50%) compared to sessile oak (90%). The comparative FTIR analysis of the two species showed similar qualitative chemical composition, but also some differences between sapwood and heartwood regarding the relative proportion of the main constituents, and very likely in the structure of lignin. High amounts of extractives were found in Turkey oak sapwood (5.34% in cold water, 7.77% in hot water, and 21.60% in NaOH 1%), close to the values obtained in sessile oak heartwood. The research also revealed that the Turkey oak sapwood and heartwood have statistically similar values of oven-dry density, shrinkage coefficient, fiber saturation point, while in sessile oak, the values are clearly higher in the heartwood.

The increasing demand for climate-adapted seeds and planting material poses a challenge due to the limited availability, particularly for tree species such as oaks. National parks, known for their large-standing diversity and a wide range of habitats, can serve as valuable sources for identifying trees suitable for both the initiation of tree breeding and conservation strategies. This study aimed to identify valuable forest genetic resources of the Thayatal National Park in Austria by selecting potentially drought-tolerant phenotypes. For this purpose, we selected 404 mature trees of Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl. from eight populations growing on medium to dry sites in eight populations. Further, we characterized them for autochthony, genetic structure, genetic diversity using genetic markers (plastid- and nuclear-SSRs) and estimated their age. Finally, we applied wood core analysis to estimate tree response to historical drought events to identify the possible drought-tolerant phenotypes. The age of the trees ranged from 29 to 245 years (as of the year 2023). All Q. petraea trees were inhabiting a plastid haplotype 17a, autochthonous for this area. Nevertheless, the genetic structure estimated by ten nuSSRs revealed a pronounced structure in the dataset, largely caused by young trees exhibiting lower genetic diversity. A total of 85 elite potentially drought-tolerant trees were finally selected based on their morphological response (resistance, recovery ability, resilience, and relative resilience) to three historical drought events (1992–1994, 1947, 1917). The intrinsic water use efficiency and its difference (iWUE and DWiWUE), estimated by isotope analysis of δ13C of latewood in wet (1987) and dry (1994) years, did not correlate with any of the drought response traits (Rt, Rc, Rs, rRs). We discuss the further use of the selected oak trees for the establishment of seed stands and orchards to enhance seed production and the integration of other omics approaches, such as large-scale high-throughput plant phenotyping (HTPP) and transcriptomics, for in-depth analyses of drought tolerance of selected phenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The objective of this research was to establish comparatively some relevant features of Turkey oak and sessile oak wood, in order to better understand the drying behavior of these species. The analyzed samples were obtained from freshly harvested trees of the same age, originating from the Southern Sub-Carpathians. The microscopic analysis revealed that Turkey oak has larger earlywood pores than sessile oak. In heartwood, they are partly filled with tyloses for both species. The macroscopic analysis showed that Turkey oak wood has a much lower proportion of heartwood (only 50%) compared to sessile oak (90%). The comparative FTIR analysis of the two species showed similar qualitative chemical composition, but also some differences between sapwood and heartwood regarding the relative proportion of the main constituents, and very likely in the structure of lignin. High amounts of extractives were found in Turkey oak sapwood (5.34% in cold water, 7.77% in hot water, and 21.60% in NaOH 1%), close to the values obtained in sessile oak heartwood. The research also revealed that the Turkey oak sapwood and heartwood have statistically similar values of oven-dry density, shrinkage coefficient, fiber saturation point, while in sessile oak, the values are clearly higher in the heartwood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oaks serve as host plants for numerous insects, including those forming galls. Galls induced on oaks are completely dependent on leaf resources. Many other folivores damage veins of leaves, which may result in cutting galls off from sources of assimilates, nutrients and water. We hypothesised that the disruption of the continuity of leaf vascular tissues stops gall development, leading to the death of the larva. Leaves of sessile oak (Quercus petraea) with Cynips quercusfolii galls in the initial stage of development were marked. The diameter of the galls was measured, and the vein on which the gall was present was cut. Four experimental treatments were established: control – with no cutting, cutting the vein distal to the gall relative to the petiole, cutting the vein basal to the gall and cutting both sides. The average survival rate (live galls at the end of the experiment including healthy larvae, pupae or imagines inside) – was 28.9%. The rate varied depending on the treatment and was 13.6% in the treatment with the vein cut on both sides and about 30% in the remaining treatments. However, this difference was not statistically significant. The growth dynamics of galls are highly dependent on the experimental treatment. The largest galls grew in the control treatment, and the smallest galls were in the treatments with the veins cut on both sides. Unexpectedly, even cutting veins on both sides did not result in the immediate dieback of the galls. The results suggest that the galls are very strong nutrient and water sinks. The functions of the cut vein are likely taken over by other lower-order veins, allowing nourishment of the gall to complete larva development. Key message: Damage to leaf veins does not necessarily result in the dieback of leaf galls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the experimental results concerning the amount of extractable substances and the color changes determined by the reaction of the tannins contained in wood with iron. Tests were performed comparatively with sapwood and heartwood samples of two Quercus species, namely Turkey oak (Quercus cerris L.) and sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.). The findings show that Turkey oak sapwood has an unexpectedly high amount of extractable substances, higher than the heartwood of the same species. This result was obtained with three extraction methods (cold water, hot water, and NaOH 1% solution). The FTIR investigation of the extracts impregnated on quantitative filter paper seems to confirm these results. Visual assessment and color measurements after applying FeCl3 highlight that both oak species are prone to staining in contact with iron due to their tannin content. The values of the total colour difference between the state and after the reaction with FeCl3, lower fer for Turkey oak compared to sessile oak, correlate with a lower extractive content of this wood species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two main species, sessile oak (Quercus petraea Liebl.) and pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.), predominant in French forests, are mainly used for aging wines and spirits; however, the potential of oak wood extract as a source of natural antioxidants, due to its high polyphenol content, could be more widely exploited. This study focuses on three oak species, the two that are well-known, namely, sessile and pedunculate oak, and a third that has seldom been described and valorized, namely, pubescent oak (Quercus pubescens). Water extracts of these three species were fractionated by semi-preparative HPLC. The antioxidant activities of crude extracts and fractions were measured by colorimetric and enzymatic tests. The anti-elastase and anti-collagenase activities of the extracts and their fractions were also evaluated. In parallel, samples were analyzed by UHPLC-HRMS to correlate the activity with the molecular composition using molecular networks. The results obtained for the total extract of the three species were compared to determine if the activity depended on the species. The results within the same species were also compared to highlight which fraction and, therefore, which molecular family was involved in the activity of the total extract. The various antioxidant tests showed good activity of the total extract for the three species of oak and a very good anti-collagenase activity. The antioxidant activity of oak extract has already been proven in the literature and this is correlated with its richness in polyphenols. This study shows that each molecular family of the extract contributes to the activities of the total extract. Oak extract can be used to neutralize the ROS produced during oxidative stress and to prevent the degradation of collagen and elastase during skin aging. Its complementary properties make oak extract a valuable ingredient to act against skin aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Global warming raises serious concerns about the persistence of species and populations locally adapted to their environment, simply because of the shift it produces in their adaptive landscape. For instance, the phenological cycle of tree species may be strongly affected by higher winter temperatures and late frost in spring. Given the variety of ecosystem services they provide, the question of forest tree adaptation has received increasing attention in the scientific community and catalyzed research efforts in ecology, evolutionary biology and functional genomics to study their adaptive capacity to respond to such perturbations. Results In the present study, we used an elevation gradient in the Pyrenees Mountains to explore the gene expression network underlying dormancy regulation in natural populations of sessile oak stands sampled along an elevation cline and potentially adapted to different climatic conditions mainly driven by temperature. By performing analyses of gene expression in terminal buds we identified genes displaying significant dormancy, elevation or dormancy-by-elevation interaction effects. Our Results highlighted that low- and high-altitude populations have evolved different molecular strategies for minimizing late frost damage and maximizing the growth period, thereby increasing potentially their respective fitness in these contrasting environmental conditions. More particularly, population from high elevation overexpressed genes involved in the inhibition of cell elongation and delaying flowering time while genes involved in cell division and flowering, enabling buds to flush earlier were identified in population from low elevation. Conclusion Our study made it possible to identify key dormancy-by-elevation responsive genes revealing that the stands analyzed in this study have evolved distinct molecular strategies to adapt their bud phenology in response to temperature.

Production of high-quality seedling and successful reforestation is the main objective of foresters. Seedbed density and radicle clipping are some of the main factors, which are affecting oak seedling morphology and quality. Sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.) seedlings which were radicle clipped and unclipped, were sown at five different spacings (3-6-9-12-15 cm) by using randomized split parcels design. Radicle clipping had a significant effect on seedling diameter, dry shoot weight, Dixon's quality index, shoot to root ratio, number of fine roots and number of main roots. Decrease of seedbed density had a significant effect on shoot height, Dixon's quality index, root collar diameter, fresh shoot weight, dry shoot weight, dry root weight, seedling diameter, number of fine roots, sturdiness quotient. Both radicle clipping and seedling spacing together had a significant effect on shoot height, dry root weight, Dixon's quality index, number of fine roots, dry and fresh shoot weight, sturdiness quotient and root collar diameter. If radicle clipping is applied, 9 cm seedbed density can be used, without radicle clipping, 12 cm seedbed density is advised. This study was carried out in Igneada forest nursery Kırklareli Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-animal interactions and the plant chemical defence systems are a keystone of ecology and of particular interest because they fundamentally shape ecosystem functioning. Despite that, the factors and mechanisms driving the interactions between insectivorous predators and plants, via herbivore-induced plant volatiles—HIPVs remains to be fully understood. Insectivorous birds and arthropods can use chemical cues provided by herbivore-damaged plants, yet the specific chemical defensive traits that are involved in the interactions with predators remain unknown for many plant species. In our experiments, we compared plant volatiles of English oak (Quercus robur) and Sessile oak (Quercus petraea) saplings treated with methyl jasmonate (MeJA). We studied how the MeJA-induced plant volatiles differ between these two closely related plant species, and how it influences higher trophic taxa (e.g., predation, associated arthropod communities). Using plasticine caterpillars, we assessed attractiveness of MeJA-treated oaks (vs. control untreated oaks) for predators. Overall, in both plant species, attack attempts were significantly higher on MeJA-treated saplings compared to control saplings. Birds were responsible for the majority of attack attempts, followed by ants and other arthropods. The mean total amount of volatiles emitted by MeJA-induced saplings differed among the experimental oak species over time and repeated applications of MeJA. MeJA application had no significant effect on the abundance of arthropods. However, the mean body size of individuals of different feeding guilds was affected by MeJA treatment both negatively and positively, depending on the specific feeding guild. Overall, our study concludes that (1) the application of MeJA led to increased attractiveness of oak saplings for insectivorous predators, including invertebrates and birds; (2) MeJA-treated oak saplings emitted eight specific compounds that were not detected in control saplings and two additional compounds that were emitted at 100-fold higher levels in MeJA-treated saplings compared to control saplings; and (3) the predation rate on artificial caterpillars did not significantly differ between oak species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seeds produced by individual plants often vary substantially in size. Typically, larger seeds produce seedlings that have higher chances of establishment and survival relative to seedlings produced by smaller seeds. However, larger seeds are also preferred by granivores due to larger caloric content. While choosing the patch to forage, granivores might avoid the ones with smaller, less preferred seeds. We tested a novel hypothesis that the production of different size seeds by a plant may be a strategy to decrease predation by granivores. We conducted a 3-year seed removal experiment. We presented Quercus robur acorns in forests in three configurations: large acorns alone, medium acorns alone, and large acorns mixed with small ones. The impact of seed size on seed survival was inconsistent: in the first year of the study, survival probability for seeds in the mixed treatment was significantly higher than survival probability of large seeds alone, supporting our hypothesis. However, in the following years, results were non-significant, probably because of reduced granivore selectivity in poor seed crop years. Our study demonstrated that the impact of neighbourhood of different size seeds seed survival varied over time in Q. robur. This provides limited evidence that intraspecific variation in seed size could evolve to shift the interaction between trees and scatter hoarders away from predation and towards mutualism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sessile oak stands within the seed reservation that were affected by the extreme weather phenomena (windthrown and windsnapped trees) on the 17th of September 2017, from the forest fund of the U.P. VII Văratec, the Forest District Sudrigiu, County Forest Administration Bihor, presents a relatively low ecosystem stability, considering the impact suffered. After the identification of the sessile oak stands affected (by extreme weather phenomena), the assessment of the affected wood material was carried out and implicitly, its extraction and superior valorization. The necessary works, proposed for the ecological rehabilitation of the sessile oak stands that have been examined and studied, take into account their actual state, the regulations of the forestry management plan for the current decade, the provisions of the technical norms in force at the date of implementation of the study, and last but not least, the necessary logistical and financial possibilities. Surfaces from which the wood material was extracted, will be delimited in separate management units, which will regenerate naturally from the seed coming from the remaining stands, thus preserving their provenance in-situ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The climate impact on sessile oak ecosystems may be measured by means of the HYPE climatic software. The climatic modelling software is employed to predict future temperatures and precipitations across the studied teritory. After interpreting the data provided by the software, we can predict how forest ecosystems will be influenced by climate change in the future. Different plots across the Banat Mountain range have been studied in order to determine the future existence of oak forest ecosystems. Consequently, two simulations have been designed, leading to two different future climatic scenarios. To begin with, the first scenario there is a moderate increase in green house gases (rcp-4.5) whilst in the second scenario there is an accentuated increase (rcp-8.5). The analysis which resulted from the data processing from within all three sessile oak stands reveals the fact that the Moldova-Noua and Paltinis stands will be the most vulnerable ones and the Bocsa-Romana stand the less vulnerable one. The importance of these results is closely related to how local forest administrators can use such findings in order to apply the best management measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Silvicultură şi Cinegetică is the property of Societatea Progresul Silvic / Forest Progress Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Quercus wood (oak wood) is a valuable resource, which has led to the intense processing of oak trees by the forestry industry. As a result, large amounts of forestry by-products (bark and leaves) are left in the woods, considered valueless. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the phytochemical profile and potential biological activities of Q. petreaea Matt. and Q. pubescens Willd. bark extracts. The extracts were obtained by microwave (MAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) with water (100%) and ethanol:water (70:30). These extracts were then characterized in terms of the total polyphenolic and tannin contents using the Folin–Ciocâlteu method. Their antioxidant properties were determined by observing the neutralizing effects of the extracts against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radicals. The antimicrobial effect was tested on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains and three fungi from the Candida genus. Cellular counts were measured to determine the cytotoxic effects of the extracts on HEK 293T cell lines. Moreover, spectrophotometrical assays were performed to assess the inhibitory effects of the extracts against the enzymatic activity of α-glucosidase, tyrosinase, and acetylcholinesterase. The MAE resulted in higher yields of polyphenolic compounds and tannins compared to the UAE bark extracts. All of the experimental variants exhibited free-radical-neutralizing properties, especially Q. petraea extracts. Q. petraea extracts also had a more efficient antibacterial effect, especially against Gram-positive bacteria and K. pneumoniae. Antifungal activity was highlighted against C. krusei. Cell counts indicated a cytotoxic effect of the tested extracts against HEK 293T cells. The tested extracts inhibited the activity of α-glucosidase, tyrosinase, and acetylcholinesterase, indicating the potential use of these extracts as antidiabetic, neuroprotective, and skin-protecting agents. These findings highlight the untapped therapeutic potential of the bioactive compounds found in the bark of Q. petraea and Q. pubescens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water use efficiency (WUE) is an important adaptive trait for soil water deficit. The molecular and physiological bases of WUE regulation in crops have been studied in detail in the context of plant breeding. Knowledge for most forest tree species lags behind, despite the need to identify populations or genotypes able to cope with the longer, more intense drought periods likely to result from climate warming. We aimed to bridge this gap in knowledge for sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.), one of the most ecologically and economically important tree species in Europe, using a factorial design including trees with contrasted phenotypic values (low and high WUE) and two watering regimes (control and drought). By monitoring the ecophysiological response, we first qualified genotypes for their WUE (by using instantaneous and long-term measures). We then performed RNA-seq to quantify gene expression for the three most extreme genotypes exposed to the two watering regimes. By analyzing the interaction term, we were able to capture the molecular strategy of each group of plants for coping with drought. We identified putative candidate genes potentially involved in the regulation of transpiration rate in high-WUE phenotypes. Regardless of water availability, trees from the high-WUE phenotypic class overexpressed genes associated with drought responses, and in the control of stomatal density and distribution, and displayed a downregulation of genes associated with early stomatal closure and high transpiration rate. Fine physiological screening of sessile oaks with contrasting WUE, and their molecular characterization (i) highlighted subtle differences in transcription between low- and high-WUE genotypes, identifying key molecular players in the genetic control of this trait and (ii) revealed the genes underlying the molecular strategy that evolved in each group to potentially cope with water deficit, providing new insight into the within-species diversity in drought adaptation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Due to the visible and predictable influence of climate change on species' spatial distributions, the conservation of marginal peripheral populations has become topical in forestry research. This study aimed to assess the spring (budburst, leaf development, and flowering) and autumn (leaf senescence) phenology of sessile oak (Quercus petraea), a species widespread across European forests close to its ranges' eastern limit. This study was performed in Romania between spring 2017 and 2020, and it included a transect with three low-altitude populations, a reference population from its inner range, and a sessile oak comparative trial. The temperature was recorded to relate changes to phenophase dynamics. We identified small variations between the reference and peripheral populations associated with climatic conditions. In the peripheral populations, budburst timing had day-of-year (DOY) values <100, suggesting that sessile oak may be more susceptible to late spring frost. Furthermore, we found spring phenophase timing to be more constant than autumn senescence. Moreover, budburst in the sessile oak comparative trial had obvious longitudinal tendencies, with an east to west delay of 0.5–1.4 days per degree. In addition, budburst timing influenced leaf development and flowering, but not the onset of leaf senescence. These findings improve our understanding of the relationship between spring and autumn phenophase dynamics and enhance conservation strategies regarding sessile oak genetic resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is a significant global environmental stressor that impacts tree growth and survival, often causing substantial die-offs in temperate forests. Hence, contemporary forest management strategies increasingly aim to transition from spruce-dominated to mixed forest with more climate-resilient species such as oaks. Sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.), a key forest tree species, is widespread across central Europe, but its response to climate extremes, especially individual intraspecific variability, remains poorly understood. In this study, we analysed tree-ring cores from 404 sessile oak trees in Thayatal National park, Austria. We assessed radial growth through tree-ring width and evaluated intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE) by analyzing δ13C in latewood from wet (1987) and dry (1994) years. Further, we investigated the effects of site conditions, specifically light and water status inferred from potential daylight duration and the topographic wetness index (TWI), on key tree characteristics such as diameter at breast height (DBH), height, and the height-to-diameter ratio (HDR). We then examined how these factors affected iWUE and radial growth under wet and dry years, assessing radial growth's resistance, resilience, and recovery. As expected, iWUE was increased and radial growth was decreased during the dry year compared to the wet year, but there was high intraspecific variability. Tree age and size influenced these responses; age positively affected growth during the dry year, followed by decreased drought recovery. Increased daylight duration improved iWUE and reduced growth during the dry year but supported drought recovery. During the dry year, iWUE positively affected growth and resistance to drought. The TWI correlated with increased tree height and DBH but did not affect iWUE and growth responses under extreme years. Our findings suggest promoting mixed-age stands could enhance forest resilience against drought. Moreover, forest management strategies should integrate specific environmental conditions, including light availability and water status, to effectively mitigate impact of climate extremes. • Tree-ring cores from 404 sessile oaks in Thayatal show varied responses. • Growth and iWUE responses to climate extremes show high intraspecific variability. • Tree age, size, and site environment conditions play important roles. • Daylight increased iWUE and reduced growth under drought, and supported recovery. • Topographic wetness index increased tree size but did not mitigate drought effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional clear-cutting of even-aged plantations has become less desirable, with forestry shifting towards more diverse, multi-purpose integrated forest management. This study compared easily selected forest structures in managed forests and forest reserves to guide integrated forest management. The study area includes six managed forest areas and six forest reserves, with management types compared over approximately 50 years. The evaluated areas are part of the university forests of Mendel University in Brno, covering approximately 30 km² of natural deciduous temperate forests, predominantly composed of sessile oak and European beech. A total of 599 inventory plots were surveyed, assessing the presence or absence of selected forest structures in six categories. Twelve logistic generalized mixed models were developed to estimate the probability of occurrence of the observed forest structures based on their management status. Significant differences were found in the categories of dead standing and lying wood, microhabitat trees, and non-native tree species, with all variables showing a higher probability in forest reserves compared to managed forests. The results support the shift towards integrative management by incorporating elements of retention forestry. However, certain variables, such as natural regeneration and species diversity, showed little variation between management types, suggesting that some forest attributes are resilient to management practices. • Easy and quick set of forest structures to compare managed and unmanaged forests. • Differences in a short period (50 years) since management abandonment. • Big differences in dead wood, microhabitat trees, non-native trees between management types. • No differences in natural regeneration and species diversity between management types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two main species, sessile oak (Quercus petraea Liebl.) and pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.), predominant in French forests, are mainly used for aging wines and spirits; however, the potential of oak wood extract as a source of natural antioxidants, due to its high polyphenol content, could be more widely exploited. This study focuses on three oak species, the two that are well-known, namely, sessile and pedunculate oak, and a third that has seldom been described and valorized, namely, pubescent oak (Quercus pubescens). Water extracts of these three species were fractionated by semi-preparative HPLC. The antioxidant activities of crude extracts and fractions were measured by colorimetric and enzymatic tests. The anti-elastase and anti-collagenase activities of the extracts and their fractions were also evaluated. In parallel, samples were analyzed by UHPLC-HRMS to correlate the activity with the molecular composition using molecular networks. The results obtained for the total extract of the three species were compared to determine if the activity depended on the species. The results within the same species were also compared to highlight which fraction and, therefore, which molecular family was involved in the activity of the total extract. The various antioxidant tests showed good activity of the total extract for the three species of oak and a very good anti-collagenase activity. The antioxidant activity of oak extract has already been proven in the literature and this is correlated with its richness in polyphenols. This study shows that each molecular family of the extract contributes to the activities of the total extract. Oak extract can be used to neutralize the ROS produced during oxidative stress and to prevent the degradation of collagen and elastase during skin aging. Its complementary properties make oak extract a valuable ingredient to act against skin aging.

The prediction of physical (wood density, mass loss) and mechanical (bending properties, compressive strength parallel to grain, and Brinell hardness) properties of heat-treated sessile oak (Quercus petraea L.) by FT-NIR spectroscopy, colour change, and partial least squares regression (PLS) was studied. Samples of oak sapwood and heartwood were treated for 4 h at temperatures at 170, 190, and 210°C. FT-NIR spectra (100 scans and 4 cm−1) and colour parameters (CIE L*a*b* system) were collected on the radial surface before and after heat treatment. The applied heat treatment changed wood properties, darkened the colour and reduced the colour difference between heartwood and sapwood. According to the residual prediction deviation (RPD), most models obtained could be used for preliminary wood quality screening (1.5 < RPD < 2.0) and the properties of heartwood were better predicted than those of sapwood. Mass loss prediction by colour change can be used for quality control while for the other properties FT-NIR provided a more clear picture of the heat-treated oak wood and can serve as a quality indicator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is focused on a comparison of sap flow and tree growth in adult high and overaged coppice oak forests. The main hypothesis is that the older root system of coppice provides better access to soil water, and thus coppice is able to withstand drought stress better than high forest. During two growing seasons (2014–2015), two adult Quercus petraea (Matt.) stands (high and coppice forest) were continuously measured for sap flow (SF), stem diameter variation (SDV) and microclimatic conditions. The SF reaction and SDV of high forest and coppice to different amounts of precipitation after drought as well as the recovery rate were similar for both stands. In 2014, although long-term average SF values were higher for high forest than for coppice, the stem increment of coppice was significantly higher. The reason for this was long-term spring drought. The threshold for positive SF response was low precipitation of 5 mm in both stands. This indicates that a larger portion of the root biomass should be concentrated closer to the soil surface in both forest types. Nevertheless, the higher long-term average SF values for high forest indicate that its root system is able to explore soil better than does old coppice forest. An explanation for this could be that the older root systems of coppice have reached the senescence phase of tree ontogeny. The higher SF values, but similar tree growths of high forest compared to coppice show lower water use efficiency on the part of high forest. In the context of ongoing climate change, coppice appears to be a good alternative to high forest, especially in areas where the frequency and duration of drought stress are expected to increase. Nevertheless, overaged coppice should be replaced by new generations grown from seed since old root systems are not able to regenerate constantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to determine the performance of water-based varnish adhesion on the process of stain removal, bleaching and impregnation applied to wood surfaces. In order to accomplish this objective, the selected sessile oak (Quercus petreae Mill.) wood samples were firstly contaminated with grease and PVAc glue, after they were cleaned. Then, the wood samples were bleached by using oxalic acid (C2H2O4) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Secondly, preprocessed specimens impregnated with imersol aqua (IA) and wood protective chemicals (WP) and together both these chemicals (IA+WP). Finally, adhesion strength performance of the wood samples were tested after they covered by single component primary resin (SCPR), double component polyurethane modified with acrylic (DCAP) and double component elastic polyurethane (DCEP). The adhesion resistance of varnish layers is determined according to ASTM 4541 principles. As a result, the oil stain removal and the protective chemical applications decreased the adhesion strength on the wood surface of water-based varnish layers. Contrary, the glue stain removal and the C2H2O4 and H2O2 bleaching increased the adhesion strength. Also, it was determined that DCEP applications have the highest value in oak wood samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The present paper aims to implement the knowledge on sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.) in Mediterranean area where, although present, for natural or anthropogenic causes, the species is rare. The focus is on two sessile oak stands in Tuscany (central Italy), classified as worthy of protection for their importance both in a local-national and European context. In addition to the environmental and stand structural characteristics, some technological properties of sessile oak wood grown there, comparing the obtained results to the bibliographic data were provided. The examined wood characteristics are anatomical parameters (growth ring thickness, earlywood and latewood thickness, fiber length, earlywood and latewood vessel diameter, amount of earlywood and latewood vessel) and the physical and mechanical parameters (density, modulus of elasticity, strength, hardness). No appreciable technological differences issued between the examined wood in the two stands and the wood from the same species, but from other Italian and French provenances, obtained from literature. Results highlighted, although managed as coppice in the past, the material is suitable for the reforestation of this endangered species in suitable areas, always taking into account that the quality of the wood is determined not only by the basic technological properties of a certain wood, but also, and mostly, by the growing conditions of the trees and particularly by the sylvicultural management of the stand.

In order to assess the impact of climate variations on Austrian pine forest in the Belgrade area, the radial growth of artificially-established Austrian pine trees and its dependence on temperature and precipitation was studied using dendroclimatological methods. The site is classified as Quercetum-frainetto cerris Rudski. Standard and residual chronologies were established and several common statistics were calculated. A dendroclimatic study was carried out using the correlation and response function analysis. The Pearson correlation coefficients between the chronology indices and 13 seasonal (3-month period) precipitation and temperature data were calculated for the period from 1959 to 2014. The applied response function analysis included 24 precipitation and temperature variables from October of the prior year to September of the current year. The results of the correlation analysis pointed out that there was a strong tendency towards a positive response to the summer and late summer/early autumn precipitation and a weak significant negative response to the spring and summer temperatures. Climate-growth relationships were further first studied using the response functions for the significant seasons that were detected from the correlation analysis and then for individual months from previous October to current September. These results also highlighted the findings that higher precipitation in the current summer months has a beneficial effect on the tree-ring width. The conducted correlation between the residual chronology and the Standardised Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index indicated that a high summer value of this drought index had a positive impact on the pine growth and reinforced the previously detected relevance of September as an important month for the Austrian pine growth. These preliminary results point out that some additional climate-Austrian pine growth studies (application of various tree-ring features, growth data with a much longer time span, more sites/stands, etc.) should be performed to obtain new and valuable knowledge important for the sustainable management of Austrian pine forests.

The paper presents the results of research on competitive relations between sessile oak seedlings and the most important competing species of woody vegetation, as well as ground flora that grows under a shelterwood, after the preparatory - seed cut of the shelterwood cutting. The research was conducted in sessile oak (Quecus petraea/Matt./Liebl.) stand in the area of northeastern Serbia. The studied stand is located at 320 to 350 m above sea level, with a slope up to 25° and western exposure. In terms of phytosociology, the stand is defined as an association of sessile oak with hairy sedge (Carici pilosae - Quercetum petraeae B. Jov. 1989). After the preparatory-seed cut, 124 trees per ha remained in the stand, with a basal area of 11.9 m2/ha and a volume of 129.1 m3/ha. The obtained results in the paper indicate the competitive relations between sessile oak and the most important competing woody species, as well as the species of ground vegetation. The most common competing woody species are silver linden (Tilia tomentosa Moench.) and hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.), while other species (Fraxinus excelsior L., Fraxinus ornus L., Crataegus monogyna Jacq., Acer campestre L., Cornus mas L.) are represented individually. In addition to a significant presence, competing species of woody vegetation are characterized by very intensive development, which significantly reflects on the presence and development of sessile oak seedlings. In contrast, eight-year-old sessile oak seedlings have outgrown blackberries in the studied stand, which no longer competes with them. The obtained results indicate that during the regeneration of sessile oak forests, special attention must be focused on the presence and dynamics of the development of competing vegetation, as well as that the success of the regeneration largely depends on controlling this factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The range of acidophilous oak forest from Quercetea robori-petraeae Br-Bl. et Tx. ex Oberd. 1957 in Central Europe depends largely on the syntaxonomical concept used and is still provisional. The most continental association from this class occurring in Poland is Calamagrostio arundinaceae-Quercetum petraeae Hartm. 1934 Scam. et Pass. 1959. It is present in western and central Poland, but its eastern boundary is not well known. The aims of the study were to survey and document new patches of Calamagrostio-Quercetum in central Poland, to check the internal variation of the association and to summary the known distribution of it in lowlands of central-western and central Poland. 23 phytosociological relevés were made within new stands together with soil sampling. New relevé data was subjected to the numerical Wards classification together with acidophilous oak forests datasets from western Poland and oak-pine forests ones from eastern part of the Country. The new dataset was similar to Calamagrostio-Quercetum. Three subassociations were distinguished. Soil parameters and oak site index did not differ from acidophilous oak forest stands from other parts of Poland. The provisional range of Calamagrostio-Quercetum in central Poland was proposed to be moved by circa 60–90 km to the north-east (approximately as far as the Vistula river line) in order to include south-western part of Mazowsze. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Two species of oak are dominant in French forests: pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) and sessile oak (Quercus petraea Liebl.). Differentiating oak species is difficult, since features such as morphological characters, geographical origin and grain are not always relevant. Even if the former is generally richer in tannin compounds while the latter is often richer in aromatic compounds, the intra‐species variability is high. The characterisation of the oak species remains a suitable indicator of the molecular composition and quality of the wood. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine differentiating molecules allowing oak species identification in order to assist in a suitable wood selection for a better oak tree valorisation since the selection of the oak wood to be used in the production of barrels plays an essential role in wine ageing. Materials and Methods: Oak wood samples were collected both in forests and in cooperage timber yards. An untargeted metabolomic approach using ultra‐high‐pressure liquid chromatography qualitative time‐of‐flight high‐resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐Q‐TOF‐HRMS) associated to multivariate statistical analyses (hierarchical ascendant clustering and partial least squares discriminant analysis) was implemented to determine molecular markers of oak species. Results: Heartwood was identified as the suitable wood part to distinguish oak species. Discriminating molecules did not depend on the sample set. The pedunculate species showed overexpression of bartogenic derivatives while sessile oak presented a higher content in oak lactone precursors and in quercotriterpenosids. Conclusion: The developed method allowed the identification of relevant compounds for oak species identification to a better wood valorisation and selection. The determination of the oak species is difficult, since features such as morphological characters, geographical origin and grain are not always relevant. However it remains a very relevant indicator of wood quality and molecular composition. Thus, an untargeted metabolomic approach using UHPLC‐Q‐Tof‐HRMS associated to multivariate statistical analyses was implemented to determine discriminant molecules of oak species. The pedunculate species showed overexpression of bartogenic acid derivatives while sessile oak presented a higher content in oak lactone precursors and in quercotriterpenosids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Whole-tree harvesting makes forests more profitable than conventional harvest as long as the impact on tree growth remains under 2.3% for even-aged oak (Quercus petraea(Matt.) Liebl.) and 3.4% for sweet chestnut (Castanea sativaMill.) coppice with oak standards. Coppice-with-standards may have potential to be more profitable than even-aged oak in case of 50% rise in fuelwood prices with 10% decrease in timber prices. Context: Making the shift to renewable energy sources requires increasing biomass removal from the forest in a sustainable way. Today, the most common practice for forest biomass extraction is whole-tree harvesting rather than conventional harvest in which only stems are harvested or sometimes branches larger than 7 cm in diameter. However, intensive biomass harvesting can certainly increase economic profitability but it could affect long-term forest productivity because more nutrients are exported from sites. Aims: We explored the land expectation value of even-aged oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.) and sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) coppice with oak standards under different discount rates and wood prices scenarios, tree mortality triggered by climate variation as well as the effects of a decrease in forest productivity due to whole-tree harvesting on the land expectation value (LEV). Methods: We modeled two plausible harvesting scenarios for both stands and assessed their LEV. We first analyzed the sensitivity of the valuation results to discount rate, wood prices changes, and increased tree mortality rates. Second, we compared conventional harvest to whole-tree harvesting in which removing the fine wood implies a decrease in tree growth over the long term (between 1 and 10%). Results: In the current economic situation, the LEV of even-aged oak is higher than coppice-with-standards but this situation could be reversed in case of rising energy prices and lower timber prices in the future. The variation of the discount rate has a significant impact on the LEV but 3% seems to be adequate for European forests. A gradual increase in annual tree mortality rate of 0.6 and 0.9% along even-aged and CWS rotation, respectively, reduced the LEV by half, while increased mortality with constant rates along the rotations had more negative effect on the LEV than gradual increases: 0.4–0.5% increases in mortality rates reduced both LEV's by half. Whole-tree harvesting is able to improve the LEV for both stands by 36 to 64% compared to conventional harvest; but this improvement of LEV only lasts as long as the impact on tree growth remains under 2.3 and 3.4%, respectively, for even-aged oak stand and coppice-with-standards. Conclusion: Whole-tree harvesting system increases forest profitability as long as the sustainability guidelines for biomass harvesting are respected. With the increased demand for fuelwood, the coppice-with-standards regime may become financially attractive once again and fulfill a multitude of forest owner objectives with a wide range of additional options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of tree farming plantation, aged 20 years, characterized by three different planting designs are reported. The plantation designs differ in planting densities and by the presence/absence of N-fixing nurse trees and shrubs. The plantations intercropped with N-fixing trees and shrubs (B 33% and C 66%) showed superior increment in dbh and height. The plantation C characterized by valuable tree planted at definitive distances (8 m), lower tree density and higher percentage of N-fixing trees and shrubs (C) showed the best growth performance and no thinning need, but showed the worst stems quality. In plantation (C) the vigorous development of shrubs and brambles hindered the management, making the plantation not suitable for tourist and recreational activities, though more attractive for local wildlife. The plantation with high tree density characterized mainly by sessile oak (A) was more sensitive to insect attacks and needed to be early thinned, thus it is more suitable for tourist and recreational activities. The plantation B with high tree density and intercropped with N-fixing nurse shrubs showed higher growth, needed to be tinned and can be used for tourist and recreational activities too.

Biomass estimation-calculation methods in easy, economic and high accuracy are currently valuable researches depending on increasing importance on estimations of bioenergy, carbon stocks and budgets in forest ecosystems. Weights of biomass and biomass components are given oven dry mass because of the necessity of the estimation of biomass in low bias and variability of moisture. For this reason, estimation-determination of moisture contents in high accuracy and using for similar species provide convenience. Present study was conducted on coppice originated pure oak (Quercus) stands to determine the moisture contents of biomass components in Northern Thrace. Moisture contents of five different biomass components (foliage, branch, crown, stem and total aboveground) on 474 destructively sampled trees from different oak species (Hungary Oak, Turkey Oak, Sessile Oak) and development stages (Ma,Mb,Mc). Statistical comparison of moisture contents regarding as species and development stages were performed with Bonferroni-Dunn test. In conclusion, moisture contents of branch and crown showed significantly difference at p=0.05 significance level, stem moisture contents did not significantly differ and moisture of above ground biomass of A development stage was 36% and significantly different from other stages (Mb and Mc, 38%) in comparison of development stages without species discrimination. Moisture contents of foliage, branch and crown of Turkey Oak were significantly different at p=0.05 significance level, moisture contents of stem and above ground biomass did not show significantly difference in comparison of oak species.

Key message: This genomic dataset provides highly variable SNP markers from georeferenced natural Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl. populations collected in Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo* and Albania. These SNP loci can be used to assess genetic diversity, differentiation, and population structure, and can also be used to detect signatures of selection and local adaptation. The dataset can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3908963/ (Tóth et al.2020). Associated metadata available at https://metadata-afs.nancy.inra.fr/geonetwork/srv/fre/catalog.search#/metadata/b6fee4fa-01e9-44d0-92f5-ad19379f9693. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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