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Wild cherry (Prunus avium) is one of the native and fast-growing broadleaves species of the Hyrcanian forests that can be used in mixed reforestations. Therefore, knowledge of the survival reaction and some morphological and physiological characteristics of seedlings of this species at different levels of soil moisture content (SMC) is crucial for the development of seedling production and afforestation programs, as well as habitat restoration. This experiment was conducted in a completely randomized block design with four irrigation levels (control or 100%, 75%, 50% and 25% of field capacity) in 3 replications and 5 seedlings per replication as subsamples. Thus, the seedlings were examined for five months (May to September) and a total of 60 potted seedlings were tested and sampled. Morphological characteristics of seedlings such as survival, height growth, diameter growth, root dry weight, stem dry weight, total dry weight, and root to stem ratio and physiological characteristics of plant pigment concentrations including chlorophyll (a, b and total), carotenoids, soluble sugars and proline were measured. The results showed that reducing SMC had different effects on morphological and physiological traits of wild cherry seedlings. With decreasing SMC, the amount of chlorophylls a and b, total chlorophyll, decreased. Proline levels were quadrupled and soluble sugars were doubled when extreme humidity decreased. An increase in the amount of proline and soluble sugars makes the plant more tolerant of drought. Therefore, at least 50% of the field moisture capacity in the rooting environment of seedlings is necessary.

Understanding intra-specific variation in leaf functional traits is one of the key requirements for the evaluation of species adaptive capacity to ongoing climate change, as well as for designing long-term breeding and conservation strategies. Hence, data of 19 functional traits describing plant physiology, antioxidant properties, anatomy and morphology were determined on 1-year-old seedlings of wild cherry (Prunus avium L.) half-sib lines. The variability within and among half-sib lines, as well as the estimation of multi-trait association, were examined using analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's honestly significant difference test and multivariate analyses: principal component analysis (PCA), canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) and stepwise discriminant analysis (SDA). Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to evaluate linear correlation between the study parameters. The results of the ANOVA showed the presence of statistically significant differences (P < 0.01) among half-sib lines for all study traits. The differences within half-sib lines, observed through the contribution of the examined sources of variation to the total variance (%), had higher impact on total variation in the majority of the examined traits. Pearson's correlation analysis and PCA showed strong relationships between gas exchange in plants and leaf size and stomatal density, as well as between leaf biomass accumulation, intercellular CO2 concentration and parameters related to antioxidant capacity of plants. Likewise, the results of SDA indicate that transpiration and stomatal conductance contributed to the largest extent, to the discrimination of the wild cherry half-sib lines. In addition, PCA and CDA showed separation of the wild cherry half-sib lines along the first principal component and first canonical variable with regards to humidity of their original sites. Multiple adaptive differences between the wild cherry half-sib lines indicate high potential of the species to adapt rapidly to climate change. The existence of substantial genetic variability among the wild cherry half-sib lines highlights their potential as genetic resources for reforestation purposes and breeding programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild cherry (Prunus avium L, syn. Cerasus avium L. Moench.) is a widely spread forest tree that has ecological and economical importance. However, the genetic diversity of this species is threatened for many reasons. Therefore, a breeding and conservation program should be established in order to minimise the loss of genetic diversity. In this study, we aimed to understand the genetic structure of 440 individual wild cherries sampled from 22 different populations in Turkey using 10 SSR molecular markers. With the molecular variance analysis, we found that the genetic diversity within the population is approximately 88.5% and the genetic diversity among the populations is approximately 9.8%. Thus, wild cherry genetic diversity within populations is high whereas it is moderate between tested populations (FST values 0.02-0.16). Phylogeny, principal component, and genetic STRUCTURE analysis showed that populations are divided according to their geographical locations. Moreover, Veliköy and Kemerköprü populations that are located at higher altitudes, Macara population which is the closest sample to Europe, and the Tota population that is sampled from the Mediterranean Region; were found genetically different from the others. Hence, we suggest in-situ conservation to Veliköy, Kemerköprü, Macara, and Tota populations. Our results will contribute to in-situ and ex-situ conservation and breeding programmes to conserve genetic resources of the wild cherries in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L. syn. Cerasus avium Moench.) in natural woodlands of Latvia was studied. The growth, vitality and stem quality of the first-generation plantations established in Latvia in different agricultural soils using the planting stock of local origin was assessed. In woodlands, sweet cherry is found in 11 Forest Resource Monitoring plots in the administrative regions of Madona, Kuldīga, Alsunga, Saldus, Cīrava, and Kazdanga. In the last decade, interest in sweet cherry as a wood producer has increased and plantations with a total area of 21.92 ha were established in 22 localities (Priekule, Kazdanga, Durbe, Talsi, Ventspils, Kuldīga, Tukums, Saldus, Dobele, Bauska, Cēsis, Pārgauja, and Krāslava). Survey was made of sweet cherry plantations established between 1997 and 2019, using both local and foreign origin clonal stock (Danish clone Truust and Swedish clones nos. 9 and 10) in different agricultural soils (typic sod-calcareous soil; sod-podzolic soil; stagnogley sod-podzolic soil) in the districts of Priekule, Kuldīga, Dobele, Bauska, Ķegums, and Smiltene. In plantation forests with optimal growing conditions (typical sod-calcareous soil; pH 6 to 7), 22-year-old sweet cherries of local origin had height (H) of 15.1 m, the diameter at breast hight (DBH) — 16.4 cm and stem volume 157.7 dm3 on average. The maximum H and DBH observed for the largest trees reached 17.6 m and 25.3 cm, respectively. The Danish clone Truust and the Swedish clones nos. 9 and 10 of sweet cherries were promising for growing in Latvian climatic conditions. Selection of perspective clones for establishment of second-generation plantations was made for sweet cherries of local origin. [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.)

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.)

Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) technology is a powerful tool for assessing tree growth based on time series analysis, as it allows a level of scrutiny not achievable using established destructive techniques. We applied TLS technology to 21 wild cherry trees grown in a research plot near Breisach (southern Germany) in order to build quantitative structure models (QSMs) for each tree. Scans were carried out over three subsequent years (2012-2014), so that three QSMs per each tree were constructed. Using the above approach, we were able to assess the annual growth of the individual wild cherry trees in terms of diameter and height, stem and branch volume, and the merchantable timber fraction. In addition, the growth of single branches of sample trees was detected and quantified. The availability of QSMs based on TLS-derived data allowed the accurate determination of crown length and width, as well as the volume reduction as the result of the tree pruning applied after the first scan (2012). The aboveground biomass (AGB) was assessed for each tree based on the QSM-derived volume and published wood density values for wild cherry, and then compared with AGB values estimated with standard allometric methods, obtaining a very high correlation (r2adj = 0.941). We concluded that the proposed approach is an effective non-destructive technique to accurately assess the increase of tree biomass, and discuss its future application in the forestry sector.

Context Peripheral populations especially those in the leading edge are isolated from rest of the areas in the species distribution range. This can make them less genetically diverse yet genetically distinct from the rest of the populations in the species distribution range. Evaluation of their genetic diversity is thus crucial in understanding the local adaptation potential of a species. Aims We investigated the genetic diversity and genotype by environment interaction at the northern parts of the distribution range of P. avium. Methods Quantitative genetic variation of growth, stem form, and spring phenology were assessed in progenies from 93 plus trees of P. avium selected from 43 locations at the north of the species distribution range in Sweden and tested at two Swedish sites and one Danish site. Results We find large quantitative genetic variation in growth and phenology at the northern part of the distribution range of P. avium. Only a limited genotype by environment interaction was observed with no clear indication of local adaptation at the northern parts of the species distribution. Conclusion We conclude that P. avium harbors a high level of genetic diversity at the north of its distribution range. Present patterns therefore reflect more likely the recent introduction of the species and dispersal dynamics rather than a long-term loss of diversity along South-North ecological clines during the Holocene. With no indications of genetic depletion in growth or phenology, the gene pool in the breeding program is considered suitable for the future propagation of the species in the tested area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low hygroscopicity is an important factor favoring the use of heat-treated wood materials. Hence, wild cherry (Cerasus avium (L.) Moench) wood was subjected to heat treatment with the ThermoWood® method for about 1 and 2 hours at temperatures of 190 and 212 °C in an industrial business. Then, trial samples were prepared and divided into two groups. By being conditioned in the environments of 20 °C and 65% relative humidity (WC1), 20 °C and 85% relative humidity (WC2), 20 °C and 30% relative humidity (WC3), and 23 °C and 50% relative humidity (WC4), equilibrium moisture content (EMC) and dimensional stability (DS) values of the samples in the first group were determined. The water thickness swelling (WTS) and water retention (WR) features of the samples of the second group were examined by keeping them in water both 24 and 72 h. The results show that EMC and WTS decreased with increasing treatment temperature and durations. Also, DS was improved. On the other hand, the WR values of all the samples stayed approximately the same.

This paper is a review presenting research results on the forest ecosystems of Serbia that are carried out at the Institute of Lowland Forestry and Environment (University of Novi Sad, Serbia) in the context of climate change and globalisation. The review displays results of the long-term monitoring of the forest ecosystems, where the data were obtained at the permanent experimental trials of IPC-Forests (level 2) and the iLTER's network. All findings are systematically divided according to the research disciplines and the most important tree species (poplar, willow, oak, wild cherry and European beech). Also the aspects of social sciences are included (meaning evaluating forest institutions in the first place). This review is meant to contribute inputs to the ongoing discussion about the achievement of the Millenium Goals of Sustainable Development in the context of Serbian forestry. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III 43002: Biosenzing tehnologije i globalni system za kontinuirano istraživanje i integrisano upravljanje ekosistemimai br. III 43007: Istraživanje klimatskih promena i njihovog uticaja na životnu sredinu - praćenje uticaja, adaptacija i ublažavanje -Unapređenje gajenja nizijskih šuma i FP7 - STREPOW; FP7 - RoK-FoR; FP7 - EXPEER i IPA - OXIT]

The Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR) method of DNA analyses was used to clonal identification of trees in a model wild cherry (Prunus avium L.) seed orchard. Total genomic DNA was extracted by DNA Plant Mini Kit (QIAGEN) from buds taken from 91 sampled trees of the seed orchard. Samples were screened using selected ten polymorphic nuclear microsatellite markers. Measuring of the size of amplification products was carried out using the genetic analyser Applied Biosystems 3500. The obtained data were analysed by statistical programs CERVUS, GenAlEx 6.501 and Micro-Checker. There were detected 65 different alleles at 10 loci in the 91 wild cherry individuals from seed orchard. By applying of the 10 suitable markers to the 18 clones from model seed orchard we obtained multilocus genotypes (MLG). The obtained results illustrate the utility of the microsatellite loci for assessing spatial patterns of genetic diversity and for individual genotypes identification. Declared clone affiliation was confirmed in 94% of sampled trees. The identified genetic loci were verified as highly polymorphic and could be further used for clonal identification of wild cherry trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to investigate the impact of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on the morphological and developmental characteristics of wild cherry (Prunus avium) and common dogwood (Cornus sanguinea). The LEDs used were L20AP67 (moderate blue, red and far-red, high green), AP673L (moderate blue, high red), G2 (low blue, high red and far-red), AP67 (moderate blue, red and far-red), and NS1 (high blue and green, low red, high red:far-red, 1% ultraviolet). Fluorescent light [FL (high blue and green, low red)] tubes served as the control treatment. The growth rate and subsequently the shoot height of Cornus sanguinea were greater under FL. Root length of Prunus avium was longer under NS1. Prunus avium produced more biomass under NS1 and AP67, while Cornus sanguinea was favored under G2 and AP67. Greater root:shoot ratio was found under NS1 for Prunus avium and under NS1, AP67, G2, and AP673L for Cornus sanguinea. Root growth capacity (RGC) was also assessed in order to evaluate the transplanting response. RGC of Prunus avium and Cornus sanguinea was favored after precultivation under G2 and AP67, and under NS1 and AP67, respectively. Our study demonstrated that LEDs were more efficient in promoting a number of morphological characteristics than conventional FL in Prunus avium and Cornus sanguinea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distribution areas and site demands of wild cherry (Prunus avium L.) were studed in Guilan province, north ofIran. For this purpose, four catchments including Asalem, Shafaroud, Siahkal and Ghalerodkhan with high presence of wild cherry were selected and 129 0.1 ha sample plots were laid out in different combinations of land form, geographical aspect, elevation and slope gradient. Quantitative parameters of dbh and height and qualitative characteristics such as crown and stem quality of wild cherry trees were studied. Moreover, 48 soil profiles were dug and the physico-chemical properties of soil were studied. Results showed that wild cherry trees are maily distributed in individual or small groups in slops at lowlands and in middle elevations with east and north aspects, where the slope gradient is between 25 and 50%. Soil of the studied sites is deep to semi-deep with sandy clay silt to clay silt texture and with good drainage in which the pH varies between 4.3 and 7.0. The PCA analysis showed that the physical properties of soil (sand, clay and silt) have an important impact on the presence of this species. Presence of wild cherry trees in vallies and slopes facing to west and south are related to sand content of soil. The maximum measured dbh and height of trees were 101 cm and 31.3 m, respectively. The highest mean dbh was measured in the lower elevations with west aspect, whereas the highest mean height was measured in the middle elevations with north aspect. About 70% of the studied cherry trees had straigth stems with first class quality.

This paper presents morphological indicators of the quality of one-year-old seedlings of wild cherry (Prunus avium L.) with special reference to their correlations. The examined parameters were: length, diameter, weight of the aboveground and underground parts, number of buds, root volume, root length and leaf area. The ratio of heights was determined on the basis of the parameters derived: diameter, and the ratio of aboveground and underground parts of a seedling and the Quality Index. Height and diameter have proven to be good indicators of quality. Root volume has proven to be a better indicator of the quality of seedlings than root length. The weight ratio of the aboveground and underground parts of broadleaved trees in the dry state must be defined in advance, both when the measurements are carried out with and without leaves. The Quality Index has proven to be the most comprehensive morphological indicator of quality.

Wild cherry is one of the noble hardwood species that increase the biodiversity of our forests and at the same time it could increase the income for forest owners. The preconditions for achieving these goals are the high quality of stem and appropriate silvicultural management. This means that wild cherry should occupy the main crown layer in the stand. The height/frequency diagram depicts two groups of wild cherry trees in the stand belonging to dominant/codominant and suppressed tree classes. Height periodic increment (measured between the years 2001 and 2007) is significantly (p < 0.01) different in these two groups confirming that there is no transition chance for the trees from the suppressed group to become a part of the main crown layer and play the role of future crop tree. The same is true of the diameter/frequency diagram which also has a two-peak shape remaining also at the end of the surveyed period. Our result suggests that silvicultural care should be focused only on trees belonging to future crop trees.

The use of selected propagation material from tree improvement programs is expected to lead to a more homogenous product, generally appreciated by industry. So far, breeding strategy have been mainly targeted to maximize acclimation/adaptation to specific environment conditions, tree growth and disease resistance, but it is not obvious that such strategy might lead to improvement of wood characteristics at the same time. Therefore, it seems important to introduce wood traits improvement as specific target of the selection process in tree breeding programs, and/or to assess heritability of wood technological properties of trees previously selected based on different criteria. Investigations reported so far have revealed that several wood traits are under a medium to high genetic control. The main goal of this work is to discuss the suitability of wood traits improvement as main target of specific breeding programs, with particular attention to wood technological characteristics to be considered in the tree selection process. Finally, we focused on noble hardwoods, that have been the target species for many improvement programs developed in Italy, and particularly on wild cherry, where studies on the genetic control of wood traits are rare.

The root-plant ratio is one of the important parameters for planting stock quality. We suppose that the ratio is one of the driving variables for the growth performance of new plantation in the forest. The study summarises data on the volume of major parts of 4 years old wild cherry trees. An allometric analysis of different parts of plants in relation to the growth performance of wild cherry trees was done. The results show a close positive relationship between the volume of the whole root system and aboveground biomass. The same is true of the fine root proportion in the root system. Data also document that the efficiency of root system is not decreasing during the root development - at least in the investigated period. The same results were obtained for fine root efficiency. Data confirm the importance of the root-plant ratio for the growth performance of new plantation in the forest provided that harmful factors are not at a limiting level.

Rare forest tree species that are necessary for the domestic processing industry, especially for the furniture industry, currently occur as scattered trees in many forest stands in theCzechRepublic. For their harvest and supply to the processing industry it is necessary to measure their dimensions and growing stock. Logging technologies are proposed that will enable to harvest and transport this scattered wood mass to buyers. These technologies and used conveyances must not cause any damage either to forest soil or to adjacent stands and they should be economic, i.e. increased costs of processing must be covered by selling price.

Copyright of Beekeeping & Bee Products is the property of Association for Nutrition & Dietetics 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.)

Timber is predominant resource of the biomass used for the purposes of energy production. Recently, plantations of medium rotation trees of hybrid species have been increasingly cultivated in order to produce timber to be used as a bio-fuel. Coppice plantations are cultivated on the basis of intense techniques in order to achieve accelerated wood production or any other production related to woody crops. Plant growth period of long rotation trees amounts for nearly 30-60 years, whereas that of medium rotation trees of hybrid species - only 15-20 years. Physical characteristics of chaffs of the following medium rotation energy plants have been determined: Quaking aspen (PopulusTremula), Robinia and the wild cherry tree (Pseudoacacia). The main fraction of the timber chipped using Pezzolato drum chipper has been comprised of the 8-16 mm sized particles. The ash content of medium rotation energy plants was found to be low: amounted from 1.87 % (of the wild cherry tree) to 2.4 % (of Robinia), whereas calorific values of the plants under investigation were found to be rather high: amounting for approx. 18.7 MJ/kg. These are close to calorific values of birch which is considered to be the main benchmark or reference in Lithuania. Change in bulk density was found under variable moisture content of wood. Comparison to the bulk density of the absolutely dry wood shows the density of aspen and wild sweet cherry to be rather similar and vary only in range of error; whereas density of robinia is by 3-4 % lower. Increase in moisture content resulted in bulk density of all the sorts of wood to increase in a very similar manner, consequently it was assumed to be identical in all the calculations made. Decrease in moisture content resulted in increase of collapse (fall) angle: of aspen - from 62 to 77°, of robinia - from 90 to 115°, wild sweet cherry - from 65 to 82°. Lower effect of moisture content was found on the valued of flowing angle. It respectively varied as follows: of aspen - from 34 to 40°, of robinia - from 34 to 40°, of wild sweet cherry - from 36 to 42°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low hygroscopicity is an important factor favoring the use of heat-treated wood materials. Hence, wild cherry (Cerasus avium (L.) Moench) wood was subjected to heat treatment with the ThermoWood® method for about 1 and 2 hours at temperatures of 190 and 212 °C in an industrial business. Then, trial samples were prepared and divided into two groups. By being conditioned in the environments of 20 °C and 65% relative humidity (WC1), 20 °C and 85% relative humidity (WC2), 20 °C and 30% relative humidity (WC3), and 23 °C and 50% relative humidity (WC4), equilibrium moisture content (EMC) and dimensional stability (DS) values of the samples in the first group were determined. The water thickness swelling (WTS) and water retention (WR) features of the samples of the second group were examined by keeping them in water both 24 and 72 h. The results show that EMC and WTS decreased with increasing treatment temperature and durations. Also, DS was improved. On the other hand, the WR values of all the samples stayed approximately the same. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal conductivity values for heat-treated wild cherry (Cerasus avium (L.) Monench) were measured for radial and tangential directions and compared with those for untreated cherry wood. The wild cherry was heat-treated at a temperature of 212°C for two periods of time: 1.5-2.5 hours, respectively. The thermal conductivity test was performed with a quick thermal conductivity meter based on the ASTM C1113-99 (2004) hot-wire method, and measurements were carried out at the room temperature of 20°C. The results show that the heat treatment caused an important decrease on thermal conductivity of wood compared to untreated wood and the thermal conductivity decreased with increasing heat treatment duration. The highest decrease in thermal conductivity was recorded for a treatment duration of 2.5h. Compared with untreated cherry wood, the thermal conductivity on tangential direction, and radial direction of 1.5h and 2.5h heat-treated cherry wood decreased with 22.21%, 19.76% and 29.43%, 29.67% respectively. Radial thermal conductivity was similar to the tangential thermal conductivity. The data are useful when calculating the energy required to kiln-dry lumber and predicting the thermal insulating qualities of log homes made from the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of conspecific wild-type and cultivar populations has been a common landscape feature for centuries. As orchards generally continue to expand towards the natural forest, two important issues are raised: the potential reduction of cultivar genetic diversity compared to wild populations and the extent of gene flow between the two population types. These questions were addressed in a study ofPrunus aviumin northern Greece using nine simple sequence repeat loci to analyse genetic variation in 93 wild-type individuals and 21 cultivars representing the local cultivated germplasm. Results showed a significant reduction of genetic diversity parameters in the cultivated germplasm compared to natural populations. Bayesian, frequency-based and Markov chain – Monte Carlo analyses have revealed that the wild and cultivar groups are genetically divergent and that realized between-group gene flow is almost completely absent. This result was further verified by a principal component analysis showing a clear separation of the two groups in low multivariate space after a principal coordinate analysis. The significant disjunction in flowering time and a considerable geographic distance between the two groups could primarily account for the absence of substantial gene flow. These findings indicate that local wild cherry can provide a source of genetic variation for future breeding in the genetically restricted cultivar group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat treatment effects on surface properties of wild cherry (Prunus avium) including surface roughness, glossiness, and color stability were evaluated. Samples were exposed to a temperature of 212 °C for 1.5 and 2.5 h. A stylus type profilometer, glossmeter, and spectrophotometer were employed to determine surface characteristics of heat-treated specimens. Glossiness and surface roughness values of the samples decreased with heat treatment compared to those of control specimens. The glossiness and values of surface roughness decreased for the samples with all treatment combinations. The samples had significant discoloration as a result of heat exposure. Color difference of the specimens increased as a result of all treatment schedules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of light quality on growth and metabolic activity during pre-cultivation (in miniplug containers) of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) and wild cherry (Prunus avium) plants was investigated. Seedlings were grown in a growth chamber for a month under light-emitting diode (LED) light or fluorescent light. The LED lamps (Valoya) used in this study emitted a continuous spectrum thanks to a mixture of blue, green, red and far-red LEDs. Our results showed that plant response to light quality seems to be related to the plant species. In particular, in beech seedlings fresh and dry weight, shoot height and leaf area were greatest when plants were cultured under LED light, and lowest under fluorescent lamps. Furthermore, we found that LED-induced reduction of chlorophyll contents in beech and holm oak leaves resulted in an increase of the carboxylase capacity of Rubisco in the same plant species suggesting an improvement of light-use-efficiency in these plants. These results indicate that LED light may be suitable for the culture of plants in tightly controlled environments. The comparison of malondialdehyde levels between LED and fluorescent grown plants strongly supports this idea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A basic knowledge on linkage disequilibrium (LD) is necessary in order to determine resolution of association studies. We investigated the extent and patterns of LD in a self-incompatible species ( Prunus avium L.), in 3 groups (wild cherry, sweet cherry landraces and sweet cherry modern varieties), using a set of 35 microsatellite markers and the gametophytic self-incompatibility locus. Since population structure might create spurious LD, we thus used the information provided by a structure analysis published in a previous study to perform the LD analysis. In the current study, we detected a greater LD extent in sweet cherry than in wild cherry, which is plausibly due to the bottleneck associated with domestication and breeding. Higher LD values in sweet cherry sub-groups may be explained by smaller sample sizes. We also showed that the remaining structure in the groups of sweet cherry, in particular landraces, is responsible for a part of the LD extent. Intra-group relatedness may also account for extensive LD in two sub-groups. These results demonstrate, if ever necessary, the importance of controlling the genetic structure and relatedness when estimating LD. Moreover, LD decays very rapidly with genetic linkage distance in both wild and sweet cherries, which seems promising for future association studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of monitoring long-standing habit genotypes of wild cherry (Prunus avium L.) from natural populations from localities Zivinice, Tuzla, Banovici and Kladanj. Habitus has special value in assessing the biological potential of the aforementioned taxa. It reflects the degree of fruit trees growing activity, biological predisposition for fruiting, resistance to various abiotic and biotic conditions of the external environment. This study shows very pronounced trends in the evolution and infraspecific differentiation of this kind, which goes towards the creation of new shapes and forms, some of which may have a separate taxonomic status. Some of registrated individuals show great potential in acquiring new lines in the field of agriculture, horticulture and biotechnology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

This paper explores the determination of the thickness of the bark to wild cherry. To achieve these characteristics is analyzed to determine the double thickness of the shell at a large number of copies of diameter classes. In conclusion, we have reached the regression equation for a double thickness of the bark. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simpson’s index of diversity equals the probability of drawing without replacement two individuals of different type from a given collection. The interpretation of its inverse as the effective number of types reflects the biological meaning of diversity as the multiformity of the collection. The effective number of types is maximal, equalling the total number of types, only if all types are uniformly distributed. Simpson’s diversity thus fulfills one of the most basic conceptual criteria for diversity measures. The criterion does not, however, directly carry over to continuously varying differences between types. It is shown that the common practice of taking averages or special sums of differences cannot serve as the desired generalization. In a new approach, the probabilistic interpretation of Simpson’s index is used to extend the basic criterion of diversity to arbitrary differences between types, thereby retaining the concept of effective number. By considering as the resolution at which differences between individuals distinguish them, we define diversity as the probability of sampling without replacement two individuals that differ by more than . It is pointed out that this measure generalizes the classical Simpson-criterion of diversity in that it applies to any decomposition of the collection into groups, such that individuals within a group differ by at most and between groups by at least . Maximum diversity is reached if all groups are of equal size. This maximum property of the new measure motivates definition of the effective number of types at resolution independently of any particular decomposition into groups and while maintaining the basic diversity criterion. The advantages of and new insights to be derived from this scale-free measure are demonstrated by suggesting an approach to -diversity in ecology that is consistent with the criterion of diversity and by providing a worked example in population genetics using multiple-loci microsatellite data from three wild cherry populations. The example shows that gene associations may strongly affect the ranking of populations for genetic diversity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Silvoarable agroforestry could promote use of trees on farms in Europe, but its likely effect on production, farm profitability, and environmental services is poorly understood. Hence, from 2001 to 2005, the Silvoarable Agroforestry for Europe project developed a systematic process to evaluate the biophysical and economic performance of arable, forestry, and silvoarable systems in Spain, France, and The Netherlands. A biophysical model called “Yield-SAFE” was developed to predict long-term yields for the different systems and local statistics and expert opinion were used to derive their revenue, costs, and pre- and post-2005 grant regimes. These data were then used in an economic model called “Farm-SAFE” to predict plot- and farm-scale profitability. Land equivalent ratios were greater than one, showing Yield-SAFE predicted that growing trees and crops in silvoarable systems was more productive than growing them separately. Pre-2005 grants in Spain and The Netherlands penalised silvoarable systems, but post-2005 grants were more equitable. In France, walnut and poplar silvoarable systems were consistently the most profitable system under both grant regimes. In Spain, holm oak and stone pine silvoarable systems were the least profitable system under pre-2005 grants, but only marginally less profitable than arable systems under post-2005 grants. In The Netherlands, low timber values and the opportunity cost of losing arable land for slurry manure application made silvoarable and forestry systems uncompetitive with arable systems under both grant regimes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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Abstract: Browsing by mammalian herbivores may help regulate the balance between woody and herbaceous vegetation where agricultural land has been abandoned. Until now, the potential of controlled grazing as a research tool has not yet been fully utilized. In this study, we used an enclosure-based experiment to assess the impact of browsing by red deer on the fate of seedlings on a woodland edge. Species, size, number of lateral shoots, and relative location of seedlings were recorded in 1m2 plots (n =57) distributed among four vegetation types. From autumn 2000 to winter 2002, after the stay of three tame hinds in the enclosure for 5-day periods in each season (a year-round deer density of 15hinds/km2), we checked for loss or browsing damage of seedlings. From autumn 2000 to summer 2001, we additionally recorded the diurnal time spent feeding by the hinds during days 1, 3, and 5, and we simulated their food intake by hand during days 2 and 4. Mortality rates for willow Salix caprea and ash Fraxinus excelsior was higher than for silver fir Abies alba seedlings. Losses due to dehydration, which peaked under coniferous, were counterbalanced by growth of new seedlings. Loss due to browsing was uncommon. Deer impact on coniferous seedlings was insignificant all year long. More broad-leaved seedlings were browsed in spring and summer than in winter. Leader browsing increased with height, most of the taller seedlings occuring in herbaceous vegetation, especially wild cherry Prunus avium. Previously damaged seedlings suffered significantly higher leader browsing than previously undamaged ones. Behavioural observations showed that old pasture was selected by foraging deer all year-round. In autumn, spring and summer, due to quick depletion, the relative contribution of seedlings to the total food intake peaked during day 1, most (>75%) concerning wild cherry. Our results suggest that deer browsing on woody seedlings has more to do with species preference, height structure, growth, and seasonal phenology of seedlings than with induced mortality. Choice of previously damaged seedlings and non-random habitat use by deer can prove useful by minimizing natural regeneration of seedlings close to pastures. Further work is required on long term controlled browsing experiments to better understand natural regeneration of mixed woodland species. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The self-incompatibility (S) genotypes of a collection of 65 Belgian accessions of wild cherry, selected within two populations and planted in a seed orchard, were determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. Initially, DNA extracts were amplified with consensus primers that amplify across the second intron of theS-ribonuclease gene which shows considerable length polymorphism. The provisional genotypes deduced were checked with the appropriate allele-specific primers for the known allelesS 1 toS 16. Putative new alleles were subjected to PCR with consensus primers amplifying across the first intron. Six new alleles,S 17 toS 22, were thus indicated on the basis of the estimated lengths of the first and second intron PCR products. Examples of these alleles were partially sequenced and were indeed mutually distinct and different from the known alleles. The incompatibility genotypes of all 65 accessions were determined and one triploid individual was found. Seventeen alleles were detected in all. Allele frequencies differed between samples and the expected total number of alleles in the underlying populations was estimated. The wild cherry populations differed significantly with respect to allelic frequencies from sweet cherry cultivars; allelesS 4 andS 5, which are moderately frequent in sweet cherry, were absent from the wild cherry accessions. The knowledge of theSgenotypes will be useful for studying the gene flow within the seed orchard and these approaches should also be informative in wild populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed dormancy and dormancy cycling are poorly understood at the molecular level, but are central to plant community development. This study focuses on the embryonic axes of deeply dormant seeds of Prunus avium (wild cherry). Rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE), differential display and quantitative PCR were used to recover and monitor expression of cDNAs. cDNAs similar to two dormancy-imposing genes were isolated; a serine/threonine protein-phosphatase 2C homologous to ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE 1 and 2 (Pa-PP2C1), and the transcription factor ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE 3 (Pa-ABI3). Two germination-associated cDNAs were recovered; aconitase (Pa-AC01) and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit 8 (Pa-elF3 SUBUNIT 8). Cold-treatment reduced expression of Pa-PP2C1 and Pa-ABI3, consistent with roles in establishing primary dormancy; neither was induced by imposition of secondary dormancy. Expression of these genes was distinct from expression of Pa-ACO1 and Pa-elF3-SUBUNIT 8. Results were consistent with a role for ABI1/ABI2 and ABI3 homologues in primary dormancy of P. avium embryonic axes, but not secondary dormancy as control of germination appeared overridden by the tissues surrounding the embryo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]