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New forests on former agricultural land originate either from natural regeneration or active restoration. Previous research has compared biodiversity of naturally regenerated stands (NR) and plantations (PL), however, whether understory succession towards natural forests depends on stand type remains unknown. In this study, we used data from two monitorings on permanent plots (2011 and 2019) in PL (n = 11) and NR (n = 11) birch stands in Estonia to highlight successional changes in herb and bryophyte communities together with environmental changes. We further evaluated whether stand type influenced the recovery of forest specialists. We found an increase in tree growth characteristics, soil phosphorus and nitrogen content, no change in light conditions and a decrease in soil pH in both stand types. The amount of litter and deadwood was higher in NR in 2011. Herb richness increased from 123 to 130 and the number of bryophytes from 43 to 62. Stand types shared 50% of herb species in 2011 and 2019, while the fraction of shared bryophytes increased from 37.2 to 56.5%. We observed an increase of forest specialists and a decrease in light-demanding species (based on indicator value for light) in both stand types. Bryophyte cover and richness increased and species compositions of stand types converged. However, the number of bryophytes was significantly higher in NR plots indicating the significance of deadwood as growth substrate. We conclude that the recovery of forest understory followed similar successional pathways in PL and NR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest cover is deteriorating rapidly due to anthropogenic causes, making its restoration urgent. Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) could offer a viable solution to ensure successful reforestation efforts. This study aimed to select bacterial strains with mechanisms that promote plant growth and enhance seedling development. The bacterial strains used in this study were isolated from the rhizosphere and endophyte regions of Pinus montezumae Lamb. and Pinus patula Schl. et Cham., two Mexican conifer species commonly used for reforestation purposes. Sixteen bacterial strains were selected for their ability to produce auxins, chitinase, and siderophores, perform nitrogen fixation, and solubilize inorganic phosphates; they also harbored genes encoding antimicrobial production and ACC deaminase. The adhesion to seeds, germination rate, and seedling response of P. montezumae and P. patula were performed following inoculation with 10 bacterial strains exhibiting high plant growth-promoting potential. Some strains demonstrated the capacity to enhance seedling growth. The selected strains were taxonomically characterized and belonged to the genus Serratia, Buttiauxella, and Bacillus. These strains exhibited at least two mechanisms of action, including the production of indole-3-acetic acid, biological nitrogen fixation, and phosphate solubilization, and could serve as potential alternatives for the reforestation of affected areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of species in a patchy habitat may be influenced by competitive interactions. The dominant and highly competitive boreal ant species belong to the Formica rufa group. A pair of species, Formica aquilonia and Formica polyctena, require extensive territories due to their multi-nest breeding habits. The coexistence and habitat patterns of these two wood ant species in the boreal forest landscape were investigated. Forest characteristics in the vicinity of nests in forest patches were similar for both species, but they did not coexist in the same sampling plots of 0.79 ha in forest patches, indicating competitive exclusion. The sampling plots in large forest patches were more occupied by F. aquilonia, while no such association was found for F. polyctena. At a larger spatial scale (78.5 ha), we found that F. polyctena was more tolerant of smaller forest patches than F. aquilonia suggesting that these two ant species can coexist in moderately fragmented forest landscapes. However, forest habitat loss, fragmentation and climate-induced changes in forest tree structure may shift the species balance in favour of F. polyctena over F. aquilonia in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The south of Benin, a country in West Africa, is still home to remnants of dense forests that benefit from a particularly rainy sub-equatorial climate, with annual rainfall of up to 1,200 mm. These forest ecosystems are an integral part of the West African forest block, which stretches from Liberia to Togo. However, despite their richness and ecological importance, these forests are unfortunately subject to strong human pressures, particularly from slash-and-burn agriculture, intensive logging and the growing urbanisation of coastal areas. Preserving these forests is crucial, however, as they are home to remarkable plant and animal biodiversity, with many endemic species. What's more, these forests play an essential role in regulating the local climate, protecting soil and water resources, as well as providing local populations with a vital source of energy wood, non-timber forest products and support for their traditional agricultural practices. Faced with these conservation challenges, identifying and characterising the main tree species found in the forests of southern and central Benin, forest species and their ecology is an essential prerequisite for implementing sustainable management and restoration strategies for these threatened forest ecosystems in southern Benin. This work aims to identify and draw attention to the different forest species, specially tree forest species present in southern and central Benin. New information: The dataset provides information on forest species found in southern and central Benin, West Africa. This dataset is extremely useful for forestry research, as it focuses mainly on the various forest species of major importance. It can be used as a basis for characterising individuals or populations of species, based on their abundance in relation to anthropogenic pressure and changes in environmental conditions. These species are characteristic of forests and, above all, are of particular interest both to populations and to managers of protected areas. Field collections were initiated in 2007 as part of natural forest inventory work. The data collected have been completed by various field works that followed this work on forest species in southern Benin. The latest version of the dataset is publicly and freely accessible on the GBIF website at the address . It should be noted that the fact that the collection and monitoring were carried out in southern Benin, a region known for its great diversity of species, over a period of 10 years making these data particularly relevant information to study the effects of climate change and human pressure on ecosystems in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The south of Benin, a country in West Africa, is still home to remnants of dense forests that benefit from a particularly rainy sub-equatorial climate, with annual rainfall of up to 1,200 mm. These forest ecosystems are an integral part of the West African forest block, which stretches from Liberia to Togo. However, despite their richness and ecological importance, these forests are unfortunately subject to strong human pressures, particularly from slash-and-burn agriculture, intensive logging and the growing urbanisation of coastal areas. Preserving these forests is crucial, however, as they are home to remarkable plant and animal biodiversity, with many endemic species. What's more, these forests play an essential role in regulating the local climate, protecting soil and water resources, as well as providing local populations with a vital source of energy wood, non-timber forest products and support for their traditional agricultural practices. Faced with these conservation challenges, identifying and characterising the main tree species found in the forests of southern and central Benin, forest species and their ecology is an essential prerequisite for implementing sustainable management and restoration strategies for these threatened forest ecosystems in southern Benin. This work aims to identify and draw attention to the different forest species, specially tree forest species present in southern and central Benin.The dataset provides information on forest species found in southern and central Benin, West Africa. This dataset is extremely useful for forestry research, as it focuses mainly on the various forest species of major importance. It can be used as a basis for characterising individuals or populations of species, based on their abundance in relation to anthropogenic pressure and changes in environmental conditions.These species are characteristic of forests and, above all, are of particular interest both to populations and to managers of protected areas. Field collections were initiated in 2007 as part of natural forest inventory work. The data collected have been completed by various field works that followed this work on forest species in southern Benin. The latest version of the dataset is publicly and freely accessible on the GBIF website at the address https://www.gbif.org/dataset/aff3a10a-a86b-4eff-98e4-d63f92fd6f7e.It should be noted that the fact that the collection and monitoring were carried out in southern Benin, a region known for its great diversity of species, over a period of 10 years making these data particularly relevant information to study the effects of climate change and human pressure on ecosystems in this area.

Applying genetic improvement methods is essential for the adaptation of various Eucalyptus species, including the selection of desirable genotypes. Among the tools used for improvement, mutagenesis aims to increase genetic variability through mutation, causing changes in qualitative and quantitative traits. The aims of this study were to evaluate and select methods to induce mutation using irradiation with gamma rays for two species of the Eucalyptus genus (E. saligna and E. dunnii), identify the optimal irradiation dose for plantlets, and determine the best position(s) for mutant selection in axillary buds of V1M1 branch segments originating from irradiated plantlets. The methodology involves two experiments. In the first experiment, E. saligna and E. dunnii plantlets were submitted to eight different doses of gamma ray irradiation. In the second experiment, the plantlets irradiated with the ideal dose were pruned to stimulate the growth of lateral branches (V1M1, V2M1, V3M1), using the repeated pruning method, and three pruning treatments. Both species respond similarly to irradiation. Specific optimal doses were identified as 22.56 Gy for E. saligna and 23.04 Gy for E. dunnii. For the repeated pruning method, the treatment that maintained the fifth and sixth buds showed superior results in both species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco 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.)

Syzygium cumini seeds are recalcitrant, thus cannot tolerate drying and storage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the longevity of these seeds under different storage conditions and to assess the effect of osmotic treatment with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and abscisic acid (ABA) on reducing sensitivity to desiccation and increasing the longevity of these seeds. Seeds were desiccated until they reached preestablished moisture contents (40, 35, 30, 25 and 15%) and allowed to germinate. With 25% moisture content, germination was approximately 40%, and, with 15%, germination did not occur anymore. In the treatments aimed at reducing sensitivity to desiccation, seeds were incubated for 15 days in a solution of PEG (-1.88 MPa) or PEG (-1.88 MPa) + ABA (10-4 M), desiccated until they reached the preestablished moisture contents mentioned above, and then allowed to germinate. Five conditions were tested for storage: plastic bag in a cold room (8-10 °C; 45% RH); plastic bag in an air-conditioned room (20 °C; 60% RH); paper bag at room temperature; PEG solution at -1.88 MPa at 20 °C; and PEG solution at -1.88 MPa + ABA 10-4 M at 20 °C. Germination tests were carried out after 15, 30 and 90 days of storage. The best storage condition was in a plastic bag in an air-conditioned room, which was capable to keep a germinate rate close to 100% for up to 90 days. Under the conditions tested, osmotic treatment with or without ABA did not reduce sensitivity to desiccation and did not prolong seed longevity.

Bagassa guianensis Aubl. is a tree of high timber value (Moraceae family) native to the Amazon. In this study, we characterized the morphoanatomical and biochemical properties of Bagassa guianensis seeds at different levels of fruit control based on biometric, morphoanatomical, color and biochemical analyses. Four stages of seed development have been identified in the fruit of Bagassa guianensis. The seeds presented endosperm, being classified as albuminous. Seeds from fruits with 5 GY 4/4 colors and green pigmentation (stage I) presented fully formed embryos. According to PCA (principal component analysis) data, it was found that all stages of seed dominance had a significant effect and highly correlated with the biochemical properties of the seed. Despite the comparatively low biometric values, high levels of Total Soluble Sugars (3.58%), Total Soluble Proteins (2.12%) and Reducing Sugars (1.43%) were observed in seeds at this stage. On the other hand, the content of amino acids (0.87%) and starch (3.30%) was higher at late maturity. The highest amounts of starch were detected from stage II onwards (31.29 mg/g DM), when the seeds reached physiological maturity. Biochemical and morphological information from seeds are relevant for planning conservation, observation and restoration strategies, and this study on the species B. guianensis is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contribution of Eucalyptus globulus plantations to timber production for pulp, paper and energy production may be hampered by climate change. It is expected that Eucalyptus productivity may be affected through drought stress and changes to both pathogen distribution/pathogenicity and host–pathogen interactions. The impact of the fungal pathogen Neofusicoccum kwambonambiense on E. globulus, causing cankers and dieback, is well known but the impact of drought on disease development is still understudied. Our aim was to study the effect of drought on N. kwambonambiense infection by inoculating E. globulus plants under well‐watered conditions or with water limitation. Non‐infected plants for both water regimes were also analysed. Morphophysiological, biochemical and hormonal parameters were assessed 65 days post‐inoculation. Inoculation under conditions of water stress decreased water potential and photosynthetic efficiency and increased abscisic acid, jasmonic acid and lipid peroxidation. Water‐stressed infected plants also showed higher fungal colonization and external lesion length in comparison with well‐watered inoculated plants. Our results indicate that drought increased E. globulus predisposition to N. kwambonambiense infection and may also have promoted a change in the lifestyle of the fungus. Identifying host–pathogen interaction responses under different stress conditions is necessary to provide knowledge for decision‐making in the management of forest systems in general and of Eucalyptus production in particular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Sociedad y Economia is the property of Universidad del Valle 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.)

ABSTRACT The composition and dynamics of plant communities are determined by the survival, dispersal and persistence of seeds in the soil, some of the fundamental aspects for understanding plant biology, among which seed dormancy is of particular importance. The aim of this work was to find out whether seed dormancy is affected by certain substrates in order to improve the production of Tabernaemontana heterophylla seedlings. Treatments were carried out with different substrates (T1. Sand, T2. Vegetable clay, T3. Vegetable clay + sand (1:1 ratio), T4. Vermiculite, T5. Cattle manure, T6. Sawdust and T7. Organic compost) in 7 x 4 factorial schemes, the results of which were subjected to an analysis of variance and a comparison of means with the Tukey test at a probability of 5%. The seeds with visible germination structure (hypocotyl) showed an apical meristem in a dormant stage. The number of normal seedlings did not exceed 25% of the germinated seeds in all treatments, with a high proportion of nonviable seeds observed. In the absence of technical information on overcome dormancy, it is important to use strategies that stimulate germination and subsequent seedling growth. The slow germination combined with the presence of dormancy in the hypocotyledon were factors that negatively affected the propagation of the species studied.

Abstract Acacia mearnsii and Ilex paraguariensis are tree species of great social and economic importance in Brazil, demanding clonal cultivars. Their shoots possess a reservoir of totipotent cells with suitable potential for adventitious rooting, essential for mass production of high-quality seedlings. This study aimed to gain new insights into how anatomical barriers, i.e. sclerified tissues in the cortical region, may affect the adventitious rooting of cuttings from these species through histological examinations. For both species, histological analysis revealed significant diagnostic features. Tissue decay appears to be equivalent to an anatomical barrier in A. mearnsii. Starch abundance was notable in clones with higher rooting competence of I. paraguariensis, but they were not observed in the fundamental tissues of A. mearnsii, regardless of the rooting competence of the clone. The main differences in adventitious rooting were associated with the speed of response, initiated from cortical meristems, followed by differentiation of conductive tissue from newly formed tissue, connecting the periphery with the secondary vascular tissue. Thus, this newly formed tissue with parenchymatic structure provides the necessary structural basis for radial vascular connections. For both studied species, rhizogenesis presents distinct barriers to rooting, nevertheless these are not necessarily of anatomical nature.

Forest cover is deteriorating rapidly due to anthropogenic causes, making its restoration urgent. Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) could offer a viable solution to ensure successful reforestation efforts. This study aimed to select bacterial strains with mechanisms that promote plant growth and enhance seedling development. The bacterial strains used in this study were isolated from the rhizosphere and endophyte regions of Pinus montezumae Lamb. and Pinus patula Schl. et Cham., two Mexican conifer species commonly used for reforestation purposes. Sixteen bacterial strains were selected for their ability to produce auxins, chitinase, and siderophores, perform nitrogen fixation, and solubilize inorganic phosphates; they also harbored genes encoding antimicrobial production and ACC deaminase. The adhesion to seeds, germination rate, and seedling response of P. montezumae and P. patula were performed following inoculation with 10 bacterial strains exhibiting high plant growth-promoting potential. Some strains demonstrated the capacity to enhance seedling growth. The selected strains were taxonomically characterized and belonged to the genus Serratia, Buttiauxella, and Bacillus. These strains exhibited at least two mechanisms of action, including the production of indole-3-acetic acid, biological nitrogen fixation, and phosphate solubilization, and could serve as potential alternatives for the reforestation of affected areas.

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Abstract Lignin is related to mechanical support, fluidity of water transport by xylem and resistance to pest and pathogen infections. This research measured the concentration of lignin and its correlation with field performance of Cordia trichotoma (Vell.) Arrab. ex Steud seedlings submitted to hardening. Seedlings were treated with 20 stem bending for 4 or 8 weeks, application of 50 μmol L-1 of methyl jasmonate for 4 or 8 weeks and a control treatment. In the nursery after treatments, six seedlings were randomly selected for determination of root electrolytes and lignin content from stem and root tissues. Application of jasmonates or stem bending in the nursery promoted an increase in stem lignin concentration but did not induce a greater lignification of root systems. After 450 days of planting, saplings height and diameter increments and percentage survival were calculated along shoot lignin content. Saplings showed no differences in shoot lignin from nursery hardening.

Extended Abstract Introduction and Objective: The decline of natural forests has been caused urban afforestation to acquire a particular importance with the purpose of green space development level, therefore, the selection of appropriate plant species plays a substantial role in the development and stability of urban green space. The nutrients evaluation is significant in in selection of appropriate species for planting and in a way that species can be selected and supplemented by either consumption of the whole available nutrients in habitat or with their accompanying species. Material and Methods: The present study was conducted to evaluate the high consumption nutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Calcium, Carbon, Magnesium and Potassium) in the leaves of Mulberry, Ash, Tehran Eldarica Pine and Arizona Cypress in two summer and autumn seasons in four geographical areas (Jamshidieh Park, Sorkheh Hesar Park, Vard Avard Park and Shaghayegh Park) in Tehran. Also, retranslocation of nutrients was measured in four parks and three species (Mulberry, Ash and Tehran Eldarica Pine). At the end of the growing season, the mature green leaves (80 samples) and at the end of the autumn season, the fallen leaves (60 samples) were collected at the base of the tree and packed in zippered bags with the desired specifications on them and transferred to the laboratory. The leaves were washed with sterile distilled water to remove contaminants, then dried in an oven at 70 ° C for 24 hours and then ground. Chemical analyzes were performed using standard instructions. Statistical analyzes such as general comparison of means (one-way analysis of variance) and group means (Duncan test) were performed. Results: The results of this study showed that the average nutrients in summer leaves are higher than autumn leaves. In Sorkheh Hesar, Shaghayegh and Jamshidieh parks, in summer leaves, the highest amounts of nutrients related to calcium (62.66 mg/g in Shaghayegh Park) and in Alder was recorded. While in Vard Avard Park, the highest amount of this element was observed in mulberry (68.32 mg/g). In autumn leaves, in three parks of Shaghayegh, Jamshidieh and Vard Avard, the highest concentration of nutrients related to calcium (42.66 mg/g in Shaghayegh Park) and was recorded in mulberry. While in Sorkheh Hesar Park, calcium concentration was recorded in Alder (50.66 mg/g). Regarding the percentage of nutrient retranslocation in the studied species in Sorkheh Hesar Park Magnesium (63.04%) in Alder, in Shaghayegh Park Potassium (52.58%) in Mulberry, in Jamshidieh Park Potassium (63.79%) in Tehran Eldarica pine and in Vard Avard Park calcium (41.45%) in mulberry had the highest nutrient retranslocation. Conclusion: The species studied in this study had different nutrients in their summer and autumn leaves. These species also retranslocation a different amount of each element. It is suggested that this issue be taken into consideration in the management and planning of urban forestry, and the tree species used, which are mainly the main tree species in urban forestry, should be classified based on the status of nutrients.

Abstract Background Entisol is a very poor, compact, and low-water-holding capacity soil. They are obstacles to the plant's root system's penetration and the availability of water, particularly in dry months. However, Arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi (AMF) is used for seedling growth and reduces water stress in the plant. Results In this experiment, the growth parameters and the physiological activities of the plant were changed for the well watering (WW), fractionated watering (FW), and stopped/no watering conditions of the T. arjunaseedling. This experiment demonstrated higher mycorrhizal dependency (24.90%) under the FW condition than that of the WW condition (18.58%). Also the root colonization was higher (67%) under FW plants compared to WW plants (53%) associated with AMF+ in T. arjuna seedling. Photosynthesis was found 24.27% more with FW than the WW condition. Experiment' shows posivitivecorrelation between the photosynthesis and interval of no watering for AMF− plants (r2 = 0.873 for AMF− (control) and comparatively very weak for plants with AMF+ (r2 = 0.259 for AMF+ plants). Conclusions The findings confirms the use of AMF in entisol soil to improve plant growth and biomass by reducing edaphic stress.

At present, establishing planted forests, typically composed of not more than two tree species, to avoid forest losses has received increasing attention. In addition, investigating the impact of environmental stress such as waterlogging on different planting patterns is essential for improving wetland ecosystem resilience. Knowledge about the impact of waterlogging on planted forests is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate its adverse effects. Here, we conducted experimentally a simulated pure and mixed planting system composed of two contrasting WL-tolerant species (Cleistocalyx operculatus and Syzygium cumini) to determine their ecophysiological responses based on the type of interaction. Results showed that the aboveground growth performance of S. cumini was better than that of C. operculatus under wellwatered conditions regardless of the planting model, which is contrary to the belowground accumulation that was significantly improved in C. operculatus. Intra- and interspecific interactions in different planting models facilitated the growth performance of C. operculatus while provoking a significant competition in S. cumini under waterlogging. Such phenomenon was explained through the remarkable ability of C. operculatus to naturally increase its root network under stress on non-stress conditions compared with S. cumini. In this study, two main factors are proposed to play key roles in the remarkable performance of C. operculatus compared with S. cumini following the planting model under waterlogging. The high level of nitrogen and phosphor absorption through C. operculatus primary roots and the significant starch biosynthesis constituted the key element that characterized the facilitation or competition within the intra- or interspecific interactions shown in C. operculatus compared with S. cumini. Furthermore, the intraspecific competition is more pronounced in S. cumini than in C. operculatus when grown in a pure planting pattern, particularly when subjected to waterlogging. However, when the two species are planted together, this competition is alleviated, resulting in enhanced waterlogging tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest species have their growth and metabolism affected, when they are exposed to conditions of water stress and one of the factors that contribute to water scarcity is climate change that increases over time. The objective of this work was to evaluate changes in gas exchange, carbon metabolism and biomass of Clusia grandiflora subjected to water deficit and evaluation periods. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design, in a 2 × 5 factorial scheme, with five replications, each as specified: two water conditions (control and water deficit) and five evaluation periods (0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days). The variables related to gas exchange, carbon metabolism and biomass were evaluated. The design of the experiment was completely randomized. The relative water content did not differ between the control plants and those submitted to water deficit. While stem diameter, adventitious root length, adventitious root diameter and stem dry mass decreased, when plants were exposed to water deficit. The number of leaves, stem height, leaf area and fallen leaves reduced from day 14, in plants submitted to water deficit. There was a reduction in the hydraulic conductivity and in the water potential of the xylem in the leaf from day 7 on in plants under water deficit. Among the biochemical variables, starch and sucrose concentrations increased in plants under water stress from day 14 onwards. Water deficit negatively affected gas exchange, carbon metabolism and Clusia grandiflora biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Avances is the property of Instituto de Informacion Cientifica y Tecnologica 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.)

At present, establishing planted forests, typically composed of not more than two tree species, to avoid forest losses has received increasing attention. In addition, investigating the impact of environmental stress such as waterlogging on different planting patterns is essential for improving wetland ecosystem resilience. Knowledge about the impact of waterlogging on planted forests is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate its adverse effects. Here, we conducted experimentally a simulated pure and mixed planting system composed of two contrasting WL-tolerant species (Cleistocalyx operculatus and Syzygium cumini) to determine their ecophysiological responses based on the type of interaction. Results showed that the aboveground growth performance of S. cumini was better than that of C. operculatus under well-watered conditions regardless of the planting model, which is contrary to the belowground accumulation that was significantly improved in C. operculatus. Intra- and interspecific interactions in different planting models facilitated the growth performance of C. operculatus while provoking a significant competition in S. cumini under waterlogging. Such phenomenon was explained through the remarkable ability of C. operculatus to naturally increase its root network under stress on non-stress conditions compared with S. cumini. In this study, two main factors are proposed to play key roles in the remarkable performance of C. operculatus compared with S. cumini following the planting model under waterlogging. The high level of nitrogen and phosphor absorption through C. operculatus primary roots and the significant starch biosynthesis constituted the key element that characterized the facilitation or competition within the intra- or interspecific interactions shown in C. operculatus compared with S. cumini. Furthermore, the intraspecific competition is more pronounced in S. cumini than in C. operculatus when grown in a pure planting pattern, particularly when subjected to waterlogging. However, when the two species are planted together, this competition is alleviated, resulting in enhanced waterlogging tolerance.

Copyright of Ecology of Iranian Forest is the property of Sari Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources University (SANRU) 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.)

Conservation and recovery of degraded areas generate great demand for seeds of native tree species. The development and/or improvement of efficient techniques for the evaluation of forest-seed quality is important for the production and establishment of high-quality seedlings for restoration. In this study, the tissue density of radiographic images of Senna macranthera seeds was related to their physiological quality. Moreover, biomass, carbon stock, seedling survival, and X-ray technique costs were estimated for S. macranthera. Collected seeds were analyzed using digital radiography to measure relative and integrated density. The physical integrity of seed tissues was visually evaluated. Seeds were then germination tested to assess seedling development-related traits. Semiautomated radiography allowed for visualizing internal seed structures and observing their density and physical-integrity differences as well as physiological quality. Moreover, seed lots with lower relative and integrated densities had more physical damage and/or malformation, thus producing less vigorous seedlings. The average carbon stock was 21.42 kg per tree. The seed selection cost was USD 0.0132/seed at an 81% germination rate. The annual cost of planting S. macranthera seedlings was USD 7500 per hectare during the establishment year and averaged USD 1562 per year for replanting lost transplants over the eight years after initial planting. Applying these techniques may enhance the seedling production of this species, contributing to reforestation programs in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Caatinga is the property of Revista Caatinga 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.)

Background: Entisol is a very poor, compact, and low-water-holding capacity soil. They are obstacles to the plant's root system's penetration and the availability of water, particularly in dry months. However, Arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi (AMF) is used for seedling growth and reduces water stress in the plant. Results: In this experiment, the growth parameters and the physiological activities of the plant were changed for the well watering (WW), fractionated watering (FW), and stopped/no watering conditions of the T. arjunaseedling. This experiment demonstrated higher mycorrhizal dependency (24.90%) under the FW condition than that of the WW condition (18.58%). Also the root colonization was higher (67%) under FW plants compared to WW plants (53%) associated with AMF+ in T. arjuna seedling. Photosynthesis was found 24.27% more with FW than the WW condition. Experiment' shows posivitivecorrelation between the photosynthesis and interval of no watering for AMF− plants (r2 = 0.873 for AMF− (control) and comparatively very weak for plants with AMF+ (r2 = 0.259 for AMF+ plants). Conclusions: The findings confirms the use of AMF in entisol soil to improve plant growth and biomass by reducing edaphic stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Somatic embryogenesis (SE) is a feasible in vitro regeneration system with biotechnological applications in breeding programs, although, in many forest species, SE is highly inefficient, mainly due to their recalcitrance. On the other hand, SE represents a valuable model system for studies on cell reprogramming, totipotency acquisition, and embryogenic development. The molecular mechanisms that govern the transition of plant somatic cells to embryogenic cells are largely unknown. There is increasing evidence that auxins mediate this transition and play a key role in somatic embryo development, although data on woody species are very limited. In this study, we analyzed the dynamics and possible role of endogenous auxin during SE in cork oak (Quercus suber L.). The auxin content was low in somatic cells before cell reprogramming, while it increased after induction of embryogenesis, as revealed by immunofluorescence assays. Cellular accumulation of endogenous auxin was also detected at the later stages of somatic embryo development. These changes in auxin levels correlated with the expression patterns of the auxin biosynthesis (QsTAR2) and signaling (QsARF5) genes, which were upregulated after SE induction. Treatments with the inhibitor of auxin biosynthesis, kynurenine, reduced the proliferation of proembryogenic masses and impaired further embryo development. QsTAR2 and QsARF5 were downregulated after kynurenine treatment. Our findings indicate a key role of endogenous auxin biosynthesis and signaling in SE induction and multiplication, as well as somatic embryo development of cork oak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The forest species Enterolobium schomburgkii Benth. It is a fast-growing legume with potential for use in plantations and recovery of degraded areas. Thus, knowing the nutritional demands of this species in the seedling formation stage is essential for the success of its implantation in the field. Therefore, the objective of this work is to evaluate the development of seedlings of E. schomburgkii Benth. with the application of controlled release fertilizer doses. The experiment was carried out at the seedling production nursery of the Technology Foundation of the State of Acre, from May to September 2022. The experimental design used was completely randomized, with 8 treatments and 10 replications. The treatments were at different doses of controlled release fertilizer, as follows: T1 = 0 g/L-1; T2 = 2 g/L-1; T3 = 4 g/L-1; T4 = 6 g/L-1; T5 = 8 g/L-1; T6 = 10 g/L-1; T7 = 12 g/L-1 and T8 = 14 g/L-1. The morphological parameters evaluated were the stem diameter (DC) and height (H) of the seedlings, carried out 120 days after sowing. The use of a dose of 6 g/L-1 of controlled release fertilizer indicates optimization of the production of Enterolobium schomburgkii seedlings.

ABSTRACT Growth analysis (GA) is used to quantify plant development based on morphophysiological changes. GA is a practical tool to evaluate nursery techniques to make them more efficient. The objective of this essay was to quantity measure morphophysiological growth variables of Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla and Hymenaea courbaril (jatoba) container seedlings to characterize growth stages. The essay was conducted in a shade house located in the western state of Paraná. GA analyses were performed at 10-day intervals on seedlings of both species. When evaluating Hymenaea courbaril seedlings results indicated increased values of height, diameter, root and shoot dry biomass up to 130 days after emergence (DAE). Seedling growth stage-based GA were 70, 100 and 130 DAE for the Eucalyptus hybrid and 50, 80, and 110 DAE for jatoba which presented accelerated, intermediate and reduced seedling growth.

View on Scopus Soil-dwelling Entomobryomorphan Collembola from the Northeast of Iran were sampled for the first time as part of a biodiversity surveying study with the aim of improving ecosystem conservation. Materials were obtained by sampling in three different ecosystems including forest, rangeland and agricultural fields between 2018 and 2019. The specimens were cleared using either Nesbitt’s fluid or lactic acid and permanent microscopic slides were prepared using Hoyer’s medium. As the result of this study, twenty-nine species belonging to twenty-two genera and five families of the order Entomobryomorpha were identified. Among them, two genera and eight species are recorded for the first time from Iran. The new records are Desoria trispinata (MacGillivray, 1896), Drepanosira hussi Neuherz, 1976, Heteromurtrella sp., Orchesella flavescens (Bourlet, 1839), Willowsia bartkei Stach, 1965, Agrenia sp., and Isotomiella gracilimucronata Rusek, 1981. Micrographs of their important features and a key to the species are also provided.

Paullinia stellata is found in anthropogenic places and lowland forests, yet little information about their reproductive characteristics is known. This study aimed to determine the physical properties of seeds and the characteristics of their reproductive aspects. Racemes, fruits, and seeds were measured and weighed. The physical properties of the seeds were determined using three-dimensional data. A descriptive statistic was applied for racemes and fruits, and a statistic of small samples was conducted for the physical properties. The results showed low magnitude variations for variables analyzed in both parameters. The physical properties of the seeds are relatively moderate variations from low oscillations. Fruit maturity is detected by the opening of the endocarp exposing the seed, but it presents early and late fruit with asynchronous maturation. This study was conducted only on a single plant and observed asynchronous fruits within the same raceme.

This paper aimed to measure the carbonization action in four wood species with different densities formed by a variety with global utilization, eucalyptus grandis, and other three native species from Brazil, cupiuba, guapuruvu and morototoni. The analysis included the verification of damages from carbonization at high temperature as well as the influence of these covariates by the Bayesian Logistic Regression. The analysis verified the convergences from R-Hat diagnostic and Markov chains. Statistical model of temperature-species covariates was selected, since it presents the possibility of a more plausible explanation for the assessed data set. Eucalyptus grandis and guapuruvu wood species showed the greatest damage volumes caused by carbonization. Density was not a covariate that interfered, statistically, in this analysis of high temperature damages. Regarding wood species, the eucalyptus grandis differed significantly from the Bayesian model, both from cupiuba and morototoni woods. The detailed analysis evinced the efficient performance of the Bayesian model, which is an alternative option for studies about the carbonization of forest resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective is to evaluate the ethnobotanical potential of forest species taking into consideration medicinal species. It is an innovative project, which applies a descriptive methodology, developed in situ, aimed at solving practical problems. The study reflects that 60% of the respondents are women, who are the ones who have the knowledge of the number of medicinal species and their ages range from 48 to 83 years. In addition to this, 30 forest and ruderal species were identified, after which guidelines were established for the conservation of these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to determine whether Parkia platycephala families with superior morphophysiological traits perform consistently across four stages of early development (plantlets, seedlings, and juveniles at 34 and 60 months), as a means to assess the possibility of conducting preselection. For 21 morphophysiological traits, the following genetic parameters were estimated: heritability, coefficients of variation (genetic, relative, and environmental), accuracy, genetic and phenotypic correlation, percentage of coincidence (PC) of the best families, effective population size, and inbreeding in three progeny tests conducted under laboratory, nursery, and field conditions. Families of P. platycephala showed significant phenotypic and genotypic differences. The traits evaluated show genetic control. The percentage of coincidence between the best families was more accurate when the selection intensity was greater than 50% (PC ≥ 52%). Based on the evaluated traits, a pre-selection strategy at the juvenile stage for P. platycephala was researched to effectively identify superior families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chestnut (Bertholletia excelsa Bonpl., Lecythidaceae) is one of the predominant non-timber species in the Bolivian Amazon. In vitro asexual reproduction is an alternative for forest species to increase the multiplication rate in a short period of time, and achieve high quality seedlings. The most critical problem in in vitro conditions is rooting in forest plants due to the emission of roots that exists in the hydric imbalance between transpiration and water absorption. The experiment was implemented in a completely randomized design with twelve treatments with different concentrations of IBA (0; 0.1; 0.5; 1.0 1.5; 2 mg/L) and two different media with mineral salts with 4.33 g/L(MS; WPM); with 30 g.L-1 g sucrose supplement, the pH adjusted to 5.7 ± 0.1, solidified with 2 g.L-1 of Phytagel. The results allowed us to conclude that the doses of 0.5 and 1.0 mg.L-1 IBA present root formation in in vitro conditions for the propagation of Chestnut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This article provides an annotated catalog of the Symphypleona and Neelipleona (Hexapoda: Collembola) of Iran based on published literature and specimens recently collected from three different ecosystems in North Khorasan province (Forest, Rangeland, and Agricultural) of the years 2018 and 2019. Thirty-five species in seven families and 17 genera are listed. Among them, Megalothorax minimus and Bourletiella sp. are recorded for the first time from Iran. An updated key to the Iranian species and information on the biology and geographical distribution of each species is provided.

Copyright of Ciência Florestal (01039954) is the property of Ciencia Florestal 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.)

Background: After suffering from an acute problem of excess water for a long time, the Oasis of Ouargla benefited from an aerated lagoon treatment plant, producing biologically treated domestic effluents. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of reusing this effluent for watering plants. The experiment was conducted in the Ouargla WWTP, which is located in the region of Said Otba (northeast of Ouargla), north of the national road NR 49. Methods: The study area was selected based on the originality of the study and availability of water. The plants used were Acacia farnesiana and Leucaena leucocephala. The selection of Leucaena was based on the following criteria: It is used as a windbreak, it is very tolerant to drought, and it is used as a fodder to maintain soil fertility. And, Acacia was selected because it is used as a fodder, protects the soil against erosion, and to fix nitrogen. The watering of these plants is done jointly by treated wastewater from the WWTP and well water (WW), of which the latter was used as a control. Sampling and analysis of the irrigation water were performed according to the experimental protocol. To show the growth rate of the two plants studied, biometric measurements were taken weekly for 25 weeks. Results: The physicochemical analyses show that the treated wastewater is of poor quality belonging to the last class of Riverside’s C5-S4, with an excessive salinity (EC) of 13.51 dS/m and an Sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) of 12.61 against EC of 2.49 dS/m and 2.13 for the WW. At the end of the experiment, it was found that irrigation with purified wastewater (PWW) gave less growth compared to that with WW. Statistical analyses of the biometric measurements confirmed that there is a highly significant difference at P < 0.05. Conclusion: The reuse of WWTP effluent gives less interesting results but is still possible. It is recommended to choose Salt-tolerant crops, as well as the dilution of these waters by the addition of less salty waters.

Gonopterodendron sarmientoi is a native tree species from Chaco region forest that grows in mixed forest or in pure dense forests (palosantales). Due to habitat destruction and high exploitation, G. sarmientoi is threatened; hence, baseline information about the forests where the species grows is needed to guide future management and conservation programs. The objective of this article is to characterize the environment, genetic diversity and morphology of G. sarmientoi's palosantales (n=10), in relation to the species' mixed forests (n=14). For that, along the whole range of the species distribution, we compared the palosantales and mixed forests regarding their composition of plant species and site attributes (soil type and vegetation index), genetic diversity obtained with neutral markers, and leaf and tree morphological traits. The palosantales were characterized by having fewer companion species forests (mean 8; min. 1; max. 14), predominantly with shrub species, in relation to mixed forests (mean 10; min. 8; max. 13). The soils of the palosantales showed high content of clay and low levels of organic carbon and sand. The lowest nutrients sampled sites were palosantales located in the center-west of the species range, in the triple border Argentina-Bolivia-Paraguay, and in the palosantales on Bermejo river paleochannels (Argentina). The vegetation index confirmed the low productivity of palosantales forests (NDVI palosantales 0.38; NDVI mixed forests 0.51). The palosantales were similar in genetic diversity with respect to mixed forest (nucleotide diversity 0.00103 vs 0.00120; Shannon index 0.89 vs 1.02, respectively). Morphologically, G. sarmientoi trees in the palosantales were shorter and shrubbier than the mixed forest trees. The forests of G. sarmientoi require focused research that considers the singularities of each type of forest, allowing conservation of the species and the derived ecosystem services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appropriate vegetation management in semi-natural grasslands can provide important habitats for grassland species. However, an increasing number of semi-natural grasslands are being abandoned worldwide due to changes in lifestyle and resource use, which has resulted in a drastic decline in grassland-dependent species. Ski pistes can function as important habitats for various grassland flora and fauna, but they have been increasingly closed because of climate change and population decline. However, it remains unclear how the abandonment of pistes affects biodiversity. Here, we examined how butterfly communities change with time since the abandonment of pistes in Japan. We assessed the species richness and abundance of grassland, ruderal, and forest butterflies; vegetation height; and the amount of food resources for larval and adult butterflies on both abandoned and active pistes. We then analyzed the relationships between butterfly species richness and abundance and years since abandonment to explore their potential drivers. The species richness and abundance of grassland and ruderal butterflies were negatively related to years since piste abandonment, whereas those of forest butterflies were highest in pistes abandoned for around 10 years. We also found that butterfly species richness and abundance were largely explained by vegetation height and food resource availability. Our results indicate that the abandonment of pistes likely negatively affects the butterfly communities in these environments. Regular vegetation management could mitigate the biodiversity loss caused by abandonment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth analysis (GA) is used to quantify plant development based on morphophysiological changes. GA is a practical tool to evaluate nursery techniques to make them more efficient. The objective of this essay was to quantity measure morphophysiological growth variables of Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla and Hymenaea courbaril (jatoba) container seedlings to characterize growth stages. The essay was conducted in a shade house located in the western state of Paraná. GA analyses were performed at 10-day intervals on seedlings of both species. When evaluating Hymenaea courbaril seedlings results indicated increased values of height, diameter, root and shoot dry biomass up to 130 days after emergence (DAE). Seedling growth stage-based GA were 70, 100 and 130 DAE for the Eucalyptus hybrid and 50, 80, and 110 DAE for jatoba which presented accelerated, intermediate and reduced seedling growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Somatic embryogenesis (SE) is a feasible in vitro regeneration system with biotechnological applications in breeding programs, although, in many forest species, SE is highly inefficient, mainly due to their recalcitrance. On the other hand, SE represents a valuable model system for studies on cell reprogramming, totipotency acquisition, and embryogenic development. The molecular mechanisms that govern the transition of plant somatic cells to embryogenic cells are largely unknown. There is increasing evidence that auxins mediate this transition and play a key role in somatic embryo development, although data on woody species are very limited. In this study, we analyzed the dynamics and possible role of endogenous auxin during SE in cork oak (Quercus suber L.). The auxin content was low in somatic cells before cell reprogramming, while it increased after induction of embryogenesis, as revealed by immunofluorescence assays. Cellular accumulation of endogenous auxin was also detected at the later stages of somatic embryo development. These changes in auxin levels correlated with the expression patterns of the auxin biosynthesis (QsTAR2) and signaling (QsARF5) genes, which were upregulated after SE induction. Treatments with the inhibitor of auxin biosynthesis, kynurenine, reduced the proliferation of proembryogenic masses and impaired further embryo development. QsTAR2 and QsARF5 were downregulated after kynurenine treatment. Our findings indicate a key role of endogenous auxin biosynthesis and signaling in SE induction and multiplication, as well as somatic embryo development of cork oak.

The present study was carried out in the neighborhoods "Hermanos Cruz", "Carlos Manuel", "Montequín" and "Calle Martí" belonging to the municipality of Pinar del Río, with the aim of identifying causal plague organisms associated with urban trees in the city of Pinar del Rio, Cuba. A floristic inventory of forest trees was carried out up to the family and species level, as well as the collection of samples of plant organs with symptoms of parasitic diseases and/or the presence of phytophagous insects. The inventory of urban trees in the city of Pinar del Río revealed 13 forest species belonging to 9 botanical families and 12 genera. The most represented family was Meliaceae. In addition, the "Hermanos Cruz" distribution presented a greater abundance of forest species. The species of urban trees serve as hosts to 21 harmful organisms that include eight causal agents of parasitic diseases, 3 orders, 11 families and 13 species of phytophagous insects, with a greater representation of Hemiptera and Lepidoptera. Harmful organisms showed a greater presence in the forest species like Callophylum antillanum, Grevillea robusta, Acasia mangium, Hibiscus elatus, Gmelina arborea, Tectona grandis y Eucaliptus sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil-dwelling Entomobryomorphan Collembola from the Northeast of Iran were sampled for the first time as part of a biodiversity surveying study with the aim of improving ecosystem conservation. Materials were obtained by sampling in three different ecosystems including forest, rangeland and agricultural fields between 2018 and 2019. The specimens were cleared using either Nesbitt's fluid or lactic acid and permanent microscopic slides were prepared using Hoyer's medium. As the result of this study, twenty-nine species belonging to twenty-two genera and five families of the order Entomobryomorpha were identified. Among them, two genera and eight species are recorded for the first time from Iran. The new records are Desoria trispinata (MacGillivray, 1896), Drepanosira hussi Neuherz, 1976, Heteromurtrella sp., Orchesella flavescens (Bourlet, 1839), Willowsia bartkei Stach, 1965, Agrenia sp., and Isotomiella gracilimucronata Rusek, 1981. Micrographs of their important features and a key to the species are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Revista Caatinga is the property of Revista Caatinga 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.)