Birch leaf endophytes in managed and natural boreal forests

2006 ◽  
Vol 36 (12) ◽  
pp. 3239-3245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marjo Helander ◽  
Piippa Wäli ◽  
Timo Kuuluvainen ◽  
Kari Saikkonen
Keyword(s):  
Boreal Forests ◽  
Fungal Endophytes ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Natural Forest ◽  
Stand Age ◽  
Infection Frequency ◽  
Natural Forests ◽  
Managed Forest ◽  
Vegetation Zone ◽  
The Difference

Fungal endophytes of birch trees are nonsystemic and transmitted horizontally by spores. Because the endophytes reinfect the leaves every growing season, the frequency of occurrence and species composition of the fungi depend on various abiotic and biotic environmental conditions. This was a study of possible effects of silviculture and local environmental variables on endophyte frequencies. Silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) leaves were sampled from seedling stands (five transects), managed mature forest (seven transects), and old natural forest (five transects) in the boreal vegetation zone in east-central Finland. The sapling stands had the highest endophyte frequency and the managed forest the lowest total infection frequency. The old natural forest tended to have the most diverse identified fungal species community, but the difference was not statistically significant. The most frequently isolated endophytic fungi were Fusicladium betulae (Rob. & Desm.) Aderh., consisting of 70% of the isolates from the sapling stands and 31% and 21% of the isolates from the managed forest and natural forest, respectively. It is probable that the sapling stands had plenty of available spores combined with an otherwise favourable microclimate. In the natural forests Gnomonia setacea (Pers.:Fr.) Ces. & de Not. was the most frequently isolated endophyte (30%), while in the sapling stands only 4% of the isolates belonged to G. setacea. In natural forest the frequency of G. setacea infections was positively correlated with stand age, indicating that G. setacea is favouring the old forest habitats.

Long-term forest utilization can decrease forest floor microhabitat diversity: evidence from boreal Fennoscandia

2004 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 303-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timo Kuuluvainen ◽  
Raija Laiho
Keyword(s):  
Forest Floor ◽  
Natural Forest ◽  
Decayed Wood ◽  
Natural Forests ◽  
Managed Forest ◽  
Vegetation Zone ◽  
Forest Sites ◽  
History Of ◽  
Forest Utilization

Forest floor microhabitat diversity was studied in old Pinus sylvestris L. dominated forest sites in two regions within the middle boreal vegetation zone in Fennoscandia: in 50 managed forest sites in the Häme region in southwestern Finland and in 45 natural or old selectively logged forest sites in the Kuhmo–Viena region in northeastern Finland and northwestern Russia. The forests in the Häme region are characterized by a long history of forest utilization, while the forests in the Kuhmo–Viena region can be regarded as natural or near natural. The managed forest sites in Häme had significantly lower forest floor microhabitat diversity compared with natural and near-natural forests. Microhabitats that were significantly more scarce in managed versus natural and near-natural forest sites included humps, depressions, decayed wood, and vicinity of decayed wood. On the other hand, even ground was significantly more abundant in managed forest compared with natural and near-natural forest. Microhabitat availability was also reflected in the occurrence of tree saplings growing in different microhabitats. The results suggest that long-term forest utilization has decreased forest floor microhabitat diversity. This has occurred because of a decreased amount of fallen deadwood and, possibly, lack of soil disturbances because of fewer uprootings caused by falling trees.

scholarly journals Comparison of Soil Properties, Understory Vegetation Species Diversities and Soil Microbial Diversities between Chinese Fir Plantation and Close-to-Natural Forest

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 632
Author(s):  
Lingyu Hou ◽  
Yongqiang Zhang ◽  
Zhichao Li ◽  
Guodong Shao ◽  
Liguo Song ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Soil Properties ◽  
Chinese Fir ◽  
Natural Forest ◽  
Nature Management ◽  
Natural Forests ◽  
Soil Microbial ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Vegetation Species ◽  
Microbial Diversities

With the continuous increase in plantation areas, the reduction of natural forest areas, and the unreasonable management of plantations by human beings, the service function of forest ecosystems has gradually reduced. Therefore, close-to-natural forestry has become important for the sustainable development of modern forestry. However, the differences in soil properties, enzyme activities, microbial diversities, and undergrowth vegetation species diversities have not been systematically explained for Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata). How do these indicators interact? The purpose of this paper was to study the difference in soil properties and biodiversity in different aged Chinese fir plantations and close-to-natural forests to explore their interactions and to provide direction for close-to-nature management. The results showed that the above indicators were significantly different in different aged Chinese fir plantations, soil pH, organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen, available phosphorus concentrations, and urease activities in close-to-natural forests were significantly higher than plantations. It is worth mentioning that the richness of undergrowth vegetation species diversity (especially shrubs) and soil microbial diversities (especially fungi) in the close-to-natural forests were obviously higher than those in plantations. The correlation analysis results showed that the diversity of shrub species with respect to soil properties presented a higher correlation than herb species, the diversity of fungi with respect to soil properties presented a higher correlation than that observed for bacteria, and the diversity of fungi were significantly correlated with the diversity of undergrowth vegetation species diversities, but the correlation between bacteria and undergrowth vegetation species diversities was not significant. Our results suggest that the above factors are fundamental factors for the transformation of Chinese fir plantations to close-to-natural forests. To realize close-to-natural forestry, we must change the tree structure, combine the difference of those factors in different aged plantations, restore undergrowth vegetation species diversity, and thus improve microbial diversity and increase decomposition, transformation, and improvement of soil properties.

Syntaxonomy of mid-successional stages of secondary forests of the central elevated part of the Southern Urals

2012 ◽  
pp. 109-134
Author(s):  
P. S. Shirokikh ◽  
A. M. Kunafin ◽  
V. B. Martynenko
Keyword(s):  
Boreal Forests ◽  
Floristic Composition ◽  
Southern Urals ◽  
Secondary Forests ◽  
Natural Forests ◽  
The Southern Urals ◽  
Active Growth ◽  
Tree Layer ◽  
Shade Tolerant Species ◽  
Successional Stages

The secondary birch and aspen forests of middle stages of succession of the central elevated part of the Southern Urals are studied. 4 subassociations, 1 community, and 7 variants in the alliances of Aconito-Piceion and Piceion excelsae are allocated. It is shown that the floristic composition of aspen and birch secondary forests in the age of 60—80 years is almost identical to the natural forests. However, a slight increase the coenotical role of light-requiring species of grasslands and hemiboreal forests in the secondary communities of the class Brachypodio-Betuletea was noticed as well as some reduction of role the shade-tolerant species of nemoral complex and species of boreal forests of the class Vaccinio-Piceetea. Dominant tree layer under the canopy of secondary series is marked by an active growth of natural tree species.

scholarly journals Drivers of Bornean Orangutan Distribution across a Multiple-Use Tropical Landscape

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 458
Author(s):  
Sol Milne ◽  
Julien G. A. Martin ◽  
Glen Reynolds ◽  
Charles S. Vairappan ◽  
Eleanor M. Slade ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Forest Cover ◽  
Food Resource ◽  
Multiple Use ◽  
Natural Forests ◽  
Bornean Orangutan ◽  
Aerial Surveys ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Fig Trees ◽  
Abundance And Distribution

Logging and conversion of tropical forests in Southeast Asia have resulted in the expansion of landscapes containing a mosaic of habitats that may vary in their ability to sustain local biodiversity. However, the complexity of these landscapes makes it difficult to assess abundance and distribution of some species using ground-based surveys alone. Here, we deployed a combination of ground-transects and aerial surveys to determine drivers of the critically endangered Bornean Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus morio) distribution across a large multiple-use landscape in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. Ground-transects and aerial surveys using drones were conducted for orangutan nests and hemi-epiphytic strangler fig trees (Ficus spp.) (an important food resource) in 48 survey areas across 76 km2, within a study landscape of 261 km2. Orangutan nest count data were fitted to models accounting for variation in land use, above-ground carbon density (ACD, a surrogate for forest quality), strangler fig density, and elevation (between 117 and 675 m). Orangutan nest counts were significantly higher in all land uses possessing natural forest cover, regardless of degradation status, than in monoculture plantations. Within these natural forests, nest counts increased with higher ACD and strangler fig density, but not with elevation. In logged forest (ACD 14–150 Mg ha−1), strangler fig density had a significant, positive relationship with orangutan nest counts, but this relationship disappeared in a forest with higher carbon content (ACD 150–209 Mg ha−1). Based on an area-to-area comparison, orangutan nest counts from ground transects were higher than from counts derived from aerial surveys, but this did not constitute a statistically significant difference. Although the difference in nest counts was not significantly different, this analysis indicates that both methods under-sample the total number of nests present within a given area. Aerial surveys are, therefore, a useful method for assessing the orangutan habitat use over large areas. However, the under-estimation of nest counts by both methods suggests that a small number of ground surveys should be retained in future surveys using this technique, particularly in areas with dense understory vegetation. This study shows that even highly degraded forests may be a suitable orangutan habitat as long as strangler fig trees remain intact after areas of forest are logged. Enrichment planting of strangler figs may, therefore, be a valuable tool for orangutan conservation in these landscapes.

Influence of Stand Age And Structure on the Epiphytic Lichen Vegetation in the Middle-Boreal Forests of Finland

1992 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 165-180
Author(s):  
M. Hyvärinen ◽  
P. Halonen ◽  
M. Kauppi
Keyword(s):  
Boreal Forests ◽  
Environmental Variables ◽  
Competitive Ability ◽  
Lichen Species ◽  
Tree Canopy ◽  
Stand Age ◽  
Ecological Strategy ◽  
Epiphytic Lichen ◽  
Vertical Location ◽  
Community Variation

Abstract The epiphytic lichen vegetation on the trunks of Pinus sylvestris and Picea abies was studied and analysed by canonical correspondence analysis in relation to a number of environmental variables. The distribution and abundance of epiphytic lichen species proved to be dependent on the age of the stand, showing divergent responses in relation to phorophyte species and environmental variables such as acidity of the bark and vertical location on the trunk. The importance of stand age in the pattern of community variation is concluded to be an outcome of interaction between changes in the structure of the tree canopy, microclimate and properties of the bark. The responses of single lichen species to changes in the environment seem to vary considerably, indicating differences in competitive ability and ecological strategy between the species.

scholarly journals Can clearcuts increase bird species richness in managed forests?

2008 ◽  
Vol 54 (No. 4) ◽  
pp. 189-193
Author(s):  
M. Żmihorski
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Bird Communities ◽  
Cumulative Number ◽  
Managed Forests ◽  
Managed Forest ◽  
Bird Species Richness ◽  
Forest Interior ◽  
Transect Counts ◽  
The Difference

Clearcuts are one of the results of forest management. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of clearcuts on bird communities in a managed forest in Western Poland. I applied the method of point transect counts. 20 points were located near clearcuts (less than 100 m from the nearest clearcut) and 25 points in the forest interior. In total, 36 bird species were recorded. On average, I found 9.20 bird species at points located near clearcuts and 6.72 species at points situated in the forest interior, and the difference was significant. The cumulative number of bird species for a given number of sampling points in the vicinity of clearcuts was higher than in the forest interior. The obtained results indicate that in managed, even-aged forests the generation of clearcuts can lead to an increase in local bird species richness.

scholarly journals Are Wildfires a Threat to Fungi in European Pinus Forests? A Case Study of Boreal and Mediterranean Forests

Forests ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iván Franco-Manchón ◽  
Kauko Salo ◽  
Juan Oria-de-Rueda ◽  
José Bonet ◽  
Pablo Martín-Pinto
Keyword(s):  
Boreal Forests ◽  
Fungal Diversity ◽  
Community Dynamics ◽  
Forest Products ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Fungal Communities ◽  
Mediterranean Forests ◽  
Natural Forests ◽  
Edible Fungi ◽  
Pinus Species

Natural forests and plantations of Pinus are ecologically and economically important worldwide, producing an array of goods and services, including the provision of non-wood forest products. Pinus species play an important role in Mediterranean and boreal forests. Although Pinus species seem to show an ecological adaptation to recurrent wildfires, a new era of mega fires is predicted, owing to climate changes associated with global warming. As a consequence, fungal communities, which are key players in forest ecosystems, could be strongly affected by these wildfires. The aim of this study was to observe the fungal community dynamics, and particularly the edible fungi, in maritime (Pinus pinaster Ait.), austrian pine (Pinus nigra J.F. Arnold), and scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forests growing under wet Mediterranean, dry Mediterranean, and boreal climatic conditions, respectively, by comparing the mushrooms produced in severely burned Pinus forests in each area. Sporocarps were collected during the main sampling campaigns in non-burned plots, and in burned plots one year and five years after fire. A total of 182 taxa, belonging to 81 genera, were collected from the sampled plots, indicating a high level of fungal diversity in these pine forests, independent of the climatic conditions. The composition of the fungal communities was strongly affected by wildfire. Mycorrhizal taxa were impacted more severely by wildfire than the saprotrophic taxa, particularly in boreal forests—no mycorrhizal taxa were observed in the year following fire in boreal forests. Based on our observations, it seems that fungal communities of boreal P. sylvestris forests are not as adapted to high-intensity fires as the Mediterranean fungal communities of P. nigra and P. pinaster forests. This will have an impact on reducing fungal diversity and potential incomes in rural economically depressed areas that depend on income from foraged edible fungi, one of the most important non-wood forest products.

Saproxylic insect assemblages in Canadian forests: diversity, ecology, and conservation

2008 ◽  
Vol 140 (4) ◽  
pp. 453-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
David W. Langor ◽  
H.E. James Hammond ◽  
John R. Spence ◽  
Joshua Jacobs ◽  
Tyler P. Cobb
Keyword(s):  
Forest Management ◽  
Boreal Forests ◽  
Dead Wood ◽  
Sustainable Forest Management ◽  
Forest Harvesting ◽  
Stand Age ◽  
Managed Forests ◽  
Saproxylic Insects ◽  
Associated Species ◽  
Experimental Burns

AbstractSaproxylic insect assemblages inhabiting dead wood in Canadian forests are highly diverse and variable but quite poorly understood. Adequate assessment of these assemblages poses significant challenges with respect to sampling, taxonomy, and analysis. Their assessment is nonetheless critical to attaining the broad goals of sustainable forest management because such species are disproportionately threatened elsewhere by the reductions in dead wood generally associated with commercial exploitation of northern forests. The composition of the saproxylic fauna is influenced by many factors, including tree species, degree of decay, stand age, and cause of tree death. Wildfire and forest harvesting have differential impacts on saproxylic insect assemblages and on their recovery in postdisturbance stands. Exploration of saproxylic insect responses to variable retention harvesting and experimental burns is contributing to the development of prescriptions for conserving saproxylic insects in boreal forests. Understanding of processes that determine diversity patterns and responses of saproxylic insects would benefit from increased attention to natural history. Such work should aim to provide a habitat-classification system for dead wood to better identify habitats (and associated species) at risk as a result of forest management. This tool could also be used to improve strategies to better maintain saproxylic organisms and their central nutrient-cycling functions in managed forests.

scholarly journals Opportunity cost of natural forest management in the Arenal-Huetar Norte Conservation Area, Costa Rica

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Zúñiga-Méndez ◽  
Victor Meza-Picado ◽  
Sebastian Ugalde-Alfaro ◽  
Jhonny Méndez-Gamboa
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
Forest Management ◽  
Opportunity Cost ◽  
Natural Forest ◽  
Land Uses ◽  
Natural Forests ◽  
Landscape Matrix ◽  
Conservation Area ◽  
Productive Activities ◽  
Natural Forest Management

Abstract Background: Part of the success of forest conservation programs is due to the economic sustainability they can provide to owners of forest resources, and how these management mechanisms can be used within an increasingly aggressive productive landscape matrix. However, there are currently no precise or up-to-date data on the economic relationships between land uses and their respective productive activities. This study designed a model to evaluate the opportunity cost of natural forest management, taking as a reference the primary productive activities that take place within the Arenal-Huetar Norte Conservation Area, in Costa Rica. Methods: Profitability data from 24 sites in natural forests with a forest management plan approved by the State Forest Administration was used, as well as geographic and productive information on alternative land uses. Results: Based on these data, an opportunity cost map was generated which shows a marked segregation of the forests into two main areas: a) a high-opportunity cost area, located south of the study area; and b) a medium-low opportunity cost area, to the center-north of the study area. Conclusions: It is concluded that ideal areas for timber harvesting are currently restricted to places far from the market, and with low opportunity costs (ranging between ≤ $0 ha -1 year -1 and $500 ha -1 year -1 ).

scholarly journals Community Structure of Dragonfly (Ordo: Odonata) in Natural Forest and Tourist Sites Petungkriyono Forest, Central Java, Indonesia

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 67328
Author(s):  
Nur Apriatun Nafisah ◽  
R.C.Hidayat Soesilohadi
Keyword(s):  
Community Structure ◽  
Tropical Rainforest ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Natural Forest ◽  
Natural Forests ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Central Java ◽  
Wiener Diversity Index ◽  
Index Value ◽  
Total Species

Petungkriyono forest is a tropical rainforest with high biodiversity. The increasing tourism activities in Petungkriyono lead to land conversion. Dragonfly (order Odonata) is a good bioindicator for aquatic and terrestrial. This study aimed to compare the community structure of Odonata in natural forests and tourist sites. The method of collecting imago Odonata was done by direct searching, samples were captured using sweep netting. The results showed that the dragonflies found in all locations consisted of the same family, 2 families (Gomphidae and Libellulidae) from the suborder Anisoptera and 6 families (Calopterygidae, Chlorocyphidae, Coenagrionidae, Euphaidae Platycnemididae, and Platystictidae) from the suborder Zygoptera. The total species of dragonflies found in Sokokembang were 15 species with a total of 293 individuals, Tirta Muncar 13 species of 287 individuals, Karanggondang 17 species of 276 individuals, and Curug Lawe 14 species of 242 individuals. The highest relative abundance of individuals was in the natural forest of Sokokembang is Drepanosticta spatulifera (26.28%) and in Karanggondang Vestalis luctuosa (24.64%), while in the tourist forests of Tirta Muncar and Curug Lawe were Euphaea variegata (34.84% and 28.51 %). The structure of the Odonata community is based on the Shannon-Wiener diversity index in the natural forests of Sokokembang (2.18) and Karanggondang (2.21) at the tourist sites of Tirta Muncar (1.84) and Curug Lawe (2.11). The results showed that the structure of the Odonata community based on the level of the diversity index value, evenness index, and dominance index in natural forests and tourist sites in Petungkriyono forest was not significantly different. 

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