scholarly journals Genetic diversity and differentiation of even-aged Norway spruce stands in Latvia

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-51
Author(s):  
Dainis Rungis ◽  
Zane Lībiete ◽  
Anna Korica ◽  
Juris Katrevičs ◽  
Āris Jansons ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Norway Spruce ◽  
Growth Conditions ◽  
Growth Potential ◽  
Important Species ◽  
Management Regime ◽  
Positive Message ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
Comprehensive Survey ◽  
The 1960S

Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.) is an important species in Latvia both ecologically and economically, and has been subjected to silvicultural management in Latvia since at least the middle of the 19th century. Forest regeneration activities starting in the 1960s resulted in the establishment of spruce stands with uncertified and often undocumented reproductive material. These spruce stands were often established by sowing, and no research or clear guidelines regarding the optimal density were available. As a result, many spruce stands were established and maintained at a high density. The growth of young spruce stands is initially slow, with annual height increment of 10-20 cm until the trees reach height of approximately two meters and in favourable growth conditions this stage is followed by a rapid increase in all stand parameters. However, the growth of some even-aged pure spruce stands abruptly declines at the age of approximately 40 years, while in other stands of similar age and composition this decrease or collapse is not observed. A comprehensive survey of even-aged spruce stands in Latvia has been undertaken, and factors influencing this decline in the growth potential of even-aged spruce stands have also been investigated, however, the genetic diversity and differentiation of even-aged spruce stands has not been investigated. A total of 19 SSR markers were utilised to genotype the 7 even aged spruce stands with differing growth potential. The genetic analysis and comparison of the perspective and non-perspective even-aged spruce stands indicated that the genetic diversity was not decreased in the non-perspective stands, and that genetic differentiation between stands and groups with differing growth potential assessments was low. The results obtained in this study suggest that the growth potential of even-aged Norway spruce stands is more dependent on the influence of environmental factors and management regime than genetic factors. This is a positive message, as in this case the conditions may be changed by the application of suitable management regime.

scholarly journals Comparison of Genetic Diversity in Naturally Regenerated Norway Spruce Stands and Seed Orchard Progeny Trials

Forests ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 926 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dainis Ruņģis ◽  
Solveiga Luguza ◽  
Endijs Bāders ◽  
Vilnis Šķipars ◽  
Āris Jansons
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Norway Spruce ◽  
Gene Diversity ◽  
Seed Orchard ◽  
Seed Orchards ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
Ssr Loci ◽  
Naturally Regenerated Stands ◽  
Average Gene ◽  
Environmental Events

Forest ecosystems in Europe are expected to experience changes in temperature and water regimes associated with increased risks of extreme environmental events and disasters. Genetic diversity and relatedness has been linked to resilience of forest stands and landscapes. Genetic diversity indicators were compared between a Norway spruce population naturally regenerated after extensive windthrow and Norway spruce progeny populations derived from two seed orchards. In addition, genetic diversity in an undisturbed stand in a long established national park and a spruce genetic resource stand were analyzed. Populations were genotyped at 11 simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci. Average genetic diversity indicators were similar across populations. However, the total number of alleles, average number of alleles over all loci, effective number of alleles, average gene diversity, and average allelic richness were highest in the naturally regenerated population and lowest in one of the seed orchard progeny populations. The genetic diversity in progeny from seed orchards used for stand renewal is comparable to the genetic diversity in naturally regenerated stands. However, fluctuations in seed production between years can have a large impact on genetic diversity in seed orchard progeny. The use of improved Norway spruce germplasm deployed via clonal seed orchards for forest renewal can maintain similar levels of genetic diversity compared to naturally regenerated stands, while also increasing production and timber quality.

scholarly journals Forest decline has not reduced genetic diversity of naturally regenerated Norway spruce from the Beskids, Poland

2015 ◽  
Vol 64 (1-6) ◽  
pp. 270-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elżbieta Chomicz-Zegar ◽  
J. A. Nowakowska ◽  
A. Tereba
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Norway Spruce ◽  
Forest Decline ◽  
Gene Diversity ◽  
Young Generation ◽  
Primeval Forest ◽  
Initial Stage ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
High Level

AbstractNorway spruce forests decline in the Beskids raises concerns about reduction of genetic variation in a next generation of forest. We aim to determine whether the genetic diversity in declining spruce stands was successfully transmitted to its self-seeded progeny. Using three nuclear microsatellite markers, we carried out the genetic assessment of naturally regenerated progeny and compered them with their maternal stands at an initial stage of decline. We investigated three spruce stands from the Śląski and Żywiecki Beskid and one primeval forest from the Tatras, as a reference. We noticed a high level of gene diversity, allelic richness and an effective number of alleles in progeny of all stands, without differences between declining stands from the Beskids and the primeval forest. The gene diversity was similar in maternal trees and their offspring. Higher gene diversity and generally higher number of alleles were noticed in young generation of stands. Genetic identity between generations was high in analyzed seed stands and the highest in the primeval forest. The results we presented indicate no significant effect of drastic reduction in the population size due to the forest decline on the level of genetic variation in self-seeded progeny of Norway spruce from the Beskids.

scholarly journals THE INTENSIVE MANAGEMENT OF NORWAY SPRUCE: A COMPROMISE BETWEEN FINANCIAL GAIN AND GENETIC DIVERSITY?

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 11
Author(s):  
Solveiga Luguza ◽  
Endijs Bāders ◽  
Pauls Zeltiņš ◽  
Roberts Čakšs ◽  
Dainis Edgars Ruņģis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Norway Spruce ◽  
Rotation Period ◽  
Seed Orchard ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Plant Production ◽  
Radial Increment ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
The Impact

INTRODUCTION Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) is a high-yielding commercial tree species grown in the Baltic sea region. It not only ensures timber production, but also provides a notable amount of crown branch biomass and a substantial amount of technically accessible stump biomass for energy. Thus, it has a high potential as a source of renewable materials and energy in the bioeconomy. Recent studies in Latvia have shown no long-term negative consequences to forest ecosystems from whole-tree harvesting. Hence, this management method can be considered sustainable for Norway spruce stands in fertile mineral soils. Not only yield, but also risks need to be considered to ensure financial sustainability, mainly the impact of wind-storms, drought, and pests. A combination of silviculture and genetics (tree breeding) can be used to reduce the probability of damage to Norway spruce stands. The aim of our study was to assess the potential of simultaneously ensuring both genetic gain and diversity in Norway spruce plantations. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data characterizing/showing tree growth – current height, diameter at breast height, survival, as well as radial increment (increment cores) – were obtained from a 50-year-old Norway spruce plantation. Data characterizing genetic diversity were collected from a gene reserve stand (48 trees), Norway spruce seed orchard progenies consisting of 20 clones, as well as 12 pure Norway spruce stands. DNA was extracted and analysed with 6 to 14 nuclear SSR markers. RESULTS No significant differences were observed between the seed orchard progenies, the trees from the gene reserve stand and other Norway spruce stands using the assessed parameters – allelic richness, observed heterozygosity, genetic diversity and relatedness. This indicates that the use of a seed orchard containing a relatively low number of clones as a seed source for plant production and forest regeneration would not have a negative impact on genetic diversity. However, notable gains in productivity can be achieved using selected plant material. At the age of 50 years, phenotypically selected clones in the low-density (5×5m) plantation had a mean yield of 327±42 m3ha-1, significantly exceeding the mean yield (277±56 m3ha-1) observed in Norway spruce stands of the same age and the same site conditions (forest type), while no significant differences were observed compared to the average stand yield at the age of 80 years (347±47 m3ha-1). The target diameter of 31 cm was reached at the age of 42±0.9 years on average, but this varied significantly among clones. CONCLUSION The results demonstrate a notable potential to reduce the rotation period, thereby: a) increasing the availability of raw material for further processing and energy production, and b) reducing financial risks due to lowering the probability that the stand will sustain substantial damage (i.e. wind storm). This gain can be achieved without significantly compromising genetic diversity. Further studies shall address potential changes in genetic diversity at the landscape level over a longer period when using a very limited set of clones. Stands in nature reserves could serve as a basis for comparison in such studies.

scholarly journals  Norway spruce litterfall and forest floor in the IUFRO thinning experiment CZ 13 – Vítkov

2013 ◽  
Vol 59 (No. 3) ◽  
pp. 107-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Novák ◽  
M. Slodičák ◽  
D. Dušek ◽  
D. Kacálek
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Norway Spruce ◽  
Forest Floor ◽  
Dry Mass ◽  
Growth Conditions ◽  
Young Age ◽  
Lower Amount ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
Humus Horizons

The effect of thinning on litterfall and decomposition of biomass was investigated in Norway spruce IUFRO thinning experiment (CZ-13), Czech Republic. The experiment was established in 1971 in an 8-year-old spruce stand on former farmland. Quantity and quality of litterfall and biomass from humus horizons were analysed in two treatments (1C &ndash; no thinning, 2T &ndash; heavy thinning at the young age). Forest floor was investigated in 2002, 2004, 2005&nbsp;and 2009 and litterfall was observed in the period 2002&ndash;2009. Accumulated dry mass in forest floor after 39&nbsp;years of existence of spruce stands continually decreased until the age of 46 years (from 80&ndash;100 to 30&ndash;50 Mg&middot;ha<sup>&ndash;1</sup>). Under thinned stand, a lower amount of dry mass was observed compared to the control. Although mean total annual litterfall was the same in both treatments (5.3 Mg&middot;ha<sup>&ndash;1</sup>), the observed trend indicates a possible effect of thinning on the higher rate of decomposition. With the exception of calcium (2002&ndash;2005 samples) we found the forest floor lower in nutrients and litterfall higher in nutrients in thinned plot compared to the control. Our results supported the theory that early thinning is an appropriate silvicultural strategy helping spruce to cope with growth conditions on sites naturally dominated by broadleaves. &nbsp;

scholarly journals Imitated Whole Tree Harvesting Show Negligible Effect on Economic Value of Spruce Stands

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 841
Author(s):  
Iveta Desaine ◽  
Annija Kārkliņa ◽  
Roberts Matisons ◽  
Anna Pastare ◽  
Andis Adamovičs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Norway Spruce ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Forest Types ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Growing Conditions ◽  
Whole Tree Harvesting ◽  
Whole Tree ◽  
Tree Harvesting

The increased removal of forest-derived biomass with whole-tree harvesting (WTH) has raised concerns about the long-term productivity and sustainability of forest ecosystems. If true, this effect needs to be factored in the assessment of long-term feasibility to implement such a drastic forest management measure. Therefore, the economic performance of five experimental plantations in three different forest types, where in 1971 simulated WTH event occurred, was compared with pure, planted and conventionally managed (CH) Norway spruce stands of similar age and growing conditions. Potential incomes of CH and WTH stands were based on timber prices for period 2014–2020. However, regarding the economics of root and stump biomass utilization, they were not included in the estimates. In any given price level, the difference of internal rate of return between the forest types and selected managements were from 2.5% to 6.2%. Therefore, Norway spruce stands demonstrate good potential of independence regardless of stump removal at the previous rotation.

scholarly journals A Novel Approach to Evaluate the Effect of Neighboring Trees and the Orientation of Tree Social Area on Stem Radial Increment of Norway Spruce Trees

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 163
Author(s):  
Jan Světlík ◽  
Jan Krejza ◽  
Pavel Bednář
Keyword(s):  
Norway Spruce ◽  
Tree Growth ◽  
Growth Models ◽  
Explanatory Power ◽  
Radial Increment ◽  
Important Indicator ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
Social Area

Tree growth depends on many factors such as microsite conditions, vitality, and variations in climate and genetics. It is generally accepted that higher growth indicates both an economic benefit and better vitality of any tree. Here we use a modified approach of evaluating tree social area to study mutual tree competition based on the orientation and shape of trees social area. The investigation was performed in nine Norway spruce stands in the Czech Republic. The objective of this study performed from 2008 to 2012 was to quantify relative tree radial increments with respect to the lowest and highest competition found in specific sectors of tree social area (AS). Specific groups of trees (tree classes) were evaluated according to their classes (dominant, co-dominant and sub-dominant) and their composition status in ninety-degree sectors of AS using established classifying rules. The results showed that a spatially-available area (AA) is an inappropriate parameter for predicting tree growth, whereas AS provided robust explanatory power to predict relative radial growth. Tree size was observed as an important indicator of relative radial increments. A significantly positive correlation was found for a radial increment of sub-dominant trees with the lowest competition from western directions; whereas a negative correlation was observed when the lowest competition was observed from eastern directions. For dominant trees, there was an evident growth reaction only when more than 50% of the AS was oriented towards one of the cardinal points. Individual differences in the orientation of tree AS may be important parameters with regard to competition and its spatial variability within an area surrounding a particular tree and deserve more detailed attention in tree growth models and practice.

scholarly journals Norway Spruce Seedlings from an Eastern Baltic Provenance Show Tolerance to Simulated Drought

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 82
Author(s):  
Roberts Matisons ◽  
Oskars Krišāns ◽  
Āris Jansons ◽  
Toms Kondratovičs ◽  
Didzis Elferts ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Deficit ◽  
Norway Spruce ◽  
Soil Type ◽  
Photochemical Reactions ◽  
Commercial Application ◽  
Important Species ◽  
Fluorescence Parameters ◽  
Drought Sensitivity ◽  
Irrigation Intensity ◽  
Eastern Baltic

In Northern Europe, an increase in heterogeneity of summer precipitation regime will subject forests to water deficit and drought. This is particularly topical for Norway spruce (Picea abies Karst.), which is a drought sensitive, yet economically important species. Nevertheless, local populations still might be highly plastic and tolerant, supporting their commercial application. Accordingly, the tolerance of Norway spruce seedlings from an Eastern Baltic provenance (western part of Latvia) to artificial drought according to soil type was assessed in a shelter experiment. To simulate drought, seedlings were subjected to reduced amounts (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) of naturally occurring precipitation (irrigation intensity). Three soil types (oligotrophic mineral, mesotrophic mineral, and peat) were tested. Seedling height, chlorophyll a concentration, and fluorescence parameters were measured. Both growth and photochemical reactions were affected by the irrigation intensity, the effect of which experienced an interacted with soil type, implying complex controls of drought sensitivity. Seedlings were more sensitive to irrigation intensity on mesotrophic mineral soil, as suggested by growth and photosynthetic activity. However, the responses were nonlinear, as the highest performance (growth and fluorescence parameters) of seedlings occurred in response to intermediate drought. On peat soil, which had the highest water-bearing capacity, an inverse response to irrigation intensity was observed. In general, fluorescence parameters were more sensitive and showed more immediate reaction to soil water deficit than concentration of chlorophyll on mesotrophic mineral and peat soils, while the latter was a better indicator of seedling performance on oligotrophic soil. This indicated considerable plastic acclimation and hence tolerance of seedlings from the local Norway spruce population to drought, though drought sensitivity is age-dependent.

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