Showing papers by "Forest Research Institute published in 2022"

Management tactics to reduce bark beetle impacts in North America and Europe under altered forest and climatic conditions

Abstract: Of the > 6000 species of bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae), ~ 25 species cause significant amounts of tree mortality in conifer-dominated forests. Several tactics are available to manage bark beetle infestations and to reduce associated levels of tree mortality. Suppression involves short-term tactics designed to address current infestations by manipulating beetle populations and typically includes the use of sanitation harvests, insecticides, semiochemicals, or a combination of these and other treatments. Prevention is designed to reduce the probability and severity of future infestations by manipulating stand, forest, and/or landscape conditions by reducing the number of susceptible hosts through thinning, prescribed burning, and/or altering age classes and species compositions. In this chapter, we review the ecology and management of bark beetles in conifer-dominated forests in North America and Europe, where they exert their largest impacts, and provide six case studies focused on the effects of altered forest and climatic conditions on bark beetle ecology and management. We conclude that in many forests bark beetle outbreaks have and will continue to be exacerbated by climate change due to shifts in temperature and precipitation that influence bark beetles, their hosts, and community associates. Changes in forest structure and composition by natural processes and management practices have and will continue to be important factors as well. As a result, natural resource managers will be increasingly challenged to manage bark beetle populations, and to facilitate recovery of landscapes impacted by bark beetle outbreaks. In most cases, current management tactics are based on research and development executed in the 20th century and unable to meet the demands imposed by altered forest and climatic conditions without some modification and/or adaptation.

Evolution of Edge-On Oriented Polymer Films Self-Assembled at the Air–Liquid Interface for High-Performance Electronic Device Applications

Abstract: In the context of semicrystal growth in thin films of organic semiconducting polymers (OSPs) at the air–liquid interface, polymer self-assembly is mainly governed by convective Marangoni flow, compressive viscous force, divergent evaporation flux, and high conformational degrees of freedom of OSPs, which lead to a very complex microstructure having many cumulative and noncumulative disorders. In this regard, first time, major polythiophene derivatives such as poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT), poly(3,3‴-didodecyl[2,2′:5′,2″:5′′,2′′′-quaterthiophene]-5,5′′′-diyl) (PQT), and poly[2,5-bis (3- tetradecylthiophen-2-yl) thieno[3,2-b]thiophene] (PBTTT) are collectively employed as model OSPs to explain film growth on aqueous substrates and examined using multiple characterization techniques. At first, we have investigated the degree of paracrystalline disorder along (h00) direction in three different polymer backbone structures. Then, the local in-plane orientation of the polymer chains in crystalline domains along the π–π stacking direction has been studied using the bright field HR-TEM images. Moreover, quantum mechanical penetration of localized trap states into the bandgap induced by those structural imperfections has also been quantified from optical property measurements. Finally, we have studied the charge transport properties in all three directions (out-of-plane and in-plane viz. along and across the polymer chains) of the thin solid polymeric films using vertical and planar device architectures. We have observed maximum out-of-plane mobility (μh) 3.7 × 10–5 cm2/V·s for P3HT, and in-plane mobility, μh (along the polymer chains) 0.234 cm2/V·s for PBTTT. By considering the obtained results from different characterizations and all possible flow processes, we have tried to propose the exact growth mechanism of these thin films. Thus, our findings give an insight into the fundamentals of polymer self-assembly to a structure–property correlation, which is extremely important for material processing and device engineering to meet the growing technological appeal.

Abandonment of Silvopastoral Practices Affects the Use of Habitats by the European Hare (Lepus europaeus)

Abstract: Silvopasture, a traditional agroforestry practice, combines the presence of trees, shrubs, herbage, and livestock in time and space to provide multiple ecosystem services that contribute to human well-being. However, the abandonment of traditional agroforestry practices across Europe has led to substantial changes in vegetation characteristics, mainly due to woody plant expansion and, as a consequence, changes in wildlife that rely on open habitats. This study examines the effects of a 20-year abandonment of silvopastoral practices (i.e., livestock grazing and fuelwood harvesting) in a typical agroforestry Mediterranean landscape (kermes oak shrubland, natural grassland, and olive groves) on European hare (Lepus europaeus) habitat use. We estimated tree, shrub, and herb cover using a densitometer and hare habitat use using pellet counts within 2004-m2 rectangular plots in 2002, 2011, and 2021. Hare pellet density in olive groves was significantly lower in 2021 compared to 2002, while the opposite trend was found in grassland for the same period. Woody plant cover expanded from 2002 to 2021. We suggest that the woody plant encroachment that followed the abandonment of traditional silvopastoral practices in the area is the main driver behind the reported decline in hare use of the habitat, as it became less open and therefore less favorable for the species. Maintaining a mosaic of open and closed habitats at the landscape level, which was once provided by silvopastures, is vital for the conservation of this species.

Phenotypic and Genetic Heterogeneity of Adult Patients with Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia from Serbia

Abstract: Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is among the most genetically diverse of all monogenic diseases. The aim was to analyze the genetic causes of HSP among adult Serbian patients. The study comprised 74 patients from 65 families clinically diagnosed with HSP during a nine-year prospective period. A panel of thirteen genes was analyzed: L1CAM (SPG1), PLP1 (SPG2), ATL1 (SPG3A), SPAST (SPG4), CYP7B1 (SPG5A), SPG7 (SPG7), KIF5A (SPG10), SPG11 (SPG11), ZYFVE26 (SPG15), REEP1 (SPG31), ATP13A2 (SPG78), DYNC1H1, and BICD2 using a next generation sequencing-based technique. A copy number variation (CNV) test for SPAST, SPG7, and SPG11 was also performed. Twenty-three patients from 19 families (29.2%) had conclusive genetic findings, including 75.0% of families with autosomal dominant and 25.0% with autosomal recessive inheritance, and 15.7% of sporadic cases. Twelve families had mutations in the SPAST gene, usually with a pure HSP phenotype. Three sporadic patients had conclusive findings in the SPG11 gene. Two unrelated patients carried a homozygous pathogenic mutation c.233T>A (p.L78*) in SPG7 that is a founder Roma mutation. One patient had a heterozygous de novo variant in the KIF5A gene, and one had a compound heterozygous mutation in the ZYFVE26 gene. The combined genetic yield of our gene panel and CNV analysis for HSP was around 30%. Our findings broaden the knowledge on the genetic epidemiology of HSP, with implications for molecular diagnostics in this region.

Worldwide review of bacterial diseases of oaks (<i>Quercus</i> sp.) and their potential threat to trees in Central Europe

Abstract: Abstract The phenomenon of hhh Europe has been observed for over 100 years. In this time, many attempts have been made to describe this phenomenon considering biotic, abiotic and anthropogenic factors. Recently, an increasing intensity of bacterial tree diseases has been observed both in Europe and around the world. Moreover, climate change is contributing to an increase in the range of pathogens. The aim of this publication was to highlight the most important bacterial diseases occurring on oaks around the world, and to discuss the potential threat to native oaks occurring in Central Europe: English oak (Quercus robur L.) and sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.). The main focus was on three diseases caused by different bacteria: bacterial leaf streak (caused by Xylella fastidiosa), acute oak decline (caused by Gibbsiella quercinecans, Rahnella victoriana and Brenneria goodwinii) and drippy nut disease (caused by Brenneria quercina—formerly Erwinia quercina). At present, these are the only known bacterial diseases that cause damage to oak stands. Information on each of the above-mentioned diseases is given in the review, ranging from their origin, importance, list of host plants and their potential threat to native oaks of Central Europe.

Role of Yoga practices on cognitive functions

Abstract: Yoga is the science of conditioning one's mind and body via the practise of shatkarma, asana, pranayama, mudra, and meditation. The aim of this review of literature is to give theoretical rationale for identifying (a) the specific attributes of yoga poses that have been used in yoga protocols of various studies but have not been explicitly explored, & (b) the minimum time necessary to keep a posture to bring about a corresponding change in performance among the aforementioned cognitive functions (s) In humans, The most prevalent and under-treated problems are cognitive decline & psychological health problems. Different studies have been carried out to determine the influence of Yoga on human cognitive and psychological health indices. However, no comprehensive examination of the effects of yoga-based therapy on human cognitive and mental health has been undertaken to far. Yoga is an ancient science that places a premium on disease prevention and treatment, as well as the percentage of health. Yoga is recognized to delay the effects of aging and has been found to be effective in the therapy of aging-related disorders. Yoga is a centuries-old discipline that is said to improve both physical and emotional well-being.

Blowing in the wind: a review of wind and air- pressure-related effects on soil gas transport&amp;#160;

Abstract: &lt;p&gt;Gas transport in the soil is dominated by molecular diffusion in the air-filled pore network. A study in the 1970s could show that Radon emissions from soil increased during the passage of a low-pressure system which temporarily enhanced soil gas transport rates (Clements &amp; Wilkening, 1974). Enhanced wind speed near the soil surface was also found to speed up gas transport rates in the soil (Kimball &amp; Lemon, 1971). Further studies followed confirming the observations that wind and substantial atmospheric pressure changes have the potential to affect soil gas transport, including studies conducted in snow and firn, deserts, forest soil, arid systems, and soils near water saturation. Especially during recent years, wind and air- pressure-related effects on soil gas transport received increasing attention, with diverse concepts and methodologies, and also a wider ecological relevance.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;While the slow (hours) and relatively large atmospheric pressure changes (up to 50 hPa) reported in Clements &amp; Wilkening (1974) cause a kind of steady piston flow in the soil, the effect in Kimball &amp; Lemon, (1971) was explained as the result of dynamic wind-induced pressure fluctuations, which are much smaller in amplitude (2-20 Pa) and occur at higher frequencies (0.1-1.0 Hz). Although the effect of wind-induced pressure fluctuations on gas transport in the soil has been confirmed by a few studies, there is still only little knowledge about the underlying processes. Additional effects between the pure &amp;#8220;static piston flow &amp;#8220;and the dynamic pressure fluctuations certainly occur. Different approaches and methodologies were used to derive estimates for the impact (if quantified) of air pressure fluctuations on soil gas transport, which makes inter-study comparisons complicated and limits further progress.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We overview relevant studies, their methods, concepts and explanations to identify research gaps and develop a plan for further research concepts.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Clements, W. E., &amp; Wilkening, M. H. (1974). Atmospheric pressure effects on 222 Rn transport across the Earth-air interface. &lt;em&gt;Journal of Geophysical Research&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;79&lt;/em&gt;(33), 5025&amp;#8211;5029. https://doi.org/10.1029/jc079i033p05025&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Kimball, B., &amp; Lemon, E. (1971). Air Turbulence Effects Upon Soil Gas Exchange. &lt;em&gt;Soil Science Societyof America Journal&lt;/em&gt; &lt;em&gt;35&lt;/em&gt;(1), 16&amp;#8211;21. https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaj1971.03615995003500010013x&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;

Variations in wood traits and specific gravity in male clone of Populus deltoides Bartr. Ex Marsh

Abstract: Abstract The present study deals with the variations of wood anatomical characters and specific gravity in male F 1 offspring of Populus deltoides. ANOVA indicated that within-ramet difference between the means at differents heights of male offspring clone were significant for specific gravity only and non-significant for other wood traits studied. The specific gravity also increases from base to top of the ramet following an increasing trend. The variations for fiber length and vessel element length were significant for direction. The fiber length, fiber wall thickness and vessel element length significantly varied for different radial position. The interactions of height*direction and direction*position were non-significant for all wood traits except fiber outer diameter in height*direction interaction. The non-significant variations in different wood elements of single ramet of Populus deltoides due to peripheral and radial-direction may be related to the early maturity of clone raised tree. It seems non-significant variations in the wood element dimension’s at different directions of Populus deltoides regulate the homogenous wood properties in the discs. The different types of ratios such as Runkel Ratio, shape factor, fiber length/diameter ratio and wall ratio were determined and are important particularly for determining the suitability of a particular material for pulping and paper making . The objectives of the study is to evaluate the wood quality on the basis of specific gravity, Vessel and fiber morphology and other wood anatomical parameters in the F1 male clone of Populus deltoides.

Webrooming behaviour

Abstract: The present retailing landscape has changed dramatically. Consumers now use a combination of channels in their shopping process and webrooming behaviour (search online and purchase offline) which have become a common practice. The chapter delivers an understanding into the subject by providing a conceptual framework on webrooming behaviour using theory of reasoned action (TRA) and its consequences. The chapter aims to enhance an understanding on: (a) the role of attitudes and subjective norms in predicting webrooming behaviour using TRA; (b) impact of contextual factors on actual webrooming behaviour; and (c) the consequences of webrooming behaviour. We propose a conceptual model on webrooming behaviour with a number of propositions using the rich literature on multi-channel retailing. The proposed model on webrooming behaviour provides an understanding using TRA as to how hedonic and utilitarian beliefs and subjective norms influence attitude towards webrooming behaviour which in turn influence intention and actual webrooming behaviour.

Towards a better understanding of wind-induced pressure-pumping - a chamber system to simulate dynamic fields of pressure fluctuations &amp;#160;

Abstract: &lt;p&gt;Gas transport in soils is generally dominated by molecular diffusion. Yet, several studies showed that other factors such as wind-induced pressure-pumping can substantially enhance soil gas transport for a certain time. The underlying processes behind wind-induced enhancement of soil gas transport are very complex and there is an ongoing discussion about it. It has been observed that turbulence associated with high above-canopy wind speed generates pressure fluctuations that propagate into the air filled soil pore network. The resulting 2D pressure field travels in wind direction over the ground and generates lateral pressure gradients in the soil (Laemmel et al., 2019). We hypothesize that the 2D oscillation of the pressure gradient in the soil significantly contributes to the pressure-pumping effect (&lt;em&gt;PPE&lt;/em&gt;) compared to a purely 1D pressure oscillation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Previous studies relied on a monitoring of gas transport rates in the soil, which needed to cover calm and windy periods. In order to quantify &lt;em&gt;PPE&lt;/em&gt; at different soils and to investigate the influence of 2D versus 1D pressure fields we develop a large mobile chamber system (approx. 2 x 4 m) with separated compartments to simulate dynamic 2D fields of pressure fluctuations in the field. By alternately pumping air in and out of the chamber sinusoidal pressure fluctuations can be generated. Pressure fluctuations in the different compartments can be set with a time-lag to create a lateral gradient between the compartments and thereby simulate 2D pressure fields.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Combined with automated chamber measurements and soil gas profile measurements inside the chamber system the influence of pressure-pumping on soil gas efflux can be investigated while the influence of other environmental drivers can be excluded. In the natural environment windy periods often coincide with other parameters like precipitation or temperature which also influence gas transport in soil. Excluding these factors could allow a clearer quantification of &lt;em&gt;PPE&lt;/em&gt;. With this chamber system also the influence of wind speed directly above the ground in comparison to the influence of pure pressure-pumping could be investigated. Artificially simulating pressure-pumping has the advantage over the monitoring of natural pressure-pumping events that different scenarios can be run under controlled conditions and with replications. Additionally, artificially simulating pressure-pumping saves a lot of time since there is no need to wait for the right wind conditions. We believe that this set up will help to gain a better understanding of wind-induced pressure-pumping on a process level.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Literature:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Laemmel, T., Mohr, M., Schack-Kirchner, H., Schindler, D., &amp; Maier, M. (2019). 1D Air Pressure Fluctuations Cannot Fully Explain the Natural Pressure-Pumping Effect on Soil Gas Transport. Soil Science Society of America Journal, 83(4), 1044-1053.&lt;/p&gt;

Differences in Environmental and Hormonal Regulation of Growth Responses in Two Highly Productive Hybrid Populus Genotypes

Abstract: Phenotypic plasticity, in response to adverse conditions, determines plant productivity and survival. The aim of this study was to test if two highly productive Populus genotypes, characterised by different in vitro etiolation patterns, differ also in their responses to hormones gibberellin (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA), and to a GA biosynthesis inhibitor paclobutrazol (PBZ). The experiments on shoot cultures of ‘Hybrida 275′ (abbr. H275; Populus maximowiczii × P. trichocarpa) and IBL 91/78 (Populus tremula × P. alba) were conducted by either modulating the physical in vitro environment or by adding specific chemicals to the nutrient medium. Our results revealed two main sets of differences between the studied genotypes in environmental and hormonal regulation of growth responses. First, the genotype H275 responded to darkness with PBZ-inhibitable shoot elongation; in contrast, the elongation of IBL 91/78 shoots was not affected either by darkness or PBZ treatment. Secondly, the explants of H275 were unable to recover their growth if it was inhibited with ABA; in contrast, those of IBL 91/78 recovered so well after the temporal inhibition by ABA that, when rooted subsequently, they developed longer shoots and roots than without a previous ABA treatment. Our results indicate that GA catabolism and repressive signalling provide an important pathway to control growth and physiological adaptation in response to immediate or impending adverse conditions. These observations can help breeders define robust criteria for identifying genotypes with high resistance and productivity and highlight where genotypes exhibit susceptibility to stress.