Showing papers on "Pinus radiata published in 2015"

Pine Bark Extracts: Nutraceutical, Pharmacological, and Toxicological Evaluation

Abstract: Proanthocyanidins are among the most abundant constituents in pine bark extracts (PBEs). This review summarizes medical research on PBEs from Pinus pinaster, Pinus radiata, Pinus massoniana, and other less well characterized species. The precise mechanisms of the important physiologic functions of PBE components remain to be elucidated, but there is evidently great potential for the identification and development of novel antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular, neuroprotective, and anticancer medicines. Although toxicological data for PBEs are limited, no serious adverse effects have been reported. PBEs, therefore, may have potential as nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals and should be safe for use as food ingredients.

Quantification of realised genetic gain in radiata pine and its incorporation into growth and yield modelling systems

Abstract: Realised genetic gain for radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) was estimated using data from 46 installations of three series of block-plot trials spanning a wide range of site types throughout New Zealand. These trials contained 63 unique seedlots with different levels of genetic improvement. Realised genetic gain was quantified using two measures of productivity: site index and 300 Index (a measure of volume productivity). The level of genetic improvement of each seedlot was determined by its GF Plus rating, a genetic rating system based on breeding values used for New Zealand radiata pine. There was a positive relationship between GF Plus rating and both productivity measures. Differences of 25% in total standing volume at age 30 years and of 5.6% in site index were found between unimproved (GF Plus 9.9) and highly improved (GF Plus 25) seedlots. Each unit increase in GF Plus rating was associated with a 1.51% increase in volume growth rate. In absolute terms, the magnitude of the increase was greater o...

Modelling variation in wood density within and among trees in stands of New Zealand-grown radiata pine

Abstract: Density is an important wood property due to its correlation with other wood properties such as stiffness and pulp yield, as well as being central to the accounting of carbon sequestration in forests. It is influenced by site, silviculture, and genetics, and models that predict the variation in wood density within and among trees are required by forest managers so that they can develop strategies to achieve certain wood density targets. The aim of the study presented here was to develop a wood density model for radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) growing in New Zealand. The model was developed using an extensive historical dataset containing wood density values from increment cores and stem discs that were obtained from almost 10,000 trees at over 300 sites. The model consists of two sub-models: (1) a sub-model for predicting the radial variation in breast-height wood density and (2) a sub-model for predicting the distribution of density vertically within the stem. The radial variation in breast-height wood density was predicted as a function of either ring number or both ring number and ring width, with the latter model better accounting for the effects of stand spacing. Additional model components were also developed in order to convert from annual ring density values to a whole-disc density, predict log density from disc densities, and account for the variation in wood density among individual trees within in a stand. The model can be used to predict the density of discs or logs cut from any position within a tree and can utilise measured outerwood density values to predict the density by log height for a particular stand. It can be used in conjunction with outerwood density to predict wood density distributions by logs for stands of any specified geographic location and management regime and is designed to be able to incorporate genetic adjustments at a later stage. The analysis has confirmed and quantified much of the previous knowledge on the factors that affect the variation in wood density in radiata pine, particularly the influences of site factors and silviculture. It has also quantified the extent and patterns of variation in wood density within and among trees.

Utilization of flavonoid compounds from bark and wood: a review.

Abstract: Flavonoid compounds, which are extracted from bark and wood and used commercially, are flavan 3-ols as monomers and their polymers, which are called "condensed tannins". Reactions of the condensed tannins with formaldehyde are the basis for wood adhesives. In the late 1940s, tannin research for wood adhesives was begun and the world-first commercial use of wattle tannin from black wattle (Acacia mearnsii) bark as wood adhesives occurred in Australia in the 1960s. In addition, wattle tannin-based adhesives were further developed in South Africa and the uses of these adhesives have been continuing to date. The success of wattle tannin in wood adhesives is demonstrated by the collaboration of the ACIAR with the CAF in the early 1990s. Although radiata pine bark (Pinus radiata) could be a useful resource for the production of wood adhesives, three problems prevented its use in this application: low extractive yields from the bark, variable quality of the tannin extracts and excessive viscosity of the formulated tannin adhesives. In order to overcome these problems, various extraction methods have been proposed. Studies on tannin adhesives from bark of other pine species are also described. Furthermore, the use of the tannin in the bark without extraction is described as "bark adhesives" from radiata pine and black wattle. The use of radiata tannin without formaldehyde for moulded wood products is also described. Owing to the strong antioxidant activity of flavonoid compounds, bark extracts from French maritime pine (Pinus pinaster, synonym P. maritima) and radiata pine have been commercialized as nutritional supplements: Pycnogenol and Enzogenol, respectively. The background and the development of Pycnogenol and the basic difference in the preparation processes between Pycnogenol and Enzogenol are described. On the basis of the discovery that the SOSA value for wattle tannin is approximately 10 times that of extracts from pine bark supplements (Pycnogenol and Enzogenol), chemical, biochemical and clinical studies on wattle tannin were conducted. Results from these studies are outlined. Wattle tannin has been developed as a nutritional supplement and marketed as Acapolia in Japan.

Effects of stand density and seedlot on three wood properties of young radiata pine grown at a dry-land site in New Zealand

Abstract: Manipulation of stand density and choice of genetic material are two key mechanisms through which forest managers can influence tree growth and wood properties. Past silvicultural practices in New Zealand have been characterised by early thinning to relatively wide spacing, while tree improvement programmes have primarily focussed on growth and form. The aim of this study was to quantify the impacts of stand density and past genetic selections on the wood properties of radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don). Stress-wave velocity, wood density, microfibril angle (MFA) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) were measured on trees and wood samples taken from a 15-year-old silvicultural and tree breeds trial located in Canterbury, New Zealand. The focus of this study was comparison of seedlots with genetic ratings of GF6 and GF25. Data from pruned stands with final densities of 100, 200 and 400 stems ha−1 were compared as were data from unpruned stands with stand densities of 200, 400, 600 and 1000 stems ha−1. Stress-wave velocity of trees was affected by final stand density, with the lowest values recorded from trees in the 100 and 200 stems ha−1 treatments. Values for wood MFA and MOE both showed the greatest amount of change when final stand density was less than 400 stems ha−1. Trees from the GF25-rated seedlot had wood density that was approximately 34 kg m−3 lower than trees from the GF6-rated seedlot. Very high stand densities are not required in order to influence wood properties, but early thinning to low stand densities should be avoided. Such results are of practical importance to forestry managers.

Pressurized thermal and hydrothermal decomposition of algae, wood chip residue, and grape marc: A comparative study

Abstract: Pressurized thermal decomposition of two marine algae, Pinus radiata chip residue and grape marc using high temperature, high pressure reactions has been studied. The yields and composition of the products obtained from liquefactions under CO of a mixture of biomass and H2O (with or without catalyst) were compared with products from liquefaction of dry biomass under N2, at different temperatures, gas pressures and for CO runs, water to biomass ratios. Thermochemical reactions of algae produced significantly higher dichloromethane solubles and generally higher product yields to oil and asphaltene than Pinus radiata and grape marc under the reaction conditions used. Furthermore, the biofuels derived from algae contained significant concentrations of aliphatic hydrocarbons as opposed to those from radiata pine and grape marc which were richer in aromatic compounds. The possibility of air transport fuel production from algae thus appears to have considerable advantages over that from radiata pine and grape marc.

Fire affects soil organic matter and the emergence of Pinus radiata seedlings

Abstract: These results present great interest for the knowledge of fire effects and the regeneration capacity of the ecosystems, which is essential to minimise the long-term fire impacts. This study integrates thermal analysis of soil with tests of fire effects on Pinus radiata seeds germination and field seedling emergence in P. radiata plantations. The consequences of fire intensity P. radiata plantation regeneration can be predicted from the results. This study aims to identify the effects of fire on soil organic matter and emergence of P. radiata seedlings in a stand in NW Spain and to test the response of seeds from two provenances of P. radiata to smoke and heat. Burnt, unburnt and laboratory-heated samples of dry soil were analysed in a differential scanning calorimeter. Based on the comparison between heat released during the combustion of the organic matter of these samples, we estimated the fire severity. Early emergence of P. radiata seedlings was recorded in the field after fire. Finally, the effects of fire on seeds germination were tested in the laboratory. The limited loss of soil organic matter indicated that the fire had been of low severity and that the temperatures reached during the fire remained below the ignition temperatures of soil organic matter. The germination rate was high in controls and the lowest fire severities but decreased with fire intensity. The two provenances differed in their response to fire intensity. Seedling emergence was moderate and varied over time. The intensity of the investigated fire remained moderate, with a limited loss of soil organic matter. It limited seedling germination and emergence. Nevertheless, despite the scarce seedling emergence observed in the field, re-establishment of the population was possible.

Sustainable natural adsorbents for heavy metal removal from wastewater: lead sorption on pine bark (Pinus radiata D.Don)

Abstract: Aqueous Pb(II) adsorption on pine bark (Pinus Radiata D.Don), an inexpensive and sustainable natural sorbent material, has been evaluated and the mechanism of metal retention characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Bark pulp densities >1.5 g l−1 achieve near 100% Pb(II) removal from aqueous solutions containing 100 mg l−1 Pb(II). Adsorption rates increased with pulp density, although adsorption capacity diminished at high densities because of blockage of adsorption sites. The effects of washing and sulfuric acid activation were assessed and found to be less important than in previous metal sorption studies. Pb(II) sorption takes place mainly at the lignocellulosic C―O groups, with adsorption at phenolic sites appearing to be most significant. © 2016 The Authors. Surface and Interface Analysis published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

EFFECT OF EXTRACTIVES ON WOOD COLOR OF HEAT TREATED Pinus radiata AND Eucalyptus pellita

Abstract: Heat treatment can change wood color without any use of environmentally harmful chemicals, and the efficiency of this process depends on the raw material to be treated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of extractives on the color change of Eucalyptus pellita and Pinus radiata wood during heat treatment. The extractives were extracted in cold water and in dichloromethane as well as totally removed and the wood was treated at 170°C and 200°C for three hours under atmospheric pressure and in presence of air for evaluating the lightness (L*), green-red coordinate (a*), blue-yellow coordinate (b*), color saturation (C) and tonality angle (H) values. Pinus radiata wood was more resistant to discoloration by heat treatment. The removal of total and cold water-soluble extractives before heat treatment changed the L* value of Pinus radiata, a* value of Eucalyptus pellita, and b*, C, and H values of both species. Removal of extractives soluble in dichloromethane did not affect the color of heat treated wood. Thus, understanding the influence of extractives on heat treated wood can allow adapting the raw material to the process for enhancing the applicability of heat treatment for changing wood color.

Within-tree, between-tree, and geospatial variation in estimated Pinus radiata bark volume and weight in New Zealand

Abstract: Many studies have been carried out to quantify the wood properties of radiata pine, but few have explicitly looked at quantifying radiata pine bark. Bark is of increasing interest for many reasons, e.g. energy source, potential source of bioproducts, log handling methods and costs, and phytosanitary methods. Over-bark and under-bark diameter measurements recorded from over 1000 discs taken from fixed heights in 150 trees were used to estimate bark volume percentages. The mature trees were from a single seed source and had been planted at 17 sites throughout New Zealand. Bark volume percentages were converted to bark weight percentages using data from 390 trees from the central North Island of New Zealand. This study confirmed earlier research that bark accounts for 12 to 13 % of over-bark volume and 7 to 8 % of over-bark green weight for mature radiata pine boles prior to felling and log handling. It also showed that bark volume percent varied with location in a stem, tree size, and site (mean annual temperature).

Impact of Seed Transmission on the Infection and Development of Pitch Canker Disease in Pinus radiata

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of seed inoculum on subsequent disease development in nurseries, specifically studying incidence of seed infection, transmission rate of seed to seedlings, and rate of disease development from the primary inoculum source. Transmission rate of Fusarium circinatum ( F. circinatum ) from symptomatic trees of Pinus radiata ( P. radiata ) to seed was 0.73%, being the fungus mainly on the coat. Seed infection incidence was positively correlated with tree disease severity. Seeds also become contaminated with F. circinatum during storage, where high relative humidity had a great effect regardless of temperature. Transmission rates from seeds to symptomatic seedlings measured at 48 days after seed inoculation with 10 4 and 10 6 was 28% and 80%, respectively. Seedlings showed symptoms of wilting and dieback, and eventually died within the total duration of this study (475 days). By this time, there were two remaining symptomless seedlings (1% of the total).

Heat treatment of Tunisian soft wood species: Effect on the durability, chemical modifications and mechanical properties

Abstract: Last decades, wood was promoted as building material. Wood heat treatment by mild pyrolysis has been reported to improve biological durability and dimensional stability of the material and constitutes an attractive « non biocidal » alternative to classical preservation treatments. Previous studies have shown that conferred properties strongly depend on the heat treatment intensity. A quality control marker based on mass loss has been developed. For several years, the increased development of Tunisian wood industry provides a significant capacity of wood production and transformation. Forests in Tunisia consist essentially of coniferous species [Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis), Radiata pine (Pinus radiata), Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster), Stone pine (Pinus pinea)], characterised by a weak natural durability. Improved durability and fungal resistance should allow the use of Tunisian species in the wood industry. Import limitation of European species and the use of local species allow the conservation of economic value added in the country and improve the economic balance. For this reason, several Tunisian softwood species (Aleppo pine, Radiata pine and Maritime pine) have been heat-treated under vacuum atmosphere at 230°C to obtain a thermal degradation with mass losses of approximately 8, 10 and 12%. The oven device allows recording the dynamic Mass Loss (ML) during the treatment and following the thermodegradation kinetic. The chemical composition of the studied wood samples was determined before and after heat treatment. For each wood species and treatment intensity, wood chemical and mechanical analyses were performed by measuring O/C ratio, bending and hardness tests. Afterward, tests of decay resistance were performed according to the EN 113 Standard, with different fungal attacks (Poria Placenta, Coriolus Versicolor) at 22°C and 70% of humidity for 16 weeks. Results were related to the mass loss. Furthermore, intensity of thermal degradation was evaluated by TD-GC-MS. Treated and untreated wood samples were maintained during 15 minutes at 230 °C under nitrogen in the thermodesorption tube in order to analyse and compare resulting from the wood thermodegradation volatile compounds.

New insights into radiata pine seedling root infection by Fusarium circinatum

Abstract: Pine root infection by Fusarium circinatum has been reported in the literature, but the underlying pathogenic interaction is poorly understood. A green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged F. circinatum isolate, together with confocal microscopy, was used in order to monitor the events associated with root infection of Pinus radiata seedlings. It was found that in order to reach and successfully infect pine roots, F. circinatum employed features that are similar to those previously described for other root-infecting pathogens, such as mycelial strands, single runner hyphae and simple hyphopodia as well as other features that are reminiscent of those that are known to be involved in biotrophic invasion, such as bulbous invasive hyphae and filamentous invasive hyphae. Abundant sporulation was observed at the root surface as well as inside tracheids both in roots and in the root collar region. The fungus can spread from the roots to the aerial parts of the plant, and once there, colonization appears to be similar to the process that occurs when the pathogen is inoculated in the stem. Wilting symptoms and plant demise may be the result of a reduction in water uptake by roots and of the blockage of the vascular system by fungal hyphae and resin.

Growth, biomass, leaf area and water-use efficiency of juvenile Pinus radiata in response to water deficits

Abstract: As the frequency and severity of drought events are expected to increase globally, drought-induced reductions in plantation productivity are likely to become more important. Such reductions will be of concern to forest managers looking to improve forest productivity during the establishment and initial growth phases of plantation-grown Pinus radiata D. Don. The objective of this research was to assess how growth, biomass, leaf area and water-use efficiency in juvenile Pinus radiata responded to the timing and duration of water deficits. Two-year-old Pinus radiata seedlings (cultivated in a polyhouse) were subjected to various water deficit treatments. Needle water potential, tree growth, biomass partitioning, leaf characteristics and water-use efficiency were measured to assess the impact that the timing and duration of water deficits had on productivity. Cyclical re-watering of the early- and late-season drought treatments led to large fluctuations in needle water potential. The summer drought treatment resulted in a sustained low needle water potential over the summer months. Total water stress integral (S ψ ) was 41.4, 66.8, 55.2 and 97.6 MPa-days for the well-watered, early-season cyclical drought, late-season cyclical drought and summer drought treatments, respectively. In general, water deficits decreased tree growth, reduced crown size, reduced biomass accumulation and leaf area, and resulted in more enriched values of δ13C, all of which were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by treatment. Summer drought reduced height, diameter and basal area by 24.7%, 33.1% and 52.3%, respectively. Total biomass was reduced by 64.7% and total leaf area by 40.0%, compared with the well-watered treatment. The reduction in stem diameter growth was larger for the late-season treatment than the early-season treatment when compared with the well-watered trees suggesting that late-season drought is more detrimental than early-season drought to tree growth. The results provide insight for forest managers of Pinus radiata into the importance of managing water deficits in order to maximise forest production of juvenile trees. Results suggest that late-season drought is more detrimental to absolute growth and biomass accumulation than early-season drought.

Urea-formaldehyde resin penetration into Pinus radiata tracheid walls assessed by TEM-EDXS

Abstract: Abstract This paper reports a new method of detecting urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin penetration into the cell walls of radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in combination with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS). The quantifications of penetrated UF resin in the ultrathin cuts of cell walls were realized by detecting nitrogen (N) element by TEM-EDXS. Both line scan and area mapping revealed N in cell walls in contact with resin-filled lumens but not in those in contact with empty lumens. Thus, UF resin had penetrated the cell walls from the lumen side.

Needle fungi in young Tasmanian Pinus radiata plantations in relation to elevation and rainfall

Abstract: Needle fungi in conifers have been extensively studied to explore their diversity, but environmental factors influencing the composition of fungal communities in Pinus radiata D.Don needles have received little attention. This study was conducted to examine the influence of the environment as defined by rainfall, elevation and temperature on the composition of fungal communities in pine needles at an age prior to that at which spring needle cast (SNC) is generally observed. Elucidating the entire fungal community in the needles is a first step towards understanding the cause of the disease. Needle samples were collected from 5-year-old P. radiata trees, their age predating the onset of SNC, from 12 plantations in Tasmania. Interpolated data for the climate variables, including seasonal components for rainfall and temperature, were obtained from an enhanced climate data bank. Pooled needle samples were examined for the fungi they contained using DNA sequencing of cloned polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products. Clones were grouped into operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and identified to their lowest possible taxonomic level by comparison with reference isolates and public DNA databases. DNA sequencing revealed that needle fungal communities differed greatly, depending upon the total annual rainfall and needle age. Needle fungi that have been previously associated with pathogenic behaviour, such as Cyclaneusma minus, Dothistroma septosporum, Lophodermium pinastri, Strasseria geniculata and Sydowia polyspora, were all found in the needles in this study. Also, of 70 ascomycetous OTUs that were discriminated by their DNA sequences, 21 were identified as belonging to the Teratosphaeriaceae. An overview of the endophytic fungi present in the needles of P. radiata has been obtained from trees whose age precedes the onset of SNC. All of the previously known pathogenic species for needle cast diseases were present, in addition to a range of unidentified OTUs belonging to the Teratosphaeriaceae.

Improved saccharification of steam-exploded Pinus radiata on supplementing crude extract of Penicillium sp.

Abstract: Commercially available enzymes do not contain all the necessary softwood-specific accessory enzymes to obtain high saccharification efficiency In this work, six saprophytic fungi obtained from Pinus radiata plantation site were screened for the putative softwood-specific accessory enzyme, β-mannanase A Penicillium sp was found to produce β-mannanase in both solid (316 units/g of dry biomass) and liquid (117 units/g of dry biomass) cultures using locust bean gum as an inducer after 2 weeks of incubation The saccharification of steam-exploded Pinus radiata was 78 % w/w improved when the crude extract of Penicillium sp was added to a mixture of commercial enzymes

Influence of dose, bark cover and end-grain sealing on ethanedinitrile (C 2 N 2 ) sorption by pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) logs

Abstract: High sorption by Pinus radiata (D. Don) logs may limit insecticidal efficacy of a fumigant by rapidly removing it from the treated headspace. The sorption characteristics of a new fumigant, ethanedinitrile (EDN), were quantified for recently harvested pine logs, and the robustness of a proposed EDN sorption model developed for sawn timber was tested. Over a 10-h period, average concentrations were 17.3% � 0.7 of the initial dose for logs with sealed ends and 9.4% � 0.4 for unsealed ends. This is a high rate of sorption compared with other fumigants, such as methyl bromide. A proportional drop in headspace concentration over time was consistent for the two doses (20 and 50 g/m 3 ) evaluated, confirming that EDN sorption is influenced by the dose applied. Bark cover did not significantly influence EDN sorption. A revised sorption model for EDN is proposed here.

Lophodermium pinastri and an unknown species of Teratosphaeriaceae are associated with needle cast in a Pinus radiata selection trial

Abstract: Summary Spring needle cast (SNC) in Tasmania is defined by the early casting of pine needles and appears in 6- to 7-year-old pine plantations after canopy closure. The severity of SNC can vary significantly among trees growing within the same plantation. Fungal communities were surveyed in a Pinus radiata family trial, using DNA extraction from needles, PCR with fungal-specific primers and sequencing to detect the presence of fungal species. Samples were taken at the same time as the trees were scored for disease severity. Trees with contrasting levels of SNC disease severity have significantly different needle fungal communities, but family pedigree and different ages of needle are not clearly distinguished by their fungal communities. All common fungal pathogens previously implicated in causing SNC were identified from the study, but of these, only Lophodermium pinastri was correlated with high levels of disease. Several species of Teratosphaeriaceae were detected, and one of these was also strongly associated with needle cast.

Influence of blue stain on density and dimensional stability of Pinus radiata timber from northern Galicia (Spain)

Abstract: Holzforschung. International Journal of the Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Technology of Wood; 69(1): 97–102 DOI: 10.1515/hf-2014-0014

The potential for improving the stiffness of young South African grown Pinus radiata lumber by using high planting densities.

Abstract: Faster growth and reduced harvesting ages is causing a reduction in the stiffness of lumber from South African grown pine plantations. The objective of this study was to determine whether higher planting densities of Pinus radiata from the Southern Cape, South Africa, could be used as a management intervention to increase the stiffness of its sawn lumber. A secondary objective was to determine the effect of planting density on other relevant properties including warp, knots, density, and modulus of rupture (MOR). Lumber properties of 61 Pinus radiata trees from four different spacing treatments from a 20-year-old spacing trial were recorded. Results indicated that initial planting density had a highly significant effect on the MOE(edge) of sawn lumber. There was a large increase in MOE(edge) of lumber from 403 spha to 1097 spha. However, MOE(edge) did not increase significantly with planting densities higher than 1097 spha. Initial planting density also had significant effects on the number and size of knots and the MOR of lumber. These results did not follow the same trends as previously found on New Zealand-grown Pinus radiata.

Relative persistence of commonly used forestry herbicides for preventing the establishment of broom (Cytisus scoparius) seedlings in New Zealand plantations

Abstract: Many of the herbicides used in site preparation of forests and during initial selective weed management can persist in the soil for several months, killing or stunting seedlings of broom (Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link) as they establish. The objective of this research was to determine the relative persistence and effect over time of the herbicides most widely applied within radiata pine (Pinus radiata D.Don) plantations in New Zealand on broom survival and growth. Eleven herbicide treatments were applied in early summer to a Tokomaru silt loam soil. Soil samples were collected from each treatment at fortnightly intervals for up to a year. The samples were placed into pots and immediately sown with scarified viable broom seeds in a heated glasshouse. Relative growth and biomass of seedlings were determined as the ratio of growth and survival in each treatment relative to growth and survival in an untreated control. Logistic curves were fitted to recorded values of relative growth and survival over time and the time to reach 50 and 95% of the vigour of the plants in the untreated control was determined. The treatments can be approximately ranked in the following order from most to least persistent: triclopyr/picloram > high rate of clopyralid > high rate of hexazinone > terbuthylazine/hexazinone > low rate of hexazinone > low rate of clopyralid > high rate of terbuthylazine > triclopyr > high rate of metsulfuron-methyl > low rate of terbuthylazine > low rate of metsulfuron-methyl. As the rate of triclopyr/picloram used in this work is too phytotoxic to be used selectively over newly planted radiata pines, this treatment would only be suitable prior to tree planting so residual activity would control seedlings that develop after scrub clearance. For post-plant weed management operations, results show hexazinone and high rates of clopyralid to be useful for long-term management of broom as both these herbicides have low phytotoxicity to radiata pine. When combined with low rates of triclopyr and picloram, clopyralid could provide an effective treatment that could be used in combination with oversown or naturally occurring grasses to manage broom.

Armillaria novae‐zelandiae and other basidiomycete wood decay fungi in New Zealand Pinus radiata thinning stumps

Abstract: Summary Two studies were undertaken in a young New Zealand Pinus radiata stand to find a biological control agent for armillaria root disease caused by Armillaria novae-zelandiae. Fresh thinning stumps were inoculated with saprophytic basidiomycete species as wooden dowel cultures or as homogenized aqueous mycelial suspensions, while all stumps were also inoculated with dowel cultures of A. novae-zelandiae. After a period of between one and two years, no differences were found among test fungi in the percentage of Armillaria species isolated from stumps. However, inoculation of Stereum sanguinolentum as homogenate, and of Phlebiopsis gigantea, Sistotrema brinkmannii, Hypholoma acutum and Rigidoporus concrescens as dowel cultures, significantly increased their isolation incidence in comparison with stumps not treated by these species. Phlebiopsis gigantea, Resinicium bicolor and R. concrescens were also isolated with greater frequency nearer to their dowel inoculation points. Results suggest that P. gigantea and S. sanguinolentum should be included in further testing. However, a future trial is likely to be more effective if evaluation is directed towards the portion of the stump below the soil surface, particularly the root system.

Implications of exotic Pinus radiata plantations for macrofungal diversity in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve (northern Spain)

Abstract: To analyze the implications of exotic radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) plantations for macrofungal diversity, a comparative mycocoenological survey was conducted over three consecutive years in pine plantations and native oak forests (Quercus robur L.) in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. Macrofungal diversity was analyzed at species and community levels, and multivariate techniques were used to obtain insight into the fungal community in all functional groups. A total of 513 species was recorded, with ectomycorrhizal fungi being the most abundant, followed by the lignicolous saprotrophs. Measurements at both the overall level and the plot level showed that oak forests were richer in macrofungal species than pine plantations. The two ecosystems shared 107 species, but they possessed distinct species assemblages in all functional groups, as confirmed by PERMANOVA analysis. Although more abundant in oak stands, host-specific fungi were recorded in both ecosystems, revealing that exotic pine plantations can...

Long-term growth responses to phosphatic fertilisers in a Pinus radiata plantation

Abstract: SummaryThe effects of phosphatic fertiliser on growth and nutrients in trials at different stages of stand development have been studied in second-rotation Pinus radiata plantation sites of Lidsdale State Forest, New South Wales. The sites were on phosphorus-deficient clay soils. High, early growth responses to phosphatic fertiliser occurred when applied to individual trees at the time of planting compared with slower initial growth when fertiliser was broadcast applied. There were long-term responses to broadcast treatments of phosphorus or nitrogen/phosphorus at time of planting, but it took several growing seasons for the trees to access the applied phosphorus. Later-age applications of phosphorus also gave significant responses with and without nitrogen and the level of response was related to the prior nutritional status of the stand. There were additional responses to high levels of nitrogen when the initial phosphorus deficiency was overcome. Application of phosphorus or nitrogen/phosphorus after t...