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Livne-Luzon S, Avidar M, Herol L, Rog I, Klein T, Shemesh H. Inter-generational consistency of the ectomycorrhizal fungal community in a mixed pine-cedar post-fire stand. TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 44:tpae094. [PMID: 39046267 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpae094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
The mutualistic interaction between trees and ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) can have a major effect on forest dynamics and specifically on seedling establishment. Here, we compared the EMF community composition associated with the roots of young saplings and mature trees of two co-habiting Pinaceae: Pinus halepensis and Cedrus deodara growing together in a post-fire forest plot, using fungal ITS metabarcoding. We found that the differences in the EMF community between the two sapling groups were mostly attributed to changes in the relative abundance of specific fungal species, with little species turnover. Specifically, Tomentella showed high abundance on pine roots, while Tuber, Russula and Sebacina were more common on the roots of cedars. The physical proximity to a specific host species was correlated with the EMF community composition of young saplings. Specifically, regardless of the sapling's own identity, the roots of saplings growing next to mature cedars had higher abundance of Tuber species, while Tomentella coerulea (Höhn. & Litsch), Russula densifolia (Secr. ex Gillet) and Tuber nitidum (Vittadini) dominated saplings next to mature pines. Cedar saplings' shoot structure was correlated with a specific EMF species. Overall, these results suggest that when germinating next to mature trees, the EMF community of saplings could be determined by extrinsic factors such as the small-scale distribution of mature trees in the forest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stav Livne-Luzon
- Department of Plant & Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Mor Avidar
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Tel-Hai College, 12208, Israel
| | - Lior Herol
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Tel-Hai College, 12208, Israel
| | - Ido Rog
- Department of Plant & Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Tamir Klein
- Department of Plant & Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Hagai Shemesh
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Tel-Hai College, 12208, Israel
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Electrical Responses of Pinus halepensis Mill. as an Indicator of Wildfire Risk in Mediterranean Forests by Complementing Live Fuel Moisture. FORESTS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/f13081189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Pinus halepensis forests, as Mediterranean-type ecosystems, are subject to high levels of wildfire risk in times of drought, with meteorological conditions of water stress and very high temperatures, mainly in summer. Considering the difficulty of knowing the phenological state of this species, the objective of this research was to evaluate the possibility of implementing the electrical responses (voltage and short-circuit current) as a variable in fire risk management models, compared to live fuel moisture. On the one hand, the obtained results demonstrate non-significant differences between the moisture content of the different fractions of the living branches (base and half of the branch and live fuel), even in times of drought with hydric stress and very high temperatures. Live fuel moisture of Pinus halepensis does not show significant seasonal variations under the influence of extreme fire risk factors. For this reason, it should be complemented with other variables for fire risk management models. On the other hand, the differences registered in the electrical signal show oscillations with significant variations, which are strongly correlated with the periods of extremely favourable meteorological conditions for wildfires. So, the voltages measured show ranges that correspond with great accuracy to the FWI. Voltage variation is dependent on the hydraulic dynamic plant behaviour and a result of the physiological response of pine trees to abiotic stress of drought. It is an easy-to-measure electrical parameter as well as a very reliable indicator with a high correlation with wildfire risk. Thus, electrical responses could add more knowledge about the phenological state of the trees in dependence on stress climatic conditions, allowing integration of these variables in the preventive wildfire modelling and management.
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Global Change and Forest Disturbances in the Mediterranean Basin: Breakthroughs, Knowledge Gaps, and Recommendations. FORESTS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/f12050603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Forest ecosystems in the Mediterranean Basin are mostly situated in the north of the Basin (mesic). In the most southern and dry areas, the forest can only exist where topography and/or altitude favor a sufficient availability of water to sustain forest biomass. We have conducted a thorough review of recent literature (2000–2021) that clearly indicates large direct and indirect impacts of increasing drought conditions on the forests of the Mediterranean Basin, their changes in surface and distribution areas, and the main impacts they have suffered. We have focused on the main trends that emerge from the current literature and have highlighted the main threatens and management solution for the maintenance of these forests. The results clearly indicate large direct and indirect impacts of increasing drought conditions on the forests of the Mediterranean Basin. These increasing drought conditions together with over-exploitation, pest expansion, fire and soil degradation, are synergistically driving to forest regression and dieback in several areas of this Mediterranean Basin. These environmental changes have triggered responses in tree morphology, physiology, growth, reproduction, and mortality. We identified at least seven causes of the changes in the last three decades that have led to the current situation and that can provide clues for projecting the future of these forests: (i) The direct effect of increased aridity due to more frequent and prolonged droughts, which has driven Mediterranean forest communities to the limit of their capacity to respond to drought and escape to wetter sites, (ii) the indirect effects of drought, mainly by the spread of pests and fires, (iii) the direct and indirect effects of anthropogenic activity associated with general environmental degradation, including soil degradation and the impacts of fire, species invasion and pollution, (iv) human pressure and intense management of water resources, (v) agricultural land abandonment in the northern Mediterranean Basin without adequate management of new forests, (vi) very high pressure on forested areas of northern Africa coupled with the demographic enhancement, the expansion of crops and higher livestock pressure, and the more intense and overexploitation of water resources uses on the remaining forested areas, and (vii) scarcity and inequality of human management and policies, depending on the national and/or regional governments and agencies, being unable to counteract the previous changes. We identified appropriate measures of management intervention, using the most adequate techniques and processes to counteract these impacts and thus to conserve the health, service capacity, and biodiversity of Mediterranean forests. Future policies should, moreover, promote research to improve our knowledge of the mechanisms of, and the effects on, nutrient and carbon plant-soil status concurrent with the impacts of aridity and leaching due to the effects of current changes. Finally, we acknowledge the difficulty to obtain an accurate quantification of the impacts of increasing aridity rise that warrants an urgent investment in more focused research to further develop future tools in order to counteract the negative effects of climate change on Mediterranean forests.
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Zamora-Nasca LB, Dimarco RD, Nassini D, Alvear PA, Mayoral A, Nuñez MA, Relva MA. Sheep feeding preference as a tool to control pine invasion in Patagonia: influence of foliar toughness, terpenoids and resin content. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12113. [PMID: 32694547 PMCID: PMC7374590 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68748-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Herbivores modulate the structure and composition of plant communities, including plant invasions. This is conditioned by plant palatability which can be reduced by its chemical or physical traits. The effects that ungulates browsing has on pine invasions are variable and the empirical evidence on the causes of this variability is scarce. We experimentally explored how sheep browsing preference varies between seedlings of pine species with different invasiveness; Pinus contorta (high invasiveness), P. ponderosa (medium invasiveness), P. radiata (medium invasiveness) and P. jeffreyi (low invasiveness). Secondly, we quantified anti-herbivory chemical compounds and physical traits of these species and related them with sheep preference observed. The browsing incidence of P. contorta was 68%, P. ponderosa 58%, P. radiata 29%, and P. jeffreyi 84%. Among anti-herbivory traits analyzed, α-pinene concentration had a negative effect on the probability of a terminal bud being browsed and on browsing intensity. Meanwhile, foliar toughness was negatively related to browsing intensity and water concentration was positively related to browsing intensity. Also, the most invasive species, P. contorta, was highly damaged. Thus, sheep herbivory could be slowing pine invasion rate; suggesting that could be considered a tool to control early invasions, especially for this particular species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía B Zamora-Nasca
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medio Ambiente, CONICET - Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
| | - Romina D Dimarco
- Grupo de Ecología de Poblaciones de Insectos, IFAB (INTA - CONICET), Modesta Victoria 4450, 8400, Bariloche, Rio Negro, Argentina.
| | - Daniela Nassini
- Departamento de Fisicoquímica y Control de Calidad. Complejo Tecnológico Pilcaniyeu, CNEA, Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
| | - Pablo A Alvear
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medio Ambiente, CONICET - Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
| | - Ariel Mayoral
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medio Ambiente, CONICET - Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
| | - Martin A Nuñez
- Grupo Ecología de Invasiones. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medio Ambiente, CONICET - Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
| | - M Andrea Relva
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medio Ambiente, CONICET - Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
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Seasonality of feral horse grazing and invasion of Pinus halepensis in grasslands of the Austral Pampean Mountains (Argentina): management considerations. Biol Invasions 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-020-02300-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Ben-David A, Shamon H, Izhaki I, Efronny R, Maor R, Dayan T. Increased songbird nest depredation due to Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) encroachment in Mediterranean shrubland. BMC Ecol 2019; 19:52. [PMID: 31847851 PMCID: PMC6918703 DOI: 10.1186/s12898-019-0270-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In recent decades, a decrease of passerine densities was documented in Mediterranean shrublands. At the same time, a widespread encroachment of Aleppo pines (Pinus halepensis) to Mediterranean shrubland occurred. Such changes in vegetation structure may affect passerine predator assemblage and densities, and in turn impact passerine densities. Depredation during the nesting season is an important factor to influence passerine population size. Understanding the effects of changes in vegetation structure (pine encroachment) on passerine nesting success is the main objective of this study. We do so by assessing the effects of Aleppo pine encroachment on Sardinian warbler (Sylvia melanocephala) nest depredation in Mediterranean shrublands. We examined direct and indirect predation pressures through a gradients of pine density, using four methods: (1) placing dummy nests; (2) acoustic monitoring of mobbing events; (3) direct observations on nest predation using cameras; and (4) observation of Eurasian jay (Garrulus glandarius) behaviour as indirect evidence of predation risk. Results We found that Aleppo pine encroachment to Mediterranean shrublands increased nest predation by Eurasian jays. Nest predation was highest in mixed shrubland and pines. These areas are suitable for warblers but had high occurrence rate of Eurasian jays. Conclusions Encroaching pines directly increase activity of Eurasian jays in shrubland habitats, which reduced the nesting success of Sardinian warblers. These findings are supported by multiple methodologies, illustrating different predation pressures along a gradient of pine densities in natural shrublands. Management of Aleppo pine seedlings and removal of unwanted trees in natural shrubland might mitigate arrival and expansion of predators and decrease the predation pressure on passerine nests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asaf Ben-David
- School of Zoology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Hila Shamon
- The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. .,Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, VA, USA.
| | - Ido Izhaki
- The Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ronny Efronny
- School of Zoology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Roi Maor
- School of Zoology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Tamar Dayan
- School of Zoology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Zamora-Nasca LB, Relva MA, Núñez MA. Ungulate browsing on introduced pines differs between plant communities: Implications for invasion process and management. AUSTRAL ECOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lucía B. Zamora-Nasca
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medio Ambiente; CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue; Quintral 1250 8400 Río Negro Argentina
| | - M. Andrea Relva
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medio Ambiente; CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue; Quintral 1250 8400 Río Negro Argentina
| | - Martín A. Núñez
- Grupo Ecología de Invasiones; Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medio Ambiente; CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue; Bariloche Río Negro Argentina
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Zamora Nasca LB, Relva MA, Núñez MA. Ungulates can control tree invasions: experimental evidence from nonnative conifers and sheep herbivory. Biol Invasions 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-017-1558-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Helman D, Lensky IM, Yakir D, Osem Y. Forests growing under dry conditions have higher hydrological resilience to drought than do more humid forests. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2017; 23:2801-2817. [PMID: 27809388 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
More frequent and intense droughts are projected during the next century, potentially changing the hydrological balances in many forested catchments. Although the impacts of droughts on forest functionality have been vastly studied, little attention has been given to studying the effect of droughts on forest hydrology. Here, we use the Budyko framework and two recently introduced Budyko metrics (deviation and elasticity) to study the changes in the water yields (rainfall minus evapotranspiration) of forested catchments following a climatic drought (2006-2010) in pine forests distributed along a rainfall gradient (P = 280-820 mm yr-1 ) in the Eastern Mediterranean (aridity factor = 0.17-0.56). We use a satellite-based model and meteorological information to calculate the Budyko metrics. The relative water yield ranged from 48% to 8% (from the rainfall) in humid to dry forests and was mainly associated with rainfall amount (increasing with increased rainfall amount) and bedrock type (higher on hard bedrocks). Forest elasticity was larger in forests growing under drier conditions, implying that drier forests have more predictable responses to drought, according to the Budyko framework, compared to forests growing under more humid conditions. In this context, younger forests were shown more elastic than older forests. Dynamic deviation, which is defined as the water yield departure from the Budyko curve, was positive in all forests (i.e., less-than-expected water yields according to Budyko's curve), increasing with drought severity, suggesting lower hydrological resistance to drought in forests suffering from larger rainfall reductions. However, the dynamic deviation significantly decreased in forests that experienced relatively cooler conditions during the drought period. Our results suggest that forests growing under permanent dry conditions might develop a range of hydrological and eco-physiological adjustments to drought leading to higher hydrological resilience. In the context of predicted climate change, such adjustments are key factors in sustaining forested catchments in water-limited regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Helman
- Department of Geography and Environment, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 52900, Israel
| | - Itamar M Lensky
- Department of Geography and Environment, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 52900, Israel
| | - Dan Yakir
- Earth and Planetary Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Yagil Osem
- Department of Natural Resources, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, 50250, Israel
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Koniak G, Sheffer E, Noy-Meir I. Recreation as an ecosystem service in open landscapes in the Mediterranean region in Israel: Public preferences. Isr J Ecol Evol 2011. [DOI: 10.1560/ijee.57.1-2.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In recent years awareness has increased of the importance of open landscapes (natural and semi-natural) for human use, including provision of life-supporting ecological benefits and services. In addition there has been an increase in awareness and demand for recreational activities in nature: cultural, social, sport, and spiritual activities outside of the urban setting. A partial list of all of the environmental benefits or services could add up to dozens of economical, biological, and social benefits. Social benefits such as recreation are just one component of the spectrum of benefits and services that can be derived from natural systems.In this research we assessed the ecosystem service of recreation in a natural setting in the Mediterranean region in Israel. We focused on two specific benefits: picnics and hikes. We assessed recreationers' preferences using questionnaire-based surveys that were carried out directly at the research site, Ramat Hanadiv Park (RH park), while people were conducting the particular activity (picnic or hike). The research aim was to estimate the preferences of hikers and picnickers for different types of natural vegetation formations. We found that visitors preferred to hike in the open garrigue compared to either the dense scrub or the pine forest, whereas for picnics both the open garrigue and the planted pine forest were preferred over the dense scrub. We tested the attractiveness of each component of the landscape (e.g., trees, flowers, animals, archaeology) for hikers and picnickers. Surveys showed that scenery was highly and unanimously ranked. Flowering plants, birds, native trees, and to some extent gazelles, deer, and butterflies were ranked high, while reptiles, beetles, and cattle received a much lower attractiveness rank. The ranking of archeological sites and pine forest was more variable, and intermediate to the two main groups above. We analyzed these preferences according to different age and population distributions of visitors to the park and found only slight effects of the level of education.The answers from this research can facilitate land managers and decision-makers in providing the ecosystem service of recreation, and to guide management for obtaining the desired vegetation formations for this aim, according to the preferences of hikers and picnickers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gili Koniak
- Institute of Plant Sciences, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
| | - Efrat Sheffer
- Institute of Plant Sciences, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
| | - Imanuel Noy-Meir
- Institute of Plant Sciences, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
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