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Morelli G, Ciani F, Cocozza C, Costagliola P, Fagotti C, Friani R, Lattanzi P, Manca R, Monnanni A, Nannoni A, Rimondi V. Riparian trees in mercury contaminated riverbanks: An important resource for sustainable remediation management. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 257:119373. [PMID: 38852831 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119373] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Mining operations generate sediment erosion rates above those of natural landscapes, causing persistent contamination of floodplains. Riparian vegetation in mine-impacted river catchments plays a key role in the storage/remobilization of metal contaminants. Mercury (Hg) pollution from mining is a global environmental challenge. This study provides an integrative assessment of Hg storage in riparian trees and soils along the Paglia River (Italy) which drains the abandoned Monte Amiata Hg mining district, the 3rd former Hg producer worldwide, to characterize their role as potential secondary Hg source to the atmosphere in case of wildfire or upon anthropic utilization as biomass. In riparian trees and nearby soils Hg ranged between 0.7 and 59.9 μg/kg and 2.2 and 52.8 mg/kg respectively. In trees Hg concentrations were below 100 μg/kg, a recommended Hg limit for the quality of solid biofuels. Commercially, Hg contents in trees have little impact on the value of the locally harvested biomass and pose no risk to human health, although higher values (195-738 μg/kg) were occasionally found. In case of wildfire, up to 1.4*10-3 kg Hg/ha could be released from trees and 27 kg Hg/ha from soil in the area, resulting in an environmentally significant Hg pollution source. Data constrained the contribution of riparian trees to the biogeochemical cycling of Hg highlighting their role in management and restoration plans of river catchments affected by not-remediable Hg contamination. In polluted river catchments worldwide riparian trees represent potential sustainable resources for the mitigation of dispersion of Hg in the ecosystem, considering i) their Hg storage capacity, ii) their potential to be used for local energy production (e.g. wood-chips) through the cultivation and harvesting of biomasses and, iii) their role in limiting soil erosion from riparian polluted riverbanks, probably representing the best pragmatic choice to minimize the transport of toxic elements to the sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guia Morelli
- CNR - Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources, Via G. La Pira 4, Florence, 50121, Italy
| | - Francesco Ciani
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, Florence, 50121, Italy.
| | - Claudia Cocozza
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie, Alimentari, Ambientali e Forestali (DAGRI), Italy
| | - Pilario Costagliola
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, Florence, 50121, Italy
| | - Cesare Fagotti
- ARPA Toscana-Area Vasta Sud, Loc. Ruffolo, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Rossella Friani
- ARPA Toscana-Area Vasta Sud, Loc. Ruffolo, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Pierfranco Lattanzi
- CNR - Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources, Via G. La Pira 4, Florence, 50121, Italy
| | - Rosarosa Manca
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, Florence, 50121, Italy
| | - Alessio Monnanni
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, Florence, 50121, Italy
| | - Alessia Nannoni
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, Florence, 50121, Italy
| | - Valentina Rimondi
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, Florence, 50121, Italy
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Montaldi A, Iamonico D, Del Vico E, Valeri S, Lasinio GJ, Capotorti G. Green infrastructure design for the containment of biological invasions. Insights from a peri-urban case study in Rome, Italy. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 365:121555. [PMID: 38924891 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121555] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Secondary shrublands and transitional woodland/shrub formations are recognised to be particularly susceptible to plant invasions, one of the main global threats to biodiversity, especially in dynamic peri-urban landscapes. Urban fringes are in fact often the place for the sprawl of artificial surfaces, fragmentation of habitats, and complex land transitions (including both agriculture intensification and abandonment), which in turn increase propagule pressure of exotic species over residual semi-natural ecosystems. Within this framework, the present study was aimed at analysing i) how landscape composition and configuration affect the richness of woody exotic species in shrubland and transitional woodland/shrub patches, and ii) how this threat can be addressed by means of green infrastructure design in a peri-urban case study (Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy). Accordingly, the occurrence of exotic plants was recorded with field surveys and then integrated with landscape analyses, both at patch level and over a 250 m buffer area around each patch. Thus, the effect of landscape features on exotic plant richness was investigated with Generalised Linear Models, and the best model identified (pseudo R-square = 0.62) for inferring invasibility of shrublands throughout the study area. Finally, a Green Infrastructure (GI) to contain biological invasion was planned, based on inferred priority sites for intervention and respective, site-tailored, actions. The latter included not only the removal of invasive woody alien plants, but also reforestation and planting of native trees for containment of dispersal and subsequent establishment. Even though specifically developed for the study site, and consistent with local government needs, the proposed approach represents a pilot planning process that might be applied to other peri-urban regions for the combined containment of biological invasions and sustainable development of peripheral complex landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Montaldi
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Environmental Biology, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Duilio Iamonico
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Environmental Biology, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Eva Del Vico
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Environmental Biology, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Valeri
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Environmental Biology, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Jona Lasinio
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Statistical Sciences, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Capotorti
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Environmental Biology, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
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Kacprzak MJ, Ellis A, Fijałkowski K, Kupich I, Gryszpanowicz P, Greenfield E, Nowak D. Urban forest species selection for improvement of ecological benefits in Polish cities - The actual and forecast potential. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 366:121732. [PMID: 38981262 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Trees in cities perform important environmental functions: they produce oxygen, filter pollutants, provide habitat for wildlife, mitigate stormwater runoff, and reduce the effects of climate change, especially in terms of lowering temperatures and converting carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into stored carbon. Generally, to increase the environmental benefits of urban forests, the number of trees is increased, directly influencing the canopy coverage. However, little is known about potential of modifying the species composition of urban tree communities in order to increase ecological benefits. Planting and managing trees to increase canopy is particularly challenging in city centres, where the dense, often historic infrastructure of buildings and roads do not allow for a significant increase in greenspace. Estimations of canopy cover obtained through i-Tree Canopy analysis unveiled significant potential to increase canopy cover in historical urban areas in Polish cities from 15-34% to 31-51%. This study models the ecological benefits of urban forests in Polish cities, focusing on how different species compositions can enhance environmental functions such as carbon sequestration and pollution filtration. Two main scenarios were analyzed: one involving the addition of trees based on the most common species currently planted ("standard option" SO), and another incorporating changes to the species composition to enhance ecological benefits ("city specific option" SCO). Acer platanoides (14.5%) and Tilia cordata (11.45%) were the most frequently species of Polish cities. Betula pendula, Quercus robur, Robinia pseudoacacia, Fraxinus excelsior, Acer pseudoplatanus, Aesculus hippocastanum and Acer campestre were also common species in urban forest communities (up to 5%). The diverse range of tree species in Polish cities contributes significantly to the overall carbon sequestration potential. The results suggest that modifying species composition could significantly increase carbon sequestration rates by 47.8%-114% annually, with the city specific option (SCO) being the most effective in enhancing carbon sequestration potential. This highlights the importance of strategic species selection in urban forestry practices to maximize environmental benefits and mitigate climate change effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexis Ellis
- Forest Service Northern Research Station, Forest Inventory and Analysis, 5 Moon Library, SUNY-ESF, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Krzysztof Fijałkowski
- Czestochowa University of Technology, ul. Dabrowskiego 69, 42-201, Czestochowa, Poland
| | - Iwona Kupich
- Czestochowa University of Technology, ul. Dabrowskiego 69, 42-201, Czestochowa, Poland
| | | | - Eric Greenfield
- Forest Service Northern Research Station, Forest Inventory and Analysis, 5 Moon Library, SUNY-ESF, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - David Nowak
- Forest Service Northern Research Station, Forest Inventory and Analysis, 5 Moon Library, SUNY-ESF, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
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Konic J, Heiling C, Haeler E, Chakraborty D, Lapin K, Schueler S. The potential of non-native tree species to provide major ecosystem services in Austrian forests. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1402601. [PMID: 39011308 PMCID: PMC11246965 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1402601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Forestry is facing an unprecedented challenging time. Due to climate change, major tree species, which until recently fulfilled major ecosystem services, are being lost and it is often unclear if forest conversion with other native or non-native tree species (NNT) are able to maintain or restore the endangered ecosystem services. Using data from the Austrian Forest Inventory, we analysed the current and future (2081-2100, RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) productivity of forests, as well as their protective function (avalanches and rockfall). Five different species change scenarios were considered for the replacement of a tree species failing in the future. We used seven native tree species (Picea abies, Abies alba, Pinus sylvestris, Larix decidua, Fagus sylvatica, Quercus robur and Quercus petraea) and nine NNT (Pseudotsuga menziesii, Abies grandis, Thuja plicata, Pinus radiata, Pinus contorta, Robinia pseudoacacia, Quercus rubra, Fraxinus pennsylvanica and Juglans nigra). The results show that no adaptation would lead to a loss of productivity and a decrease in tree species richness. The combined use of native and NNT is more favorable than purely using native species in terms of productivity and tree species richness. The impact of the different species change scenarios can vary greatly between the different environmental zones of Austria (Alpine south, Continental and Pannonian). The Pannonian zone would benefit from the use of NNT in terms of timber production. For the protection against avalanches or rockfall in alpine regions, NNT would not be an advantage, and it is more important if broadleaved or coniferous trees are used. Depending on whether timber production, protective function or tree species richness are considered, different tree species or species change scenarios can be recommended. Especially in protective forests, other aspects are essential compared to commercial forests. Our results provide a basis for forest owners/managers in three European environmental zones to make decisions on a sustainable selection of tree species to plant in the face of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Konic
- Department for Forest Growth, Silviculture & Genetics, Austrian Research Centre for Forests (BFW), Vienna, Austria
| | - Carina Heiling
- Department for Forest Growth, Silviculture & Genetics, Austrian Research Centre for Forests (BFW), Vienna, Austria
| | - Elena Haeler
- Department for Forest Growth, Silviculture & Genetics, Austrian Research Centre for Forests (BFW), Vienna, Austria
| | - Debojyoti Chakraborty
- Department for Forest Growth, Silviculture & Genetics, Austrian Research Centre for Forests (BFW), Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Lapin
- Department of Forest Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, Austrian Research Centre for Forests (BFW), Vienna, Austria
| | - Silvio Schueler
- Department for Forest Growth, Silviculture & Genetics, Austrian Research Centre for Forests (BFW), Vienna, Austria
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Wilms F, Berendt F, Bronisz K, Bashutska U, Fotelli M, Radoglou K, Spyroglou G. Applying taper function models for black locust plantations in Greek post-mining areas. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13557. [PMID: 38866843 PMCID: PMC11169485 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63048-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
A key process in forest management planning is the estimation of tree volume and, more specifically, merchantable volume. The ability to predict the cumulative stem volume relative to any upper stem diameter on standing trees or stands is essential for forest inventories and the management of forest resources. In the 1980s, the Hellenic Public Power Corporation (HPPC) started the rehabilitation of lignite post-mining areas in Greece by planting mainly black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia, L.). Today, these plantations occupy an area of approximately 2570 ha, but the stem volume has not yet been estimated. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the over- and under-bark stem volume using taper function models for 30 destructively sampled trees. Of the nineteen calibrated fixed-effects models, Kozak's (2004) equation performed best for both the over-bark and under-bark datasets, followed by Lee's (2003) and Muhairwe's (1999) equations. Two fixed effect models were compared with fitted coefficients from Poland and the United States confirming that the local model fits were better suited, as the foreign model coefficients caused an increase in root mean square error (RMSE) for stem diameter predictions of 13% and 218%, respectively. The addition of random effects on a single-stem basis for two coefficients of Kozak's (2004) equation improved the model fit significantly at 86% of the over-bark fixed effect RMSE and 69% for the under-bark model. Integrated taper functions were found to slightly outperform three volume equations for predictions of single stem volume over and under bark. Ultimately it was shown that these models can be used to precisely predict stem diameters and total stem volume for the population average as well as for specific trees of the black locust plantations in the study area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Wilms
- Forest Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization DIMITRA, 57006, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Forest Utilization and Timber Markets, Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development, 16225, Eberswalde, Germany
| | - Ferréol Berendt
- Department of Forest Utilization and Timber Markets, Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development, 16225, Eberswalde, Germany
| | - Karol Bronisz
- Institute of Forest Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, 02-776, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ulyana Bashutska
- Department of Forest Utilization and Timber Markets, Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development, 16225, Eberswalde, Germany
- Department of Ecology, Ukrainian National Forestry University, Lviv, 79057, Ukraine
| | - Mariangela Fotelli
- Forest Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization DIMITRA, 57006, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Radoglou
- Department of Forestry and Management of the Environment and Natural Resources, Democritus University of Thrace, 68200, Orestiada, Greece
| | - Gavriil Spyroglou
- Forest Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization DIMITRA, 57006, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Ren W, Tian L, Querejeta JI. Tight coupling between leaf δ 13 C and N content along leaf ageing in the N 2 -fixing legume tree black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.). PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2024; 176:e14235. [PMID: 38472162 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.14235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
N2 -fixing legumes can strongly affect ecosystem functions by supplying nitrogen (N) and improving the carbon-fixing capacity of vegetation. Still, the question of how their leaf-level N status and carbon metabolism are coordinated along leaf ageing remains unexplored. Leaf tissue carbon isotopic composition (δ13 C) provides a useful indicator of time-integrated intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEi). Here, we quantified the seasonal changes of leaf δ13 C, N content on a mass and area basis (Nmass , Narea , respectively), Δ18 O (leaf 18 O enrichment above source water, a proxy of time-integrated stomatal conductance) and morphological traits in an emblematic N2 -fixing legume tree, the black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.), at a subtropical site in Southwest China. We also measured xylem, soil and rainwater isotopes (δ18 O, δ2 H) to characterize tree water uptake patterns. Xylem water isotopic data reveal that black locust primarily used shallow soil water in this humid habitat. Black locust exhibited a decreasing δ13 C along leaf ageing, which was largely driven by decreasing leaf Nmass , despite roughly constant Narea . In contrast, the decreasing δ13 C along leaf ageing was largely uncoupled from parallel increases in Δ18 O and leaf thickness. Leaf N content is used as a proxy of leaf photosynthetic capacity; thus, it plays a key role in determining the seasonality in δ13 C, whereas the roles of stomatal conductance and leaf morphology are minor. Black locust leaves can effectively adjust to changing environmental conditions along leaf ageing through LMA increases and moderate stomatal conductance reduction while maintaining constant Narea to optimize photosynthesis and carbon assimilation, despite declining leaf Nmass and δ13 C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ren
- Institute of International Rivers and Eco-Security, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Karst Environment, School of Geographical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lide Tian
- Institute of International Rivers and Eco-Security, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of International Rivers and Transboundary Eco-security, Kunming, China
| | - José Ignacio Querejeta
- Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CEBAS, CSIC), Murcia, Spain
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Zhao M, Sun Y, Liu S, Li Y, Chen Y. Effects of stand density on the structure of soil microbial functional groups in Robinia pseudoacacia plantations in the hilly and gully region of the Loess Plateau, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169337. [PMID: 38103600 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169337] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Elucidating the responses of soil microbial functional groups to changes in stand density is crucial for understanding the sustainability of forest development. In this study, we obtained soil samples from Robinia pseudoacacia plantations of three different stand densities (low, middle, and high densities of 750, 1125, and 1550 trees ha-1, respectively) in the hilly and gully region of the Loess Plateau, China. We sought to determine the effects of stand density on the structure of soil microbial functional groups. Stand density had no significant effects on species diversity indices of fungal trophic modes or bacterial functional groups involved in carbon (C) cycling and nitrogen (N) cycling. However, differences in stand density substantially altered the composition of fungal functional groups. In low-density plantations, saprophytic fungi were the main trophic mode, with a high relative abundance of ∼62 %, whereas the fungal communities associated with middle- and high-density plantations were dominated by other fungi with a combined trophic mode, which accounted for ∼43 % and ∼41 % of the fungal trophic modes, respectively. Furthermore, we detected increases in the relative abundance of plant pathogens, nitrifiers, and nitrous oxide-denitrifying bacteria with increasing stand density. Results of the Monte Carlo test showed that soil pH influenced the composition of soil fungal (but not bacterial) groups. These findings suggested that a high density of trees might inhibit the decomposition of recalcitrant organic material and stimulate nitrous oxide emission, consequently decreasing soil nutrient availability and stimulating soil N loss. Moreover, high-density stands might increase the potential risk for plant disease. Overall, the present study suggested that reducing stand density to coverage between 750 and 1125 trees ha-1 would increase soil nutrient availability and prevent N loss from the soil. To verify these suppositions, further research is needed to determine the links between microbial functional groups composition and soil biogeochemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhao
- Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on Loess Plateau, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yarong Sun
- Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on Loess Plateau, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Shaohua Liu
- Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on Loess Plateau, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yichun Li
- Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on Loess Plateau, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yunming Chen
- Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on Loess Plateau, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
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Sun J, Rong Z, Yang L, Zhu Q, Yuan Y, Feng Z, Li L, Li N, Zhang L, Guo S. Effects of AMF inoculation on the growth, photosynthesis and root physiological morphology of root-pruned Robinia pseudoacacia seedlings. TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 44:tpad130. [PMID: 37847604 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpad130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Root pruning hinders the absorption and utilization of nutrients and water by seedlings in the short term. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are an important source of nutrient and water for seedlings except for the root system. However, the mechanism by which AMF affect the physiological growth of seedlings after root pruning has rarely been studied. In this study, a pot experiment was conducted through a three-compartment partition system to clarify the effects of Funneliformis mosseae (F. mosseae) strain BGC XJ07A on the physiological growth of root-pruned Robinia pseudoacacia seedlings. Five root pruning treatments (zero, one-fifth, one-fourth, one-third and one-half of the taproot length were removed) were applied to noninoculated seedlings and those inoculated with F. mosseae. The results showed that the presence of F. mosseae significantly increased the shoot and root biomasses, leaf photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate. The root projected area, root surface area, average root diameter, root density, root volume and number of root tips of the inoculated seedlings were higher than those without inoculation in all root pruning treatments. The root cytokinin, gibberellins and indole-3-acetic acid concentrations, but root abscisic acid concentration, were higher than those measured in the absence of inoculation in all root pruning treatments. Moreover, the changes in the root endogenous hormone concentrations of the seedlings were closely related to the root morphological development and seedling biomass. The AMF increased the soil available nitrogen, soil available phosphorus, soil available potassium and soil organic matter concentrations compared with the noninoculated treatment. These results indicate that AMF can alleviate the adverse effects of root pruning on the physiological growth of R. pseudoacacia and soil properties, and can provide a basis for AMF application to forest cultivation and the sustainable development of forest ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhua Sun
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Wenhua Road of Jinshui District in Zhengzhou City of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Zheng Rong
- Henan Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Center, No. 10 Xueli Road, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Liu Yang
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Wenhua Road of Jinshui District in Zhengzhou City of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Qimeng Zhu
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Wenhua Road of Jinshui District in Zhengzhou City of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Yabo Yuan
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Wenhua Road of Jinshui District in Zhengzhou City of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Zhipei Feng
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Wenhua Road of Jinshui District in Zhengzhou City of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Limei Li
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Wenhua Road of Jinshui District in Zhengzhou City of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Nixuan Li
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Wenhua Road of Jinshui District in Zhengzhou City of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Wenhua Road of Jinshui District in Zhengzhou City of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Shaoxin Guo
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Wenhua Road of Jinshui District in Zhengzhou City of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450002, China
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Wu Y, Guo Q, Long C, El-Kassaby YA, Sun Y, Li Y. Transcriptomic and Phenotypic Analyses Reveal the Molecular Mechanism of Dwarfing in Tetraploid Robinia pseudoacacia L. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1312. [PMID: 38279314 PMCID: PMC10816058 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Polyploid breeding techniques aid in the cultivation of new forestry cultivars, thus expanding the suite of strategies for the improvement of arboreal traits and innovation within the field of forestry. Compared to diploid Robinia pseudoacacia L. (black locust) 'D26-5①' (2×), its dwarfed homologous tetraploid 'D26-5②' (4×) variety has better application prospects in garden vegetation guardrails and urban landscape. However, the molecular mechanism of the generation and growth of this dwarf variety is still unclear. Here, plant growth and development as well as histological differences between the diploid and its autotetraploid were investigated. Levels of endogenous hormones at three different developmental stages (20, 40, and 70 days) of 2× and homologous 4× tissue culture plantlets were assessed, and it was found that the brassinosteroid (BR) contents of the former were significantly higher than the latter. Transcriptome sequencing data analysis of 2× and homologous 4× showed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were significantly enriched in plant hormone synthesis and signal transduction, sugar and starch metabolism, and the plant circadian rhythm pathway, which are closely related to plant growth and development. Therefore, these biological pathways may be important regulatory pathways leading to dwarfism and slow growth in tetraploids. Additionally, utilizing weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA), we identified three crucial differentially expressed genes (DEGs)-PRR5, CYP450, and SPA1-that potentially underlie the observed ploidy variation. This study provides a new reference for the molecular mechanism of dwarfism in dwarfed autotetraploid black locusts. Collectively, our results of metabolite analysis and comparative transcriptomics confirm that plant hormone signaling and the circadian rhythm pathway result in dwarfism in black locusts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Engineering Technology Research Center of Black Locust of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; (Y.W.)
| | - Qi Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Engineering Technology Research Center of Black Locust of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; (Y.W.)
| | - Cui Long
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Engineering Technology Research Center of Black Locust of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; (Y.W.)
| | - Yousry A. El-Kassaby
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences Faculty of Forestry, The University of British Columbia, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada;
| | - Yuhan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Engineering Technology Research Center of Black Locust of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; (Y.W.)
| | - Yun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Engineering Technology Research Center of Black Locust of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; (Y.W.)
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10
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Csiszár Á, Winkler D, Bartha D, Zagyvai G. Diverse Interactions: Root-Nodule Formation and Herb-Layer Composition in Black Locust ( Robinia pseudoacacia) Stands. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3253. [PMID: 37765417 PMCID: PMC10534852 DOI: 10.3390/plants12183253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
The black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) is the second-most abundant deciduous tree in forest plantations, and one of the most important invasive woody species worldwide. The species has a strong transformer capacity, especially expressed by its nitrogen enrichment effect caused by nitrogen-fixing bacteria living in its root-nodules. The aim of this study was to explore the mutually interacting factors of nitrogen-fixing root-nodules, site characteristics, and herb-layer composition of 28 North Hungarian black locust stands. In the herb-layers of the study sites, a total of 121 plant species were identified, representing a relatively low species richness. The studied black locust stands showed high variability both in their herb-layer compositions and root-nodule formation, but no clear relationship could be demonstrated between these characteristics. The PCA component with which the species richness and Shannon-Wiener diversity index were strongly correlated was negatively associated with all root-nodule parameters (number, surface area, and weight), supporting the biodiversity-reducing effect of black locust by its nitrogen-fixing bacteria. All of the root-nodule parameters were negatively correlated with the PCA factor predominantly determined by stand age, confirming that the root-nodule biomass decreases as time progresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ágnes Csiszár
- Institute of Environmental Protection and Nature Conservation, 9400 Sopron, Hungary; (D.B.); (G.Z.)
| | - Dániel Winkler
- Institute of Wildlife Biology and Management, University of Sopron, 9400 Sopron, Hungary;
| | - Dénes Bartha
- Institute of Environmental Protection and Nature Conservation, 9400 Sopron, Hungary; (D.B.); (G.Z.)
| | - Gergely Zagyvai
- Institute of Environmental Protection and Nature Conservation, 9400 Sopron, Hungary; (D.B.); (G.Z.)
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11
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Uzelac M, Sladonja B, Šola I, Dudaš S, Bilić J, Famuyide IM, McGaw LJ, Eloff JN, Mikulic-Petkovsek M, Poljuha D. Invasive Alien Species as a Potential Source of Phytopharmaceuticals: Phenolic Composition and Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activity of Robinia pseudoacacia L. Leaf and Flower Extracts. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:2715. [PMID: 37514330 PMCID: PMC10385011 DOI: 10.3390/plants12142715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.), an invasive tree in Europe, commonly known for its negative impact on biodiversity, is a rich source of phenolic compounds recognized in traditional medicine. Since the metabolite profile depends on the environment and climate, this study aimed to provide the first LC-MS phytochemical screening of the black locust from the Istria region (Croatia). The compounds were extracted from leaves and flowers with 70% ethanol and 80% methanol. Total phenolics (TP) and flavonoids (TF), as well as antioxidant capacity (AC) measured by ABTS (17.49-146.41 mg TE/g DW), DPPH (24.67-118.49 mg TE/g DW), and FRAP (7.38-77.53 mg TE/g DW) assays, were higher in leaf than in flower extracts. Higher TP and total non-flavonoid (TNF) values were displayed in ethanolic than in methanolic extracts. In total, 64 compounds were identified, of which flavonols (20) and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives (15) were the most represented. Flavanols such as catechin dominated in leaf extracts, followed by flavonols, with kaempferol glucuronyl rhamnosyl hexosides as the main compound, respectively. Flower extracts had the highest share of flavones, followed by ellagitannins, with luteolin dirhamnosyl hexosides and vescalagin, respectively, being predominant. The extracts had good quorum sensing, biofilm formation prevention, and eradicating capacity. The results provided new insights into the phytochemical properties of R. pseudoacacia as the first step toward its potential pharmaceutical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirela Uzelac
- Department of Agriculture and Nutrition, Institute of Agriculture and Tourism, Karla Huguesa 8, 52440 Poreč, Croatia
| | - Barbara Sladonja
- Department of Agriculture and Nutrition, Institute of Agriculture and Tourism, Karla Huguesa 8, 52440 Poreč, Croatia
| | - Ivana Šola
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Slavica Dudaš
- Agricultural Department, Polytechnic of Rijeka, Karla Huguesa 6, 52440 Poreč, Croatia
| | - Josipa Bilić
- METRIS Research Centre, Istrian University of Applied Sciences, Zagrebačka 30, 52100 Pula, Croatia
| | - Ibukun M Famuyide
- Phytomedicine Programme, Paraclinical Sciences Department, University of Pretoria, P/Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Lyndy J McGaw
- Phytomedicine Programme, Paraclinical Sciences Department, University of Pretoria, P/Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Jacobus N Eloff
- Phytomedicine Programme, Paraclinical Sciences Department, University of Pretoria, P/Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Maja Mikulic-Petkovsek
- Department of Agronomy, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Danijela Poljuha
- Department of Agriculture and Nutrition, Institute of Agriculture and Tourism, Karla Huguesa 8, 52440 Poreč, Croatia
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12
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Ottinger SL, Miniat CF, Wurzburger N. Nitrogen and light regulate symbiotic nitrogen fixation by a temperate forest tree. Oecologia 2023; 201:565-574. [PMID: 36637524 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-023-05313-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) is a critical mechanism of ecosystem recovery, and in forests of the eastern United States, the most common tree species that supports SNF is black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.). Despite its prevalence, black locust's fixation strategy-whether it maintains fixation at a constant rate (obligate fixation) or reduces its fixation rate (facultative fixation)-is unknown. Here, we examined how nitrogen and light control SNF by black locust, by growing seedlings under two nitrogen levels and across four levels of light. Seedlings were harvested after 12 weeks to determine biomass changes, nodule activity, and photosynthetic rates. Black locust seedlings increased biomass growth with increasing light, but only in the absence of nitrogen addition, while seedling root:shoot (biomass) modestly declined with increasing light regardless of nitrogen level. We found that black locust behaved like a facultative fixer, and regulated fixation by excising or maintaining nodules, and by controlling nodule biomass and activity. Specifically, nitrogen addition reduced seedling investment in nodule biomass (g g-1) by 63%, and reduced seedling allocation to nitrogen fixation (µmol C2H4 g-1 h-1) by 66%. In contrast, light affected nitrogen fixation through two indirect pathways. First, light increased plant growth, and hence nitrogen demands, which caused an increase in nitrogen fixation proportional to biomass. Second, light increasd photosynthetic activity, which was positively associated with nodule activity, but only in the absence of nitrogen addition. Our findings for how black locust regulates SNF can improve predictions of ecosystem SNF under the changing environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chelcy Ford Miniat
- USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Nina Wurzburger
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
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13
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Staszak AM, Ratajczak E, Leśniewska J, Piotrowska-Niczyporuk A, Kostro-Ambroziak A. A broad spectrum of host plant responses to the actions of the gall midge: case study of Robinia pseudoacacia L. and Obolodiplosis robiniae (Haldeman). BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 23:19. [PMID: 36627562 PMCID: PMC9830809 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-022-03914-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to provide insights into plant-insect interaction during the formation and development of open gall structure on the leaves of Robinia pseudoacacia during gall formation by Obolodiplosis robiniae. This was the first time such far-reaching studies were performed at a biochemical and anatomical level. The gall wall is created from a few thick cells covered with epidermis. This parenchymatous nutritive tissue is rich in starch. Sclerenchyma only occurs around the vascular bundles as a result of the lignification of the parenchyma of the bundle sheaths. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the new structure was reduced and catalase activity was inhibited, which suggests another pathway of ROS decomposition - e.g. by ascorbate or glutathione peroxidase. The gall structure was combined with an increasing level of protein and non-protein thiols. Phenols seems to be a good protective factor; whose level was lower in infected leaflets. Levels of MUFA (monosaturated fatty acids) and SFA (saturated fatty acids) rose, probably as source of food for insects. The amount of fatty acid is positively correlated with the plant response. We detected that non infected leaflets produced C6:0 (hexanoic acid) and C8:0 (octanoic acid) fatty acids connected with odor. Changes in gall color as they develop are connected with photosynthetic pigments degradation (mainly chlorophylls) where the pathway of astaxanthin transformation to fatty acid is considered to be the most important process during gall maturation. Nutritive tissue is composed mainly of octadecanoic acid (C18:0) - a main source of food for O. robiniae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra M. Staszak
- Laboratory of Plant Physiology, Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bialystok, Ciołkowskiego 1J, 15-245 Białystok, Poland
| | - Ewelina Ratajczak
- Institute of Dendrology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Parkowa 5, 62-035 Kórnik, Poland
| | - Joanna Leśniewska
- Laboratory of Plant Physiology, Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bialystok, Ciołkowskiego 1J, 15-245 Białystok, Poland
| | - Alicja Piotrowska-Niczyporuk
- Laboratory of Plant Biochemistry, Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bialystok, Ciołkowskiego 1J, 15-245 Białystok, Poland
| | - Agata Kostro-Ambroziak
- Laboratory of Insects Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Department of Genetic and Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bialystok, Ciołkowskiego 1J, 15-245 Białystok, Poland
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14
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Nano Ag/Co 3O 4 Catalyzed Rapid Decomposition of Robinia pseudoacacia Bark for Production Biofuels and Biochemicals. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 15:polym15010114. [PMID: 36616464 PMCID: PMC9824563 DOI: 10.3390/polym15010114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomass energy has attracted widespread attention due to its renewable, storage, huge production and clean and pollution-free advantages. Using Robinia pseudoacacia bark (RPB) as raw material, biogas and bio-oil produced by pyrolysis of RPB were detected and analyzed by TG-DTG, TG-FTIR and PY-GC-MS under the action of nanocatalysis. TG results showed that CH4 and CO flammable gases were produced by pyrolysis. PY-GC-MS results showed that RPB was rapidly pyrolyzed to obtain alcohols, ketones, aldehydes and acids bio-oil. The content of phenolic substances was the highest, accounting for 32.18% of all substances.Nanocatalysis has a certain effect on RPB, accelerating the precipitation of pyrolysis products and improving the over-oxidation of bio-oil. In addition, the extracts of RPB were identified and analyzed by FTIR, NMR, GC-MS and LC-Q-TOF-MS, and more than 100 active ingredients, such as Betaine, Epicathin and β-sitosterol, were detected. Their applications as additive energy in other fields were explored. Therefore, Robinia pseudoacacia bark constitutes a fine biofeedstock for biofuels and biochemicals.
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15
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Nutritional Attributes and Phenolic Composition of Flower and Bud of Sophora japonica L. and Robinia pseudoacacia L. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27248932. [PMID: 36558062 PMCID: PMC9782067 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27248932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Sophora japonica L. (SJL) and Robinia pseudoacacia L. (RPL) are widely cultivated in China. However, the utilization of their main by-products are limited due to a lack of comprehensive nutritional attributes. Herein, the proximate composition, mineral elements, fatty acids, amino acids, monosaccharides, and phenolics were analyzed to investigate the nutritional attributes of SJL and RPL. Dietary fiber was the main ingredient in SJL and RPL, followed by protein and lipids. The content of Fe in SJL and RPL was highest, especially in flowers of SJL, reaching about 1179.51 mg/kg. The total unsaturated fatty acids accounted for 89.67% of the bud of SJL. Meanwhile, the essential amino acids contents of the flower and bud of SJL and RPL accounted for 35.95-40.59% of total amino acids. The flower of SJL (373.75 mg/g) exhibited the most abundant monosaccharides. Meanwhile, the total phenolics and flavonoid contents in the buds of SJL and RPL were significantly higher than that of the flower, implying the buds possessed better biological activity. Moreover, the bud of SJL possessed the most abundant phenolics. The results provided a reference for the development of functional food derived from SJL and RPL.
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16
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Akatov VV, Akatova TV, Eskina TG, Sazonets NM, Chefranov SG. Frequency of Occurrence and Level of Dominance of Alien and Native Species in Synanthropic Plant Communities of Southern Russia. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s2075111722040026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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17
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Assessment of Parectopa robiniella Clemens (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) Effect on Biochemical Parameters of Robinia pseudoacacia Under Conditions of an Industrial City in Steppe Ukraine. EKOLÓGIA (BRATISLAVA) 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/eko-2022-0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Antioxidant enzymatic activity and soluble protein content in Robinia pseudoacacia L. (black locust), invasive tree in Europe, plants were determined under feeding conditions of the caterpillars of Parectopa robiniella Clemens, 1863, invasive miner in Europe, in trees of three (I, II, III) age groups (5–10, 15–25, and 40 years). Biochemical analysis data showed significant differences between reference and experimental leaf samples in different urban ecosystems. There was no association between changes in catalase and peroxidase activity and protein content under the influence of leaf blotch miners depending on the tree age. Significant variability of proteins under P. robiniella influence was noted; the highest of its values were recorded in the leaves of ІІІ-aged trees. In most plantings (and especially in trees of age group III), an increase (1.2 to 2.7 times) in GPx activity or the absence of its changes was registered both in the ecologically favorable zone and in the locations affected by emissions from road transport and industrial enterprises. Plants of age groups I and II in the emission areas of metallurgical, pipe-rolling, and chemical industries experienced a significant decrease in GPx activity (by 20.2–44.6%) in the leaves damaged by the phytophage. In most of the plantings studied, catalase showed an increase/stability of its activity in all age groups of trees under condition of pest attack. The highest increase in САТ activity (2.1 times) was recorded in young R. pseudoacacia plants in an ecologically favorable area of the city.
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18
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Motti R, Paura B, Cozzolino A, de Falco B. Edible Flowers Used in Some Countries of the Mediterranean Basin: An Ethnobotanical Overview. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:plants11233272. [PMID: 36501312 PMCID: PMC9736219 DOI: 10.3390/plants11233272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Edible flowers are becoming an essential component of people's nutrition in the Mediterranean basin. In the last decades, many researchers also have focused their attention on the nutritional composition of the edible flowers, as well as their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, including studies on their safety issues. Despite the growing interest in the use of flowers in human nutrition, the ethnobotanical literature is lacking coverage of some important issues, particularly those which concern the use of flowers in the folk tradition. Only recently, a review regarding the contribution of 32 edible flowers to the Mediterranean diet was published. The aim of the present review is to document the plant lore regarding the wild and cultivated edible flowers consumed in the Mediterranean basin. Based on the 112 studies reviewed, we documented 251 taxa as being used in the Mediterranean basin as edible flowers. The plant species belong to 45 families and 141 genera. Asteraceae (54 taxa) is the most frequently cited family. Sambucus nigra L. is the most cited species. This study can be the basis for future research on the supposed bioactivity and toxicity of wild and cultivated flowers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Motti
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università, 100 Portici, 80055 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Bruno Paura
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Alessia Cozzolino
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università, 100 Portici, 80055 Naples, Italy
| | - Bruna de Falco
- Spanish Bank of Algae, Marine Biotechnology Center, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Muelle de Taliarte s/n, 35214 Telde, Spain
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19
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Wohlgemuth T, Gossner MM, Campagnaro T, Marchante H, van Loo M, Vacchiano G, Castro-Díez P, Dobrowolska D, Gazda A, Keren S, Keserű Z, Koprowski M, La Porta N, Marozas V, Nygaard PH, Podrázský V, Puchałka R, Reisman-Berman O, Straigytė L, Ylioja T, Pötzelsberger E, Silva JS. Impact of non-native tree species in Europe on soil properties and biodiversity: a review. NEOBIOTA 2022. [DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.78.87022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In the context of global change, the integration of non-native tree (NNT) species into European forestry is increasingly being discussed. The ecological consequences of increasing use or spread of NNTs in European forests are highly uncertain, as the scientific evidence is either constraint to results from case studies with limited spatial extent, or concerns global assessments that lack focus on European NNTs. For either case, generalisations on European NNTs are challenging to draw. Here we compile data on the impacts of seven important NNTs (Acacia dealbata, Ailanthus altissima, Eucalyptus globulus, Prunus serotina, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Quercus rubra, Robinia pseudoacacia) on physical and chemical soil properties and diversity attributes in Europe, and summarise commonalities and differences. From a total of 103 publications considered, studies on diversity attributes were overall more frequent than studies on soil properties. The effects on soil properties varied greatly among tree species and depended on the respective soil property. Overall, increasing (45%) and decreasing (45%) impacts on soil occurred with similar frequency. In contrast, decreasing impacts on biodiversity were much more frequent (66%) than increasing ones (24%). Species phylogenetically distant from European tree species, such as Acacia dealbata, Eucalyptus globulus and Ailanthus altissima, showed the strongest decreasing impacts on biodiversity. Our results suggest that forest managers should be cautious in using NNTs, as a majority of NNT stands host fewer species when compared with native tree species or ecosystems, likely reflected in changes in biotic interactions and ecosystem functions. The high variability of impacts suggests that individual NNTs should be assessed separately, but NNTs that lack European relatives should be used with particular caution.
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20
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Cacace C, García-Gil JC, Cocozza C, De Mastro F, Brunetti G, Traversa A. Effects of different pioneer and exotic species on the changes of degraded soils. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18548. [PMID: 36329111 PMCID: PMC9633587 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23265-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Soil degradation resulting from deforestation contributes to a dramatic decline in soil quality whose restoration must go through reforestation with pioneer species. We investigated the effects of cypress and black locust, pioneer but exotic species, on soil chemical properties and microbial and enzymatic activities of two marginal soils. The sampling sites were Lama Giulia and Locone lake in the Murge plateau of the Apulia Region, Italy. The soils at Lama Giulia presented a silty loam texture, while at Locone Lake site were sandy, and most likely due to the different texture, the former exhibited higher organic C, N, P and micronutrients contents than Locone Lake under black locust reforestation, despite the latter was reforested earlier. In addition, the higher microbial entropy and turnover of Locone Lake's soils suggested a less conservative soil state than Lama Giulia's soils. The effects of black locust reforestation at Lama Giulia on almost all soil parameters considered did not differ from those of the corresponding pasture, confirming the more conservative soil state in that site and suggesting that the time of reforestation was not enough to get differences between the reforested and not reforested soil. The soils reforested with cypress showed the significantly highest SOC, N, dissolved organic C and microbial biomass C content. In addition, it presented also the numerically largest dehydrogenase, phosphatase and β-glucosidase activities, soluble carbohydrates, and phenolic compounds content. These results may be ascribed to the longer litter deposition occurred in cypress soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Cacace
- grid.7644.10000 0001 0120 3326Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo, della Pianta e degli Alimenti, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Juan C. García-Gil
- grid.507470.10000 0004 1773 8538Instituto de Ciencias Agrarias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Serrano 115 bis, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Claudio Cocozza
- grid.7644.10000 0001 0120 3326Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo, della Pianta e degli Alimenti, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco De Mastro
- grid.7644.10000 0001 0120 3326Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo, della Pianta e degli Alimenti, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Gennaro Brunetti
- grid.7644.10000 0001 0120 3326Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo, della Pianta e degli Alimenti, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Andreina Traversa
- grid.7644.10000 0001 0120 3326Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo, della Pianta e degli Alimenti, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy
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21
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Dimitrova A, Csilléry K, Klisz M, Lévesque M, Heinrichs S, Cailleret M, Andivia E, Madsen P, Böhenius H, Cvjetkovic B, De Cuyper B, de Dato G, Ferus P, Heinze B, Ivetić V, Köbölkuti Z, Lazarević J, Lazdina D, Maaten T, Makovskis K, Milovanović J, Monteiro AT, Nonić M, Place S, Puchalka R, Montagnoli A. Risks, benefits, and knowledge gaps of non-native tree species in Europe. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.908464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Changing ecosystem conditions and diverse socio-economical events have contributed to an ingrained presence of non-native tree species (NNTs) in the natural and cultural European landscapes. Recent research endeavors have focused on different aspects of NNTs such as legislation, benefits, and risks for forestry, emphasizing that large knowledge gaps remain. As an attempt to fulfill part of these gaps, within the PEN-CAFoRR COST Action (CA19128) network, we established an open-access questionnaire that allows both academic experts and practitioners to provide information regarding NNTs from 20 European countries. Then, we integrated the data originating from the questionnaire, related to the country-based assessment of both peer-reviewed and grey literature, with information from available datasets (EUFORGEN and EU-Forest), which gave the main structure to the study and led to a mixed approach review. Finally, our study provided important insights into the current state of knowledge regarding NNTs. In particular, we highlighted NNTs that have shown to be less commonly addressed in research, raising caution about those characterized by an invasive behavior and used for specific purposes (e.g., wood production, soil recultivation, afforestation, and reforestation). NNTs were especially explored in the context of resilient and adaptive forest management. Moreover, we emphasized the assisted and natural northward migration of NNTs as another underscored pressing issue, which needs to be addressed by joint efforts, especially in the context of the hybridization potential. This study represents an additional effort toward the knowledge enhancement of the NNTs situation in Europe, aiming for a continuously active common source deriving from interprofessional collaboration.
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22
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FREQUENCY AND DEGREE OF DOMINATION OF ALIEN AND NATIVE SPECIES IN SYNANTHROPIC PLANT COMMUNITIES OF THE SOUTH OF RUSSIA. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.35885/1996-1499-15-3-02-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Despite the steady interest of biologists in the problem of invasions, the role of alien dominants in the formation of the vegetation cover of recipient regions has not yet been quantified. We compared the frequency and degree of dominance of alien and native plant species in nine sites of synanthropic vegetation in the vicinity of several settlements in the Republic of Adygea and the Krasnodar Territory (the Western Caucasus: the basins of the Belaya, Tuapse, and Agoy rivers; the Kuban-Azov Lowland). Within them, 1950 to 3683 (24847 in total) accounting plots of 1 m were established, on which the projective cover of the dominant species was estimated. The results showed that in the studied sites of synanthropic communities about 10% of the dominants identified were alien species. Compared to native dominants, they are characterized, on average (per species), by a slightly higher frequency of dominance and achievement of a coverage of more than 80% in most sites. At the same time, on average, for all sites, alien plant species dominate in 12% of the accounting plots (in different sites from 2 to 28%), and they reach coverages of more than 80% only on 2.9% of plots (0.04-7.7%). The species similarity between complexes of alien dominants in different sites is, on average, higher than the similarity of complexes of aboriginal dominants. This means that the strengthening of the positions of alien species leads to an increase in the homogeneity of synanthropic vegetation in southern Russia.
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Holoborodko KK, Sytnyk SA, Lovynska VM, Ivanko IA, Loza IM, Brygadyrenko VV. Impact of invasive species Parectopa robiniella (Gracillariidae) on fluorescence parameters of Robinia pseudoacacia in the conditions of the steppe zone of Ukraine. REGULATORY MECHANISMS IN BIOSYSTEMS 2022. [DOI: 10.15421/022242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Robinia pseudoacacia L. is one of the most common and environmentally adaptable introduced tree species which has become an important element of artificial afforestation and landscaping in Ukraine over the past 150 years. Throughout the history of its introduction on the territory of Ukraine, this species was considered resistant because of the absence of dangerous phytophages. At the beginning of the XXI century, the phytosanitary situation changed as the result of the penetration and rapid spread of a number of North American invasive phytophages. The appearance and distribution of the miner Parectopa robiniella (Clemens, 1863) (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae) feeding on R. pseudoacacia was recognized as the largest invasion in Ukraine. This paper considers the issues of studying the effect of P. robiniella caterpillars feeding on R. pseudoacacia in various forest-growing conditions in the steppe zone of Ukraine. The process of photosynthesis, as the most important physiological parameter, was chosen as indicator of condition. The study was conducted using biosensor technology which made it possible to measure the effect of caterpillar feeding on critical parameters of chlorophyll fluorescence (the Kautsky curve). The research has shown that the initial value of fluorescence induction was within the range of 196–284 RFU, and the maximum value of the background fluorescence parameter was recorded in undamaged leaves and under shading conditions. Both the effect of phytophages and the shading factor caused a significant decrease in the values of fluorescence induction of the “plateau” both in the conditions of an artificially washed sandbar, on the watershed area of a watershed-gully landscape, as well as on natural sandy-loam soil. The maximum values of photosynthetic fluorescence induction under the simultaneous influence of the studied factors had rather high variability. In contrast to the fluorescence induction parameter, the “plateau” of the highest maximum fluorescence induction was reached in the absence of pest damage under conditions of total shading. As revealed by dispersion and regression analyses, the maximum fluorescence index was most dependent on the amount of solar radiation and on the degree of the leaf surface damage by phytophages. Significantly higher values of the steady-state fluorescence induction parameter were determined in the absence of insect damage in both shading and lighting conditions. A statistically significant combined influence of abiotic and biotic factors on the “plateau” fluorescence induction parameter was determined in comparison with the mono-influence of individual factors. A highly significant dependence of the maximum efficiency indicator of primary photosynthesis processes on individual factors of exogenous influence was established, while the combined effect of these factors did not affect this parameter. The obtained data allow one to apply in practice the methods of analyzing chlorophyll fluorescence induction to establish the physiological state of tree flora in forest and garden farms.
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Huo H, Zong L, Liu Y, Chen W, Chen J, Wei G. Rhizobial HmuS pSym as a heme-binding factor is required for optimal symbiosis between Mesorhizobium amorphae CCNWGS0123 and Robinia pseudoacacia. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2022; 45:2191-2210. [PMID: 35419804 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14335] [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: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen-fixing root nodules are formed by symbiotic association of legume hosts with rhizobia in nitrogen-deprived soils. Successful symbiosis is regulated by signals from both legume hosts and their rhizobial partners. HmuS is a heme degrading factor widely distributed in bacteria, but little is known about the role of rhizobial hmuS in symbiosis with legumes. Here, we found that inactivation of hmuSpSym in the symbiotic plasmid of Mesorhizobium amorphae CCNWGS0123 disrupted rhizobial infection, primordium formation, and nitrogen fixation in symbiosis with Robinia pseudoacacia. Although there was no difference in bacteroids differentiation, infected plant cells were shrunken and bacteroids were disintegrated in nodules of plants infected by the ΔhmuSpSym mutant strain. The balance of defence reaction was also impaired in ΔhmuSpSym strain-infected root nodules. hmuSpSym was strongly expressed in the nitrogen-fixation zone of mature nodules. Furthermore, the HmuSpSym protein could bind to heme but not degrade it. Inactivation of hmuSpSym led to significantly decreased expression levels of oxygen-sensing related genes in nodules. In summary, hmuSpSym of M. amorphae CCNWGS0123 plays an essential role in nodule development and maintenance of bacteroid survival within R. pseudoacacia cells, possibly through heme-binding in symbiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibo Huo
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Le Zong
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wenfeng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences and Rhizobium Research Center, Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Soil Microbiology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Gehong Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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Kolyada NA, Chilakhsaeva EA, Gninenko YI, Kolyada AS. First Finding of Alien Species Nematus tibialis Newman, 1873 (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae) in the South of the Russian Far East. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s2075111722020072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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ALIEN AND NATIVE DOMINANTS HAVE A SIMILAR EFFECT ON THE SPECIES RICHNESS OF SYNANTHROPIC PLANT COMMUNITIES OF THE WESTERN CAUCASUS. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.35885/1996-1499-15-2-2-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
It remains unclear whether alien dominants, on average, have a stronger effect on the species richness of plant communities than native ones. We examined this issue on the example of 20 areas of synanthropic plant communities dominated by species of different biogeographic origin (the study area is the Western Caucasus, the Belaya River valley, 190-680 m above the sea level). Within each of them, samples of aboveground biomass were taken from 25-30 plots of 0.25 m with different coverings of dominants, which were then sorted by species and weighed. Analysis of the data has shown: 1) the average species richness of samples with a similar degree of dominance of alien and native species differs mainly insignificantly; 2) the close relationship between the degree of dominance of alien species and species richness is, on average, about the same as between the degree of dominance of native species and species richness; 3) the relationship between these characteristics in most cases can be satisfactorily explained on the basis of "energy-diversity" hypothesis; 4) the share of synanthropic plant species in communities with high participation of both alien and aboriginal dominants is not higher than in communities with low participation of these dominants. On the whole, our results indicate a similar and predominantly nonselective nature of the impact of alien and native dominants on accompanying species of communities.
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From Seed to Seedling: Influence of Seed Geographic Provenance and Germination Treatments on Reproductive Material Represented by Seedlings of Robinia pseudoacacia. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14095654] [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
The influence of the geographical origin of eight Romanian provenances of Robinia pseudoacacia on the characteristics of seeds, germination, and growth of seedlings in young stages of life was analyzed. Four experiments were undertaken to test seed germination (thermal treatment at distinct temperatures, mechanical scarification, acetone 90%, and biostimulator). The germination percentage showed that scarification treatment provided the best results among all treatments (41.7%). Seeds soaked in water at 100 °C provided the second-highest germination rate. Furthermore, the same two treatments also assured the highest values for the seedlings’ length. There were registered significant differences among the provenances for the analyzed characteristics, the seed germination capacity, and the growth rate of the seedlings in the first years of life. The study highlighted the resources that could ensure good quality of the reproductive forest material, which can be used in new afforestation and breeding programs. Pearson correlations and multivariate analysis provided interesting and useful information about R. pseudoacacia provenances and 13 characteristics of the seeds and seedlings, highlighting the relationship among them. The results could be of interest for the efficient use of forest genetic resources and the obtention of quality reproductive material in black locust.
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Cubino JP, Těšitel J, Fibich P, Lepš J, Chytrý M. Alien plants tend to occur in species-poor communities. NEOBIOTA 2022. [DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.73.79696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Invasive alien species can have severe negative impacts on natural ecosystems. These impacts may be particularly pronounced within ecological communities, where alien species can cause local extinctions. However, it is unclear whether individual alien plant species consistently occur in species-poor or species-rich communities across broad geographical scales and whether this pattern differs amongst habitat types. Using ~17,000 vegetation plots sampled across the Czech Republic, we calculated the median, range and skewness of the distribution in community species richness associated with 73 naturalised alien plant species. We compared the observed values with those obtained under a null expectation to test whether alien species occurred at random with respect to species richness in forest and grassland communities. We found that the relationship between the occurrence of alien species and the diversity of local plant communities was species-dependent and varied across habitats. Overall, however, alien species occurred in species-poor communities more often than expected by chance. These patterns were more pronounced in grasslands, where alien species also occurred in communities with a lower range of species richness than under random expectation. Our study represents one of the most comprehensive quantitative analyses relating alien plant invasion to resident community diversity at a broad geographical scale. This research also demonstrates that multi-species studies are needed to understand the processes of community assembly and to assess the impact of alien plant invasions on native diversity.
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Paganeli B, Toussaint A, Bueno CG, Fujinuma J, Reier Ü, Pärtel M. Dark diversity at home describes the success of cross‐continent tree invasions. DIVERS DISTRIB 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Paganeli
- Department of Botany Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences University of Tartu Tartu Estonia
| | - Aurèle Toussaint
- Department of Botany Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences University of Tartu Tartu Estonia
| | - Carlos Guillermo Bueno
- Department of Botany Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences University of Tartu Tartu Estonia
| | - Junichi Fujinuma
- Department of Botany Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences University of Tartu Tartu Estonia
| | - Ülle Reier
- Department of Botany Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences University of Tartu Tartu Estonia
| | - Meelis Pärtel
- Department of Botany Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences University of Tartu Tartu Estonia
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Allometric Models for Estimating the Height of Robinia pseudoacacia L. in Restoration Plantations. LAND 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/land11040471] [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
In this study, we aimed to develop height growth models using forest data with the measured total height, bole height and diameter at breast height, targeting Robiniapseudoacacia plantations of various ages, located in restoration plantations of former mining areas of a lignite center in Northwestern Greece. To achieve this goal, 24 circular plots were randomly established in plantations of different ages. Eleven models were tested for data fit, and the selection of the models was based on three statistical criteria. The developed models revealed that black locust plantations grow well, thus being an excellent species for the restoration of former mines. There is no comparison between pre- and post-mining areas, thus site quality and other aspects are not taken into account; our models give a basis for assessments of areas affected by mining.
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THE FIRST FINDING OF ALIEN SPECIES <i>NEMATUS TIBIALIS</i> NEWMAN, 1873 (HYMENOPTERA: TENTHREDINIDAE) IN THE SOUTH OF THE RUSSIAN FAR EAST. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.35885/1996-1499-15-1-71-75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In the south of the Russian Far East, an alien North American species Newman, 1873, was registered for the first time. The insect develops on the main food plant, L., cultivated in the Gorno-Taezhnoye settlement and in the arboretum of the Gorno-Taezhnaya Station of the Federal Research Center of Biodiversity of Terrestrial Biota of East Asia, FEB RAS. The degree of damage is small; one larva is localized on the leaf. There is no decrease in decorativeness. Nevertheless, due to the fairly widespread use of in the landscaping of the region, further spread of its phytophage Nematus tibialis is possible. To assess the spread of the pest in the south of the Far East and evaluate the harm it causes, it is necessary to monitor plantations of Robinia pseudoacacia in other settlements of the region.
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Detection of Invasive Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) in Small Woody Features Using Spatiotemporal Compositing of Sentinel-2 Data. REMOTE SENSING 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/rs14040971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Recognition of invasive species and their distribution is key for managing and protecting native species within both natural and man-made ecosystems. Small woody features (SWF) represent fragmented patches or narrow linear tree features that are of high importance in intensively utilized agricultural landscapes. Simultaneously, they frequently serve as expansion pathways for invasive species such as black locust. In this study, Sentinel-2 products, combined with spatiotemporal compositing approaches, are used to address the challenge of broad area black locust mapping at a high granularity. This is accomplished by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the classification performance of various compositing approaches and multitemporal classification settings throughout four vegetation seasons. The annual, seasonal (bi-monthly), and monthly median values of cloud-masked Sentinel-2 reflectance products are aggregated and stacked into varied time-series datasets per given year. The random forest algorithm is trained and output classification maps validated based on field-based reference datasets across Danubian lowlands (Slovakia). The main results of the study proved the usefulness of spatiotemporal compositing of Sentinel-2 products for mapping black locust in small woody features across wide area. In particular, temporally aggregated monthly composites stacked to seasonal time series datasets yielded consistently high overall accuracies ranging from 89.10% to 91.47% with balanced producer’s and user’s accuracies for each year’s annual series. We presume that a similar approach could be used for a broader scale species distribution mapping, assuming they are spectrally or phenologically distinctive, as is often the case for many invasive species.
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Comparison of Juvenile, Drought Tolerant Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) Clones with Regard to Plant Physiology and Growth Characteristics in Eastern Hungary: Early Evaluation. FORESTS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/f13020292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: The aim of our study is to present the results of initial growth and plant physiology studies of newly selected, vegetative propagated black locust clones, with a view to assess their suitability for the establishment of fast growing tree plantations for the production of high quality timber in marginal (semi-arid) sites. (2) Methods: In the spring (May) and autumn (November) of 2021, full inventories were carried out in the black locust industrial tree plantation. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values were observed monthly from May to September 2021. For measuring the assimilation parameters the net assimilation, transpiration, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 concentration, and other physiological parameters were recorded. (3) Results: Robinia pseudoacacia ‘NK2′ clone showed the highest assimilation rate and it produced the most height increment in the growing season, from May 2021 to November 2021. The discriminant analysis classified successfully the black locust clones, 86.7% of original grouped cases were correctly classified. (4) Conclusions: The study of industrial tree plantations is of great practical importance. As black locust can tolerate even marginal site conditions, the lack of timber can be reduced in the future by establishing black locust industrial tree plantations. To be able to produce good quality industrial wood on the plantations, it is essential to study the phytophysiological properties of the trees (biomass production, vegetation activity of plants, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic activity) in addition to the traditional stand full inventories.
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EU-Trees4F, a dataset on the future distribution of European tree species. Sci Data 2022; 9:37. [PMID: 35115529 PMCID: PMC8813948 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-022-01128-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
We present "EU-Trees4F", a dataset of current and future potential distributions of 67 tree species in Europe at 10 km spatial resolution. We provide both climatically suitable future areas of occupancy and the future distribution expected under a scenario of natural dispersal for two emission scenarios (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) and three time steps (2035, 2065, and 2095). Also, we provide a version of the dataset where tree ranges are limited by future land use. These data-driven projections were made using an ensemble species distribution model calibrated using EU-Forest, a comprehensive dataset of tree species occurrences for Europe, and driven by seven bioclimatic parameters derived from EURO-CORDEX regional climate model simulations, and two soil parameters. "EU-Trees4F", can benefit various research fields, including forestry, biodiversity, ecosystem services, and bio-economy. Possible applications include the calibration or benchmarking of dynamic vegetation models, or informing forest adaptation strategies based on assisted tree migration. Given the multiple European policy initiatives related to forests, this dataset represents a timely and valuable resource to support policymaking.
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Response of Poplar Leaf Transcriptome to Changed Management and Environmental Conditions in Pure and Mixed with Black Locust Stands. FORESTS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/f13020147] [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
Mixed cropping in short rotation coppice can be an alternative to monocultures. To design optimized mixtures, field trials are needed. Poplar, as an economically important and fast-growing species, and black locust, as a nitrogen-fixing species, are promising candidates for such studies. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to monitor effects of mixed and pure cultivations on the gene expression of poplar along with growth measurements during 2017 and 2018. Both biomass production and leaf transcriptomes revealed a strong competition pressure of black locust and the abiotic environment on poplar trees. Gene expression differed between the two study sites and pure and mixed stands. Shading effects from black locust caused the downregulation of photosynthesis and upregulation of shade avoidance genes in mixed stands in 2017. As a result of higher light availability after cutting black locust, plant organ development genes were upregulated in mixed stands in 2018. Drought conditions during the summer of 2018 and competition for water between the two species caused the upregulation of drought stress response genes in mixed stands and at the unfavorable growing site. Further investigations are required to discover the mechanisms of interspecific competition and to develop stand designs, which could increase the success and productivity of mixed plantations.
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Dependence of the Distribution and Structure of the White Mulberry ( Morus alba) Population in Wrocław on the Intensity of Anthropopressure and Thermal Conditions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19020838. [PMID: 35055660 PMCID: PMC8776231 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19020838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The selection of species which show the highest possible tolerance to negative habitat conditions, also among plants of foreign origin, is a pressing issue. One of the species we would like to recommend for planting in urban areas is the white mulberry species (Morus alba) due to both its outstanding adaptability and its ecosystem services. There are no reliable studies on the distribution of this species in urbanized areas in Poland, nor sufficient analyses of the methods of its renewal, both deliberate and spontaneous spread through self-seeding. Collecting data on the population of an alien species within individual regions and forecasting potential changes in the population’s size and structure, as well as its possible impacts on other organisms, is one of the basic measures to reduce biological invasions, which is one of the six priority objectives of the European Biodiversity Strategy and an element of the Strategy on Invasive Alien Species. The aim of this study was to determine the size and structure of the white mulberry population in the city of Wrocław and to analyse the relationship between this structure and intensity of anthropopressure and thermal conditions.
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Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Robinia pseudoacacia Depending on the Origin of Different Geographic Provenances. DIVERSITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/d14010034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is recognised as a forest species of interest due to its multiple uses. The management of forest genetic resources and their efficient conservation suffer from variations in traits and start with seed germination. The aim of the current study was to investigate the germination of seeds obtained from plus trees selected in eight Romanian provenances, as well as to investigate the influence of the origin upon plants’ growth and development. Two experiments were undertaken to test seed germination: one treatment involved water-soaked seeds and heat/cold treatment, while the other treatment was based on sulphuric acid, at different concentrations (50, 70, 90%). The results were correlated with the morphological analysis of the seeds. Satu-Mare had the lowest germination rate within both treatments. Sulphuric acid did not improve seed germination as much as the heat treatment. The highest germination rate occurred for the water and temperature treatment on seeds from Bihor provenance (68.2%). The most distant provenance was Bihor, in inverse correlation with Bistrița Năsăud and grouped separately within the hierarchical dendrogram of cluster analysis based on the analysed parameters of the provenances investigated. The results demonstrated that the genotypes and environmental heterogeneity of the seed origin within the provenances may finally result in different performances.
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Anđelković AA, Pavlović DM, Marisavljević DP, Živković MM, Novković MZ, Popović SS, Cvijanović DL, Radulović SB. Plant invasions in riparian areas of the Middle Danube Basin in Serbia. NEOBIOTA 2022. [DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.71.69716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Riparian areas experience strong invasion pressures worldwide and represent important points of spread for invasive alien plants (IAPs) in the European mainland. The Danube Basin is a well-known point of high plant invasion levels. Given that the middle part of the Danube Basin is critically understudied and the general lack of data for Serbia, the study aimed to provide an insight into the spatial patterns of plant invasions in the riparian areas of Serbia (Middle Danube Basin area). A total of 250 field sites, distributed along 39 rivers (nine catchment areas) and six canal sections, were studied during a four-year period (2013–2016) for the presence and abundance of IAPs. At the landscape scale, we studied distribution patterns of IAPs, differences in invasion levels in different catchment areas and between rivers and canals. At the local scale, we investigated how the proximity to roads/railway lines, housing areas, different land-use types (primarily agriculture), and dominant vegetation on site related to invasion patterns. Of the 26 studied IAPs, those with a well-known weedy behavior, long history of cultivation and strong affinity for riparian areas prevailed in the study area. Riparian zones of the Danube catchment exhibited the highest invasion levels in terms of IAPs richness and abundance, followed by the catchment areas of the Timok, Sava and Zapadna Morava rivers. Surprisingly, the Danube-Tisa-Danube canal network had the lowest invasion level. At the local scale, agriculture in proximity of the field site and dominant vegetation on site were observed as significant predictors of the invasion level. On the other hand, proximity to roads/railway lines and housing areas was not related to the invasion level. Finally, our study provides the first systematic overview of IAPs’ distribution data for riparian areas of the Middle Danube Basin in Serbia, which could provide a basis for long-term monitoring of IAPs and development of future management plans.
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Yuan H, Hu B, Liu Z, Sun H, Zhou M, Rennenberg H. Physiological responses of black locust-rhizobia symbiosis to water stress. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2022; 174:e13641. [PMID: 35112359 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.13641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The present study explores the interaction of water supply and rhizobia inoculation on CO2 and H2 O gas exchange characteristics, physiological and biochemical traits in seedlings of Robinia pseudoacacia L. originating from two provenances with contrasting climate and soil backgrounds: the Gansu Province (GS) in northwest China and the Dongbei region (DB) of northeast China. Rhizobia strains were isolated from the 50-years old Robinia forest sites grown in the coastal region of east China. Robinia seedlings with and without rhizobia inoculation were exposed to normal water supply, moderate drought, and rewatering treatments, respectively. After 2 weeks of drought treatment, photosynthetic and physiological traits (net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, stable isotope signature of carbon, malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide content) of Robinia leaves were significantly altered, but after rewatering, a general recovery was observed. Rhizobia inoculation significantly increased the drought resistance of both Robinia provenances by promoting photosynthesis, increasing the foliar N content and reducing the accumulation of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide. Among the two provenances, DB plants developed more nodules than GS plants, but GS plants were more drought-tolerant than DB plants, both inoculated or noninoculated, indicated by the foliar gas exchange parameters and biochemical traits studied. Our results also show that inoculation of rhizobia could significantly improve the drought resistance of Robinia in both provenances. The present study contributes to the scientific background for the selection of drought-resistant varieties of Robinia to ensure the success of future afforestation projects in degraded terrestrial ecosystems under global climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yuan
- Center of Molecular Ecophysiology (CMEP), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bin Hu
- Center of Molecular Ecophysiology (CMEP), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhenshan Liu
- Center of Molecular Ecophysiology (CMEP), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongguang Sun
- Center of Molecular Ecophysiology (CMEP), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mi Zhou
- Center of Molecular Ecophysiology (CMEP), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Heinz Rennenberg
- Center of Molecular Ecophysiology (CMEP), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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Changes in Habitat Conditions of Invaded Forest Communities in Podunajská Nížina and the Impact of Non-Native Species on Biodiversity (SW Slovakia). EKOLÓGIA (BRATISLAVA) 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/eko-2021-0038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
With the phytocenological research of riparian mixed forests and pannonic woods in the Podunajská nížina in 2018 and 2019, we obtained 113 phytocenological relevés of invaded and non-invaded stands. Using the Modified Permutation Test, we derived modified Ellenberg indication values (EIVs) in order to determine statistically significant differences and correlation relationships between diversity indices and EIVs. We recorded 15 invasive species in the stands, for example, Ailanthus altissima, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Asclepias syriaca, Aster lanceolatus, Helianthus tuberosus, Impatiens parviflora, Negundo aceroides, Solidago canadensis, S. gigantea and Robinia pseudoacacia. We also confirmed the occurrence of species important for conservation: Epipactis helleborine agg., E. voethii, Cephalanthera longifolia, Clematis integrifolia and the like. We tested the statistical significance of EIVs as explanatory variables by redundancy analysis and Monte Carlo permutation test (stepwise selection, number of permutations 499, p < 0.05). In addition to the EIV continentality, the contribution of light, moisture, nutrients, soil reaction and temperature was higher than random. The model explains 20.21% of the variability pursuant to the coefficient of determination (R
2), with its adjusted (more accurate) variant (R
2
adj) capturing 15.70% of the variability of the model. Using the Kruskal–Wallis test, we confirmed the statistically significant differences (p*) in mean values between count of species, Shannon–Wiener index, Simpson dominance index and taxonomic diversity of invaded and non-invaded vegetation. For EIVs, we found significant differences in the mean values for moisture and soil reaction factors. In our model, count of species, Shannon–Wiener index, Simpson dominance index and taxonomic diversity index were positively correlated with invaded stands. Non-invaded stands showed statistically significant negative correlation with the EIVs moisture, soil reaction and nutrients. Biotic indices are appropriate and sensitive metrics for assessing the rate of community invasion. Lowland riparian forests are dynamic ecosystems through the structure of their stands and the dynamics of the nutrient and energy cycle of the river landscape. After disturbance (fire, wind, logging), the high degree of invasibility makes them vulnerable to the infiltration and spread of non-native species, which is a problem, especially in protected areas.
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The Properties of Black Locust Robinia pseudoacacia L. to Selectively Accumulate Chemical Elements from Soils of Ecologically Transformed Areas. FORESTS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/f13010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The black locust Robinia pseudoacacia L. is a common species that originated from North America. In Europe, it is an invasive and introduced plant. Due to its low habitat requirements and ecological plasticity, this species colonizes new anthropogenically transformed areas quickly. This study investigated the chemical composition of selected tissues of Robinia pseudoacacia L. in five various habitats with different levels of anthropopression conditions in southern Poland. The presented research aimed to compare the chemical composition of black locust parts tissues (leaves, branches, and seeds) and the soil under its canopy. To determine the heavy metal contamination and enrichment in soil, the geoaccumulation index, enrichment factor, contamination factor, pollution load index, and potential ecological risk index were calculated. The results showed that all examined soils are considerably or very highly contaminated and the main heavy metals, which pollute the studied samples, are cadmium (1.3–3.91 ppm), lead (78.17–157.99 ppm), and zinc (129.77–543.97 ppm). Conducted research indicates that R. pseudoacacia leaves are the primary carrier of potentially toxic elements. Due to low bioaccumulation factor (BAF) values, it is clear that black locusts do not accumulate contaminants in such amounts that it would pose risk to its use in degraded area reclamation. The obtained results showed that R. pseudoacacia is able to grow in a wide range of habitats and could be applied for greening urban habitats and disturbed ecosystems caused by industry.
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Printz L, Tschapka M, Vogeler A. The common noctule bat ( Nyctalus noctula): population trends from artificial roosts and the effect of biotic and abiotic parameters on the probability of occupation. JOURNAL OF URBAN ECOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/jue/juab033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
As urbanization and intense forestry management are increasing, natural bat roosting opportunities, e.g. tree cavities, are constantly declining. A common management practice, especially in urban environments, is the installation of bat boxes. We assessed (1) abundance trends inside artificial bat boxes of the noctule bat (Nyctalus noctula) over 11 years in Neu-Ulm, Germany, and identified (2) parameters affecting the occupation rate. Further, we compared (3) abundance of noctule bats in bat boxes between areas with large availability of natural roosts (forests) and urban areas with primarily artificial roosting structures (parks). Our results revealed a severe decline of noctule bats over 11 years. Further, our results indicate that bat boxes cannot fully replace natural tree cavities. Nonetheless, they support roost availability in areas already altered and providing only low amounts of natural bat roosts. The findings of our study have important implications for the conservation of bats in urbanized landscapes and underline the importance of old and intact forests for local biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Printz
- Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee11, 89069 Ulm, Germany
| | - Marco Tschapka
- Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee11, 89069 Ulm, Germany
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado, 0843-03092 Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - Anna Vogeler
- Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee11, 89069 Ulm, Germany
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Bindewald A, Brundu G, Schueler S, Starfinger U, Bauhus J, Lapin K. Site-specific risk assessment enables trade-off analysis of non-native tree species in European forests. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:18089-18110. [PMID: 35003660 PMCID: PMC8717284 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-native tree species (NNT) are used in European forestry for many purposes including their growth performance, valuable timber, and resistance to drought and pest or pathogen damage. Yet, cultivating NNT may pose risks to biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and the provisioning of ecosystem services, and several NNT have been classified as invasive in Europe. Typically, such classifications are based on risk assessments, which do not adequately consider site-specific variations in impacts of the NNT or the extent of affected areas. Here, we present a new methodological framework that facilitates both mitigating risks associated with NNT and taking advantage of their ecosystem services. The framework is based on a stratified assessment of risks posed by NNT which distinguishes between different sites and considers effectiveness of available management strategies to control negative effects. The method can be applied to NNT that already occur in a given area or those NNT that may establish in future. The framework consists of eight steps and is partly based on existing knowledge. If adequate site-specific knowledge on NNT does not yet exist, new evidence on the risks should be obtained, for example, by collecting and analyzing monitoring data or modeling the potential distribution of NNT. However, limitations remain in the application of this method, and we propose several policy and management recommendations which are required to improve the responsible use of NNT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Bindewald
- Department of Forest ConservationForest Research Institute of Baden‐Württemberg (FVA)FreiburgGermany
- Chair of SilvicultureUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Giuseppe Brundu
- Department of Agricultural SciencesUniversity of SassariSassariItaly
| | | | - Uwe Starfinger
- Julius Kühn‐Institut (JKI)Federal Research Centre for Cultivated PlantsBraunschweigGermany
| | - Jürgen Bauhus
- Chair of SilvicultureUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
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Mally R, Ward SF, Trombik J, Buszko J, Medzihorský V, Liebhold AM. Non-native plant drives the spatial dynamics of its herbivores: the case of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) in Europe. NEOBIOTA 2021. [DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.69.71949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Non-native plants typically benefit from enemy release following their naturalization in non-native habitats. However, over time, herbivorous insects specializing on such plants may invade from the native range and thereby diminish the benefits of enemy release that these plants may experience. In this study, we compare rates of invasion spread across Europe of three North American insect folivores: the Lepidoptera leaf miners Macrosaccus robiniella and Parectopa robiniella, and the gall midge Obolodiplosis robiniae, that specialize on Robinia pseudoacacia. This tree species is one of the most widespread non-native trees in Europe. We find that spread rates vary among the three species and that some of this variation can be explained by differences in their life history traits. We also report that geographical variation in spread rates are influenced by distribution of Robinia pseudoacacia, human population and temperature, though Robinia pseudoacacia occurrence had the greatest influence. The importance of host tree occurrence on invasion speed can be explained by the general importance of hosts on the population growth and spread of invading species.
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Abstract
Forests (either natural or planted) play a key role in climate change mitigation due to their huge carbon-storing potential. In the 1980s, the Hellenic Public Power Corporation (HPPC) started the rehabilitation of lignite post-mining areas in Northwest Greece by planting mainly black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.). Today, these plantations occupy about 2570 ha, but the accumulation of Above Ground Biomass (AGB) and deadwood has not been assessed to date. Therefore, we aimed at estimating these biomass pools by calibrating an allometric model for AGB, performing an inventory for both pools and predicting the spatial distribution of AGB. 214 sample plots of 100 m2 each were set up through systematic sampling in a grid dimension of 500 × 500 m and tree dbh and height were recorded. AGB was estimated using an exponential allometric model and performing inventory measurements and was on average 57.6 t ha−1. Kriging analysis reliably estimated mean AGB, but produced errors in the prediction of high and low biomass values, related to the high fragmentation and heterogeneity of the studied area. Mean estimated AGB was low compared with European biomass yield tables for black locust. Similarly, standing deadwood was low (6–10%) and decay degrees were mostly 1 and 2, indicating recent deadwood formation. The overall low biomass accumulation in the studied black locust restoration plantations may be partially attributed to their young age (5–30 years old), but is comparable to that reported in black locust restoration plantation in extremely degraded sites. Thus, black locust successfully adapted to the studied depositions of former mines and its accumulated biomass has the potential to improve the carbon footprint of the region. However, the invasiveness of the species should be considered for future management planning of these restoration plantations.
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Deák B, Báthori F, Lőrinczi G, Végvári Z, Nagy DD, Mizser S, Torma A, Valkó O, Tóthmérész B. Functional composition of ant assemblages in habitat islands is driven by habitat factors and landscape composition. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20962. [PMID: 34697323 PMCID: PMC8546063 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00385-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragmented natural habitats within human-transformed landscapes play a key role in preserving biodiversity. Ants as keystone species are essential elements of terrestrial ecosystems; thus, it is important to understand the factors influencing their presence. In a large-scale multi-site study, we surveyed ant assemblages using sweep netting and D-vac sampling on 158 ancient burial mounds preserving grassland habitats in agricultural landscapes in East-Hungary. We asked the following questions: (1) How do habitat factors and landscape composition affect species richness and functional diversity of ants? (2) Which ant traits are affected by habitat factors and landscape composition? Despite their small sizes, mounds as permanent and relatively undisturbed landscape elements could provide safe havens for diverse ant assemblages even in transformed agricultural landscapes. The complex habitat structure of wooded mounds supported high species and functional diversity of ant assemblages. Ant species on wooded mounds had small or medium-sized colonies, enabling the co-existence of more species. The effect of landscape composition on ant assemblages was mediated by habitat factors: steep slopes buffered the negative effect of the cropland matrix and enabled higher ant diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balázs Deák
- Lendület Seed Ecology Research Group, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Centre for Ecological Research, Alkotmány út 2-4, Vácrátót, 2163, Hungary.,Lendület Landscape and Conservation Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Center for Ecological Research, Alkotmány út 2-4, Vácrátót, 2163, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Báthori
- Lendület Seed Ecology Research Group, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Centre for Ecological Research, Alkotmány út 2-4, Vácrátót, 2163, Hungary.,Evolutionary Ecology Research Group, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Centre for Ecological Research, Alkotmány út 2-4, Vácrátót, 2163, Hungary
| | - Gábor Lőrinczi
- Department of Ecology, University of Szeged, Közép Fasor 52, Szeged, 6726, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Végvári
- Institute of Aquatic Ecology, Centre for Ecological Research, Karolina út 29, Budapest, 1113, Hungary.,Senckenberg Deutsches Entomologisches Institut, Eberswalder Str. 90, 15374, Müncheberg, Germany
| | - Dávid D Nagy
- MTA-DE Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Research Group, Egyetem tér 1, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Szabolcs Mizser
- MTA-DE Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Research Group, Egyetem tér 1, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary.,Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Attila Torma
- Lendület Landscape and Conservation Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Center for Ecological Research, Alkotmány út 2-4, Vácrátót, 2163, Hungary.,Department of Ecology, University of Szeged, Közép Fasor 52, Szeged, 6726, Hungary
| | - Orsolya Valkó
- Lendület Seed Ecology Research Group, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Centre for Ecological Research, Alkotmány út 2-4, Vácrátót, 2163, Hungary.
| | - Béla Tóthmérész
- MTA-DE Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Research Group, Egyetem tér 1, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary.,Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
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Akatov VV, Akatova TV, Afanasyev DF, Eskina TG, Sushkova EG, Chefranov SG. Result of Impact of Dominants on Species Richness of Plant Communities: Ordered or Random Species Loss? RUSS J ECOL+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1067413621040032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Hu S, Jiao J, Kou M, Wang N, García-Fayos P, Liu S. Quantifying the effects of Robinia pseudoacacia afforestation on plant community structure from a functional perspective: New prospects for management practices on the hilly and gullied Loess Plateau, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 773:144878. [PMID: 33940705 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144878] [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: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Robinia pseudoacacia is regarded as a valuable but problematic plant due to its positive and negative environmental effects. A comprehensive and mechanistic understanding of the effects of R. pseudoacacia afforestation on ecosystems and striking a balance between ecosystem safety and functioning and R. pseudoacacia naturalization are crucially important. To achieve these goals, studying the community functional structure of R. pseudoacacia plantations is an essential prerequisite that remains understudied. Through quantifying and comparing the functional structure of R. pseudoacacia plantations and naturally restored communities relating to soil erosion control and plant ecology strategies along a 10-40-year chronosequence on the hilly and gullied Loess Plateau, China, we assessed the effects of R. pseudoacacia afforestation on plant community structure from a functional perspective. We found significant differences among restoration strategies in all the functional composition indices but only functional divergence (FDiv) indices, suggesting that the afforestation practice had a great impact on functional composition but not on functional diversity. Specifically, the plantations had relatively high community-weighted means (CWMs) of specific leaf area (SLA), plant height (PH), seed production, seed mass, root mean diameter, clonality and resprouting capacity and high FDivs of the leaf-height-seed scheme and persistence traits, partially suggesting that the exotic tree could naturalize and coexist with native plants in the study area. Moreover, the relatively high CWMs of woodiness, PH and SLA and high FDiv of erosion-control-related traits found in the plantations indicate that the plantations might have superiority in soil erosion control. R. pseudoacacia also had a homogenization effect on understory functional composition and divergence. Furthermore, we proposed a trait-based effect-and-response framework to find the balance, thus achieving sustainable coexistence of the exotic species with ecosystems. This study may provide new prospects for management practices of R. pseudoacacia plantations and a robust scaffold to maintain safe, resilient and functioning ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Hu
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China; State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Juying Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China.
| | - Meng Kou
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China; College of Resources & Environment and History & Culture, Xianyang Normal University, Xianyang 712000, China
| | - Ning Wang
- School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Patricio García-Fayos
- Centro de Investigaciones sobre Desertificación-CIDE (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-CSIC, Universidad de Valencia-UV, Generalitat Valenciana-GV), Moncada 46113, Valencia, Spain
| | - Shiqiang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
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50
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Impact of Tree Age and Size on Selected Properties of Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) Wood. FORESTS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/f12050634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) is a non-native tree species that occupies a remarkable area in the forests of western Poland. It is mainly cultivated for the bee-keeping purposes as well as for its high quality wood. We investigated the impact of tree age and diameter on the selected structural, physical and mechanical attributes of wood of black locust that grows in conditions of mesic oligotrophic site. We analysed 200 samples originating from 18 trees that varied with age (38, 60 and 71 years old) and diameter (thin, medium and thick specimen selected according to Hartig’s method). Individual wood properties were determined along with corresponding European or Polish standards. Structural and mechanical attributes were determined for moisture of 12%. We found significant impact of tree age on tree-ring width, latewood proportion, density, oven-dry density, basic density, share of woody substance, porosity, as well as radial, tangential, longitudinal and volumetric shrinkage, compression strength parallel to grain, static bending, coefficient of compression strength parallel to grain and coefficient of static bending. The older the trees, the higher values of individual attributes were observed. In turn, the effect of tree diameter was less profound and no significant impact of that feature was found for latewood proportion, anisotropy and almost all of the shrinkage parameters. Thin trees exhibited the lowest values of the analysed parameters, while medium ones—the highest. In general, the highest technical quality of the investigated wood can be found in the youngest trees, whose wood characterises with the properties significantly exceeding native Polish tree species such as oak or beech.
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