Forests

Entomogenous fungi are one of the most diverse fungal groups among ascomycetes. During investigations of macro-fungi biodiversity in Kaihua and Putuo in Zhejiang Province, China, in 2021, several entomopathogenic fungal specimens were collected from subtropical forests. After a careful examination of morphology and multi-gene phylogenetic analyses applying nrSSU, nrLSU, tef1, rpb1 and rpb2, two novel species were discovered, described herein as Blackwellomyces kaihuaensis and Metarhizium putuoense, and further compared with other similar species. Detailed descriptions, color photographs of fresh specimen and figures illustrating microscopic features of the two new species are provided. Full article

This study aimed to verify the effects of prescribed personalized forest walking by considering individuals’ characteristics. To prescribe individualized exercise programs, we developed an algorithm to calculate exercise intensity based on each participant’s age, regular exercise, fatigue level, and chronic disease type, if any. To investigate the effects of forest walking on physical and mental health based on exercise prescription, we recruited 59 participants (average age: 39.1 ± 19.0 years old) aged 18 years or older. Physiological and psychological responses were compared before and after walking in the forest. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, percent body fat, negative affect, and emotional exhaustion significantly decreased, while the pulse rate significantly increased following the forest walking. Additionally, we investigated the effects of exercise relative to successfully maintaining one’s target heart rate and found that these effects were even greater when success score of maintaining the target heart rate while walking improved. Comparison of the groups relative to successfully achieving the target heart rate indicated that the high-achievement group had significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body fat mass, percent body fat, negative affect, and emotional exhaustion, and a significant increase in pulse rate. However, the low-achievement group only showed a significant reduction in emotional exhaustion. This study showed that prescribed forest walking has a positive impact on human health and is expected to have a positive effect on the motivation to start and continue exercising. Full article

Greece’s trade patterns in wood and wood products align with the broader trade dynamics in the Mediterranean region, where wood and wood products are primarily imported. Using Pettitt’s test, this study revealed a consistent decline in the production of selected wood and wood product categories in Greece, coupled with a noteworthy increase in imports. Following the economic crisis of 2008, a temporary dip in import trends in some categories was observed. Furthermore, Pettitt’s test helped identify the specific years when significant shifts occurred in the time series data. In the latter part of the analysis, the study underscored the significance of various factors within the wood removal production sector, including urbanization, economic growth, personal income, and the labor force. National imports of goods and wood fuel were also identified as playing pivotal roles at the national level. Recognizing the link between economic indicators and wood removals has the potential to inform decisions related to sustainable resource management, conservation initiatives, and strategies for economic development. Full article

Ecological significance of dormancy in desiccation-sensitive seeds is poorly understood. Quercus exhibits mutually exclusive occurrence of physiological (PD) and epicotyl dormancy (ePD), with no reported co-occurrence or dormancy class in other genera. We aimed to understand the dormancy in three Castanopsis species and document desiccation sensitivity and germination patterns concerning the embryonic axis position. We hypothesized that Castanopsis acorns are recalcitrant and potentially dormant. Fresh and cold-stratified acorns of Castanopsis chinensis, Castanopsis purpurella, and Castanopsis sclerophylla were subjected to desiccation and germination. Seedling emergence and internal morphology was monitored following cold (CS) and warm (WS) stratification. Fresh acorns had radicles emerge only after CS but require WS for shoot emergence. Drying to 20% moisture content led to complete death. In C. purpurella and C. sclerophylla, the embryonic axis was near the scar, and germination occurred by cracking the pericarp near the scar, which contrasts with C. chinensis. Moderate drying relieved dormancy due to the mechanical resistance of the pericarp. All three acorns were desiccation-sensitive and dormant. This is the first explicit report on PD and ePD co-occurrence in desiccation-sensitive seeds, but literature surveys allow for inference of such coexistence. CS alleviated PD and WS relieved ePD. Winter temperatures break PD, and acorns germinate during spring, but shoot emergence is delayed until summer. Our results are instructive for research on the dormancy of desiccation-sensitive species and the reproduction of Fagaceae species in subtropical forests. Full article

Creating attractive urban green spaces in severely cold and harsh climates is significant for promoting peoples’ health and perceived restoration. However, there is little evidence regarding the urban green spaces in wintery and cold climates and its restorative benefits. This study utilized a pixel grid approach to quantify winter landscape characteristics and a self-reporting method to assess the restorative benefits of audiovisual interactions. The results show the following: (1) Different types of roads in urban parks have significant differences in their level of restorativeness, and the restorativeness benefits of the primary path in winter parks are the strongest. (2) The presence of snowy elements in winter landscapes can enhance park users’ potential to experience restorative characteristics in relation to “being away”. Moreover, there exists a noteworthy positive correlation between deciduous trees and their restoration benefits. (3) People’s perceptions of the tranquility of the soundscape and the duration of environmental exposure are critical mediators in the impact of the restorative path effect. (4) Compared with women, men have a higher restorative level in both the landscape and soundscape. This elucidates the restorative role of white space landscapes and soundscapes in public psychological perception when proposing appropriate forest-based healthcare strategies. It also provides theoretical guidance and optimization schemes for the overall planning, health planning, and design of white spaces shaped by cold urban green spaces. Full article

The process of groundwater evapotranspiration and its subsequent recharge are fundamental aspects of the Earth’s natural water cycle and have significant implications for the preservation and functionality of various forested ecosystems. This study presents a case analysis examining the recent fluctuations in groundwater levels and their replenishment in two wells situated at a designated forested experimental area and a control site. The magnitude and temporal fluctuations of groundwater recharge were examined through the utilisation of a novel adaptation of the traditional White method, which was specifically tailored to the local context. We also tested the sensitivity of the White method as an indicator of the system’s behaviour because the signal has changed in relation to the access of the forests to groundwater under the conditions of regionally declining groundwater resources and a warming climate. The novelty of this approach is found in the examination of the temporal fluctuations in groundwater recharge, which are influenced by both a decrease in groundwater levels caused by forest evaporation in response to climate change and a regional reduction in groundwater supplies. As a result, the ongoing decrease in groundwater levels may have significant adverse effects on local forests. Full article

The growing concern for environmental sustainability drives efforts toward balancing economic growth with responsible resource management. Forests represent invaluable green assets central to combating climate change and supporting biodiversity. This research investigates the intricate interaction between forest resources and economic and green performances within the European Union (EU). The European Union, as a conglomerate of diverse member states with varying forest endowments and economic contexts, provides a rich framework for examining these connections. This paper applies structural equation modeling (SEM) and cluster analysis to a dataset collected from Eurostat. This study’s empirical findings underscore the multidimensional relationship between forest resources and green and economic performances. The findings reveal significant positive relationships between economic and green performances and forest resources and a negative relationship between greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and forest resources, implying a decline in GHG while green and economic performances increase. Cluster analysis identifies distinct groups of EU countries exhibiting similar profiles concerning forest management and economic and green performances. The cluster analysis results highlight the necessity for tailored strategies and policy benchmarking that acknowledge the heterogeneity of EU member states and their unique combinations of forest resources, economic structures, and ecological commitments. Full article

The distribution map of groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs) is generally used for the scientific management of vegetation and groundwater resources, and is instructive for forest resource conservation. The groundwater table in the Loess zone has declined over the past few years, but no study has yet been conducted to assess the impact of this decline on GDEs. This study used data from the GRACE gravity satellite to delineate groundwater fluctuation periods from 2002 to 2021, to develop a method to identify whether vegetation is potentially associated with groundwater using three criteria, and to verify the accuracy of this method. Study results show that the groundwater changes in the Loess zone can be divided into two periods, 2002–2014 and 2015–2021, with groundwater declines becoming more rapid after 2015. We did not observe the spatial variation pattern of GDEs in the Loess areas, but there was a significant change in the area of GDEs during the two periods studied, with a 13.56% decrease in the very likely GDEs’ group area and an 11.68% increase in the unlikely GDEs’ group area between 2015 and 2021 compared to 2002–2014, with little change in the neutral, likely, and very unlikely group areas. This study provides a reference for exploring the relationship between vegetation and groundwater, as well as for the scientific management of water resources. Full article

This paper investigates the changes in species diversity and the spatial pattern of the population of a moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) forest community in the Wuyi Mountain Nature Reserve in Fujian Province, China. Using the method of space–time substitution, the composition of species and changes in the spatial patterns of different communities were analyzed by taking Phyllostachys edulis mixed forests after 0, 3, 5, 10, 15, and 40 years of enclosure as the survey object. The results showed that as the number of years of enclosure extended, the important values of the Japanese bay tree (Machilus thunbergii Sieb. & Zucc.), chinquapin (Castanopsis faberi Hance), and Masson’s pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.) increased continuously. These trees became the dominant species of mature forest after 40 years of enclosure. The species diversity of mature and young trees in the community generally increased in parallel with the years of enclosure, and the species diversity of the shrubs generally increased first and then decreased as the number of years of enclosure increased. With the extension of enclosure years, the average diameter at breast height of the mature trees tended to increase, indicating that there were increasing advantages of mature growth as the time of enclosure increased. With the extension of enclosure years, the pattern of spatial distribution of the mature trees in the forest community was generally an aggregated distribution. The Phyllostachys edulis forest community under the prolonged enclosure conditions responded in a positive direction and ultimately formed a more stable Phyllostachys edulis mixed forest community. Full article

Bordered pits in conifers have been recognized as a significant evolutionary characteristic that served to impede the spread of embolisms between tracheids. Nevertheless, there was a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the mechanical properties of the torus and the pit border in relation to the formation of contact seals in aspirated pits. A solid mechanics model was developed to study aspirated bordered pits, incorporating the elastic deformation of the torus–margo structure and the contact behavior between the torus and the pit border. Ten pit samples were reconstructed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) pictures in order to develop mechanical models for pits in the stems of Platycladus orientalis. Due to the limited contact area on the torus surface, the contact pressure between the torus and the pit border exceeded the air pressure in aspirated bordered pits. The external force and the duration required to seal pits decreased when the pit diameter increased and the pit depth decreased. The augmentation of the torus and margo mass necessitated a lengthier duration for the closure of cavities. The findings presented in this study offered theoretical support for the capillary-seeding hypothesis. The aspiration in bordered pits mechanically depended on the structural and material characteristics of the torus and margo. Full article

Soundscape quality in green spaces of residential areas directly contributes to residents’ quality of life. It has close relationships with landscape characteristics, which should be considered in landscape planning and design processes in residential areas. Accordingly, this study proposed a new perspective on the interrelationships between soundscape perception and landscape pattern on multi-scale, based on a case study of 30 residential green spaces in Fuzhou, China. Percentage of Landscape (PLAND), Patch Density (PD), Landscape Shape Index (LSI), and Patch cohesion index (COHESION) were utilized to represent the landscape pattern of vegetation, buildings, and roads in the residential areas. Soundscape perception was interpreted using the sound dominant degree (SDD) of sound sources and overall soundscape quality. The examined spatial scales range from 20 m to 180 m, with concentric circles spaced 20 m apart for each sampling point. Correlation analyses indicated that most landscape indices of vegetation and buildings were correlated with these soundscape perception indicators, while limited landscape indices of roads were associated with them. Based on the multi-scale landscape indices, multiple linear regression models for the SDD of sound sources and overall soundscape quality were established, confirming that the scale effect of landscape patterns can affect soundscape perception. Expressly, results indicated that these models were chiefly influenced by the landscape indices at a scale less than 120 m, but the scale effect of landscape pattern on the SDD of birdsong, pleasantness, and quietness was not so evident. Furthermore, we found that the number of explanatory variables may somewhat affect the model performance. The overall interpretability of these landscape indices for the SDD of sound sources was better than that of overall soundscape quality, implying the complexity of the latter. This study offers a fresh insight into the relationship between landscapes and soundscapes at varying scales. The findings can provide useful information for the promotion strategies of landscapes and soundscapes, especially in residential green spaces. Full article

Oil tea (Camellia oleifera Abel.), an important edible oil tree found in the acidic soil of south China, is tolerant to aluminum (Al); however, the mechanism via which it detoxifies Al remains unclear. The present study investigated the accumulation and distribution of Al and the changes in antioxidant components in C. oleifera leaves at different stages of growth. The analysis revealed that the content of Al in young, mature, and old leaves was 1.53, 7.49, and 12.04 g kg⁻¹, respectively. In the leaves, Al was mainly accumulated in the cell wall, which accounted for 66.03%, 79.94%, and 86.51% of the total Al accumulation in young, mature, and old leaves, respectively. In the leaf cell wall, the Al content in hemicellulose increased from 54.22% to 81.72% with leaf age. The proportion of Al in the upper epidermis, lower epidermis, palisade, and spongy parenchyma cell walls increased with leaf age. The activity of antioxidant enzymes increased and showed a synergistic effect on Al stress with leaf age. The peroxidase activity was the highest in mature leaves, 2.3 times that in young leaves. Meanwhile, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities and total phenol content were the highest in young leaves. Correlation analysis showed that antioxidant system composed of catalase, superoxide dismutase and total phenol (CAT, SOD, and TP) was negatively correlated with the Al content in C. oleifera leaves. The malondialdehyde (MDA) content was positively correlated with Al content in C. oleifera leaves, indicating that the MDA in the leaves helped resist Al stress in C. oleifera. Thus, our findings suggest that the increase in antioxidant properties and modification of the cell wall contributed to Al detoxification in the Al hyperaccumulator C. oleifera. Full article

This study presents the long-term forest history in the forest–tundra ecotone of the Low Yenisei River basin. The new high-resolution pollen and macroscopic charcoal data were inferred from the 8.6 m long peat archive covering the last 6300 years. Climate reconstructions are based on the application of the best modern analogue technique using pollen data. Our findings suggest an alternation of phases of middle-taiga forests of Larix sibirica, Abies sibirica, Picea obovata, and Pinus sibirica (intervals of climate warming: 6320–6050, 5790–5370, 4480–4220, and 3600–2700 cal yr BP, respectively) and open larch woodlands with the participation of Betula, Picea, and Pinus sibirica, typical for northern taiga (intervals of climate cooling and increasing humidification: 5370–4480, 4220–3600 cal yr BP, respectively). The vegetation pattern of the region became similar to the modern one around 2700 cal yr BP. Climate warming caused a northward shift of vegetation-zone boundaries in Yenisei Siberia and an expansion of the range of Abies sibirica by about 200 km to the north compared to the present day. The increased frequency of fires and biomass burning during warm periods may promote the melting of the local permafrost, thereby enhancing the tree growth and regeneration. Full article

Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.) is a dominant coniferous species in southern China, known for its rapid growth, abundant yield, and extensive utilization. Despite the robust adaptability of Masson pine and the rich annual precipitation in its distribution areas, this species still faces the mortality risk caused by the recurrent high temperatures in summer and low precipitation in subtropical regions. The mortality risk of Masson pine may increase in the future when facing a more frequent or intensive drought threat due to climate change. In this study, we conducted a manipulated drought experiment accompanying high temperature (~32.3 ± 0.7 °C in daytime and 28 °C in nighttime) to simulate a flash drought, aiming to explore the composite physiological response (hydraulic, gas exchange, and nonstructural carbon (NSC) characteristics) of Masson pine seedlings to extreme drought characterized by a high intensity and long duration. We found that, as the drought developed, the leaf water potential and gas exchange traits (net photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration) significantly decreased while the percentage loss of hydraulic conductivity (PLC) significantly increased. In contrast, NSC remained a more constant trend before it was significantly reduced on day 30 after the beginning of the drought. Except for NSC, all the other traits had significant correlations between them. Additionally, hydraulic dysfunction indicated by the increasing PLC preceded the NSC depletion, which may indicate a more significant role for hydraulic failure than carbon starvation in drought-induced mortality. Conclusively, hydraulic and gas exchange traits showed a coupling response to drought, but NSC displayed an independent dynamic. The findings may improve our understanding of drought-coping strategies of Masson pine and provide some theoretical basis for Masson pine forest management. Full article

The natural regeneration of the temperate oak forests is often insufficient. Acorns of the oak serve as the basis of the recruitment and key food resources in these ecosystems, thus the crop size, the germination success and seed predators have crucial roles in the process. Wild boar (Sus scrofa) is often considered as one of the main mitigating agents in oak regeneration. Therefore, in our study we analyzed and compared the spatial patterns of the acorn density and the patches rooted by wild boar within and among the different examined time intervals in a 28 ha Turkey-sessile oak (Quercus cerris, Q. petraea) forest stand. Data were collected between 2016 October and 2019 December. In the acorn density patterns, intra-annual similarities were recognized mainly, regardless of the crop size. Meanwhile, rooting patterns showed inter- and intra-annual similarities in mast years and intra-annual overlaps in non-mast years, indicating that masting is a fundamental driver of wild boar foraging behavior. However, a direct local connection between the rooting intensity and the acorn density could not be shown, as wild boars never fully depleted the acorns, even in intensively used patches. This study can help in predicting the intensively rooted forest patches, providing opportunities to manage wildlife conflicts. Full article

Most Dalbergia species are economically valuable and have been over-exploited, which has raised concerns. The regulation and protection of this genus require accurate and rapid authentication and identification processes. To address the issue of high residual inhibitors in extracted DNA from the Dalbergia xylem, an optimized DNA extraction experiment was performed on 10 species of Dalbergia wood stored for 1–5 years; in particular, no gene sequence for D. tsoi can be found in the NCBI database. Additionally, universal primers ITS2 were used for PCR amplification and sequencing to confirm the effectiveness of DNA extraction. The results revealed that rinsing the wood with 0.25 M ammonium acetate buffer produced DNA with a high purity, without a significant decrease in the DNA yield. To achieve an optimal DNA yield, the wood DNA should be rinsed with ammonium acetate fewer than three times. All the wood DNA obtained using the kit method and treated with the ammonium acetate buffer rinsing solution one to four times was successfully amplified. The NJ phylogenetic tree constructed based on ITS2 can distinguish D. tsoi from other Dalbergia spp., and the predicted ITS2 secondary structure showed the difference between species. This experiment extracted high-quality DNA from wood, without the need for purification kits, thereby improving the efficiency of the extraction process. The extracted DNA was directly used for follow-up molecular experiments. Full article

The optimized cultivation process of wolfberry (Lycium barbarum L.) to maintain a consistently high and stable yield relies on the prolonged use of significant amounts of nitrogen fertilizers. However, this practice leads to increased production costs and various issues, such as soil pollution and compaction. To address these concerns, a three-year field trial was conducted involving different nitrogen application rates: N1 (20% nitrogen (N) reduction, 540 kg·hm⁻²), N2 (medium N, 675 kg·hm⁻²), and N3 (20% nitrogen increase, 810 kg·hm⁻²). The results showed that the inter-annual growth and development of wolfberry roots had two rapid growth peaks. In comparison with the N3 treatment, the root morphological characteristics index increased significantly under the N1 and N2 treatments. Among the different diameter classes, the most significant increase in fine root length, with an average diameter between 0.4 and 0.8 mm, occurred under the N1, N2, and N3 treatments, accounting for 50.6%, 50.92%, and 47.72% of the total annual growth of root length increments, respectively. Concerning the distribution of fine roots, the active layer depth extended under the N2 treatment suggesting that medium nitrogen application favored the longitudinal extension of fine roots. Leaf nitrogen content and the chlorophyll meter values (SPAD values) in the upper part of the plant, at the tip of shoots/branches, were the most sensitive indicators to changes in nitrogen application rates. These values increased significantly with higher nitrogen application amounts. Similarly, the contents of total sugar, betaine, and β-carotene increased with increasing nitrogen application rates, while the contents of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) and total flavonoids decreased. Finally, based on a comprehensive principal component evaluation, the rankings for root growth and plant development under various nitrogen application treatments were as follows: N2 (1.891) > N1 (0.002) > N3 (−1.894). The results showed that both the aboveground and belowground growth and development of wolfberry plants were most optimized under the N2 treatment. These findings provide a foundational reference for constructing good root morphology of wolfberry through cultivation practices such as nitrogen fertilizer management. Full article

This study focuses on Populus ×euramericana (Dode) Guinier, a globally distributed fast-growing tree. Despite its valuable wood, it exhibits low durability. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a binary composite comprising silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and chitosan oligomers (COS) in protecting P. ×euramericana ‘I-214’ wood against degradation caused by xylophagous fungi and termites through vacuum-pressure impregnation. The test material was carefully selected and conditioned following the guidelines of EN 350:2016, and impregnation was carried out in accordance with EN 113-1:2021. Five concentrations of AgNPs–COS composites were utilized. Biodeterioration resistance was evaluated based on EN 350:2016 for white (Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd) and brown (Coniophora puteana (Schumach.) P.Karst.) rot fungi, and EN 117:2012 for subterranean termites (Reticulitermis grassei Clément). The durability class and use class were assigned following EN 350:2016 and EN 335:2013, respectively. In comparison to the untreated control, the binary solution at its highest concentration (AgNPs 4 ppm + COS 20 g·L⁻¹) demonstrated a notable reduction in weight loss, decreasing from 41.96 ± 4.49% to 30.15 ± 3.08% for white-rot fungi and from 41.93 ± 4.33% to 27.22 ± 0.66% for brown rot fungi. Furthermore, the observed termite infestation shifted from “heavy” to “attempted attack”, resulting in a decrease in the survival rate from 53.98 ± 10.40% to 26.62 ± 8.63%. Consequently, the durability classification of P. ×euramericana I-214 witnessed an enhancement from “Not durable” to “Slightly” and “Moderately durable” concerning decay fungi and termites, respectively. These findings expand the potential applications of this wood and substantiate the advantages of employing this environmentally friendly treatment. Full article

The Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) is the largest tree species used for afforestation in China. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of site quality, stand density, and tree species composition on the growth and yield of mixed Chinese fir forests and to build prediction models for their stand average DBH (diameter at breast height), average height, and volume. Using 430 plots of mixed Chinese fir forests in the Fujian Province of China, the optimal base models for predicting stand average DBH, average height, and volume were selected from the Schumacher, Korf, Logistic, Mitscherlich, and Richards equations. On this basis, the site class index (SCI), stand density index (SDI), and tree species composition coefficient (TSCC) were introduced to improve the model’s performance, and the applicability of the different models was evaluated. The optimal base models for the average DBH, average height, and stand volume of mixed Chinese fir forests all used the Richards equation. The best fitting effect was obtained when the SCI was introduced into parameter a in the average height model, while the inclusion of the TSCC did not improve the model significantly. The fitting effects of the average DBH and stand volume models were both best in the form of $y=a_{1}SC{I}^{a_2}[1-\exp (-b_{1}SD{I}^{b_2})t{]}^c$ when the SCI and SDI were introduced. When the TSCC was further included, the fitting effects of the stand average DBH and volume models were significantly improved, with their R² increased by 47.47% and 58.45%, respectively, compared to the base models. The optimal models developed in this study showed good applicability; the residuals were small and distributed uniformly. We found that the SCI had an impact on the maximum values of the stand average DBH, average height, and volume; the SDI was closely related to the growth rate of the diameter and volume, while the TSCC influenced the maximum values of the stand average DBH and volume. The model system established in this study can provide a reference for the harvest prediction and mixing ratio optimization of mixed Chinese fir forests. Full article