Search Results (329)

Accurate assessments of aboveground biomass (AGB) stocks and their changes in extensive Miombo forests are challenging due to the lack of site-specific allometric equations (AEs). Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) is a non-destructive method that enables the calibration of AEs and has recently been validated by the IPCC guidelines for carbon accounting within the REDD+ framework. TLS surveys were carried out in five non-contiguous 1-ha plots in two study sites in the wet Miombo forest of Katanga, in the Democratic Republic Congo. Local wood densities (WD) were determined from wood cores taken from 619 trees on the sites. After a careful checking of Quantitative Structure Models (QSMs) output, the individual volumes of 213 trees derived from TLS data processing were converted to AGB using WD. Four AEs were calibrated using different predictors, and all presented strong performance metrics (e.g., R² ranging from 90 to 93%), low relative bias and relative individual mean error (11.73 to 16.34%). Multivariate analyses performed on plot floristic and structural data showed a strong contrast in terms of composition and structure between sites and between plots within sites. Even though the whole variability of the biome has not been sampled, we were thus able to confirm the transposability of results within the wet Miombo forests through two cross-validation approaches. The AGB predictions obtained with our best AE were also compared with AEs found in the literature. Overall, an underestimation of tree AGB varying from −35.04 to −19.97% was observed when AEs from the literature were used for predicting AGB in the Miombo of Katanga. Full article

This study assesses whether the rise in water level—following three years of reservoir filling at the Teles Pires Hydroelectric Plant (135.6 km² water surface) in Southern Amazonia—has affected the floristic composition, structure, and dynamics of adjacent forests. We established 62 permanent plots (2000 m² each) across a topographic gradient from the reservoir margin and conducted annual tree inventories for individuals with DBH ≥ 10 cm from 2014 to 2017. A total of 6322 individuals were recorded, representing 322 species, 210 genera, and 61 families. Fabaceae was the most abundant family, and the ten species with the highest importance value index (IVI) before reservoir filling remained dominant afterward. The forests exhibited high species richness and were characterized by a few common and many rare species. Mortality rates were highest within 10 m of elevation from the maximum reservoir level, indicating possible hydrological impacts, although no abnormal dieback or sharp shifts in floristic structure were observed. These results suggest limited short-term effects on species composition, but subtle changes in vegetation dynamics underscore the importance of long-term monitoring. Full article

The primary aim of this study was to explore the influence of abiotic factors on weed development in maize fields, with the goal of informing more effective weed management practices. We focused on identifying key environmental, edaphic, and agricultural variables that contribute to weed infestations, particularly before the application of spring herbicide treatments. Field investigations were conducted from 2018 to 2021 across selected maize-growing regions in Hungary. Over the four-year period, a total of 51 weed species were recorded, with Echinochloa crus-galli, Chenopodium album, Portulaca oleracea, and Hibiscus trionum emerging as the most prevalent taxa. Collectively, these four species accounted for more than half (52%) of the total weed cover. Altogether, the 20 most dominant species contributed 95% of the overall weed coverage. The analysis revealed that weed cover, species richness, and weed diversity were significantly affected by soil properties, nutrient levels, geographic location, and tillage systems. The results confirm that the composition of weed species was influenced by several environmental and management-related factors, including soil parameters, geographical location, annual precipitation, tillage method, and fertilizer application. Environmental factors collectively explained a slightly higher proportion of the variance (13.37%) than farming factors (12.66%) at a 90% significance level. Seasonal dynamics and crop rotation history also played a notable role in species distribution. Nutrient inputs, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, influenced both species diversity and floristic composition. Deep tillage practices favored the proliferation of perennial species, whereas shallow cultivation tended to promote annual weeds. Overall, the composition of weed vegetation proved to be a valuable indicator of site-specific soil conditions and agricultural practices. These findings underscore the need to tailor weed management strategies to local environmental and soil contexts for sustainable crop production. Full article

Xylosalsola chiwensis (Popov) Akhani & Roalson is listed in the Red Data Book of Kazakhstan as a rare species with a limited distribution, occurring in small populations in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. The aim of this study is to deepen the understanding of the ecological conditions of its habitats, the floristic composition of its associated plant communities, the species’ morphological and anatomical characteristics, and its molecular phylogeny, as well as to identify the main threats to its survival. The ecological conditions of the X. chiwensis habitats include coastal sandy plains and the slopes of chinks and denudation plains with gray–brown desert soils and bozyngens on the Mangyshlak Peninsula and the Ustyurt Plateau at altitudes ranging from −3 to 270 m above sea level. The species is capable of surviving in arid conditions (less than 100 mm of annual precipitation) and under extreme temperatures (air temperatures exceeding 45 °C and soil surface temperatures above 65 °C). In X. chiwensis communities, we recorded 53 species of vascular plants. Anthropogenic factors associated with livestock grazing, industrial disturbances, and off-road vehicle traffic along an unregulated network of dirt roads have been identified as contributing to population decline and the potential extinction of the species under conditions of unsustainable land use. The morphometric traits of X. chiwensis could be used for taxonomic analysis and for identifying diagnostic morphological characteristics to distinguish between species of Xylosalsola. The most taxonomically valuable characteristics include the fruit diameter (with wings) and the cone-shaped structure length, as they differ consistently between species and exhibit relatively low variability. Anatomical adaptations to arid conditions were observed, including a well-developed hypodermis, which is indicative of a water-conserving strategy. The moderate photosynthetic activity, reflected by a thinner palisade mesophyll layer, may be associated with reduced photosynthetic intensity, which is compensated for through structural mechanisms for water conservation. The flow cytometry analysis revealed a genome size of 2.483 ± 0.191 pg (2n/4x = 18), and the phylogenetic analysis confirmed the placement of X. chiwensis within the tribe Salsoleae of the subfamily Salsoloideae, supporting its taxonomic distinctness. To support the conservation of this rare species, measures are proposed to expand the area of the Ustyurt Nature Reserve through the establishment of cluster sites. Full article

The present study analyzed the vegetation diversity in three forests located in southern Romania and assessed their degree of similarity. Data were collected using frame quadrat sampling and species taxonomic identification. The methodology included the calculation of ecological indices (Shannon–Wiener, equitability, maximum entropy, Menhinick, Margalef, McIntosh, Gleason, and Simpson) and statistical analysis using ANOVA and Duncan tests (p < 0.05). Similarity between forests was evaluated using the Jaccard and Dice/Sørensen coefficients. The results showed that biodiversity increases with area size, and the forest ecosystem in Vlădila exhibited the highest number of woody and herbaceous species. Although the forest ecosystem in Studinița had the greatest floristic diversity, according to the Shannon–Wiener index, it also showed higher equitability (0.911 compared to 0.673 in Vlădila) due to a more uniform species distribution. The forest ecosystem in Studinița acted as an intermediate zone between those in Grădinile and Vlădila. Variations in diversity among the three areas reflect ecological differences influenced by location-specific factors such as soil type, climatic conditions, and human interventions. This suggests that ecological conditions and the physical characteristics of forests significantly impact the number and types of species that can coexist within an ecosystem. Full article

The aim of this study was to determine the intraspecific variability among 11 wild-growing populations of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.) originating from Central Europe and preserved in the Polish Genebank Collection. The populations were introduced into ex situ conditions, and assessed in terms of selected developmental and chemical traits (essential oil, phenolic acids, polyphenols, and tannins content). Developmental observations and harvest of raw materials were carried out in the second year of plant vegetation, at the beginning of flowering. The populations exhibited significant differences. The greatest variability was observed in the number of shoots per plant (38–51) and dry mass of herb per plant (0.83–1.60 kg). Essential oil (EO) content ranged from 0.75 to 1.69 g/100 g dry weight (DW). A total of 41 compounds were identified in the EOs, with oxygenated monoterpenes (such as sabinyl acetate, cis-chrysanthenol, chrysantenyl acetate, 1,8-cineole, α- and β-thujone) as dominants, showing considerable variation among populations. Based on the EO profiles, several chemotypes were distinguished, mainly (1) a pure sabinyl acetate chemotype; (2) mixed chemotypes with sabinyl acetate accompanied by β-myrcene, cis-chrysanthenol, chrysanthenyl acetate, or 1,8-cineole; and (3) a thujone chemotype. The total content of phenolic acids (expressed as caffeic acid equivalent), tannins, and polyphenols (as pyrogallol equivalent) varied significantly, too (0.37–0.50; 0.10–0.26; 0.58–0.79%, respectively). The results confirm a high level of intraspecific variability in both developmental and chemical traits of A. absinthium populations originating from Poland. This diversity may be valuable for future breeding programs and for the selection of populations with desired phytochemical profiles for medicinal, food, and agricultural applications. It is worth noting that the floristic diversity among populations indicates the habitat heterogeneity, ranging from natural or semi-natural (populations 1, 6) to more anthropogenically influenced ones (populations 2, 4, 5, 7–11). Full article

Urban gardens, including family allotment gardens (FAGs) and community gardens (CGs), play an increasingly important role in urban resilience to climate change—particularly through the delivery of regulatory ecosystem services. They occupy as much as 2.6% of Warsaw’s land area and thus have a tangible impact on the entire metropolitan system. These gardens are used in different ways, and each use affects the magnitude of the provided ecosystem services. This preliminary study explores how different types of allotment garden uses affect biodiversity and ecosystem services, addressing a critical knowledge gap in the classification and ecological functioning of urban gardens. We surveyed 44 plots in Warsaw, categorizing them into five vegetation use types: turf, flower, vegetable, orchard, and abandoned. For each plot, we assessed the floristic diversity, vegetation structure (leaf area index, LAI), and six regulatory services: air and soil cooling, water retention, humidity regulation, PM 2.5 retention, and nectar provision. Flower gardens had the highest species diversity (Shannon index = 1.93), while turf gardens had the lowest (1.43) but the highest proportion of native species (92%). Abandoned plots stood out due to the densest vegetation (LAI = 4.93) and ecological distinctiveness. Principal component analysis showed that the selected ecosystem services explained 25% of the variation in vegetation types. We propose a use-based classification of urban gardens and highlight abandoned plots as a functionally unique and overlooked ecological category. Full article

Understanding morphological descriptions of plants documented by ancient peoples over 1000 years ago and identifying the species they described are critical for reconstructing the natural geographic distribution of plant taxa, tracking taxonomic variations, and inferring historical climate dynamics. Analyzing shifts in plant communities and climatic conditions during this period is essential to unravel the interplay among floristic composition, climate fluctuations, and anthropogenic impacts. However, research in this field remains limited, with greater emphasis placed on plant taxa from hundreds of millions of years ago. Investigations into flora and climate during the last two millennia are sparse, and pre-millennial climatic conditions remain poorly characterized. In this study, a historical text written 1475 years ago was analyzed to compile plant names and morphological features, followed by taxonomic identification. The research identified three gymnosperm species (one in Pinaceae, two in Cupressaceae), 1 Tamaricaceae species (dicotyledon), and 19 dicotyledon species. However, three plant groups could only be identified at the genus level. Using textual analysis and woody plant coexistence methods, the climate of 1475 years ago in western Henan Province, located in the middle-lower Yellow River basin in East Asia, was reconstructed. Results indicate that the mean temperature of the coldest month (MTCM) was approximately 1.3 °C higher than modern values. In comparison, the mean temperature of the warmest month (MTWM) and mean annual temperature (MAT) were lower than present-day levels. This suggests slightly cooler overall conditions with milder seasonal extremes in ancient Luoyang—a finding supported by contemporaneous studies. Furthermore, annual precipitation (AP), precipitation of the warmest quarter (PWQ), and precipitation of the coldest quarter (PCQ) in the Luoyang region 1475 years ago exceeded modern measurements, despite the area’s monsoonal climate. This suggests significantly higher atmospheric moisture content in ancient air masses compared to today. This study provides floristic and climatic baseline data for advancing our understanding of global climate variability at millennial scales. Full article

Andean grassland ecosystems in Peru are characterized by diverse plant species adapted to environmental factors including weather, soil type, elevation, slope orientation, and soil moisture. This study evaluated the floristic composition, alpha diversity, indicator species, and suitable species for Andean livestock in the Sillapata micro-watershed, Junín region, Peru, across rainy and dry seasons. Data collection involved 100 m linear transects, and analyses included floristic composition and dissimilarity, Shannon-Wiener (H′) and Simpson (D) diversity indices, and the identification of indicator and suitable species using QGIS vs 3.28.14 and R software vs 4.3.2. Results revealed a total of 130 species classified into 74 genera and 23 families, with Asteraceae and Poaceae as the dominant families, exhibiting variations in richness and dissimilarity between control points and seasonal periods. Alpha diversity (H′) ranged from 2.07 to 3.1867, while Simpson’s index (D) ranged from 0.7644 to 0.9234. Six indicator species were identified, along with 11 families containing suitable species, predominantly Poaceae (38–60%), Cyperaceae (11–15%), and Asteraceae (3–9%). The findings indicate that the studied ecosystem exhibits a heterogeneous floristic composition with medium to low and variable diversity, influenced by seasonal climatic changes and the current grassland management regime, which involves rotational grazing with cattle adapted to high-altitude conditions. Full article

The study of flora is crucial for conserving natural resources and assessing human impact on the environment. This paper explores floristic diversity, the role of plants, and the integration of technology in botanical research. In the studied area, 462 plant species were identified. Bioform analysis revealed a predominance of hemicryptophytes (45.45%) and therophytes (26.19%), suggesting a warm climate and significant zoo-anthropogenic influences. Other bioforms were present in lower percentages. Most plant species in Teleorman County are mesophilic (39.39%) and mesoxerophilic (30.95%), indicating adaptation to moderate or slightly dry environments. Regarding temperature affinity, the majority are micromesotherms (62.98%), suited for mild thermal conditions. Soil reaction analysis showed a preference for weakly acidic neutrophilic (39.82%) and euryionic (33.76%) soils, indicating tolerance for neutral to slightly acidic pH levels. The research evaluates the structure and diversity of flora in Teleorman County and emphasizes the influence of climate factors such as humidity, temperature, and soil pH on species distribution. Using the transect method and fractal analysis, this study concludes that temperature is the dominant climatic factor shaping local biodiversity. Full article

The use of trees to revegetate urban areas contaminated by mining activity is a low-cost, low-maintenance technique, of which the success will depend on the plant species, planting methods, and geochemical processes at the soil-plant interface. This study analyzed the evolution of mineral composition in the rooting soil, tree, and herbaceous vegetation on soils contaminated by As, Cd, Cu, Co, Pb, and Zn. An in-situ experiment was carried out in Lubumbashi (South-eastern DR Congo) with six tree species (Acacia auriculiformis, Albizia lebbeck, Delonix regia, Leucaena leucocephala, Mangifera indica, and Syzygium guineense), in 0.187 m³ pits amended with municipal compost and limestone. After planting in the amended and unamended (control) pits, soil samples were taken for chemical analysis. Eighteen months after planting, a floristic inventory was carried out to assess the spontaneous colonization of herbaceous species. The results show an increase in metal concentrations in the rooting soil between 2019 and 2023 (Cu: 725 ± 136 to 6141 ± 1853 mg kg⁻¹; As: 16.2 ± 1.4 to 95 ± 28.5 mg kg⁻¹; Cd: 2.7 ± 1.3 to 8.7 ± 2.0 mg kg⁻¹; Co: 151 ± 36.3 to 182 ± 113 mg kg⁻¹; Zn: 558 ± 418 to 1098 ± 1037 mg kg⁻¹), with a stable pH and a decrease in nutrients (P, K, Ca, and Fe). The trees planted in the amended pits showed better height and diameter growth and greater survival than the controls, reaching average heights of 8 m and a DBH of up to 22 cm four years after planting. A total of 13 spontaneous herbaceous species were recorded, with an increased abundance during the second inventory. These results confirm the effectiveness of pit amendment for the rapid revegetation of urban soils polluted by trace metals. Full article

Cantabrian mixed forests, located in areas of Spain, Portugal, and France, serve as an essential biogeographic transition region, noted for its extraordinary plant diversity and ecological intricacy. To aid conservation and research initiatives, a uniform checklist of vascular plants was created, incorporating information from citizen science platforms, scientific databases, herbarium records, and local floras. The outcome is a carefully selected collection of more than 8000 taxa, with over 76% recognized as native, highlighting the area’s importance as a reservoir of biodiversity and a climate refuge. Taxonomic discrepancies were resolved via expert verification and adherence to international naming standards, establishing a dependable basis for ecological research. The checklist demonstrates notable variations in organisms, ecological approaches, and evolutionary lineages, influenced by geographical diversity, climate variations, and past land use patterns. Importantly, the study emphasizes the drawbacks of unchecked biodiversity data and shows the benefits of expert-driven synthesis for addressing gaps and biases in species documentation. The floristic information presented here can act as a basis for transboundary conservation planning, ongoing biodiversity tracking, and the development of adaptive management approaches in response to climate change and ecological decline. This initiative represents an important move towards safeguarding the distinct natural heritage of this distinctive biogeographic region. Full article

This article presents the results of a comprehensive study on Rosa acicularis Lindl., Rosa laxa Retz., and Rosa spinosissima L. growing in the sharply continental climate of the Kazakhstan Altai under diverse ecological and phytocenotic conditions. All three wild rose species show notable ecological plasticity, allowing them to thrive in heterogeneous environments. A total of 41 populations were recorded: 12 of R. acicularis, 13 of R. laxa, and 16 of R. spinosissima, with vertical distribution ranging from 404 to 1837 m a.s.l. Nine populations where each species dominates its plant community were selected as model sites to assess ecological, biological, and economic traits. For each population, the floristic composition and structure were described, and morphometric, resource, and physiological indicators were evaluated. Significant phenotypic variation was noted in plant height, bush diameter, leaf traits, and fruit morphology and taste. Under natural conditions, industrial thickets are mainly formed by R. laxa in the Southern Altai and by R. spinosissima in the Southwestern Altai due to their wide distribution and high plant density. Fruit weight ranged from 2.23 to 2.47 g (R. acicularis), 2.28 to 2.68 g (R. laxa), and 2.17 to 2.55 g (R. spinosissima), values generally lower than those previously reported. Based on coefficients of variation for intra-population diversity in morphological and quantitative traits, several promising populations were identified. These populations hold potential for selecting valuable forms for breeding programs and for establishing a regionally adapted gene pool. Full article

This study reports seven new records of Curcuma L. (Zingiberaceae) for the flora of Laos: Curcuma comosa Roxb., C. pedicellata (Chaveer. & Mokkamul) Škorničk., C. phrayawan Boonma & Saensouk, C. pierreana Gagnep., C. rangjued Saensouk & Boonma, C. sabhasrii Saensouk, Maknoi, Wongnak & Rakarcha, and C. wanenlueanga Saensouk, Thomudtha & Boonma. Field surveys were conducted across various habitats in Laos, and species identification was confirmed through morphological comparisons with type specimens and protologues. An identification key for Curcuma species in Laos is provided to facilitate future taxonomic studies. Additionally, the lectotypification of C. comosa Roxb. is designated to ensure nomenclatural stability and clarify its taxonomic placement. The discovery of these species expands the known distribution of Curcuma in Indochina and highlights the importance of continued floristic exploration in understudied regions. These findings emphasize the need for biodiversity conservation, particularly in the nnatural habitats where these species occur. Furthermore, some of the newly recorded species exhibit attractive floral characteristics, making them valuable for sustainable horticultural applications, especially in ornamental plant cultivation. This study underscores the significance of taxonomic research in documenting regional flora, supporting conservation efforts, and promoting the sustainable utilization of plant diversity. Full article

Wooded grasslands are agroforestry systems of high biological and cultural value, which are increasingly threatened by land-use abandonment in Mediterranean marginal areas. In the central-southern Apennines, little is known about their ecological dynamics under different management regimes. This study assesses how three management intensities (High: mowing plus grazing; Low: grazing only; and Abandoned: no management for ~50 years) affect the wooded grasslands in a protected area of the Central Apennines. Vascular plant composition and cover were recorded along radial transects from isolated Fagus sylvatica L. trunks to the adjacent grassland, with plots grouped in four positions (Trunk, Mid-canopy, Edge, and Grassland). The canopy cover, shrub height, species richness, and ecological roles of species were analysed. The results show that light availability, driven by canopy and shrub cover, shapes a gradient from shade-adapted species near the trunk to heliophilous grassland species in open areas. In the Abandoned site, shrub encroachment reduces light even beyond the canopy, facilitating the spread of shade-tolerant and pre-forest species, accelerating succession towards a closed-canopy forest. High-intensity management preserves floristic gradients and grassland species, while Low-intensity management shows early signs of succession at the canopy edge. These findings highlight the importance of traditional mowing and grazing in maintaining the biodiversity and ecological functions of wooded grasslands and emphasize the need for timely interventions where management declines. Full article