Filters
Fungal community taxa differ in diversity and number between live and dead Prunus serotina Ehrh. wood in a protected forest within its secondary range of distribution
Prunus serotina is an important invasive plant species in Poland. It was introduced to European forests, even in places currently protected by law, such as national parks. One major factor contributing to the spread of this species is the lack of infecting pathogens and incomplete knowledge about the relationship between the plant and microorganisms. This study aimed to identify fungal communities collected from freshly cut stumps of live and dead black cherry tree specimens growing in a protected forest. The main working hypotheses were as follows: (i) fungal communities inhabiting the wood of dead and living trees will differ in diversity and the number of taxa; and (ii) saprotrophic fungi will dominate in the wood of dead tree stumps. This study applied Illumina sequencing based on the amplification of the fungal ribosomal ITSI region. The average number of sequences (OTU) obtained from the analysis of dead tree wood was 101,758, while that of living trees was 94,150. These sequences belonged to 312 taxa, among which 254 were isolated from the wood of dead trees and 171 from that of living trees. Among the saprotrophs on dead trees, the following species were identified: Stereum rugosum, Ganoderma adspersum, G. applanatum, Peniophora cinerea, and Ascocoryne cylichnium. On the other hand, in the wood of living trees, Cytospora leucostoma and Botrytis cinerea were the most abundant saprotrophic species. The fungal communities inhabiting the wood of dead and living trees differed in the diversity and abundance of taxa, thus confirming our hypothesis. The results of our research conducted in a protected area indicate that black cherry wood can be naturally colonized by many pathogen species that can further limit its expansion.
Climate warming, ecological dynamics and nature conservation drive tree diversity in Wigierski National Park, Poland
In response to ongoing climate warming, tree species adapted to colder climates are expected to shift their geographic ranges northward. Within the framework of long-term ecological monitoring in Wigry National Park (northeastern Poland), observed changes in forest biocenoses reflect the combined influence of climate change and natural ecological dynamics. This study compares dendroflora composition and diversity between two monitoring periods, 2011 and 2024, as part of an ongoing effort to track climate-related ecological shifts. Tree observations and measurements were carried out using concentric circular plots. In the largest plots, all trees with a diameter at breast height (d.b.h.) ≥ 12 cm were recorded by species, and their d.b.h. was measured. In the smaller plots, all trees with a d.b.h. ≥ 2 cm and < 2 cm but taller than 30 cm were similarly identified and measured. Data were recorded with Field-Map software integrated with an electronic calliper. The species-level taxonomic data, individual counts and basal area per species and plot were used to calculate biodiversity indices. Over the 13-year interval, a marked increase in overall dendroflora diversity was observed. Notably, the dominance of canopy-forming conifers – Pinus sylvestris and, to a lesser extent, Picea abies – measured as the proportion of individuals or stem density, has declined. This decline of coniferous species has been accompanied by an increase in the abundance and diversity of broadleaved deciduous species, including Tilia cordata, Quercus robur, Betula pendula, and Acer platanoides. Other thermophilous deciduous taxa also exhibited upward trends in both presence and abundance. Furthermore, the exponential of Shannon entropy, reached the highest value when evergreen conifers comprised 35% of the stand composition in 2011 and 18% in 2024. This finding suggests that maximum dendroflora diversity reaches its highest level at an intermediate proportion of conifers presence, rather than under conifers dominance or absence. Collectively, the processes occurring in Wigierski National Park illustrate the gradual shift in ecotonal forest ecosystems from cold-adapted coniferous species to broadleaved deciduous taxa due to ongoing climate change.
Assessment of sodium chloride application for controlling invasive black cherry Prunus serotina Ehrh.
The effect of herbicides on morphological features of pollen grains in Prunus serotina Ehrh. in the context of elimination of this invasive species from European forests
AbstractPrunus serotinaEhrh. is an alien invasive neophyte widespread in European forests. So far, no effective methods of its elimination have been developed. For this reason, the aim of our study was to determine how herbicides affect the morphological characteristics of pollen grains. This knowledge may be crucial to control this invasive species. The current study was carried out in a research area of 2.7 ha located in the Zielonka Forest near Poznań, Poland (N 52°31′58.016″, E 17°05′55.588″). We tested morphological differences among ten features ofP. serotinapollen, based on the samples collected from 15 control trees compared to the 50 trees treated with five different herbicides. In total 1950 pollen grains were measured. We confirmed the adopted hypotheses of long-term herbicide influence onP. serotinapollen. Pollen grains from the control trees had a longer equatorial axis, were more elongated in shape and had the largest range of exine thickness compared to the pollen from the herbicide-treated samples. Exine thickness in the control sample was on average 0.74 µm, ranging from 0.42 to 1.19 µm. The average values and the ranges of this trait in the samples treated with herbicides were larger (e.g. average exine thickness was from 0.90 to 0.95 µm). There were differences in the P/E ranges of variability between the control and herbicide-treated samples. In the control sample the P/E ratio was 1.32–2.04 and elongated forms of pollen shapes prevailed, while in the herbicide-treated samples it ranged from 1.03 to 1.47. The share of deformed pollen grains in the herbicide-treated samples was lower than expected, ranging from 8.7 to 25.3%, while in the control samples it was 6%. Logo and Mustang turned out to be the most effective among the herbicides used in the described research. The two used application methods were found to have an effect on pollen quality.
The attitude towards the forest and satisfaction with life of Polish students
The aim of the study is to determine the connection between the attitude towards the forest and life satisfaction of students. The study was conducted on a sample of 650 students from Polish universities using The Satisfaction With Life Scale and an original questionnaire measuring the approach towards the forest–LAS scale. There are 3 subscales which measured: the perceived benefits from spending time in the forest; the degree of involvement in exploring the forest and working to its advantage; fears connected with the forest. The scale indicated good psychometric properties. Its reliability expressed by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient is at the level of 0.90 (0.93 for Benefits scale; 0.87 for Involvement and 0.79 for Fears). The results of the statistical analysis have led to conclusions confirming the relationship between life satisfaction and the results of LAS scale. People satisfied with their lives are more involved in exploring the forest, they enjoy more benefits connected with forest recreation and express fewer fears. Forestry students are characterised by the highest involvement and the lowest level of fears connected with the forest. As far as life satisfaction is concerned, they are in the lead among Polish students just behind students of medical and artistic studies.
The effect of commercial thinning in Scots pine stands on the growth of black cherry
Abstract Black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.) is one of the most abundant invasive species found in Polish forests. The mass occurrence of this species in pine stands is one of the main problems of silviculture. Therefore, the paper addresses the problem of the effect of commercial thinning, which increases the access of light to the lower layers of the stand, on the annual growth of rings and the development of black cherry. The study attempted to determine the strength of the progression of the black cherry threat as expressed by increased diameter increment. It was assumed that the thickness increment of mature black cherry individuals after thinning would be significantly greater compared to the average thickness increment before thinning. Over time after the treatment, the average growth of sprouts of black cherry will decrease. Six pine stands differing in age and timing of the silvicultural treatment in the Golub–Dobrzyn Forest District (N 57°81′42″ E 50°20′19″) were analysed. A positive effect of commercial thinning on the thickness increment of black cherry was found in all the studied plots. Over time, the average increment of black cherries resulting from the clearance decreased. Conducting late thinning, in pine stands where black cherry occurs, results in an increased threat of its expansion. To limit the development of black cherry at this stage of pine stand management, two solutions are possible. The first is to abandon late thinning or reduce the intensity of the treatment, which will inhibit its rapid expansion. The second scenario is to limit the occurrence of black cherry a few years before thinning, perform thinning and introduce understorey or underplanting from native competitive tree species.
Frequency of ectomycorrhiza in black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.) and common cherry (Prunus padus L.) growing in the immediate vicinity
Although alien tree species have been studied for many years, it is still unclear why some of them become invasive. The establishment of mycorrhizae is considered a factor influencing invasion success. This study aimed to compare the frequency of mycorrhizae in the roots of the foreign and invasive black cherry and the native common cherry, which are related. The frequency of ectomycorrhizae was assumed to be higher in common cherry (<i>Prunus padus</i>) than in black cherry (<i>Prunus serotina</i>). Thirty 2–3-year-old trees (15 <i>P. serotina</i> and 15 <i>P. padus</i>) were collected from stands where they grew next to each other. Samples were collected in June 2022 from the Forest Experimental Station of Siemianice, Złotówek, and Mrowino. The presence of mycorrhizal fungi was assessed. Morphotypes of ectomycorrhizae were determined with a stereoscopic microscope. The average mycorrhizal frequency was calculated. The roots were scanned and determined with the WinRhizo image analysis system. The length, surface area, diameter, volume, and number of root tips were determined. Statistical analysis of the obtained results was performed with Statistica v.13. The laboratory analyses indicated the dominance of morphotype 3 in all the examined roots of common cherry and black cherry. The highest proportion of type 3 mycorrhizae was found in common cherry at each location. This study showed that black cherry can form ectomycorrhizal associations, which probably positively influenced the success of its invasion.
Shields against pollution: phytoremediation and impact of particulate matter on trees at Wigry National Park, Poland
The use of attractants in reducing the occurrence of the Prunus serotina (Ehrh.)
Abstract Black cherry, which occurs in European forests, contributes to their distortion or degradation of native ecosystems. Therefore, measures are taken to reduce its occurrence. One of them is the biological method involving grazing animals. The aim of this research was to develop and identify an attractant that would increase the attractiveness of black cherry as a feeding base for deer, which would limit its occurrence. This research was carried out in Zielonka (17.10941 E 52.553975 N). In the experiment, 3-year-olds were used: Tilia cordata, Acer pseudoplatanus, A. platanoides, Fagus sylvatica and Prunus serotina. Before planting the seedlings, their height was measured. The control (K, 10 trees) consisted of trees of each species that were not sprayed with attractants. Another set of 10 trees were treated over the entire surface of the shoots with a bait mixture (MW), and the next 10 trees were sprayed with a 10% aqueous solution of NaCl. The attractant spraying was repeated six times. All damage observed was recorded. The inventoried tree damage was divided into four categories: 0%, no damage; I, 1–20% damaged trees; II, 21–50% damaged trees and III, more than 50% damaged trees. The results of the Mann–Whitney U test (p = 0.0109), at the assumed level of significance (α = 0.05), showed that slightly higher seedlings were browsed. These studies indicate the potential of using attractants as preparations influencing the palatability of the black cherry for deer. All recorded bites were classified as degree I damage. The trees were gnawed by fallow deer, 35.33% of trees were not damaged by game at all, and 64.66% of trees were damaged in degree I. In the case of sycamore maple, Norway maple and linden, the bait mixture did not increase the number of nibbled buds and leaves, while NaCl increased the attractiveness of beech and black cherry as a feeding base. Conducting further research studies on the improvement of preparations may give a chance to reduce the use of chemicals in forest protection and give the possibility of using attractants where it is impossible to use herbicides.
Variability of Functional Groups of Rhizosphere Fungi of Norway Spruce (Picea abies (L.) H.Karst.) in the Boreal Range: The Wigry National Park, Poland
Rhizosphere microbial communities can influence plant growth and development. Natural regeneration processes take place in the tree stands of protected areas, which makes it possible to observe the natural changes taking place in the rhizosphere along with the development of the plants. This study aimed to determine the diversity (taxonomic and functional) of the rhizosphere fungal communities of Norway spruce growing in one of four developmental stages. Our research was based on the ITS region using Illumina system sequencing. Saprotrophs dominated in the studied rhizospheres, but their percentage share decreased with the age of the development group (for 51.91 from 43.13%). However, in the case of mycorrhizal fungi, an opposite trend was observed (16.96–26.75%). The most numerous genera were: saprotrophic Aspergillus (2.54–3.83%), Penicillium (6.47–12.86%), Pyrenochaeta (1.39–11.78%), pathogenic Curvularia (0.53–4.39%), and mycorrhizal Cortinarius (1.80–5.46%), Pseudotomentella (2.94–5.64%) and Tomentella (4.54–15.94%). The species composition of rhizosphere fungal communities was favorable for the regeneration of natural spruce and the development of multi-generational Norway spruce stands. The ratio of the abundance of saprotrophic and mycorrhizal fungi to the abundance of pathogens was high and promising for the durability of the large proportion of spruce in the Wigry National Park and for forest ecosystems in general.
Cherry spruce rust in the Wigry National Park and Suwałki Forest District: cone infestation and its implications
Abstract Thekopsora areolata and Chrysomyxa pirolata are pathogens preferentially infesting Norway spruce cones and lead to the complete failure of spruce seed yield. Thus, the presence of seed-injuring pathogens may be a crucial factor driving close association between cherry spruce rust occurrence on trees and limited natural regeneration of the preferred host. However, a major uncertainty remains as to which pathogens are responsible for cone infection and reduced seed viability, resulting in impeded renewal of young trees. Our study aims to investigate whether T. areolata or C. pirolata presence on the Norway spruce cones was responsible for cherry spruce rust in three sites within the Wigry National Park (one site) and the Suwałki Forest District (two sites) in North-Eastern Poland. We harvested randomly five infested Norway spruce cones from each location and analysed them to verify specific pathogen occurrence. We analysed rDNA fragments such as ITS regions and 28S to precisely identify the disease causal agent on the cones and estimate the potential of genetic diversity of the analysed fungus species. Thekopsora areolata was identified as the main fungus promoting cherry spruce rust, suggesting that host species regeneration is constrained by this pathogen’s distribution. We assumed that the apparent cherry spruce rust presence and lack of Norway spruce natural regeneration likely result from cone infection and the availability of healthy, high-quality seeds. Moreover, the occurrence of cherry spruce rust may explain the challenges associated with the deficit of seeds used for the artificial regeneration of spruce stands.
Predicting parasitic plants Loranthus Europaeus range shifts in response to climate change
Abstract Climate change significantly influences the distribution of parasitic species, posing threats to ecosystems and economies. This study examines the potential range expansion of Loranthus europaeus, a parasitic plant impacting European forestry. We assessed the impact of predicted climate change for 2041–2060 and 2061–2080 using MaxEnt modeling based on current occurrence data of L. europaeus, and the main host plant genus oak Quercus, as well as bioclimatic variables. Our model demonstrated high predictive accuracy (AUC = 0.92). The most important variables for Europe range were range of Quercus genus. Key environmental factors included isothermality (bio3) and mean temperature of wettest quarter (bio8). Under SSP126 and SSP245 scenarios, our results predict significant range expansions into northern and eastern Europe, with increases of 43.5% and 53.9% by 2041–2060. Conversely, southern Europe may see contractions of 16.4–20.6%. Projections for 2061–2080 indicate further expansions up to 65.8% in northern Europe, alongside contractions up to 29.8% in southern regions, including Turkey and Greece.These shifts highlight the influence of climate change on L. europaeus distribution and underscore the need for adaptive management strategies to mitigate potential ecological and economic impacts.