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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.
Assessment of sodium chloride application for controlling invasive black cherry Prunus serotina Ehrh.
Cherry spruce rust in the Wigry National Park and SuwaĆki 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 SuwaĆki 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 pathogenâs 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.
Cynipid galls on oak leaves are resilient to leaf vein disruption
AbstractOaks serve as host plants for numerous insects, including those forming galls. Galls induced on oaks are completely dependent on leaf resources. Many other folivores damage veins of leaves, which may result in cutting galls off from sources of assimilates, nutrients and water. We hypothesised that the disruption of the continuity of leaf vascular tissues stops gall development, leading to the death of the larva. Leaves of sessile oak (Quercus petraea) with Cynips quercusfolii galls in the initial stage of development were marked. The diameter of the galls was measured, and the vein on which the gall was present was cut. Four experimental treatments were established: control â with no cutting, cutting the vein distal to the gall relative to the petiole, cutting the vein basal to the gall and cutting both sides. The average survival rate (live galls at the end of the experiment including healthy larvae, pupae or imagines inside) â was 28.9%. The rate varied depending on the treatment and was 13.6% in the treatment with the vein cut on both sides and about 30% in the remaining treatments. However, this difference was not statistically significant. The growth dynamics of galls are highly dependent on the experimental treatment. The largest galls grew in the control treatment, and the smallest galls were in the treatments with the veins cut on both sides. Unexpectedly, even cutting veins on both sides did not result in the immediate dieback of the galls. The results suggest that the galls are very strong nutrient and water sinks. The functions of the cut vein are likely taken over by other lower-order veins, allowing nourishment of the gall to complete larva development.
Needle Biomass Turnover Rate in Scots Pine Stands of Different Ages
Understanding needle biomass turnover rates in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands is crucial for modelling forest ecosystem dynamics and nutrient cycling. This study examined needle litterfall and biomass turnover in Scots pine stands of varying ages in temperate forests (western Poland). The research focused on determining how stand age affects needle biomass, litterfall and the associated turnover rates. Data were collected from 20 Scots pine stands aged 26 to 90 years, and needle litterfall was measured and analysed in relation to stand characteristics such as age, density and biomass. The average annual needle litter production of the sampled Scots pine stands was 2008 kg·haâ1·yearâ1, similar to the values previously reported for this tree species in other temperate forests in Europe. The average needle biomass turnover rate for sampled Scots pine stands was 23.4%. We could not support the hypothesis that this parameter depended on the age of the Scots pine stand. The needle biomass turnover rate showed a positive correlation with crown length and a negative correlation with stand density due to the very weak correlations; however, further research is needed to confirm these relationships. Despite this, the parameter can be used to estimate needle litterfall and can be applicable to conditions corresponding to those of temperate forests in Central and Western Europe. This study also highlights the need for further research on needle biomass turnover in temperate forests to improve the accuracy of carbon and nutrient cycling models. This work contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of needle litterfall in maintaining soil fertility and forest productivity, offering insights into sustainable forest management and conservation strategies.
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 measÂurements were carried out using concentric circular plots. In the largest plots, all trees with a diameter at breast height (d.b.h.) â„ 12 cm were recorded by species, and their d.b.h. was measured. In the smaller plots, all trees with a d.b.h. â„ 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 â Pinus sylvestris and, to a lesser extent, Picea abies â 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 exÂhibited 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 proÂcesses 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.
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 (16.96â26.75%). The most numerous genera were: saprotrophic Aspergillus (2.54â3.83%), Penicillium (6.47â12.86%), Pyrenochaeta (1.39â11.78%), pathogenic Curvularia (0.53â4.39%), and mycorrhizal Cortinarius (1.80â5.46%), Pseudotomentella (2.94â5.64%) and Tomentella (4.54â15.94%). 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.
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 2041â2060 and 2061â2080 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 (AUCâ=â0.92). 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 2041â2060. Conversely, southern Europe may see contractions of 16.4â20.6%. Projections for 2061â2080 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.
Roadside noise barriers as biodiversity refuges under pressure: the role of particulate matter in shaping invertebrate communities
ABSTRACTRoad transportation emits both gaseous and solid air contaminants, along with significant noise pollution. To mitigate the noise, acoustic walls and berms are constructed along roads. When covered with vegetation, these structures can also reduce particulate matter (PM) pollution and provide habitats for invertebrates in environments fragmented by road infrastructure. This study aimed to measure the effectiveness of vegetated acoustic berms (covered with meadow vegetation, Rosa rugosa, or Spiraea japonica) and walls (Parthenocissus quinquefolia or Vitis riparia) created in accumulation of PM and providing shelter for invertebrates along a busy motorway. A combination of field and laboratory analyses, including plant and invertebrate sampling and air quality measurements, was used to assess the links between PM accumulation on vegetation and invertebrate diversity indices (S, HâČ, DâČ, J', Chao1, and BP) on both sides (sidewalk vs. roadside) of a given barrier. Results indicated that all barrier types improved air quality on sidewalks compared to trafficâexposed roadsides. Despite the highest total PM accumulation, berms with meadow vegetation and R. rugosa supported the greatest abundance and diversity of invertebrates (210 species combined). The roadsides were characterized by the lowest diversity indices and the highest prevalence of common taxa, indicating a significant role of PM in shaping invertebrate communities, especially the flying insects. This was further supported by Pearson's correlations between total PM on plants and ecological indices values. The findings suggest that ecosystem services of noise reduction, PM biofiltration, and invertebrate diversity support are best achieved with earth berms planted with meadow vegetation and R. rugosa shrubs.
Biological Flora of Britain and Ireland: Cytisus scoparius. No. 307
Abstract This account presents information on all aspects of the biology of Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link (Broom or Scotch Broom) (Sarothamnus scoparius (L.) W.D.J. Koch) that are relevant to understanding its ecological characteristics and behaviour. The main topics are presented within the standard framework of the Biological Flora of the British Isles: distribution, habitat, communities, responses to biotic factors, responses to the environment, structure and physiology, phenology, floral and seed characters, herbivores and disease, history, and conservation. Broom is shadeâintolerant and droughtâtolerant, aided by c. 40% of net carbon fixation coming from stem photosynthesis and an ability to shed leaves in inclement periods. It is at its best in lowland, open, disturbed habitats but also open woodland; widespread across Britain, Ireland and much of Europe. It has been widely introduced to all continents (except Antarctica) where due to its prolific seeding and rapid spread it is often an invasive shrub. Broom thrives in an oceanic climate on a range of moist soils but is capable of invading arid and poor soils, helped by its ability to acquire 50% of its nitrogen from bacteria in root nodules. Broom is an obligate seeder, pollinated by a limited range of insects, primarily bees large enough to trip the explosive pollination mechanism. Seeds are dispersed explosively from the fruit and secondarily moved by ants attracted to the elaiosome. The water impermeable seed coat results in high dormancy, and so broom forms a significant seed bank. In Britain and Ireland, populations are showing little decline and broom is not considered to be at threat of extinction. In introduced areas, broom can rapidly spread despite browsing by native species and livestock. Biological control using a range of insects introduced from native areas, particularly seed eaters, together with mechanical and possibly chemical treatment, is showing some promise in its control.
Ex situ germination of European acorns: data from 93 batches of 12 Quercus species
Abstract Key message We provide data on seedlot germination potentialâa key trait related to regenerationâof 12 oak species. Germination was tested at the University of Granada following international protocols with 8985 acorns from 93 batches and 16 countries across Europe. Data on germination probability, acorn origin, mass, and moisture content measured on another 4544 acorns are available at https://doi.org/10.30827/Digibug.87318. Associated metadata are available at https://metadata-afs.nancy.inra.fr/geonetwork/srv/fre/catalog.search#/metadata/a742c6d8-bc37-4ca2-8b81-2447c5a8858d.