ĂSorbaronia âČMitschuriniiâČ - an overlooked alien shrub rapidly expands in temperate Scots pine forests
2024, JagodziĆski, Andrzej M., Horodecki, PaweĆ, JasiĆska, Anna K, MaliĆski, Tomasz, Pilarek, Zenon, WoĆșniak, Kacper, WroĆska-Pilarek, Dorota, ZieliĆski, Jerzy, Dyderski, Marcin K
Abstract Biological invasions are one of the most important threats to biodiversity. However, spread mechanisms have been described in detail only for some widespread taxa. Here, we aim to characterize the unique phenomenon of ĂSorbaronia âČMitschuriniiâČ (Rosaceae) spread into temperate Scots pine forests. We assessed the surroundings of an abandoned ĂSorbaronia âČMitschuriniiâČ plantation, established in 1986 near OĆno Lubuskie (W Poland). Around the plantation we established 66 study plots in 30 m intervals along eight transects, in a systematic design. Using generalized linear mixed-effects models we analysed how the distance from the propagule source (i.e. abandoned plantation), maximum age of ĂSorbaronia shrubs assessed using dendrochronological techniques, and light availability determined the density and biomass of the studied plant. We found that its mean aboveground biomass in the plantation was 7.22â±â0.66 Mg haâ1, and decreased with distance from the propagule source: 6.83 Mg haâ1 30 m from the abandoned plantation, 1.38 Mg haâ1 at a distance of 90 m, and 0.11 Mg haâ1 at a distance of 180 m, almost disappearing at further distances (but present at the maximum distance of 450 m). The density and aboveground biomass of ĂSorbaronia âČMitschuriniiâČ increased with increasing maximal age of the studied plant and its light availability. The ĂSorbaronia âČMitschuriniiâČ plantation acted as a strong propagule source, as it reached a density of 100 ind. 100 mâ2 after five years, forming a dense shrub layer, capable of reproducing. We conclude that alien species planted at high density and left with no management control might transform into invasion hotspots under favourable circumstances. The study highlights the importance of scientific awareness of similar cases of overlooked invasion sources, as management to limit their spread is still possible.
Diversity of soil mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) in streamside mountain forests
2023, Kamczyc, Jacek, Skorupski, Maciej, Dyderski, Marcin K., Horodecki, PaweĆ, Rawlik, Mateusz, JagodziĆski, Andrzej M.
AbstractHabitat loss and fragmentation are among the most influential factors responsible for recent biodiversity decline. The key to understanding the changes in ecosystem functioning is the analysis of the relationship between species diversity and environmental gradients such as those found near streamside forests. We used soil mites (Mesostigmata) as model species as they are predators in soil ecosystems, they occur in high relative abundance, their communities are speciesârich and are robust toward sampling and extraction methods. The main goals of this study were to (1) check how the plant community and associated environmental variables (light conditions, litter accumulation, and soil acidity) along mountain streams affect soil Mesostigmata abundance and diversity, and (2) to analyze the distance from mountain streams to which the ecosystem functions (Mesostigmata diversity) are affected, based on a distance gradient. We systematically established 31 study plots (500âm2) every 200âm along the watercourses, representing three habitat types along the stand composition gradient (ashâsycamore [Fraxinus excelsiorâAcer pseudoplatanus], European beech [Fagus sylvatica], and Norway spruce [Picea abies] forests) for measurements of soil litter thickness, soil acidity, and light conditions. We extracted soil Mesostigmata mites from samples in Tullgren funnels and identified them to the species level. We found that Mesostigmata abundance in forests decreased in the following order: Norway spruce forestâ>âEuropean beech forestâ>âashâsycamore forest. Additionally, changes in Shannon diversity were associated with light conditions. In conclusion, streamside mountain forests maintained abundant, diverse and speciesârich Mesostigmata communities, which were associated with a plant communityâlight condition gradient. Additionally, more abundant mite communities occurred in forests with higher soil pH values, and under higher light conditions.
Regenerating oak trees with different techniques has long-lasting legacy effects on root development, stem growth and plant physiology
2025, Zadworny, Marcin, Kurowska, Ewa, Ufnalski, Krzysztof, Hauke-Kowalska, Maria, KoĆcielniak-Wawro, Paulina, GlaziĆska, Paulina, Czerniak, Andrzej, JagodziĆski, Andrzej M., Mucha, Joanna, RodrĂguez-Calcerrada, JesĂșs
Abstract Regeneration methods can have legacy effects on tree physiology and growth via differential root development and affect forest climate sensitivity. However, there are few studies providing a long-term perspective on how forest regeneration techniques affect root development and physiology of established seedlings that have grown into trees. This study investigates leaf carbon (C), oxygen (O) and nitrogen (N) isotope composition (ÎŽ13C, ÎŽ18O, ÎŽ15N) and stem growth in â20-year-old oak (Quercus robur L.) trees regenerated in two stands by three methods: direct acorn sowing in the field, bare-root planting preceded by root pruning and containerized planting with the root plug intact. Leaf isotopic values were measured three times during summer, together with tree-ring ÎŽ13C. Ground penetrating radar analyses indicated that acorn sowing resulted in deep root systems compared shallower root systems of bare-root and containerized trees. Higher annual basal area increment was observed in acorn-sown oaks than in bare-root or containerized oaks. Leaf ÎŽ13C, ÎŽ18O and ÎŽ15N values varied among regeneration origins. Trees with deeper root systems consistently showed lower leaf ÎŽ18O values, regardless of the season, which suggests higher uptake of water from deep soil horizons and better leaf hydration. In contrast, oaks with shallower root systems exhibited higher leaf ÎŽ18O values, which were positively related with ÎŽ13C. More negative leaf ÎŽ15N values in shallow-rooted oaks pointed to higher water stress. A lack of correlation between N concentration and intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE) for containerized trees suggests that variability in stomatal conductance rates governed iWUE in these shallow-rooted oaks. The lack of correlation between leaf and tree-ring ÎŽ13C supports that leaf physiological processes do not necessarily explain latewood isotopic composition. We conclude that regeneration techniques have long-lasting, carry-over effects on root development, plant physiology and tree growth. The findings underscore the importance of considering tree regeneration origin and root distribution when assessing the impact of climate change on tree performance and forest vigor.
Climate legacy in seed and seedling traits of European beech populations
2024, PawĆowski, Tomasz A., Suszka, Jan, Mucha, Joanna, Zadworny, Marcin, Alipour, Shirin, Kurpisz, Barbara, Chmielarz, PaweĆ, JagodziĆski, Andrzej M., Chmura, Daniel J.
Tree speciesâ ability to persist within their current distribution ranges is determined by seed germination and seedling growth. Exploring variation in these traits in relation to climatic conditions helps to understand and predict tree population dynamics, and to support species management and conservation under future climate. We analyzed seeds and seedlings of 26 European beech populations from the northeastern boundary of the species range to test whether: 1) adaptation to climatic conditions is reflected in depth of dormancy and germination of seeds; 2) climatic characteristics of origin predictably affect seedling traits. The variation in seed dormancy and germination in a laboratory test, and seedling growth and morphology traits in a nursery common-garden test was examined. Populations originating from warmer and drier sites (mostly from the northern region), compared to those from the opposite end of climatic gradient, germinated later, with a lower success, and produced seedlings with shorter and tougher roots. They had deeper dormancy and poorer seed germination capacity, and are likely more vulnerable to environmental changes. The climatic conditions at the origin shape the intraspecific variation of seed germination and seedling traits, and may limit regeneration from seed and affect adaptation potential of beech to increasing temperatures and decreasing precipitation.
Climate and topography rather than tree species affect mite communities (Mesostigmata) in severe conditions - Studies from sandstone rocky islands of the Szczeliniec Wielki Plateau (Poland)
2023, Kamczyc, Jacek, PersâKamczyc, Emilia, Skorupski, Maciej, Urbanowski, Cezary, Malica, Jacek, JagodziĆski, Andrzej M.
AbstractRelationships between certain plant species and soil fauna assemblages in severe climatic conditions require scientific attention due to reported climatic changes. We investigated density, diversity, and community structure of soil mites (Mesostigmata) in tree biogroups of Betula pendula, Picea abies, and Pinus sylvestris with microhabitats represented by Calluna vulgaris, Dicranum scoparium, Vaccinium myrtillus, and Vaccinium vitisâidaea plant patches and accumulated litter in humid and cold rock crevices a few meters deep. We analyzed the effects of climatic (light availability, precipitation, temperature) and environmental (litter pH, organic matter thickness, microhabitat type) conditions on mite communities based on 1080 samples collected during two vegetation periods (2004â2005). Results revealed that litter pH was shaped by microhabitat type (plant patches and rock crevices) whereas organic matter thickness depended on tree species and microhabitat type. Also, light availability differed between tree biogroups and microhabitats. This study documented that Mesostigmata abundance was shaped by maximum daily temperature while species richness was also affected by total monthly precipitation, tree species (P. sylvestris) and microhabitat (rock crevices). Results revealed that mite density ranged from 3001â±â213âind./m2 in the P. abies biogroup to 3310â±â350âind./m2 in P. sylvestris. On the microhabitat level, mite density ranged from 2571â±â170âind./m2 in V. myrtillus patches to 4137â±â463 ind./m2 in rock crevices. Total number of recorded species was highest in rock crevices (41 species), and lowest in C. vulgaris (19). In conclusion, results indicated that climatic conditions modulate mite communities on an isolated rocky island. This study documented that maximum daily temperature during the vegetation period affected Mesostigmata abundance, whereas species richness and diversity were also shaped by total monthly precipitation and tree species (P. sylvestris). In addition, the community was also affected by litter acidity, organic matter and tree species.
Seed mass and seed resources â testing the defense trade-off hypothesis in woody plants
2024, Dylewski, Ćukasz, Adamczyk, Dawid, Ć»ytkowiak, Roma, JagodziĆski, Andrzej M.
Physical and chemical defenses of seeds are essential for plant survival and reproduction. By protecting their seeds from herbivores and other threats, plants can ensure that their offspring have a betÂter chance of surviving and growing into adult plants. Plant seed-size variation can affect their ability to allocate defense resources and nutrients. Smaller seeds tend to contain fewer resources and are likely to be more constrained in resource allocation to defense or to nutrient supply for the germinating seedling than larger seeds. In this study, we hypothesized that (1) the trade-off between physical and chemical defenses and reserve materials (in this study TNC content) in seeds is related to the allocation of those resources to seeds, 2) the direction of allocation of these resources is mediated by seed size. Based on seeds of 77 woody plant species collected in the KĂłrnik Arboretum located in western Poland, we measured several physical and chemical seed traits: seed mass, total phenols, tannin content, crude fiber, lignin content, and total non-structural carbohydrates. We revealed that chemical defense (phenol content) and total non-structural carbohydrates increased with seed mass, whereas physical defense (fiber content) had the opposite effect. We found that the trade-off between physical and chemical defense in plants was often mediated by seed size.
The high adaptive potential of Abies alba Mill. seedlings â biochemical and physiological studies of succession along the environmental gradient of a Cambrian quarry
2025, Szuba, Agnieszka, Ratajczak, Ewelina, Leski, Tomasz, Tomaszewski, Dominik, Ratajczak, Izabela, WoĆșniak, Gabriela, JagodziĆski, Andrzej M.
Abstract Abies alba Mill. (silver fir) needs specific soil and humidity conditions and seedlings are vulnerable to climatic extremes. Surprisingly, successful seedling establishment has been observed in disturbed habitats like active quarries. We compared 2-year old fir seedlings in three habitatsânatural fir forest, disturbed forest, and exposed quarryâto explore the biochemical features that help them endure the first stages of succession in harsh environments. We assessed a range of parameters including reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, antioxidant activity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl reduction), foliar pigments (chlorophylls and carotenoids), C and N contents, nonstructural carbohydrates, phenolics, and cell wall components analyzed via Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, as well as ectomycorrhizal colonization and diversity. The analysis indicated that the fir seedlings were in unexpectedly good physiological condition despite the environmental constraints. Continuous exposure to harsh conditions (stony soils poor in C and N, extreme insolation, potential drought/flooding stress, etc.) was only slightly associated with ROS and antioxidant levels, roots of seedlings were fully mycorrhized, and their roots did not express signals of severe oxidative stress. Only a few seedling features clearly followed the environmental gradient; C (%), ectomycorrhizal fungal richness in roots, and total antioxidant content in stems decreased in harsh environments. Despite the lower chlorophyll levels, seedlings from the quarry had no decrease in C or N foliar levels. These firs did not have impaired N- or C-compound levels. Quarry seedlings had the highest nonstructural carbohydrates in needles and roots, protective foliar shifts (more carotenoids), and stronger stems (more structural carbohydrates, especially lignin). These findings demonstrate strong acclimatization capacity of A. alba seedlings and suggest the existence of stabilizing physiological mechanisms supporting survival in disturbed environments.