Abstract: Social forestry plays a crucial role in Bangladesh by restoring degraded lands, alleviating pressure on natural forests, and enhancing rural livelihoods through community en-gagement. This study evaluated strip and woodlot plantations in Kamalganj Upazila of Sylhet Division, alongside co-management activities at Lawachara National Park, to as-sess their socioeconomic and ecological contributions. A structured survey of 32 benefi-ciaries and a discussion with the co-management committee were conducted to examine household characteristics, benefits received, challenges encountered, and local involve-ment in forest protection. Beneficiaries, mostly males aged 30–60 years, reported improved income, fuelwood access, and livelihood stability after participating in social forestry. Plantations were dominated by Acacia auriculiformis, Albizia procera, Chukrasia tabularis, and Melia azedarach, and respondents emphasized the need to incorporate more indigenous and multipurpose species. Co-management efforts contributed to a reduction in illegal ex-traction and enhanced community awareness, although issues such as manpower short-ages, limited training, and communication gaps between management groups persisted. These findings demonstrate that social forestry and co-management initiatives in Kamal-ganj Upazila provide meaningful socioeconomic benefits and advance forest conserva-tion, while highlighting the importance of species diversification, stronger institutional coordination, and expanded livelihood support to ensure long-term sustainability.

Abstract: The success of invasive species relies heavily on the production, dispersal and genetic composition of propagules. For range expanding species, breeding strategy and level of reproductive investment will strongly in-fluence their capacity to establish and invade new areas. A hermaphroditic lifestyle provides the advantage of increasing the number of seed bearing individuals within a population while a dioecious habit may enable more rapid adaptation to new environments, improve resource use efficiency, fecundity and dispersal. Pittosporum undulatum, a tree native to coastal areas of southeastern Australia, has many characteristics of an invasive species within and beyond its native range. A previous study detected a male bias within invasive populations, with a high proportion of fruit deriving from female-only trees, leading to recommendations the removal of ‘matriarch’ trees as a simple management technique. We expanded that study and investigated different breeding systems populations of P. undulatum by assessing tree density, gender, resource availability and fruit load of individuals in 14 populations sited along the spectrum from native to invasive populations. All populations were comprised of either females or hermaphrodites. No male-only trees observed within the study. More females produced more fruit than hermaphrodites, especially in native site. This could not be attributed to environmental differences between sites. These data support the current management practices of targeting the removal of females as a simple method for containing invasions given the benefits of reducing the workload and spreading limited management resource. Our work highlights the value in understanding the breeding strategy employed by focal invasive species as a means of developing improved and more targeted control methods.

Abstract: Forests play a vital role in the global carbon cycle but face growing anthropogenic pressures, with climate change and forest fragmentation among the most critical. In West Africa, particularly in Ghana, the interaction between increasing aridity and forest fragmentation remains underexplored, despite its significance for forest biomass dy-namics and carbon storage processes. This study examined the effect of climate-driven aridification on above-ground biomass (AGB) in Ghana's ecological zones, both directly and indirectly through forest fragmentation and biodiversity, using structural equation modeling (SEM) and generalized additive models (GAMs). Results from this study show that AGB declines along the aridity gradient, with humid zones supporting the highest biomass and semi-arid zones the lowest. The SEM analysis revealed that areas with a lower aridity index (drier conditions) had significantly lower AGB, indicating that aridification reduces forest biomass. Fragmentation indirectly mediated this effect, while biodiversity (as measured by species richness) showed no significant influence. GAMs highlighted nonlinear fragmentation effects: mean patch area (AREA_MN) was the strongest predictor, showing a unimodal relationship with biomass, whereas number of patches (NP), edge density (ED), and landscape shape index (LSI) reduced AGB. Overall, these findings demonstrate that aridity and spatial configuration jointly control biomass, with fragmentation acting as a key mediator of this relationship. Dry and transitional forests emerge as particularly vulnerable, emphasizing the need for management strategies that maintain large, connected forest patches and integrate restoration into climate adaptation policies.

Abstract: Amazonian large trees act as central elements of forest ecosystems, storing a disproportionate fraction of aboveground biomass. However, these trees are not randomly distributed across the landscape, and it is expected that edaphic attributes influence floristic composition, forest structure, and vegetation biomass. In this study, we investigated how soil variation affects the diversity and biomass of large trees. Forest inventories were conducted at five sites within protected areas in the states of Pará and Amapá. Aboveground biomass was estimated using allometric equations, while soil samples were analyzed for their physical and chemical properties. Diversity indices, rarefaction, Redundancy Analysis, and Generalized Additive Models were applied. Edaphic variables such as soil pH, organic matter, phosphorus, and aluminum were associated with floristic composition and the biomass of these individuals. Trees with a diameter at breast height greater than or equal to 70 centimeters accounted for up to 80% of total biomass, revealing a pattern of biomass hyperdominance. The results indicate that the occurrence of large trees is related to edaphic and structural factors, suggesting that these individuals are not randomly distributed along soil gradients. Understanding these patterns is essential for improving ecological models, biomass extrapolations, and management strategies aimed at conserving the Amazon rainforest.

Abstract:

Packaging plays a crucial role in extending the shelf life of fresh fruits and vegetables, thereby preserving their quality characteristics throughout the supply chain. Packaging systems treated with natural compounds can replace synthetic packaging systems. This study aimed to evaluate the potential application of Active Cardboard Packaging (ACP) in preserving fruit quality and extending its shelf life. We observed the effect of cardboard packaging containing Punica granatum peel extract (PPGE) and Rumex crispus root extract (RRCE) on the shelf life of strawberries, tomatoes, and table grapes. In vitro and in vivo tests demonstrated the ability of these extracts to inhibit fungal growth. It can be hypothesized that RRCE+PPGE and PPGE, once incorporated into the packaging, create a system capable of inhibiting microbial growth, thus prolonging the freshness and marketability of the fruit. Quality was also assessed by measuring the surface color of homogenized strawberries, tomatoes, and grapes using a spectrophotometer. This study offers a novel approach to extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables.

Abstract: Mangrove forests provide essential climate regulation and coastal protection, yet fine‐scale quantification of carbon dynamics remains limited in the Sundarbans due to spatial heterogeneity and tidal influences. This study estimated canopy structural and photosynthetic dynamics from 2019 to 2023 by integrating high-resolution remote sensing with a light use efficiency modeling framework. Leaf Area Index (LAI) was retrieved at 10 m resolution using the PROSAIL radiative transfer model applied to Sentinel-2 data. Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) was estimated using Sentinel-2 vegetation indices and MODIS fPAR with temperature and water availability constraints. Solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) was derived at 10 m resolution and compared with TROPOMI observations to assess correspondence with photosynthetic activity. LAI and GPP exhibited pronounced seasonal and interannual variability, with higher values during the monsoon growing season and lower values during dry periods. Mean NDVI declined from 2019 to 2023 and modeled annual carbon uptake ranged from approximately 43 to 65 Mt CO₂ eq, with lower sequestration in 2022–2023 associated with climatic stress. Strong correlations among LAI, NDVI, GPP, and SIF indicated consistent coupling of canopy structure and function. These results provide a fine-scale assessment of mangrove carbon dynamics relevant for conservation and climate mitigation planning.

Abstract: This paper describes the study conducted to investigate the spread of Lecanosticta acicola, the cause of Brown Spot Needle Blight (BSNB), along the Polish coast of the Baltic Sea, with the main focus on Pinus mugo stands originally established for dune stabilization. Between 2023 and 2025, 22 sites were surveyed, including coastal forests and ornamental plantings. Characteristic BSNB symptoms were recorded in 21 of the 22 locations, and the pathogen’s presence was confirmed through culture isolation and species-specific PCRs. The disease was most severe in compact, monospecific P. mugo thickets, where defoliation exceeded 30%, while mixed stands with P. sylvestris or occasionally P. nigra exhibited lower infection rates. A degree of infection of P. sylvestris was observed in proximity to heavily infected P. mugo stands, confirming interspecific transmission under high inoculum pressure. We observed nearly ubiquitous occurrence of L. acicola along the coast suggesting an advanced stage of establishment. However, the very recent detection of the pathogen at the westernmost sites indicate ongoing westward spread. Human activity, particularly tourism, likely facilitates the pathogen’s dispersal between dune forests. These findings highlight the vulnerability of coastal P. mugo populations and underline the need for genetic diversity data that would allow to trace the origins and pathways of L. acicola spread in the south-eastern Baltic region. The potential adaptation of the pathogen to P. sylvestris poses a serious future risk for Polish forestry.

Abstract: Lignocellulose may be a renewable carbon substitute for petroleum; however, lignocellulosic biorefinery requires thorough physical and chemical characterization to design the most economical method for its exploitation. We therefore performed a range of extractions, degradations, and analyses to characterize a commercial willow biomass resource that has not yet been defined and may be a promising woody resource for the Midwestern USA, especially Michigan. These characterization procedures are believed to be generalizable to examine other lignocellulosic resources, which inspired us to compose a course outline that may convey bioeconomy concepts. Our data complements existing characterizations of willow biomass and identifies which of our assortment of willow varieties are particularly suited for different products of the emerging bioeconomy, which is the raw data that is essential to inform the selection and processing mechanisms of biomass resources.

Abstract: Disturbance gradients strongly influence biodiversity, stand structure, and regeneration dynamics in Shorea robusta (Sal) forests. This study provides the first empirical assessment of such impacts in Dharmapur National Park, Bangladesh, one of the last remaining Sal Forest remnants in the region. Despite its ecological importance, the disturbance ecology of Dharmapur has remained unexamined. To quantify disturbance effects, 105 plots (20 × 20 m) were established across low (LD), moderate (MD), and high disturbance (HD) categories, classified using a composite Disturbance Index. Within each plot, trees (DBH ≥ 5 cm), saplings, and seedlings were inventoried, and diversity, structure, regeneration, and community composition were analyzed using diversity indices, non metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS), and PERMANOVA. A total of 39 tree species (29 genera, 20 families) were recorded. Species richness declined from 35 species in LD plots to 17 in HD plots, while Shannon diversity decreased from 2.36 to 2.12 (p < 0.001). Basal area dropped from 25.7 to 13.4 m² ha⁻¹ and tree density from 802 to 397 individuals ha⁻¹ between LD and HD plots. Regeneration of S. robusta remained relatively strong, but late successional and shade tolerant associates declined sharply. NMDS ordination (stress = 0.14) revealed significant compositional turnover, with HD plots dominated by S. robusta and disturbance tolerant taxa. Overall, disturbance gradients in Dharmapur’s Sal forests reduce diversity, simplify structure, and constrain regeneration of non Sal species, emphasizing the urgent need for disturbance sensitive management and restoration strategies.

Abstract: This study examined the floristic composition, structural attributes, productivity, biomass, and conservation value of a tropical rainforest (TRF) in the Colombian Pacific region. A complete inventory of trees with DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) ≥ 10 cm was conducted, and analyses included diversity indices, species accumulation and rarefaction curves, structural parameters, productivity indices, and estimates of aboveground biomass and C (carbon) stocks. Multivariate analyses were also applied to evaluate beta diversity and flo-ristic dissimilarity among plots. The forest showed high species richness, with 45 species belonging to 26 families, and diversity indices confirmed a heterogeneous and balanced community. Structural analyses revealed a dense and complex stand with continuous re-generation, a reverse-J diameter distribution, and stratification dominated by lower and middle layers. Productivity indices highlighted the dual contribution of abundant small stems and a smaller number of dominant trees. Aboveground biomass reached very high values, corresponding to substantial C storage, with most of the pool concentrated in a few dominant taxa. Conservation analysis revealed that while most species were classified as Least Concern, four taxa were identified as threatened or vulnerable, and several remained unevaluated. Overall, the results confirm the dual role of TRFs as biodiversity hotspots and critical C reservoirs, underscoring the need for integrated conservation strategies.

Abstract:

Sumatra benzoin (Styrax paralleloneurum) is a significant non-timber forest product originating from North Sumatra. Benzoin resin is widely used in perfumes, medicines, and cosmetics. However, scientific studies on phytochemical composition based on resin grades are limited. This study aimed to analyze the phytochemical compounds of benzoin oil extracted from three different resin grades. The resin was collected directly from benzoin trees in Humbang Hasundutan Regency. It was then extracted using 96% ethanol and analyzed by GC-MS method. The results showed that the highest quality resin produced higher oil yield (73.08%) with a longer extraction time. This indicates that resin quality influences extraction efficiency and composition. Chemical analysis identified key active compounds, such as cinnamic acid, benzoic acid, eugenol, vanillin, and various esters and aromatic hydrocarbons. High grade resin contains higher levels of volatile compounds such as D-limonene, endo-borneol, and β-caryophyllene. These are essential for aromatic and therapeutic activities. In contrast, lower quality resins are dominated by carboxylic acids. Cinnamic acid is prominent in all grades, reinforcing its potential as an active agent in natural-based cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. This research provides a scientific foundation for standardizing benzoin resin quality. It also supports its strategic utilization in natural bioactive-based industries.

Abstract: Section Chrysantha plants are the only camellias with golden yellow flower petals. In this study, the complete genome of the chloroplast of Camellia tianeensis was determined. The results showed that the complete chloroplast genome of C. tianeensis was 156,865 bp in length; had a typical tetrameric structure; and had a large copy region (LSC), a small copy region (SSC), and two inverted repetitive regions (IRs) with lengths of 86,579 bp, 18,236 bp, and 26,025 bp, respectively. A total of 164 genes were identified, containing 111 protein-coding genes, 45 tRNAs, and 8 rRNA genes; the total GC content was 37.32%, including 35.33% of the LSC, 30.59% of the SSC, and 42.99% of the IRs. There were 69 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) in C. tianeensis, with the number of single nucleic acid repeats being significantly greater than the number of other repeat types. There were 38 dispersed repeats categorized into three types, and no complement (C) repeats were found; The phylogenetic tree supports that C. tianeensis is a constituent member of sect. Chrysantha. Therefore, the results not only enrich the sect. Chrysantha molecular database, but also provide a framework for future studies on the evolution and taxonomic revision of the sect. Chrysantha.

Abstract: As urbanization expands rapidly, cities like Riobamba, Ecuador, face challenges in balancing development with environmental sustainability and citizen well-being. Urban trees provide essential ecosystem services, including air quality improvement, temper-ature regulation, biodiversity conservation, and contributions to mental and physical health. This study investigates residents’ perceptions of urban trees, their awareness of health-related benefits, and their willingness to engage in tree-related initiatives. A descriptive, cross-sectional survey of 400 residents was conducted, complemented by spatial analysis of surface temperatures across city zones. Results show that 99.5% of respondents recognize the role of urban trees in improving air quality, 61.3% acknowledge their impact on temperature regulation, and 63.2% view them as important for climate change mitigation. Moreover, 65.3% reported feeling more motivated to engage in physical activity in tree-covered areas, and 47.8% associated urban trees with enhanced safety. Despite this high awareness, only 57.8% expressed definite willingness to participate in tree-planting programs, suggesting a gap between environmental consciousness and active community involvement, with many residents perceiving tree management as primarily the responsibility of municipal authorities. Importantly, chi-square analyses revealed that education level was the only significant predictor of the perceived importance of trees (p < 0.001), underscoring the role of environmental edu-cation in shaping pro-environmental attitudes. These findings highlight the need for urban planning strategies that integrate community preferences with climate adaptation measures, while strengthening education and participatory programs to foster deeper civic engagement in urban forestry.

Abstract: Lightning is an increasingly consequential yet underrecognized ecological force shaping forest structure, biomass turnover, and carbon fluxes across global biomes. This study synthesizes international research on lightning-induced disturbance and applies it to the context of Eastern India’s diverse forest landscapes, including mangrove, deciduous, and montane systems. Field surveys, strike-density mapping, and community interviews reveal that lightning disproportionately affects tall canopy trees, triggers episodic fires, and contributes to wildlife fatalities—particularly in regions like the Sundarbans, Similipal, and the Eastern Ghats. Despite its ecological significance, lightning remains absent from India’s forest management policies and carbon accounting frameworks. The paper highlights the need to integrate lightning into restoration planning, MRV protocols, and early warning systems. It also proposes innovative mitigation strategies, including the use of cell phone towers as strike interceptors and nitrogen-fixation enhancers. By reframing lightning as a measurable and manageable disturbance, this work calls for a paradigm shift in how forest resilience and carbon dynamics are understood in a warming world.

Abstract:

Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) is a primary forest-forming species in the European part of Russia, both in terms of its distribution and economic importance. A number of studies indicate that one of the reasons for the disturbance of spruce forests is linked to rising temperatures, particularly the detrimental effects of extreme droughts. In our study, we propose a hypothesis regarding the critical condition of mature spruce forests within the coniferous-broadleaved vegetation zone at the center of the East European Plain, the decline of which is escalating each year due to global climate change. The studies were conducted in intact spruce forests using resurveyed vegetation relevés within the Smolensk-Moscow Upland by repeating relevés after 40 years. We estimated beta diversity of species composition using the Mann-Whitney U test to study succession processes. Interspecific relationships were estimated using the Spearman criterion. The functional significance was assessed using the species activity index. Interpretation of the species composition of communities of different time periods based on indirect ordination methods (NMDS). Results showed that significant disturbances of the tree layer have led to changes in the vegetation of subordinate layers. An analysis of the complete species composition of spruce forests based on scoring assessments using Ellenberg's scales revealed changes in the ecological conditions of habitats over 40 years. A noticeable trend was observed towards an increase in the proportion of thermophilic species and those favoring less soil reaction, indicating a shift towards a nemoral vegetation spectrum. It is expected that without implementing additional forestry measures such as silviculture and thinning, the next 40 to 60 years will see a decline in the proportion of spruce within mixed stands, potentially culminating in the complete collapse of monospecific spruce forests in the center of the East European Plain.

Abstract: This study investigated the effect of the number of sensors (8, 12, 16, and 20) on the measurement results of stress wave velocity in two-dimensional acoustic tomography of Hoop pine (Araucaria cunninghamii Sweet) trees, and evaluated the method’s accuracy and operational efficiency in tree health diagnostics. Tests were conducted on five sample trees, two of which were confirmed to have internal damage using the drilling resistance method. The results indicated that increasing the number of sensors improved image resolution and information completeness. However, differences in average stress wave velocities among sensor configurations were not statistically significant (p ≥ 0.05), indicating limited variation overall. In healthy trees, stress wave velocities measured under different sensor quantities (e.g., 8 vs. 20) exhibited weak linear correlations (R2 = 0.06–0.58), reflecting relatively uniform internal structures. In contrast, damaged trees showed strong consistency in velocity results (R2 = 0.82–0.91, p &lt; 0.01), and both minimum and average velocities were significantly lower than in healthy trees. These findings demonstrate that acoustic tomography can effectively identify internal tree defects. Even with only eight sensors, decay and cavities can still be accurately detected, enhancing field inspection efficiency and reducing costs, thus showing strong potential for practical applications.

Abstract: The black pine (Pinus nigra Arn.) is among the most preferred tree species for afforestation in Türkiye. This study aims to examine the effects of afforestation carried out in 1968, 1973, 1985, 1996, and 2002 on soil properties, especially soil organic carbon (SOC) and Nitrogen (N) in a semi-arid region of Türkiye. Soil texture, electrical conductivity (EC), reaction (pH), cation exchange capacity (CEC), calcium carbonate (CaCO3) intensity, N, and inorganic-organic C contents were determined for each afforestation site. Although afforestation significantly increases SOC and TN stocks, the stand age did not affect the dynamics of SOC stocks. But early stages of afforestation increased N stocks by more than 500-600% compared to older ones. Our results show that afforestation combined with soil preparation increases the SOC and N contents, and soil tilling without plantation acceler-ates this process in the initial stages of afforestation. Rather than planting only one tree species, a plantation that mixes broad leaves and conifers with other annual and perenni-al plants may be more suitable for long-term C sequestration and use of assisted natural succession in revegetation of degraded arid and semi-arid regions, as an alternative to large-scale afforestation, should be paid more attention in the future.

Abstract: The European sweet chestnut, Castanea sativa Mill., is an ecologically and culturally significant Croatian forest tree. However, its genetic diversity and population structure re-main insufficiently understood. This research examined three chestnut populations (PET, HRK, and BAC) from Zrin Mountain, Croatia’s largest continuous chestnut area, utilizing seven nuclear SSR markers. In order to assess the genetic diversity, and population structure, 153 individuals were genotyped. The study revealed that all populations exhibited a moderate level of genetic variety (mean He = 0.571), with the BAC population exhibiting the highest allelic richness and number of private alleles. AMOVA revealed that 67% of the total genetic variance resided within individuals and only 3% among populations. Population differentiation was low to moderate (FST = 0.064; PhiPT = 0.146), with high inferred gene flow (Nm = 7.48). The STRUCTURE and PCoA studies showed that the HRK population was the most genetically different. In contrast, PET and BAC had in-creased genetic similarity and integration. These findings emphasize the relevance of gene flow among chestnut stands and local genetic resources. The findings establish a founda-tion for the sustainable management and conservation planning of Croatian chestnut populations in the context of a broader European environment.

Abstract: Soil respiration (Rs), the second largest carbon flux in terrestrial ecosystems, plays a key role in regulating soil carbon pools. However, its seasonal and annual responses to extreme events in monsoon forests remain unclear. This study used a continuous multichannel automated chamber system to monitor Rs over three years of drought (2019–2021) in an Asian monsoon forest in Taiwan. We assessed seasonal and annual Rs patterns and examined how drought influenced autotrophic (Rr) and heterotrophic (Rh) respiration through changes in soil temperature and moisture. Results showed Rs declined from 5.20 ± 2.08 to 3.86 ± 1.20 μmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹, and Rh from 3.36 ± 1.21 to 3.15 ± 0.98 μmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹ over the study period. Spring Rr values dropped significantly—by 29.3% in 2020 and 62.2% in 2021 compared to 2019 (p &lt; 0.05), while Rh remained unchanged (p &gt; 0.05). These results suggest that spring drought strongly suppresses autotrophic respiration but has minimal effect on Rh. Incorporating these dynamics into carbon models could improve predictions of carbon cycling under climate change. This study highlights the importance of spring drought in shaping soil carbon fluxes in Asian monsoon forests.

Abstract: Wildfires represent a major ecological disturbance in Mediterranean forests, increasingly intensified by climate change and land-use changes. This study investigated post-fire natural regeneration and soil properties in Aleppo pine stands seven years after a high-severity crown fire in southern Italy. The analysis compared two stand types: pure pine and mixed pine stands, differing in fire severity and structural composition. We assessed seedling density, spatial distribution, and dendrometric parameters (height and collar diameter), and evaluated soil parameters (pH, organic matter, and bulk density) to understand their influence on post-fire recovery. Results showed abundant regeneration composed exclusively of Aleppo pine, with significantly higher seedling density in the pure pine stand, where fire severity was greatest. In mixed pine stand, moderate fire severity and interspecific competition reduced regeneration density. The presence of deadwood was found to enhance microclimatic conditions conducive to seedling establishment and the post-fire recovery in Mediterranean pine forests follows a model of self-succession, favouring pre-fire species. Soil analyses revealed higher organic matter content and lower bulk density in the pure stand, which may have supported regeneration. These findings highlight the importance of deadwood retention and passive management strategies in promoting spontaneous forest recovery. Understanding post-fire regeneration patterns and soil conditions can inform adaptive management policies to enhance forest resilience in Mediterranean ecosystems under climate pressure.