Abstract: Due to climate change, seedling damage caused by drought stress is expected to increase in both afforestation sites and nurseries. Therefore, to ensure stable seedling production under high-temperature conditions and to cultivate seedlings with enhanced drought tolerance through hardening treatments, the development of an effective irrigation system is required. Conventional physiological methods for non-destructive drought detection, such as chlorophyll fluorescence and leaf temperature measurements, require expensive and manual operation, thereby limiting their real-time applicability in forest nurseries. This study evaluated the feasibility of using image-based leaf angle measurements for drought stress detection in Quercus acutissima seedlings. One-year-old seedlings were grown under two water regimes—well-watered (control; CT) and unwatered (drought; DT)—and physiological parameters, including chlorophyll fluorescence, vapor pressure deficit, and leaf angle, were measured. Statistical analyses (RMANOVA) revealed that changes in the leaf angle parameter (PMD–MD: difference between the previous measurement day and the current measurement day) exhibited temporal patterns similar to physiological responses to drought on day 6 (D6), but not earlier than physiological changes. Multiple regression models identified air temperature, soil moisture, Fm′, and VPD as the main factors influencing leaf angle variation. These findings demonstrate that leaf angle monitoring can serve as an effective surrogate indicator of physiological drought stress responses in forest nursery seedlings, with potential for integration into automated irrigation systems for drought hardening management, thus enabling enhanced real-time applicability over conventional methods constrained by costly equipment and manual handling.

Abstract: Results showed the presence of 425 species of macro fungi and 96 families in natural forest, Ascomycetes had 19 families and 41 species, 4 species are edible and 1 medicinal; the Basidiomycetes had 78 families and 384 species, and 50 species are edible, 6 medicinal, 65 toxic, 4 hallucinogenic and 3 bioluminescent. Regarding life forms Ascomycetes had 24 species saprotroph, 13 parasites and 1 mycorrhizal. Basidiomycetes had 229 saprotroph species, 119 mycorrhizal and 34 parasitic. Pure culture growth of 110 species was measured, saprotroph species grew 3.5 cm, mycorrhizal 0.7 cm and parasitic species 0.4 cm at 7 days from incubation. The Kruskall-Wallis analysis showed significant differences in the average growth of the species groups (p< 0.05). A pairwise analysis, after the Kruskall-Wallis, showed that growth of saprotrophs was significantly greater than mycorrhizal and parasitic species; the last two groups were not significantly different. Native edible strains of Pleurotus dejamour and Hericium erinaceus were grown and had statistically significant differences (P<0.05) for fruiting bodies production.

Abstract: Trees in urban environments provide essential ecosystem services, but root growth–pavement system conflicts often constrain tree longevity and degrade infrastructure performance. The study presents a conceptual model for green and grey infrastructure alignment to ensure tree longevity while maintaining pavement performance in the urban environment. Drawing on past research where roots were flattened when exposed to confining stresses greater than 0.35 MPa, we developed a series of finite element models in COMSOL Multiphysics to simulate root-induced stresses in concrete pavements under varying pavement thickness, base thickness, and root depth. Parametric analyses showed that an increase in root depth had the largest impact in reducing stress, followed by an increase in pavement thickness, then base thickness. Maximum single-root-induced stresses were approximately 0.55 MPa, below that of normal concrete flexural strength. From these results, design guidance is proposed for tree root accommodation and pavement in existing and new infrastructure, with emphasis on root growth enhancement, pavement durability, and cost-effectiveness measures.

Abstract:

Conducting a comprehensive study of the photosynthesis aspects of the most common tree species will allow us to select the most promising species for afforestation and assess the contribution of the main forest-forming species to the absorption of carbon dioxide. This study investigates the seasonal dynamics of photosynthetic activity in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) needles in the central region of European Russia during the 2024 growing season. The research aimed to determine the dependence of photosynthesis intensity, transpiration, and stomatal conductance on meteorological conditions, such as temperature and irradiance. Measurements were carried out using a portable gas exchange system and meteorological station data, covering the growing season from April to September. The photosynthetic activity was found to exhibit a bimodal dynamic with peaks in June (20.8 μmol/m²/s) and September (18.0 μmol/m²/s), while the minimum value was observed in July during a drought period. The analysis of the results suggests a high adaptability of Scots pine to stressful conditions, attributed to the "drought memory" effect and the xeromorphic structure of the needles. The obtained data help to identify optimal conditions for reforestation activities and underscore the significant role of pine forests in the carbon balance of ecosystems.

Abstract: The natural durability of wood, determined primarily by its chemistry, meets the growing demand for environmentally sustainable alternatives to toxic wood preserva-tives. This study investigated the relationship between heartwood chemical composi-tion and decay resistance among fifty-two (52) Pinus nigra Arn. clones from a clonal seed orchard in Greece. Quantitative 1H-NMR spectroscopy was employed to determine total acetone extractives (TAE), total stilbenes (TS), and total resin acids (TRA) in heartwood samples, while decay resistance was evaluated through standardized weight loss tests using Coniophora puteana (Schumach.) P. Karst. (1865) and Porodaedalea pini (Brot.) Murrill (1905). The heartwood exhibited exceptionally high extractive content (mean TAE = 304.15 mg/gdhw), with resin acids (68.26%) predominating over stilbenes (22.31%). Re-gression analysis showed that TAE and TRA were the strongest predictors of decay re-sistance, explaining 33% of the variance, while stilbenes exhibited weaker and more variable associations. Porodaedalea pini caused significantly higher mean weight loss (11.43%) than C. puteana (3.55%), indicating species-specific fungal aggressiveness. Among individual resin acids, abietic acid were the most influential contributors to decay resistance. The results demonstrate that resin acids have dominant role over stilbenes in determining the natural durability of P. nigra heartwood and could serve as effective biochemical markers for selective breeding.

Abstract: Over the last decade, bark beetle outbreaks have significantly impacted forests in Central Europe, causing extensive loss of forest cover. We evaluated the impact of partial deforestation in three mountain forest catchments in the Jeseníky Mountains, comparing them with the unaffected Červík catchment (Beskydy Mountains) and the severely affected Pekelský stream catchment (Czech-Moravian Highlands). Atmospheric deposition in the catchments was similar, with total element input driven primarily by precipitation volumes rather than ion concentrations. We did not observe the hypothesized increase in DOC and nitrogen export, although nitrate outflow was slightly higher than atmospheric input in two cases. Significant export of calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonates was driven mainly by the geology of the individual catchments. The limited impact of bark beetle outbreaks on DOC dynamics can be attributed to the relatively low proportion of clear-cut areas and the rapid development of ground vegetation on impacted sites.

Abstract:

Forests provide biodiversity to the planet and other forest ecosystem services – the es-sential benefits of humans from forests. The resilience of forest ecosystems and individual trees to stressors has always interested scientists and practitioners. Scientists have fo-cused on the mechanisms of tree resistance. Practitioners have sought ways to reduce forest productivity losses. This work aimed to review the modern knowledge regarding forest ecosystem resilience, forest health, tree resistance, mutual adaptations of plants and phytophagous insects, and breeding trees for disease resistance. As a case study, the resistance of European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) to ash dieback and emerald ash borer Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, 1888 (Coleoptera: Buprestidae): mechanisms, evidence, and future perspectives is presented. Breeding tree species for resistance to pests should play an important role in preventing their spread. Since each tree species is susceptible to some pests and resistant to others, to ensure maximum resilience, it is advisable to create mixed-age and multi-species stands, despite potential productivity losses.

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.