The choice of revegetating via direct seeding or planting nursery-grown seedlings influences the potential stresses suffered by seedlings such as herbivory and drought. The outcome of the balance ...between both revegetation methods may ultimately depend on how species identity and traits such as seed and seedling size interact with environmental conditions. To test this, we will conduct a continental-scale experiment consisting of one mini-experiment replicated by multiple participants across Europe. Each participant will establish a site with seeded and planted individuals of one or more native, locally growing oak (Quercus) species; the selection of this genus aims to favour continental-scale participation and to allow testing the response of a widely distributed genus of broad ecological and economic relevance. At each site, participants will follow the present protocol for seed collection, seeding in the field, nursery cultivation, outplanting, protection against herbivores, site maintenance, and measurement of seedling performance and environmental variables. Each measurement on each species at each site will produce one effect size; the data will be analysed through mixed-effects meta-analysis. With this approach we will assess the main effect of revegetation method, species, plant functional traits, and the potential effect of site-specific effect moderators. Overall, we will provide a continental-scale estimate on the seeding vs. planting dilemma and analyse to what extent the differences in environmental conditions across sites, seed size, functional traits, and the phylogenetic relatedness of species can account for the differences in the effect of revegetation method on seedling performance across study sites and species.
Microsatellite markers were used to describe the genetic variability of four seed stands of wild cherry (Prunus avium L.). One hundred and thirty one individuals were genotyped at ten nuclear ...microsatellite loci. Total genetic diversity was high (H(E) = 0.704), while differences between stands were small but significant (F(ST) = 0.053, G'(ST) = 0.234). There was a significant amount of clonal reproduction in one stand, with only 11 genotypes identified among 36 trees. One stand showed a significant excess (F(IS) = -0.044) of heterozygosity, and one showed a deficit (F(IS) = 0.044). Our results demonstrate the importance of taking into account the biological and genetic characteristics of species in forest management, especially when determining a new seed stand. The small genetic differences found between seed stands indicate that a large number of stands are not required. However, they should be carefully selected and should possess adequate genetic variability to ensure low relatedness between seed trees.
Changing ecosystem conditions and diverse socio-economical events have contributed to an ingrained presence of non-native tree species (NNTs) in the natural and cultural European landscapes. Recent ...research endeavors have focused on different aspects of NNTs such as legislation, benefits, and risks for forestry, emphasizing that large knowledge gaps remain. As an attempt to fulfill part of these gaps, within the PEN-CAFoRR COST Action (CA19128) network, we established an open-access questionnaire that allows both academic experts and practitioners to provide information regarding NNTs from 20 European countries. Then, we integrated the data originating from the questionnaire, related to the country-based assessment of both peer-reviewed and grey literature, with information from available datasets (EUFORGEN and EU-Forest), which gave the main structure to the study and led to a mixed approach review. Finally, our study provided important insights into the current state of knowledge regarding NNTs. In particular, we highlighted NNTs that have shown to be less commonly addressed in research, raising caution about those characterized by an invasive behavior and used for specific purposes (e.g., wood production, soil recultivation, afforestation, and reforestation). NNTs were especially explored in the context of resilient and adaptive forest management. Moreover, we emphasized the assisted and natural northward migration of NNTs as another underscored pressing issue, which needs to be addressed by joint efforts, especially in the context of the hybridization potential. This study represents an additional effort toward the knowledge enhancement of the NNTs situation in Europe, aiming for a continuously active common source deriving from interprofessional collaboration.
Natural populations of woody species are adapted to local growth conditions. Non-local provenances may sense the difference between the local environment and the site conditions at their origin. To ...study the impact of provenance selection of planting stock in (re)forestation and landscape plantings, the variation in the adaptive traits bud burst, bud set, flower opening, leaf morphology and height increment was examined within and between local and non-local provenances of Prunus spinosa in a provenance trial, located in Flanders (northern part of Belgium), during two consecutive years (shrubs were three and four years old) which contrasted strongly in spring temperatures. Five Flemish provenances were included together with three commercially available provenances originating from Wallonia (southern part of Belgium), Hungary and Spain. When comparing the two observational years, the Spanish provenance showed a plastic temporal response in bud burst, while the Hungarian provenance and to a lesser extent the Walloon provenance responded plastically in bud set. The Hungarian provenance flushed first in 2013 but was not the first to flush in 2014, whereas in 2014 flowers opened first. The rank order among the provenances in flushing was not maintained in flower opening although both phenophases occur congruently. Wide-leaved shrubs tended to flush and flower slightly earlier and to grow slightly quicker compared to narrow-leaved shrubs, possibly as a result of historical hybridisation processes. Height increment did not vary significantly between the Flemish and commercial provenances, except the Hungarian provenance, which showed a slightly retarded youth growth. The different responses between local and non-local provenances may indicate maladaptation of the latter.
Natürliche Populationen von Gehölzarten sind an die lokalen Wachstumsbedingungen adaptiert. Nicht-lokale Herkünfte könnten einen Unterschied zwischen der lokalen Umwelt und den Standortsbedingungen in ihrer Ursprungsregion erfahren. Um den Einfluss der Auswahl der Herkünfte von Pflanzmaterial für (Wieder-)Aufforstungen und Landschaftsbegrünung zu untersuchen, erfassten wir die Variation der adaptiven Merkmale Aufspringen der Knospen, Knospenansatz, Öffnen der Blüten, Blattmorphologie und Höhenwachstum bei lokalen und auswärtigen Herkünften von Prunus spinosa. Wir nutzen eine Versuchsfläche in Flandern (nördliches Belgien) in zwei aufeinander folgenden Jahren, die sich stark hinsichtlich der Frühjahrstemperaturen unterschioeden (Alter der Sträucher: drei bzw. vier Jahre). Fünf flämische Herkünfte wurden untersucht sowie drei kommerziell erhältliche Herkünfte aus Wallonien (südliches Belgien), Ungarn und Spanien. Beim Vergleich der beiden Jahre zeigte die spanische Herkunft eine plastische zeitliche Reaktion beim Knospensprung, während die ungarische Herkunft und in geringerem Maße die wallonische Herkunft plastisch beim Knospenansatz reagierten. Die Ungarische Herkunft trieb 2013 als erste aus, war aber 2014 nicht die früheste Herkunft, während sie 2014 als erste die Blüten öffnete. Die Reihenfolge der Herkünfte beim Austreiben wurde nicht beim Öffnen der Blüten beibehalten. Breitblättrige Sträucher tendierten dazu, etwas früher auszutreiben, zu blühen und etwas schneller zu wachsen als schmalblättrige Sträucher, was möglicherweise auf historische Hybridisierungen zurückzuführen ist. Die Größenzunahme unterschied sich nicht signifikant zwischen den flämischen und den kommerziellen Herkünften. Nur die ungarische Herkunft zeigte ein leicht verzögertes Jugendwachstum. Die unterschiedlichen Reaktionen der lokalen und auswärtigen Herkünfte könnten eine Fehlanpassung der letztgenannten anzeigen.
► We review theoretical and practical aspects of genetic conservation in forest trees. ► We present pan-European requirements for genetic conservation units of forest trees. ► The requirements ...promote dynamic conservation of genetic diversity. ► The requirements are now used for managing tree populations in 36 countries.
This paper provides a review of theoretical and practical aspects related to genetic management of forest trees. The implementation of international commitments on forest genetic diversity has been slow and partly neglected. Conservation of forest genetic diversity is still riddled with problems, and complexities of national legal and administrative structures. Europe is an example of a complex region where the distribution ranges of tree species extend across large geographical areas with profound environmental differences, and include many countries. Conservation of forest genetic diversity in Europe has been hampered by a lack of common understanding on the management requirements for genetic conservation units of forest trees. The challenge resides in integrating scientific knowledge on conservation genetics into management of tree populations so that recommendations are feasible to implement across different countries. Here, we present pan-European minimum requirements for dynamic conservation units of forest genetic diversity. The units are natural or man-made tree populations which are managed for maintaining evolutionary processes and adaptive potential across generations. Each unit should have a designated status and a management plan, and one or more tree species recognized as target species for genetic conservation. The minimum sizes of the units are set at 500, 50 or 15 reproducing individuals depending on tree species and conservation objectives. Furthermore, silvicultural interventions should be allowed to enhance genetic processes, as needed, and field inventories carried out to monitor regeneration and the population size. These minimum requirements are now used by 36 countries to improve management of forest genetic diversity.
•Procedures, standards and attributes used to control seedling quality vary greatly across Europe.•All countries monitor the origin of FRM as a potential genetic quality indicator.•Morphological ...attribute standards differ among countries.•The use of physiological attributes is very limited to a few countries of northern Europe.•European countries in general do not apply the “target plant concept“, except for the origin of FRM.•This indicates the need to review seedling quality attributes and standards based on scientific knowledge and the need to harmonize some of them between EU countries.
The relationship between the quality of forest seedlings and their outplanting survival and growth has long been recognized. Various attributes have been proposed to measure the quality of planted seedlings in forest regeneration projects, ranging from simple morphological traits to more complex physiological and performance attributes, or a combination thereof. However, the utility and meaning of seedling quality attributes can differ significantly among regions, nursery practices, site planting conditions, species and the establishment purpose. Here, forest scientists compiled information using a common agreed questionnaire to provide a review of current practices, experiences, legislation and standards for seedling quality across 23 European countries.
Large differences exist in measuring seedling quality across countries. The control of the origin of seed and vegetative material (genetic component of plant quality), and control of pests and diseases are common practices in all countries. Morphological attributes are widely used and mandatory in most cases. However, physiological attributes are hardly used at the operative level and mainly concentrated to Fennoscandia. Quality control legislation and seedling quality standards are less strict in northern European countries where seedling production is high, and quality control relies more on the agreements between producers and local plant material users. In contrast, quality standards are stricter in Southern Europe, especially in the Mediterranean countries.
The control of seedling quality based on plantation and reforestation success is uncommon and depends on the conditions of the planting site, the traditional practices and the financial support provided by each country. Overall, European countries do not apply the “target seedling concept” for seedling production except for seed origin. Seedling production in many countries is still driven by traditional “know-how” and much less by scientific knowledge progress, which is not adequately disseminated and transferred to the end-users.
Our review highlights the need for greater harmonization of seedling quality practices across Europe and the increased dissemination of scientific knowledge to improve seedling quality in forest regeneration activities.
Genetic Variability of Wild Cherry Jarni, Kristjan; De Cuyper, Bart; Brus, Robert
PloS one,
07/2012, Letnik:
7, Številka:
7
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Microsatellite markers were used to describe the genetic variability of four seed stands of wild cherry (Prunus avium L.). One hundred and thirty one individuals were genotyped at ten nuclear ...microsatellite loci. Total genetic diversity was high (H.sub.E = 0.704), while differences between stands were small but significant (F.sub.ST = 0.053, G'.sub.ST = 0.234). There was a significant amount of clonal reproduction in one stand, with only 11 genotypes identified among 36 trees. One stand showed a significant excess (F.sub.IS = -0.044) of heterozygosity, and one showed a deficit (F.sub.IS = 0.044). Our results demonstrate the importance of taking into account the biological and genetic characteristics of species in forest management, especially when determining a new seed stand. The small genetic differences found between seed stands indicate that a large number of stands are not required. However, they should be carefully selected and should possess adequate genetic variability to ensure low relatedness between seed trees.
To study the impact of provenance selection of planting stock in (re)forestation and landscape plantings, the variation in bud and flower phenology, height increment and shrub morphology was examined ...within and between the local and non-local provenances of Crataegus monogyna in a provenance trial. Seven Belgian provenances were included, five in Flanders and two in Wallonia, completed with three commercial provenances originating from Italy, Hungary and the United Kingdom. A completely randomized design (single tree plots) was adopted. Data were processed using mixed modelling techniques. South European provenances flushed up to 7 days earlier than the Flemish provenances, whereas the Walloon provenances flushed 4 days later. Compared to the Flemish provenances, Southern provenances and Walloon provenances flowered 4 days earlier and 2 days later respectively. Height increment and shrub morphology did not vary significantly between the Belgian and commercial provenances. Bud burst varied less than flowering among the Flemish and the Walloon provenances. This possibly indicates a higher selection pressure on bud burst than on flowering. The higher time lag between the different provenances for bud burst in comparison to flowering indicates a stronger plastic response for the latter. The results point out the importance of bud burst as an indicator of local adaptation to geo-climatologic components. Finally, it appeared that old hedges are likely to be good sources of locally adapted seed.
The choice of revegetating via direct seeding or planting nursery-grown seedlings influences the potential stresses suffered by seedlings such as herbivory and drought. The outcome of the balance ...between both revegetation methods may ultimately depend on how species identity and traits such as seed and seedling size interact with environmental conditions. To test this, we will conduct a continental-scale experiment consisting of one mini-experiment replicated by multiple participants across Europe. Each participant will establish a site with seeded and planted individuals of one or more native, locally growing oak (Quercus) species; the selection of this genus aims to favour continental-scale participation and to allow testing the response of a widely distributed genus of broad ecological and economic relevance. At each site, participants will follow the present protocol for seed collection, seeding in the field, nursery cultivation, outplanting, protection against herbivores, site maintenance, and measurement of seedling performance and environmental variables. Each measurement on each species at each site will produce one effect size; the data will be analysed through mixed-effects meta-analysis. With this approach we will assess the main effect of revegetation method, species, plant functional traits, and the potential effect of site-specific effect moderators. Overall, we will provide a continental-scale estimate on the seeding vs. planting dilemma and analyse to what extent the differences in environmental conditions across sites, seed size, functional traits, and the phylogenetic relatedness of species can account for the differences in the effect of revegetation method on seedling performance across study sites and species.
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