Potential reduction in carbon fixation capacity under climate change in a Pinus koraiensis forest

There has been an increasing recognition of the crucial role of forests, responsible for sequestering atmospheric CO_(2), as a moral imperative for mitigating the pace of climate change. The complexity of evaluating climate change impacts on forest carbon and water dynamics lies in the diverse acclimations of forests to changing environments. In this study, we assessed two of the most common acclimation traits, namely leaf area index and the maximum rate of carboxylation(V_(cmax)), to explore the potential acclimation pathways of Pinus koraiensis under climate change. We used a mechanistic and process-based ecohydrological model applied to a P. koraiensis forest in Mt. Taehwa, South Korea. We conducted numerical investigations into the impacts of(i) Shared Socioeconomic Pathways 2–4.5(SSP2-4.5) and 5–8.5(SSP5-8.5),(ii) elevated atmospheric CO_(2) and temperature, and(iii) acclimations of leaf area index and V_(cmax)on the carbon and water dynamics of P. koraiensis. We found that there was a reduction in net primary productivity(NPP) under the SSP2-4.5 scenario, but not under SSP5-8.5, compared to the baseline, due to an imbalance between increases in atmospheric CO_(2) and temperature. A decrease in leaf area index and an increase in V_(cmax)of P. koraiensis were expected if acclimations were made to reduce its leaf temperature. Under such acclimation pathways, it would be expected that the well-known CO_(2) fertilizer effects on NPP would be attenuated.

Microenvironmental effects on growth response of Pinus massoniana to climate at its northern boundary in the Tongbai Mountains,Central China

The Tongbai Mountains is an ecologically sensi-tive region and the northern boundary of Pinus massoniana Lamb.To analyze the effect of different microenvironments on tree growth response to climate factors,we developed standard chronologies for earlywood width(EWW),late-wood width(LWW),and total ring width(TRW)of P.massoniana at two sampling sites on slopes with different orientations,then analyzed characteristics of the chronolo-gies and their correlations with climate variables from five stations in the region and with a regional normalized differ-ence vegetation index(NDVI).Statistical results showed that the TRW/EWW/LWW chronology consistency and charac-teristics(mean sensitivity,signal to noise ratio,expressed population signal)for trees growing on the southeastern slope were much higher than for trees on the northeastern slope.Correlations indicated that temperature in current March and August has a significant positive effect on TRW/EWW/LWW formation,and the effect on the northeastern slope was weaker than on the southeastern slope.Compared to temperature,precipitation has more complicated effects on tree growth,but the effect on the northeastern slope was also generally weaker than on the southeastern slope.Step-wise linear regression analyses showed that temperature in August was the main limiting factor at the two sampling sites.Similarly,the response of tree growth on the southeast-ern slope as determined by the NDVI is better than on the northeastern slope,and the TRW/EWW/LWW chronologies for the southeastern slope explained over 50%of the total NDVI variances in June.Overall,the results indicate that the difference in the climate response of P.massoniana at two sampling sites is clearly caused by differences in the microenvironment,and such differences should be properly considered in future studies of forest dynamics and climate reconstructions.

Stability assessment of tree ring growth of Pinus armandii Franch in response to climate change based on slope directions at the Lubanling in the Funiu Mountains,China

Global warming will affect growth strategies and how trees will adapt.To compare the response of tree radial growth to climate warming in different slope directions,samples of Pinus armandii Franch were collected and treering chronologies developed on northern and western slopes from the Lubanling in the Funiu Mountains.Correlation analyses showed that two chronologies were mainly limited by temperatures in the previous June–August and the combination of temperatures and moisture in the current May–July.The difference of the climate response to slopes was small but not negligible.Radial growth of the LBL01 site on the northern slope was affected by the combined maximum and minimum temperatures,while that of the LBL02 site was affected by maximum temperatures.With regards to moisture,radial growth of the trees on the north slope was influenced by the relative humidity in the current May–July,while on the western slope,it was affected by the relative humidity in the previous June–August,the current May–July and the precipitation in the current May–July.With the change in climate,the effects of the main limiting factors on growth on different slopes were visible to a certain extent,but the differences in response of trees on different slopes gradually decreased,which might be caused by factors such as different slope directions and the change in diurnal temperature range.These results may provide information for forest protection and ecological construction in this region,and a scientific reference for future climate reconstruction.

Climate-growth relationships of Pinus tabuliformis along an altitudinal gradient on Baiyunshan Mountain,Central China

A set of standard chronologies for tree-ring width(TRW),earlywood width(EWW)and latewood width(LWW)in Pinus tabuliformis Carr.along an altitudi-nal gradient(1450,1400,and 1350 m a.s.l.)on Baiyunshan Mountain,Central China to analyze the effect of varying temperature and precipitation on growth along the gradi-ent.Correlation analyses showed that at all three altitudes and the TRW and EWW chronologies generally had signifi-cant negative correlations with mean and maximum tem-peratures in the current April and May and with minimum temperatures in the prior July and August,but significant positive correlations with precipitation in the current May.Correlations were generally significantly negative between LWW chronologies and all temperatures in the prior July and August,indicating that the prior summer temperature had a strong lag effect on the growth of P.tabuliformis that increased with altitude.The correlation with the standard-ized precipitation evapotranspiration index(SPEI)confirmed that wet conditions in the current May promoted growth of TR and EW at all altitudes.Significant altitudinal differences were also found;at 1400 m,there were significant positive correlations between EWW chronologies and SPEI in the current April and significant negative correlations between LWW chronologies and SPEI in the current September,but these correlations were not significant at 1450 m.At 1350 m,there were also significant negative correlations between the TRW and the EWW chronologies and SPEI in the prior October and the current July and between LWW chronology and SPEI in the current August,but these cor-relations were not significant at 1400 m.Moving correlation results showed a stable response of EWW in relation to the SPEI in the current May at all three altitudes and of LWW to maximum temperature in the prior July-August at 1400 m from 2002 to 2018.The EWW chronology at 1400 m and the LWW chronology at 1450 m were identified as more suitable for climate reconstruction.These results provide a strong scientific basis for forest management decisions and climate reconstructions in Central China.

Effects of drought on non-structural carbohydrates and C,N,and P stoichiometric characteristics of Pinus yunnanensis seedlings

To study non-structural carbohydrate character-istics and nutrient utilization strategies of Pinus yunnanen-sis under continuous drought conditions,2-year-old seed-lings were planted in pots with appropriate water,light and moderate and severe drought treatments[(80±5),(65±5),(50±5),and(35±5)%of field water-holding capacity].Non-structural carbohydrates,carbon(C),nitrogen(N),and phosphorus(P)concentrations were measured in each plant component.The results show that:(1)With increasing drought,non-structural carbohydrates gradually increased in leaves,stems,and coarse roots,while gradually decreased in fine roots;(2)C concentrations of all were relatively stable under different stress levels.Phosphorous utilization of each component increased under light and moderate drought conditions,while N and P utilization efficiency of each plant component decreased under severe drought.Growth was mainly restricted by N,first decreasing and then increasing with increased drought;(3)There was a correlation between the levels of non-structural carbohydrates and C,N,and P in each component.Changes in N concentration affected the interconversion between soluble sugar and starch,which play a regulatory role in the fluctuation of the concentration of non-structural carbohydrates;and,(4)Plasticity analysis showed that P.yunnanensis seedlings responded to drought mainly by altering starch concentration,the ratio of soluble sugar to starch in leaves and stems,and further by alter-ing N and P utilization efficiencies.Overall,these results suggest that the physiological activities of all organs of P.yunnanensis seedlings are restricted under drought and that trade-offs exist between different physiological indicators and organs.Our findings are helpful in understanding non-structural carbohydrate and nutrient adaptation mechanisms under drought in P.yunnanensis seedlings.

The Identification of Phenylalanine Ammonia-Lyase(PAL)Genes from Pinus yunnanensis and an Analysis of Enzyme Activity in vitro

Phenylalanine ammonia lyase(PAL)is the rate-limiting and pivotal enzyme of the general phenylpropanoid path-way,but few reports have been found on PAL genes in Pinus yunnanensis.In the present study,three PAL genes were cloned and identified from P.yunnanensis seedlings for thefirst time,namely,PyPAL-1,PyPAL-2,and PyPAL-3.Our results indicated that the open-reading frames of PyPAL genes were 2184,2157,and 2385 bp.Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that PyPALs have high homology with other known PAL genes in other plants.In vitro enzymatic analysis showed that all three PyPAL recombinant proteins could catalyze the deamination of L-phenylalanine to form trans-cinnamic acid,but only PAL1 and PAL2 can catalyze the conversion of L-tyrosine toρ-coumaric acid.Three PyPAL genes were expressed in different tissues in 1-year-old P.yunnanensis,and such genes had different expression patterns.This study lays a foundation for further understanding of the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in P.yunnanensis.

Advances in Research of Drought Stress in Major Pinus spp.: A Bibliometric Analysis and Narrative Review

Climate change has caused fluctuations in the frequency and severity of droughts,favoring extended periods of drought associated with anthropic actions and triggering other stressful abiotic effects that threaten terrestrial ecosystems.As climate warming intensifies,drought is a major challenge for forest growth.Pine(Pinus Linn.)is an important genus of forest in the Northern Hemisphere and has a certain tolerance to drought.This article analyzes and reviews the advances in research about drought stress of major Pinus spp.plants in recent years and discusses understanding and future core problems.To adapt to water-deficient environments,pine plants adapt to drought by changing growth traits,closing some stomata on leaves,changing the growth and structure of roots,and adjusting their physiological activities.Moreover,the expression of specific genes is altered,causing changes in the expression of several signaling molecules and metabolites to counteract drought stress.

Differential aluminum tolerance and absorption characteristics in Pinus massoniana seedlings colonized with ectomycorrhizal fungi of Lactarius deliciosus and Pisolithus tinctorius

Plant tolerance to aluminum(Al)toxicity can be enhanced by an ectomycorrhizal(ECM)fungus through biological filtering or physical blockage.To understand the roles of ECM colonization in Al absorption with regard to Al tolerance,Pinus massoniana seedlings were inoculated with either Lactarius deliciosus(L.:Fr.)Gray isolate 2 or Pisolithus tinctorius(Pers.)Coker et Couch isolate 715 and cultivated in an acid yellow soil with or without 1.0 mM Al^(3+)irrigation for 10 weeks.Biomass production,Al bioaccumulation and transport in seedlings colonized by the two ECM fungi were compared,and the three absorption kinetics(pseudo-first order,pseudo-second order and intraparticle diffusion)models used to evaluate variances in root Al^(3+)absorption capacity.Results show that both fungi increased aboveground biomass and Al tolerance of P.massoniana seedlings,but L.deliciosus 2 was more effective than P.tinctorius 715.Lower Al absorption capacity,fewer available active sites and decreased affinity and boundary layer thickness for Al^(3+),and higher Al accumulation and translocation contributed to the increased Al tolerance in the ECM-inoculated seedlings.These results advance our understanding of the mechanisms and strategies in plant Alto lerance conferred by ECM fungi and show that inoculation with L.deliciosus will better enhance Al tolerance in P.massoniana seedlings used for forest plantation and ecosystem restoration in acidic soils,particularly in Southwest China and similar soils worldwide.

Comparison of genetic impact on growth and wood traits between seedlings and clones from the same plus trees of Pinus koraiensis

To evaluate the relationships among clones and open pollinated families from the same plus trees and to select elite breeding materials,growth,and wood characteristics of 33-year-old Pinus korainsis clones and families were measured and analyzed.The results show that growth and wood characters varied significantly.The variation due to clonal effects was higher than that of family effects.The ratio of genetic to phenotypic coefficient of variation of clones in growth and wood traits was above 90%,and the repeatability of these characteristics was more than 0.8,whereas the ratio of genetic to phenotypic coefficient of variation of families was above 90%.The broad-sense heritability of all characteristics exceeded 0.4,and the narrow-sense family heritability of growth traits was less than 0.3.Growth characteristics were positively correlated with each other,but most wood properties were weakly correlated in both clones and families.Fiber length and width were positively correlated between clones and families.Using the membership function method,eleven clones and four families were selected as superior material for improved diameter growth and wood production,and two families from clonal and open-pollinated trees showed consistently better performance.Generally,selection of the best clones is an effective alternative to deployment of families as the repeatability estimates from clonal trees were higher than narrow-sense heritability estimates from open pollinated families.The results provide valuable insight for improving P.koraiensis breeding programs and subsequent genetic improvement.

A novel seed cone of Pinus from the Miocene of coastal Southeast China indicates kinship with Southeast Asian pines

Pinus is an economically and ecologically important genus whose members are dominant components globally in low-latitude mountainous and mid-latitude temperate forests.Pinus species richness is currently concentrated in subtropical mid-low latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere,differing from the latitudinal diversity gradient mostly recognized in woody angiosperms.How the present pattern was developing in Earth's past is still poorly studied,particularly in eastern Asia.Here,a new fossil species,Pinus shengxianica sp.nov.is described based on a fossil seed cone from the Late Miocene Shengxian Formation in Zhejiang,southeast China.A co-occurring cone is recognized as a known fossil species,Pinus speciosa Li.Extensive comparison of extant and fossil members of Pinus suggests P.shengxianica shares a striking cone similarity to Pinus merkusii and Pinus latteri(subsection Pinus)from tropical Southeast Asia in having annular bulges around the umbo on the apophysis.The morphological resemblance indicates these two extant low-latitude pines probably possess a close affinity with the present newly-discovered P.shengxianica and originated from East Asian mid-low latitude ancestors during this generic re-diversification in the Miocene.This scenario is consistent with the evolutionary trajectory reflected by the pine fossil history and molecular data,marking the Miocene as a key period for the origin and evolution of most extant pines globally.The co-occurrences of diverse conifers and broadleaved angiosperms preferring diverse niches demonstrate Late Miocene eastern Zhejiang was one of the hot spots for coniferophyte diversity and hosted a needled-broadleaved mixed forest with complex vegetation structure and an altitudinal zonation.

Influence of climate fluctuations on Pinus palustris growth and drought resilience

The longleaf pine(Pinus palustris Mill.)ecosystem is an endangered ecosystem in the southeastern USA,and efforts to restore the species are ongoing.However,in recent decades,the region has experienced drastic fluctuations between wet and dry growing season conditions from year to year,and it is not fully understood how these fluctuations have influenced the growth of P.palustris.To address this topic,we cored P.palustris trees in woodlands of southwest Georgia and used dendrochronology techniques to determine how climate fluctuations have influenced the growth and drought resilience of P.palustris.We also cored slash pine(Pinus elliottii Engelm.)trees in the same woodlands to compare growth between species.While P.palustris growth was less impacted by adverse climate conditions compared to P.elliottii,the strength of correlations between P.palustris growth and temperature,precipitation,and Palmer Drought Severity Index(PDSI)changed over time.In recent decades,climate conditions during the growing season became more influential on P.palustris growth than the previous year's conditions.This is concerning given that drought severity during the growing season has been increasing.Our results also indicate that P.palustris was less resilient to droughts during the 2000s and 2010s than to those of the 1950s.Under this new climate paradigm,our results suggest that P.palustris might be more susceptible to growth reductions and less resistant to droughts than once expected.This work highlights the importance of understanding the impact of novel climate conditions on P.palustris and has implications for restoration efforts,such as using silvicultural treatments that reduce tree vulnerability to drought(e.g.,thinning)and promote other climate-adapted species in mixture with P.palustris.

Early selection efficiency for fiber dimensions and their relationships with growth and wood quality for Pinus elliotth Engelm.in southern China

A solid understanding of the efficiency of early selection for fiber dimensions is a prerequisite for breeding slash pine(Pinus elliottii Engelm.)with improved properties for pulp and paper products.Genetic correlations between size of fibers,wood quality and growth properties are also important.To accomplish effective early selection for size of fibers and evaluate the impact for wood quality traits and ring widths,core samples were collected from360 trees of 20 open-pollinated Pinus elliottii families from three genetic trials.Cores were measured by SilviScan,and the age trends for phenotypic values,heritability,early-late genetic correlations,and early selection efficiency for fiber dimensions,such as tangential and radial fiber widths,fiber wall thickness and fiber coarseness,and their correlations with microfibril angle(MFA),modulus of elasticity(MOE),wood density and ring width were investigated.Different phenotypic trends were found for tangential and radial fiber widths while fiber coarseness and wall thickness curves were similar.Age trends of heritability based on area-weighted fiber dimensions were different.Low to moderate heritability from pith to bark(~0.5)was found for all fiber dimension across the three sites except for tangential fiber width and wall thickness at the Ganzhou site.Early-late genetic correlations were 0.9 after age of 9 years,and early selection for fiber dimensions could be effective due to strong genetic correlations.Our results showed moderate to strong positive genetic correlations for modulus of elasticity and density with fiber dimensions.The effects on fiber dimensions were weak or moderate when ring width or wood quality traits were selected alone.Estimates of efficiency for early selection indicated that the optimal age for radial fiber width and fiber coarseness was 6-7 years,while for tangential fiber width and wall thickness was 9-10 years.

Cardioprotective effects of Pinus eldarica bark extract on adrenaline-induced myocardial infarction in rats

Objective:To investigate the effect of Pinus eldarica bark extract on adrenaline-induced myocardial infarction.Methods:Hydroalcoholic extract was prepared using maceration method and its total phenolic content was determined using the Folin-ciocalteu method.Pretreatment was done by oral administration of 100,200,and 400 mg/kg Pinus eldarica bark extract for 16 days in male Wistar rats.Injection of adrenaline(2 mg/kg,s.c.)was performed on the 15th and 16th days for induction of myocardial infarction.LeadⅡEEG was recorded.Serum cardiac marker enzymes and antioxidative parameters were evaluated and a histopathological examination of heart tissues was performed.Results:Pretreatment with Pinus eldarica bark extract especially at its high doses significantly lowered the ST-segment elevation,improved heart rate,and decreased RR interval in ECG pattern of rats with adrenaline-induced myocardial infarction.It declined serum markers of heart damage including aspartate aminotransferase,lactate dehydrogenase,and creatine phosphokinase-MB,and also decreased lipid peroxidation marker,and heart weight while raising total antioxidant capacity and considerably improved histopathological alterations of the heart induced by adrenaline.Conclusions:Pinus eldarica bark extract shows beneficial cardioprotective and antioxidant effects against adrenaline-induced myocardial infarction.It can be further explored as a potential treatment for myocardial infarction.

Effect of cold stratification on the temperature range for germination of Pinus koraiensis

Germination at low spring temperatures may offer a competitive advantage for the growth and survival of plant species inhabiting temperate forest ecosystems.Pinus koraiensis is a dominant species in temperate forests of northeastern China.Its seeds exhibit primary morphophysiological dormancy following dispersal in autumn,limiting natural or artificial regeneration:direct seeding and planting seedlings in spring.The aim of this study was to determine the optimum cold stratification temperature that induces germination to increase towards lower temperatures.Seeds from two populations(Changbaishan and Liangshui)were cold stratified at 0,5 and 10℃.Germination to incubation temperatures(10/5,20/10,25/15 and 30/20℃;14/10 h day/night)were determined after 2 and 4 weeks,and 5.5 and6.5 months of cold stratification.After 5.5 months,approximately 68-91%of seeds from both populations germinated at incubation temperatures of 25/15℃and 30/20℃,regardless of cold stratification temperatures.When the cold stratification temperature was reduced to 0℃and the period increased to 6.5 months,germination at 10/5℃significantly improved,reaching 37%and 64%for the Changbaishan and Liangshui populations,respectively.After 6.5 months of cold stratification,there was a significant linear regression between cold stratification temperatures and germination at10/5℃.The range in temperatures allowing for germination gradually expanded to include lower temperatures with decreasing cold stratification temperatures from 10 to 5℃and further to 0℃.

Tending Management and Pest Control Measures of Pinus koraiensis during Its Growth Period

Tending management and pest control directly affect forest construction.Not only sustainable growth of timber but also continuous and permanent use of green mountains and water can be achieved by providing tending management measures for sustainable operations and implementing effective pest control measures.According to the demand of production practice,this paper studies the tending management and pest control measures of Pinus koraiensis forest during its growth period,so as to provide important scientific support for improving the quality of P.koraiensis forest in the future.

长白山阔叶红松(Pinus koraiensis)林种子雨组成及其季节动态

为了解阔叶红松（Pinus koraiensis）林的种子雨组成及其在时间和空间上的动态变化，在长白山阔叶红松林25hm^2样地内，设置了150个种子收集器，收集掉落于种子收集器中的果实、种子等。所有收集到的样品分别鉴定其种类并分为成熟种实、未成熟种实、花序和果实或种子碎片及其附属物4类，计算各类别的数量，而后分别烘干秤重。从2005年6月到2006年11月，共收集到隶属11科12属20种的种实及其生殖器官残体。累计收集到121291粒种实，其中成熟种实23147粒，仅占所有种实总个体数的19．1％。种实数最多的树种是紫椴（Tilia amurensis）和水曲柳（Fraxinus mandshurica），两个树种种实的个体数占总个体数的90％。对2006年5月-11月种子雨季节动态的分析发现：种实在7月中旬至10月下旬数量极大，但主要由未成熟种实组成；在10月中旬出现成熟种实散落高峰，但未成熟种实仍占一定的比例。按每个收集器收集到的成熟种实数统计，成熟种实数量在100-200之间的收集器数量最多。按每个收集器收集到的树种数统计，收集器中最多收到的树种数为7，树种数为3和4的收集器个数最多。对6个主要树种成熟种实所在收集器的空间分布进行分析发现，紫椴和水曲柳的成熟种实在整个样地都有分布，春榆（Ulmusjaponica）、糠椴（T.mandshurica）、色木槭（Acermono）和假色槭（A．pseudo-sieboldianum）则只在样地的局部区域收集到成熟种实。成熟种实的空间分布与母树的空间分布大都表现出明显的相关性，表明这些树种的成熟种实并没有扩散到离母树较远的距离。

CO_2浓度倍增与干旱胁迫对油松(Pinus tabulaeformis)相对分枝级水力结构的影响

在密闭式生长箱内经过13个月高CO2浓度培养的5年生油松(Pinus tabulaeformis)为实验对象,采用改良冲洗法研究了CO2浓度倍增(720μmolmol-1)与干旱胁迫交互作用对油松相对分枝级水力结构参数的影响。通过测定油松不同分枝级的水力结构参数分别在720μmolmol-1CO2和380μmolmol-1CO2(大气现有CO2浓度)浓度下随着干旱胁迫的变化,得出不同分枝级的导水率(Kh)、比导率(Ks)和胡伯尔值(Hv)在2个CO2浓度下均随着干旱胁迫的增加而逐渐下降,叶比导率(Lsc)在720μmolmol-1CO2浓度下随着干旱胁迫的增加非线性变化(0级>2级>1级)不同于380μmolmol-1CO2(0级>1级>2级)。同期干旱胁迫条件下,720μmolmol-1CO2浓度下的Kh、Ks、Lsc和Hv均大于380μmolmol-1CO2且差异显著。根据整株苗木的水势将苗木的水分状况分为4个梯度,在正常水分(-0.45^-0.65MPa)、轻度干旱(-1.15^-0.75MPa)和中度干旱(-1.95^-1.35MPa)胁迫时,3个分枝级均在720μmolmol-1CO2条件下的Kh和Ks较380μmolmol-1CO2增加,说明交互作用能提高导水能力,同时加快水分运输效率。在重度干旱(<-2.80MPa)胁迫时Kh比380μmolmol-1CO2增加,而Ks比380μmolmol-1CO2减小,即交互作用提高了水分运输的安全性,却减少了有效性。

Capacitance Characteristics of Pinus densata,Pinus tabuliformis,Pinus yunnanensis and the hybrids Pinus tabuliformis×Pinus Yunnanensis

We employed capacitance to evaluate the kinship and interspecific variation of homoploid hybrid conifer Pinus densata,P.tabuliformis,P.yunnanensis and artificial hybrids of P.tabuliformis(maternal parent)and P.yunnanensis(paternal parent)which were cultivated and selected in the common garden experiment.By measuring capacitance spectra under different voltage frequencies,we could differentiate different germplasms based on the electrical response.We aims to demonstrate that P.densata as the hybrid of P.tabuliformis and P.yunnanensis based on the capacitance values of the species,and to provide new evidence to the previously known biological evidence,as well as and the parental effect on the hybrids.Our results revealed that capacitance values between the species are significantly different in the spectra where P.yunnanensis positioned at the lowest and P.densata was much higher than all other species,indicating that P.densata had possessed a great capacity to store electrical energy.The capacitance spectra of P.densata and the artificial hybrid are not similar,which rejected our hypothesis.Both of the capacitance values of P.densata and the hybrids were closer to P.tabuliformis than to P.yunnanensis,which shows that the maternal influence was stronger than the paternal influence.Correlation analysis on the relationship between capacitance and fitnessrelated characteristics showed that capacitance is negatively correlated to mortality rate,and positively correlated with second-year survival rate.High capacitance values of P.densata and some of the hybrids reveal their superior adaptability to harsh environment in the Tibet Plateau.We concluded that capacitance as a new indicator for plant fitness and evolution evidence of homoploid hybrid conifers.

Variations in electrical impedance and phase angle among seedlings of Pinus densata and parental species in Pinus tabuliformis habitat environment

Electrical impedance （El） and phase angle （PHI） parameters in AC impedance spectroscopy are important electrical parameters in the study of medical pathology. However, little is known about their application in variation and genetic relationship studies of forest trees. In order to test whether impedance parameters could be used in genetic relationship analysis among conifer species, E1 and PHI were measured in a seedling experiment test composed of Pinus tabuliformis, Pinus yunnanensis, and Pinus densata in a habitat of Pinus tabuliformis. The results showed that variations in both EI and PHI among species were sig- nificant in different electric frequencies, and the EI and PHI values measured in the two populations of P. densata were between the two parental species, P. yunnanensis and P. tabuliformis. These results show that these two impedance parameters could reflect the genetic relationship among pine species. This was the first time using the two AC impedance spectroscopy parameters to test the genetic relationship analysis between tree species, and would be a hopeful novelreference methodology for future studies in evolution and genetic variation of tree species.

Adaptation of pine wood nematode,Bursaphelenchus xylophilus,early in its interaction with two Pinus species that differ in resistance

Pine wilt disease(PWD)is one of the most devastating diseases of Pinu s spp.and is caused by the pine wood nematode(PWN),Bursaphelenchus xylophilus(Steiner&Buhrer)Nickle.To study adaptation of PWN to survive in hosts that differ in resistance,we examined the self-regulatory characteristics of PWN at the biological and molecular levels early in the interaction.Two-year-old susceptible Pinus thunbergii and resistant Pinus taeda were selected for this experiment,and changes in PWNs after inoculation were assessed.q RT-PCR was used to detect changes in genes related to PWN pathogenicity and detoxification.The results showed that the migration and reproductive abilities of PWNs in P.thunbergii were stronger than those of PWNs in P.taeda.After 7 d,the number of nematodes in P.thunbergii was approximately 3.2-fold higher than in P.taeda.After 15 d,the number of nematodes in P.thunbergii was approximately twofold higher than that in P.taeda.Because PWN can adjust its sex ratio after infection,we compared the sex ratio of uninoculated PWNs,to that in the two pine species.In P.thunbergii,the female to male ratio first decreased and then stabilized over time;in P.taeda first decreased and then increased.Relative fat accumulation in PWNs increased significantly after the PWNs entered the tree body;the accumulation rate in P.thunbergii was higher than in P.taeda at 7 d,but lower after 15 d.Scanning electron microscopy(SEM)showed significantly more bacteria on the surface of PWNs in P.taeda compared with PWNs in susceptible P.thunbergii.At 12 h after inoculation,the expression of genes related to cell-wall degradation(Bx Beta1-4 and Bxpel1),effectors(Bx CDP1,Bx Sap B1),and active oxygen metabolism(Bxy-ctl-1 and Bx GST3)was 2–6×higher in the resistant pine than in the susceptible one.In contrast,in PWNs,the expression of autophagy-related genes Bx ATG1 and Bx ATG16 was 1.5–2 times higher in P.thunbergii than in P.taeda.These results indicate that the interaction between PWNs and pine trees with different resistance levels elicits a series of physiological and molecular adaptations that affect nematode reproduction and virulence.This study will help elucidate the adaptive mechanisms of PWN in different pine trees.