Carbon concentrations and carbon storage capacity of three old-growth forests in the Sila National Park,Southern Italy

Old-growth forests play a key-role in reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide(CO_(2)) concentrations by storing large CO_(2)amounts in biomass and soil over time.This quantifies the carbon pool into different forest compartments in three Mediterranean old-growth forests of Southern Italy populated by Pinus laricio,Fagus sylvatica and Abies alba.Ecosystem carbon pools have been assessed per compartment,i.e.,living trees,dead wood,litterfall(foliar and woody),roots and 0-20 cm topsoil,combining the whole old-growth forest mass,(i.e.,using tree allometric relationships,deadwood factor conversions,root-to-shoot ratios,litterfall and soil samplings) by the respective organic carbon concentrations.The results show the considerable capacity of these forest ecosystems in storing CO_(2)in biomass and soil,with carbon pool values ranging from 532.2to 596.5 Mg C ha-1.Living trees and 0-20 cm topsoil had larger carbon pool,contributing 53.0 and 22.1%,respectively.In most cases,organic carbon concentration was higher(more than 60%) than the average carbon conversion rate of 50%,especially in living trees,deadwood,and woody litterfall.This study contributes further scientific evidence of the capacity of old-growth forests in storing CO_(2)in their different compartments,with special evidence on tree biomass,litterfall and mineral soil,thereby highlighting the key role of old-growth forests within the challenge of climate change mitigation.

Development and Prospect of Rare Earth Functional Biomaterials for Agriculture in China

The development and prospect of rare earth functional biomaterials (REFB) was discussed. From 1979 to 1985, the simple REFB (salts) has been developed, and the fundamental research including forms, effects, toxicity, conversion in soil, and analysis methods had been finished. Then, the RE feed additive materials had been developed, and the fundamental research had also been finished. In 1990s, new REFB including RE phosphate fertilizer additive, RE conversional agricultural film additive, RE water-retraining reagent and RE seed coating reagent had been developed out rapidly. They were extended to 1.36 million hectares and big benefit had been got during the last three years. Recently, it was found that RE has some function of antagonizing heavy metals and degradating organophosphors pesticide, so the REFB will be studied as a focus once more, and will become one of the important methods of guaranteeing food security in the future.

Pinus sylvestris and Picea abies canopy effects on deposition of air pollutants

Tree canopies influence atmospheric pollutant depositions depending on type,ecosystem characteristics,and local climatic conditions.This study investigated the impact of Pinus sylvestris L.and Picea abies(L.)H.Karst.,and a mixture of both,on the chemical composition of pre-cipitation.Three permanent plots within the ICP forest level Ⅱ monitoring network in Lithuania were selected to illustrate typical hemiboreal coniferous forests.The study analysed(1)the concentrations of NO_(2),NH_(3) and SO_(2) in the ambi-ent air;(2)the concentrations of SO_(4)^(2−),NO_(3)^(−),NH_(4)^(+),Na^(+),K^(+),Ca^(2+) and Cl^(-) in throughfall beneath canopies and in precipitation collected in an adjacent field,and(3)S and total N,Na^(+),K^(+),Ca^(2+)and Cl−depositions in throughfall and precipitation over 2006-2022.Results show a signifi-cant decrease in SO_(2) emissions in the ambient air;NO_(2) and NH_(3) emissions also decreased.The canopies reduced the acidity of throughfall,although they led to notably higher concentrations of SO_(4)^(2−),NO_(3)^(−),Na^(+),and particularly K^(+).During the study,low variability in NO_(3)^(-)deposition and a decrease in NH_(4)^(+)deposition occurred.Deposition loads increased by 20-30%when precipitation passed through the canopy.The cumulative deposition of S,Cl,Na,K,Ca,and N was greater under P.abies than under P.sylvestris.How-ever,K deposition in throughfall was considerably lower under P.sylvestris compared to the P.abies or mixed stand.Throughfall S depositions declined across all three coniferous plots.Overall,there was no specific effect of tree species on throughfall chemistry.

Rice-wheat comparative genomics:Gains and gaps

Rice and wheat provide nearly 40%of human calorie and protein requirements.They share a common ancestor and belong to the Poaceae(grass)family.Characterizing their genetic homology is crucial for developing new cultivars with enhanced traits.Several wheat genes and gene families have been characterized based on their rice orthologs.Rice–wheat orthology can identify genetic regions that regulate similar traits in both crops.Rice–wheat comparative genomics can identify candidate wheat genes in a genomic region identified by association or QTL mapping,deduce their putative functions and biochemical pathways,and develop molecular markers for marker-assisted breeding.A knowledge of gene homology facilitates the transfer between crops of genes or genomic regions associated with desirable traits by genetic engineering,gene editing,or wide crossing.

Rice Glucose 6-Phosphate/Phosphate Translocator 1 is required for tapetum function and pollen development

In plants, non-green plastids in heterotrophic tissues are sites for starch and fatty acids biosynthesis,which are essential for plant development and reproduction. Distinct from chloroplasts, the metabolites for these processes in non-green plastids have to be imported through specific transporters. Glucose 6-Phosphate/Phosphate Translocator 1 is required for the uptake of cytosolic Glucose 6-Phosphate into non-green plastids. In Arabidopsis, GPT1 has been demonstrated to play essential roles in male, female gametophyte and embryo development. However, the roles of GPTs in other species are yet largely unknown. Here, we reported that rice OsGPT1 is indispensable for normal tapetal degeneration and pollen exine formation during anther and pollen development. OsGPT1 is localized in the plastid and distributed in the anther wall layers and late-stage pollen grains. Different from the gametic defects caused by mutation in At GPT1, disruption of OsGPT1 does not affect male and female gamete transmission as well as embryo development. On the contrary, osgpt1 mutant exhibits delayed tapetum degeneration,decreased Ubisch bodies formation and thinner pollen exine, leading to pollen abortion at the mature stage. Furthermore, the expression of several genes involved in tapetal programmed cell death(PCD)and sporopollenin formation is decreased in osgpt1. Our study suggests that OsGPT1 coordinates the development of anther sporophytic tissues and the male gametophyte by integrating carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism in the plastid.

Ground vegetation,forest floor and mineral topsoil in a clear-cutting and reforested Scots pine stands of different ages:a case study

Scots pine(Pinus sylvestris L.)is a dominant tree species on nutrient-poor sandy soils in the Baltic region’s hemiboreal forests.A final clear-cut in commercial stands is a common practice.However,the maintenance of relatively stable vegetation indices and ecological processes throughout the rotation promote new scientific and social debates.Overall,clear-cuttings disturb forest functions for a certain period,i.e.,phytocenoses with forest-based species composition,biodiversity,and vegetation cover.Soil organic carbon(SOC)and nutrients can also be affected.As key indices,ground vegetation,SOC and main nutrients in the forest floor and in 40-cm topsoil layer were analysed in the clear-cuttings(not reforested)and in reforested 10-,30-,and 101-year-old Scots pine stands in 2020.The results show an increase in species richness at the beginning of stand formation up to 30 years after clear-cutting;species typical of a mature forest occurred relatively quickly post-harvest.The mean mass of forest floor vegetation was negatively related to the richness of ground vegetation species.Forest floor p H consequently decreased with stand age.Higher SOC levels were in the mature stand.In the mineral topsoil layers,total SOC and total nitrogen were in the upper 10-cm layer in the 30-year-old stand.A post-harvest peak in mineral N concentration was observed and other nutrients,especially mobile PO,KO,Caand Mg,increased the clear-cuttings and in the 10-year-old stand compared to the mature stand.

Effect of Afforestation on Soil Properties and Mycorrhizal Formation

A study was conducted on Cambisols in Northern Germany to analyze the effect of fast growing trees （Salix and Populus spp.） used in agroforestry on soil chemical and physical properties and also on endo- and ectomycorrhizal colonization of the fine roots. Representative plots of three trials, Giilzow （GUL）, Vipperow （VIP） and Rostock （ROS）, were used to measure the topsoil inventories at the very beginning and after six （GUL）, seven （VIP） and ten （ROS） years of afforestation with fast growing trees. The effect on soil organic carbon, plant available nutrients, reaction, bulk density, porosity and water conditions was analyzed, Arable soils without tree coppice were used as controls. Additionally, the endoand ectomycorrhizal colonization of two Salix and two Populus clones were investigated at one site （GUL） in 2002. The amounts of organic carbon in the topsoil increased significantly （P 〈 0.01） presumably induced by leaf and root litter and also by the lack of tillage. The soil bulk density significantly decreased and the porosity of the soil increased significantly （both P 〈 0.01）. The proportion of medium pores in the soil also rose significantly （P 〈 0.05 and 0.01）. Generally, afforestation of arable soils improved soil water retention. Ectomycorrhizas dominated the mycorrhizal formation of the Salix and Populus clones, with the accumulation of organic matter in the topsoil suspected of supporting the ectomycorrhizal formation. Thus, agroforestry with Salix and Populus spp. conspicuously affected chemical and additionally physical properties of the top layer of Cambisols within a period of six years.

Genome-wide markers for seed yield and disease resistance in perennial ryegrass

The market success of perennial ryegrass(Lolium perenne L.) cultivars depends on sufficient seed production, as they are propagated by seed. However, breeding for high quality forage production reduces seed yield, and breaking the negative correlation would help to overcome the problem. The foliar disease crown rust is another factor affecting reproductive capacity and thereby seed yield. We evaluated seed yield-related traits and resistance to crown rust in a collection of commercial cultivars and ecotypes of perennial ryegrass and identified genome-wide markers associated with the traits. The study revealed high variation between the ecotype and cultivar groups as well as between years. A genome-wide association study identified 17 DNA single-nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) of which eight were associated with crown rust and nine with flag-leaf length. The SNP markers were located within or near predicted genes functioning in defense against pathogens. The identified genes are strong candidates for a further in-depth functional study to continue unravel determination of leaf architecture and crown rust resistance in perennial ryegrass.

An overview of proven Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment tools for forests and forest-dependent communities across the globe：a literature analysis

Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment（VA） tools for forest ecosystems and forest-dependent communities are important for making decisions and understanding the impact of climate change on both social and natural systems.However,the tools are poorly coordinated,making it difficult for policymakers to carry out VAs properly.The aim of this study was to analyze VA literature worldwide to find representative case studies in terms of methods and tools applied and which have been successful in performing VAs on forests and forest-dependent communities.All successful VA studies analyzed had common characteristics such as significant funding,data availability and technical capacity.An additional characteristic was the development of an integrated approach that considered the vulnerability of both ecosystems and communities by combining qualitative and quantitative methods.Community members and relevant stakeholders were significantly involved in a participatory process that concluded with the identification of adaptation measures.The case studies also revealed how policymakers need to choose suitable methods and tools to undertake efficient assessment of vulnerabilities.They need to consider several aspects of the VA process such as subject matter,availability of resources,time and scale.

Can effectoromics and loss-of-susceptibility be exploited for improving Fusarium head blight resistance in wheat?

Bread wheat(Triticum aestiuum L.),which provides about 20%of daily calorie intake,is the most widely cultivated crop in the world,in terms of total area devoted to its cultivation.Therefore,even small increases in wheat yield can translate into large gains.Reducing the gap between actual and potential grain yield in wheat is a crucial task to feed the increasing world population.Fusarium head blight(FHB)caused by the pathogenic fungus Fusaium graminearum and related Fusarium species is one of the most devastating wheat diseases throughout the world.This disease reduces not only the yield but also the quality by contaminating the grain with mycotoxins harmful for humans,animals and the environment.In recent years,remarkable achievements attained in omics"technologies have not only provided new insights into understanding of processes involved in pathogenesis but also helped develop effective new tools for practical plant breeding.Sequencing of the genomes of various wheat patho gens,including F.graminearum,as well as those of bread and durum wheat and their wild relatives,together with advances made in transcriptomics and bioinformatics,has allowed the identification of candidate pathogen effectors and corresponding host resistance(R)and susceptibility(S)genes.However,so far,FHB effectors and wheat susceptibility genes/factors have been poorly studied.In this paper,we first briefly highlighted recent examples of improving resistance against pathogens via new techniques in different host species.We then propose effective strategies towards developing wheat cultivars with improved resistance to FHB.We hope that the article will spur discussions and interest among researchers about novel approaches with great potential for improving wheat against FHB.

Residual dynamics of thiacloprid in medical herbs marjoram,thyme,and camomile in soil

Thiacloprid is a new insecticide of the chloronicotinyl family. To assess its risk after application, residual characteristics of thiacloprid in marjoram, thyme, and camomile and in soil were studied under field conditions. The active ingredient was extracted from the plant material using a mixture of acetone-water. After filtration, the extract was concentrated to the aqueous phase, diluted with water, and portioned against ethyl acetate on a matrix solid phase dispersion column. Thiacloprid was extracted from soil using a mixture of methanol-water, filtered, and re.extracted （clean up） with dichloromethane. The residues were quantified using HPLC-MS-MS. The methods were validated by recovery experiments. Thiacloprid residues in marjoram, thyme, and camomile and in soil persisted beyond 10, 14, 14, and 21 d but no residues were detected after 14, 21, 21, and 28 d, respectively. The data obtained in this study indicated that the biexponential model is more suitable than the first-order function to describe the decline of thiacloprid in fresh marjoram, fresh thyme, and dried camomile flowers with half-life （t1/2） of 1.1, 0.7, and 1.2 d, respectively. However, both the first-order function and biexponential model were found to be applicable for dissipation of thiacloprid in soil with almost the same t1/2 values of 3.5 and 3.6 d. The results indicated that thiacloprid dissipates rapidly and does not accumulate in the tested herbs and in soil.

Review of History and Recent Development of Organic Farming Worldwide

The history of the organic farming worldwide was reviewed in this paper. The development of the organic farming worldwide had gone through three stages, emergence, expansion, and growth. The contributors and their thoughts during the different development stages of the organic farming were briefly introduced. And the development status of the organic farming worldwide was reviewed from the aspects of land area under organic management, land area under organic management in percentage of total agricultural area, and world markets for organic products. Besides, the main existing problems for the further development of the world＇s organic farming, as well as the development status, problems and strategies of the Chinese organic farming were discussed.

Pilot study on the effects of elevated air temperature and CO2 on artificially defoliated silver birch saplings

The impacts of elevated temperature and COon young silver birch(Betula pendula Roth) saplings after 0,25, 50 or 75% artificial defoliation were assessed by measuring plant height and dry mass of aboveground compartments and roots and various morphological and physiological variables. Defoliation either increased or decreased plant growth depending on the severity of damage and the climatic treatment. At 21 °C and400 mg LCO, defoliated plants were not able to compensate for the lost foliage, but growth compensation and adaptation to the changed conditions were greater; growth of young defoliated silver birch saplings increased, which led to increased height and a tendency to enhance final aboveground and root biomass and leaf nitrogen and carbon content compared to the nondefoliated controls. Nevertheless, the short-term effect of the different climatic conditions did not result in a significant overgrowth of defoliated plants. A slight increase in temperature and COwere the most acceptable conditions for defoliated plants;however, a 4 °C increase with correspondingly higher COwas more stressful as shown by less growth in height and biomass allocation to leaves, stems and roots. The findings from the pilot experiment are more applicable to young birch trees, but stress on young trees may be reflected in future tree growth.

A high-density, multi-parental SNP genetic map on apple validates a new mapping approach for outcrossing species

Quantitative trait loci(QTL)mapping approaches rely on the correct ordering of molecular markers along the chromosomes,which can be obtained from genetic linkage maps or a reference genome sequence.For apple(Malus domestica Borkh),the genome sequence v1 and v2 could not meet this need;therefore,a novel approach was devised to develop a dense genetic linkage map,providing the most reliable marker-loci order for the highest possible number of markers.The approach was based on four strategies:(i)the use of multiple full-sib families,(ii)the reduction of missing information through the use of HaploBlocks and alternative calling procedures for single-nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)markers,(iii)the construction of a single backcross-type data set including all families,and(iv)a two-step map generation procedure based on the sequential inclusion of markers.The map comprises 15417 SNP markers,clustered in 3 K HaploBlock markers spanning 1267 cM,with an average distance between adjacent markers of 0.37 cM and a maximum distance of 3.29 cM.Moreover,chromosome 5 was oriented according to its homoeologous chromosome 10.This map was useful to improve the apple genome sequence,design the Axiom Apple 480 K SNP array and perform multifamily-based QTL studies.Its collinearity with the genome sequences v1 and v3 are reported.To our knowledge,this is the shortest published SNP map in apple,while including the largest number of markers,families and individuals.This result validates our methodology,proving its value for the construction of integrated linkage maps for any outbreeding species.

Almond diversity and homozygosity define structure, kinship, inbreeding, and linkage disequilibrium in cultivated germplasm, and reveal genomic associations with nut and seed weight

Almond[Prunus dulcis Miller(D.A.Webb)]is the main tree nut species worldwide.Here,genotyping-by-sequencing(GBS)was applied to 149 almond cultivars from the ex situ collections of the Italian Council for Agricultural Research(CREA)and the Spanish National Research Council(CSIC),leading to the detection of 93,119 single-nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs).The study of population structure outlined four distinct genetic groups and highlighted diversification between the Mediterranean and Californian gene pools.Data on SNP diversity and runs of homozygosity(ROHs)allowed the definition of kinship,inbreeding,and linkage disequilibrium(LD)decay in almond cultivated germplasm.Four-year phenotypic observations,gathered on 98 cultivars of the CREA collection,were used to perform a genome-wide association study(GWAS)and,for the first time in a crop species,homozygosity mapping(HM),resulting in the identification of genomic associations with nut,shell,and seed weight.Both GWAS and HM suggested that loci controlling nut and seed weight are mostly independent.Overall,this study provides insights on the almond cultivation history and delivers information of major interest for almond genetics and breeding.In a broader perspective,our results encourage the use of ROHs in crop science to estimate inbreeding,choose parental combinations minimizing the risk of inbreeding depression,and identify genomic footprints of selection for specific traits.

Genetic diversity and differentiation of pedunculate ( Quercus robur ) and sessile ( Q. petraea ) oaks

This study was conducted to determine the parent-off spring genetic structure of the pedunculate oak(Quercus robur L.),sessile oak(Q.petraea[Matt.]Liebl.)and their hybrids.Forty half-sib Quercus families and their maternal trees originating from one tree stand in southern Lithuania were analyzed using SSR and RAPD markers.Based on a preliminary study of leaf morphological traits,the individuals separated into six groups.The studied halfsib oak families were also compared for allelic diversity,including group variations;genotypic structure;genetic diversity;and the degree of genetic subdivision and diff erentiation.The level of genetic variation and subdivision was lower in the hybrid families than in the families of the parental species.Genotypic analysis of the half-sibling off spring showed the asymmetric nature of interspecifi c hybridization processes of pedunculate and sessile oaks in mixed stands.

IPM Strategies and Their Dilemmas Including an Introduction to www. eurowheat.org

Information about disease management in winter wheat （Triticum aestiva） in eight European countries was collated and analysed by scientists and extension workers within the European Network for the Durable Exploitation of Crop Protection Strategies （ENDURE）. This included information about specific disease thresholds, decision support systems, host varieties, disease prevalence and pathogen virulence. Major differences in disease prevalence and economic importance were observed. Septoria tritici blotch （Mycosphaerella graminicola） was recognized as the most yield reducing disease in countries with intensive wheat production, but also rust diseases （Puccinia striiformis and Puccinia triticina）, powdery mildew （Blumeria graminis） and Fusarium head blight （Fusarium spp.） were seen as serious disease problems. Examples of current integrated pest management （IPM） strategies in different countries have been reported. Disease management and fungicide use patterns showed major differences, with an average input equivalent to 2.3 full dose rates （TFI） in the UK and a TFI of 0.6 in Denmark. These differences are most likely due to a combination of different cropping systems, climatic differences, disease prevalence, and socio-economic factors. The web based information platform www.eurowheat.org was used for dissemination of information and results including information on control thresholds, cultural practices which can influence disease attack, fungicide efficacy, fungicide resistance, and pathogen virulence, which are all elements supporting 1PM for disease control in wheat. The platform is open to all users. The target groups of EuroWheat information are researchers, advisors, breeders, and similar partners dealing with disease management in wheat.

Accumulation of heavy metals in stemwood of forest tree plantations fertilized with different sewage sludge doses

The levels of heavy metals that accumulated in stemwood of mature trees grown for 20 years in a plantation in an abandoned peat quarry in areas that were fertilized with different amounts of domestic sewage sludge(180,360,and720 Mg ha-1on a dry basis) were compared with trees grown in a reference nonfertilized area.Included in the study was a hybrid poplar(Populus tremula x Populus tremuloides) developed for use as an energy crop,three local tree species and one introduced tree species.The concentrations of Cd,Cr,Cu,Ni,Pb and Zn in the stemwood of the trees grown in the fertilized and nonfertilized fields were determined,and found to be significantly lower than their respective concentrations in the soil.Cd and Cr were found only in several wood samples at concentrations close to the limits of detection or qualification; therefore,they were not analyzed further.A correlation analysis suggested that 75%of the correlations between the concentrations of heavy metals in the stemwood and the concentrations in the soil were negative.The ability of trees to accumulate the metals from soil in most cases decreased for Cu and Ni; however,the correlations were not as clear for Pb and Zn.The followingsequence for the levels of heavy metals found in the stemwood of the analysed trees was Zn [ Pb [ Ni [ Cu [(Cr,Cd).The results of this study showed that the levels of heavy metals in the studied wood would not exceed the permitted limits of heavy metal pollution in the air and ash when used for energy production.

Growth and chemical composition of silver birch:Comparative study between Lithuania and Romania

The effects of different climatic conditions on growth and chemical composition of Betula pendula in geographically different European regions,Lithuania and Romania,were compared.Birch species in the entire area have a wide natural distribution,but B.pendula is commercially more important in Lithuania than in Romania.Here we evaluated tree ring width,wood density and foliar chemical composition of mature birch trees in two European regions.Trees at the Lithuanian sites had greater radial growth and wood density with no clear changes in foliar chemistry than those at the Romanian sites.Mean wood density was 600-700 kg m^(-3) at Lithuanian and 350-450 kg m^(-3) at Romanian sites.Mean width of wood ring,earlywood and latewood for Lithuanian birch trees were several times higher than the means for Romanian birch trees.We hypothesized that the main differences in birch radial growth and wood density were due to the different climatic conditions in the studied regions.Ca,K and Mg concentrations were significantly higher and Fe and Mn were lower in the birch foliage at the Lithuanian sites compared those at the Romanian sites.Overall assessment of growth showed that silver birch cultivation is more appropriate for colder climate regions and that birch growth may change in the context of a warming climate.

Influence of Environmental Conditions on Morphogenesis and on Changes of Primary and Secondary Metabolites in Asclepias syriaca L, Derived in Vitro

The object of this study was to adapt in vitro system for morphogenesis and regeneration of microshoots of common milkweed （Asclepias syriaca L.） applying different concentrations of hydrogen ion （H＋） and cytokinin 6-benzylaminopurine （BAP）. The influence of BAP and hydrogen ion （H＋） on the level of primary （chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids） and secondary （flavonoids and hydrolyzable and condensed tannins） metabolites in in vitro grown Asclepias syriaca L, were evaluated. Six different concentrations of BAP （0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 ~tmol/L） and three different concentrations of hydrogen ion （pH 4.5, 5.0 and 5.5） were applied to the woody plant medium （WPM） medium used for microshoots propagation. The most effective morphogenesis of Asclepias syriaca L. was observed in culture medium supplemented with 2 p, mol/L BAP. However, synthesis of primary and secondary metabolites was the most intensive when cytokinin concentration reached the value of 3 gmol/L BAP. It was determined that the activity of hydrogen ion （H＋）, measured as the pH of culture medium, had a significant effect on secondary metabolites in the shoots in vitro.