Journal Description
Forests
Forests
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on forestry and forest ecology published monthly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), Ei Compendex, GEOBASE, PubAg, AGRIS, PaperChem, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q1 (Forestry) / CiteScore - Q1 (Forestry)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 16.9 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.8 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Testimonials: See what our editors and authors say about Forests.
Impact Factor:
2.9 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
3.0 (2022)
Latest Articles
Complete Plastid Genome Sequences of Three Tropical African Beilschmiediineae Trees (Lauraceae: Crytocaryeae)
Forests 2024, 15(5), 832; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050832 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Millions of years of isolation have given Madagascar a unique flora that still reflects some of its relationship with the continents of Africa and India. Here, the complete chloroplast sequence of Beilschmiedia moratii, a tropical tree in Madagascar, was determined. The plastome,
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Millions of years of isolation have given Madagascar a unique flora that still reflects some of its relationship with the continents of Africa and India. Here, the complete chloroplast sequence of Beilschmiedia moratii, a tropical tree in Madagascar, was determined. The plastome, with a length of 158,410 bp, was 143 bp and 187 bp smaller than those of two closely related species, B. pierreana and Potameia microphylla, in sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar with published sequences, respectively. A total of 124 repeats and 114 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were detected in the plastome of B. moratii. Six highly variable regions, including ndhF, ndhF-rpl32, trnC-petN, pebE-petL, rpl32-trnL, and ycf1, among the three African species were identified and 1151 mutation events, including 14 SVs, 351 indels, and 786 substitutions, were accurately located. There were 634 mutation events between B. moratii and P. microphylla with a mean nucleotide variability (π) value of 0.00279, while there were 827 mutation events between B. moratii and B. pierreana with a mean π value of 0.00385. The Ka/Ks ratios of 86 protein-coding genes in the three African species were less than 1, and the mean value between B. moratii and P. microphylla was 0.184, while the mean value between B. moratii and B. pierreana was 0.286. In this study, the plastid genomes of the three African Beilschmiediineae species were compared for the first time and revealed that B. moratii and P. microphylla from Madagascar were relatively conserved, with low mutation rates and slower evolutionary rates.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest-Tree Comparative Genomics and Adaptive Evolution)
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Effects of Biochar on Soil Inorganic Phosphorus Components, Available Phosphorus, Enzyme Activities Related to Phosphorus Cycle, Microbial Functional Genes, and Seedling Growth of Populus euphratica under Different Water Conditions
by
Yuxian Fan, Yudong Chen and Guanghui Lv
Forests 2024, 15(5), 831; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050831 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Cow dung is a kind of high quality and renewable biological resource. Biochar made from cow dung can be used as a soil amendment to improve soil nutrient status. The relationship between soil water and phosphorus is very close, and the water status
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Cow dung is a kind of high quality and renewable biological resource. Biochar made from cow dung can be used as a soil amendment to improve soil nutrient status. The relationship between soil water and phosphorus is very close, and the water status determines the form, content, and availability of phosphorus. In order to investigate the effects of biochar on soil inorganic phosphorus components, available phosphorus, enzyme activities related to the phosphorus cycle, microbial functional genes, and seedling growth under different soil water conditions were investigated. Field experiments were carried out by setting different water conditions (30%, 60%, and 100%) and biochar addition (0 t hm−2, 2.63 t hm−2, 5.26 t hm−2, and 7.89 t hm−2). The results showed that applying biochar significantly increased the soil’s accessible phosphorus content and the phosphorus content in both the aboveground and subsurface parts of P. euphratica seedlings. This is mainly attributable to biochar’s direct and indirect effects on soil properties. Because biochar is naturally alkaline, it raises soil pH and reduces acid phosphatase activity in the soil around P. euphratica seedlings in the rhizosphere. Perhaps the alkaline phosphatase level first showed an upward trend due to the combined impacts of water and biochar, and then it started to decline when the biochar addition was increased. Soil phosphorus functional genes phoC, phoD, gcd, and pqqc had an increase in copy number with biochar addition but not without treatment. Indirectly, the biochar treatment increased the soil’s phosphorus availability by increasing the population of the phosphate-solubilizing bacteria Fusarium and Sphingomonas. Soil phosphorus availability is positively affected by biochar under various water conditions. This impact is due to chemical and microbiological mechanisms.
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(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Vegetation Dynamics and Soil Systems Related to Biogeochemical Cycles)
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Effects of Environment Change Scenarios on the Potential Geographical Distribution of Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook. in China
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Jiajie Feng, Yiwei Cao, Teja Manda, Delight Hwarari, Jinhui Chen and Liming Yang
Forests 2024, 15(5), 830; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050830 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Changes in climate and environmental conditions have aggravated the severity and unpredictability of plant survival and growth. Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook. is an economically important timber tree. Exploring its potential distribution and dynamic changes and identifying the leading environmental variables affecting it will
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Changes in climate and environmental conditions have aggravated the severity and unpredictability of plant survival and growth. Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook. is an economically important timber tree. Exploring its potential distribution and dynamic changes and identifying the leading environmental variables affecting it will help to adjust the planting range reasonably according to the habits and climate change, thus contributing to its survival and growth. Based on the MaxEnt model and ArcGIS tool, climate, soil, terrain, human activities, variable environment layers, and 395 C. lanceolata distribution points were used to simulate and analyze the geographical distribution characteristics of C. lanceolata in the current and future periods (the 2050s and 2070s) under RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6.0, and RCP8.5. The results showed that C. lanceolata was suitable to grow in a subtropical monsoon climate with warm, humid, abundant rainfall and a relatively gentle topography. Additionally, using percent contribution, permutation importance, and the knife-cutting test, we noted that the annual precipitation (Bio12), human activities (Hfp), minimum temperature of the coldest month (Bio6), mean temperature of the coldest quarter (Bio11), precipitation of coldest quarter (Bio19), annual temperature range (Bio7), and elevation were the leading environmental factors affecting the geographical distribution of C. lanceolata. Among them, it should be noted that the impact of human activities was negatively correlated with suitable habitat areas of C. lanceolata and led to the degeneration of suitable habitats and fragmentized distribution. In addition, predictions have shown that the areas of habitats under other scenarios will be characterized by an increasing and then decreasing trend by the 2050s and 2070s, except for the RCP2.6 scenario, under which the suitable habitats area of C. lanceolata will increase continuously. The core distributional shifts showed that the suitable habitats of C. lanceolata will gradually shift and migrate to high-latitude areas due to global warming. This study focused on the characteristics of suitable habitats of C. lanceolata under different climatic scenarios using more environmental factors and scenarios than before, aiming to provide a theoretical basis and guidance for the management and utilization of forest resources, the planning of suitable planting areas, and germplasm protection.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling Forest Response to Climate Change)
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Use of Phosphite Preparations to Protect Ash Seedlings Fraxinus excelsior L. against Phytophthora spp. and Hymenoscyphus fraxineus Pathogens
by
Artur Pacia, Stanisław Drozdowski, Tadeusz Malewski, Piotr Borowik, Konrad Wilamowski, Sławomir Bakier and Tomasz Oszako
Forests 2024, 15(5), 829; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050829 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
In this study, greenhouse tests were conducted on 240 Fraxinus excelsior seedlings to investigate the simultaneous damage caused by thea pathogenic fungus and oomycetes. The experiment was performed under controlled conditions in the greenhouse of the Institute of Forest Research in Sękocin Stary
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In this study, greenhouse tests were conducted on 240 Fraxinus excelsior seedlings to investigate the simultaneous damage caused by thea pathogenic fungus and oomycetes. The experiment was performed under controlled conditions in the greenhouse of the Institute of Forest Research in Sękocin Stary (Poland). Three species of oomycetes were used for the experiment: Phytophthora plurivora, Phytophthora taxon hungarica, Phytophthora megasperma, and the fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. Inoculations using the fungus were carried out on shoots and in plant pots in which the soil was mixed with the three Phytophthora species mentioned above, both simultaneously and separately, which made it possible to recognize the cumulative effect of the related plant infection. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of phosphite-containing preparations on the health of common ash under conditions of threat to the roots by Phytophthora spp. and damage to the aerial parts of the plant by the fungus, as well as the possible occurrence of synergistic effects. Two types of protective preparations (Actifos and Phos60 of the nitrogen and potassium forms, respectively) were used. It was found that the inoculation of ash seedlings with the fungus H. fraxineus resulted in plant mortality, while the mixture of Phytophthora did not cause significant damage. It was confirmed that when pathogens coexist, a phenomenon occurs that leads to an acceleration in the development of disease symptoms and, thus, to plant mortality. In vitro tests confirmed the usefulness of phosphite preparations for the protection of ash seedlings.
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(This article belongs to the Section Forest Health)
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Prediction of the Potential Distribution of Teinopalpus aureus Mell, 1923 (Lepidoptera, Papilionidae) in China Using Habitat Suitability Models
by
Yinghan Liu, Xuemei Zhang and Shixiang Zong
Forests 2024, 15(5), 828; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050828 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
The Golden Kaiser-I-Hind (Teinopalpus aureus Mell, 1923) is the only butterfly among Class I national protected animals in China and is known as the national butterfly. In this study, by accurately predicting the suitable habitat in China under current and future climate
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The Golden Kaiser-I-Hind (Teinopalpus aureus Mell, 1923) is the only butterfly among Class I national protected animals in China and is known as the national butterfly. In this study, by accurately predicting the suitable habitat in China under current and future climate scenarios, the potential distribution area of T. aureus was defined, providing a theoretical basis for conservation and management. Based on species distribution records, we utilized the Biomod2 platform to combine climate data from the BCC-CSM2-MR climate model, future shared socio-economic pathways, and altitude data. The potential distribution areas of T. aureus in the current (1970–2000s) and future SSP1_2.6 and SSP5_8.5 climate scenarios in China in 2041–2060 (2050s), 2061–2080 (2070s), and 2081–2100 (2090s) were predicted. The AUC and TSS values of the combined model based on five algorithms were greater than those of the single models, and the AUC value of the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.990, indicating that the model had high reliability and accuracy. The screening of environmental variables showed that the habitat area of T. aureus in China was mainly affected by annual precipitation, precipitation in the driest month, the lowest temperature in the coldest month, temperature seasonality, elevation, and other factors. Under the current circumstances, the habitat area of T. aureus was mainly located in southern China, including Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Zhejiang, Yunnan, Guizhou, Hunan, Taiwan, and other provinces. The suitable area is approximately 138.95 × 104 km2; among them, the highly suitable area of 34.43 × 104 km2 is a priority area in urgent need of protection. Under both SSP1_2.6 and SSP5_8.5, the population centroid tended to shift southward in the 2050s and 2070s, and began to migrate northeast in the 2090s. Temperature, rainfall, and altitude influenced the distribution of T. aureus. In the two climate scenarios, the habitat area of T. aureus declined to different degrees, and the reduction was most obvious in the SSP5_8.5 scenario; climate was the most likely environmental variable to cause a change in the geographical distribution. Climate change will significantly affect the evolution and potential distribution of T. aureus in China and will increase the risk of extinction. Accordingly, it is necessary to strengthen protection and to implement active and effective measures to reduce the negative impact of climate change on T. aureus.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest/Urban Forest Systems under Climate Change: Carbon Dynamics, Ecological Functions, and Sustainable Management)
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Dynamic Height Growth Equations and Site Index-Based Biomass Models for Young Native Species Afforestations in Spain
by
Rafael Calama, Guillermo Madrigal, Miren del Río, Eduardo López-Senespleda, Marta Pardos, Ricardo Ruiz-Peinado and María Menéndez-Miguélez
Forests 2024, 15(5), 827; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050827 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
The expansion of forested areas through afforestation and reforestation is widely recognized as a highly effective natural solution for mitigating climate change. Accurately assessing the potential carbon uptake capacity of newly afforested areas requires modelling tools to estimate biomass stocks, including site index
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The expansion of forested areas through afforestation and reforestation is widely recognized as a highly effective natural solution for mitigating climate change. Accurately assessing the potential carbon uptake capacity of newly afforested areas requires modelling tools to estimate biomass stocks, including site index curves and biomass models. Given the unique conditions in terms of tree size, uniform spacing, and tree allometries observed in young afforestations compared to natural stands, specific tools are necessary. In Spain, over 800,000 ha has been afforested with native forest species since 1992, but specific modelling tools for these plantations are lacking. Using data from 370 stem analyses collected across an extensive network of plots in young afforestations, we developed dynamic height growth and site index models for the main native species (five pines and five oaks) commonly used in afforestation in Spain. We compared various nonlinear models, such as ADA (algebraic difference approach) and GADA (generalized algebraic difference approach) expansions. The developed site index models were then used to predict the total biomass stored in the afforestation. Our results underscore the necessity for specific site index models tailored to afforestations, as well as the potential of the established site index in predicting biomass and carbon fixation capacity in these young forests.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Growth Modeling in Different Ecological Conditions)
Open AccessArticle
Hydrological Variability in the El Cielo Biosphere Reserve, Mexico: A Watershed-Scale Analysis Using Tree-Ring Records
by
José Villanueva-Díaz, Arian Correa-Díaz, Jesús Valentín Gutiérrez-García, Claudia C. Astudillo-Sánchez and Aldo R. Martínez-Sifuentes
Forests 2024, 15(5), 826; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050826 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
The El Cielo Biosphere Reserve (CBR) stands as a vital forested region in eastern Mexico due to its high biodiversity in flora and fauna and provision of environmental services. This study established a network of 10 ring-width chronologies of different species within the
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The El Cielo Biosphere Reserve (CBR) stands as a vital forested region in eastern Mexico due to its high biodiversity in flora and fauna and provision of environmental services. This study established a network of 10 ring-width chronologies of different species within the CBR and adjacent watersheds. The objective was to analyze their climatic response and reconstruct the seasonal streamflow contribution of each sub-basin to the main stream, utilizing data from a gauge network of eight hydrological stations located at strategic locations of the CBR. With chronologies ranging from 116 to 564 years, most exhibited association with the accumulated streamflow between January and June. Based on the adjusted R2, Akaike Information Criteria, and Variance Inflation Factor, the stepwise regression procedure was selected among different statistical methods for developing the reconstruction model. In spite of differences in the seasonal reconstructed periods, all the species showed potential to develop hydrological reconstructions as indicated by their common response to streamflow variability, as occurred in the wet years of 1976, 1993, 2000, and 2008, and dry years of 1980, 1982, 1996, and 2011. It was found that the response of the chronologies to gauge records increased as a function of the chronologies’ interseries correlation, average mean sensitivity, and distance of the tree-ring series to the gauge station. Streamflow reconstructions at the sub-basin level allowed a better understanding of the hydroclimatic variability characterizing the CBR, but also suggested the need to increase the network of chronologies for some particular sub-basins lacking tree-ring series to improve the reconstructed models.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Response of Tree Rings to Climate Change and Climate Extremes)
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Open AccessCorrection
Correction: Zhang et al. A Forest Fire Prediction Method for Lightning Stroke Based on Remote Sensing Data. Forests 2024, 15, 647
by
Zhejia Zhang, Ye Tian, Guangyu Wang, Change Zheng and Fengjun Zhao
Forests 2024, 15(5), 825; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050825 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
There was an error in the original publication [...]
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Fires Prediction and Detection—Volume II)
Open AccessArticle
MART3D: A Multilayer Heterogeneous 3D Radiative Transfer Framework for Characterizing Forest Disturbances
by
Lingjing Ouyang, Jianbo Qi, Qiao Wang, Kun Jia, Biao Cao and Wenzhi Zhao
Forests 2024, 15(5), 824; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050824 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
The utilization of radiative transfer models for interpreting remotely sensed data to evaluate forest disturbances is a cost-effective approach. However, the current radiative transfer modeling approaches are either too abstract (e.g., 1D models) or too complex (detailed 3D models). This study introduces a
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The utilization of radiative transfer models for interpreting remotely sensed data to evaluate forest disturbances is a cost-effective approach. However, the current radiative transfer modeling approaches are either too abstract (e.g., 1D models) or too complex (detailed 3D models). This study introduces a novel multilayer heterogeneous 3D radiative transfer framework with medium complexity, termed MART3D, for characterizing forest disturbances. MART3D generates 3D canopy structures accounting for the within-crown clumping by clustering leaves, which is modeled as a turbid medium, around branches, applicable for forests of medium complexity, such as temperate forests. It then automatically generates a multilayer forest with grass, shrub and several layers of trees using statistical parameters, such as the leaf area index and fraction of canopy cover. By employing the ray-tracing module within the well-established LargE-Scale remote sensing data and image Simulation model (LESS) as the computation backend, MART3D achieves a high accuracy (RMSE = 0.0022 and 0.018 for red and Near-Infrared bands) in terms of the bidirectional reflectance factor (BRF) over two RAMI forest scenes, even though the individual structures of MART3D are generated solely from statistical parameters. Furthermore, we demonstrated the versatility and user-friendliness of MART3D by evaluating the band selection strategy for computing the normalized burn ratio (NBR) to assess the composite burn index over a forest fire scene. The proposed MART3D is a flexible and easy-to-use tool for studying the remote sensing response under varying vegetation conditions.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Satellite Time Series Analysis for Forest Mapping and Change Detection)
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Influence of Leaf Area Index Inversion and the Light Transmittance Mechanism in the Apple Tree Canopy
by
Linghui Zhou, Yaxiong Wang, Chongchong Chen, Siyuan Tong and Feng Kang
Forests 2024, 15(5), 823; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050823 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
Light plays a crucial role in the growth of fruit trees, influencing not only nutrient absorption but also fruit appearance. Therefore, understanding fruit tree canopy light transmittance is essential for agricultural and forestry practices. However, traditional measurement methods, such as using a canopy
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Light plays a crucial role in the growth of fruit trees, influencing not only nutrient absorption but also fruit appearance. Therefore, understanding fruit tree canopy light transmittance is essential for agricultural and forestry practices. However, traditional measurement methods, such as using a canopy analyzer, are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and susceptible to external influences, lacking convenience and automation. To address this issue, we propose a novel method based on point clouds to estimate light transmittance, with the Leaf Area Index (LAI) serving as the central link. Focusing on apple trees, we utilized handheld LiDAR for three-dimensional scanning of the canopy, acquiring point cloud data. Determining the optimal voxel size at 0.015 m via standardized point cloud mean spacing, we applied the Voxel-based Canopy Profile method (VCP) to estimate LAI. Subsequently, we established a function model between LAI and canopy light transmittance using a deep neural network (DNN), achieving an overall correlation coefficient R2 of 0.94. This model was then employed to estimate canopy light transmittance in dwarfed and densely planted apple trees. This approach not only provides an evaluation standard for pruning effects in apple trees but also represents a critical step towards visualizing and intelligentizing light transmittance.
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(This article belongs to the Section Forest Inventory, Modeling and Remote Sensing)
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Encouraging Invasive Acacia Control Strategies by Repurposing Their Wood Biomass Waste for Pulp and Paper Production
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Duarte M. Neiva, Maria C. Godinho, Rogério M. S. Simões and Jorge Gominho
Forests 2024, 15(5), 822; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050822 - 7 May 2024
Abstract
Concerns on the expanding infestation of several Acacia species in the southern Mediterranean European countries have triggered an ever-growing requirement for costly targeted control actions. Valorizing biomass waste produced could help promote and better finance these actions. For that purpose, wood wastes from
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Concerns on the expanding infestation of several Acacia species in the southern Mediterranean European countries have triggered an ever-growing requirement for costly targeted control actions. Valorizing biomass waste produced could help promote and better finance these actions. For that purpose, wood wastes from invasive control actions were tested regarding their pulp and paper potential, aiming to entice cellulose industries to partake in future conservation actions. Wood waste from the five most pervasive Acacia species was studied (Acacia dealbata Link, Acacia longifolia Willd, Acacia mearnsii De Wild, Acacia melanoxylon R.Br, and Acacia saligna Labill) regarding physical and chemical characteristics, and a central composite design was used to optimize alkali charge and reaction temperature on pulping yield and delignification. Bleached kraft pulps were produced with each species’ optimized conditions and for an equitable mixture of all species. Optimized pulp yields (52.6%–53.5%) and pulp polymerization degree (2867–3690) of Acacia species were higher than those of Eucalyptus globulus Labill (used as reference). Optimized bleached pulps were refined and fiber, pulp, and handsheet properties determined. Acacia dealbata and A. longifolia presented high specific wood consumption and lower handsheet strength properties, pointing to overall lower pulping potential, while A. melanoxylon and A. mearnsii characteristics were equal to or higher than those of E. globulus. A. saligna pulp and handsheet characteristics appear more suited for tissue paper. The Acacia mixture achieved acceptable characteristics, enabling the indiscriminate use of Acacia wood regardless of the species. As a shortcoming, the Acacia pulps showed the worst optical characteristics, with brightness dropping substantially with beating (64%–76%) when compared to E. globulus (81%).
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Wood Science and Forest Products)
Open AccessArticle
What Affects the Willingness of Farmers to Participate in Forest Ticket Trading? Empirical Analysis Based on Incomplete Information Theory
by
Boyao Song, Xiao Han, Siyao Lv, Qiushuang Fang, Zhongping Wang and Hongxun Li
Forests 2024, 15(5), 821; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050821 - 7 May 2024
Abstract
Forest tickets refer to a type of forest resource usufruct certificate characterized by “cooperative operation, quantification of rights and interests, free circulation, and guaranteed dividends”. It is an important means to build a market-oriented mechanism for realizing the value of ecological resources. Incomplete
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Forest tickets refer to a type of forest resource usufruct certificate characterized by “cooperative operation, quantification of rights and interests, free circulation, and guaranteed dividends”. It is an important means to build a market-oriented mechanism for realizing the value of ecological resources. Incomplete information, based on field survey data from thirteen villages in eight townships (towns) in Sanming City, Fujian Province, China, and a binary logit model were used to explore the moderating effects of factors affecting farmers’ willingness to participate in forest ticket trading, the heterogeneity of farmers, and social capital. We found the following: In an environment with incomplete information, farmers’ willingness to participate in forest ticket trading is influenced by heterogeneity expectations, social capital, government propaganda, and individual family characteristics. There are certain differences in the influencing factors and degree of farmers’ willingness to participate in forest ticket trading among different groups of farmers with different levels of education and part-time employment. Social capital can strengthen the positive impact of income expectations and policy sustainability expectations, and alleviate the negative impact of risk expectations.
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(This article belongs to the Section Forest Economics, Policy, and Social Science)
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Redistribution of Qiongzhuea tumidinoda in Southwest China under Climate Change: A Study from 1987 to 2012
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Weifeng Gui, Wenyuan Dong, Qingzhong Wen, Xue Ran, Shunwei Cao, Jingnan Zheng, Yiyuan Wu, Huan Zhong and Xin Xue
Forests 2024, 15(5), 820; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050820 (registering DOI) - 7 May 2024
Abstract
Qiongzhuea tumidinoda stands out as an endemic bamboo species of significant conservation importance in Southwest China, particularly in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. It holds a pivotal role in poverty alleviation through the commercialization of its wood and bamboo shoots. However,
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Qiongzhuea tumidinoda stands out as an endemic bamboo species of significant conservation importance in Southwest China, particularly in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. It holds a pivotal role in poverty alleviation through the commercialization of its wood and bamboo shoots. However, the suitable area of this species is undergoing rapid changes due to climate change, resulting in species redistribution and potential losses for bamboo farmers. We utilized 209 presence records and 25 environmental variables from 1987 to 2012 to predict the potentially suitable habitats for Q. tumidinoda using MaxEnt (version 3.4.1), ArcGIS (version 10.8.2), and R (4.3.3). We rigorously screened the recorded data for reliability and accuracy through expert consultations and observer interviews. We performed pre-processing to select the variables with high contributions for modeling, and 11 variables were selected for the final modeling. Our findings reveal that the top three most influential variables associated with Q. tumidinoda’s distribution were the mean monthly potential evapotranspiration (Pet), annual range of air temperatures (Bio7), and mean diurnal air temperature range (Bio2), and the rates of contributions from 1987 to 2012 were 4.8333, 3.5833, and 1.7000. There was a southeastward shift and an elevation increase in the potentially suitable habitats for Q. tumidinoda. The area of potentially suitable habitats in the study region exhibited fluctuating growth, expanding from 3063.42 km2 to 7054.38 km2. The mean monthly potential evapotranspiration (Pet) emerged as a critical determinant shaping the distribution of potentially suitable habitats for Q. tumidinoda. Our study sheds light on the response of Q. tumidinoda to climate change, offering valuable insights for the development and management of plantation industries associated with this species. In the future, to enhance prediction accuracy, researchers could equally consider both organic and inorganic environmental variables. For better preservation of environment and development, Q. tumidinoda could be introduced into nature restoration projects in areas with a suitable habitat or as a commodity that participates in forest carbon sink trading.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological Research in Bamboo Forests)
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Stepwise Multidimensional Climate Envelop Modeling of Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida)
by
Olga Rumyantseva and Nikolay Strigul
Forests 2024, 15(5), 819; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050819 - 7 May 2024
Abstract
Understanding the intricate relationships between climate and vegetation remains a fundamental challenge in contemporary ecology. The ability to anticipate the specific climatic factors affecting different tree species and understand how they respond is crucial for mitigating the impacts of climate change on forested
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Understanding the intricate relationships between climate and vegetation remains a fundamental challenge in contemporary ecology. The ability to anticipate the specific climatic factors affecting different tree species and understand how they respond is crucial for mitigating the impacts of climate change on forested ecosystems. Additionally, quantitatively assessing habitat loss resulting from anthropogenic activities is essential for informed conservation efforts. Our objective is to evaluate the potential distribution of pitch pine (Pinus rigida) in North America and assess the associated habitat loss. To achieve this, we employ a stepwise multidimensional climate envelope modeling approach, comparing two data-intensive models—the Variable Interaction Model (VIM) and the Variable Non-Interaction Model (VNM). These models discern the influence of diverse combinations of climatic characteristics on the distribution of the species. Both VNM and VIM employ Shapley values for factor ranking during construction. VNM assumes independent effects, resulting in a hyperrectangle-shaped climate envelope, while VIM considers interactions, yielding a complex, data-driven multidimensional envelope. Data integration involves mining the US Forest Inventories and climatic data, encompassing 19 parameters. The results unequivocally highlight the superior predictive accuracy of VIM compared to the Variable Non-Interaction Model, VNM. The modeling approach developed in this study has the potential to enhance species distribution models for various tree species in the context of evolving climatic conditions.
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(This article belongs to the Section Forest Inventory, Modeling and Remote Sensing)
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Assessing the Potential of Onboard LiDAR-Based Application to Detect the Quality of Tree Stems in Cut-to-Length (CTL) Harvesting Operations
by
Anwar Sagar, Kalle Kärhä, Kalle Einola and Anssi Koivusalo
Forests 2024, 15(5), 818; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050818 - 7 May 2024
Abstract
This paper investigated the integration of LiDAR technology in cut-to-length (CTL) harvesting machines to enhance tree selection accuracy and efficiency. In the evolution of CTL forest machines towards improving operational efficiency and operator conditions, challenges persist in manual tree selection during thinning operations,
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This paper investigated the integration of LiDAR technology in cut-to-length (CTL) harvesting machines to enhance tree selection accuracy and efficiency. In the evolution of CTL forest machines towards improving operational efficiency and operator conditions, challenges persist in manual tree selection during thinning operations, especially under unmarked conditions and complex environments. These can be improved due to advances in technology. We studied the potential of LiDAR systems in assisting harvester operators, aiming to mitigate workload, reduce decision errors, and optimize the harvesting workflow. We used both synthetic and real-world 3D point cloud data sets for tree stem defect analysis. The former was crafted using a 3D modelling engine, while the latter originated from forest observations using 3D LiDAR on a CTL harvester. Both data sets contained instances of tree stem defects that should be detected. We demonstrated the potential of LiDAR technology: The analysis of synthetic data yielded a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.00229 meters (m) and an RMSE percentage of 0.77%, demonstrating high detection accuracy. The real-world data also showed high accuracy, with an RMSE of 0.000767 m and an RMSE percentage of 1.39%. Given these results, we recommend using on-board LiDAR sensor technologies for collecting and analyzing data on tree/forest quality in real-time. This will help overcome existing barriers and drive forest operations toward enhanced efficiency and sustainability.
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(This article belongs to the Section Forest Operations and Engineering)
Open AccessArticle
Redbay (Persea borbonia L. Spreng) Seedling and Sapling Growth and Recruitment Near Trees with and without Putative Resistance to Laurel Wilt Disease
by
Matthew Eicholtz, Jason Smith and Jason Vogel
Forests 2024, 15(5), 817; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050817 - 7 May 2024
Abstract
Laurel wilt, a fungal disease (Harringtonia lauricola T.C. Harr., Fraedrich and Aghayeva) spread by the Asian redbay ambrosia beetle [Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)], presents an imminent threat to North American members of the Lauraceae family, having caused extensive mortality
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Laurel wilt, a fungal disease (Harringtonia lauricola T.C. Harr., Fraedrich and Aghayeva) spread by the Asian redbay ambrosia beetle [Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)], presents an imminent threat to North American members of the Lauraceae family, having caused extensive mortality in several species, especially redbay (Persea borbonia L. Spreng). Varying levels of disease resistance have been recorded in redbay under controlled conditions. To investigate if previously monitored putatively resistant field redbays have influenced the regeneration and survival of conspecifics within the surrounding 0.08 ha, a survey was conducted in 2018-19 and compared to similar data collected years prior (2008-09, 2013) along the coasts of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, United States. Plots were originally established at six disease-infested study sites around large redbay (>7.5-cm diameter at breast height (1.37 m) (DBH)) that had survived the initial laurel wilt disease epidemic that began in approximately 2007. In 2018-19, a subset of 61 plots within 16 m of the original “survivor” redbay were recorded and compared to previous surveys. Among the original redbay selected for resistance, 22 of 61 (36%) survivors across all sites were alive in 2018 with survival rates varying from 0 to 70% between survey periods (average mortality 3.6%/year). Trees that died in years since 2008-09 had their plots reclassified as susceptible or “suscepts”. Changes in mean quadratic diameter at 1.37 m of redbay plots near survivors were significantly greater than those near suscepts, and in 2018-19, the average diameter of redbay near survivors was 7.62 cm vs. 4.90 cm for suscepts. The diameter distribution of dead and live redbay in the whole population showed a decrease in live individuals surviving past 8 cm DBH in 2018–2019, but 20 of 22 survivor candidate trees were larger than 8 cm DBH. Regeneration was occurring both clonally and sexually and tended to be greater near suscepts, but midstory resprouts per hectare and understory seedlings interacted significantly with the site and the latter differed between sites. These findings indicate that redbay is regenerating in these ecosystems, and disease resistance may allow for increased average tree size for some individuals, but an upper size threshold of around 8 cm DBH may still exist for much of the population. In addition, the importance of site variables in regeneration was apparent, making either local genetic or environmental effects an important topic for future research. Continuing to monitor these survivors while locating new candidates for disease screenings and breeding, preventing the introductions of new strains of H. lauricola, shedding light on the nature of resistance and its heritability, and initiating outplanting trials with resistant germplasm are instrumental steps in bringing redbay back to prominence in its historical range.
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(This article belongs to the Section Forest Health)
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Open AccessArticle
Which Provinces Will Be the Beneficiaries of Forestry Carbon Sink Trade? A Study on the Carbon Intensity–Carbon Sink Assessment Model in China
by
Changxi Liu, Enjun Xia and Jieping Huang
Forests 2024, 15(5), 816; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050816 - 7 May 2024
Abstract
Carbon emissions pose a significant challenge to sustainable development, particularly for China, which is the world’s largest emerging economy and is under pressure to achieve carbon neutrality and reduce emissions amid escalating human activities. The variation in economic development levels and carbon sequestration
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Carbon emissions pose a significant challenge to sustainable development, particularly for China, which is the world’s largest emerging economy and is under pressure to achieve carbon neutrality and reduce emissions amid escalating human activities. The variation in economic development levels and carbon sequestration capacities among its provinces poses a significant hurdle. However, previous research has not adequately examined this dual discrepancy from the perspective of spatial heterogeneity, resulting in a lack of differentiated management of forest carbon sinks across diverse regions. Therefore, to mitigate this discrepancy, this study presents an assessment methodology that analyzes over 100 types of natural and plantation forests using forest age and biomass expansion factors. This study presents a model that can significantly support the efforts of both China and the whole world to achieve carbon neutrality through the improved management of forest carbon sinks. This approach facilitates the assessment of carbon offsets required to meet reduction targets, the development of a provincial framework for carbon intensity and sequestration, and the exploration of their potential for trading markets. Analysis is conducted using MATLAB. Key achievements of this study include the following: (1) The collection of a comprehensive carbon stock dataset for 50 natural and 57 plantation forest types in 31 provinces from 2009 to 2018, highlighting the significant role of new forests in carbon sequestration. (2) The development of a provincial carbon status scoring system that categorizes provinces as carbon-negative, carbon-balancing, or carbon-positive based on local forest sink data and carbon credit demand. (3) The formulation of the carbon intensity–carbon sink assessment (CISA) model, which suggests that provinces with middle- to upper-middle-level economies may have a prolonged need for carbon sink credits during their peak carbon phase. Furthermore, the results show that carbon trading may benefit Guangxi and Yunnan, but may also bring opportunities and risks to Hunan and Hubei. To address regional imbalances, this study advocates tailored policies: carbon-negative and carbon-balancing provinces should enhance carbon sink management, while carbon-positive provinces must focus on energy structure transformation to achieve sustainable development goals.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic and Policy Analysis in Sustainable Forest Management)
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Open AccessCorrection
Correction: Miletić et al. Quantifying Forest Cover Loss as a Response to Drought and Dieback of Norway Spruce and Evaluating Sensitivity of Various Vegetation Indices Using Remote Sensing. Forests 2024, 15, 662
by
Boban R. Miletić, Bratislav Matović, Saša Orlović, Marko Gutalj, Todor Đorem, Goran Marinković, Srđan Simović, Mirko Dugalić and Dejan B. Stojanović
Forests 2024, 15(5), 815; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050815 - 7 May 2024
Abstract
In the original publication [...]
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Climate Extremes on Forests)
Open AccessArticle
Cloning and Functional Analysis of PmMYB45, a Transcription Factor in Pinus massoniana
by
Manqing Peng, Yiyun Qin, Yuan He, Xin He, Jinfeng Zhang and Kongshu Ji
Forests 2024, 15(5), 814; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050814 - 6 May 2024
Abstract
MYB transcription factors (TFs) have been shown to be important regulators of plant growth and development, and the R2R3−MYB family plays an important role in the regulation of plant primary and secondary metabolism, growth, and development. In this study, the PmMYB45 gene sequence
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MYB transcription factors (TFs) have been shown to be important regulators of plant growth and development, and the R2R3−MYB family plays an important role in the regulation of plant primary and secondary metabolism, growth, and development. In this study, the PmMYB45 gene sequence was successfully cloned from Pinus massoniana, with an open reading frame of 1476 bp, encoding 491 amino acids. The results of subcellular localization and transcriptional self-activation showed that the gene was localized in the nucleus and was self-activating. qPCR showed that the highest expression of PmMYB45 was found in stems. PmMYB45 can promote lignin synthesis when overexpressed in tobacco. These results suggest that PmMYB45 promotes lignin synthesis by regulating the lignin biosynthesis pathway. These findings improve our understanding of the mechanism of lignin biosynthesis in P. massoniana and provide a basis for molecular breeding functions. It also provides insights into the role of the MYB transcription factor family in lignin accumulation.
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(This article belongs to the Section Genetics and Molecular Biology)
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Open AccessArticle
Study on the Influence of Host–Guest Interaction on Tourists’ Pro-Environment Behavior: Evidence from Taishan National Forest Park in China
by
Feifei Lu, Bingnan Wang, Juan Bi and Weiya Guo
Forests 2024, 15(5), 813; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050813 - 6 May 2024
Abstract
This study explores the influence of host–guest interaction on tourists’ pro-environment behavior. On the one hand, the experience attribute of host–guest interaction’s influence on tourists’ experiential value is sorted out. On the other hand, the relationship attribute of host–guest interaction’s activation effect on
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This study explores the influence of host–guest interaction on tourists’ pro-environment behavior. On the one hand, the experience attribute of host–guest interaction’s influence on tourists’ experiential value is sorted out. On the other hand, the relationship attribute of host–guest interaction’s activation effect on tourists’ personal norms is identified. Based on social exchange theory and normative activation theory, a structural equation model was established to depict the transmission mechanism from host–guest interaction to tourists’ pro-environment behavior. The data were collected from tourists in Taishan National Forest Park (n = 499). The results indicated that host–guest interaction quality activated tourists’ personal norms through consequence awareness, thus promoting tourists’ pro-environment behavior. Meanwhile, the quality of host–guest interaction positively influenced tourists’ pro-environment behavior through emotional experience value. Host–guest interaction quantity promoted tourists’ pro-environment behavior by activating personal norms through responsibility ascription. In addition, although frequent host–guest interactions can enhance the social experience and functional experience value of tourists, the latter two cannot stimulate tourists’ pro-environmental behavior. This study provides practical implications for promoting the sustainable development of national forest parks.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economy and Sustainability of Forest Natural Resources)
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