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
Prediction of the Potential Distribution of Teinopalpus aureus Mell, 1923 (Lepidoptera, Papilionidae) in China Using Habitat Suitability Models
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.
Full article
(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.
Full article
(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
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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.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Satellite Time Series Analysis for Forest Mapping and Change Detection)
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Open AccessArticle
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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Open AccessArticle
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
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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.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Economics, Policy, and Social Science)
Open AccessArticle
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 - 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, ArcGIS, and R. 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)
Open AccessArticle
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
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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.
Full article
(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
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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.
Full article
(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 [...]
Full article
(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.
Full article
(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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Open AccessArticle
Spatio−Temporal Changes and Key Driving Factors of Urban Green Space Configuration on Land Surface Temperature
by
Junda Huang, Xinghao Lu and Yuncai Wang
Forests 2024, 15(5), 812; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050812 - 4 May 2024
Abstract
Changes in land cover by rapid urbanization have diminished the cooling effect of urban green spaces (UGS), exacerbating the upward trend of land surface temperature (LST). A thorough and precise understanding of the spatio-temporal characteristics of UGS and LST is essential for mitigating
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Changes in land cover by rapid urbanization have diminished the cooling effect of urban green spaces (UGS), exacerbating the upward trend of land surface temperature (LST). A thorough and precise understanding of the spatio-temporal characteristics of UGS and LST is essential for mitigating localized high temperatures in cities. This study identified the spatio-temporal changes in UGS configuration and LST in Shanghai from 2003 to 2022. The correlation between UGS configuration and LST was explored using spatial autocorrelation analysis and causal inference. The results show that (1) the high-temperature space had grown from 721 km2 in 2003 to 3059 km2 in 2022; (2) in suburbs, the largest area of UGS tended to decrease, while the number of patches tended to increase, indicating a distinct feature of suburbanization; (3) changes in the largest area of UGS had more significant spatial correlation, indicating that urban sprawl primarily impacts large UGSs; and (4) compared to the number and shape of UGS, changes in the largest area are the key factor influencing regional LST. These findings enrich the knowledge of the spatio−temporal relationship between the UGS configuration and its cooling effect in urbanization, offering valuable insights for building cooler cities.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategic Planning of Urban Green Space in Large Spatiotemporal Scales)
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Climate Change Responses of High-Elevation Polylepis Forests
by
Larry E. Bedoya-Canas, Felipe López-Hernández and Andrés J. Cortés
Forests 2024, 15(5), 811; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050811 - 4 May 2024
Abstract
The high mountain forests on Earth are characterized by sharp environmental heterogeneity, high species endemism, and unique phenotypic adaptations. Yet, global warming is jeopardizing this ecosystem as no other as some forests may have nowhere to go beyond the mountain’s summits. One of
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The high mountain forests on Earth are characterized by sharp environmental heterogeneity, high species endemism, and unique phenotypic adaptations. Yet, global warming is jeopardizing this ecosystem as no other as some forests may have nowhere to go beyond the mountain’s summits. One of the most human-endangered high-elevation ecosystems is the Polylepis forest. Despite its vulnerability, forecasting climate reactions in this distinctive high mountain forest type remains a formidable challenge. Therefore, in this study, we modeled climate change responses of high-elevation allopatric Polylepis sericea and P. quadrijuga (Rosaceae) in the northern Andes. The analysis took into account VIF-prioritized bioclimatic variables for near-to-present and future (2081–2100 MPI-ESM1-2-HR) conditions. Model selection was carried out following the AUC scores of 12 MaxEnt and six machine learning algorithms. Predictive power reached 0.97 for MaxEnt’s model fc.H_rm.1 (H-1). Results indicate a moderate vulnerability of P. sericea, with a 29% loss of area in the trailing edge, due to climate change for the period 2081–2100. On the other hand, P. quadrijuga is likely to experience even larger distribution losses, up to 99%, for the same period. The findings of this study suggest that P. quadrijuga, as compared to P. sericea, exhibits a restricted ability to maintain the corresponding habitat requirements in the face of climatic change. Higher niche specialization of P. quadrijuga in the environmentally heterogeneous Eastern Cordillera contrasts with the more generalist nature of P. sericea in the topographically less complex Central Cordillera. In addition to climate change, this trend may be exacerbated by the detrimental effects of agriculture, mining, and an expanding rural population, which represent significant human-driven pressures yet to be modeled in the northern Andean highlands. Yet, based on previous studies, the historical population dynamics during the past glacial cycles suggests that range shifts could play a more significant role at deeper time scales than previously forecasted in the species’ reaction to climate change. Additionally, Polylepis forests may be able to endure at the current locations via local adaptation and plasticity, major drivers of the phenotypic variation in long-lived trees, counteracting the vulnerability scenario under a niche conservatism hypothesis. Ultimately, the modeling procedure employed in this study provides insights into the potential effects of climate change on Polylepis forests 70 years from now. Oncoming studies may consider alternative responses inherent to the gene pool of the species and the interaction with edaphic and biotic agents. We advocate for the application of comparable estimations in other high-elevation tree communities found at the tree line.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Variation and Adaptation of Forest Trees to Environmental Changes)
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Impact of Thinning on the Yield and Quality of Eucalyptus grandis Wood at Harvest Time in Uruguay
by
Fernando Resquin, Karen Baez, Sofia de Freitas, Diego Passarella, Ana Paula Coelho-Duarte and Cecilia Rachid-Casnati
Forests 2024, 15(5), 810; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050810 - 4 May 2024
Abstract
Understanding how thinning strategies impact wood quality and quantity for different purposes is of interest, given that plantation management is often based on parameters that require validation under varying growth conditions. Planted forests for solid purposes in the northern region of Urugay, western
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Understanding how thinning strategies impact wood quality and quantity for different purposes is of interest, given that plantation management is often based on parameters that require validation under varying growth conditions. Planted forests for solid purposes in the northern region of Urugay, western Argentina and South of Brazil are usually managed in initial stockings ranging from 800 to 1200 trees·ha−1 depending on the use of clones or seeds. Subsequent thinnings are applied (at plantation ages varying from 3 to 11 years) up to final stockings of around 200 trees·ha−1. This study evaluated contrasting thinning regimes applied early in the crop cycle, with an initial tree density of 840 trees·ha−1. Two thinning treatments were applied at 1.5 and 7.3 years, reducing tree densities to 700–400 and 400–100 trees·ha−1, respectively. Growth analyses were conducted from 1.5 to 20.8 years, considering total height, diameter at breast height, individual volume, total and commercial volume per hectare, mean annual increase, and current annual increase. At the final harvest, contrasting tree densities of 100, 250, and 400 trees·ha−1 were sampled to assess wood density and mechanical properties (bending and compression on small-scale clear samples). Individual growth and wood properties were related to a Stand Density Index to understand the effect of competition on these values. The results identified thinning regimes that resulted in the most significant individual and per-hectare growth (both in thinning and clear felling) and the optimal harvest time under specific growth conditions. We assessed the proportions of commercial logs for sawmill and pulp uses, providing valuable inputs for subsequent economic analyses of thinning regimes aiming for the most convenient combination of wood products. Wood’s physical and mechanical properties were relatively little affected by contrasting levels of competition between trees; therefore, the choice of silvicultural system will depend on production and economic criteria.
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(This article belongs to the Section Forest Ecology and Management)
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Qualitative Changes in Birch Sap after Freezing and Thawing
by
Justas Mingaila, Vladas Vilimas, Pranas Viškelis, Vitas Marozas, Česlovas Bobinas and Jonas Viškelis
Forests 2024, 15(5), 809; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050809 - 3 May 2024
Abstract
In this study, the qualitative changes in raw birch sap after freezing and thawing were determined. Ten-liter bottles and one-ton plastic containers with six replications were used for the freezing of birch sap and thawing of frozen sap. During and after the thawing,
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In this study, the qualitative changes in raw birch sap after freezing and thawing were determined. Ten-liter bottles and one-ton plastic containers with six replications were used for the freezing of birch sap and thawing of frozen sap. During and after the thawing, the physical and physical–chemical properties of the sap were measured. According to the results, as the ice melts, the concentration of acids and other soluble substances in the sap decreases, but changes in qualitative indicators indicate the beginning of fermentation processes through color changes and pH as the temperature of the melting sap becomes positive. As a result, to freeze raw sap in large-volume containers, it is necessary to develop fast thawing technology using auxiliary means—circulation, external energy sources, and mechanical ice crushing.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-timber Forest Products: Beyond the Wood)
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