Search Results (906)

Pine wilt disease, caused by Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, poses a serious threat to global pine forest ecosystems and forestry production. Thaumatin-like proteins (TLPs), which belong to the PR-5 family, are known to participate in plant defense, but their roles in pine have not been well characterized. In this study, a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the TLP gene family was conducted in Pinus taeda. A total of 116 TLP genes were identified and classified into four major clades based on phylogenetic analysis. Gene structure and conserved motif analyses revealed that members within the same clade generally exhibited similar exon–intron organization patterns and conserved motif compositions. Promoter analysis identified numerous cis-regulatory elements associated with stress responses and phytohormone signaling. Transcriptome data from different stages of pine wood nematode infection identified eight TLP genes that exhibited continuous differential expression, and their expression patterns were further confirmed by qRT-PCR. A multilayer regulatory network highlighted MYB and other transcription factors as key upstream regulators, and yeast one-hybrid assays confirmed MYB-mediated regulation. Together, these findings improve our understanding of the TLP gene family in P. taeda and offer valuable candidate genes and regulatory information for future studies on pine resistance to pine wilt disease. Full article

Plant functional traits help us understand forest carbon storage. We quantified eight functional traits that reflect plant life history strategies: leaf area (LA), specific leaf area (SLA), leaf dry matter content (LDMC), leaf carbon (LC), nitrogen (LN), phosphorus (LP), leaf carbon–nitrogen ratio (LCNR), and wood density (WD). But their role across successional stages is still unclear. We set up sixteen permanent plots in Pu’er, Yunnan, China. Each plot was 60 m × 60 m. The plots covered four successional stages. Stage one was early-successional Simao pine forests. Stage two was mid-successional mixed forests. Stage three was mid-to-late-successional mature mixed forests. Stage four was late-successional mature broad-leaved forests. We measured aboveground carbon storage (CS). We measured carbon growth rates (CAR). We also measured plant traits, soil nutrients, and topography. Carbon storage increased step by step during succession. It became stable in the late stage. Carbon accumulation rate stayed similar across all stages. A key trait axis (LPC2) directly increased carbon storage. LPC2 represents the trade-off between nitrogen use efficiency and leaf construction costs. Environmental factors only affected carbon storage indirectly. They influenced traits first. These results support the metabolic trade-off hypothesis. They also support the leaf economics spectrum theory. Early-successional traits help forests gain biomass quickly. Late-successional traits help forests store carbon for a long time. We suggest protecting mature forests. We also suggest using pioneer species in restoration. This dual strategy can enhance carbon sequestration in subtropical production forests. Full article

Restoration-oriented forest management is increasingly recognized as an important strategy for enhancing long-term carbon sequestration and rehabilitating degraded peri-urban forest landscapes. This study presents a scenario-based assessment of projected carbon sequestration trajectories under a National Reserve Forest Project implemented in peri-urban Wuhan, central China. Thirteen silvicultural models were grouped into three management pathways: intensive plantation cultivation, transformation of existing degraded stands, and tending of young and middle-aged forests. Carbon sequestration was evaluated over a 40-year assessment period (2024–2063) using a Biomass Expansion Factor-based accounting framework incorporating above- and belowground biomass, harvested wood products, and conservative baseline deductions consistent with national and provincial methodologies. The results indicate a sustained long-term increase in projected carbon sequestration despite periodic short-term declines associated with planned thinning and harvesting cycles. Transformation-oriented pathways contributed the largest cumulative project-scale sequestration and generally exhibited relatively strong area-normalized sequestration performance compared with intensive plantation and tending pathways. Intensive plantation systems displayed greater temporal fluctuation associated with shorter rotation cycles and repeated harvesting events. The analysis also highlights the importance of distinguishing between area-normalized sequestration efficiency and cumulative project-scale contribution, as models with moderate per-hectare performance generated substantial total carbon benefits because of their larger implementation area. The findings suggest that restoration-oriented management of existing degraded stands may provide a relatively stable long-term carbon-sequestration pathway in peri-urban forest systems where land availability for large-scale afforestation is constrained. The study also demonstrates the applicability of conservative scenario-based accounting frameworks for restoration-oriented forest carbon assessment and planning under data-limited conditions. Full article

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) constitute an important component of forest-based production systems and biomass supply chains in Türkiye. Despite their growing economic and ecological significance, the long-term structural dynamics of NTFP production remain insufficiently understood. This study examines temporal and structural changes in NTFP production in Türkiye during the period 1988–2024 using official production statistics and production support data. The analysis applies a quantitative framework that combines linear trend analysis, Shannon diversity and Herfindahl–Hirschman concentration indices, volatility measures based on the coefficient of variation, and regression models to evaluate production trends, structural transformations, stabilization patterns, and the effectiveness of production support mechanisms. The findings reveal a non-linear and multi-phase development pattern characterized by diversification and production growth after 2000, followed by increasing concentration and greater production volatility after 2018. Although total production volume increased substantially, portfolio diversity declined over time, and dependence on a limited number of high-volume products intensified, indicating growing structural vulnerability within the system. In addition, production support mechanisms showed a weak and heterogeneous relationship with production outcomes. A limited contextual comparison with Lithuania’s multifunctional NTFP system is also included to position the findings within a broader European context. Overall, the results suggest that increasing production alone is insufficient to ensure long-term system stability. Instead, diversification-oriented and risk-sensitive resource management strategies that account for production risks, regional disparities, and product heterogeneity are essential for developing sustainable and resilient NTFP production systems. Full article

Biochar has emerged as a sustainable additive in concrete production, offering potential for improved concrete performance and waste valorization. An experimental investigation was conducted using wood waste biochar as a partial cement replacement at 0%, 2%, 4%, and 6% by weight. Compressive strength (CS) and split tensile strength (STS) were determined at 7 and 28 days, while flexural strength (FS) was determined at 28 days. The experimental results demonstrated that 2 to 4% biochar replacement enhanced CS by 9.67% and FS by 15.40%, while STS showed optimal improvement at 2% replacement by 6.24%. To extend these findings across diverse feedstocks and mix designs, a comprehensive database of 318 mixes incorporating 13 biochar types was compiled from literature to develop machine learning (ML) models for predicting all three strength properties simultaneously. Random Forest (RF) and Gradient Boosting (GBR) algorithms were optimized using nested 5-fold cross-validation and compared against a Ridge regression baseline. The optimized RF model (n_estimators = 1000) achieved a nested cross-validated R² of 0.817 ± 0.072 and a 32.5% reduction in RMSE compared to the baseline, with testing R² values of 0.894 for CS, 0.828 for FS, and 0.537 for STS. (SHapley Additive exPlanations) (SHAP) analysis identified cement content, coarse aggregate (CA) content, and biochar dosage as the most influential features. Biochar effect curves, based on the most reliable datasets (rice husk, n = 69; wood, n = 52), demonstrated that rice husk biochar consistently enhanced all three strength properties, while wood biochar showed superior performance for FS and STS. Experimental validation using wood waste biochar confirmed that model predictions closely matched measured strengths, with 90% prediction intervals reliably encompassing experimental values. The developed models offer a practical decision-support tool for sustainable concrete mix design, significantly reducing experimental effort while providing evidence-based guidance for biochar feedstock selection and dosage optimization, keeping the cement usage at a minimum. Full article

Although Non-Wood Forest Products can offer interesting economic opportunities for rural communities, little is known about their commercial harvesters. Our work aims to shed light on the labour profiles, their accessibility to new entrants, and attractiveness for future green jobs. Through in-depth interviews, we explored the five-capitals profile of commercial resin, cork, mastic foliage, chestnut, pine nut, and wild mushroom harvesters in Spain. We found either freelance harvesters or entrepreneurs with a small gang. Our data show a typical male collector, who started the activity through his social networks (Social Capital), and whose origin depends on the product and Spanish region. Some commercial female harvesters were found in mushroom, chestnut and resin harvesting. Social constructs around the masculinization of these activities may explain their limited attractiveness for women. The ratio of non-Spanish commercial harvesters correlates with the weight of migrants in the analysed regions. Only a subgroup of resin harvesters devotes most of their year to this single activity. The rest complement NWFP income with a main forestry (cork and pinenut) or non-forestry occupation (mushroom, chestnut and mastic). For the latter products, access to Natural Capital was found to be crucial for job progress, as non-landowners require administrative and/or negotiation capacities to secure harvesting permits. Human Capital differs across NWFPs, from simpler skills such as recognising marketable produce and handling easy tools (mushroom, chestnuts, pine nut ground gathering and mastic), to complex abilities needed to balance efficiency with minimising tree damage (in resin tapping, pinenut shaking, and cork extraction). Such specialised tools and machinery (Built Capital) typically act as a barrier to entry and advancement. These profiles are expected to help decision-makers to design instruments promoting and regulating commercial harvesting, and tackle their risks: local landowners in allocating harvesting rights to external collectors; regional policymakers as competent authorities in forest legislation; and state-level administration concerning cultural, fiscal and labour-permit aspects. Full article

The holm oak (Quercus ilex) is a keystone species in Mediterranean ecosystems due to its ecological relevance and economic value. However, its forests are experiencing increasing decline driven by poor regeneration, prolonged drought, diseases, and wood-boring insect infestations. This study evaluates the impact of Coraebus florentinus on the mechanical properties of holm oak wood. Laboratory bending tests on healthy and insect-damaged branches assessed resistance in relation to applied load, diameter, and length until maximum deflection and breakage. Results showed that C. florentinus damage (considered as a categorical variable, it was not quantified based on the presence or absence of visible symptoms and characteristic larval galleries, and we acknowledge this as a limitation of the study) altered the bending behavior of holm oak branches, mainly by reducing deformation capacity before failure. However, bending strength showed a site-dependent response, indicating that the mechanical effect of infestation may vary according to local branch characteristics and damage distribution. Infestations of C. florentinus in Q. ilex stands, whether used for timber production or pasture systems, may contribute to the loss of photosynthetically active branches and potentially affect tree productivity. Full article

This research explores how livelihood capital endowments affect the growth of Non-Wood Forest Products (NWFPs) in rural communities in the Koyten Dag region of Turkmenistan. This study is grounded in the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework. It draws on the Capability Approach, Institutional Theory, and Human Capital Theory, which are considered to have a strong influence on NWFP development within the exclusive post-Soviet socio-ecological environment. This study also uses annual time-series data from 2001 to 2024. It applies the ARDL bounds testing method to examine the short- and long-run associations among livelihood assets and NWFP production. The results confirm strong long-run co-integration, indicating that the five capitals have a significant impact on NWFP development. Emerging as the ultimate drivers in both the short and long term, education, skills, health, and digital connectivity become especially important. Financial and social capital reflect long-term contributions, while natural capital highlights the significance of the availability of ecological resources and governance systems. The correction error term indicates a rapid rate of adjustment, suggesting that the livelihood system is robust and can return to equilibrium quickly in response to temporary shocks. This research uses the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) method of co-integration, which is effective for small-sample analyses of long-run relationships. The empirical analysis is conducted in a systematic process, which is the unit root tests based on augmented Dickey–Fuller (ADF) and Phillips–Perron (PP) techniques, in order to establish the order of integration of variables. The Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) is used to determine the appropriate lag length for the ARDL model to achieve the best model specification. In the robustness analysis, we perform fully modified OLS (FMOLS) and dynamic OLS (DOLS) estimation. Sub-period analysis was performed to test structural breaks. The variance inflation factor (VIF) test was used to detect multicollinearity. This paper has significant theoretical and practical implications, including the need for policies that are integrative and, at the same time, enhance human capabilities, digital infrastructure, institutional quality, and resource governance. This knowledge can be used to promote the sustainable development of rural areas and as an efficient approach to the NWFP sector in Turkmenistan. Full article

Pine plantations on volcanic slopes in Indonesia are considered to be forests and are managed for wood production and slope protection. Logging practices followed by replanting may affect soil health. Existing agroforestry management contracts allow farmers to intercrop with vegetables in young plantations and grow fodder grasses in older ones. However, critical data on hydrological functions in such systems are scarce, while concerns over heavy rainfall and floods increase. We explored the relationships between soil cover, soil carbon, earthworms, soil porosity and infiltration rates in relation to slope class in second-rotation pine plantations around two years of age (intercropped) and at ten-year old pine-grass stages. Five slope classes (0%–8%, 8%–15%, 15%–25%, 25%–45%, and >45%) were compared with three measurement points each. Basic soil chemical and physical characteristics were measured for the 0–10, 10–20 and 20–30 cm layers. Remnant natural forest was available as a historical reference only on the steepest slope class. Organic soil carbon (C_Org) divided by a texture-based reference level was 1.12, 0.32 and 0.49 for natural forest, young and old agroforestry on very steep slopes, respectively. Within pine-based agroforestry relative decline with slope class (1–5) was pronounced in earthworms (biomass −3.46, population −4.18) and infiltration rates (−2.35) while bulk density increased (0.49); for soil carbon (C_Org), nitrogen, available phosphorus and exchangeable Mg effects in the −1.26 to −1.68 range indicated a loss of functional topsoil. Differences with age of the agroforestry systems were much smaller but included a decreasing earthworm population but an increase in mean earthworm weight and partial recovery of the C_Org/C_Ref ratio. Pine-based agroforestry on very steep soils had only 10%–14% of the earthworm biomass and 35% of the infiltration rate of reference natural forest. Understory vegetation biomass and litter layer necromass were more than five-fold higher in the natural forest. Across all samples a higher C_Org and higher earthworm biomass were associated with complementary positive changes in infiltration rates and soil porosity. Regression analysis suggests equal skill of tree cover, soil C_Org, porosity, aggregate stability and earthworms to predict infiltration rates while explanatory variables were strongly correlated. Management of the pine plantations may have to achieve a closer approximation of the conditions in natural forests to effectively protect upper watersheds. Full article

The identification of standing tree species, timber logs, and on-site assessment of their quality and value using images holds significant potential for forestry applications, including inventory management, traceability under EU regulations like the Deforestation Regulation, and market valuation amid growing demands for sustainable practices. This study addresses this by classifying images of timber logs by tree species and market value using the Orange data mining software, which leverages pre-trained convolutional neural networks (Inception v3 and SqueezeNet) to generate embeddings from a dataset of 5549 images collected at a real timber auction in Slovenia, followed by logistic regression image classification. Results show high accuracy for tree species classification (up to 92.6%), but substantially lower accuracy for market value classification (40%–55%), reflecting the greater complexity of value determination from visual features. These findings underscore the promise of deep learning for species identification while indicating the need for further methodological advancements to enhance value classification reliability, which offers the practical impact for operational forestry and bioeconomy value chains. Full article

Availability of phosphorus (P) is thought to limit bole growth in wet tropical forests, raising concern that removing P through repeated logging in P-limited stands may be unsustainable. Motivated by a study in Indonesia, we analyzed Olsen extractable and total soil P in the upper 10 cm in paired samples we collected under vs. near decaying boles of two contrasting species in a wet tropical forest in Puerto Rico. Guarea guidonia had higher wood and leaf P concentrations than Dacryodes excelsa. G. guidonia colonized valleys with higher soil P concentrations than ridge sites dominated by D. excelsa. We used two age cohorts of trees > 30 cm diameter, felled by hurricanes Hugo in 1989 (11 years old) and Georges in 1998 (1.5 years old), but soil P did not differ with age. Soil Olsen P concentrations were significantly higher under versus away from boles of both species. Paradoxically, augmentation of soil P was greater under boles of D. excelsa than G. guidonia despite having lower wood P. Soil % C and Olsen P were strongly positively correlated in D. excelsa but not in G. guidonia, suggesting that regulation of soil P-availability differs between ridges and valleys. Both soil C and P may be critical for maintaining soil fertility on ridges in a wet tropical forest. Our results are discussed in the context of prior experiments at our site, including two where bole growth increased with wood addition and/or decreased after removal of woody debris. These studies in Puerto Rico, together with others elsewhere, suggest that reduced forest productivity could potentially result from repeated logging of forest stands on ridges with low P-availability in humid tropical areas since decaying wood could directly and indirectly maintain P-availability in sites with low soil P-availability. We suggest several hypotheses on P-cycling in montane humid tropical forests that need further research to elucidate mechanisms controlling soil P-availability and identify sites where repeated logging is likely to be unsustainable. Full article

This study investigates the relevant literature on applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for wood as a material using a systematic review and screening process. The Web of Science (WoS) database identified 50 peer-reviewed publications dealing with AI applications for wood as a material. Bibliometrix and VOSviewer software were used to evaluate publication trends, country contributions, keyword co-occurrences, and AI application areas. Based on these analyses, an annual growth rate of 23.28% between 2014 and 2025 (November) in publications published per year was measured and an average of 6.92 citations per publication was observed as of November 2025. Most notably, a considerable increase in AI-focused research after 2023 was identified. Before 2022, work done using AI tools (such as neural networks, deep learning, and others) did not necessarily use the term AI and hence were not found by our search. China, Canada, and Poland were the countries with the highest number of publications. The leading journals with publications on AI applications for wood as a material were Forests and Wood Material Science and Engineering. The most frequently occurring keywords in the publications reviewed were “AI,” “machine learning,” and “deep learning.” In general, according to the publications reviewed, AI applications for wooden materials improved productivity, material evaluation, and quality assurance. The findings highlighted the impact of AI on the sector and show that AI will change the industry. Full article

As the global climate change mitigation efforts urge the transition towards a green economy, comprehending the carbon footprint of forest industry supply chain is crucial to ensure sustainable management and utilization of renewable resources. This research quantified the carbon footprint of four different forest product industries: chip mill, hardwood sawmill, softwood sawmill, and in-woods chipping in the Northeastern U.S. Additionally, the impact of transportation (road and rail) on carbon footprint was analyzed. Life cycle assessment (LCA) was performed using SimaPro 9.3.0.3 software and allied databases (USLCI and US-EI). The functional unit was 1 tonne for chip mill (wood chips) and 1 m³ for sawmill (planks). The highest-contributing inputs for the chip mill and softwood sawmill were transportation. However, in-woods chipping and the hardwood sawmill had raw materials, residual wood, and round wood as the highest-contributing input. The study also enumerated the substances that contributed most to environmental impacts. The carbon footprint of chip mill, in-woods chipping, hardwood, and softwood sawmill were 49.5, 21.7, 72.9, and 73.7 kg CO₂ eq per respective functional units, respectively. The results could assist the forest industry in promoting wood feedstock with a minimal carbon footprint and have educated engagement in an ever-evolving carbon market. Full article

Functional traits help to understand plant ecological strategies and play a determinant role in restoration. This study evaluated interspecific variability among 38 timber species of bioeconomic importance associated with natural forests and forest trials in the northern Colombian Amazon, identifying Plant Functional Types (PFTs) and their implications for productive restoration. Soft and hard traits were integrated, including tree morphological characteristics (diameter at breast height, total height, and crown cover) and wood functional traits (wood basic specific gravity, SG; maximum moisture content; fiber diameter and wall thickness; and vessel diameter and density). Correlations among these traits were also assessed. Five PFTs were identified. PFTs 1 and 2 grouped species with acquisitive strategies and high hydraulic efficiency, making them suitable for rapid vegetation cover recovery. In contrast, PFT 5 included conservative and hydraulically safe species, appropriate for enrichment processes once vegetation cover has been established. PFTs 3 and 4 represented intermediate strategies. Additionally, tree size was found to directly influence stem hydraulic architecture, and distinct anatomical configurations may occur within similar SG ranges, highlighting the need to integrate multi-trait approaches, as this trait alone does not fully capture the hydraulic and mechanical strategies of species. Full article

Understanding the long-term production trends of MDFLAM panels, which are widely used in panel furniture manufacturing, is important for evaluating the sector’s competitiveness and environmental performance. In this study, MDF/HDF production data for Türkiye covering the period 1995–2024 were analyzed. The observations for 1995–2019 were used for model estimation, while the period 2020–2024 was reserved for out-of-sample validation. Production projections for 2025–2030 were generated using the ARIMA time series model. The relationships between fiberboard production and selected socio-economic variables (population, GDP per capita, forest area, and number of enterprises) were evaluated through correlation analysis. While strong correlations were observed in the level data, additional analysis using first-differenced (growth rate) series indicated that these relationships are weak and statistically insignificant in the short term, suggesting that the observed associations are largely influenced by common time trends. Assuming that approximately 60% of total fiberboard production consists of MDFLAM, future GWP values were estimated using verified EPD data. The results indicate that production is expected to continue increasing in the coming years. Although negative GWP values are observed due to biogenic carbon storage during the production stage, this reflects temporary carbon sequestration rather than a permanent reduction in atmospheric emissions. Emissions are expected to increase during end-of-life stages as the stored carbon is released. Overall, the study provides a forward-looking framework by integrating time-series forecasting with EPD-based environmental indicators, offering a useful basis for sustainability assessment and policy-oriented decision-making in the wood-based panel sector. Full article