Povijesni perivoji u urbanim sredinama Europe imaju višestruku vrijednost: oni su žarišta bioraznolikosti, prostori od povijesno‑kulturnog značaja i hortikulturnog eksperimentiranja, ali i važni elementi oblikovanja identiteta gradova. Grad Zagreb baštini niz takvih perivoja nastalih u 19. stoljeću, a među njima Ribnjak, smješten podno katedrale, zauzima posebno mjesto. Njegov današnji izgled oblikovan je kroz gotovo dva stoljeća promjena – od romantičarskog krajobraza s vodenim površinama, preko modernističkih intervencija nakon Drugog svjetskog rata pa sve do suvremenih sadržaja. Biljke su u perivojima 19. stoljeća, u vremenu kada je nastao Ribnjak, bile važan oblikovni element jer su transformirale prostor u idealizirani prirodni krajobraz koji je spajao estetsku ljepotu, botaničku strast prema egzotičnim vrstama i prostor za društveni prestiž. Upravo zbog te važnosti od proljeća do jeseni 2022. godine provedena je inventarizacija dendroflore perivoja Ribnjak. Utvrđeno je 97 svojti, među kojima prevladavaju stabla, uz manji broj grmova i penjačica. Premda dominiraju listopadne vrste, prisutne su i vazdazelene, osobito četinjače, koje osiguravaju postojanost u zimskim mjesecima. Među njima se ističu primjerci tise (Taxus baccata), vrste od povijesne i konzervacijske važnosti. Biogeografska analiza pokazuje visok udio alohtonih svojti, što je obilježje perivoja oblikovanih u 19. stoljeću. Usporedba s popisom iz 1957., kada je zabilježeno 107 svojti, potvrđuje 51 svojtu i ukazuje na gubitak dijela dendroflore, ali i na kontinuitet – jer su mnoge vrste sađene u 19. stoljeću bile prisutne sredinom prošlog stoljeća i danas opstaju, potvrđujući dugotrajnu vrijednost povijesnih hortikulturnih izbora. Raznolikost dendroflore u istraživanom perivoju oblikuje ambijente i vizure koje se nadovezuju na prostorne elemente parka. Staze, prostori za odmor, cvjetne gredice, livade i skulpture zajedno stvaraju slojeviti prostorni doživljaj, dok vizure prema katedrali potvrđuju Ribnjak kao kulturni pejzaž. On se stoga pokazuje kao prostor u kojem se povijesni kontinuitet, raznolikost biljaka i prostorni elementi isprepliću u prepoznatljiv povijesni ambijent Zagreba.
Woody plant species whose fruits or seeds the golden jackals eats were investigated in Trabzon’s agricultural, forest, and suburban areas (Türkiye, ca 426 ha) between January 2023 and June 2024. The fruits or seeds of woody plants in the diet of the golden jackal were identified for the first time using camera trapping, and a total of 21 scat samples were subsequently collected and analyzed. Of the 25 woody plant species producing edible fruits or seeds recorded in the study area, 20 were consumed by golden jackals. These species include Corylus maxima, Cornus mas, Diospyros lotus, Arbutus unedo, Castanea sativa, Juglans regia, Morus alba, Morus rubra, Ficus carica, Ligustrum vulgare, Prunus domestica, Cerasus avium, Malus sylvestris, Eriobotrya japonica, Rosa canina, Rubus idaeus, Pyrus communis, Mespilus germanica, Crataegus rhipidophylla and Vitis labrusca. This study reveals that golden jackals feed on nearly all fruit- or seed-bearing plants in the area, highlighting the significant role these plants play in their diet.
Understanding stand structure and regeneration dynamics is essential for assessing the functioning, resilience, and conservation status of Mediterranean forest ecosystems. Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica), a keystone species of high conservation concern, has experienced significant decline across its natural range. This study examines the structural dynamics and regeneration patterns of C. atlantica in the Tala Guilef forest (northwestern Djurdjura, Algeria) under varying local ecological conditions and disturbance regimes. Field data were collected from 32 square stands (625 m² each), representing a range of elevations, slopes, exposures, vegetation cover classes, and stand compositions. Structural attributes were assessed using dendrometric measurements (diameter at breast height, total height, crown dimensions, basal area, and density), while regeneration was evaluated across four developmental stages. Cone production was quantified as an indicator of reproductive potential, and disturbance factors were recorded through direct field observations. The results indicate that C. atlantica dominates all stands and is associated with low to moderate woody species diversity. Regeneration was present across all sites, although its density varied significantly with ecological conditions. Seedlings were more abundant on north-facing slopes, whereas advanced regeneration stages were more frequent on south-facing slopes. Regeneration density peaked at higher elevations and under intermediate vegetation cover (25–50%). Cone production was widespread and did not limit regeneration. Diameter distributions consistently exhibited an inverted J-shaped structure, indicating continuous recruitment. Structural attributes such as diameter, height, and basal area were generally higher in mixed stands and at medium elevations. Grazing was identified as the dominant disturbance factor, affecting more than 80% of the surveyed stands and likely constraining regeneration success. Despite these pressures, the overall structural patterns suggest that C. atlantica populations in Tala Guilef maintain active dynamics and regeneration capacity. Reducing anthropogenic pressure, particularly grazing, and prioritizing the protection of stands with high regeneration potential may enhance natural regeneration processes and support sustainable forest management.
Wildlife–vehicle collisions (WVCs) represent a growing safety, ecological, and economic challenge, with direct consequences for human lives, material damage, and biodiversity conservation. In the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, systematic analyses that link traffic accidents caused by collisions with wildlife are lacking. This research identifies high-risk locations of WVCs and applies geospatial analysis to the main roads of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The analysis is based on official police reports documenting 14,169 traffic accidents between 2021 and 2023, of which 104 cases (0.73%) were classified as animal-related. Although species were not specified in the reports, these accidents predominantly occurred in areas where wildlife crossings are expected, and thus are treated as potential wildlife–vehicle collisions. The results indicate a concentration of WVCs in nine municipalities, with eight critical road segments identified on main roads. Additional analyses explored the relationship between collisions, road infrastructure (bridges, tunnels), and ecological features of habitats (Emerald Network, Natura 2000, Red List of FBiH, IUCN). Based on the findings, it can be concluded that spatially targeted prevention is essential, with priority given to infrastructural measures (wildlife overpasses, fencing, signage) and strategic measures (improved databases, continuous monitoring, and integration into spatial planning). The obtained results provide a foundation for policies that simultaneously enhance traffic safety and contribute to the protection of wildlife populations.
Entomopathogens are microbes that infect and cause pathogenesis in insects, often leading to the death of individual insects and, in some cases, the collapse of entire populations. More than 750 species of fungi have been documented as insect entomopathogens. Entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria bassiana play an important role in the biological control of insect populations. Environmental factors such as temperature and humidity significantly influence its growth and efficacy. This study focusses on B. bassiana isolated from Ips typographus populations in the Serbian Tara National Park. Laboratory experiments have shown that the optimum temperature for fungal growth is around 20°C. Furthermore, a mortality rate of 77.3% was observed when B. bassiana was applied to bark beetles, showing promising potential as a biological control agent under controlled conditions.
This study aims to identify the geophyte taxa of Trabzon Province (NE Anatolia) and to assess their potential distribution. Plant samples were collected using standard herbarium procedures between 2015 and 2021. The research employed a comprehensive field survey methodology, aligned with the specific vegetation periods of each taxon. A digital database was created by converting both field-collected and literature-based data into spatial data layers within a Geographic Information System (GIS). This GIS-based system allows for advanced data querying and spatial mapping. In addition, the study evaluated specific areas with regard to taxonomic diversity and density, placing particular emphasis on endemic and rare taxa. A total of 95 geophyte taxa were identified, distributed across 1271 unique locations. These taxa represented 20 families and 45 genera. Eight endemic and eight rare geophyte taxa were documented and classified according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) threat categories. The family Orchidaceae had the highest representation, comprising 31 taxa, followed by Asparagaceae with 16, Liliaceae and Amaryllidaceae with 7 each, and Iridaceae with 6 taxa. The most taxon-rich genera were Orchis (7 taxa), Dactylorhiza (6), Ornithogalum (6), Crocus (4), Allium (4), and Gagea (4). The findings of this study will contribute to the conservation and sustainable management of biodiversity, particularly concerning geophyte species, which are vital natural resources within forestry practices. By establishing a balance between conservation and utilization, this research supports biodiversity protection while enabling sustainable use. Moreover, the study provides a valuable framework for identifying priority areas for future conservation initiatives and for sourcing plant material to support the cultivation of endangered geophyte species.
This paper analyzes the structure of 15 beech seed stands and eight sessile oak seed stands registered in the seed object register of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska, as well as the structure of seven beech seed stands and three sessile oak seed stands in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina that had been evaluated but not registered. The paper also examines the most important characteristics of broadleaf trees used in mass selections, i.e., the selection of seed stands. A total of 19 phenotypic tree characteristics were used in the analysis of seed stands’ quality, including 16 descriptive traits that are critical in assessing the suitability of seed objects. Quantitative measurements included tree diameter, height and age. The qualitative structure of the selected beech and sessile oak seed stands in Bosnia and Herzegovina is generally satisfactory. However, targeted silvicultural interventions are necessary to further enhance stand structure and long-term sustainability. Given the significant ecological and vegetation diversity across Bosnia and Herzegovina, the current number of selected seed stands for both beech and sessile oak is insufficient and fails to support the effective conservation of the autochthonous genetic diversity of these important tree species. The spatial distribution of the existing seed stands only partially covers the genetic variability of the species, with satisfactory coverage observed only in the central regions of the country. This uneven distribution suggests a suboptimal utilization of the species’ genetic potential and underscores the need for the additional selection of seed stands. Priority should be given to small, isolated stands located in ecologically extreme conditions, ensuring a broader geographic and ecological representation – from east to west and from north to south. In addition to expanding the network of seed stands, individual selection within the existing stands of sufficient quality should be undertaken. In the forthcoming period, it is essential to select plus trees, test them, and establish seed plantations. Based on available molecular research, genetic regionalization should be carried out for beech and sessile oak. Seeds and planting material should be used according to genetic principles to support healthy and well-adapted forest populations.
This study applies the Maxent model to predict the potential habitat suitability of the endangered saproxylic beetle Rosalia alpina in Montenegro. The model identified temperature (TEMP) and near-surface relative humidity (NSRH) as the dominant predictors influencing the species’ distribution, followed by vegetation type (VEG) and topographic variables such as slope (SLP) and aspect (ASP). The model achieved good predictive accuracy, with an average test AUC of 0.798 ± 0.012 across five replicates, confirming its robustness and reliability. The resulting potential habitat suitability map indicates that the central and north mountainous regions of Montenegro represent the most suitable areas, corresponding closely with known field observations. These findings highlight the importance of preserving structurally diverse deciduous forests and provide a valuable basis for spatially targeted conservation and sustainable forest management strategies for R. alpina in Montenegro. However, spatial overlap analysis showed that only about 18% of highly suitable (potential) habitats are located within nationally protected areas, and around 20% within the proposed Emerald network. This indicates that a considerable portion of potentially suitable habitats remain unprotected, emphasizing the need to strengthen and expand the existing conservation frameworks and to prioritize these areas for inclusion in the future Natura 2000 network, ensuring effective long-term protection of the species and its key forest habitats.
Type of container and growing media are two important factors that affect seedling quality. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the growing media (local peat sources and Finnish peat) and Enso tube containers (type with vertical slits and rocket type) on the morphological attributes of two-year-old container-grown Pinus sylvestris L. seedlings using a completely randomised block experimental design in the nursery. Both container types and growing media significantly affected some seedling morphological attributes such as seedling height (SH), root collar diameter (RCD), the Dickson quality index (DQI), shoot and root dry weights (SDW and RDW, respectively), and sturdiness quotient (SQ) of P. sylvestris seedlings. When the containers were evaluated, the fixed Enso container type with greater volumes, which has vertical slits on the sidewalls, gave better results in terms of most measured seedling morphological characteristics than the Enso-rocket container type with smooth walls. It was also determined that the growing media significantly affected P. sylvestris seedlings’ morphological indices, and low growing media acidity because high local peat pH decreased some morphological quality attributes of P. sylvestris seedlings. The results suggest that lowering local peat pH can increase the potential of local peat as a Finnish peat substitute in container growing media for P. sylvestris seedling production.
Phenological monitoring plays a critical role in understanding how forest ecosystems respond to climate change, particularly in economically and ecologically important forestry species such as European beech (Fagus sylvatica L., Fagaceae). This study assessed the variability of leafing phenophases in seedlings from 29 European beech provenances originating from Central and Southeastern Europe, grown under common conditions at a trial site on Mt. Goč, Serbia. Observations were conducted during two consecutive growing seasons (2022 and 2023), both warmer than average, with 2022 being notably drier. Significant variation was observed in the timing and duration of leafing phenophases among provenances, especially in 2022. Between-year comparisons revealed a statistically significant difference only for phenophase III (bud cracking), with shorter durations observed in 2022. In general, our results suggest that local climatic parameters and the genetic background influenced phenological variability, although no consistent eco-geographic pattern emerged. These findings represent early-stage results and should be interpreted as a preliminary step toward understanding adaptive potential in juvenile beech populations. Long-term monitoring across multiple years and developmental stages is essential to determine the stability of phenological traits and their relevance for provenance selection. This study contributes to the broader effort of integrating phenological data into climate-resilient forest management and highlights the importance of sustained multi-year research to support future breeding and conservation strategies.
In the Republic of Croatia, forest management traditionally follows aneven-aged forest managementapproach based on the age-class method for determining allowable cut and forest management planning. This approach is often, and unjustifiably, classified within European categorizations of management methods as being more or less distant from close-to-nature forestry. In fact, even-aged forest management in Croatia is characterized by adaptive planning of allowable cut, which is based on theoretical age-class area, stand regeneration priorities, stand structure, the need for silvicultural treatments, and the long-term establishment and maintenance of sustainable management. Moreover, considering the relatively small average stand size of around 15 hectares and the predominance of natural self-stand regeneration, even-aged management—despite all climatic, health, and economic challenges—can be promoted as a close-to-nature forestry. The introduction of an adaptive management in even-aged forests was initiated in the 19th century by the Croatian forestry expert and scientist Antun Tomić, through his own forest regulation method called the “rational method,” which was based on forest area, actual timber volume, and increment. The method represents a resistance to imposed and unrealistic demands for allowable cut based on theoretical volume increment (so-called the normal utilization factor). This is particularly unrealistic in forests with a high proportion of overmature and mature stands, accumulated timber stocks, and relatively low volume increment. Tomić’s „rational method“ combines Cotta’s area-based control method with Hundeshagen’s normal utilization factor method. It is adapted for application in forests with non-balanced age structures and, through the deliberate extension of stand cutting ages, gradually leads to the establishment of forest normality and sustainable yields (balanced even-aged forest structure). It can be considered as a transitional method toward the modern combined age-class method, in which stands ready for regeneration are assigned to the first ten-year period. Furthermore, regeneration allowable cut is determined based on a comparison of the actual and theoretical distribution of stand area, timber stocks, and volume increment by age classes, while considering broad ecological and economic conditions. Modern forest measurement techniques, both classical and remote-sensing-based, together with advances in modeling, programming, and artificial intelligence, allow for highly precise and dynamic forest management planning. High-quality forest inventory databases, combined with forest development simulators and forest management planning support systems (FMPS), enable intensive and flexible planning, as well as evaluation of possible scenarios—including different climate scenarios. This makes it possible to select the most favorable outcomes and/or avoid unfavorable developments in forest growth or natural resource management in general. In this context, Tomić’s method should be recognized as a significant historical approach to forest regulation, serving as a foundation for the development of modern, adaptive, and objective forest management planning.
The management of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.), one of Croatia’s most important tree species from both socio-economic and ecological perspective, is facing increasing challenges. Various biotic and abiotic threats are affecting overall forest stability. Given the significant variability in the morphological and physiological properties of this tree species, research into provenance productivity plays an important role for the forestry sector. Therefore, this study analyses the productivity of 16 pedunculate oak provenances on two sites in Croatia's lowlands: Gajno in Central Croatia and Slavir in Eastern Croatia. Both trials were established in 1988 in a randomised block design in four repetitions by the Croatian Forest Research Institute. Data were collected from 2017 to 2025 (diameter at breast height (DBH) and tree height (h)). Tree volume (v) was calculated, and descriptive statistics, RM-ANOVA, MANOVA, and Tukey post hoc tests were used for data analysis. The results revealed statistically significant differences in volume in the Gajno site, with Velika Gorica provenances exhibiting the highest productivity across the studied years. Provenances Gunja (in 2017), Motovun (in 2021), and Morović (in 2023) displayed the lowest values. In the Slavir site, the highest productivity was recorded in the Guševac provenance, while the lowest was observed in the Velika Gorica provenance across the studied years, even though a statistically significant difference was not proven. Analysis between the two sites confirmed statistically significant differences, with Slavir showing higher productivity. Since the local provenances showed the highest volume, it is recommended to use them for forest restoration programs in the Croatian lowlands. Attention should also be given to the Vrbanja provenance, which displayed above-average volume at both sites, indicating good adaptability to a wider range of site conditions. The findings highlight the importance of scientifically based provenance selection for forest restoration programs, particularly in the context of climate change adaptation. Continuous monitoring and silvicultural measures are imperative for enhancing resilience and ensuring the long-term sustainability of achieving optimal provenance productivity for a given site.
Rad obrađuje interdisciplinarnu prirodu hidrologije, naglašavajući njezinu ključnu ulogu u razumijevanju i rješavanju problema povezanih s vodom. Voda se ističe kao osnovni preduvjet života, razvoja društava i ekosustava, ali i kao izvor potencijalnih prijetnji u obliku poplava i suša. Klimatske promjene dodatno pojačavaju te rizike, zbog čega je nužno bolje upravljati vodnim resursima. Iznesene su različite podjele hidrologije (prema komponentama hidrološkog ciklusa, metodama istraživanja, primjeni i prostornoj skali) te je istaknuta pojava novih područja poput ekohidrologije i socio-hidrologije. One integriraju prirodne i društvene procese, istražujući kako interakcija vode, ekosustava i ljudi oblikuje okoliš i društveni razvoj. Poseban naglasak stavljen je na hidrologiju šuma. Šume svojim procesima intercepcije, infiltracije, transpiracije i smanjenja površinskog otjecanja značajno utječu na vodnu bilancu, regulaciju hidroloških ekstrema, ublažavanje erozije, zaštitu od poplava i očuvanje kvalitete pitke vode. Istraživanja pokazuju da šume smanjuju varijabilnost padalina, stabiliziraju klimu i djeluju kao prirodni rezervoari i filteri vode. Istovremeno, deforestacija povećava otjecanje i eroziju, dok pošumljavanje može privremeno smanjiti raspoloživu vodu zbog visoke evapotranspiracije mladih šuma. Optimalni učinci ovise o klimi, tipu šume i prostornoj skali. Naglašava se potreba za integriranim pristupom gospodarenju šumama i vodama budući da utjecaji šuma na vodne resurse nisu univerzalno pozitivni ili negativni, već ovise o lokalnim uvjetima. Budući razvoj hidrologije šuma zahtijeva interdisciplinarnost, dugoročne podatke i povezivanje znanstvenih istraživanja s praktičnim upravljanjem ekosustavima u uvjetima klimatskih promjena.
Zeleni koridori predstavljaju važan element zelene infrastrukture koji omogućuje funkcionalno, ekološko i društveno povezivanje urbanih, ruralnih i prirodnih prostora. U Sisačko-moslavačkoj županiji, obilježenoj raznolikim krajobrazima, depopulacijskim trendovima i velikim udjelom šumskih i poljoprivrednih površina, njihova planska uspostava ima poseban značaj za održivi prostorni razvoj. Cilj ovog rada je analizirati mogućnosti primjene parkovnih tehnika u oblikovanju mreže zelenih koridora te ukazati na ulogu šumarske struke u integraciji postojeće prometne i šumske infrastrukture u sustav pješačko-biciklističkog povezivanja prostora. Metodološki pristup temelji se na kombinaciji terenske i uredske analize, prostorne interpretacije te tipološke razrade profila staza i parkovnih elemenata. Analizirano je ukupno 16 zelenih koridora koji povezuju ključna naselja, prirodne i kulturne vrijednosti županije. Za svaki koridor identificirane su dominantne kategorije prometnica, primijenjeni profili staza te planirane parkovne tehnike i prostorne funkcije. Rezultati su objedinjeni u sumarnoj Tablici 1 koja omogućuje preglednu usporedbu i evaluaciju rješenja. Dobiveni rezultati ukazuju na značajan potencijal postojećih šumskih prometnica i nerazvrstanih cesta za nenametljivo uključivanje u mrežu zelenih koridora, uz minimalne prostorne intervencije. Parkovne tehnike, poput odmorišta, interpretacijskih točaka i jednostavnih prijelaza, imaju ključnu ulogu u povećanju sigurnosti, čitljivosti i korištenja prostora. Posebno se ističe doprinos šumarske struke u planiranju, gospodarenju i razvoju ovakvih sustava, s naglaskom na očuvanje krajobraznih vrijednosti i multifunkcionalnu uporabu prostora. Rad daje stručni okvir i praktične smjernice za daljnji razvoj zelenih koridora kao alata održive mobilnosti, rekreacije i prostorne kohezije u ruralnim i rubnim područjima.
Šumski reprodukcijski materijal (ŠRM) ključan je u svim šumskouzgojnim aktivnostima. Međutim, klimatske promjene dovode do promjena u pogodnosti staništa za pojedine šumske vrste što otežava planiranje i provođenje šumskouzgojnih aktivnosti. Stoga, da bi uspješno planirali i provodili šumskouzgojne aktivnosti potreban je kvalitetan ŠRM, posebice visokokvalitetne šumske sadnice prilagođene uvjetima staništa. Kvaliteta šumskih sadnica može se utvrditi raznim morfološkim i fiziološkim svojstvima, međutim, najvažnija su ona koja omogućuju preživljenje i rast šumske sadnice u sadašnjim, ali i budućim uvjetima staništa. Cjelokupnim pregledom i analizom dostupnih publikacija uočava se nedostatak recentnih znanstvenih publikacija i aktivnije znanstveno-istraživačke djelatnosti na temu kvalitativnih svojstava šumskih sadnica. K tome, utvrđivanje kvalitete šumskih sadnica na temelju morfoloških i fizioloških svojstava prilikom stavljanja na tržište kod većine vrsta nije obuhvaćeno zakonskim okvirima, stoga je cilj ovog rad I.) utvrditi morfološka i fiziološka svojstva šumskih sadnica koja ukazuju na njihovu kvalitetu i II.) dati opće preporuke za rasadničku proizvodnju šumskih sadnica ususret klimatskim promjenama. Provedenim istraživanjem utvrđeno je da kvaliteta šumskih sadnica zahtjeva integraciju morfoloških i fizioloških svojstava, pri čemu su izdvojena ona najvažnija za preživljenje i rast sadnice na terenu. Od morfoloških svojstava izdvajaju se: visina, promjer stabljike, odnos visine i promjera stabljike, kvaliteta korijenskog sustava i odnos korijenskog sustava i izbojaka. Fiziološka svojstva su: otpornost na hladnoću, otpornost na sušu i stanje hranjiva u tkivu šumskih sadnica. Za svako svojstvo dan je opis njegove važnosti za preživljenje i rast sadnice na terenu te način njegova utvrđivanja. Ističe se važnost unaprijeđena proizvodnog programa rasadničke proizvodnje i potrebitost staništu prilagođenih šumskih sadnica ususret novim izazovima koji stoje pred šumarskim sektorom u Republici Hrvatskoj. Iako teško predvidive, klimatske promjene i ugroze su neizbježne, stoga je kvalitetan i raznolik proizvodni program rasadnika šumskih sadnica u Republici Hrvatskoj potrebniji nego ikad kako bi se povećala otpornost šumskih sastojina na trenutne i predstojeće ugroze. Proizvodni program treba prepoznati trenutne i predstojeće obaveze kao i međunarodna kretanja sadnog materijala, recentne znanstvene spoznaje, potrebe praktičnog šumarstva i ostalih grana privrede, predviđanje promjena u pogodnosti staništa za šumske vrste te pronalaženje suvremenih rješenja prilagodbe šuma na predstojeće ugroze i izazove.
This study aimed to investigate the influence of rootstock on intra-clonal variation in spring leaf phenology of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) clones. In the context of clonal seed orchards, phenological synchrony is critical for successful pollination and seed production. While leaf phenology is largely under genetic control, increasing evidence suggests that rootstocks can influence scion phenology.The experiment was conducted at the Brestje nursery using 43 pedunculate oak clones, each represented by three grafted ramets on genetically diverse seedling rootstocks. Phenological monitoring was carried out from 2010 to 2014, and intra-clonal differences in budburst timing (phenophase 3) were analyzed using bootstrap analysis. Additionally, the impact of a late spring frost in 2012 was assessed by comparing the timing of phenophase 4 between frost-damaged and frost-surviving ramets.Results showed that, despite genetic uniformity, there was significant intra-clonal variability in budburst timing. In 2010, as many as 79.1% of clones exhibited a budburst range of ≥3 days between ramets, which can be considered a biologically meaningful threshold. The highest level of phenological synchrony was recorded in 2013. Notably, ramets that flushed later were less susceptible to frost damage, with the greatest observed difference between damaged and undamaged ramets being 21 days.These findings highlight the critical role of rootstock in shaping scion phenology, particularly in the context of optimizing seed production and weather adaptability in clonal seed orchards.
Leaf rust caused by Melampsora caprearum is one of the most important but understudied diseases of goat willow (Salix caprea). This research studied for the first time the effect of genotype and the morphology of goat willow leaves on the occurrence and abundance of Melampsora caprearum uredinia. The genotype showed a statistically significant impact on the occurrence and abundance of uredinia on goat willow leaves. The morphological characteristics of the leaves, leaf area, leaf circumference, and length and width of the leaves had a statistically significant effect on the occurrence of uredinia, while they did not impact the uredinia abundance on the leaves. On the same tree, leaves of larger dimensions showed greater resistance to the occurrence of infection symptoms. Based on leaf morphology, the results represent a realistic basis for selecting goat willow trees less susceptible to Melampsora caprearum. Measures that can be applied in goat willow habitats to regulate leaf dimensions and reduce damage from Melampsora caprearum are discussed.
In this paper, our aim is to review the factors contributing to CO2 emissions from forest soils. Forest ecosystems play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle and they are essential for mitigating the negative impacts of climate change. Soils represent the largest reservoir of carbon in terrestrial ecosystems. Approximately 44% of the carbon within the world’s forests is stored in forest soil. Ecosystem respiration encompasses both aboveground and soil respiration. In various forest types, soil respiration (CO2 emissions from soil) can account for between 55% and 85% of total ecosystem respiration. Globally, soil CO2 emission is one of the major sources of greenhouse gas emissions, reaching up to 100 Gt C per year. Soil temperature and moisture are the most significant factors influencing soil CO2 emissions. One of these variables may exert a stronger influence on emissions than the other. Other important factors include soil type, soil properties, land uses (forests, grasslands, croplands, barren areas, and wetlands), land-use change, forest type, stand structure and forest management practices. Understanding how these factors impact soil CO2 emissions in forest ecosystems is crucial in the context of climate change. Forest management is a key factor influencing emissions and can lead to various outcomes for soil CO2 emissions in forest ecosystems. By studying the major factors affecting soil CO2 emissions in forest ecosystems, we can better understand their role in climate change mitigation.
This study was carried out to determine the vegetation diversity and gradient of the Bencik Mountain in SW Anatolia, Türkiye, which is a plant biodiversity hotspot.The field sampling was realized in accordance with the Braun-Blanquet’s methodology. For the classification of communities, hierarchical cluster analysis was used. Ecological interpretation of the defined communities was done by nonmetric multi-dimensional scaling with passive projection of topographical variables. Five plant communities belonging to different vegetation types (forest, macchia and regressive successional stage) were identified. Except for regressive successional stage, the others were described at the association level. Three of them were newly described. The pine-dominated forests are represented by Hymenocarpo circinnati-Pinetum brutiae under the alliance Styraco officinalis-Pinion brutiae (Pinetalia halepensis, Pinatea halepensis) and Vicio lathyroidis-Pinetum pallasianae under the alliance Adenocarpo-Pinion pallasianae (Erico-Pinetalia, Erico-Pinetea). Both of them are new associations. The riparian sites are represented by Nerio oleandri-Platanetum orientalis under the alliance Platanion orientalis (Populetalia albae, Alno glutinosae-Populetea albae). The macchia is represented by Daphno gnidiois-Quercetum cocciferae, a new association belonging to the alliance Quercion cocciferae (Quercetalia cocciferae, Quercetea ilicis). The regressive successional stage is represented by the Aegilops triuncialis-Clypeola jonthlaspi community, which resulted from the overgrazing and intensive human use of Quercus coccifera macchia. Floristic differentiation of the study area vegetation is significantly correlated with topographical variables (elevation and aspect). This study not only indicated the diverse vegetation richness of the area and its nature conservation value but also made an important contribution to the understanding of Mediterranean vegetation in Türkiye.
Povijesnim slijedom analizirane su metode obnove šuma hrasta lužnjaka u Hrvatskoj: obnova prašuma, obnova šuma nepotpunom oplodnom sječom, obnova šuma dovršnom sječom s petogodišnjom predzabranom, šumsko-poljsko gospodarenje, obnova šuma oplodnom sječom, obnova šuma prevođenjem sastojinskog oblika i obnova šuma oplodnom sječom na malim površinama u obliku pruga i krugova. Zajednički nazivnik većine metoda je prirodna odnosno prirodi bliska obnova šuma pod zastorom krošanja starih (matičnih) stabala. To je važno povijesno obilježje gospodarenja šumama hrasta lužnjaka u Hrvatskoj i glavni razlog njihove velike prirodnosti. Očuvanju prirodnosti i kvaliteti šuma hrasta lužnjaka neposredno je pridonijelo uvođenje načela zagrebačke škole uzgajanja šuma u prvoj polovici 20. stoljeća.
