Aim of study: This study aimed to investigate the effects of different growing media on the seedling characteristics of Alnus orientalis. Area of study: Cones were collected from Bucak, Anamur and Fethiye regions in October 2022. Material and method: Two growing media were used: a mixture of 50% forest soil, 30% peat, and 20% fertilizer, and a mixture of 50% perlite and 50% sand. The following seedling characteristics were measured: root collar diameter, height, biomass, sturdiness quotient (SQ), and Dickson quality index (DQI). Main results: Seedling heights ranged from 12.79 cm to 18.07 cm in perlite media and from 37.63 cm to 41.80 cm in soil media. Diameters ranged from 4.30 mm to 5.32 mm in perlite media and from 9.83 mm to 11.33 mm in soil media. In soil media, no significant differences were observed among populations in terms of height, but significant differences in diameter were found. While SQ was not significantly influenced by the growing media, DQI values were significantly affected by the type of growing media. Research highlights: The use of different growing media enables aAmore comprehensive evaluation of the intraspecific variation in Alnus orientalis.
Aim of study: This study examines the impact of forest area expansion on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in T & uuml;rkiye, focusing on the roles of industrial production, energy consumption, and economic growth. Area of study: The analysis covers T & uuml;rkiye using annual data for the period 1990-2021. Data on GHG emissions, forest areas, industrial production, energy consumption, and economic growth were obtained from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) and other official sources. Material and method: The study employs the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model and Johansen cointegration approach to analyze the long-run relationships among the variables. Unit root tests were conducted to examine the stationarity properties of the series. Main results: The findings indicate that forest area expansion significantly reduces GHG emissions in the long run, highlighting the role of forests as carbon sinks. In contrast, industrial production, energy consumption, and GDP per capita exert statistically significant positive effects on emissions. The Johansen cointegration results confirm a stable long-run equilibrium relationship among the variables. Research highlights: Achieving T & uuml;rkiye's emission reduction targets requires strengthening forest management policies and aligning industrial production and energy consumption with environmental sustainability.
Aim of study: This study aimed to evaluate the bonding, mechanical, physical and finishing performance of 3-layer plybamboo. Area of study: The study was conducted under laboratory conditions using bamboo culms harvested from FRIM, Malaysia. Material and method: Two Malaysian bamboo species; Gigantochloa levis (beting) and Gigantochloa scortechinii (semantan) were used to fabricate the plybamboo. Urea-formaldehyde (UF) adhesive was used as the bonding medium. Main results: The results showed that the shear bond strength of plybamboo from G. scortechinii was greater than G. levis when tested in dry condition, but was inversed when tested after the 24 hours' water immersion test. The modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) of plybamboo from G. levis and G. scortechinii were 103.43, 14001 N/mm2 and 123.56, 18703 N/mm2, while the compression-shear strength was 47.97 and 53.16 N/mm2 respectively. Meanwhile, plybamboo made from G. scortechinii had higher thickness swelling (9.68%), linear expansion perpendicular to grain (1.13%) and water absorption (26.51%) than those from G. levis. The finishing performance of plybamboo from both species ranges from moderate to good. Research highlights: Generally, the plybamboo produced from G. scortechinii using UF resin showed better shear bond strength, mechanical, physical and finishing performance compared to G. levis.
Aim of study: Forestry residues and wood processing wastes are promising resources for biorefineries due to their abundance and easy accessibility. However, lignin recovery remains challenging in lignocellulosic biorefineries. This study investigates the delignification of spruce sawdust using ethylene glycol organosolv pretreatment, focusing on how catalyst selection affects cellulosic pulp and lignin properties. Area of study: Spruce sawdust samples were sourced from a wood processing plant in Bursa. Material and method: Spruce sawdust was delignified using ethylene glycol with phosphoric acid, acetic acid, or sodium hydroxide catalysts at 130 degrees C under atmospheric pressure. Characterization was done through elemental analysis, FTIR, TGA, Py-GC/MS, and SEC. Main results: The ethylene glycol-phosphoric acid (EGPA) system showed the highest delignification (41.55%) and lignin recovery (42.87%). The sodium hydroxide system (EGNa) produced lignin with stronger lignin-specific FTIR bands, indicating higher purity. Py-GC/MS analysis showed esterification in both fractions, with EGPAL producing mainly esters, acids and phenols, and EGNaL producing phenols, esters and aldehydes. SEC indicated EGPAL had a lower molecular weight (Mw=2814 g/mol, Mn=828 g/mol) than EGNaL (Mw=4725 g/mol, Mn=1258 g/mol). Research highlights: Ethylene glycol-based organosolv pretreatment shows promise for biomass valorization, highlighting catalyst effects on delignification, lignin recovery, and characteristics.
Aim of study: The purpose of this research is to evaluate the effects of applying CMC-BEN (carboxymethyl cellulose-bentonite) mixes to the surface of paper, both in terms of their impacts on paper qualities and the mixing ratios at which they were formed. Material and method: The production of CMC-BEN mixes was prepared by combining the components at the following rates: 1/1, 1/0.5, 1/0.25 and 1/0.1. Simple coating technique was utilized in order to apply the mixes to the surfaces of the paper. Strength performances of the papers, as well as their antibacterial activities, FTIR patterns, COBB values, and SEM views were evaluated. Main results: The solution absorption diminished with the addition of BEN to the CMC structure. The wet strength properties decreased in 100% CMC and CMC-BEN coated papers, and the dry strength and COBB values increased. Research highlights: On the surface of the paper, mixtures based on CMC and CMC-BEN were applied, each of which was made using a different mixing ratio. It was found that the CMC-BEN mixture had a positive impact on the paper's dry strength, but it had a negative impact on wet strength properties.
Aim of study: The study aims to assess the risk of wildfires in Kastamonu to develop a resource allocation plan through an optimization approach for strategic resource allocation in firefighting. Area of study: The total forest area in Kastamonu was 876314 hectares. The region around the Ilgaz Mountains, which are in the inland areas away from the coastline, was found to be vulnerable to fire risk. Material and method: Four major criteria and twelve sub-criteria that affect fire occurrence were assessed using SF-AHP. The weights were shortlisted using SF-TOPSIS. After determining the fire-vulnerable regions, resource allocation was done using goal programming. Main results: Proximity to power lines was found to be the most important factor affecting the forest fire risk, with a weight of 13.5%, followed by humidity levels with a weight of 12.6%. Human factors and meteorological factors played a crucial role in determining the fire risk. The results revealed that the highest fire risk occurred in the Ta & scedil;k & ouml;pr & uuml; district. Research highlights: This study contributed to the literature with a new approach in which fuzzy-based risk analysis and goal programming models were used for the first time.
Aim of study: In the present study, Acalypha brachystachya Hornem. (Euphorbiaceae) is recorded to the vascular flora of T & uuml;rkiye from NE Anatolia for the first time, as a neophyte. Area of study: Research and application greenhouse of Forest Faculty, Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) in Trabzon province, T & uuml;rkiye. Material and method: Studied materials of A. brachystachya were collected from the pots in KTU propagation and research greenhouse in Trabzon province located in NE Anatolia. All specimens were stored at KATO (in Karadeniz Technical University, Faculty of Forestry) Herbarium. Main results: A. brachystachya is reported from propagation and research greenhouse as aAnew alien species for the vascular flora of T & uuml;rkiye. Research highlights: A greenhouse weed, second alien species of the genus Acalypha in T & uuml;rkiye, reported here which has not been reported yet from T & uuml;rkiye prior to the present paper. It is estimated that it was unintentionally carried to T & uuml;rkiye by the pot soil. Though its large natural distribution, A. brachystachya was only reported from Canary Islands and Europe (South Italy and Hungary) as alien species before the present report. The species has not hitherto been reported as invasive. However, it has been reported from greenhouse in Anatolia (present study), garden and nursery material in Europe. Therefore, the authors recommend monitoring the species where it has been detected in T & uuml;rkiye.
Aim of study: This manuscript aims to contribute to T & uuml;rkiye's mycobiota by presenting a member of Pyronemataceae whose taxonomic position has been documented by morphological and molecular data. Area of study: The fungal specimens of the study were collected in the coniferous forest of Gen & ccedil; (Bing & ouml;l). Material and method: The samples were subjected to comprehensive analysis, incorporating morphological evaluation and DNA sequencing of the nrITS region. This process encompassed the examination of both micro-and macromorphological characters to perform phylogenetic analysis. Main results: The field and two-stage (morphological/phylogenetic) laboratory investigations have revealed that Geopora foliacea (Schaeff.) S. Ahmad, belonging to the family Pyronemataceae, is reported from T & uuml;rkiye for the first time. Research highlights: This study introduces ectomycorrhizal Geopora foliacea, recorded for the first time in T & uuml;rkiye. This adds to the previously described genus Geopora in T & uuml;rkiye and increases the number of species to seven.
Aim of study: The main purpose of this study is to examine the bending properties of dolomite-added particleboards by strengthening them with FRP polymers. In this context, particleboards containing dolomite at different rates were produced and their mechanical strength was increased with FRP coatings. Material and method: In this study, particleboards containing dolomite were produced and FRP coatings were applied to increase their mechanical performance. Within the scope of the experiments, the bending strengths of the produced samples were tested. The effect of different rates of dolomite additive on the particleboard was examined and the mechanical advantages provided by FRP coatings were evaluated. Main results: AsAa result of the tests, it was determined that dolomite additive affected the mechanical performance of the particleboard and FRP coatings significantly increased the bending strength. The findings obtained show that such composite materials have the potential to be used in construction and industrial applications. Research highlights: It was observed that dolomite additive had a significant effect on the mechanical performance of particleboards. It was determined that FRP were effective in increasing the bending strength. The findings revealed that the reinforcement of dolomite-added particle boards with FRP has significant potential in construction and industrial applications.
Received Date: 09.02.2025 Accepted Date: 26.06.2025 Aim of study: This study investigates the effects of microwave (MW) technology pre-treatment followed by centrifugation on reducing the harmful environmental impacts of wastewater generated from newspaper recycling. Area of study: The study was carried out in a laboratory environment. Material and method: Wastewater samples underwent MW pre-treatment at four power levels (90-360 W) for 10-60 seconds, followed by centrifugation at 1000-4000 rpm. Various parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, oxidation-reduction potential, suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand, FT-IR, and UV-Vis, Awere analyzed. Main results: MW pre-treatment increased centrifuge efficiency by accelerating the settling of pollutants. Suspended solids were reduced by up to 78.4%, reaching 8 mg/L at 360 WAand 60 seconds MW conditions. COD levels were significantly reduced with a minimum value of 285 mg/L recorded at 360 W 60 seconds and 4000 rpm. These significant reductions in suspended solids and COD demonstrated the effectiveness of MW pretreatment. Research highlights: MW offers an important pre-treatment process for environmentally friendly wastewater treatment methods by accelerating the settling of pollutants. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing important insights into the role of MW technology in wastewater management.
Aim of study: The study examined the correlations of soil quality properties in a tree biosphere: a case study of burnt and unburnt Hevea brasiliensis plantations. Area of study: The research was conducted in burnt and unburnt Hevea brasiliensis plantations in Edo State, Nigeria. Material and method: Soil samples were collected from sampled areas within the burnt and unburnt rubber plantations using the grid sampling method. Samples were obtained from both topsoil and subsoil layers and analyzed for soil properties using standard soil analytical procedures. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) statistical technique was used to determine correlations among soil quality properties. Main results: Soil pH showed a significant positive correlation with calcium (Ca) (0.68), magnesium (Mg) (0.76), potassium (K) (0.73), iron (Fe) (0.76), zinc (Zn) (0.76), copper (Cu) (0.73), manganese (Mn) (0.69), and clay (0.67) at p < 0.05, and with exchangeable acidity (EA) (0.61) and effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC) (0.62) at p < 0.01 in the topsoil of the unburnt rubber plantation. Silt showed a significant negative correlation with sand (-0.81) at p < 0.05 and with K (-0.63), Cu (-0.63), and Mn (-0.63) at p < 0.01 in the subsoil. Soil organic matter (SOM) revealed a significant positive correlation with total organic carbon (TOC) (0.96) at p < 0.05 in the topsoil of the burnt rubber plantation. Zinc (Zn) demonstrated a significant negative correlation with phosphorus (P) (-0.61) at p < 0.01 in the topsoil of the burnt rubber plantation. Clay showed a significant positive correlation with pH (0.67), EA (0.64), and ECEC (0.68) at p < 0.05 and with K (0.60) and Cu (0.60) at p < 0.01 in the topsoil of the unburnt site. Total heterotrophic bacteria count (THBC) indicated a significant positive correlation with Fe (0.95) at p < 0.05 in the topsoil of the burnt rubber plantation. THBC also showed significant positive correlations with Ca (0.74), Mg (0.83), Na (0.83), K (0.74), Fe (0.82), Zn (0.69), Cu (0.74), and Mn (0.74) at p < 0.05 in the subsoil. Research highlights: The study revealed significant relationships among soil properties, which have important implications for soil quality management in burnt and unburnt rubber plantations. The findings also provided reliable empirical data on soil quality properties that can support precision agriculture and aid in the establishment and management of rubber plantations.
Aim of study: The present study aimed to examine the anatomy of vegetative and generative organs of two Caucasian endemic medicinal plants, Vincetoxicum albovianum and V. coskuncelebiana, for the first time, to contribute to their identification. Area of study: Plant samples of V. albovianum were collected from Batumi (Georgia) and V. coskuncelebiana from Ardahan (T & uuml;rkiye). Material and method: Anatomical examinations were performed on cross and longitudinal sections taken from the root, stem, petiole, leaf blade and pericarp, and on surface sections from leaves of plant samples stored in 70% ethanol. All sections were photographed from permanent slides, and anatomical traits were measured or scored, using aAlight microscope. Main results: The examined taxa were characterised with bicollateral vascular bundles, laticifers and druse crystals in vegetative and generative organs, specific to Apocynaceae. Cross and superficial sections revealed the presence of collenchyma cells and scattered sclerenchyma cell groups in the stem and mesocarp, and paracytic, anomocytic and anisocytic stomata on the abaxial side of bifacial and hypostomatic leaves. Research highlights: The most distinguishing features between the two species examined were the dimensions of anatomical tissues in vegetative and generative organs, and the distribution and density of epidermis and stomata cells in leaves.
Aim of study: Astragalus is one of the largest genus of the Fabaceae family. Morphological, molecular and genetic studies as well as palynological studies are being used to solve the taxonomic problems of this genus, which has a wide distribution worldwide. Material and method: In this study, the pollen morphology of 14 species belonging to the Hymenostegis and Hymenocoleus sections distributed in T & uuml;rkiye was examined by light and electron microscopy. Main results: In all taxa examined, pollen grains were detected as monad, radially symmetrical and apolar type. While the aperture types were determined as tricolporate in all species examined, only 5% trisyncolpate and 95% tricolporate aperture types were found in A. gueruenensis and A. ciloensis. Research highlights: Ornamentation types vary between the polar to equatorial region. Eight different ornamentation types have been identified, consisting of different combinations of psilate, perforate, microreticulate and reticulate ornamentation elements. Ornamentation in the equatorial and polar areas, P/E ratio and shape, Aperture type and pore structure are the most valuable variables to distinguish between Hymenostegis and Hymenocoleus section types.
Aim of study: This study investigated the physical and chemical properties of Crataegus monogyna Jacq. fruits. Area of study: The study area is around G & ouml;lc & uuml;k Lake in Isparta province located in the Mediterranean region. Material and method: Morphological traits, such as fruit features, and color metrics (L*, a*, b*), of Crataegus monogyna Jacq. var. monogyna were analyzed over three-month periods, revealing seasonal variations influenced by ripening stages and environmental conditions. Main results: The fruit width values in July, August and September were 7.62 mm, 8.28 mm, and 8.50 mm; the fruit length values were 9.47, 9.35, and 8.89 mm; and the fruit weight values were 0.39, 0.44, and 0.40 g, respectively. The L values were 24.3, 32.2, and 15.7; the a values were-29.3, 36.3, and 44.1; and the b values were 46.66, 40.06, and 29.70, respectively. Volatile compounds were profiled via GC-MS. The functional groups in the fruit extracts were determined through FT-IR spectroscopy. Research highlights: The results emphasize the importance of harvest timing for optimal fruit quality and highlight the potential of hawthorn fruits for applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics because of their bioactive and volatile components. These findings contribute to the understanding of the chemical and ethnobotanical value of C. monogyna and support its utilization in diverse sectors.
Aim of study: Evaluate the effectiveness of fire lookout towers in Izmir by integrating viewshed and network analyses with key fire-risk layers. Area of study: Izmir Regional Forest Directorate (western Turkiye), with fire incident records from 2009-2023. Material and method: DEM-based GIS viewshed mapping of tower visibility; road-network/vehicle-speed-based service-area (5-30 min) network analysis; overlay with fire susceptibility/severity maps, WUI, 2009-2023 incidents, and water sources; spatial intersections and summary statistics. Main results: Towers see 72.1% of the area (27.9% blind spots); 75.9% of very-high susceptibility and 73.2% of high-severity zones are visible; 85.7% of 5-min reachable areas are visible but non-visible shares grow with longer times; in WUI, visibility = 72-78% while accessibility rises from 35.4-43.5% (5 min) to similar to 70% (15 min); 79% of past fires occurred in visible areas and >60% were accessible within 15 min; only 50.6% of 405 water sources are reachable in 10 min. Research highlights: Considering visibility and accessibility together provides site-specific, action-oriented indicators; blind spots and limited short-term accessibility within the WUI are the primary gaps. Restricted access to water sources reduces operational efficiency. Optimizing tower siting and improving road/water infrastructure can increase coverage and response capacity.
Received Date: 11.12.2024 Accepted Date: 24.04.2025 Aim of study: To evaluate lichens as bioindicators of atmospheric microfiber pollution by measuring Area of study: Three regions with varying human activity were sampled within the park. Material and method: Anthropogenic microfibers were analyzed using wet peroxide oxidation and Rose Bengal staining. Their size and color were determined via stereomicroscopy, and polymer types were identified by FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy. Main results: Blue was the predominant color, and fiber sizes ranged from 0.15-4.2 mm. The main polymers were polyurethane (42%), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (25%), and polyethylene terephthalate (13%). Research highlights: Lichens effectively indicate atmospheric microfiber deposition and reflect regional variations linked to human activity.
Aim of study: This study described micro magnified anatomical variable patterns to understand the complex relationship between the macroscopic and microscopic features of leaves within the riparian Apocynaceae species. Area of study: The biomagnification process provides crucial insights into the structural adaptations and ecological roles from riparian zone of Punjab. Material and method: Comparative foliar anatomical features of 25 Apocynaceous taxa were examined using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to document epidermal characteristics and trichome diversity. Main results: Both surfaces of the leaves exhibited differences in their leaf anatomical traits including type of stomata, epidermis, anticlinal wall, lobes and diversity of trichomes. The epidermal cells shape reported as irregular, rectangular, polygonal, undulated, isodiametric and uniseriate. The largest epidermal cells were examined in Vinca major (59.6 mu m) and (77.6 mu m) on adaxial and abaxial surfaces respectively. Largest stomatal complex was recorded for Beaumontia grandiflora (48.6 mu m) while smallest for Cryptolepis dubia (13.2 mu m). The maximum stomatal index (SI) was calculated (37.2%) in Asclepias curassavica. Multicellular non-glandular trichomes were observed on both surfaces of Beaumontia grandiflora while uniseriate trichomes located in inter-coastal zone in Trachelospermum jasminoides especially on the abaxial surface. The longest trichome length was measured for Pergularia tomentosa (135 mu m) along adaxial side, while along the abaxial surface, maximum length was calculated for Asclepias curassavica (262 mu m). Research highlights: The study using LM and SEM, key taxonomically relevant features including trichome types, stomatal complex arrangements, and epidermal cell patterns were identified. These micromorphological markers proved valuable in distinguishing closely related species and contributed to the development of diagnostic taxonomic keys.
Aim of study: It is aimed to monitor and evaluate the effects of activities such as afforestation, erosion control, and income generating supports within the scope of & Ccedil;oruh River Watershed Rehabilitation Project. Area of study: The study was carried out in 12 micro-catchments selected from Artvin, Erzurum and Bayburt Provinces located in the & Ccedil;oruh River Watershed in T & uuml;rkiye. Material and method: Two surveys were conducted. In the first stage, a survey was conducted with 1075 household representatives in a total of 61 villages. In the second stage, 11 socio-economic monitoring and evaluation indicators were determined under four monitoring aspects, and the final survey was conducted with a total of 455 people. Main results: The expected effect with the & Ccedil;RWRP has occurred in a total of 6 indicators, three from the socio-economic status aspect, one of each aspect as wood consumption, marketing of products, and awareness of rehabilitation project. There is a statistical difference between the initial and the final monitoring values due to the effect of the & Ccedil;RWRP. Research highlights: The percentage of households considering migration out of the village in the next five years decreased from 17.1% to 11.9% across the study area. It is important to repeat such studies in the following years to reveal the impact of this project in the medium and long term in aAmore realistic way.
Aim of study: Macrofungi have garnered attention as promising reservoirs for novel antibiotics. Phellinus hartigii is known to have antimicrobial properties against various microorganisms. This study aims to investigate the in vitro mode of action of the ethanol extract of P. hartigii (PH-EtOH) against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Staphylococcus aureus using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Material and method: The composition of the extract was determined by GC-MS analysis, and its antimicrobial activity was evaluated through MIC and MBC tests. The effect of the extract was further analysed using FTIR spectroscopy. Main results: The PH-EtOH extract demonstrated antibacterial activity with a MIC of 53 mu g/mL and an MBC of 420 mu g/mL. The major constituents of PH-EtOH were ethyl oleate, linoleic acid ethyl ester, and hexadecanoic acid ethyl ester. FTIR spectra showed changes mainly in proteins and nucleic acids. Research highlights: The results of this study provide a starting point for further research into the use of P. hartigii ethanol extract as an antimicrobial agent against MDR S. aureus.
Aim of study: To examine the relationship between land-use/land-cover change (LULCC) and climate change under semi-arid climate conditions. Area of study: This study was conducted within the borders of the G & uuml;m & uuml;& scedil;hane and Bayburt forest management directorates located in northeastern Turkey. Material and method: The temporal change in LULC was determined by using stand maps of LULC for two planning periods (1984-2013 and 2013-2032). Mann-Kendall trend analysis was applied to climate variables, seasonal mean variables, and growth period mean variables. Finally, the relationships between climate change and LULCC are discussed. Main results: According to the study's findings, the proportion of forested area increased from 14.27% in the first plan period to 22.85% in the subsequent plan period. The increase in the length of the growing period due to temperature increases during the growing season played a significant role in these changes. However, it is believed that the overall rise in temperatures and the trend of increased actual evaporation and transpiration during the growing season may exacerbate severe summer droughts and negatively impact ecosystems in semi-arid regions. Research highlights: This study contributes to understanding the potential impacts of climate change in semi-arid areas and to developing strategies for future planning.
