Size mediated climate–growth relationships in Pinus halepensis and Pinus pinea

Functional processes in trees undergo changes as the tree size increases, which may affect the response of trees to environmental factors. We tested tree-ring response to climate in four groups of trees, including large and small Pinus halepensis and Pinus pinea trees using cluster, principal component (PC) and dendroclimatological analysis. The trees were of the same age and growing on a plantation in the semiarid coastal area of southern Spain. Cluster and PC analyses showed a clear separation into four groups of trees. Autocorrelation and mean sensitivity showed significant differences between the two size classes. PCA recognised four representative principal components where PC1 represented the tree-ring—climate variability common to both species and sizes, whereas PC2, PC3 and PC4 represented a species-specific and size-dependent response of trees to climate. The differences between the two size classes were greater than those between the two species. The results suggest that future tree-ring studies should include trees stratified by size. Only this would make it possible to produce unbiased predictions on the consequences of climate change and to devise suitable mitigation strategies for preserving Mediterranean forest ecosystems.     

马尾松(Pinus massoniana)、湿地松(Pinus elliottii)挥发性化学物质的昼夜节律释放

用TCT-GC／MS分析了马尾松、湿地松挥发性有机化合物的昼夜节律变化。结果表明：马尾松昼夜节律中检测到的挥发物主要是萜烯类化合物,其中单萜种类最多,且α-蒎烯和β-蒎烯含量约占整个挥发物的80％,其次是含氧化合物等。这些挥发物的释放高峰多数在10：30,少数在1：30;整个变化中有两个低峰期,即13：30和22：30。湿地松中检测到的挥发物组分与马尾松相似,多数释放高峰在12：00-15：00之间;另一些在6：00;α-蒎烯的释放高峰在3：00,而此时其它挥发性化合物的释放量最低。挥发物的释放也受到外界环境的影响,一定范围内随着温度的升高、湿度的减小,其释放量增加。     

Congruence in QTL for adventitious rooting in Pinus elliottii × Pinus caribaea hybrids resolves between and within-species effects

Targeting between-species effects for improvement in synthetic hybrid populations derived from outcrossing parental tree species may be one way to increase the efficacy and predictability of hybrid breeding. We present a comparative analysis of the quantitative trait loci (QTL) which resolved between from within-species effects for adventitious rooting in two populations of hybrids between Pinus elliottii and P. caribaea, an outbred F₁ (n=287) and an inbred-like F₂ family (n=357). Most small to moderate effect QTL (each explaining 2–5% of phenotypic variation, PV) were congruent (3 out of 4 QTL in each family) and therefore considered within-species effects as they segregated in both families. A single large effect QTL (40% PV) was detected uniquely in the F₂ family and assumed to be due to a between-species effect, resulting from a genetic locus with contrasting alleles in each parental species. Oligogenic as opposed to polygenic architecture was supported in both families (60% and 20% PV explained by 4 QTL in the F₂ and F₁ respectively). The importance of adventitious rooting for adaptation to survive water-logged environments was thought in part to explain oligogenic architecture of what is believed to be a complex trait controlled by many hundreds of genes.     

中亚热带湿地松(Pinus elliottii)人工林生长过程

基于树干解析和树轮分析,结合野外调查,揭示了我国主要外来树种--湿地松(Pinus elliottii)的生长规律,从而为人工林经营管理和生态系统服务功能评估提供了依据。2005年调查了1948年江西吉安青原山引种后存留的564株湿地松(1954 1958年生)。胸径(DBH, diameter at breast height)平均值为34.2 cm(18.4-58cm),树高平均值为19.5 m(9-33m)。青原山湿地松树轮分析结果显示:52年间,年树轮宽度增长量平均值为0.32 cm,最大年增长量不超过1.14 cm。胸径年生长量总体上呈下降趋势,直径生长高峰出现在10a左右;林龄达到20a左右时,直径年生长量开始下降;林龄40a后,生长变得极为缓慢。距青原山西南100km的千烟洲湿地松林(20年生)胸径和树高平均值分别为15.9 cm和11.0 m;20a的胸径生长量平均值为0.86 cm;材积方程为V= 0.0000213 D^2.9870924(V为带皮材积,D为胸径)。千烟洲湿地松林生物量低于同期营造的马尾松(Pinus massoniana)林生物量,也明显低于中亚热带地带性植被樟树(Cinnamomum camphora)林的生物量。经比较发现,引种营造的湿地松林,其生长量远不如原产地美国佛罗里达州湿地松林。     

(—)-Massoniresinol,a lignan from Pinus massoniana

A new lignan, named (—)-massoniresinol, has been isolated from Pinus massoniana needles. Its structure has been proved to be (2R,3S,4R)-3,4-dihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl)-3-tetrahydrofuranmethanol by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, mass and CD spectroscopy.     

Transgenic Pinus radiata from Agrobacterium tumefaciens–mediated transformation of cotyledons

A method for Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of Pinus radiata cotyledon explants was developed using commercially available open-pollinated seed. Pinus radiata is the most widely planted commercial conifer species in the Southern Hemisphere. Reports on transformation of this species have relied on particle bombardment of embryogenic callus derived from immature embryos. The main drawback to the method is the small number of genotypes that are amenable to transformation and regeneration. Since more than 80% of genotypes of radiata pine can be regenerated using cotyledons from mature seed, cotyledon explants were cocultivated with A. tumefaciens strain AGL1 containing a plasmid coding for the neomycin phosphotransferase II (nptII) gene and the -glucuronidase (GUS) gene (uidA). Transformed shoots were selected using either geneticin or kanamycin. Critical factors for successful transformation were survival of the cotyledons after cocultivation and selection parameters. Of the 105 putative transformants that were recovered from selection media, 70% were positive for integration of the nptII gene when analysed by PCR. GUS histochemical assay for uidA expression was unreliable because of reaction inhibition by unidentified compounds in the pine needles. Further, only 4 of the 26 independent transformants characterised by PCR and Southern analysis contained an intact copy of both genes. The remaining 22 transformants appeared to have a truncated or rearranged copy of the T-DNA. It is possible that the truncation/rearrangements are due to the Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter. Analysis of the T-DNA junction sites and sequencing of the introduced DNA will help elucidate the nature of T-DNA insertion so that genetic modification of radiata pine can be targeted effectively.Communicated by P. Debergh     

Can ectomycorrhizal colonization of Pinus resinosa roots affect their decomposition?

In many forest ecosystems, fine root litter comprises a large pool of organic carbon and nutrients. In temperate climates ectomycorrhizal fungi colonize the roots of many forest plant species. If ectomycorrhizal colonization influenced root decomposition, it could significantly influence carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling. Fungal tissues and fine roots may decompose at different rates and, therefore, ectomycorrhizal colonization may either hasten or retard root decomposition. Unfortunately, no comparisons of the decomposition of roots and ectomycorrhizal fungi have yet been made. Therefore, we compared decomposition of Pinus resinosa fine roots and ectomycorrhizal fungi from a Pinus resinosa plantation. We also compared the decomposition rates of nonmycorrhizal Pinus resinosa fine roots with roots colonized by nine species of ectomycorrhizal fungi. We found that the several tested isolates of ectomycorrhizal fungi decomposed far more rapidly than the fine roots and that ectomycorrhizal colonization either had no significant effect on root decomposition or significantly increased root decomposition depending on the isolate of fungus. We conclude that the composition of an ectomycorrhizal fungal community may affect carbon and nutrient cycling through its influence on root decomposition.     

湿地松（Pinus elliottii Engelm.）的生态生物学特征

湿地松具有抗旱耐瘠薄,早期生长快的特点,因而被广泛引种并常用植被恢复的先锋树种,通过广东省鹤山丘陵综合试验站的研究发现,湿地松纯林后期生长较慢,群落结构简单,生物多样性指数偏低,较易发生病虫害,湿地松落叶养分含量低,分解慢,不利于植被恢 过程中土壤肥力的提高,因此应根据不同目的营造不同类型的湿地松人工纯林或混交林,并对现有大面积的湿地松纯林进行林分改造。     

湿地松(EM Pinus elliottii Engelm.)的生态生物学特征

湿地松具有抗旱耐瘠薄、早期生长快的特点,因而被广泛引种并常用作植被恢复的先锋树种。通过广东省鹤山丘陵综合试验站的研究发现,湿地松纯林后期生长较慢,群落结构简单,生物多样性指数偏低,较易发生病虫害;湿地松落叶养分含量低,分解慢,不利于植被恢复过程中土壤肥力的提高。因此应根据不同目的营造不同类型的湿地松人工纯林或混交林,并对现有大面积的湿地松纯林进行林分改造。     

Why does photosynthesis decrease with needle age in Pinus pinaster?

Rates of photosynthesis vary with foliage age and typically decline from full-leaf expansion until senescence occurs. This age-related decline in photosynthesis is especially important in species that retain foliage for several years, yet it is not known whether the internal conductance to CO₂ movement (g _i) plays any role. More generally, g _i has been measured in only a few conifers and has never been measured in leaves or needles older than 1 year. The effect of ageing on g _i was investigated in Pinus pinaster, a species that retains needle for 4 or more years. Measurements were made in autumn when trees were not water limited and after leaf expansion was complete. Rates of net photosynthesis decreased with needle age, from 8 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ in fully expanded current-year needles to 4.4 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ in 3-year-old needles. The relative limitation due to internal conductance (0.24–0.35 out of 1) was in all cases larger than that due to stomatal conductance (0.13–0.19 out of 1). Internal conductance and stomatal conductance approximately scaled with rates of photosynthesis. Hence, there was no difference among year-classes in the relative limitations posed by internal and stomatal conductance or evidence that they cause the age-related decline in photosynthesis. There was little evidence that the age-related decline in photosynthesis was due to decreases in contents of N or Rubisco. The decrease in rates of photosynthesis from current-year to older needles was instead related to a twofold decrease in rates of photosynthesis per unit nitrogen and V _cmax/Rubisco (i.e., in vivo specific activity).     

土壤温度对油松(Pinus tabulaeformis)树干液流活动的影响

为了弄清土壤温度对油松树干边材液流活动的影响作用,利用热扩散式边材液流测定系统（TDP-30）和自动气象站对油松边材液流速率和土壤温度等环境因子进行了为期一年的同步测定。结果表明,土壤温度对树干液流活动的影响,一方面与靠近植物最适吸水温度的土层有关,另一方面,与树种的根系分布特征有关。春季表层土壤温度对液流速率的影响最为显著,夏季深层土壤最大,秋季的最大影响土层间于春夏之间。10．0—14．9℃的土壤温度对油松树干边材液流活动的作用最为明显。土壤温度开始对油松液流活动起显著作用的温度阈值约为10℃左右。     

西伯利亚红松(Pinus sibirica Du Tour)在大兴安岭的存在

1981年以来赵光仪等以营养器官形态解剖特征,结合生态地理分析,连续报道了西伯利亚红松 Pinus sibirica在大兴安岭的存在,引起争议。1989年秋,我们于大兴安岭满归林业局采到了争议松树的球果,经同主产区的西伯利亚红松及红松P．koraiensis标本对照研究,再次认定大兴安岭争议松树确属西伯利亚红松。从而最终证实了吴中伦先生25年前关于西伯利亚红松存在于大兴安岭的预见,纠正了所谓“漠河红松”30余年的误称。根据10年来调查研究结果绘出了大兴安岭及其毗邻地区红松、西伯利亚红松分布略图,显示了两种松树生态地理学特征的深刻差异。     

云南松(Pinus yunnanensis)林外生菌根真菌的时空分布

2000年至2005年,调查了滇中及其附近云南松林下外生菌根真菌的生态分布,共采集、鉴定标本834号,计有27科39属211种（含变种、变型）。结果表明,红菇属（Russula）、牛肝菌属（Boletus）、乳菇属（Lactarius）、乳牛肝菌属（Suillus）、口蘑属（Tricholoma）、鸡油菌属（Cantharellus）和革菌属（Thelephora）等为云南松林下的主要外生菌根菌类群。它们的发生与分布受到气候（如：气温和降水）、植被（如：林龄、林地郁闭度和草本植被）、地形特征（如：海拔、坡向和坡度）、土壤条件（如：pH值、地表腐殖质和枯枝落叶层等）和人为干扰（比如：商业化采集、林木采伐、火烧和地表物清理）诸多因素的影响。总结为如下：（1）5a的调查结果显示,云南松外生菌根菌的分布表现出季节性变化的规律;其中以每年1、2、3月份的物种多样性为最低,雨季期间急剧增加,至中夏和秋末达到顶峰,种类最为繁多。（2）在海拔1500-2100m,云南松外生菌根菌种类随着海拔的升高而逐渐增加,至顶峰后,又呈缓慢下降趋势。海拔因素不但对其物种多样性,而且对于类群的组成也具有重要的影响。特定的类群往往发生在特定海拔范围。（3）随着云南松林龄的增加,外生菌根菌呈现由少至多的演替过程。外生菌根菌多样性随云南松林生长而逐渐增加的演替方式,可能与宿主光合作用产物、根部分泌物和土壤条件的逐渐变化有关。（4）人类干扰是云南松外生菌根菌物种多样性和类群组成的主要负影响因子。大规模的商业化采集可破坏或枯竭地下菌丝体,打破各物种之间的竞争平衡,减少孢子释放影响资源再生能力,进而直接影响到子实体的产生。外生菌根菌物种多样性的减少趋势会随林木砍伐和火烧强度的增加而加剧。地表枯枝落叶层与杂草密度也会影响子实体的产生,其中枯枝落叶层的厚度与云南松外生菌根菌子实体的发生呈负相关性,而被紫茎泽兰覆盖的云南松林地内也很少会发现相应的子实体。     

Genome hypermethylation in Pinus silvestris of Chernobyl--a mechanism for radiation adaptation?

Adaptation is a complex process by which populations of organisms respond to long-term environmental stresses by permanent genetic change. Here we present data from the natural "open-field" radiation adaptation experiment after the Chernobyl accident and provide the first evidence of the involvement of epigenetic changes in adaptation of a eukaryote-Scots pine (Pinus silvestris), to chronic radiation exposure. We have evaluated global genome methylation of control and radiation-exposed pine trees using a method based on cleavage by a methylation-sensitive HpaII restriction endonuclease that leaves a 5' guanine overhang and subsequent single nucleotide extension with labeled [3H] dCTP. We have found that genomic DNA of exposed pine trees was considerably hypermethylated. Moreover, hypermethylation appeared to be dependent upon the radiation dose absorbed by the trees. Such hypermethylation may be viewed as a defense strategy of plants that prevents genome instability and reshuffling of the hereditary material, allowing survival in an extreme environment. Further studies are clearly needed to analyze in detail the involvement of DNA methylation and other epigenetic mechanisms in the complex process of radiation stress and adaptive response.     

Silvicultural characteristics and natural regeneration of Pinus brutia Ten. — a review

Pinus brutia Ten. is a characteristic species of the eastern Mediterranean. P. brutia and P. halepensis Mill. are distinct species; but P. eldarica, P. stankewiczii and P. pityusa are subspecies of P. brutia. Fire is the major disturbance in P. brutia forests, and several adaptations generally contribute to post-fire regeneration of P. brutia; however, P. brutia can also naturally regenerate without fire. Flowering occurs between March and May. Seed distribution occurs throughout the year, with maximum dispersal in August and the great majority of seeds dispersing within the period July-December.P. brutia retains some closed cones and so establishes a natural canopy seed bank. Seed germination occurs in the rainy season with two frequency peaks: the major one in spring and a minor one in autumn. P. brutia seedlings develop rapidly-growing tap roots. Shelterwood, clearcutting and strip clearcut methods can successfully be applied to P. brutia forests, depending on local conditions. Density of P. brutia seedlings was greater and seedlings were more vigorous when the natural regeneration methods were combined with prescribed fire. Clearcutting methods combined with laying cone bearing branches on the surface of the soil and additional seeding increases regeneration success. Ground litter of 2–4 cm creates a medium that reduces evapotranspiration, delays growth of competing vegetation, and increases seedling survival. Successful regeneration must be established by the end of first vegetation period.     

科尔沁沙地南缘樟子松(Pinus sylvestris var.mongolica)人工林天然更新障碍

针对科尔沁沙地南缘樟子松人工林不能天然更新的特征,从森林天然更新的必要条件出发,通过种子萌发、幼苗存活与生长所需条件的系列试验,探讨了科尔沁沙地南缘樟子松人工林不能天然更新的障碍特征。结果表明,沙地樟子松人工林不能天然更新的主要原因有:(1)由于土壤的干旱胁迫使沙地樟子松人工林中天然下种的种子很少有萌发的机会,尤其是在春季;(2)在水分条件相对充足的季节(秋季),樟子松种子能够萌发,但萌发产生的更新幼苗数量极少,即便这些更新幼苗得以存活,但由于沙地表层(0~5cm)与樟子松共生的外生菌根菌几乎不能存活而导致幼苗根系无法形成菌根,从而致使存活的樟子松幼苗抗旱、抗病能力非常弱,不能越冬,即不能更新。     

Could plant hormones be the basis of maturation indices in Pinus radiata?

Maturation and phase change in woody plants are developmental processes at present poorly understood, especially from a physiological point of view. Maturation indices, such as phytohormones, could be used to understand more about the events that accompany the increase in the developmental state and to choose optimal conditions in order to improve forest programs and make them more profitable. In order to determine this putative index, the contents in abscisic acid-like substances (ABA-like), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and several cytokinins (Cks) were analysed in terminal and axillary buds of Pinus radiata trees with different developmental states to compare their phytohormonal status. An increase in the content of some zeatin-type (Z-type) Cks, and a decrease in isopentenyladenine-type (iP-type) Cks levels throughout maturation were shown both in terminal and axillary buds. This fact allowed us to consider the ratio iP-type/Z-type Cks, which decreased in parallel with the increasing developmental state of the tree, as a maturation index. According to the results, ABA-like compounds and IAA contents could not be considered as a maturation index in Pinus radiata, even though similar patterns were in fact found between the two kinds of buds.     

小兴安岭阔叶红松(Pinus koraiensis)林种子雨的时空动态

研究种子散布的时空动态对于揭示群落更新机制和植被斑块分布格局具有重要意义。于2005～2007年在凉水自然保护区的9hm^2阔叶红松林永久样地的中心地带（150m×150m）,设置287～319个种子接收器（面积为0.5m^2,网口位于离地面1m处）,定期收集并鉴定其中的种子。结果表明：（1）乔木树种的种子雨强度在不同的年份间存在差异,由2005年到2007年逐年递减（分别为（864.2±1084.3）粒·m^-2、（300.9±349.4）粒·m^-2和（144.8±195.5）粒·m^-2）。11个树种均表现出了年际间的差异,一些树种如水曲柳、糠椴、白桦、红皮云杉、冷杉在某一年份结实量很小或几乎不结实,而红松受人为干扰较大。（2）种子散布存在明显的季节变化,从5月份到11月份均收集到了各树种的种子,且种子雨在10月达到高峰,11月中旬基本结束,但不同的树种的时间变化形式不同。高峰期,种子雨以完整种子为主;而在这之前的种子雨主要以未成熟种子为主。（3）种子雨的构成在各年份间保持稳定。（4）变异函数分析表明,在不同的年份种子雨空间异质性不同,而空间异质性与种子雨强度呈正相关。     

A molecular survey of ectomycorrhizal hyphae in a California Quercus–Pinus woodland

Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) hyphal communities have not been well characterized. Furthermore, there have been few studies where the ECM hyphal community is compared to fungi detected as sporocarps or ECM-colonized root tips. We investigated fungi present as hyphae in a well-studied California Quercus–Pinus woodland. Hyphal species present were compared to those found as sporocarps and ECM root tips at the same site. Hyphae were extracted from root-restrictive nylon mesh in-growth bags buried in the soil near mature Quercus douglasii, Quercus wislizeni, and Pinus sabiniana. Taxa were identified using PCR, cloning, and DNA sequencing of internal transcribed spacer and 28s rDNA. Among the 33 species detected, rhizomorph-forming ECM fungi dominated the hyphal community, especially species of Thelephoraceae and Boletales. Most fungi in soils near Quercus spp. and P. sabiniana were ECM basidiomycetes, but we detected two ECM ascomycetes and three non-mycorrhizal fungi. Many ECM species present as hyphae were also previously detected at this site as sporocarps (18%) or on ECM root tips (58%). However, the hyphal community was mostly dominated by different taxa than either the sporocarp or ECM root communities.