Reforesta (E-Journal)
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Morphological assessment of plus trees progeny as a basis for establishing a sessile oak seed orchard
Full text linkIn the context of variable climate conditions, selecting high-quality Sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.) reproductive material is crucial for sustainable forestry. This research aimed to assess the genetic potential of 86 selected plus trees by analyzing seedling morphological characteristics and quality indices. The ultimate goal was to identify the most promising genotypes for establishing seed orchards. Root collar diameter (D), seedling height (H), stem dry mass (SDM), and root dry mass (RDM) were measured under uniform nursery conditions. The following derived indices were calculated: seedling height to root collar diameter ratio (H/D), stem dry mass to root dry mass ratio (SDM/RDM), and Dickson’s quality index (DQI). Descriptive statistics, one-factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson correlation analysis were performed as well. The results showed significant variability in all observed morphological characteristics and quality indices among half-sib families, confirming a strong genetic influence. Correlation analysis indicated strong positive relationships between DQI and all primary morphological characteristics (r≤0.94), confirming DQI as the most effective integrative indicator of seedling quality. The combined ranking of the half-sib families, based on DQI, H/D, and SDM/RDM, identified those with optimal morphological characteristics, including an optimal H/D ratio, balanced SDM/RDM, and a high DQI value. The identified superior half-sib families represent valuable genetic material for the establishment of future seed orchards, thereby contributing to the production of better-quality seedling material and to improved forest ecosystem resilience under climate change
Substrate influence on the quality of seedlings of ornamental trees produced in pots
Full text linkThe production of high-quality planting material for the most commonly used woody species in urban greening is a complex challenge influenced by several factors. One of the key factors in seedling production, especially in pots, is the selection of an appropriate substrate. Testing various substrates for different species is an ongoing process.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, four of the most frequently used taxa for urban planting in the region were tested: two varieties of northern white-cedar (Thuja occidentalis L.), namely \u27Smaragd\u27 and \u27Columna\u27, as well as European boxwood (Buxus sempervirens L.) and Forsythia (Forsythia × intermedia). One-year-old rooted cuttings were transplanted into two-liter pots using five different substrates: plain soil, compost, lumbrico humus, peat, and a combination of all these substrates. At the end of the growing period, morphometric parameters of the seedlings were measured, and based on these measurements, quality indices were determined.
The results showed that each species and variety responded differently to the various substrates. Generally, the best results for most of the taxa were obtained using locally produced lumbrico humus and compost. However, some seedlings, such as Thuja occidentalis \u27Smaragd\u27, exhibited similar growth characteristics across all substrates tested.
Considering the varying costs of the substrates, it is possible to plan the production of these seedlings with significantly better quality while also reducing production costs
Lethals can be estimated from doubled haploid Larix decidua female gametophytes
Full text linkWe present a novel way of estimating embryo lethals using doubled haploid (dihaploid or DH) female gametophytes grown in tissue culture. This DH-based lethals estimate is hypothesized to be lower than the more common method where lethals are estimated from one generation of selfing. The chief reasoning is the early mortality spike observed for selfed embryos of larch and other genera in the Pinaceae. This early mortality spike occurs at the stage when diploid embryos embed into haploid female gametophyte tissue. However, this stage is missing for DH embryos which grow in a petri dish thus the DH lethals estimate is hypothesized to be lower compared to seed counts.
This DH estimate is based on 20,000 haploid female gametophytes cultures from which two surviving diploidized embryos were recovered. Lethals based on diploidized haploids (DH) have not been reported for a conifer previously because, aside from larch, only a few conifer species continue female gametophyte development in absence of pollen.
Our chief finding is that, contrary to our hypothesis, the DH-based lethals estimate was similar to lethals estimated obtained from selfed seeds in published studies. Thus doubling haploid female gametophytes can be used to estimate embryo lethals when diploidization is conducted on a massive scale
Different nursery techniques in the production of Quercus crassifolia
Full text linkMexico is the country with the highest number of species of the genus Quercus, but there has been little research on their propagation in nurseries. Quercus crassifolia is distributed across more than 50% of the national territory; however, no studies have been conducted to document its morphological growth and plant quality in nurseries for reforestation and forest restoration. Some of the key factors in plant production, principally in a technified system, are the selection of containers, substrates, and fertilizer doses. This study therefore evaluated two container sizes, two mixtures of organic substrates, and two doses of controlled-release fertilizer. After nine months of growth in the nursery, morphometric parameters of the plants were recorded, and quality indices were determined based on these values. The results showed that container size, substrate choice, and fertilization dose all influenced the quality of the plant produced. With both fertilizer doses, the 25:25:50 substrate mixture of fresh pine sawdust, composted pine bark, and moss peat produced plants with the highest values of height, diameter, and shoot, root, and total dry biomass. Considering the factors evaluated, the use of 200 mL containers with the aforementioned substrate mixture and the addition of 7 g L-1 of controlled-release fertilizer will produce plants of Quercus crassifolia suitable quality for use in reforestation
Landscape approach to Forest landscape restoration (FLR): Case study of Surčin municipality
Full text link“Planning at the landscape scale” is the new paradigm of spatial development which embraces the management, protection, and restoration of the landscape character distinguished through “landscape approach” which differs from traditional sectoral and project-based approaches.
The institutionalization of “the planning at the landscape scale” has shown an upward trajectory since the Republic of Serbia ratified the European Landscape Convention (ELC). The ELC aims to promote the institutionalization of landscape planning, management, and protection across all landscapes, whether urban, rural, or natural. The landscape planning approach integrates the principles of landscape ecology, principles of landscape aesthetics, and transdisciplinary research. This approach is solution-oriented, aiming to preserve, restore, and enhance the landscape’s character – the distinctive structure and image of the landscape. It achieves this through the “conservation and development of landscape patterns (mosaic), considering land use, the relationship between built and open spaces, and the distinct qualities of the buildings." (Spatial Plan of the Republic of Serbia, 2035).
As one of the novel tools that can effectively support the achievement of national-level spatial planning objectives, the development of the Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) methodology holds the potential for incorporating the following goals and principles related to landscape planning, protection, and sustainable utilization:
- Integrating the landscape approach (emphasizing the value of landscape character) into the forestry planning and management system;
- Forestry development aligned with the recognized values of the landscape character (quality objectives, landscape capacity, and sensitivity);
- Urban landscape restoration, preservation, and enhancement of the characteristic structure and image of landscapes through; a) establishing urban spatial order and preserving remnant elements of the rural landscape (reforestation and afforestation within agroforestry areas, peri-urban mosaics complexes, surface watercourses) in suburban areas; d) preserving space for green infrastructure development, as a measure of the city\u27s adaptation to climate change, and creating a network of green and public spaces that connect the natural and cultural values of urban settlements.
In this paper, we present the Surčin Forest Landscape Restoration Plan case study, demonstrating landscape character assessment (LCA) as a research method. This method evaluates the sensitivity of landscape character, addressing both resource and visual aspects. The methodological approach seeks to address the critical questions of “what”, "where" and "how" in the context of establishing new forest areas within the broader landscape framework of the forest restoration plan. By providing a strategic and spatially informed approach, it ensures that the restoration efforts are not only ecologically sound but also optimally positioned to enhance the resilience, biodiversity, landscape diversity, and connectivity of forest ecosystems, as well as to improve the cultural ecosystem services of the Municipality of Surčin
Height and diameter performances in afforestation of Taurus cedar and Crimean juniper seedlings: A case study from southern Turkey
Full text linkThe present study was carried out in 16rd year afforestation sampled from southern Turkey of Taurus cedar (Cedrus libani A. Rich) and Crimean juniper (Juniperus excelsa Bieb.). Variation, competition and correlation were examined based on seedling height and stem diameter at base data collected from two samples areas 500 m2 each. Growth performances were different at the areas for the species, while averages of Taurus cedar (223.6 for height and 65.3 mm for stem diameter at base) had higher than Crimean juniper (106 cm and 58.5 mm) in total areas. The results emphasized importance of species selection in afforestation. Significant (p<0.05) differences between areas and species were found according to results of analysis of variance. Positive and significant phenotypic correlation (p<0.05, r>0.52) was estimated between the characteristics in both species and areas. It could be used for tending in afforestation areas
Meeting Forest Restoration Challenges: Using the Target Plant Concept
Full text linkMeeting forest restoration challenges relies on successful establishment of plant materials (e.g., seeds, cuttings, rooted cuttings, or seedlings, etc.; hereafter simply “seedlings”). The Target Plant Concept (TPC) provides a flexible framework that nursery managers and their clients can use to improve the survival and growth of these seedlings. The key tenets of the TPC are that (1) more emphasis is placed on how seedlings perform on the outplanting site rather than on nursery performance, (2) a partnership exists between the nursery manager and the client to determine the target plant based on site characteristics, and (3) that information gleaned from post-planting monitoring is used to improve subsequent plant materials. Through the nursery manager–client partnership, answers to a matrix of interrelated questions define a target plant to meet the reforestation or forest restoration objectives. These questions focus on project objectives; site characteristics, limiting factors, and possible mitigation efforts; species and genetic criteria; stocktype; outplanting tools and techniques; and outplanting window. We provide examples from the southeastern United States, Hawai‛i, and Lebanon on how the TPC process has improved performance of seedlings deployed for reforestation and forest restoration
Clonal propagation of conifers by somatic embryogenesis (SE) – an introduction to methodology and examples of applications for research and plant production
Full text linkThis article is aimed as a basic introduction to conifer somatic embryogenesis for someone with a general interest in applications of this technique and/or who is interested in starting some practical work in the field. We also present data from an example study on individual trees’ ability to initiate somatic embryogenesis in Norway spruce (Picea abies). A total of 158 trees were each tested for ability and relative competence to initiate somatic embryogenesis from the zygotic embryos by observing the initiation frequency for ten zygotic embryos from each individual tree. Furthermore, we conducted a case study by following the process for SE plant formation for a selection of 48 cell lines that were monitored through the SE developmental pathway, with data collected on the success rates at different steps. We then evaluated the relative importance of different steps for the outcome of plant formation and yield
Testing the reliability of morphological patterns to identify Sonderegger pine in forest tree seedling nurseries
Full text linkSonderegger pine (Pinus x sondereggeri H.H. Chapm.), the natural hybrid of longleaf (Pinus palustris Mill.) and loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.), commonly occurs in longleaf pine seedlots grown in forest tree seedling nurseries in the southeastern United States. Because longleaf pine seedlings have a grass stage with minimal epicotyl development (< 1 cm), the initiation of stem growth (12 to 15 cm) in longleaf pine seedlots has been used to indicate that hybridization with loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) has occurred. Sonderegger pine seedlings are typically culled at the nursery due to observations of poor form and wood quality after outplanting. However, research documenting Sonderegger pine seedling morphology has not been published for more than 60 years, and to our knowledge, no seedling quality assessments have been made. To better understand how morphological traits of longleaf and loblolly pine are expressed in hybrid seedlings, stem length, hypocotyl length, and root collar diameter (RCD) were compared among one-year-old container-grown longleaf, loblolly, and seedlings visually classified as Sonderegger pine. Sonderegger pine seedlings had a range of stem development, with most (62%) seedlings measuring < 12 cm tall. Some pure longleaf pine seedlings had up to 10 cm of stem elongation, but the cause of early height growth in these seedlings is unknown. More than 90% of Sonderegger pine seedlings met or exceeded RCD recommendations for planting loblolly (≥ 3.2 mm) and longleaf pine (≥ 4.75 mm)
Moving Towards Coordinated Reforestation: Reflections from the 2025 Reforestation Summit
Full text linkOn January 15, 2025, American Forests and Planscape convened the 2025 Reforestation Summit at the Google.org offices in San Francisco, California, U.S. This collaborative event combined American Forests’ decades-long experience in post-fire reforestation planning and implementation with Planscape’s innovative, community-driven forest restoration planning platform. The objective of the summit was to initiate the development of an integrated reforestation tool(s) to support an end-to-end pipeline approach to post-fire reforestation. The summit brought together more than ninety leading scientists—both in-person and virtually—from across the United States to advance the state of reforestation science and practice (Figure 1). We first provide a brief summary of the 2025 Reforestation Summit, then describe the decision support tools (DSTs) that were discussed at the summit, and lastly discuss the next steps and challenges for building out an integrated reforestation tool(s)