CREA Journals (Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l’analisi dell’economia agraria)
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Mapping Regions of Provenance for Italy
Full text linkIn the follow-up of 1999/105/CE Directive on national level, the new map of regions of provenance for forest reproductive materials of Italy is adopted as reference for the national register of forest basic materials. The new map was outlined to match needs linked to the transposition of European legislation to the complexity of the Peninsula’s environment and the national nursery system. The main objective in this technical note is to present the map units in relation to the distribution of main forest species. The map units of ecoregional meaning might facilitate new allocations for forest reproductive materials which are needed to increase genetic diversity. Furthermore, studies on genetic variability of forest species are required to understand the possible interactions between the ecological amplitude of forest species, their actual genetic diversity, and possible adaptation to future climate conditions
Diversity and structure of Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkman stands in the Tchabal forest massif: A case study from Adamawa Cameroon: Phytodiversity of Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkman in Cameroon
No full textThe aim of this work is to provide basic data for a better knowledge of Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkman stands through a non-exhaustive floristic inventory in the Sudano-Guinean zone of Cameroon. Transects of 2,000 x 20 m² were installed in these stands in the Tchabal forest massif. The inventory concerned timbers with dbh ≥ 10 cm. Herbaceous were counted according to the "sigmatiste zuricho-montpelléraine” method. In total, 25 families distributed in 41 genera and 46 species and for herbaceous, 19 families distributed in 42 genera and 46 species were recorded in the stands. The stands of Bontadji and Horé-Déo are the richest. Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Ficus thonningii Blume and Croton macrostachyus Hochst. ex Delile are the most abundant taxa in each site. The Fongoy I locality stands are the most diversified (ISH: 0.87 ± 0.07; H': 0.99 ± 0.01). There is a floristic similarity of about 30% between localities. The stands of Fongoy I are very dense and basal area (D=394 ± 0.31 individuals/ha and BA= 25.80 ± 8.05 m²/ha). Structural analysis shows an "L" shape attesting to the presence of future stems. This observation is supported by the vertical structure of the stands. This information constitutes an important argument for the protection of the environment
A Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii (=viridis) (Schwerin) Franco stand description dataset: a case study of Pavari's experimental Plot 412 ninety years after plantation
Full text linkThis paper describes a dataset containing the historical series of dendrometric data from a Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii (=viridis) (Schwerin) Franco plantation. Implemented in 1932, the plantation is located in “Rio di Mercurella” place, in the Tyrrhenian coastal mountain range of Calabria region (Southern Italy). The experimental plot has been identified as Plot 412 and is characterized by trees with a relevant role for forest community biodiversity.
The monitoring started in 1940. The dataset reported five of all the inventories Until 2013, inventories have been carried out by Istituto Sperimentale di Selvicoltura and Unità di Ricerca per la Selvicoltura in Ambiente Mediterraneo, now CREA Forestry and Wood research centre which has taken over the last two.
The following data have been collected: position, number, diameter at breast heigh (DBH) of all the trees and total height (Ht) of a trees sample. Collected data are an important historical source and testimony the first experimental test of Pseudotsuga menziesii introduction which will have to be monitored in the future and will constitute a fundamental contribution to enrich the knowledge on appropriate management in Calabria and evaluate the health state and stability of the forest stand in the future
Comparison between crown thinning and girdling to enhance sporadic tree species in a coppice stand in Central Italy
Full text linkSporadic valuable tree species and especially Sorbus species have gained importance in forest management as they increase tree biodiversity, ensure a higher resilience of the stand to climate change, and enhance valuable timber production. This paper reports the first results of a trial carried out in Central Italy in a Turkey oak coppice stand (aged 17 years) where three different silvicultural treatments (crown thinning, girdling and unthinned control) were applied to favour sporadic tree species. The monitoring was carried out for 5 years and showed the limits of girdling application as Mediterranean species like Turkey oak form easily scar cords and epicormic sprouting. Furthermore, the progressive reduction of canopy cover of the competitors resulted from girdling and the effect of the thinning and girdling on the growth of selected service trees (Sorbus domestica L.) were evaluated. The first results of this research have pointed out some difficulties in the girdling application and a higher effect of crown thinning in stimulating the growth of selected service trees
Contemporary spatial association of genetic diversity determinants in Asian Dipterocarps: a systematic review
Full text linkConsidering the research gaps and areas to be prioritized specifically in the forestry research sector with stress given on conservation genetics and tree improvement, we make an effort to understand the spatial patterns and identify the key determinants, which produce major effects on genetic diversity of Asian Dipterocarps. This review focuses on identifying patterns and establishing relationships between genecological parameters derived on the basis of molecular markers with factors, such as geographical range, vertical profile and IUCN categories along with recognizing research gaps pertaining to operational forestry and terrestrial ecosystems.
Corresponding to 47 research papers, meta-analysis of 50 species under subfamily Dipterocarpoideae revealed significant differences in genetic parameters, namely expected heterozygosity (HE) and number of alleles per locus (NA), for most genera and factors. These parameters showed significant correlations with vertical strata (rk=-0.241; p<0.05) and altitude (rs=0.283; p<0.01). However, on the basis of co-dominant and dominant markers, the parameters exhibited contrasting results for the species’ characteristics. Further, pollen exchange and seed dispersal predominantly explained the genetic variations among the contributing factors, generally believed to be correlated with vertical strata and geographical range of the species. Conclusively, two major clusters were formed through principal component analysis (PCA), where HE and NA were the main deciding factors. Anthropogenic interferences, viz. forest fragmentation and deforestation found to be subsidising major impacts, which increase inbreeding and genetic drift, causing the loss of rare alleles and consequently, decreasing genetic variation. The study emphasizes the importance of genecological conservation and access to diverse genetic resources information, which will ensure global forest conservation and climate change mitigation network for sustainable development
Attitude and willingness to pay of young generations toward bio-textile produced using wood fibers
Full text linkIn the future years, innovative bio-textile produced using wood fibers could have high market growth potential due to its lower environmental impacts compared to the cotton production. The aim of this study is to understand whether the younger generations have a greater environmental attitude towards environmentally-friendly clothing (bio-textiles produced with sustainable wood fibers) and the corresponding willingness to pay. A questionnaire was administered face-to-face to a sample of 1,105 Italian consumers to investigate consumer attitudes and willingness to pay (WTP) for wood fiber clothing. The data were analyzed by distinguishing among generation cohorts (Baby Boomers, Generation X, Generation Y1, Generation Y2, and Generation Z). The results show that younger generations attach more importance to environmental impacts in their purchasing decisions than older ones, but purchase less green clothing. Furthermore, WTPs of the younger generations for clothing made of bio-textiles in sustainable wood fibers are more influenced by environmental attitudes, which however do not translate into greater willingness to pay. Making green products accessible to younger generations is critical, as price can be an obstacle to more sustainable consumer behavior. When targeting young consumers, marketing campaigns should reinforce that bio-textile clothing has a positive effect on the environment
Studies on the influence of liquid biofertilizers and integrated nutrient management practices on growth, yield attributes and yield of maize
Full text linkField experiments were carried out at Department of Millets, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during kharif, 2016, kharif, 2017, kharif, 2018 and kharif, 2019 in sandy clay loam soil to study the influence of variousliquid biofertilizers and integrated nutrient management practices on growth, yield attributes and yield of maize. Based on the results, it could be concluded that application of 60 kg P2O5/ha + NPK consortia recorded highergrain yield (5293 kg ha-1), net return (Rs.44,656/ha) and B: C ratio (2.02) which is the optimum level of phosphorus and suitable liquid biofertilizer for maize. The results of integrated nutrient management practices revealed thatapplication of 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF-250:75:75 NPK kg/ha) recorded higher grain yield (7318 kg ha-1), net return (Rs.72, 772/ha) and B: C ratio (2.49) in maize
Altitudinal variation in morphometric traits of pod, seed, and seedling growth of Bauhinia variegata L. in Garhwal Himalaya
Full text linkBauhinia variegata L. is a fast growing tree that has the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. The aims of the present study was to estimate the variability in pod, seed and seedling growth and biomass production in 10 populations of B. variegata in Garhwal Himalaya. Significant variations were observed in pod, seed traits, seed germination, seedling growth and biomass production among populations. Among morphological traits, the seed weight was one of the most variable characters. Among seedling attributes, the seedlings vigour index, roots length, leaves dry weight and roots dry weight were found more variable characters. Geographical variables (altitude, latitude, longitude, temperature and rainfall) significantly (p<0.05) influenced the pod size, seed morphological traits, seed germination, seedling growth characters and allocation of biomass. Broad-sense heritability (h2) resulted moderate to high for pod characters, seed morphological traits and all the seedling growth parameters (except the leaves dry weight and survival percentage). These variations might be geographically structured and genetically controlled
Determination of sowing window for kharif maize in Punjab, India using sensitized, calibrated and validated CERES-Maize model
Full text linkCrop models help in optimizing the farming practices under climate change scenarios. The CERES-Maize was sensitized for genetic coefficients (P1, P2, P5, G2, G3 and PHINT) using sensitivity index (SI) through mathematicaland graphical approach. The sensitized range was used for calibrating the model for maize hybrids Punjab Maize Hybrid1 (PMH1) and Punjab Maize Hybrid2 (PMH2) for the year 2018 and further validated for the year 2019 using statistical indices. A good coefficient of determination (R 2) for PMH1 and PMH2 was obtained for anthesis (0.82, 0.80), maturity (0.67, 0.94), yield (0.95, 0.95) and Leaf Area Index (LAI) (0.85, 0.82) respectively. The Normalized Root Mean Square Error (NRMSE) was found to be excellent (<10%) for all the parameters except LAI where it was good. The model simulated 20th May to 7th June as the optimum sowing window for maize with grain yield / LAI for PMH1 being 5200-6000 kg ha-1 / 2.9-3.2 and for PMH2 being 4200-5400 kg ha-1/ 2.8-3.0. With delay in sowing from June 8th to 18th the grain yield/LAI varied between 5000 - 5400 kg ha-1/3.1-3.4 for PMH1 and 4000 - 5000 kg ha-1/ 2.7-3.2 for PMH2. Delay in sowing after June 7th reduces the grain yield at the expense of profuse vegetativegrowth, i.e. the LAI increases upto June 18th and 24th for PMH1 and PMH2, respectively. The deviation of grain yield and Harvest Index (HI) from their mean for the sowing window, respectively showed depreciation after June9th (-0.31%, -2.31%) for PMH1 and after June 12th (-6.49%, -0.13%) for PMH2. The HI and grain yield decreased while LAI and biomass increased with delayed sowing. The calibrated CERES-Maize model can further be used for analysing the climate change impact on maize in Punjab, India