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Viljelysmaan kasvihuonekaasupäästöjen sisällyttäminen elintarvikkeiden hiilijalanjälkiin
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Diversity and impact of single-stranded RNA viruses in Czech Heterobasidion populations
Get PDFHeterobasidion annosum sensu lato comprises some of the most devastating pathogens of conifers. Exploring virocontrol as a potential strategy to mitigate economic losses caused by these fungi holds promise for the future. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive screening for viruses in 98 H. annosum s.l. specimens from different regions of Czechia aiming to identify viruses inducing hypovirulence. Initial examination for dsRNA presence was followed by RNA-seq analyses using pooled RNA libraries constructed from H. annosum and Heterobasidion parviporum, with diverse bioinformatic pipelines employed for virus discovery. Our study uncovered 25 distinct ssRNA viruses, including two ourmia-like viruses, one mitovirus, one fusarivirus, one tobamo-like virus, one cogu-like virus, one bisegmented narna-like virus and one segment of another narna-like virus, and 17 ambi-like viruses, for which hairpin and hammerhead ribozymes were detected. Coinfections of up to 10 viruses were observed in six Heterobasidion isolates, whereas another six harbored a single virus. Seventy-three percent of the isolates analyzed by RNA-seq were virus-free. These findings show that the virome of Heterobasidion populations in Czechia is highly diverse and differs from that in the boreal region. We further investigated the host effects of certain identified viruses through comparisons of the mycelial growth rate and proteomic analyses and found that certain tested viruses caused growth reductions of up to 22% and significant alterations in the host proteome profile. Their intraspecific transmission rates ranged from 0% to 33%. Further studies are needed to fully understand the biocontrol potential of these viruses in planta.202
Long-term snow-track indices of a Finnish native mesopredator declined while those of an invasive one increased
Get PDFMonitoring both native and invasive species is crucial for understanding their ecological impacts. However, obtaining reliable data can be challenging, especially for elusive species like mesopredators. This study utilized snow-track surveys in Finland (1989–2022) to examine population trends of the invasive raccoon dog and the native red fox. While raccoon dogs are known to reduce activity during cold weather, we demonstrated that accounting for temperature and snowfall allows for effective population trend estimation using snow-track data. Track accumulation decreased in cold and snowy weather more clearly for raccoon dogs than for red foxes. We also found that the track accumulation of the raccoon dog had significantly increased, while those of the red fox population had declined, particularly in southern parts of the country. Notably, raccoon dog snow-track numbers increased in northern regions, suggesting a potential for further range expansion under a warming climate. These findings reveal a concerning shift in Finland’s mesopredators abundance due to the invasive species’ success and the decline of the native species. Thus, the invasive raccoon dog is likely to have an increasing role in those northern ecosystems where it interacts with the native fauna.202
Spruce, pine and fir needles as sustainable ingredients for whole wheat bread fortification: Enhancing nutritional and functional properties
Get PDFThis study investigated green needles and fine twigs (NT) from spruce, pine, and fir, widely available forest by-products, as potential functional ingredients and natural preservatives for whole wheat bread fortification. The effects of replacing water with NT extracts at 0, 35, and 70% levels were assessed on bread's secondary metabolite profiling, bioactivity, nutrition, and quality. The NT-bread demonstrated good stability of compounds analyzed by HPLC-DAD after 24 and 72 h, with a notable increase in the content of several polyphenols after 72 h of storage. This increase was correlated closely with an over 80% enhancement in antioxidant activity during storage, suggesting extended shelf-life. A total of 115 compounds were identified by UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, stilbenes, lignans, resin acids, and gibberellins. Among the substitution levels, 35% , particularly pine NT-fortified bread, was sufficient to enhance functionality while preserving bread quality and sensory acceptability, making it a strong candidate for further development as a bioactive product. Overall, the findings demonstrate the valorization potential of underutilized NT as natural antioxidants and will help provide the industry with phytochemical compositional information. This study highlights the broader applicability of these side streams by employing a green extraction technique (hydrodynamic cavitation) that yields valuable compounds, promotes sustainability, and supports the circular economy through a cost-effective and efficient process.202
Omistajanvaihdoksia ymmärtämällä kohti ilmastokestävää metsätaloutta – Metsänomistaja 2020
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Forest conservation as a CO2 offset measure: a case of an urban development project in Finland
Get PDFThis study investigates the carbon offset potential in Espoo, Finland, by comparing a construction-impacted deforestation site with a larger conserved forest area. Addressing a knowledge gap in localized forest conservation as a CO2 offset method, our research quantifies the carbon stock and sequestration impacts under both baseline and alternative scenarios for the two study sites. The baseline scenario for offset site reflects standard forest management practices, while the alternative scenario involves complete forest conservation without active management. Our findings reveal that the conserved forest (79 ha), dominated by Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), increased its carbon stock by 26 Mg C ha−1 in soil and 65 Mg C ha−1 in biomass. This enhancement is sufficient to compensate for the smaller deforestation site’s (19 ha), also containing a mix of Norway spruce and Scots pine, stock loss of 186 Mg C ha−1 in soil and 43 Mg C ha−1 in biomass. Furthermore, this study illuminates the complexities of CO2 compensation regulation and emphasizes the necessity for robust, transparent carbon accounting practices. The insights offer a valuable perspective on integrating nature-based solutions in urban planning to achieve broader ecological and climate goals.202