Secretome analysis of the basidiomycete <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phanerochaete chrysosporium</Emphasis> grown on ammonia-treated lignocellulosic biomass from birch wood

Ammonia pretreatment is a promising technique for enhancing enzymatic saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass. However, an enzymatic cocktail suitable for the breakdown of pretreated biomass samples is still being developed. The basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium is a well-studied fungus with regard to bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass. In the present work, we analyzed proteins secreted by P. chrysosporium grown on untreated and ammonia-treated birch wood meal. Fungal growth, xylanase activity, and extracellular protease activity increased in the media containing the ammonia-treated biomass; however, cellulase production decreased compared to that observed in the untreated biomass. Secreted extracellular proteins were separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis and identified by liquid chromatography ion–trap mass spectrometry. Fifty-five spots corresponding to secreted proteins were chosen for further analysis. In the culture with ammonia-treated biomass, the relative concentration of a xylanase belonging to glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 11 increased, while acetyl xylan esterases belonging to carbohydrate esterase family 1 decreased. Moreover, GH family 10 xylanases were promoted proteolysis in the culture of ammonia-treated biomass, leading to the loss of family 1 carbohydrate-binding modules. These results indicated that P. chrysosporium produced enzymes related to the recognition of structural changes on xylan with de-acetylation and introduction of nitrogen by ammonia pretreatment of birch wood meal.     

Entomophthoralean fungi associated with the common nettle aphid (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Microlophium carnosum</Emphasis> Buckton) and the potential role of nettle patches as reservoirs for the pathogens in landscape

Populations of the common nettle aphid, Microlophium carnosum Buckton, inhabiting nettle patches in an agricultural landscape were surveyed for entomophthoralean infection during 1998, 1999 and 2001. Five pathogenic species were identified from the aphid in the course of the survey. Erynia neoaphidis Remaudière & Hennebert, Neozygites fresenii (Nowakowski) Remaudière & Keller, and Neozygites microlophii Keller affected aphid colonies every year. Two minor pathogens, Entomophthora planchoniana Cornu and Conidiobolus obscurus (Hall & Dunn) Remaudière & Keller, were observed only in 2001.An artificial transmission of the three main fungi was carried out to prove horizontal transmission of infection between the common nettle aphid and different aphid species co-occurring in landscape. N. microlophii, probably monophagous pathogen, did not infect any of the six recipient aphid species in the experiment. Transmissions of E. neoaphidis and N. fresenii conidia were successful with five and four aphid species, respectively. The average mortality of tested aphids after transmission ranged from 0 to 33.33?% for E.?neoaphidis and from 0 to 15?% for N. fresenii.The potential of nettle patches as natural reservoirs for pathogens in the agroecosystem is discussed.     

Moisture-dependent orthotropic viscoelastic properties of Chinese fir wood in low temperature environment

The influence of moisture content (MC) on the orthotropic viscoelasticity of Chinese fir wood (Cunninghamia lanceolata [Lamb.] Hook.) has been examined in low temperature environment. Storage modulus E′ and loss modulus E″ of wood with six different levels of MC ranging from 0.6 to 22.0% were determined from ??120 to 40 °C and at multi-frequency range of 0.5, 1, 2, 5, and 10 Hz using a TA instruments^® Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA 2980). The results showed that a distinct moisture dependency is exhibited by the orthotropic viscoelastic behaviour of Chinese fir wood. With the exception of some apparent activation energy (ΔE) for β-relaxation process, the E′ decreased and the E″ peak temperatures moved towards lower temperature and the ΔE for α-relaxation process became lower with MC increasing in all orthotropic directions, whereby individual decline of E′ and the E″ peak temperatures were affected by MC to different degrees. Besides, a little E″ peak at around 0 °C was only seen in L direction, which could be attributed to the melting of frozen water. Furthermore, the dynamic viscoelastic behavior of wood is also dependent on the measurement frequency. The findings suggest that the orthotropic structure and moisture content have an important influence on the viscoelastic performance in low temperature environment.     

Horizontal niche differentiation of ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytidae and Platypodidae) within the standing trunk of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus serrata</Emphasis>

Niche differentiation, in terms of time and space, has been reported within a community of ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytidae and Platypodidae) in a tree trunk. Two platypodid ambrosia beetles, Platypus quercivorus (Murray) and Platypus calamus Blandford, utilize a similar height range with respect to the Quercus serrata Murray (Fagaceae) trunk. The sapwood and heartwood (i.e., wood types) are known to differ in their physical and chemical characteristics. The objective of this study was to determine the differences among ambrosia beetles, in terms of wood type preferences, in a Q. serrata tree trunk. We analyzed the horizontal distribution patterns of ambrosia beetles within two mature Q. serrata tree trunks. Platypus calamus and the other ambrosia beetles [P. quercivorus, Ambrosiodmus lewisi (Blandford), Ambrosiophilus atratus Eichhoff, and Xyleborus sp.] showed different horizontal distribution patterns within the wood. The former tended to utilize the heartwood, whereas the latter utilized the sapwood. These results suggest that the wood type can be regarded as one of the niche dimensions of ambrosia beetles in a Q. serrata trunk.     

Selection of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal strains to improve <Emphasis Type="Italic">Casuarina equisetifolia</Emphasis> L. and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Casuarina glauca</Emphasis> Sieb. tolerance to salinity

Key message

Selection of the best salt-tolerant combination of Casuarina sp. and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is one of the key criteria for successful setup of saline land rehabilitation program.

Context

Land salinization is a serious problem worldwide that mainly leads to soil degradation and reduces crop productivity. These degraded areas could be rehabilitated by planting salt-tolerant species like Casuarina glauca Sieb. and Casuarina equisetifolia L. These are pioneer plants, able to form symbiotic associations with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF), and nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

Aims

The aim of this study was to select the highest salt-tolerant combination of Casuarina/AMF that can be used for the rehabilitation of lands degraded by salinity.

Methods

C. equisetifolia and C. glauca were grown in sandy sterile soil in the greenhouse and inoculated separately with Rhizophagus fasciculatus (Thaxt.) C. Walker & A. Schüßler, Rhizophagus aggregatus (N.C. Schenck & G.S. Sm.) C. Walker, and Rhizophagus intraradices (N.C. Schenck & G.S. Sm.) C. Walker & A. Schüßler. After confirming the establishment of a symbiosis, the plants were watered with gradually increasing concentrations of saline solution. After harvest, size and biomass of the seedlings, root colonization by AMF, and AMF metabolic activities were evaluated.

Results

A larger growth was obtained in the two species when the individuals were inoculated with R. fasciculatus. Root colonization rates did not differ among fungal species, but fungal metabolic activities were higher in mycorrhizal roots of C. glauca plants inoculated with R. fasciculatus.

Conclusion

Among the three mycorrhizal fungi, R. fasciculatus was more efficient in association with Casuarinaceae species under salt stress. Our results suggest that selection of appropriate fungal strains is crucial to improve plant performance in saline soils.

     

Nucleotide polymorphisms associated with climate,phenology and physiological traits in European beech (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Fagus sylvatica</Emphasis> L.)

Although European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is one of the most widespread and ecologically and commercially most important deciduous trees in Europe, little is known about its adaptive genetic variation. We explored single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variation in candidate genes for budburst and drought resistance in beech populations sampled across most of the distribution range, represented in an international provenance trial. SNP variation was monitored for six candidate genes, in 114 individuals from 19 natural populations. Population structure was deduced from the analysis of 20 nuclear microsatellite markers. Different methods to detect imprints of natural selection were used (F _ST-outlier, SNP-climate regression, association tests). The F _ST-outlier approach identified the COV gene with unambiguous signal of selection, which is an orthologue of Arabidopsis gene for a membrane protein previously reported as phenology-related. Based on environmental association analysis at the population level, the dehydrin gene was found associated with drought-related climatic variables. At the individual level, dehydrin gene also showed a significant association with chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, which are considered stress markers. The importance of the knowledge of physiological variation and geographical patterns of adaptive genetic variation for guiding reproductive materials transfer under climate change is stressed.     

Wood decaying properties of the termite mushroom <Emphasis Type="Italic">Termitomyces eurrhizus</Emphasis>

Four strains of the termite mushroom Termitomyces eurrhizus collected in Japan were surveyed for their wood decaying properties in three softwood and two hardwood species, in comparison with the white-rot fungus Trametes versicolor and the brown-rot fungus Fomitopsis palustris. All strains of T. eurrhizus degraded only the surfaces of the wood samples, and differences in mass-loss rates between heartwood and sapwood were generally not significant. Higher mass-loss rates were generally obtained in softwood than in hardwood. The results of chemical analyses of decayed wood samples indicated that T. eurrhizus does not have high lignin-degradation ability, even though it is categorized as a white-rot fungus. These results clearly suggest the unique physiological characteristics of T. eurrhizus.     

Prior contact of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus tabulaeformis</Emphasis> with ectomycorrhizal fungi increases plant growth and survival from damping-off

Pinus tabulaeformis (Chinese pine) is a widely planted conifer species in northern China and is used for soil and water conservation on the Loess Plateau. Due to its strong reliance on ectomycorrhizae and low survival rate from damping-off during seedling cultivation and in nurseries, we explored the early influence of three ectomycorrhizal fungi (Handkea utriformis, Suillus lactifluus, and Suillus tomentosus) on the growth, root morphological characters, root vitality, and survival of P. tabulaeformis seedlings from subsequent damping-off in a pot experiment. In addition, the in vitro suppression of three ectomycorrhizal fungi on the damping-off pathogen (Fusarium solani) was evaluated and observed using a scanning electron microscope. We found that all three ectomycorrhizal fungi could colonize more than 40% of the roots of P. tabulaeformis, promote plant shoot and root growth, increase the proportion of large-diameter roots, improve root vitality, and increase survival rates 3 months after inoculation. All three ectomycorrhizal fungi suppressed the growth of F. solani to a different extent in vitro. Ectomycorrhizal fungal hyphae proliferated and wrapped around the hyphae of F. solani when the hyphae encountered each other. The colonization rate of P. tabulaeformis roots was highly correlated with root vitality and root growth parameters, while the survival rate of P. tabulaeformis seedlings was highly correlated with the colonization rate of P. tabulaeformis roots, root vitality and growth. Our results suggest that early contact between P. tabulaeformis and ectomycorrhizal fungi could improve plant growth and resistance against damping-off.     

Sequencing and quantifying plastid DNA fragments stored in sapwood and heartwood of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Torreya nucifera</Emphasis>

The selection of wood species and the styles of sculpture play key roles in the characterization of Buddhist statues. After Jianzhen, a Chinese Buddhist monk, visited Japan in the mid-eighth century, wood of the genus Torreya had been frequently used to produce single-bole statues. Establishing measures for the accurate identification of wood in the genus Torreya is effective for investigating the drastic change in the production of statues during this period. Analyzing the plastid deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragments extracted from wood is considered helpful in the identification of species in the same genus. This study analyzed the sequences and residual amounts of plastid DNA fragments in the wood of Torreya nucifera. Nucleotide substitutions in the plastid DNA were clearly identified between T. nucifera and the species distributed in China, indicating that the wood of Torreya sp. can be discriminated based on the plastid DNA sequences. DNA polymorphism analyses revealed sequence diversity for the intergenic spacers on the T. nucifera plastid DNA. A series of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses demonstrated that the plastid DNA fragments with a length of approximately 100 bp could be amplified from the residual DNA extracted from the T. nucifera sapwood with longer elapsed years after cutting. Therefore, an identification of wood species in the genus Torreya based on their plastid DNA is considered to be one of the most effective measures taken in the study regarding the historical changes of Buddhist statues.     

Heterotrophic components of biofilms on wood artefacts

Heterotrophic components of biofilms on wood artefacts were studied at the Conservation Laboratory for Wood Artefacts of the University Suor Orsola Benincasa of Naples, Italy. The aim of the study was to add new information on the micro-habitats represented by biofilms formed by wood-dwelling organisms. Light and electron microscopy of histological features of woods used to make the artefacts showed that the woods belonged to species of lime (Tilia sp.), poplar (Populus sp.) and pear (Pyrus sp.). A Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis analysis performed on heterotrophic microorganisms colonizing the artefacts led to identify four species of bacteria, namely Bacillus cereus, B. mycoides, B. subtilis and Microbacterium oleivorans, and seven species of fungi, namely Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus fumigans, A. versicolor, Cladosporium cladosporioides, C. oxysporum, Fusarium oxysporum and Penicillium chrysogenum. Based on its morphological features, an insect found on some artefacts was identified as the xylophagous beetle Nicobium castaneum (Anobiidae). The influence of wood type and environmental conditions on the diversity of microorganisms was discussed.     

Occurrence of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bursaphelenchus mucronatus</Emphasis> (Nematoda; Aphelenchoididae) in France and association with <Emphasis Type="Italic">Monochamus galloprovincialis</Emphasis> (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

As a consequence of the recent introduction of the pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in Portugal, nematodes of the genus Bursaphelenchus were looked for in various French pine forests, in trees attacked by Monochamus galloprovincialis, the vector insect of B. xylophilus, and in the insects themselves. Trap trees were felled in 12 localities distributed all over the country. Nematodes were extracted from transversal stem discs; insects emerging from the trap trees were studied. B. hellenicus, B. leoni, B. mucronatus and B. sexdentati were isolated, but not B. xylophilus. The presence of B. mucronatus and the absence of B. xylophilus were confirmed by molecular markers. B. mucronatus was isolated from several regions with an average prevalence of 19%. The infestation of M. galloprovincialis by B. mucronatus reached 26.7%. The wide distribution of B. mucronatus in France could have an effect on the extension of B. xylophilus in a case of an introduction.     

Mould-resistance of bamboo treated with the compound of chitosan-copper complex and organic fungicides

Bamboo has received increasing attention as an alternative raw material for wood in the late twentieth century for its fast growing nature and good mechanical properties. But bamboo is readily discolored by mould fungi, which greatly limits the applications of bamboo. In this paper, mould-resistance of moso bamboo treated with chitosan-copper complex (CCC^®), propiconazole (PPA), tebuconazole (TBA), the compound of CCC^® and PPA or TBA was reported. Results showed that CCC^® or PPA used alone as bamboo-mould inhibiter could defer or restrain the growth of Penicillium citrinum Thom (P. citrinum), while not being effective against Trichoderma viride Pers. ex Fr (T. viride) and Aspergillus niger V. Tiegh (A. niger). However, the compound of CCC^® and PPA could inhibit all mould fungi in the test, showing a good synergetic effect. Additionally, TBA had better resisting effect against P. citrinum and T. viride than against A. niger, but showed no synergetic effect with CCC^®.     

Transverse shrinkage variations within tree stems of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Melia azedarach</Emphasis> planted in northern Vietnam

This study quantified variations within tree stems in tangential shrinkage (α_T), radial shrinkage (α_R), and tangential/radial shrinkage ratio (α_T/α_R) of Melia azedarach grown in two different sites in northern Vietnam. The overall values of α_T, α_R, and α_T/α_R were 7.05%, 4.38%, and 1.64, respectively. The variation pattern in α_T and α_R was found to increase gradually from pith to bark and this trend was similar on both sites. In radial direction, the α_T/α_R decreased significantly from 10 to 50% of the radial length from pith before approaching a constant value toward the outside. The transverse shrinkage variation with height was very small and without statistical significance. There were strong positive relationships between transverse shrinkage and basic density (BD). This implies that the selection for high wood density may lead to increase wood transverse shrinkage. In addition, the α_T and α_R had significant positive linear relationships with both acoustic wave velocity (V_L) and dynamic modulus of elasticity of log (DMOE_log). This result suggests that it might be possible to sort lumber with large transverse shrinkage by stress wave method for M. azedarach planted in northern Vietnam.     

紫金山两种主要林型有机物层中丝状真菌多样性

本文对紫金山两种主要林型,栓皮栎林(Quercus variabilis)和马尾松-枫香(Pinus massoniana-Liguidam barformasana)混交林的有机物层(L, F, H层及土壤淋溶A层)可培养丝状真菌多样性进行了研究。通过分离鉴定,共得到真菌67种,其中接合菌3种、子囊菌5种、半知菌类56种和未确定种3种,半知菌类最为丰富。两种林型分解真菌优势种群为链格孢(Alternaria sp.)、曲霉(Aspergillus spp.)、枝孢(Cladosporium sp.)、毛霉(Mucor sp.)、青霉(Penicillium sp.)、木霉(Trichoderma spp.)、根霉(Rhizopus sp.)、粘帚霉(Gliocladium sp.)。混交林型中真菌的种类和数量明显高于栓皮栎林。两个林型均以F层真菌种类最多,但F层之间和L层之间真菌多样性差异较大。在混交林型中从马尾松针叶上分离的真菌种类和数量比从枫香上分离得到的少; 从马尾松针叶上分离的真菌丰富度随着有机物层深度增加而增加,枫香则反之。比较两个林型以及混交林的两种落叶上真菌种类发现,随着有机物层深度的增加,真菌的种类差异性却随之减少,即同时出现在两个林型或两种针叶上的真菌种类增多。真菌种类随着分解过程的进行具有明显的演替现象。混交林型中同一层内不同落叶上分解真菌多样性的差异,表明凋落物基质的差异是决定真菌种类和数量的重要因素     

Diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tectona grandis</Emphasis> Linn.f. plantations and their effects on growth of micropropagated plantlets

Regeneration of stands of valuable tropical hardwood tree species for sustainable harvest requires production of seedlings with high probabilities of survival. One way to enhance the vigor of plants for outplanting is pre-colonization of roots by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. We pursued the strategy that the most promising AM fungus candidates for inoculation would be those associated with the tree of interest in the field. AM fungus communities were assessed in five plantations of Tectona grandis Linn.f. A total of 18 AM fungal morphotypes were found, representing four families: Glomeraceae (49.6%), Acaulosporaceae (24.9%), Claroideoglomeraceae (20.8%), and Gigasporaceae (4.8%). AM fungus spore density was negatively correlated with soil organic carbon. Some of these AM fungi, plus Rhizophagus irregularis, were established in pot culture and in vitro with transformed carrot roots, and subsequently used to inoculate micropropagated plantlets of T. grandis. Tectona grandis plantlets inoculated in vitro were successfully colonized by all AM fungi studied. Plants inoculated with Funneliformis mosseae were taller than uninoculated plants. Tectona grandis plantlets inoculated with the AM fungus Claroideoglomus etunicatum PBT03 were taller than uninoculated controls in ex vitro experiments. This study provides early insight for the targeted use of the AM symbiosis in production of important tree species in future greenhouse studies and reforestation.     

Yield and Nutrient Content of Chestnut (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Castanopsis piriformis</Emphasis>) in Natural Central Highlands Forests,Vietnam

Chestnuts have historical importance as a food source worldwide. Planting of chestnuts has focused on a few species, including Castanea dentata, Castanea sativa, Castanea mollissima, and Castanea crenata, although others species are also edible. Castanea species are members of the beech family (Fagaceae) and are native to tropical and temperate areas. In this study, the yield and nut quality of Castanopsis piriformis in natural forests of the Central Highlands of Vietnam were investigated to provide evidence that C. piriformis is worth growing as a food species. Data were collected from 12 plots of 50 m × 50 m size located in four altitude zones. Nuts were collected from three to five chestnut trees in each plot judged to be of typical sized based on diameter at breast height and crown diameter. Average dry yield of nuts was found to be elevation-dependent, being highest at 500–1000 m (1152 kg/ha/year), decreasing to 815 kg/ha/year below 500 m, and to 770 kg/ha/year at 1000–1500 m. The lowest yield was observed at above 1500 m (252 kg/ha/year). Protein and lipid contents in the kernels of C. piriformis chestnut were 4.4 and 0.1 %, respectively. Glucose accounted for 73.1 % and was significantly higher than that of commercially grown Castanopsis boisii chestnuts in Northern Vietnam. With the current price of 0.6 US$/kg nuts, collecting nuts growing in natural forest can bring at least 480 US$/ha/year to local people. These results indicate the possibility of growing and consuming C. piriformis chestnut as a crop to decrease poverty. However, governmental support is required for the sustainable development of C. piriformis.     

Genetic correlations between wood quality traits of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus pinaster</Emphasis> Ait

• ? It is essential to understand how characteristics are related to each other in breeding programmes to select wood properties, in order to avoid that, in selecting for one trait, we are negatively affecting another. Moreover, measuring wood properties is time consuming and expensive.
• ? This study assesses genetic and phenotypic correlations between wood density components and spiral grain of 46 half-sib families of Pinus pinaster in seventeen-year-old trees.
• ? Results showed that genetic correlations for all wood density components were higher than corresponding phenotypic correlations. Furthermore, all wood density components were highly genetically correlated with ring density, and also closely associated among themselves. Results showed a higher genetic correlation of ring density with earlywood density (r _g = 0.96) than with latewood density r _g = 0.79). A moderate to high positive genetic correlation was found between spiral grain and wood density characteristics (0.29–0.61).
• ? We conclude that ring density (overall wood density) can be improved by increasing either earlywood density, latewood percent, or both of these traits, and spiral grain can be modify in future plantations.

     

Analysis of floral scent emitted from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Syringa</Emphasis> plants

Syringa is an important aromatic woody angiosperm that is widely planted in gardens. Its dry flowers are traditionally used to manufacture infusions and spices in China. In this study, the floral volatiles emitted from nine different Syringa species and varieties, viz. S. chinensis, S. p rotolaciniata, S. o blata, S. o blata var. giraldii, S. o blata var. plena, S. v ulgaris ‘Mrs Harry Bickle’, S. v ulgaris ‘Bright Centennial’, S. v ulgaris ‘White Spires’, and S. v ulgaris ‘President Lincoln’ were collected by the dynamic headspace technique, and then identified by automated thermal desorption–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. There were significant differences in components and corresponding contents of floral scent emitted from the nine Syringa species and varieties. Among the detected components, β-ocimene exhibited the highest content, accounting for more than 70 % of the floral scent of S. p rotolaciniata, S. o blata var. giraldii, and S. v ulgaris ‘Bright Centennial’. A significant daytime variation of floral scent emitted from S. p ekinensis was recorded, especially for benzaldehyde, whose content first increased and then decreased. We studied the scent emitted from the in vitro flowers of S. v ulgaris ‘Pres Lincoln’ during the process of natural drying. Alcohol compounds were released in the greatest content, and the content of 2-ethyl-1-hexanol accounted for about 40 % of the total release amount. The results described the emission pattern and mechanisms of floral scent in Syringa.     

Ectomycorrhizal communities associated with <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tilia amurensis</Emphasis> trees in natural versus urban forests of Heilongjiang in northeast China

The deciduous linden tree (Tilia amurensis Rupr.) is protected at National Level II in China as a species of ecological and economic importance. The objective of this study was to assess and compare the ectomycorrhizal communities associated with T. amurensis in natural versus urban forests of central Heilongjiang Province. The percentage of T. amurensis colonisation by ectomycorrhiza was more than 60 % in urban forests, compared to 34–49 % in natural forests. Use of a combination of morphological and molecular methods documented 18 ECM (ectomycorrhizal) types among three sites; 12–13 ECM species were identified in the natural sites versus 9 species in the urban site. Four ECM species (Boletus sp., Tuber sp., Inocybe sp.2, Leccinum sp.1) were the dominant mycorrhizal symbionts, and Cenococcum geophilum and Russula sp. were found only in the natural forests.     

Possibility of using three invasive non-forest tree species as an alternative source for energy production

Non-woody biomass species have high-energy potentials, which could be used for bioenergy production. Invasive species are species spreading into areas, where they are not native, consequently causing environmental and economic problems. Therefore, the present study evaluated the proximate, ultimate, chemical, and fuel characteristics of wood and charcoal of three invasive non-forest tree species in Saudi Arabia: Calotropis procera, Rhazya stricta, and Phragmites australis, which were compared with the wood of Acacia tortilis, a preferable local fuelwood. All these data were discussed to investigate the possibility of using the invasive plants for energy production. The thermal behavior of wood was analyzed using thermo-gravimetric and derivative thermo-gravimetric methods. Overall, compared with the wood of A. tortilis, the woods of R. stricta and P. australis are suitable for energy production. The charcoal produced from P. australis emitted less nitrogen (N) oxide than that of R. stricta.