Patterns of niche filling and expansion across the invaded ranges of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Halyomorpha halys</Emphasis> in North America and Europe

Studies of realized niche shift and model transferability in alien species usually ignore the potential effects of source populations and different invaded-range environments on niche lability. We incorporate our detailed knowledge of the native-range source populations and global introduction history of brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) to examine intraspecific variation in realized niche expansion and unfilling, and to investigate how niche modelling approaches are affected by that variation. Realized niche dynamics of H. halys were analyzed using an ordination method, ecological niche models (ENMs), and occurrence records from (1) East Asia, (2) North America, (3) Europe, (4) native-range source populations for North America and Europe introductions, and (5) global range. Patterns of niche filling and expansion were observed across the invaded ranges of H. halys in North America and Europe: niche unfilling (42.7 %) and expansion (0.0 %) in North America, and unfilling (80.5 %) and expansion (28.0 %) in Europe. Some invasive populations have expanded into climatically novel areas in central Europe. Results presented here provide evidence that H. halys has not yet occupied all suitable climatic habitats in North America and Europe that resemble its native range, and the central USA and most parts of Europe appear to be most at risk of H. halys spread in near future. When realized niche shifts dominated by niche unfilling, fully capturing species’ requirement by basing ENMs on native range may be more important for accurate invasion forecasts than non-native models. Caution is warranted when using the source population to estimate invasion potential.     

The populations and distribution of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pieris japonica</Emphasis>, a poisonous tree protected from herbivore browsing pressure,increase slowly but steadily

Pieris japonica is a poisonous tree species that is rarely eaten by herbivorous animals, a fact that could enable the expansion of its distribution range and influence ecosystems into which it encroaches. In a regional-scale study, 300 P. japonica trees from 13 populations were sampled at the University of Tokyo Chichibu Forest, Japan, and were analyzed using 11 microsatellite markers. Genetic differentiation among the populations was low (F _ST = 0.022 and G′ _ST = 0.024). A plot (30 × 30 m) was established for a fine-scale study, in which all P. japonica trees and saplings were measured and genetically analyzed using the microsatellite markers. Using this approach, we detected 84 genotypes among the 121 P. japonica trees in the plot. A few genotypes had expanded by more than 5 m, indicating that the ability to reproduce asexually could facilitate P. japonica trees to remain in a given location. Autocorrelation analysis showed that the extent of nonrandom spatial genetic structure was approximately 7.0 m, suggesting that seed dispersal was limited. KINGROUP analyses showed that 44 genotype pairs were full siblings, 23 were half-siblings, and 40 were parent-offspring. Only 32 seedlings were observed, of which 15 had reproduced asexually. The number of P. japonica trees has been increasing gradually for more than half a century in our study areas.     

Moso bamboo (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Phyllostachys edulis</Emphasis> (Carriere) J. Houzeau) invasion affects soil phosphorus dynamics in adjacent coniferous forests in subtropical China

Key message

The invasion of moso bamboo ( Phyllostachys edulis (Carriere) J. Houzeau) into neighboring Cryptomeria japonica (L. f.) D. Don plantations significantly altered soil P status and dynamics. This alteration in phosphorus dynamics must be considered when assessing the ecological consequence of moso bamboo invasion in subtropical China.

Context

Moso bamboo is a native species that commonly invades into adjacent forests in Asia. Such invasions may significantly alter soil chemical characteristics because moso bamboo has very different traits compared with the tree species it displaces. However, few studies have investigated the effects of moso bamboo invasion on soil phosphorus (P) dynamics.

Aims

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of moso bamboo invasion on soil P dynamics. Specifically, we quantified soil total P, available P, acid phosphatase activity (APA), and microbial biomass P (MBP) in moso bamboo-invaded coniferous stands and compared them to uninvaded stands and pure moso bamboo stands.

Methods

We compared seasonal dynamics of soil P (e.g., total P, available P, APA, and MBP) over a 24-month period among three stand types at Lushan mountain in subtropical China: Cryptomeria japonica plantation (CR), Cryptomeria japonica plantation invaded by Phyllostachys edulis (PH-CR), and Phyllostachys edulis stand (PH).

Results

Total soil P concentration was significantly lower in PH-CR than in CR and PH stands, but soil available P concentration was significantly lower in CR and PH stands. Soil APA was significantly higher in PH-CR than in CR and PH stands. Similarly, soil MBP concentration was higher in PH-CR than in CR and PH stands. Also, soil total P, available P, APA, and MBP concentrations displayed seasonal fluctuations in PH-CR, but remained relatively stable in CR and PH stands during the 2 years.

Conclusion

The invasion of moso bamboo into adjacent C. japonica stands significantly increased soil available P, acid phosphatase activity, and microbial biomass phosphorus, but decreased soil total P. The implication of these changes to ecosystem composition, structure, and function must be explicitly considered in managing moso bamboo invasion in subtropical China.

     

Host specificity of Asian parasitoids for potential classical biological control of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Drosophila suzukii</Emphasis>

The Asian spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, has recently become a serious pest of soft fruits in Europe. Classical biological control through the introduction of larval parasitoids from its native range in Asia is presently being considered. However, host specificity of potential biological control agents has to be determined to avoid releasing species that may have unintended non-target impacts. Larvae of six different European non-target fly species and the target D. suzukii were exposed either on diet or blueberries to three Asian larval parasitoids, Asobara japonica, Leptopilina japonica, and Ganaspis cf. brasiliensis, and one European species, Leptopilina heterotoma. Asobara japonica showed the lowest specificity, attacking and developing in all Drosophilidae. Leptopilina japonica successfully parasitized two non-target Drosophilidae, D. melanogaster and D. subobscura, with one singly progeny emerging from D. immigrans. Ganaspis cf. brasiliensis had the highest level of specificity but variations occurred between two geographical populations tested. A Japanese population was strictly specific to D. suzukii, whereas another population from China parasitized D. suzukii, D. melanogaster and sporadically D. subobscura. The European L. heterotoma successfully developed in D. melanogaster, D. subobscura and occasionally in D. immigrans, but nearly all eggs and larvae in D. suzukii were encapsulated. These results show that Ganaspis cf. brasiliensis is the species with the highest potential for biological control, but more studies are needed on its taxonomic status and the existence of biotypes or cryptic species varying in their specificity before field releases can be conducted in Europe.     

Development of 11 microsatellite markers in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus parviflora</Emphasis> by the dual-suppression technique and next-generation sequencing

Pinus parviflora Sieb. et Zucc. var. parviflora is a coniferous tree species distributed in mountainous areas of temperate zones from southern Tohoku to the Kyushu area in Japan. Some P. parviflora populations have become small and endangered due to massive death resulting from pine wilt disease, scab canker, and presumably climate change. We developed 11 microsatellite markers for P. parviflora by the dual-suppression technique and next-generation sequencing using 32 individuals of P. parviflora collected from Aokigahara at the foot of Mt. Fuji. The number of alleles for each locus ranged from two to 10. The averages of observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.61 and 0.59, respectively. These markers will become powerful tools for assessing genetic diversity, genetic connectivity, and genetic structure in P. parviflora populations, which will facilitate our understanding and conservation of P. parviflora.     

Regeneration dynamics of mixed stands of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus pinaster</Emphasis> Ait. and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus pinea</Emphasis> L. in Central Spain

The dynamics of mixed stands are more complex and less studied than those of monospecific stands. The objective of this work was to analyze the variables involved in seedling occurrence and seedling survival in mixed stands of Pinus pinaster and P. pinea in Mediterranean areas. From 2011 to 2016, regeneration of both species was monitored at two sites located in Central Spain. We installed 72 regeneration plots where seedling dynamics were monitored. All the trees in the study areas were measured and mapped. Additionally, we took hemispherical photographs in each regeneration plot. The average density of P. pinea seedlings over the study period was almost 20 times larger than that of P. pinaster. Our results indicate that the seedlings of both species grow under moderate light conditions. In addition, we found that the occurrence of seedlings of both species was related to the structure of the stand. P. pinea seedlings grew where the density and size of P. pinaster trees were low and where P. pinea trees provided moderately sheltered conditions, whereas the number of P. pinaster seedlings was related to under intermediate densities of P. pinaster trees. Furthermore, seedling survival was positively associated with age of the seedlings and negatively with the August average maximum temperature. The temporal continuity of mixed stands of P. pinea and P. pinaster in the study area is compromised by the observed lack of regeneration of P. pinaster.     

Symptoms and fungi associated with elm trees decline in Iran

Elm (Ulmus, Ulmaceae) is one of the most popular and important trees in urban and landscape areas in Iran. A severe decline of elm trees has recently been observed in some areas of Kerman and Shiraz cities. However, the identity of the causal agents has not yet been investigated. The purpose of this study, carried out in the years 2012–2014, was to isolate and identify fungal trunk pathogens associated with decline symptoms observed in elm trees. Samples were collected from trunks and branches of trees showing various disease symptoms and internal wood lesions. Fungal isolations were made from discolored or decayed wood tissue. In Kerman some elm trees were attacked by the beetle Aeolesthes sarta; therefore, samples were also collected from larvae and adults of beetles associated with trees showing wood damage. Fungal isolates were identified by morphological, cultural and molecular characteristics. Thirteen fungal species, Phaeoacremonium (P.) minimum, P. parasiticum, P. sicilianum, P. alvesii, P. fraxinopennsylvanicum, Spencermartinsia viticola, Dothiorella (Do.) sarmentorum, Neoscytalidium hyalinum, Diatrype (Di.) whitmanensis, Cosmospora viridescens, Phoma (Pho.) herbarum, Phellinus (Phe.) tuberculosus and Inonotus levis were identified. Phaeoacremonium parasiticum was the only species isolated from both larvae and adult beetles. Pathogenicity trials were performed on detached shoots of elm under greenhouse conditions. Dothiorella sarmentorum was the most virulent species based on the length of wood necrosis. This study is the first report of P. sicilianum, C. viridescens and Phe. tuberculosus in Iran. In addition, most of the isolated species are reported for the first time on elm trees in the world.     

Studies on diets and population dynamics of the cigarette beetle <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lasioderma serricorne</Emphasis> F. (Col., Anobiidae)

Aromatic spice crops such as coriander, Coriandrum sativum L., and fennel, Foeniculum vulgare L., are among the major seeds exported to the international market. Observations on the stores of these crops revealed differences in their susceptibility to the cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne (F.) (Col., Anobiidae). Coriander seeds proved to be the most appropriate diet for the beetle. The population dynamics of L. serricorne (F.) was determined, showing 3 generations during the period from May to October.     

Diversity of Ophiostomatales species associated with conifer-infesting beetles in the Western Carpathians

Bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) are commonly recognised as important agents of tree mortality in coniferous forests of the Western Carpathians. They, together with weevils, are consistently associated with ophiostomatoid fungi. Information regarding conifer beetle-associated fungi in the Western Carpathians remains incomplete and unreliable, particularly with respect to fir-infesting bark beetles. This study aims to clarify associations between fungi in the genera Graphilbum, Leptographium, Ophiostoma and Sporothrix (Ophiostomatales) and their beetle vectors in Norway spruce (Picea abies), European larch (Larix decidua) and silver fir (Abies alba). Samples associated with 20 bark beetle species and weevils were collected from nine stands in Poland and the Czech Republic. Fungi were isolated from adult beetles and galleries. Isolates were identified based on morphology, DNA sequence comparisons for four gene regions (ITS, LSU, ß-tubulin, TEF 1-α) and phylogenetic analyses. In total, 46 distinct taxa were identified, including 25 known and 21 currently unknown species. Several associations between fungi and subcortical insects were recorded for the first time. In addition, O. borealis and O. quercus were detected from A. alba for the first time. The composition of the fungal communities varied among the studied tree species and to a lesser degree among the beetle species. The spruce-infesting bark beetles were commonly associated with species of Leptographium s. l. and Ophiostoma s. str.; the larch-infesting bark beetles were often associated with Ophiostoma s. str. and Sporothrix, while the fir-infesting bark beetles were commonly associated with Ophiostoma s. str. and Graphilbum. The most commonly encountered fungal associates of the examined insects were (a) Grosmannia cucullata, G. piceiperda, Grosmannia sp. 1, Ophiostoma macroclavatum and O. piceae with the spruce-infesting bark beetles; (b) O. pseudocatenulatum and Sporothrix sp. 1 with the larch-infesting bark beetles; and (c) O. piceae, Ophiostoma sp. 2 and Graphilbum sp. 2 with the fir-infesting bark beetles. The differences in fungal associates among the bark beetle species occurring on P. abies, L. decidua and A. alba could be linked to the different habitats that these beetles occupy.     

Physiological regulation of poplar species to experimental warming differs between species with contrasting elevation ranges

Climate warming has resulted in rapid range shifts of plant species, but it is not well known how species with different natural distribution ranges adapt to increase in temperature through physiological adjustment. We experimentally imposed a 1.8 °C increase of air temperature to the cuttings of two common poplar species Populus yunnanensis and Populus szechuanica naturally growing in southwest China using open-top chambers. Populus yunnanensis is distributed along a narrower elevation range compared with P. szechuanica. We determined some key physiological parameters and plant growth regulator activities during the growing season without soil water limitation. Our results showed that a 1.8 °C increase in air temperature increased shoot growth of P. szechuanica through an extension of its growth period but did not affect the growth of P. yunnanensis. Malondialdehyde content, guaiacol peroxidase activities and abscisic acid content increased while indoleacetic acid content decreased in P. yunnanensis. Our results suggest that the two common poplar species in southwest China should be able to adapt to the moderate increase in temperature projected for future climate. The growth of P. szechuanica may benefit through phenological adjustment but a further increase in temperature may inhibit the growth of P. yunnanensis. For poplar plantation management, selecting species with a wide natural distribution range could provide an adaptive alternative for buffering anthropogenic induced increase in temperature and help in sustaining productivity for the long term.     

Distribution,habitats and host plants of the cherry bark tortrix, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Enarmonia formosana</Emphasis> (Scopoli) in the Czech Republic (Lepidoptera,Tortricidae)

Distribution of the cherry bark tortrix, Enarmonia formosana (Scopoli) (=CBT) was determined by detecting the presence of their frass tubes on the trunk of rosaceous shrubs and trees throughout the Czech Republic. Tree disjunctive areas of CBT were indicated in the country. The overall distribution of CBT approximates the annual isothermes 8–9?°C and 10–11?°C, but a number of zonal exceptions were also determined. The occurrence of CBT on sweet cherry, Prunus avium (L.) was the key target association, but P. armeniaca L., P. cerasus L., P. divaricata Ledeb., P.?domestica L., P. persica L., and P. serrulata Lindley were also identified on the distributional map.     

Insecticidal activity of thiamethoxam against the bamboo powder post beetle <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dinoderus minutus</Emphasis> Fabr. (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae)

Thiamethoxam (ACTARA^® 25WG) was evaluated for its insecticidal activities against the bamboo powder post beetle Dinoderus minutus Fabricius (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae). The study showed that thiamethoxam had contact toxicity against D. minutus. Based on dose-mortality responses, LC₅₀ values for thiamethoxam against D. minutus ranged from 1.74 to 7.94 μg ml^?1. Laboratory and field exposure tests showed that thiamethoxam at concentration of atleast 10 μg ml^?1 may have anti-oviposition or anti-feeding effects on D. minutus and can protect post harvest Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. culms against the infestation of this bamboo boring beetle.     

Spatio-temporal dynamic of suitable areas for species conservation in West Africa: eight economically important wild palms under present and future climates

Sustainable conservation of tropical resources required understanding of their distribution for effective assessment and definition of conservation priorities. In tropical areas, wild palms are highly valued keystone resources with growing demand for both subsistence uses and commercial trade. Here we focused on eight such species (Borassus aethiopum Mart., Eremospatha macrocarpa (G.Mann & H.Wendl.) H.Wendl., Hyphaene thebaica Mart., Laccosperma opacum (G.Mann & H.Wendl.) Drude, Phoenix reclinata Jacq., Raphia hookeri G.Mann & H.Wendl., Raphia sudanica A. Chev., and Raphia vinifera P.Beauv.). This study tested (i) how those palms distributions may be affected under future climate scenarios, and (ii) if species are effectively conserved currently and under future forecasts for their native distributional areas. Finally, we defined spatial priorities for the species’ conservation. Available bioclimatic and soil data layers were used for the modelling with maximum entropy approaches, and resulting maps were overlaid on the existing protected areas network. Results showed that much of the distribution of the species will remain largely stable, albeit with some expansion and retraction in some species; relationships with protected areas networks suggest that protected portions of species distributions will also remain stable. The areas identified as highest conservation priority differ between models even though the highest-priority areas holding most palm species are located along the coast (from Guinea to Nigeria). Further development of these analyses could aid in forming a more complete picture of the distributions and populations of the species, which in turn could aid in developing effective conservation strategies for this botanically important family.     

Dry mass production,allocation patterns and water use efficiency of two conifers with different water use strategies under elevated [CO<Subscript>2</Subscript>], warming and drought conditions

Knowledge regarding the interactive effects of elevated [CO₂], warming and drought on dry mass production, allocation and water use efficiency (WUE) of tree seedlings is limited, particularly in trees exhibiting different stomatal regulation strategies. Seedlings of Callitris rhomboidea (relatively anisohydric) and Pinus radiata (relatively isohydric) were grown in two [CO₂] (C_a (400 μmol mol^?1) and C_e (640 μmol mol^?1)) and two temperature (T_a (ambient) and T_e (ambient?+?4 °C)) treatments in a sun-lit glasshouse under well-watered conditions prior to imposition of the drought. C_e increased mass production in C. rhomboidea (but not in P. radiata), while drought limited mass production in both species. Mass production was greatest in the combination of C_e, T_e and well-watered conditions. Pinus radiata allocated relatively more dry mass into roots and had higher plant WUE than C. rhomboidea. Noticeably, mass allocation patterns in C. rhomboidea varied as a function of the treatments, but those of P. radiata were constant. C_e enhanced leaf WUE of both species, but to a greater degree under drought stress than well-watered conditions. Moderate drought stress increased both leaf and plant WUE compared to well-watered conditions. C. rhomboidea exhibited plasticity to variable climate conditions through morphological adjustments, while P. radiata exhibited a highly conservative strategy. Collectively, these findings indicate that the two species have different strategies in resource acquisition and utilisation under changing environmental conditions. Future studies on tree response to climate change need to fully consider the integration of species traits, including stomatal behaviour and hydraulic strategies.     

Lipophilic extractives of the inner and outer barks from six different <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus</Emphasis> species grown in Indonesia

The chemical compositions of the dichloromethane extracts of inner and outer barks from six Pinus species (P. elliotii, P. oocarpa, P. caribeae, P. merkusii, P. montezumae, and P. insularis) grown in Indonesia were investigated by GC and GC–MS. Generally, the amounts of extractive contents were higher in the inner bark than in the outer bark except for P. merksuii. Fatty acids, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, resin acids, triterpenoids, and steroids were detected and quantified. Inner and outer barks differed not only in content of these compounds but also in their composition. Fatty acids and alcohols were the major classes of lipophilic compounds in the outer bark of P. caribeae, P. insularis, and P. montezumae. Steroids and triterpenoids were the dominant compounds identified in the inner bark of P. elliotii, P. insularis, and P. merkusii. Resin acids were the most abundant group in the inner bark of P. oocarpa whereas monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes were recorded in minor quantities in both bark layers of all species.     

First record of the invasive pest <Emphasis Type="Italic">Drosophila suzukii</Emphasis> in Ukraine indicates multiple sources of invasion

Drosophila suzukii, commonly known as the spotted-wing Drosophila, is an invasive polyphagous fruit pest, which has emerged as a global threat to agriculture in the Americas and in Europe. Due to the rapid spread, great economic losses and its pest behavior, D. suzukii represents a powerful model for invasion biology and pest management studies. However, its current European distribution, invasion routes and levels of genetic diversity in populations of D. suzukii are poorly understood. We present the first report of D. suzukii from Ukraine, with the invasion likely occurring close to 2014. The pattern of genetic variation at cytochrome oxidase I among D. suzukii populations from Europe, USA and Asia reveals comparatively high genetic diversity in the Ukrainian population of this pest species, suggesting a complex invasion scenario from multiple sources. Further monitoring patterns of genetic variation across space and time, to better understand the invasion routes of this invasive insect pest, will be an essential part for developing successful pest management strategies.     

Effects of flooding stress on the photosynthetic apparatus of leaves of two <Emphasis Type="Italic">Physocarpus</Emphasis> cultivars

We applied under pot-culture conditions and the double-casing pot method to study the characteristics of photosynthetic gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence in the leaves of Physocarpus amurensis Maxim (PA) and Physocarpus opulifolius under flooding stress. Our results indicate a significantly higher flooding tolerance of P. opulifolius compared to P. amurensis. Especially in P. amurensis, the limitation of non-stomatal factors played a major role in the advanced stages of flooding stress, observed as a rapid increase of the intercellular CO₂ concentration (C _i) and a decrease of the stomatal limitation value (L _s). The maximal PSII photochemical efficiencies (F _v/F _m) and actual photochemical efficiency (Ф _PSII) in the leaves of P. opulifolius were significantly higher, and the extent of decrease during the flooding process was smaller than in P. amurensis. In addition, the non-chemical quenching (NPQ) in the leaves of P. opulifolius significantly increased from the 10th day under flooding stress, while the variation of NPQ in the leaves of P. amurensis was much smaller. This indicates that the leaves of P. opulifolius had not only higher PSII photochemical activity, but also improved tolerance to flooding stress, which may be caused by its ability to dissipate excess excitation energy by starting NPQ. At the 16th day under flooding stress, the P _IABS significantly decreased with greater extent of decrease than F _v/F _m in the leaves of both Physocarpus, but the decreasing extent of P _IABS in P. opulifolius was significantly smaller than in P. amurensis. In the 16th day under flooding stress, the fluorescence at J and I point (V _J and V _I) in P. amurensis were significantly higher, and the extent of increase in V _J was greater than V _I. However, the variations of V _J and V _I in the leaves of P. opulifolius were smaller, suggesting that the damage sites of flooding stress to PSII in the leaves of P. amurensis were mainly located in the electron transport process from Q_A at the PSII receptor side to Q_B. Flooding stress reduced the proportion (φE _o ) of luminous energy absorbed by the PSII reaction center for the electron transport following Q _A ^? , while the maximum quantum yield (φD _o) of non-photochemical quenching increased. However, the TR_o/RC and ET_o/RC in the leaves of P. amurensis decreased accompanied by a dramatic increase of energy (DI_o/RC) from the dissipation in the reaction center. This further indicated that the function of the PSII reaction center in the leaves of P. amurensis was significantly lower than in P. opulifolius.     

Modelling the predisposition of Norway spruce to <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ips typographus</Emphasis> L. infestation by means of environmental factors in southern Finland

New measures for effective monitoring and controlling of bark beetle infestations are needed as a response to intensified outbreaks caused by the climate change. Various environmental factors affect tree health and susceptibility, as well as stand predisposition to bark beetles. European spruce bark beetle Ips typographus L. abundance and outbreak frequency in Finland has significantly increased during the last decade. The ability to identify sites under a high risk of infestation would facilitate adaptation to this new situation and help target limited forest health management resources. Accordingly, our goal was to investigate the importance of various stand, soil and topographic characteristics in the assessing predisposition of Norway spruce dominated urban forest in southern Finland to I. typographus infestations. Information on the environmental factors was assessed in the field in 2014 and derived from a digital elevation model. Ips typographus infestation intensity was classified into three infestation index classes based on tree-wise symptoms of resin flow, discoloration and defoliation. Cumulative logit link models were utilized for investigating stand-level infestation probability. The best explanatory factors were aspect, slope, site type and soil texture. Models with the highest cumulative probabilities for severe infestation were linked with eastern aspect, moderate steep slope and rich site type fertility (0.72) and eastern aspect, shallow soil and rich site type fertility (0.71). Higher soil C/N ratios with east aspect and rich site type fertility was associated with an increased risk of severe infestation in a third model. The lowest risk was associated with southern and southwestern aspects, fine soil texture, moderate site fertility and gentle slopes.     

Photosynthetic acclimation to long-term high temperature and soil drought stress in two spruce species (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Picea crassifolia</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">P. wilsonii</Emphasis>) used for afforestation

Picea crassifolia and P. wilsonii, commonly used for afforestation in northern China, are increasingly likely to be subjected to high temperatures and soil drought stress as a result of global warming. However, little is known about the effects of these stresses on foliar photosynthesis in the two species. To investigate how photosynthetic characteristics and sensitivity respond to prolonged high temperatures and soil drought, foliar gas exchange and other closely related parameters were recorded from four-year-old seedlings of both species. Seedlings were grown under two temperature treatments (25/15 and 35/25 °C) and four soil water regimes [80, 60, 40 and 20% of maximum field capacity (FC)] for 4 months. Although all treatments significantly reduced photosynthetic rates (P _n) of both species, P. crassifolia exhibited greater photosynthetic acclimation than P. wilsonii. Differences in photosynthetic acclimation were mainly related to variations in stomatal conductance (Cond) and the maximum quantum yield of PSII (F _v/F _m) between treatments. Indeed, higher Cond and F _v/F _m in all treatments were shown for P. crassifolia than for P. wilsonii. Moreover, photosynthesis in P. crassifolia exhibited inherently lower temperature sensitivities (broader span for the temperature response curves; lower b) and higher thermostability (invariable b between treatments). Further, severe drought stress (20% FC) limited the survival of P. wilsonii. Our results indicate that P. wilsonii is more susceptible to high temperatures and soil drought stress. Planting P. crassifolia would be more expected to survive these conditions and hence be of greater benefit to forest stability if predicted increases in drought and temperature in northern China occur.     

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.