<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>A<sc>bstract</sc></title>
The article presents the results of the research on the features of <italic>Pinus sylvestris</italic> L. condition and productivity in forest stands of the Left-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine (in Kharkiv and Sumy regions) for 2006–2021. The study was carried out using the ‘Forests of Ukraine’ Database as of 01.01.2017, and the results of field research at 30 temporary sample plots (TSP), 3 permanent sample plots (PSP) (in 2006–2018), and 13 monitoring plots (2009–2021). Generally accepted methods and new standards were used.
The dynamics of forestry and evaluation indicators of Scots pine stands at sample plots were analyzed and compared with high-productive Scots pine stands. The characteristics of natural regeneration are given. It was revealed that the age structure of pine stands is not optimal: there is an excess of middle-aged stand areas.
Changes in the structure and development of managed Scots pine stands with respect to changing environmental conditions were observed for 2009–2021. Studied forest stands showed a tendency for negative changes in stand structural characteristics related to regeneration and growth.
Drought mainly in combination with even medium anthropogenic impact can further worsen the health status of Scots pine stands in lowland areas of the Left-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Thus, the formulation of forest management measures to mitigate the impact of these stress factors is needed.
</abstract>

Scots pine stands in the Left-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Forest ecosystems represent the most important values of natural assets. In economic valuation techniques, to estimate the value of forest ecosystem services, the attention is still focused mainly on their market values, i.e. the value of benefits measured in the economic calculation based, first of all, on the price of timber. The valuation of natural resources is currently supported by considerations of the global policy, in order to strengthen the argumentation justifying the need to incur expenditure related to the protection of biodiversity. There is increasing evidence that biodiversity contributes to forest ecosystem functioning and the provision of ecosystem services. Natural capital of forests can be consumed directly as food, wood and other raw materials or indirectly – by benefitting from purified water and air, safeguarded soils or protected climate. At the same time, forest ecosystems provide us with a range of intangible values – scientific, cultural, religious as well as encompass heritage to pass on to future generations. In the era of increasing pressure on the use of free public goods (natural resources), it is necessary to improve understanding of the role of forests in creating national natural capital, and in enhancing the quality of human life. All things considered, the so called non-market forest ecosystem services may have a much higher value than the profits from the production of timber and raw materials. Needless to say, non-market values of forest ecosystems are of great importance for the quality of human life, and the awareness of this should translate into social behavior in the use of natural resources. This paper reviews the methods to estimate the value of forest ecosystem services in view of recently acknowledged paradigm to move forward from economic production to sustainable human well-being.</abstract>

Forest ecosystem services – assessment methods

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> Global climate change is associated with higher concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). The ongoing changes are likely to have significant, direct or indirect effects on plant diseases caused by many biotic agents such as phytopathogenic fungi. This study results showed that increased CO2 concentration did not stimulate the growth of 1-year-old beech Fagus sylvatica L seedlings but it activated pathogenic Phytophthora species (P. plurivora and P. cactorum) which caused significant reduction in the total number of fine roots as well as their length and area. The results of the greenhouse experiment indicated that pathogens once introduced into soil survived in pot soil, became periodically active (in sufficient water conditions) and were able to damage beech fine roots. However, the trees mortality was not observed during the first year of experiment. DNA analyses performed on soil and beech tissue proved persistence of introduced Phytophthora isolates.</abstract>

Forest Research Institute, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Sękocin Stary, Braci Leśnej 3, 05-090 Raszyn, Poland, phone: +48 227150823

Forest Research Institute, Department of Silviculture and Genetics of Forest Trees, Sękocin Stary, Braci Leśnej 3, 05-090 Raszyn, Poland

Bialystok University of Technology, Faculty of Forestry in Hajnówka, Piłsudskiego 8, 17-200 Hajnówka, Poland

Effect of CO2 enhancement on beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seedling root rot due to Phytophthora plurivora and Phytophthora cactorum

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The article refers to a broader context of scientific debates on the effect of climate warming on shifts in species ranges and describes the recent changes in the distribution and life strategy of <italic>Hedera helix</italic> close to its eastern limit, in light of climate changes. European ivy is an ecotone species, occurring in fringe communities, in deciduous and mixed deciduous forests in fresh and moist habitats that are occupied by oak-hornbeam and riparian alder-ash forests in Central Poland. Since the mid-20th century, the ivy, a species rarely reproducing generatively, has become an expansive plant with a growing number of sites where flowering and fruiting individuals are encountered. We studied the distribution, habitat requirements and flowering of <italic>H. helix</italic> in Central Poland in the years 2015–2017 and compared to the situation in the mid-1970s. Climate changes in terms of average air temperatures and precipitation amounts for the past four decades were also assessed. Within the study area, 474 stands of naturally growing <italic>Hedera</italic> have recently been identified. Ivy was found to reproduce generatively on 121 of those locations. There has been an almost 10-fold increase in the number of fruiting ivy specimens since the mid-1970s of the 20th century. Changes in the species life strategy can be ascribed to the increase in both average air temperatures and solar radiation intensity observed for the past decades. Both enhanced fragmentation of woodland tracts and development of forest ecotones and forest canopy openings promote the expansion of <italic>H. helix</italic>, while its habitat preferences remain unchanged.</abstract>

Impact of climate change on ivy (<italic>Hedera helix</italic> L.) expansion in forests of Central Poland

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> High work consumption in forest operations is above all the result of the character and task realization mode in works undertaken in forestry. Development of mechanization in forest management activities allows to considerably decrease manpower needs. In the present study, there were analyzed the possibilities of reduction of work consumption by improving the mechanization level of forest works. The method was developed to consider the following assessments: 1) variant W1 - basic option comprising factual work consumption values in works carried out on the area administered by the Regional Directorate of State Forests (RDLP); 2) W2 - showing the effect of 25% upgrade of works to a higher level of mechanization; 3) W3 - showing the effect of 50% upgrade of works to a higher level of mechanization; 4) W4 - comprising analogous calculations to those in variant W1 , but work consumption upgrading was 75%. Simulation calculations revealed considerable differences in needs for labor of different categories of forest workers. On the other hand, with increasing mechanization level, there increase the demands concerning worker qualifications, e.g. a harvester operator must be trained for about 2 years, and the training has to include both simulator exercises (first using software and next - harvester simulator) and field work under supervision to gain sufficient experience. The introduction of higher levels of mechanization into forest operations, and hence considerable reduction of jobs for unqualified workers who are replaced by qualified employees, can help decreasing work consumption in forest operations.</abstract>

Effect of mechanization level on manpower needs in forestry

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The main purpose of this publication is to present the current progress of the work associated with the use of a lightweight unmanned platforms for various environmental studies. Current development in information technology, electronics and sensors miniaturisation allows mounting multispectral cameras and scanners on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that could only be used on board aircraft and satellites. Remote Sensing Division in the Institute of Aviation carries out innovative researches using multisensory platform and lightweight unmanned vehicle to evaluate the health state of forests in Wielkopolska province. In this paper, applicability of multispectral images analysis acquired several times during the growing season from low altitude (up to 800m) is presented. We present remote sensing indicators computed by our software and common methods for assessing state of trees health. The correctness of applied methods is verified using analysis of satellite scenes acquired by Landsat 8 OLI instrument (Operational Land Imager).</abstract>

Institute of Aviation, Center of Space Technologies, al. Krakowska 110/114, 02-256 Warszawa, Poland

Forest Research Institute, Department of Forest Protection, Sękocin Stary, Braci Leśnej 3, 05-090 Raszyn, Poland, phone: 48 227150823

Preliminary analysis of the forest health state based on multispectral images acquired by Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The article presents the results of a lichenological inventory carried out in the “Tabórz Pine” nature reserve, which protects a unique old-growth forest dominated by Scots pine and European beech. The aim of the research was to document the taxonomic and ecological diversity of the lichen biota in the reserve and, on this basis, determine the role and importance of this site as a refuge for stenoecious forest lichens. In an area of 95.32 ha, 118 species of lichens were found, including 43 species included in the Polish national Red List along with 17 species having the status of lowland old-growth forests in Poland. These values allow the reserve to be included in the group of important forest lichen refuges in north-eastern Poland. The obtained results also prove that mixing tree species with complementary ecological features can modify the functioning of the forest not only in terms of its economic features, but also its ecological role in shaping and protecting the species diversity of forest lichens.
</abstract>

“Sosny Taborskie” nature reserve as a refuge for rare and threatened forest lichens

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The agroforestry system provides important economic and ecological benefits for local communities, one of which is obtained from the application of planting patterns and plants species in it. This research aims to explain the planting pattern of rubber agroforestry developed by the community in Menggala Mas Village, Lampung Province, Indonesia. The approach in this research is qualitative. Data collection methods included observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation studies. The planting patterns of agroforestry system on their rubber plants were analysed. The research results showed that there are three agroforestry planting patterns implemented by the community, namely, alley cropping, trees along border and random mixture. The dominant combinations in alley cropping were rubber/karet (<italic>Hevea brasiliensis</italic>) – pulai (<italic>Alstonia scholaris</italic>) and rubber–mentru (<italic>Schima wallichii</italic>) – kayu afrika (<italic>Maesopsis eminii</italic>). The dominant combinations in trees along border were rubber–akasia (<italic>Acacia auriculiformis</italic>), rubber–jackfruit (<italic>Artocarpus heterophyllus</italic>) – cempedak (<italic>Artocarpus integer</italic>) and rubber–petai (<italic>Parkia speciosa</italic>) – jati (<italic>Tectona grandis</italic>). The dominant combinations in the random mixture were rubber–jengkol (<italic>Pithecellobium lobatum</italic>), rubber–petai–jengkol–akasia, rubber–jackfruit–cempedak, rubber–pulai–mengkudu (<italic>Morinda citrifolia L.</italic>) – jengkol and rubber–banana (<italic>Musa paradisiaca</italic>) – gadung (<italic>Dioscorea hispida</italic>) – sungkai (<italic>Peronema canescens</italic> Jack). Forty-one plant species were found. The local community wants to develop this planting pattern because the rubber agroforestry planting pattern can provide direct and indirect benefits such as a greater variety of plants which can increase their income; also, the products can be sold or consumed by the family, as a fence, fire break or barrier to other farmers’ land, can provide shade to reduce hot temperatures when farmers are working, and can reduce the risk of flooding and soil erosion to support soil and water conservation within the ‘<italic>Omou</italic>’ (garden/forest). The government and agricultural extension workers need to carry out regular guidance and outreach programmes regarding rubber agroforestry development strategies to increase public knowledge.
</abstract>

Planting patterns in rubber agroforestry (<italic>Hevea brasiliensis</italic>) developed by the communities of Menggala Mas Village, Lampung Province, Indonesia

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
This study aimed to investigate the possibility of increasing the germination traits and early growth characteristics of Mediterranean cypress by applying nanopriming and magnetic field. To perform nanopriming, seeds were primed with nanochitin, nanochitosan and nanocellulose at a concentration of 1% for 2 h. For magnetopriming, the seeds were exposed to a magnetic field at three levels (20, 30 and 40 mT) for 1, 10 and 20 min and then sown. In combined treatment, the seeds were exposed to the magnetic field and then primed in nanoparticle solutions at the same treatments as mentioned earlier, and were planted. Non-exposed seeds were used as a control. The selected seed germination parameters (the percentage and speed of germination, stem and radicle length, collar root diameter, fresh and dry weights of the radicle and stem, number of leaves and leaf area) of young seedlings were examined. The interaction of nano × magnetic resulted in significant differences in the number of leaves, leaf area, length of the radicle, length of the stem, fresh weight of the radicle, fresh weight of the stem and stem dry weight traits. The results showed that among all the applied treatments, 10 min magnetism to 20 mT and then priming with 1% solution of nanocellulose was the best. It increased the germination percentage (1.31 times), germination rate (1.46 times), number of leaves (1.57 times), leaf area (1.36 times) and radicle length (1.74 times) compared to the control (no treatment). A 20-min treatment under a 30-mT magnetic field (without nanoprime) is also recommended.
</abstract>

Nanoparticles and magnetic field as novel elicitors improve seed germination and early growth of Mediterranean cypress

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Knowledge about changes occurring in the genetic structure of populations is extremely important in the case of endangered species. Research studies conducted in space and time allow us to identify factors that are influencing gene flow. Especially in the case of species occurring in the form of dispersed, more or less isolated populations, this is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies. The Carpathians are one of the most important capercaillies stronghold in Central Europe. The population here is fragmented, and at least, some groups of birds are small and isolated. This study aimed to determine whether the genetic structure of the capercaillie in the Polish part of the Carpathians has changed over the last decade. The research was conducted in three Polish national parks: Babia Góra National Park (BAB), Gorce (GOR) and Tatra (TAT). A total of over 1,300 non-invasive samples were collected for genetic analyses in two periods: 2010–2013 and 2021–2022. Individuals were identified using microsatellite markers. It was found that during the research period, there were approximately 200 capercaillie individuals in the Parks. The level of genetic variability in individual strongholds has not changed significantly. However, traces of a new gene pool were found in BAB, which could have appeared from other areas of the Carpathians where the species is being reintroduced. GOR shows features of a sink population: low genetic variability, low number of individuals and gradual decline in emigration. During the period covered by the study, the genetic structure has changed little: the studied strongholds are partially genetically isolated, but gene flow between BAB and GOR appears to be increasingly limited. TAT is a hybrid and transition zone for gene flow between smaller strongholds. The results emphasize the importance of areas with stable, numerous populations for the survival of smaller, peripheral groups of the capercaillie in mountain areas.
</abstract>

Genetic diversity of the Carpathian capercaillie in space and time

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
In Jammu and Kashmir's Govindpora (Ramban) and Salamabad (Baramulla), horticultural nurseries with a majority of <italic>Olea europaea</italic> subsp. <italic>cuspidata</italic> (Wall. &amp; G.Don) Cif. plantings were examined for possible bark beetle attacks. These olive tree plantations are infested with a variety of insect pests, but the bark beetle <italic>Hylesinus macmahoni</italic> (Stebbing, 1909) did significant harm to the olive trees that carry fruit. The beetle attacks and consumes the phloem tissues of the plant during its development, causing the afflicted trees to become weak and eventually die. At both sites, infestations of <italic>H. macmahoni</italic> were discovered. The cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene was used to validate the species' diagnosis, and its morphological characteristics were re-described. The species has a polygynous matting system (one male and two females), producing two full and a third partial generation annually in Kashmir.
</abstract>

Morpho-molecular identification of the bark beetle <italic>Hylesinus macmahoni</italic> (Stebbing, 1909) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) infesting <italic>Olea europaea</italic> subsp. <italic>cuspidata</italic> (Wall. &amp; G.Don) Cif., along with a brief biological synopsis

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
In this study, analysis of sales, costs and demands for timber species was carried out in selected timber markets of Plateau State, Nigeria. Association as well as relationship between factors influencing timber sales, costs and demands were investigated, and the dependency of timber sales on factors affecting it was ascertained. Data obtained through administration of 400 structured questionnaires were analysed. Results from the use of descriptive statistics showed that <italic>Khaya senegalensis</italic> (mahogany) was the mostly demanded timber species by consumers, and that the cost per timber species for most of the sawn woods ranged between N1001 and N1500, which was equivalent to US $2.42–$3.63 using the current conversion rate of Nigerian Naira 413.83 to 1US dollar. Pairwise use of Pearson product moment correlation (PPMC) indicated positive correlation between timber sales and variables representing costs, demands, stored timber and spoiled timber species. F-test statistics showed that timber sales were significantly affected, and <italic>t</italic>-test aided identification of the extent to which timber sales were affected by costs, demands, stored timber and spoiled timber species. Further analysis of results using multiple linear regression (MLR) gave a model representing dependence of timber sales on factors affecting them. With a positive correlation and relationship between variables, possibility of future increase in timber sales may be experienced due to increase in demand coupled with other factors. Therefore, timber regulatory agencies have to put in place measures to encourage planting of trees such as <italic>Khaya senegalensis</italic> (mahogany), whose timber species are mainly demanded by consumers of wood products, and curb excessive overexploitation of forests in Plateau State, Nigeria.
</abstract>

Analysis of sales, costs and demands for timber species in selected timber markets of Plateau State, Nigeria

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The complex phenomenon of decline in European oak is currently triggered by changing climatic conditions and their consequences like heavy rains, local floods and pest development. Especially, pathogens from <italic>Phytophthora</italic> genus profit from soil saturation with water. They are alien invasive species, which attack and severely damage fine roots. In drought conditions occurring in the subsequent year, many oaks die as they encounter problem with water uptake. Additionally, insect defoliators followed by oak mildew infections accelerate the level of tree mortality. Secondary insects, butt and root pathogens are usually the final cause of death of many oaks. More research is needed in the direction to determine (i) measurable factors (e.g. chlorophyll florescence) that can indicate that the process of tree decline has already started, (ii) the correlation between the root decay and the crown symptoms (scanners, software), (iii) which combination of stressors stimulate the best development of pathogens that lead to the high plant mortality and (iv) the difference between the mortality caused by the native and the invasive <italic>Phytophthora</italic> species.</abstract>

Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Forest Research Institute, Sękocin Stary, 05-090 Raszyn,

Białystok University of Technology, Forest Faculty, 17-200 Hajnówka,

European oak decline phenomenon in relation to climatic changes

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The paper presents a method for identifying and classifying local stakeholders involved in renewable energy development. The method is based on the expert assessment and comprises three main steps: (1) identification of the independent experts considering their expertise and knowledge of the local context; (2) identification of the local stakeholders based on expert assessment; and (3) analytical categorisation of stakeholders taking into account the professional relationship network. Using forest biomass (bioenergy) production as example, the stakeholder analysis is illustrated on the case study of Triglav National Park, which is characterised by a high potential of woody biomass production and a large number of stakeholders involved in land use and management. The first stage of stakeholder analysis identifies the key stakeholders to be involved in bioenergy development, through a survey with local experts. The results highlight eight key stakeholders and several primary and secondary stakeholders that should be involved to ensure socially acceptable decision-making about the renewable energy development in the Triglav National Park.</abstract>

University of Trento, Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, via Mesiano 77, 38123 Trento, Italy, phone: +39 0471 055 668

EURAC Research, Institute for Renewable Energy, Viale Druso Drususallee 1, Bozen, Italy

Slovenia Forest Service, Večna pot 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Department for Forestry and Renewable Forest Resources, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Agrobiology and Pedology Centre – CREA-ABP, Firenze, Italy

Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Forest Monitoring and Planning Research Unit – CREA-MPF, Trento, Italy

Stakeholder analysis in the biomass energy development based on the experts’ opinions: the example of Triglav National Park in Slovenia

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> During the research, cumulative properties of conifer needles P. armandii, P. banksiana, P. mugo, P. nigra, P. sylvestris and P. wallichiana in reference to Cu, Ni, Mn, Fe, Zn and Cd were analysed, and the factors which have an impact on the chemical composition of the bark of those species were identified. During the study, the age of needles and the content of the examined components in soil was taken into consideration. The content of metals in the needles varied, depending on a species and the age of the coniferous needles. In most cases, a higher level of content of those metals was determined in 2 years old needles, except for Cu and Zn (P. banksiana) as well as Zn (P. nigra), in which case, higher concentration of metals in 1 year old needles was determined. The obtained results indicate that the heavy metals’ concentration in the samples of needles was relatively low, except for Ni (P. armandii, P. sylvestris, P. wallchiana) and Cd (P. armandii, P. banksiana), which showed higher levels. Among the examined elements, Mn was accumulated in the largest volume in the needles of P. banksiana, Fe and Cu in the needles of P. wallchiana, Ni in the needles of P. sylvestris, Zn in the needles of P. nigra and Cd in the needles of P. armandii. The bark samples represented a clearly acidic reaction, with pH levels from 3.7 (P. sylvestris) to 4.9 (P. armandii). The highest quantities of Mn, Fe, Cu and Cd were accumulated by the bark of P. armandii, Ni in the bark of P. sylvestris and Cu in the bark of P. mugo.</abstract>

Pomeranian University in Słupsk, Institute of Biology and Environmental Protection, Arciszewskiego 22b, 76-200 Słupsk,

Universitet of P.J. Šafárik in Košice, Botanical Garden, Mánesova 23, 043 52 Košice,

Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Department of Soil Science and Geology, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra,

Accumulation of heavy metals in needles and bark of Pinus species

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Current problems of forest protection concern the declining health of forest stands due to climate change and the resulting extreme weather events such as heat waves, droughts, hurricane winds, heavy rainfalls and floods. Repeated impacts of these factors increase susceptibility of forest stands to pest insects and fungal pathogens. Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] H. Karst) is sensitive to high air temperatures and water shortage. Long lasting droughts during the last two decades, have been one of the reasons behind Norway spruce dieback due to severe outbreak of European spruce bark beetle Ips typographus (L.) in the mountainous regions of southern Poland. In the Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands, water balance disorders have enhanced the colonization of weekend trees by steelblue jewel beetle Phaenops cyanea (F.) and engraver beetle Ips acuminatus (Gyll.), as well as contributed to the spread of fungal diseases caused by Gremmeniella abietina (Lagerb.) Cenangium ferruginosum Fr. and Sphaeropsis sapinea Fr. fungi. Water related stress leads to weakening of oak stands, which are attacked by Agrilus spp. beetles and pathogens from the genus Phytophthora. It is possible that long lasting droughts initiated the spread of infectious ash disease caused by Hymenoscyphus fraxineus (= Chalara fraxinea), which resulted in the epidemic of ash dieback throughout Europe. Until recently, the use of plant protection products was the most common method of forest protection against pest insects and pathogens. Poland’s accession to the European Union has affected the marketing and use of plant protection products in the country. The implementation of the EU legislation (Directive 91/414/EEC, Directive 2009/128/ EC and Regulation No 1107/2009) has resulted in decreased assortment of pesticides registered for the protection of forests. High costs and long registration process considerably limited the interest of producers in placing the plant protection products on the market. Systematic decrease in the number of plant protection products possible to register for use in forestry, as well as the principles of integrated plant protection established in the EU in 2014 call for seeking plant protection methods based on the natural enemies of pests, such as pathogenic microorganisms, parasites and predators. Therefore, contemporary forest protection requires the advancement of integrated methods for pest insect and disease control through developing methods of forecasting forest dangers, the use of natural enemies and agro-technical methods for regulation of pests, as well as the development of decision support systems as a tool facilitating introduction of integrated forest protection principles. Such support systems help to establish optimal terms for the implementation of protection measures, so as to increase their efficiency while limiting the use of chemical pesticides to an absolute minimum.</abstract>

Current Problems and Tasks of Forest Protection in Poland

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> There has been observed widespread destruction of natural ecosystems around the world due to population growth, land use change and clear cutting which have affected soil properties. Different management strategies have been so far implemented to reduce this crisis in various regions of the world, such as e.g. short-term and long-term conservation management in the Zagros region. However, any management approach should be evaluated with appropriate measures to determine how managed areas respond. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential of earthworms as an indicator for different forest management strategies and human disturbances in Zagros oak (Quercus persica Jaub. and Spach) forest. The sites selected included undisturbed one as the control (Un), the sites under five-year conservation management (FCM) and twenty-year conservation management (TCM) as well as the disturbed site (D). The results of principal component analysis (PCA) showed that different regions separated into the components: PC1 and PC2. Un and TCM sites gathered together and represented higher values of the factors such as pH, Kavailable, OC, clay content, Pavailable, CEC, overstory tree canopy, Ntot, biomass and abundance of earthworms. The positive direction of the first axis reflected a gradient of EC, BD and Ptot. According to the logistic model, NH4-N and EC played the most important role in earthworm presence and absence in Zagros forest ecosystem. Earthworm abundance and biomass could be a good indicator to evaluate different forest management strategies in the study area.</abstract>

University of Ilam, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ilam, Iran

University of Guilan, Faculty of Natural Resources, Department of Forestry, Someasara, Iran

Urmia University, Faculty of Natural Resources, Department of Forestry, Urmia, Iran

Earthworms as indicators for different forest management types and human disturbance in Ilam oak forest, Iran

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The aim of the research was to determine the rate of the damage of xylophagous insects for silver birch (<italic>Betula pendula</italic> Roth.) stands in the Left Bank Forest-steppe of Ukraine. Evaluation of physiological harmfulness considered a health condition of inhabited trees, features of maturating feeding and pathogens vectoring for the cases of so-called ‘provoked aggressiveness’ and its absence. Evaluation of technical harmfulness considered a location and depth of larval galleries and pupal chambers, colonized sapwood surface, and stem part. Evaluation of general harmfulness considered physiological harmfulness, technical harmfulness and generation number.Among 22 xylophagous insect species, 4 species were widespread (<italic>Agrilus viridis</italic> (Linnaeus, 1758), <italic>Xylotrechus rusticus</italic> (Linnaeus, 1758), <italic>Xyleborinus saxeseni</italic> (Ratzeburg, 1837), and <italic>Xyleborinus attenuatus</italic> (Blandford, 1894)); 3 species were common, 6 species were rare and 9 species were single.The highest physiological harmfulness is expected for <italic>Tremex fuscicornis</italic> (Fabricius, 1787) and <italic>Tremex magus</italic> (Fabricius, 1787), <italic>Сhrysobothris affinis</italic> (Fabricius, 1774), <italic>Agrilus viridis</italic> (Linnaeus, 1758), <italic>Xylotrechus rusticus</italic>, and bark beetles. The highest technical harmfulness is expected for wood wasps – <italic>Tremex</italic> spp., jewel beetles <italic>Dicerca furcata</italic> (Thunberg, 1787) and <italic>Dicerca alni</italic> (Fischer von Waldheim, 1824), longhorn beetle <italic>Xylotrechus rusticus</italic>, and xylomycetophages – <italic>Xyleborinus</italic> sp.All widespread species are evaluated by a wide range of physiological harmfulness. Three of them (all except <italic>Agrilus viridis</italic>) are evaluated by highly technical harmfulness and from moderate to highly general harmfulness. Among the species having a common occurrence, <italic>Tremex fuscicornis</italic> can be highly harmful only in the case of tree weakening by negative factors, another two species can be non-harmful, and <italic>Xiphydria longicollis</italic> (Geoffroy, 1785) can be low harmful in the case of tree weakening by negative factors. Among the rare species, <italic>Scolytus ratzeburgi</italic> Janson, 1856 can be low or moderately harmful and <italic>Tremex magus</italic> can be low or highly harmful depending on the presence or absence of other negative factors. Among single species, <italic>Zeuzera pyrina</italic> (Linnaeus, 1761) can be moderately harmful because it colonizes almost healthy trees. The rest three species can be moderately harmful in the case of tree weakening by negative factors.</abstract>

Harmfulness of xylophagous insects for silver birch (<italic>Betula pendula</italic> Roth.) in the left-bank forest-steppe of Ukraine

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