Research on trees and their role in nature and cities. Covers forest conservation, tension wood, and the benefits of urban trees.
Logging in tropical forests depletes vital nutrients, hindering recovery and limiting growth, as found in a new study published in Global Change Biology. The researchers discovered that multiple cycles of logging and regrowth irreversibly remove phosphorus from the forest system.
Researchers identified hotspots for wild honeybee nesting sites, including unmanaged forests and coniferous forests in Sweden and Finland. The study suggests that conserving trees with cavities should be included in forest management to support pollinator populations.
Researchers have discovered that evergreen tree species, such as holly and ivy, are more water-efficient under rising CO2 concentrations, potentially giving them a competitive edge over deciduous trees. This advantage is expected to be particularly pronounced in cooler climates like Ireland.
Researchers at UConn's Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department shed new light on the evolution of the treehopper's distinctive helmet. By analyzing RNA sequences, they found that the gene expression lines up with wings rather than the dorsal body wall, suggesting a unique developmental pathway.
Researchers accidentally isolate a new species of Phytophthora infecting Fraser fir Christmas trees, highlighting potential biodiversity among the genus. The discovery emphasizes the importance of identifying and understanding plant disease species to protect natural environments and agricultural industries.
A five-year study by Oregon State University found that deer and elk can play a key role in controlling broadleaf vegetation that competes with Douglas-fir seedlings. In some cases, the presence of large herbivores promotes crop tree survival and growth.
A University of Arizona-led team used air-based maps of plant chemistry to better understand tropical forest responses to climate change. By combining traditional on-the-ground measurements with aerial data, researchers improved carbon cycling models and gained insights into the role of forests in the global carbon cycle.
Researchers at Yale University unveil a new approach to reconstructing the evolutionary tree of life for mammals, revealing why some branches are weighed down with thousands of species while others hold just a few. The study provides comprehensive information about species diversity and relationships, past and present.
Researchers at Cornell University found a negative relationship between the temperature during tree swallows' development and their hormonal response to stressors as adults. This phenomenon could help explain how changing environments are impacting many different species.
Researchers used peat core analysis to reconstruct the development of a calcareous spring fen on Saaremaa, Estonia. The study found that the high diversity of vegetation in spring fens is a result of long-term stable environments, providing insights into conservation efforts.
A study simulates forest responses to projected climate changes using a model of plant physiology. Acclimation allows trees to adjust leaf area, photosynthetic capacity, and stand density to avoid stress, but its effectiveness varies with warming levels.
The study reveals that the winner of the climate tug of war between CO2 fertilization and heat stress depends on the ratio between the two. If forests can acclimate, they can tolerate a lower ratio, but if not, it's above 89 parts per million CO2 per degree C of warming. Other factors like forest fires, insect infestation, and exceptio...
A new study by EPFL and WSL found that oil palm crops planted on former pastures in Colombia have an unchanged total carbon storage over time. The research suggests a carbon-friendly alternative to deforestation, using large areas of abandoned pastures that could be converted favorably.
A new study highlights the importance of building roosts for little brown bats' survival during maternity season. Researchers found that 84% of reproductive females roost in attics, while males prefer rock crevices or trees.
A national REDD+ program in Guyana reduced tree cover loss by 35%, equivalent to 12.8 million tons of avoided carbon emissions. However, tree cover loss increased significantly after carbon payments ended, highlighting the importance of continuous forest protection measures.
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew have identified genes associated with ash dieback resistance in UK trees. The study found that resistance is controlled by multiple genes, opening up new avenues for conservation and potentially breeding more resistant trees.
Researchers found that northern tree species, including pine, birch, and spruce, release nitrous oxide into the atmosphere. The emissions vary by season, with peaks in summer, and are linked to physiological activity. The study suggests trees play a significant role in the global N2O balance.
A new study by Ohio State University and Yale University estimates that deforestation contributes only 7% of manmade net carbon emissions, down from previous estimates of 27%. The research also highlights the importance of forest management in reducing carbon emissions.
A study found that Hurricane Maria's damage to Puerto Rican coffee farms was not linked to the amount of shade on the farm. However, farmers' socioeconomic context and ability to fertilize their plants were key factors in determining resilience. Weeds played a significant role in the recovery process.
IKBFU researchers have found that alder bark extracts contain high levels of polyphenols and antiradical activity, offering potential benefits for anti-aging and disease prevention. The study also reveals the presence of oregonin, a diarylheptanoid glycoside with anti-inflammatory and antimycotic properties.
Research team finds wood chips from ancient trees dating back 19 million years in ocean core samples, revealing a previously unrecognized way carbon remains locked away for millions of years. The discovery suggests that the amount of carbon exported and buried by modern rivers may be 50% greater than previously thought.
Scientists warn that large-scale afforestation in African savannas will destroy valuable ecological, agricultural, and tourist areas. The plan, aimed at mitigating climate change, is considered irresponsible due to its potential to increase wildfire intensity and exacerbate global warming.
A new project aims to use Inga trees to keep land fertile for the long term, reducing pressure on smallholders to abandon their land. The plan could help maintain tree cover in the Amazonian Arc of Deforestation by supporting sustainable agriculture and providing a premium income for milk produced from grazing cattle.
Researchers at OIST have constructed a new termite family tree using comprehensive RNA sequence analysis, placing a previously difficult-to-place subfamily within the Termitidae. The study reveals that comb building emerged in their common ancestor several million years after the loss of gut symbionts.
A large group of ecologists contests an article proposing 'reforestation' of the Cerrado, Brazil's most biodiverse tropical savanna. The critics argue that the plan is based on flawed calculations and could worsen climate change by reducing surface albedo and intensifying global warming.
A team developed a way to understand how nonnative insects might behave in their new environments, using evolutionary history. The model can quickly evaluate the risk of insect invasions and help foresters predict which species will be problematic.
A study by the University of Edinburgh found that warmer springs cause blue tits to begin breeding earlier, with chicks hatching after peak caterpillar numbers. This suggests that night-time temperatures and tree leafing cues influence bird reproductive timing.
A study published in New Phytologist reveals the evolutionary history of oaks, showing that different lineages are driven by distinct sets of genes. The research highlights the key role oaks play in supporting ecosystems and provides insights into conservation efforts.
Researchers documented the movement of a big brown bat colony's relocation in response to naturally occurring tree loss. The study suggests general patterns may exist across bat species and forest types for how bats respond to roost tree loss.
A study reveals that fungal types and accumulation rates mediate tree-neighborhood interactions, driving species coexistence in subtropical forests. The findings suggest a key role for pathogenic fungi and mutualists in shaping diversity patterns.
Researchers found that soil fungus types determine tree survival rates in forests, with some trees thriving in dense groups due to protective fungal networks. The study reveals a complex interplay between beneficial and pathogenic fungi, shedding light on rare-species advantage's underlying mechanisms.
A new habitat-modeling study reveals large swaths of US and Europe are likely to be vulnerable to the invasive spotted lanternfly if it continues to spread. Suitable habitat for the tree and fruit pest was found in most New England and mid-Atlantic states, as well as parts of central US and Pacific Northwest globally.
A Dartmouth-led study reveals that actively managed mixed wood forests in New Hampshire have significant carbon stores, both above and below ground. The research found that the forests' soil carbon is higher in subplots with more trees, especially fir and spruce species.
A new study finds that increased rainfall extremes could drive tree growth reductions across the southwest US. Tree-ring records analyzed by researchers reveal that major species such as ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, and piñon pine are particularly affected.
Research reveals that coniferous forests struggle to recover after wildfires due to limited seed availability, particularly near severe burn zones. Warm and dry conditions further impede new tree seedling establishment. Land managers are advised to concentrate reforestation efforts in cool, wet areas.
Researchers argue that Germany's reforestation plan won't protect forests from future climate change. Instead, preserving dead wood and promoting diverse tree structures could increase resistance to extreme weather events and pests.
Research by Penn State scientists found that some ash trees have varying degrees of resistance to the emerald ash borer, allowing them to survive longer. The study suggests that genetic variation among trees could ensure the survival of the species.
Researchers at Rice University discovered that netting trees to deter birds increases the population of Megalopyge opercularis, also known as asps, which are venomous and can cause severe pain. The study found a 7,300% higher abundance of caterpillars on netted versus non-netted trees.
A study published in Global Change Biology found that forests with a diverse range of tree species are more productive and stable than monocultures. The research analyzed data from the Sardinilla experiment and concluded that mixtures of two and three tree species have significantly higher productivity, while those with five species ha...
A new study by Penn State researcher Marc Abrams suggests that white-tailed deer browsing has not impacted forest canopies, but rather slowed the densification process. Forests are becoming increasingly dense due to a lack of fire and increased deer populations.
Researchers at Wake Forest University's Center for Amazonian Scientific Innovation found that biochar combined with fertilizer significantly improved height and diameter growth of tree seedlings. The treatment also increased the number of leaves developed by the seedlings.
Research predicts a 25% decline in evergreen conifer trees and a nearly doubling of broadleaf deciduous trees by 2100. This shift will have significant ecological and climatic implications for the entire ecosystem and carbon cycle.
Researchers aim to create genetically modified poplar trees that can thrive in drought-prone environments and produce feedstocks for bioenergy. The project involves using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing tools to identify the ideal tree species for these conditions, with the goal of delivering new genotypes by the end of the project.
Researchers found that faecal inoculations changed the koalas' microbiomes, allowing them to eat messmate. This could affect all aspects of their ecology, including nutrition and habitat selection. The study provides a proof of concept for using encapsulated faecal material to introduce new microbes in koalas' guts.
Researchers mapped the potential of plants to store extra carbon by the end of the century, finding they can increase their biomass by 12% when exposed to high CO2 concentrations. This growth would draw enough CO2 from the atmosphere to cancel out six years of current emissions.
The Ecological Society of America donates over $13,800 to Louisville Grows to support its urban agriculture and forestry programs. The organization's efforts prioritize inclusion and diversity in promoting sustainable communities.
Researchers aim to understand the genomic basis of southern pine beetle infestation behavior, predicting and controlling large-scale tree kills. The project seeks to identify genetic changes linked to outbreaks, enabling better forest management and monitoring.
The study found that elephants change the structure of African tropical forests, increasing aboveground biomass by 26 to 60 tons per hectare. This process contributes to a corresponding increase in carbon storage, making the forests more resilient to climate change.
A new study by the University of Birmingham found that large-scale tree deaths worldwide are responsible for more than a tenth of total tree deaths. The research used satellite observations and computational models to calculate the impact of these events on carbon storage, revealing that they account for 12% of global tree mortality.
Researchers found that Asian longhorned beetle larvae can consume tree tissues that their parents cannot, allowing them to thrive on a wider range of hosts. This discovery explains how the beetle expands its range and poses a threat to vulnerable species in North American forests.
A new study led by Virginia Commonwealth University researchers reveals that structurally complex forests in the eastern US outperform simpler ones in carbon sequestration. The discovery suggests that a forest's arrangement of vegetation is a key factor in its ability to absorb and store carbon.
The Stanford-led study, published in Nature Climate Change, explores the capacity of trees and plants to absorb carbon dioxide. The research suggests that trees will continue to sequester carbon dioxide at generous rates through at least the end of the century, with potential increases in plant biomass by 12% by the end of the century.
Forest water-use efficiency has been increasing globally, with trees conserving water through elevated CO2 levels. Photosynthesis is the primary driver of this increase, while stomatal conductance reduction is limited to drier forests.
A recent study suggests that restoring forests can stabilize carbon stocks and reduce the risk of severe wildfires. By thinning out dense vegetation and promoting biodiversity, restored forests can store more carbon than damaged ones. This approach has the potential to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers found that neonicotinoids in contaminated honeydew can kill a majority of hoverflies and parasitic wasps within 3 days. Beneficial insects fed on nectar or pollen from treated trees were not affected.
A new study by CABI presents guidance on monitoring non-native pests that can pose a serious threat to forest resources. The team recommends considering important factors when monitoring for non-native pests, including the location and timing of sampling, to ensure effective biosecurity measures are taken.
Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new wood-based membrane for water filtration that outperforms existing polymers and offers a more sustainable alternative. The membrane's high porosity enables efficient water vapor transport and reduces heat loss, making it ideal for distilling fresh water from salty sources.
A German university-led research project is investigating and testing biological methods for remediating soils contaminated with metal. The goal is to find the best combination of fungi and trees to convert heavy metals into biominerals or remove them from the soil.
A recent study found that non-native insect pests and fungal pathogens pose a significant threat to global tree and forest ecosystems. The research, led by CABI, highlights the need for improved phytosanitary measures in trading tree seeds to reduce the risk of introducing harmful organisms.
A 38-year study found climate change affects conifer growth, while broad-leaved trees thrive, altering forest composition and ecosystem functions. Climate change accelerates, primeval mixed forests may shift to broad-leaved tree forests, impacting carbon storage, water provision, biodiversity, and wood supply.