Articles tagged with Trees
The New York Botanical Garden is launching a program to conserve the Brazilian Amazon forest, part of the world's largest intact forest. The four initiatives will improve forestry practices, train workers to identify tree species, develop sustainable management protocols, and contribute baseline knowledge.
Researchers found that citrus plants watered regularly in controlled environments exhibited reduced transpiration and stomatal closure when exposed to low temperatures. High soil moisture content was key to minimizing drought stress on the trees. The study's findings could impact commercial citrus growers' traditional irrigation methods.
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new approach to assess the long-term impact of conservation efforts by considering human behavior and ecological gains. The study uses an agent-based modeling approach to simulate how conservation policies can affect outcomes over decades.
A study found that invasive pests compromised the ability of native tree species to recover from tropical cyclone damage. The invasive insects caused stem decay and reduced the trees' tolerance to external forces, resulting in 100% mortality of snapped stems during Typhoon Chaba.
Researchers found that tree density in savannas is influenced by moisture availability, temperature, soil fertility, and fire frequency, but these relationships differ significantly among Africa, Australia, and South America. The study predicts different responses to global warming across the continents.
Researchers found that low atmospheric CO2 concentrations acted as a 'carbon starvation' brake, slowing down weathering rates and reducing forests' ability to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. This mechanism helped maintain stable CO2 levels and climate over millions of years.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that the horse-chestnut leaf-mining moth has spread rapidly across England and Wales since its arrival in London in 2002. The data collected by citizen scientists revealed that it takes just three years from the first sighting to maximum levels of damage to the horse-chestnut trees.
Despite devastating effects of the invasive insect in southern Appalachians, increasing tree density associated with reforestation and succession may have offset negative impacts at a regional scale. Hemlock trees do not have natural defenses against hemlock woolly adelgid, resulting in high levels of tree mortality.
A new study found that tree growth rate increases with size, with older trees removing a larger share of carbon from the atmosphere. This means that massive, old trees can remove huge amounts of carbon through photosynthesis, playing a disproportionate role in the global carbon cycle.
Scientists have found that most tree species grow faster and sequester more carbon as they age, challenging the long-held assumption that older trees are less productive. This finding is based on data from over 673,000 individual trees measured across six continents.
Research suggests that older trees accelerate growth and take up more carbon, contrary to the assumption that they slow down with age. This finding has implications for forest conservation efforts like REDD+, which aim to reduce global warming by preserving forests.
A study funded by the International Tree Nut Council found that tree nut intake was significantly associated with lower prevalence of MetS (metabolic syndrome) and obesity. High tree nut consumers had 7% less MetS risk and significantly lower obesity rates compared to low consumers.
In Switzerland, plants have shifted uphill by 8 meters, butterflies by 38 meters, and birds by 42 meters between 2003 and 2010. Climate warming is causing species to adapt at a surprising pace.
A new study explores global variance in tree height, identifying temperature as the most significant factor behind the tallest species. The research reveals that climates with small seasonal temperature variation support the growth of the world's nine tallest tree species.
A study of forest changes reveals a 2.4 times increase in tree density since 1929, with fewer pine trees and more fir and cedar, leading to reduced biodiversity and increased susceptibility to severe fires. The findings highlight the importance of restoring fire resilience and improving biodiversity in forests.
The field trial with genetically modified poplar trees demonstrates that lignin modification can improve sugar conversion and increase ethanol production. The results also show mixed suppression of the lignin biosynthesis in the trees, leading to variable coloration and growth rates.
A new invasive plant parasitic nematode, Meloidogyne mali, has been identified in Europe, causing severe galling symptoms on host trees. The species was likely introduced during breeding programs against Dutch Elm Disease and may have a wider host range than known.
A new study by CU-Boulder found that trees with smoother bark can repel mountain pine beetles more effectively. The researchers tested how well the beetles could cling to different bark textures and found that only 21 of 22 beetles could stick to rough bark, while all fell off smooth bark in under a minute.
Researchers constructed an evolutionary tree of flowering plants and found that many species acquired characteristics to thrive in colder climates before encountering freezing conditions. Plants like birches and poplars developed narrower water transport cells to protect themselves from blockage during freezing and thawing.
A recent study published in PhytoKeys formally transfers Altingia and Semiliquidambar taxa to Liquidambar, a widely distributed tree family with various uses. The analysis includes 15 recognized species and highlights the taxonomic challenges faced by botanists.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed genetically modified poplar trees that grow faster, resistant to insect pests and retain genes for up to 14 years. These traits could be particularly valuable in the paper and pulp industries and emerging biofuel sector.
A new study by Florida State University researchers questions the traditional model of biological diversification, finding that colonizing continents does not lead to rapid adaptive radiation. However, they did discover a weak effect of first colonizers suppressing diversity among later colonizers.
New research suggests that young tropical forests may not be effective in conserving tree species due to low reproductive rates. The study found that even 30-year-old forests have a limited number of reproductive trees essential for long-term species survival.
Researchers describe four new species formerly grouped under the collared treerunner, highlighting genetic and morphological differences among populations. The discovery underscores the importance of biodiversity conservation efforts in addressing species extinctions.
Researchers found that site quality affects the relationship between density and mortality in ponderosa pine stands. Thinning forest stands can reduce fuel buildup and enhance growth of residual trees, while early shrub removal and tree density control are most effective ways to reduce fuel buildup.
Archaeological excavations at Lumbini, Nepal have uncovered a previously unknown sixth-century B.C. timber structure dating back to the birthplace of the Buddha. The discovery confirms an earlier date for the life of the Buddha than previously thought and sheds light on the early development of Buddhism.
Researchers have found that the closest relatives of papaya are three herbaceous species and a small tree with stinging hairs from Mexico to Guatemala. The study clarifies species boundaries and reveals the biogeographic history of the papaya family.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found an inverse association between nut consumption and total mortality in both men and women. Nuts contain essential nutrients and phytochemicals that may offer cardioprotective, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
New research reveals a growing concern over tree pests and diseases, which can lead to widespread death of trees and disrupt ecosystem services. The review highlights the need for new approaches to pest management that take into account multiple services and stakeholders.
A new study from the University of Alberta has identified key tree chemical compounds that play critical roles in the beetle's pheromone production and attraction. The research reveals that adding a volatile tree chemical to bait can increase beetle capture rates, providing hope for quicker monitoring and early detection of infestations.
A study using phylogenetic analysis maps out the evolution of folk tales, revealing that Little Red Riding Hood shares a common root with The Wolf and the Kids, which originated in the 1st century AD. The research sheds light on the migration patterns of humans in ancient times by determining the origins and evolution of folk stories.
Researchers at the University of Washington have found that tree cover causes snow to melt more quickly in warm climates. In contrast, open areas tend to keep snow on the ground longer into the spring and summer. The study used temperature data from around the world to support its findings.
A large prospective study found that consuming tree nuts was inversely associated with the risk of pancreatic cancer. Women who consumed two or more servings of nuts per week had a significantly reduced risk compared to those who did not.
In dry conditions, Ecuador laurel trees invest more in honeydew production for ants, which strengthens their defensive mutualism. The study suggests that trees may 'buy insurance' for their leaves with carbon-rich sap, paid to ants in exchange for protection.
Ecuador laurel trees support more scale insects, which produce honeydew for Azteca ants, boosting their numbers and defending the foliage. The tree-ant mutualism is stronger under resource-poor conditions, with trees paying carbon to ants in exchange for guard duty.
Gimball's spherical shape and gyroscopic stabilization system enable it to absorb shocks and maintain its course despite numerous collisions. The robot's technology simplicity allows it to operate in challenging terrain, such as forest areas, without the need for complex obstacle avoidance systems.
Research reveals warmer winters allow native plants to grow earlier, but at the expense of native trees and their need for cold sleep. Invasive species, such as shrubs and certain tree species from warmer climate zones, take advantage of this altered timing to start growing earlier and thrive.
Researchers developed a method to analyze redwood cores for climate reconstruction, revealing 50-year coastal conditions. The technique uses oxygen isotopes to detect fog and rainfall, providing insights into ocean temperatures and long-term climate change.
Two new species of green flame moths, Parasa viridiflamma and Parasa minwangi, are discovered from China and Taiwan. The moths have a distinctive green pattern on their wings and feed exclusively on pine trees, showcasing conifer-feeding behavior in the Limacodidae family.
Researchers found that chimpanzees used long-term spatial memory to locate large fruit trees, increasing their chances of discovering bountiful crops. Chimpanzees also remembered feeding experiences from previous seasons, using a memory window of up to three years.
Scientists from CSIRO discovered that eucalyptus trees can act as a hydraulic pump, drawing up water containing gold particles from the earth and depositing them into their leaves and branches. This innovative technique could provide a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to search for minerals such as zinc and copper.
Researchers estimate 16,000 tree species in Amazonia, with 227 dominant species having 50% of the region's tree population. This study provides valuable information for conservation efforts and further research.
A new species of dragon tree has been discovered in Thailand with impressive characteristics including a height of 12m. The newly found species is ecologically important due to its limited distribution and associated habitats, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
A comprehensive review of climate change's impacts on forest pests, diseases, and ecosystems reveals complex consequences. Warmer temperatures alter pest distribution, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience, while also boosting forest health and acreage in some areas.
A new CU study finds drought is a better predictor of spruce beetle outbreaks in northern Colorado than temperature, with warm and dry conditions causing stress in host trees. The study also suggests that climate fluctuations, including the Atlantic Multi-decadal Oscillation, contribute to drought conditions.
Researchers discovered a five-year delay between slow tree growth and increased mortality in a Black Spruce forest, suggesting that older forests may be storing more carbon than previously estimated. This finding has important implications for understanding the impact of climate change on forest health and carbon sequestration.
Researchers find that mid-February to mid-March warming has the greatest impact on breaking bud timing. This challenges the use of degree-day models, which may become less effective as temperatures deviate from historical norms.
The enigmatic spider species Progradungula otwayensis has a unique web-weaving behavior, using fine fibers to catch prey. Its habitat specificity is crucial for conservation efforts, as it relies on the microclimate of old myrtle beech trees.
A new study has provided hope for halting the incurable citrus greening disease by understanding its impact on trees before infection. The researchers used DNA sequencing technologies to reveal metabolic imbalances and hormonal disruptions caused by the bacterial disease.
A study by Aarhus University researchers found that global forests are being cleared and restricted to steep terrain, leading to reduced biodiversity. The shift is driven by human activities such as agriculture, urbanization, and efficient land use practices.
Researchers used a special microscope to reveal how nanostructures contain damage within microscopic cavities, allowing trees to seal off damaged cells. The bordered pits are filled with a mesh membrane of nanofibrils that radiate from a thickened central region, controlling sap flow and protecting trees.
A Princeton University study found that tropical forests' ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is crucially linked to tree diversity and the presence of legume trees. Legumes, a diverse group of nitrogen-fixing plants, play a vital role in rapid forest growth and carbon storage.
Researchers at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute found that tropical trees can
Researchers have identified the ancient ancestor of the tulip tree line, which diverged from magnolias over 100 million years ago. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of this iconic Eastern North American species.
Cloud forest trees are highly sensitive to climate change due to their narrow temperature range, making them vulnerable to migration and population loss. Conservation strategies may need to be revised to protect these ecosystems from massive population decline.
Wildfires in Cordoba province, Argentina, cause evacuation of 480 people due to strong winds and heat. Firefighters struggle with flames, one man seriously injured after being struck by a tree.
A recent Duke University-led study found that climate change is causing trees to speed up their life cycles, rather than migrating to cooler climates. Most species are staying in their current geographic locations, but growing more rapidly due to warmer temperatures and longer growing seasons.
A new study investigates why gorgonian corals, which can form a 'canopy' over reefs, appear to be proliferating in certain places. Preliminary data suggests that gorgonian coral density has been increasing on shallow reefs surrounding St. John, even as stony corals have declined.
A 400-year study by Harvard University researchers found that Northeastern forests have changed significantly after centuries of intensive land use. Maples have exploded across the region, while other tree types like beeches, oaks, and chestnuts show a pronounced decline. Pine numbers have shifted more than any other tree type.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that logging, agriculture, and natural reforestation have changed forest composition across nine states in the northeastern US. Beech trees decreased significantly, while fir, cherry, and maple trees increased in abundance.