Articles tagged with Trees
A Duke University-led research team found that pine trees grown in air with one-and-a-half times the current carbon dioxide level produced twice as many high-quality seeds as those growing under normal conditions. This suggests some woody tree species could outcompete herbaceous plants in the future.
A decline in large-diameter trees in Yosemite National Park is linked to warmer climate conditions, resulting in habitat loss and potential reduction in species such as spotted owls. The study found that fewer new trees will grow in the landscape due to large trees being a seed source for the surrounding area.
Researchers studied orangutan movement to understand how they adapt to challenging environments. Orangutans move with an irregular rhythm, allowing them to cope with tree vibrations and forage safely.
Researchers from the University of Cincinnati have found evidence that ancient Maya people deliberately conserved forest resources. The team discovered that when they abandoned their forest conservation practices, it led to the downfall of the Maya culture due to soil erosion and loss of water retention.
The study found that winter chill in California will decline by up to 80% by the end of the century, making many tree crops unsuitable for growing. Growers may need to develop new tree cultivars and management strategies to mitigate the impact of reduced winter chill.
Researchers discovered that neon blue-tailed tree lizards can glide through the air with ease, thanks to their lightweight bodies. The team found that the lizard's low weight allowed it to generate lift and stay airborne for longer periods, similar to gliding geckos.
Smaller plant species thrive under the canopies of large host plants, utilizing resources and establishing quickly. This challenges traditional views on the role of plant size in competitive ability and community assembly.
Researchers at Duke University found that ferns diversified significantly during the Cretaceous period, when flowering plants dominated plant communities. Ferns adapted by developing the ability to live on light with a red spectrum and becoming epiphytes, thriving in tree canopies.
The development of genetically modified trees is being obstructed by anti-biotech groups and regulations that prioritize process over product. Researchers argue that a regulatory environment focused on scientific case-by-case assessments is necessary to unlock the full potential of forest biotechnology.
Michigan State University scientists combine sustainable forest production with emerging carbon markets to help poorest people grow trees that boost their standards of living and slow climate change. By storing carbon in the soil, farmers can earn money on the global carbon market and use tree products for energy and food.
A Purdue University expert found that only five of 287 crabapple varieties had durable resistance to apple scab, a widespread fungus that can weaken and kill trees. Researchers analyzed 33 years of data to determine which trees maintained or lost resistance over time.
A well-preserved 54-million-year-old skull from the Plesiadapiform group revealed that primitive primates relied more on smell than sight. The study's findings narrow the possibilities for what caused primates to evolve larger brain sizes, contradicting common assumptions about brain structure and evolution.
Researchers used FibroTest attributes to create decision trees for patients with chronic hepatitis C, providing explicit rules to relate biomarker values to fibrosis scores. The study enhances understanding of fibrosis progression and improves classification of preclinical subgroups.
A new study reveals that decades of fragmentation have taken a toll on the sustainability of Wisconsin's forests, reducing native plant abundance and diversity. The effects of urbanization and agricultural dominance are now determining which species can survive in isolated forest patches.
A new hybrid of the American chestnut tree has been developed that can sequester more carbon than other hardwood species. The trees grow faster and larger, allowing them to store more carbon in a shorter amount of time, which could help slow climate change.
Dr. Leo Lombardini is conducting a pioneering study on pecan roots to optimize tree maintenance and nutrient application. His research aims to discover ways to produce higher-quality, more nutritious nuts in an efficient and sustainable manner.
Researchers are exploring alternative biomasses for microorganisms to ferment into ethanol and other fuels. The goal is to unlock the sugars trapped in cellulosic biomass, making it possible to produce sustainable biofuels.
A recent study by NIST and USDA found that trees shading west and south sides of houses decrease summer electricity use, with fast-growing trees providing more benefit. London plane trees can reduce carbon emissions from electricity by up to 31% over 100 years.
A recent study by the American Society for Horticultural Science found that stressors during tree handling and transport, such as root severance, water stress, and mechanical damage, can significantly impact tree health and establishment. Researchers identified key stages in the transplanting process that contribute to reduced growth a...
A recent study by researchers found that certain tree and shrub species are more or less attractive to white-tailed deer, resulting in varying levels of damage. By identifying these preferences, growers can take steps to reduce economic losses, such as harvesting products in late fall and early winter.
A new apple cultivar called WineCrisp has been introduced after 25 years of research, offering a highly productive late-season red apple with a firm texture and dark red color. The fruit is resistant to fungal disease apple scab, reducing costs for growers and promoting environmental sustainability.
A rare beetle, Agrilus coxalis, has attacked 67 percent of oak trees in an area east of San Diego, threatening fire danger and wildlife habitats. The beetle's origin and spread are still unknown, but research is needed to determine its distribution, seasonal active periods, and natural enemies.
Scientists found that temperatures alone can kill drought-stressed piñon pine trees 28% faster, leading to 5 times more frequent die-offs. Carbon starvation is the primary mechanism behind tree mortality, and understanding this relationship is key to predicting future patterns.
Researchers found that temperate forests in eastern North America can store more carbon than previously believed, with potential to accumulate up to two-fold higher than current estimates. The study suggests that forest management practices may be more important than intrinsic limits on carbon storage.
A study published in HortScience found that herbicide drift is causing 'leaf tatters' on white oak trees, reducing their canopy health. The research recommends timing herbicide applications before or after leaf unfolding to prevent injury.
Researchers have identified new alternative substrates to pine bark and peatmoss, finding that landscape annuals can thrive in ground pine tree and pine bark substrates. The study showed comparable foliage growth, flower density, and root proliferation for plants grown in both substrates.
Ice storms cause significant damage to pecan trees, particularly those less than 15 feet tall, with cleanup costs varying greatly depending on tree size and labor supervision. Researchers provide information on effective cleanup procedures and economic impact of ice storms on pecan production.
A Brown University-led team has documented the unique landing approaches of three bat species, including a tree-roosting bat that executes a four-point landing and two cave-roosting bats that perform a two-point landing. The study sheds new light on how bats evolved and could provide insights into their widespread success.
Researchers successfully used satellite images to monitor the extent of saltcedar leaf beetle defoliation on tamarisk. The study suggests that controlling tamarisk through beetle release may have unexpected environmental repercussions.
A 30-year study reveals that drought causes massive carbon loss in tropical forests, mainly through killing trees, posing significant threat to climate change mitigation. The Amazon forest absorbs nearly 2 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide annually but lost more than 3 billion tonnes during the 2005 drought.
New research finds hemlock woolly adelgid is killing hemlock trees faster than expected, altering the carbon cycle of these forests. The study suggests that infrequent frigid winter temperatures may not be enough to suppress adelgid populations, leading to rapid decline and mortality.
A 10-year study on orchard ground cover management systems found substantial differences in root growth, turnover, and distribution among different GMS treatments. Hardwood bark mulch and post-emergence herbicide treatments produced more tree growth and higher yields than others.
Research shows that coffee cultivation under shade trees can preserve forest plant and animal diversity in areas with deforestation. In contrast, growing coffee in forests leads to a decline in species richness of forest birds. This study highlights the importance of sustainable land use practices in conserving biodiversity.
Researchers discovered that African forests are increasing in tree carbon stocks by an amount equal to the weight of a small car each year. This suggests that extra carbon dioxide in the atmosphere could be acting as fertilizer, but other factors like human occupation and past disturbance may also be at play.
Researchers discovered that ancestors of Volvox algae transitioned to multicellularity at least 200 million years ago. This finding provides insights into the evolution of complex life forms, highlighting the importance of cooperation among cells in overcoming conflicts that hinder collective growth and reproduction.
Researchers found that tropical trees in undisturbed forests absorb 4.8 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, including an unknown carbon sink in Africa. This massive carbon sink has significant implications for climate change, with the potential to buffer global warming by substantially reducing atmospheric CO2 levels.
Researchers found that mechanical thinning increased fruit size by 9% compared to conventional hand-thinning or non-thinned control trees. The technology also reduced labor time by 50% while maintaining average fruit sizes within the desired range, offering economic benefits for growers.
Coatings made from plant extracts and vegetable oils significantly reduced lenticel breakdown (LB) in apples, with Malaga trees showing the most improvement after multiple applications. Researchers found that applying coatings three times before harvest was more effective than single treatments.
Researchers found that tree-dwelling lizards have a unique escape mechanism: dropping their tails to distract predators. Without their tails, the lizards tumble backwards uncontrollably, suggesting a significant ecological cost for this life-saving adaptation.
A team of researchers observed the sequential development of new species in fruit flies and parasitic wasps after introducing apples to North America. The modification of one species triggers the modification of a second, dependent species, demonstrating biodiversity as a source for new biodiversity.
A study by the USDA Forest Service found that aerial application of laminated flakes containing verbenone reduced mountain pine beetle attack rates by three-fold in California and Idaho. The technique could provide a large-scale solution to slow the spread of the beetles, which are devastating lodgepole pine stands across the West.
A comprehensive analysis confirms that Placozoans are the most primitive non-bilateral animals, with a genome that shares key tools for nervous system development. This challenges traditional views of animal evolution, placing Placozoans as the closest living surrogate to the ancestor of all animals.
Research by Northern Arizona University ties tree mortality to climate change, with a significant increase in death rates across the western US. The study, led by Phillip J. van Mantgem and Nathan L. Stephenson, analyzed long-term data from over 6,000 trees and found that regional warming is a key factor contributing to this trend.
Developed over 20 years through classical breeding techniques, WineCrisp boasts scab resistance and a pleasant flavor mix of sugar and acid, available now for licensing to nurseries, with potential market in the southeastern US and extended shelf life.
A recent study led by the U.S. Geological Survey found that tree death rates have more than doubled over the last few decades in old-growth forests of the western United States. The increase is widespread, affecting various forest types, elevations, and tree species.
A new report by Oregon State University finds that warmer climate and drought stress are causing a rapid increase in tree mortality across the West, with the Pacific Northwest hardest hit. This could lead to significant shifts in forest structure and function, including a 50% reduction in average tree age and size.
In the Pacific Northwest, tree mortality rates have doubled in 17 years, with older forests experiencing a faster rate of decline than younger forests. This increase is attributed to warming temperatures, which reduce snowpack, prolong droughts, and enable insects and diseases to flourish.
A new study has found that tree deaths in the West's old-growth forests have more than doubled in recent decades due to regional warming and related drought conditions. The research team measured tree deaths in all sizes at varying elevations, including tree types such as pine, fir, and hemlock.
Research suggests that increased carbon dioxide levels due to climate change could lead to a greater accumulation of mercury in soils, potentially slowing its release into water. However, this means that even with reduced emissions, the metal will remain a pollution source for an extended period.
A California study reveals that shade trees on west and south sides of homes can reduce electric bills by $25 annually. Trees planted within 40-60 feet of these sides generate similar energy savings due to shadow variations.
Researchers found shade coffee farms support widespread dispersal of native trees, preserving genetic diversity and sheltering native wildlife. The study highlights the ecological benefits of traditional agriculture in promoting biodiversity and connecting habitat patches.
Researchers Annemarie Surlykke and Elizabeth Kalko measured the volume of two 'whispering' bat species' calls, discovering they were actually shrieking at levels up to 110 decibels. The findings suggest that these bats use high-volume calls for echolocation in complex forest environments.
The Tree Carbon Calculator provides quantifiable incentives for tree planting and stewardship projects. It calculates the dry weight of biomass that would be obtained if a tree were removed, offering a valuable resource for urban forestry efforts.
A meta-analysis of decades-long experimental evidence reveals that modern day concentrations of ground level ozone pollution are decreasing tree growth in northern and temperate mid-latitudes. The study predicts a 17% reduction in tree growth by the end of the century if current fossil fuel dependence continues.
Researchers develop integrative models for movement of diverse organisms, integrating when, where, how, and why they move. These models accurately predict real events, such as tree seed dispersal by wind under various conditions.
A researcher has discovered a tool that can reveal hundreds of hidden meteorite craters using aerial forest surveys. The technology was tested on a crater near Whitecourt, Alberta, and shows great potential for finding more undiscovered sites globally.
The World Agroforestry Centre argues that existing technology can effectively monitor carbon storage in developing countries, potentially saving more carbon than closing 1,400 coal-burning power plants. Implementing carbon markets could generate $10 billion annually for rural poor communities.
Researchers found that urban tree roots can penetrate compacted subsoils, increasing infiltration rates by up to 153% in reservoirs. Structural soil reservoirs also showed a 27-fold increase in infiltration rate compared to unplanted controls.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University are developing automated farming systems using sensors, autonomous vehicles, and data analysis to monitor tree health and crop status. The systems aim to provide growers with early warnings of diseases and insect infestations, as well as continuous updates on crop status.
Researchers studied the 'living fossil' tree species Symphonia globulifera, which contains genetic imprints of rain forests under climate change. The study reveals patterns in genetic diversity that suggest tropical forests responded differently to past climate conditions, with some populations persisting despite forest changes.