scholarly journals How terpene content affects fuel flammability of wildland–urban interface vegetation

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (8) ◽  
pp. 614 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bastien Romero ◽  
Catherine Fernandez ◽  
Caroline Lecareux ◽  
Elena Ormeño ◽  
Anne Ganteaume
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Fire Management ◽  
Pinus Halepensis ◽  
Leaf Thickness ◽  
Fuel Type ◽  
Several Variables ◽  
Litter Flammability ◽  
Plant Characteristics ◽  
Terpene Content ◽  
Ornamental Species

Among plant characteristics promoting flammability, terpenes have received little attention, especially regarding the vegetation surrounding housing. Here, mono-, sesqui- and diterpenes were screened in live and dead leaves of ornamental species found in wildland–urban interfaces (WUIs) of south-eastern France. Terpene content and composition were compared among species and between fuel types. Their influence on flammability was assessed through several variables and compared with that of leaf thickness and moisture content. Six of the 17 species examined contained terpenes. Terpene diversity and content differed among species but not between fuel types. Mono-, sesqui- and diterpenes (especially the highly concentrated compounds) were involved to varying degrees in both leaf and litter flammability. Their effects could be opposite according to the flammability variable and the fuel type considered. Leaf sesquiterpene content and litter total terpene content had the strongest influence on maximum combustion temperature; the former also mainly drove leaf flaming duration. The other flammability variables were more strongly associated with either moisture content or leaf thickness. Our findings highlight the idea that fire management in the WUI must also acknowledge the potential for ornamental species containing terpenes, such as Pinus halepensis, to affect fire behaviour.

scholarly journals Does Seasonality of Leaf Terpene Content and Moisture Content Trigger Leaf Flammability Seasonal Variation?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Ganteaume ◽  
Bastien Romero ◽  
Elena Ormeño ◽  
Caroline Lecareux ◽  
Catherine Fernandez
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Mediterranean Region ◽  
Pinus Halepensis ◽  
Seasonal Effect ◽  
Seasonal Patterns ◽  
Fuel Moisture ◽  
Cupressus Sempervirens ◽  
Different Seasons ◽  
Terpene Content ◽  
Fuel Moisture Content

Abstract Given the importance of terpenes and fuel moisture content (FMC) on flammability, this work aims at checking how these parameters affect leaf flammability of different native and Wildland-Urban Interfaces species (Pinus halepensis, Cupressus sempervirens, Cupressocyparis leylandii, and Hesperocyparis arizonica) across seasons in the French Mediterranean region. We found that the highest terpene diversity and content seasonally varied according to the species, with diterpene content being lower in spring for C. leylandii, while monoterpene and diterpene content being higher in summer and winter, respectively, for P. halepensis. Flammability and FMC varied according to the season but the pattern differed among species. A significant correlation between the latters was rarely observed and occurred in only one season, differing among species. The correlations between flammability and terpenes were mostly highlighted using single compounds, compared to subgroups, and they presented seasonal patterns varying among species. Checking the seasonal effect of groups of terpene compounds on flammability, there were seasonal differences in these groups according to the species and the variable tested. Mostly, these significant compounds were not the most concentrated. The best flammability drivers of each model, mostly diterpenes, except for P. halepensis whose flammability was mostly drove by mono- and sesquiterpenes, changed among seasons according to the flammability variable considered. When a best driver remained the same in different seasons, its effect on flammability could be opposite. In contrast, FMC was generally not a significant explanatory parameter of leaf flammability or did not improve the fit of models.

Biomass of understory species of Pinus halepensis Mill. forests in the Kassandra Peninsula - Chalkidiki

1998 ◽  
Vol 63 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Smiris ◽  
F. Maris ◽  
K. Vitoris ◽  
N. Stamou ◽  
P. Ganatsas
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Aboveground Biomass ◽  
Quercus Ilex ◽  
Pinus Halepensis ◽  
Biomass Estimation ◽  
Regression Equations ◽  
Pistacia Lentiscus ◽  
Quercus Coccifera ◽  
Understory Species ◽  
Cistus Incanus

This  study deals with the biomass estimation of the understory species of Pinus halepensis    forests in the Kassandra peninsula, Chalkidiki (North Greece). These  species are: Quercus    coccifera, Quercus ilex, Phillyrea media, Pistacia lentiscus, Arbutus  unedo, Erica arborea, Erica    manipuliflora, Smilax aspera, Cistus incanus, Cistus monspeliensis,  Fraxinus ornus. A sample of    30 shrubs per species was taken and the dry and fresh weights and the  moisture content of    every component of each species were measured, all of which were processed  for aboveground    biomass data. Then several regression equations were examined to determine  the key words.

Effect of moisture content and fuel type on emissions from vegetation using a steady state combustion apparatus

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Priya Garg ◽  
Thomas Roche ◽  
Matthew Eden ◽  
Jacqueline Matz ◽  
Jessica M. Oakes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Moisture Content ◽  
Fuel Type ◽  
Combustion Apparatus ◽  
Effect Of Moisture

scholarly journals Fire Behaviour Observation in Shrublands in Nova Scotia, Canada and Assessment of Aids to Operational Fire Behaviour Prediction

Fire ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 34
Author(s):  
Anne-Claude Pepin ◽  
Mike Wotton
Keyword(s):  
Nova Scotia ◽  
Moisture Content ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Prediction Models ◽  
Seasonal Effect ◽  
Fuel Type ◽  
Fire Behaviour ◽  
Fire Weather Index ◽  
Rate Of Spread ◽  
Wide Range

Parks Canada, in collaboration with Nova Scotia Lands and Forests and Natural Resources Canada, documented shrub fire behaviour in multiple plots burned over two periods: a spring period in June 2014 and a summer period in July 2017. The study area, located within Cape Breton Highlands National Park, comprised fifteen burn units (20 m by 20 m in size). Each unit was ignited by line ignition and burned under a wide range of conditions. Pre-burn fuel characteristics were measured across the site and used to estimate pre-fire fuel load and post-fire fuel consumption. This fuel complex was similar to many flammable shrub types around the world, results show that this shrub fuel type had high elevated fuel loads (3.17 ± 0.84 kg/m2) composed of exposed live and dead stunted black spruce as well as ericaceous shrubs, mainly Kalmia angustifolia (evergreen) and Rhodora canadensis (deciduous). Data show that the dead moisture content in this fuel complex is systematically lower than expected from the traditional relationship between FFMC and moisture content in the Canadian Fire Weather Index System but was statistically correlated with Equilibrium Moisture Content. A significant inverse relationship between bulk density and fire rate of spread was observed as well as a clear seasonal effect between the spring burns and the summer burns, which is likely attributable to the increase in bulk density in the summer. Unlike most shrub research, wind and dead moisture content did not have a statistically significant association with fire spread rates. However, we believe this to be due to noise in wind data and small dataset. Rate of spread as high as 14 m/min and flame lengths over 4 m were recorded under Initial Spread Index values of 6.4 and relative humidity of 54%. A comparison with a number of well-known shrubland spread rate prediction models was made. An aid to operational fire prediction behaviour is proposed, using a fuel type from the Canadian Fire Prediction System (O-1b) and a modified estimate of fuel moisture of the elevated fuel in the fuel complex.

Using fuel and weather variables to predict the sustainability of surface fire spread in maritime pine stands

2008 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 190-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo M. Fernandes ◽  
Hermínio Botelho ◽  
Francisco Rego ◽  
Carlos Loureiro
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Logistic Model ◽  
Fire Spread ◽  
Maritime Pine ◽  
Fuel Moisture ◽  
Fuel Type ◽  
Weather Variables ◽  
Surface Fire ◽  
Pinus Pinaster Ait ◽  
Fuel Moisture Content

Thresholds for surface fire spread were examined in maritime pine ( Pinus pinaster Ait.) stands in northern Portugal. Fire sustainability was assessed after ignition of 2 m fire lines or in larger burns conducted in 10–15 m wide plots. The experiments were carried out from November to June in three fuel types: litter, litter plus shrubs, and litter with a nonwoody understorey. Moisture content of fine dead fuels, on-site weather variables, and descriptors of the fuel complex all had a highly significant influence on the probability of self-sustaining fire spread. A logistic model based solely on fuel moisture content correctly classified the fire sustainability status of 88% of the observations. Nonetheless, the subjectivity of the moisture of extinction concept was apparent, and further accuracy was achieved by the consecutive addition of fire spread direction (forward or backward), fuel type, and ambient temperature. Fully sustained fire spread, in opposition to marginal burns with broken fire fronts, was similarly dependent on fuel moisture but was affected also by fire spread direction and time since rain. The models can benefit fire research and fire management operations but can be made more practical if integrated in a fire danger rating system.

Ignition and fire spread thresholds in gorse (Ulex europaeus)

2010 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 589 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stuart A. J. Anderson ◽  
Wendy R. Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Fire Management ◽  
Fire Spread ◽  
Operational Experience ◽  
Management Planning ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Ulex Europaeus ◽  
Fuel Layer ◽  
Major Variable

Field experiments were carried out in stands of gorse (Ulex europaeus L.) in New Zealand to determine the conditions under which fires would both ignite and spread. Research and operational experience in shrub fuels suggest that there is a clear difference between conditions that support ignition only (fuel ignites but does not spread beyond a single bush or clump) and conditions that are conducive to fire spread (fuel ignites and develops into a spreading fire). It is important for fire management agencies to be equipped with knowledge of these thresholds, because the different conditions require different levels of preparedness and response. Results indicate that the major variable influencing both fire ignition and fire spread development in gorse is the moisture content of the elevated dead fine fuel layer. Fires were observed to spread successfully in this elevated fuel layer only, independently of the surface fuels and the near-surface fuels. Elevated dead fuels failed to ignite at a moisture content of greater than 36%, and ignition only resulted in a spreading fire at moisture contents below 19%. The results correlate well with field observations and fire practitioners’ experience in these fuels, and provide reliable guidelines for fire management planning.

scholarly journals FLAMMABILITY OF ORNAMENTAL SPECIES FOR FIRE MANAGEMENT IN WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE IN PARANÁ STATE

FLORESTA ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 192
Author(s):  
Antonio Carlos Batista ◽  
Daniela Biondi ◽  
Angeline Martini
Keyword(s):  
Fire Management ◽  
Wildland Urban Interface ◽  
Ornamental Species

Implications of foliar terpene content and hydration on leaf flammability of Quercus ilex and Pinus halepensis

Plant Biology ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 123-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. A. Alessio ◽  
J. Peñuelas ◽  
M. De Lillis ◽  
J. Llusià
Keyword(s):  
Quercus Ilex ◽  
Pinus Halepensis ◽  
Terpene Content

scholarly journals Effect of Fire Frequency on the Flammability of Two Mediterranean Pines: Link with Needle Terpene Content

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 2164
Author(s):  
Bastien Romero ◽  
Anne Ganteaume
Keyword(s):  
Fire History ◽  
Pinus Halepensis ◽  
Adaptive Strategies ◽  
Fire Regimes ◽  
Adaptive Strategy ◽  
Fire Frequency ◽  
Plant Evolution ◽  
Fire Event ◽  
Terpene Content ◽  
Mediterranean Plant

Flammability is a major factor involved in Mediterranean plant evolution that has led to the diversity of fire-related traits according to fire regimes and fire-adaptive strategies. With on-going climate change, new fire regimes are threatening plant species if they do not adapt or acclimate. Studying flammability and terpene content variation according to the different fire frequencies in the recent fire history represents a great challenge to anticipating the flammability of ecosystems in the near future. The flammability of shoots and litter as well as the needle terpene contents of two pine species with different fire adaptive strategies (Pinus halepensis and Pinus sylvestris) were measured according to two fire modalities (0 vs. 1–2 fire events over the last 60 years). Results showed that, regardless of the species and the fuel type, flammability was higher in populations having undergone at least one past fire event even when factors influencing flammability (e.g., structural traits and hydric content) were considered. The terpene content did not vary in P. sylvestris’ needles according to the fire modality, but that of sesqui- and diterpenes was higher in P. halepensis’ needles sampled in the “Fire” modality. In addition, associations made between flammability and terpene content using random forest analyses indicated that the terpene molecules differed between fire modalities for both species and fuel types. The same results were obtained with significant terpenes driving flammability as were highlighted in the PLS analyses, especially for P. halepensis for which enhanced shoot flammability in the “Fire” modality agreed with the adaptive strategy of this species to fire.

Yield and Plant Characteristics of Mint Germplasm in Virginia

HortScience ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 463E-463
Author(s):  
M. Rangappa ◽  
H.L. Bhardwaj ◽  
A.A. Hamama
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Ploidy Level ◽  
Geographic Origin ◽  
Total Plant ◽  
Plant Characteristics ◽  
Genetic Makeup ◽  
Pure Lines

A collection of 35 mint (Mentha spp.) lines was evaluated during 1996 for fresh and dry yield, percentage of leaves, leaf moisture, and stem moisture to study suitability for fresh markets. These lines were categorized based on geographic origin (domestic vs. foreign), ploidy level (diploid vs. polyploid), mint type (peppermint vs. spearmint), and genetic makeup (pure lines vs. hybrids), and statistical comparisons were made between these categories. Fresh yield and proportion of fresh leaves in the total harvest were affected by type and genetic makeup of mint accessions. Spearmint had significantly greater yield than peppermint (4.1 vs. 2.5 kg/m2) and higher proportion of leaves (69% vs. 63%). Species had higher fresh yield than hybrids (4.1 vs. 2.7 kg/m2) and higher proportion of leaves (69% vs 65%). Domestic accessions, peppermint, and hybrids had significantly higher leaf moisture than foreign accessions, spearmint, and species (26% vs. 22%, 28% vs. 23%, and 27% vs. 24%, respectively). None of the categories affected moisture content in the total plant harvest or stems. Further details of these data will be presented and discussed.

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