Comparative and phylogenetic analyses of eleven complete chloroplast genomes of Dipterocarpoideae

Background In South-east Asia, Dipterocarpoideae is predominant in most mature forest communities, comprising around 20% of all trees. As large quantity and high quality wood are produced in many species, Dipterocarpoideae plants are the most important and valuable source in the timber market. The d-borneol is one of the essential oil components from Dipterocarpoideae (for example, Dryobalanops aromatica or Dipterocarpus turbinatus) and it is also an important traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulation known as “Bingpian” in Chinese, with antibacterial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects and can enhance anticancer efficiency. Methods In this study, we analyzed 20 chloroplast (cp) genomes characteristics of Dipterocarpoideae, including eleven newly reported genomes and nine cp genomes previously published elsewhere, then we explored the chloroplast genomic features, inverted repeats contraction and expansion, codon usage, amino acid frequency, the repeat sequences and selective pressure analyses. At last, we constructed phylogenetic relationships of Dipterocarpoideae and found the potential barcoding loci. Results The cp genome of this subfamily has a typical quadripartite structure and maintains a high degree of consistency among species. There were slightly more tandem repeats in cp genomes of Dipterocarpus and Vatica, and the psbH gene was subjected to positive selection in the common ancestor of all the 20 species of Dipterocarpoideae compared with three outgroups. Phylogenetic tree showed that genus Shorea was not a monophyletic group, some Shorea species and genus Parashorea are placed in one clade. In addition, the rpoC2 gene can be used as a potential marker to achieve accurate and rapid species identification in subfamily Dipterocarpoideae. Conclusions Dipterocarpoideae had similar cp genomic features and psbM, rbcL, psbH may function in the growth of Dipterocarpoideae. Phylogenetic analysis suggested new taxon treatment is needed for this subfamily indentification. In addition, rpoC2 is potential to be a barcoding gene to TCM distinguish.

The Management Response to Wind Disturbances in European Forests

Purpose of the Review The review synthesises the current knowledge of post-windstorm management in selected European countries in order to identify knowledge gaps and guide future research. Recent Findings Despite the differences in forest ownership and national regulations, management experiences in Europe converge at (1) the need for mechanization of post-windthrow management to ensure operator safety, (2) the importance to promote operator training and optimise the coordination between all the actors involved in disturbance management and (3) the need to implement measures to consolidate the timber market while restoring forest ecosystem services and maintain biodiversity. Summary Windstorms are natural disturbances that drive forest dynamics but also result in socio-economic losses. As the frequency and magnitude of wind disturbances will likely increase in the future, improved disturbance management is needed. We here highlight the best practices and remaining challenges regarding the strategic, operational, economic and environmental dimensions of post-windthrow management in Europe. Our literature review underlined that post-disturbance management needs to be tailored to each individual situation, taking into account the type of forest, site conditions, available resources and respective legislations. The perspectives on windthrown timber differ throughout Europe, ranging from leaving trees on site to storing them in sophisticated wet storage facilities. Salvage logging is considered important in forests susceptible to bark beetle outbreaks, while no salvage logging is recommended in forests protecting against natural hazards. Remaining research gaps include questions of balancing between the positive and negative effects of salvage logging and integrating climate change considerations more explicitly in post-windthrow management.

Prospective directions regarding the management of forestry development in Podilsk economic region

The article considers theoretical and methodological approaches and prospects for stimulating the development of forestry in the Podilsk economic region. The main factors of negative impact on stimulation and development in the forest sector of the region are identified. Promising management approaches that will ensure effectiveness in the management of the timber industry are clarified. The stages of solving the problems of forestry in carrying out reforms with the use of foreign experience, as well as improving institutions, market mechanisms in combination with state support are given. It is proved that the development of the forest resource sphere of the Podilsk economic region should be based on the active cooperation of public-private partnership, which will attract additional financial resources for the development, modernization and creation of new forestry industries. And also change of the approach of administrative decisions will promote development of infrastructural maintenance of the Podolsk economic area. The introduction of modern management mechanisms will reduce the monopolization of the timber market in the region, and the attraction of private capital in forestry will lead to a competitive environment. In turn, forestries, as stakeholders in the regional market process, will be motivated to increase wood diversity with an emphasis on more valuable species of wood. The directions of improvement and improvement of conditions of forestry development in Podil economic region, and also regulation of forestry which should provide stable development of forestry by increase of rationality of management and multipurpose use of forest resources are defined.

Tree dimension and environmental correlates of heartwood content in Siamese rosewood (Dalbergia cochinchinensis)

Meunpong P, Penboon C, Kuasakun N, Wachrinrat C. 2021. Tree dimension and environmental correlates of heartwood content in Siamese rosewood (Dalbergia cochinchinensis). Biodiversitas 22: 3297-3303. Siamese rosewood (Dalbergia cochinchinensis) is considered amongst the prime timber varieties in high demand with the wood fetching high prices in the international timber market. Therefore, illegal logging and smuggling of Siamese rosewood from natural forests poses a severe problem in Thailand. Heartwood and its content is the most valuable part of Siamese rosewood, which in practice, cannot be measured directly in living trees. Hence, we investigated the relationship between the heartwood content of Siamese rosewood, and tree dimension and environmental characteristics across eleven plantations throughout Thailand construct a model for predicting the heartwood content using specific environmental variables. The results indicate that there were differences in the mean annual increment of all measurement parameters (d0, d30, dbh, and total height of a tree) across eleven plantations studied. However, we did not find any statistically significant differences between the increments in heartwood diameter. Furthermore, we found that suitable location for Siamese rosewood plantation could result in doubling of growth rate. We report that dbh was the most relevant variable and could be used as a predictor for heartwood content. In terms of environmental variables, soil properties at top layer that affect the heartwood content were particle density, organic matter, and silt particles. Using the resulted equation formulated in this study may be useful when planning areas for suitable plantations of Siamese rosewood in Thailand.

Changes in the Market of Precious Wood: A Case Study of Submission System in Poland

A timber market occupies a very particular position within the economic reality. Trading of commodities such as precious timber is, indeed, strongly conditioned by the carrying capacity and the silvicultural potential of the forest ecosystem. Timber markets in Poland are characterized by a controlling position of the State Forests, and one of the possible forms of wood sale is the system of submission. A submission usually implies that small quantities of wood with unusual features are being offered to a specific group of customers. The paper presents the sale results and prices of veneer wood commercialized in submission systems and in other forms of timber sale in the territory of Krosno during the years 2000−2019. It is one of the oldest submission markets in Poland, where the most expensive log ever in Poland was sold (13,000 USD/log—close to 7000 USD/m3). The Regional Directorate of State Forest (RDSF) of Krosno is located in the south-eastern part of Poland and manages a forest area of approximately 400,000 hectares. Annual timber harvesting amounts to 2 million m3, of which less than 2000 m3 annually is allocated to the submissions. The data cover a 20-year continuous time series and allow tracing changes in the wood volume offered to the market, the species population structure, and price trends for individual species. The data are being discussed against the background of the economic situation and in relation to the average prices obtained from other methods of sale. Beech was the most sold, but the demands for oak and sycamore appeared to be particularly high during the period of observation. The unity prices can be very variable even for wood from the same species, especially for sycamore. The prices are generally demand-driven and show strong influences from furniture industries and fashion. A rising demand for high quality timber and logs of big dimensions has been noticed. The submission system results in substantial economic benefits for the forest management and the region as a whole.

Current (2020) and Long-Term (2035 and 2050) Sustainable Potentials of Wood Fuel in Switzerland

Wood fuel has become central in environmental policy and decision-making processes in cross-sectoral areas. Proper consideration of different types of woody biomass is fundamental in forming energy transition and decarbonization strategies. We quantified the development of theoretical (TPs) and sustainable (SPs) potentials of wood fuel from forests, trees outside forests, wood residues and waste wood in Switzerland for 2020, 2035 and 2050. Ecological and economic restrictions, timber market situations and drivers of future developments (area size, tree growth, wood characteristics, population growth, exporting/importing (waste wood)) were considered. We estimated a SP of wood fuel between 26.5 and 77.8 PJ/a during the three time points. Results demonstrate that the SP of wood fuel could be significantly increased already in the short term. This, as a moderate stock reduction (MSR) strategy in forests, can lead to large surpluses in SPs compared to the wood fuel already used today (~36 PJ/a), with values higher by 51% (+18.2 PJ) in 2020 and by 59% (+21.3 PJ) in 2035. To implement these surpluses (e.g., with a cascade approach), a more circular economy with sufficient processing capacities of the subsequent timber industries and the energy plants to convert the resources is required.

The European charcoal trade

About half the wood extracted worldwide from forests is used as fuelwood to produce energy, about 17 percent is converted to charcoal (FAO 2017) which represents one of the least controlled/monitored segments of the European timber market. Although charcoal has a significant share on the European market of wood-based products it is not yet covered by the European Timber Regulations (EUTR), (EU) No 995/2010. For this project, a total of 150 charcoal consignments from eleven countries (Germany, Poland, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Norway, Denmark, Netherlands, Ukraine, Czech Republic, and Belgium) were examined and evaluated based on the 3D-reflected light microscopy technique. The high-resolution study indicates the proportion of different European timbers compared with that of timbers from subtropical and tropical regions. The share of subtropical and tropical species is surprisingly high with approximately 46% for material received from all countries studied, but far over 60% for Spain, Italy, Poland, and Belgium. The study shows that comparing the results for charcoal received from these countries there is an inversely proportional relation of certified products (FSC and PEFC) and products with timbers from subtropical or tropical origins. In the charcoal consignments from Switzerland, the share of timbers from subtropical or tropical origin is only 13.5%, whereas that of certified products is 60%. In material received from Spain, the proportion of timbers from subtropical or tropical regions is 67%, whereas that of certified products only 8%. A careful check of the declaration on the packaging, of the accompanying certificates, and the information on origin revealed alarming evidence: only 25% of the consignments examined provide information on the bags, e.g., with regard to the processed wood species; and well over half of such declarations were incorrect and/or incomplete. A trade flow analysis of EU member states was carried out to contribute to a better understanding of the relationships between international charcoal trade flows and the end products in European countries. This approach contributes to an essential understanding of charcoal transit in Europe and the results constitute a strong motive for the inclusion of charcoal in the respective annex to the EUTR.

Structure, Conduct and Performance of Timber Market in Ife East Local Government of Osun State, Nigeria

The study focused on the structure, conduct and performance of timber market in Ife-east Local Governments of Oyo state. The major objective of this study is to assess the marketing pattern of timber in the study areas. The research method used for achieving the general objectives involved Descriptive Statistics and Gini Coefficient. Variations were observed in the price of the timber of the same species but different size because price determination is based on bargaining power. The result showed majority of respondents (58.8%) had secondary education, Muslim was dominant (54.6%) in the timber marketing and majority of marketers had regular supply of their product. . Government policy, high cost of transportation, inadequate credit facilities and high cost of energy and power were some of the constraints faced by timber marketers in the study area. The use of modern equipment and machines are needed to replace the outdated equipment in order to increase the output and profit. The level of access to credit facilities should be improved upon by encouraging the respondent to form cooperative societies so that they can mobilize enough working capital for their business. Keywords: Structure, conduct, Performance, Timber, ife, market

Mechanical properties of Ficus vallis-choudae (Delile), a lesser utilized species in Nigeria

Declining availability of the prime economic species in the Nigerian timber market has led to the introduction of Lesser-Used Species (LUS) as alternatives. Their acceptability demands information on the technical properties of their wood. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanical properties of Ficus vallis-choudae to determine its potential for timber. Three mature Ficus vallis-choudae trees were selected and harvested from a free forest area in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Samples were collected from the base (10%), middle (50%), and top (90%) along the sampling heights of each tree, which was further partitioned into innerwood, centrewood, and outerwood across the sampling radial position. Investigations were carried out to determine the age, density, moisture content, impact strength, modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, compressive strength parallel-to-grain, and shear strength parallel-to-grain. The mean impact bending strength, modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, maximum shear strength parallel-to-grain, and maximum compression strength parallel-to-grain for Ficus vallis-choudae at 12% moisture content were 20.4 N/mm2, 85.8 N/mm2, 709 N/mm2, 10.7 N/mm2, and 33.6 N/mm2, respectively. The study found the species to be dense with high strength properties in comparison with well-known timbers used for constructional purposes.

CARACTERÍSTICAS QUÍMICAS E FÍSICAS DA MADEIRA DE MOGNO AFRICANO (Khaya ivorensis A. Chev.)

A demanda pela madeira de mogno africano (Khaya ivorensis) é crescente, visando suprir o setor de produtos serrados. Para atender ao mercado madeireiro, a aptidão tecnológica das espécies, geralmente é verificada através da avaliação das suas características inerentes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi quantificar ao longo do tronco, os extrativos, lignina e a massa específica básica dessa espécie. O material analisado foram quatro árvores provenientes de um plantio homogêneo de 10 anos, localizado em Mato Grosso. As subamostras foram retirados nas porcentagens de 0, 25, 50, 75 e 100% da altura comercial das árvores. As análises químicas tiveram como referência as normas da ABTCP (1974) e os ensaios físicos, as normas da ABNT/NBR 11941-02 (2003). Na quantificação de extrativos, a água fria apresentou a menor média (3,91%) e o hidróxido de sódio a maior (20,57%). O teor médio de lignina foi de 30,29% e a massa específica média foi de 0,530 g cm-³. Os dados foram analisados com base na análise de variância, teste de médias e componentes principais (ACP). Concluiu-se que a madeira estudada apresentou características tecnológicas compatíveis para ser utilizada na área moveleira, e também em construções externas, mostrando potencial competitivo para atuar no setor.Palavras chave: extrativos; lignina; massa específica básica; qualidade de madeira. CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF AFRICAN MAHOGANY WOOD (Khaya ivorensis A. Chev.) ABSTRACT: Demand for African mahogany (Khaya ivorensis) wood is increasing to supply the sawn timber sector. To cater to the timber market, the technological suitability of the species is generally verified by assessing their inherent characteristics. The objective of this work was to quantify along the trunk the extractives, lignin and the basic specific mass of this species. The analyzed material were five trees from a homogeneous planting of 10 years, located in Mato Grosso. The subsamples were taken in percentages of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of the commercial height of the trees. The chemical analysis had as reference the ABTCP (1974) norms and the physical tests, the ABNT/NBR 11941-02 (2003) norms. In the quantification of extractives, cold water presented the lowest average (3.91%) and sodium hydroxide the largest (20.57%). The average lignin content was 30.29% and the average specific mass was 0.530 g cm-³. Data were analyzed based on analysis of variance, means test and principal components (PCA). It was concluded that the woodstudied presented technological characteristics compatible to be used in the furniture area, as well as in external constructions, showing competitive potential to operate in the sector.Keywords: extractives; lignin; basic specific mass; quality wood.