NEW RECORDS OF HALIPLIDAE, DYTISCIDAE, HYDROPHILIDAE AND SCIRTIDAE (COLEOPTERA) FROM LIPETSK OBLAST

Six species of aquatic Coleoptera are recorded from the Lipetsk Oblast for the first time: Haliplus flavicollis Sturm, 1834 (Haliplidae); Agabus paludosus (Fabricius, 1801), Ilybius neglectus (Erichson, 1837), I. wasastjernae (C.R. Sahlberg, 1824), Hydroporus incognitus Sharp, 1869, Hygrotus versicolor (Schaller, 1783) (Dytiscidae), Hydrobius rottenbergii Gerhardt, 1872 (Hydrophilidae). Two species (Ilybius wasastjernae, Hydroporus incognitus), are recorded at the southernmost limits of the known range in the European part of Russia. The record of Contacyphon laevipennis (Tournier, 1868) is confirmed by provided material. For three species, original photographs of the habitus and male genitalia are provided, and for two ones – of the habitat.

DISTRIBUTION OF TEMPERATURE INDICES OF EXTREME IN THE TERRITORY OF THE EUROPEAN PART OF RUSSIA IN THE PERIOD 1980-2019

The spatio-temporal variability of the average values of temperature indices of climate extremity in the territory of the European part of Russia (ER) in 1980-2019 is presented. To calculate the extremeness indices, we used hourly data on the maximum and minimum temperatures obtained using the ERA5 reanalysis on a 1°´1° spatial grid. Statistical processing of the index values revealed an increase in the temperature indices TNX, TNN, TXN, TXX, associated with the minimum and maximum temperatures, with the exception of the north and southeast of the region. An increase in the number of sunny days and a decrease in the number of frosty days were also revealed.

Analysis of the polymorphism of microsatellite loci in Picea abies (L.) H. Karst. and Picea obovatа Ledeb populations

Процессы генезиса хвойных лесов интенсивно изучаются с использованием методов молекулярного маркирования. Микросателлитные локусы рассматриваются в качестве наиболее полиморфной и воспроизводимой системы кодоминантных молекулярных маркеров. В цели исследования входило установить возможность использования микросателлитных маркеров для определения видовых различий между елью европейской и сибирской (Picea abies и Picea obovatа), а также оценить степень генетической обособленности региональных популяций ели на территории Европейской части РФ. Исследование показало, что использование набора из двенадцати микросателлитных маркеров позволяет разделить выборку елей, собранных с европейской и азиатской частей страны, на два генетических кластера, соответствующих видам Picea abies и Picea obovatа. Проанализированные в исследовании микросателлитные локусы могут быть использованы для оценки генетического разнообразия и географического происхождения ели европейской и сибирской. The processes of genesis of coniferous forests are widely investigating using molecular markers. Many studies are based on the analysis of microsatellite loci, which are acknowledged as the most reproducible and polymorphic co-dominant molecular markers. This study is aimed to establish the possibility of using microsatellite markers to determine differentiation between Norway and Siberian spruce (Picea abies and Picea obovata). Another task of this research was to assess the degree of genetic isolation of regional spruce population in the territory of European part of the Russian Federation. This study shows that using a large number of microsatellite markers allows to divide the sample of spruce collected from European part of Russia and Siberia in two genetic clusters, corresponding to Picea abies and Picea obovata. The microsatellite loci analyzed in the study can be used to assess genetic diversity and geographic origin of spruce trees and determine the origin of wood and planting material of Norway and Siberian spruce.

Oak forests of the alliance Scutellario altissimae–Quercion roboris Goncharenko et al. 2020 in the South of the European part of Russia

The article describes a new association of meso-xerophylous forests in the South of the European part of Russia Poo nemoralis–Quercetum roboris ass. nov. hoc loco, its differentiation from analogous syntaxa is discussed, and new data on the distribution of communities of the alliance Scutellario altissimae–Quercion roboris Goncharenko et al. 2020 on the Russian Plain are done. Vegetation classification was carried out by J. Braun-Blanquet approach based on 470 relevés of forest vegetation, collected by the author in 2007–2021 in the northern and central parts of Rostov, Voronezh and Volgograd Regions. In addition, the analysis included 777 relevés from the phytocenary made by G. M. Zozulin in the same regions in 1960–1980s. Based on the studies carried out, the current area of the alliance can be expanded to the lower reaches of the Don River. For a more adequate reflection of the floristic, ecological and geographical features of its communities, it was proposed to change the composition of the diagnostic species of the alliance and it was recommended to amend the current definition of the order Quercetalia pubescenti-petraeae, expanding its area to Eastern Europe.

New Serbian records of the slug Tandonia kusceri (H. Wagner, 1931) (Gastropoda: Eupulmonata: Milacidae) suggest its continuous dispersal to the north

Tandonia kusceri (H. Wagner) is a terrestrial slug native to the Balkan Peninsula (S. Serbia, N. Macedonia, Bulgaria and Dobrudja region of Romania) and the European part of Turkey. In Serbia, it was known mostly from the southern regions. The northernmost locality (Palić settlement, near Subotica) reported here suggests that the slug’s distribution is nearly continuous from its native range until Slovakia. The new record was first recognised from the pictures posted on a Facebook group for insect identification in 2021. The identification was subsequently confirmed by anatomical examination. This further emphasises the importance of social media in monitoring the spread of invasive invertebrates.

VOLOSOVO RETOUCHERS

Волосовская культура была распространена в центре европейской части России в позднем неолите - энеолите. Среди артефактов этой культуры на ряде стоянок представлены роговые стержни и изогнутые предметы неясного назначения. В результате проведенного авторами трасологического анализа установлено, что они являются составными частями ретушеров для обработки кремневых орудий. При этом изогнутые предметы были рукоятками, в паз которых вставлялись стержни, служившие рабочими частями этих орудий. Такая конструкция ретушера была оптимальной с функциональной точки зрения. Почти без изменений она дожила до этнографической современности. The Volosovo culture was spread in the center of the European part of Russia in the Late Neolithic-Eneolithic. The artifacts of this culture retrieved from a number of sites include antler rods and curved items of unknown functions. The tracewear analysis conducted by the authors established that these items are parts of composite retouchers used to treat flint tools. The curved items were handles with a slot into which rods used as working parts of the tools were inserted. This design of a retoucher was optimal from the functional point of view. It has survived into ethnographic modernity with almost no changes.

Stem Volume Tables by Height Classes of Willow Trees in the Northern Taiga Region of the European Part of the Russian Federation

In order to improve the accuracy of forest inventory works, tables of stem volume by height classes of willow trees in the northern taiga region of the European part of the Russian Federation were created. Forest inventory standards have not previously been developed for this species in the northern taiga region. The analytical technique proposed by I.I. Gusev in 1971 for spruce forests of the European North was used in compiling the height class volume tables. It was later adopted for the description of other tree species as well. Diameters and heights of trees were measured at 41 sample plots laid out in the Verkhnyaya Toyma and Arkhangelsk forestries of the Arkhangelsk region; 105 model trees were sampled. In most cases, sample plots were laid out in mixed plantations with the predominance of willow. The data obtained on the sample plots served to determine the parameters of the height class scale. The information source for stem volume of willow trees used to be the stem volume tables for aspen trees. A comparative analysis of the tables compiled for willow trees stems with the tables for aspen taken from the Forest Valuation Handbook for the Northeast of the European part of the Russian Federation was carried out. The analysis shows significant discrepancy in the scales for willow and aspen. The use of aspen height class volume tables for willow leads to a systematic overestimation of wood volumes. Tables of stem volumes by height classes of willow trees are used to determine stand stock with the enumeration data by 4-centimeter diameter classes. The developed tables meet the forest practice requirements. The volume tables by height classes are used to calculate timber reserves when laying out sample plots; to determine the damage level in case of stand damage; and for other practical purposes. For citation: Paramonov A.A., Tretyakov S.V., Koptev S.V., Bogdanov A.P., Tsvetkov I.V. Stem Volume Tables by Height Classes of Willow Trees in the Northern Taiga Region of the European Part of the Russian Federation. Lesnoy Zhurnal [Russian Forestry Journal], 2021, no. 6, pp. 69–78. DOI: 10.37482/0536-1036-2021-6-69-78

Berry crop productivity assessment in Seltinsky and Vavozhsky forestries in Udmurt Republic

The study of berry crops was carried out on the territory of forest areas located in the southern taiga forests in the European part of the Russian Federation, in the taiga zone and in the area of coniferous-broadleaved (mixed) forests of the European part of the Russian Federation as well as in the zone of coniferous-broadleaved forests. By establishing circular plots in the prevailing types of forest, the dominant berry crops were determined such as cranberries (Vaccinium vítis-idaéa L.), blueberries (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) and wild strawberries (Fragaria vesca L.). The dependence of their yield on the age and the stand density was revealed. The biological, commercial and economic reserves of berry resources are calculated. It is established that there are sufficient volumes for harvesting berries in the studied forest areas. Recommendations on the rational and sustainable use of these resources are given.

Fir Reproduction Technology for Harvesting Coniferous Boughs

The article considers the use of innovative technologies in logging industry. Manufacture of products “for health” can turn into a substantial profit if one approaches the business competently and chooses a low-competitive niche. Nowadays, there are still types of industries where competition is minimal, despite high consumer demand. These include the industrial production of fir needle oil, which is popular with consumers. It is famous for its healing properties and is used in treating colds, intestinal issues, joints, and nervous disorders; in the manufacture of cosmetics and medicines (ointments and creams). However, there are a number of issues related to the organization of the fir needle oil production, which are the basis of legislation in this area. This applies to the harvesting of raw materials. The share of fir stands in the composition of forests is constantly decreasing. In the European part of Russia, it became necessary to find a way to ensure a regular supply of fir needle oil enterprises with the necessary raw materials. The article proposes a new technology for the artificial reproduction of fir plantations for the purpose of their further use in the production of fir needle oil. A periodic cycle, which allows producing fir needle oil wherever a fir plantation is laid out, is recommended. The design of the device has also been developed. It helps to reduce the planting time, the loads on people when forming the planting spot and thereby increase labor productivity. The article materials can serve as a guide for the efficient use of production resources (people and machinery) for those who lease land for fir growing for oil production. For citation: Tsarev E.М., Rukomojnikov K.P., Anisimov S.E., Tatarinov D.S. Fir Reproduction Technology for Harvesting Coniferous Boughs. Lesnoy Zhurnal [Russian Forestry Journal], 2021, no. 6, pp. 79–88. DOI: 10.37482/0536-1036-2021-6-79-88