Mongolian pine forest decline by the combinatory effect of European woodwasp and plant pathogenic fungi

Interactions between the decline of Mongolian pine woodlands and fungal communities and invasive pests in northeastern China are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the fungal communities occurring in three tree samples: the woodwasp Sirex noctilio infested, healthy uninfested and unhealthy uninfested Mongolian pine trees. We analyzed the relationships of the Mongolian pine decline with fungal infection and woodwasp infestation. Twenty-six fungal species were identified from the sampled trees. Each tree sample harbored a fungal endophyte community with a unique structure. Pathogenic fungi richness was four times higher in infested and unhealthy un-infested trees compared to that in healthy uninfested trees. Sphaeropsis sapinea was the most dominant pathogenic fungus in the sampled Mongolian pine trees. The number of S. noctilio was higher than native bark beetles in the declining Mongolian pine trees. The invasion of the woodwasp appeared to be promoted by the fungal infection in the Mongolian pine trees. The incidence of S. noctilio infestation was higher in the fungi infected trees (83.22%) than those without infection (38.72%). S. sapinea population exhibited positive associations with within-tree colonization of S. noctilio and bark beetle. Collectively, these data indicate that the fungal disease may have caused as the initial reason the decline of the Mongolian pine trees, and also provided convenient conditions for the successful colonization of the woodwasp. The woodwasps attack the Mongolian pine trees infected by fungi and accelerated its decline.

Contribution to the study of xylophagus insects and their role in the decline of Alep pine (Pinus halepensis mill.) in El Ouldja’s Megsem forest (Setif - Algeria)

Pinus halepensis Mill., is an essence from the Pinaceae family. This importance is attributed to its economic and aesthetic values. Despite its robustness, this tree is subject to many degradation factors including, for some time, that of wood-boring insects which for the most part are fatal. The purpose of this investigation is to classify these insects, define their role in pine decline and evaluate the damage caused by them in the Megsem forest. The result of the study shows that members of the Curculionidae, Cerambycidae and Buprestidae families could be held responsible for the majority of the damage observed on the pine Keywords: Pinus halepensis, decline, Megsem, wood-boring insects, Algeria

Cultural importance of white pine (Pinus strobus L.) to the Kitcisakik Algonquin community of western Quebec, Canada

Trees and forests have always played a significant role in the cultural and spiritual lives of societies. Understanding the cultural importance of tree species is necessary to develop socially acceptable forest management and restoration strategies. White pine (Pinus strobus L.) used to be abundant in northeastern North America, including on the ancestral territory of the Kitcisakik Algonquin community (western Quebec, Canada). The community is calling for restoration and sustainable management of white pine on their ancestral territory. As a first step towards this goal, key informant interviews were used to document the cultural importance of white pine to the Kitcisakik community. White pine was perceived as an important component of traditional life, providing several goods and services. White pine is featured in legends, is used as a medicine, provides habitat for flagship wildlife species, and is a prominent part of cultural landscapes. White pine is a cultural keystone species for the Kitcisakik Algonquin community. Local people point to extensive logging as the reason behind white pine decline on the ancestral territory. They suggest that mixed plantations should be used in a culturally adapted restoration strategy.