Distribution and Diversity of Beauveria in Boreal Forests of Northern European Russia

The distribution and genetic diversity of 91 of Beauveria isolates collected during a long-term survey in boreal forests of northern European Russia was studied. Based on morphological and sequence analysis of TEF and Bloc loci, three Beauveria spp. were identified: B. pseudobassiana, B. bassiana, and B. caledonica, with abundance of 81, 11, and 8%, respectively. Through multilocus sequencing, four haplotypes of B. bassiana and two haplotypes of B. caledonica were detected. Twelve haplotypes of B. pseudobassiana with non-random distribution were identified. Two haplotypes of B. pseudobassiana were the most abundant and widespread occurring across the whole study area, whereas others tended to be more specific to either the north or south of the study area, indicating the presence of different subpopulations. For further analysis of these putative subpopulations, southern and northern areas were separated along the boundary of the Köppen–Geiger climate zones (dfb and dfc), and the genetic structure was examined by analysis of molecular variance and spatial autocorrelation. Molecular evidence of intraspecific recombination of B. pseudobassiana and B. bassiana across northern European Russia area was indicated.

Facilitating rain-on-snow detection with satellite data

<p>Rain-on-snow modifies snow properties and can lead to the formation of ice crusts which impact wildlife and also vegetation. Events in the Arctic have been recently linked to specific sea ice conditions (longer open water season) for Siberia. Specifically microwave satellite data have been shown applicable for identification of such events across the Arctic. Related snow structure changes can be observed specifically over Scandinavia, northern European Russia and Western Siberia as well as Alaska (Bartsch, 2010). Events which had severe impacts for reindeer herder herding have occurred several times in the last two decades.</p><p>Challenges further include the categorization of severity of events and attribution of observations to rain-on-snow events.</p><p>Calibration and validation of detection schemes have been largely based on indirect measures. Usually a combination of air temperature and snow height measurements, supported by reports of such events are analysed.</p><p>In this presentation, the utility of current calibration and validation approaches are discussed. Requirements towards in situ data from the viewpoint of satellite based retrievals are outlined.</p><p>Bartsch, A. Ten Years of SeaWinds on QuikSCAT for Snow Applications. Remote Sens. 2010, 2, 1142-1156.</p>

Context-Based Spatial Decisions in Landscape-Ecological Planning

ContextThe vital challenge for the context-based landscape planning is integrating assessments of for both intrinsic properties of a unit and its value in a broad spatial context.ObjectivesThe purpose is to develop the procedure which provides context-based criteria at relevant scales, considers matter flows and dynamic events.MethodsThe methodology involves identification of landscape patterns, revealing mechanisms of radial and lateral relationships, considering changes of landscape patterns, and revealing functioning mechanisms causing directed changes. The proposals proceed from multiplicity of patterns and integrate knowledge of processes in biophysical units, catenas, basins, and matrix elements. The plan was elaborated for the taiga landscape in northern European Russia.ResultsDevelopment of ecological network is aimed at increase of forest cover in basins up to 35% to enhance runoff regulation, prevent soil erosion, and stabilize the riparian biocorridor. The highest significance was assigned to the units that have intrinsic ecological values and contribute to lateral transportation of matter over vast areas. Width of buffer strips intercepting input of pollutants to rivers was adapted to proportions of elements and neighborhoods in catenas. Outside the ecological network, we identified priorities for the multifunctional use of units based on the assessment of drainage conditions, soil quality, and risk of erosion. ConclusionsThe procedure takes into consideration landscape hierarchy and multiplicity of spatial patterns. Integrating multiple models is in compliance with the systemic essence of a landscape ensuring understanding of geodiversity, lateral connections, and the emergent effects that ensure the landscape services for society.

Growth and structure of pre-mature mixed stands of Scots pine created by direct seeding in the boreal zone

The purpose of the research is to analyse the successful creation of an artificial pine forest by seeding and develop recommendations for the guaranteed reproduction of pine stands in Northern European Russia. In recent decades, there has been a steady decline in the share of pine stands and their replacement with low-value and low-yielding tree species. We surveyed 12 permanent sample plots that were laid out in various variants of forest crops. The taxation parameters were obtained by a standard analysis of the experimental data. The evaluation parameters of the stands vary within the following limits: the average diameter of the pine trees varied from 21.9 to 30.9 cm; the total basal area of the pine varied from 19.1 to 38.8 m2∙ha–1; the average height of the pine varied from 20.1 to 26.8 m; the number of growing trees varied from 754 to 1 952 ha–1; the pines varied from 382 to 762 ha–1; the growing stocks of stands varied from 416 to 608 m3∙ha–1. The distribution of pine trees by thickness steps showed that all the studied samples were close to the normal distribution curve. The results of the correlation and multidimensional analyses showed that the creation method of the forest crops had a significant impact on the value of the taxation parameters. It was found that the best options for growing pure pine stands that can be recommended for practical production are plots with a large share of soil cultivation and the size of the seedbed.

Hazardous Ice Phenomena In Rivers Of The Russian Arctic Zone Under Current Climate Conditions And The Safety Of Water Use

The ice regime of the Russian Arctic rivers and its hazardous manifestations under current climate conditions are characterized. The ice phenomena in rivers in the region determine the conditions of navigation, water supply, hydropower station (HPS) operation, and the construction of temporary ice bridges and roads. Data of more than 100 hydrological gages over period from 1936 to 2016 were used to compile various cartographic materials and to analyze the spatial variations of the dates of ice phenomena, the duration of ice-free and ice cover periods, and the maximal ice thickness. Special attention is paid to the characteristics of level regime in periods with ice phenomena. Data on the frequency of floodplain inundation during spring ice run, the hazard of ice jams, and the seasonal features of the passage of maximal annual water level are generalized.The observed changes in ice regime characteristics and ice hazard are analyzed. The years of the start of statistically significant shift of the periods of ice phenomena, caused by both climate changes and anthropogenic impact, are identified. The increase in the duration of the ice-free period was found to be not greater than 3–4 days for East Siberian rivers, 5–6 days for the Middle and West Siberian rivers, and up to 10–12 days for the rivers in the European part. A decrease in the maximal ice thickness is most pronounced in the rivers of the Northern European Russia, where it is 10–15 cm. The frequency of floodplain inundation during spring ice run remains constant.