Article
Environmental Sciences
D. Pasquini, A. Gori, M. Pollastrini, F. Alderotti, M. Centritto, F. Ferrini, C. Brunetti
Summary: Climate change is causing tree dieback in Mediterranean forests, leading to changes in land cover and plant community composition. This study examines the relationship between crown defoliation of Quercus ilex trees and understory plant composition, as well as the emissions of Biogenic Volatile Organic Compounds (BVOCs) over three years. The results show that crown defoliation and mortality of Q. ilex trees lead to changes in the understory plant community and a reduction in terpene emissions. This has important implications for the functioning of Mediterranean forest ecosystems and atmospheric chemistry.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Manuel Encinas-Valero, Raquel Esteban, Ana-Maria Heres, Jose Maria Becerril, Jose Ignacio Garcia-Plazaola, Unai Artexe, Maria Vivas, Alejandro Solla, Gerardo Moreno, Jorge Curiel Yuste
Summary: This study investigated the photoprotective responses of holm oak trees under stress and found differential photochemical performance and photoprotective compounds concentration depending on the health status of the trees. Declining trees showed higher energy dissipation yield, lower photochemical efficiency, and enhanced photoprotective compounds. The study also demonstrated that changes in leaf contents can serve as early stress markers for holm oak decline. Therefore, the use of photosynthesis performance indexes and leaf tocopherols concentration as early diagnostic tools can predict declining trends.
Article
Agronomy
Sergi Garcia-Barreda, Cristina Valeriano, J. Julio Camarero
Summary: Droughts are becoming more frequent in the Mediterranean basin due to warmer conditions. This study examines the legacy effects of drought on acorn and male inflorescence production and radial growth in Quercus ilex trees. The results show that while there were few negative legacy effects on acorn production in the years following droughts, there was a negative effect of drought stress on tree growth and acorn production, linked to dry winter conditions. The timing, duration, intensity of the drought, and post-drought climate conditions all influence tree growth and reproduction legacies.
AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST METEOROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Paolo Zuccarini, Dolores Asensio, Jordi Sardans, Roma Ogaya, Lei Liu, Josep Penuelas
Summary: Ongoing increases in global levels of nitrogen deposition affect the structure and functioning of ecosystems. In a mesic Mediterranean holm oak forest, N addition increased photosynthetic potential and P-and C-related enzyme activities, but had no effect on N-related enzyme activities. N deposition also increased microbial biomass and influenced soil microbial community structure.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Esther Bochet, Maria Jose Molina, Vicente Monleon, Tiscar Espigares, Jose Manuel Nicolau, Mariano Moreno de Las Heras, Patricio Garcia-Fayos
Summary: The study highlighted the strong interaction between aridity and past human disturbance on soil and vegetation properties in Mediterranean holm oak woodlands. Results showed a non-linear trend in soil function with increasing disturbance in sub-humid conditions, while a linear decline was observed in semi-arid and dry-transition conditions. Structural changes in vegetation accompanied these patterns, indicating a critical climatic threshold between sub-humid and dry-transition conditions.
Article
Plant Sciences
Aasma Tufail, Farooq Ahmad, Mansoor Hameed, Muhammad Ahsan, Mohammad K. K. Okla, Umme Habibah Siddiqua, Noreen Khalid, Madiha Rashid, Anis Ali Shah, Momtaz M. M. Hegab, Hamada AbdElgawad
Summary: Different ecotypes of Bermuda grass were collected and evaluated for their structural and functional adaptations to environmental stress. The Derawar Fort-Saline Desert ecotype displayed the most significant anatomical modifications, including changes in stem cross-sectional area and leaf sheath thickness, which enhance water storage and solute translocation. Other ecotypes also exhibited different adaptive features, such as root sclerification in the Gatwala Saline Semiarid ecotype.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Rocco Pace, Gabriele Guidolotti, Chiara Baldacchini, Emanuele Pallozzi, Rudiger Grote, David J. Nowak, Carlo Calfapietra
Summary: The study validated i-Tree Eco's PM2.5 deposition calculations by comparing them with experimental data, showing good overall agreement in fluxes between the model and measurements. Net deposition mainly occurred in the first part of the day when atmospheric PM concentration was higher, followed by increased resuspension rates in the second part of the day with higher wind speeds. Sensitivity analysis of model parameters indicated that better representation of PM deposition fluxes could be achieved through adjusted deposition velocities.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Albert Bach, Jose Joaquin Ceron, Roser Maneja, Joan Llusia, Josep Penuelas, Damian Escribano
Summary: This study found significant changes in cortisol, alpha amylase activity, and IgA in saliva after an 8-hour exposure to a Mediterranean Holm oak forest, suggesting the impact of forest exposure on stress biomarkers. These results provide important data for further research in this field.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ana Lopez-Ballesteros, Emilio Rodriguez-Caballero, Gerardo Moreno, Paula Escribano, Ana-Maria Heres, Jorge Curiel Yuste
Summary: Forest decline events have increased worldwide, with holm oak being a species of concern due to its southernmost distribution within Europe. Drought, soil pathogens, and overlooked abiotic factors such as land use and topography are found to jointly determine the spatiotemporal patterns of holm oak decline in Spain. The results contribute to the understanding of the influence of local topography on forest resilience and can help identify potential tree decline hotspots and their main causes in the Mediterranean region.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Albert Bach, Roser Maneja, Quim Zaldo-Aubanell, Teresa Romanillos, Joan Llusia, Alba Eustaquio, Oscar Palacios, Josep Penuelas
Summary: This study aimed to analyze human absorption of monoterpenes during forest exposure, focusing on four most abundant compounds. Results showed alpha-pinene had the highest concentration in forest air. There were no significant changes in blood concentrations between forest and control groups, but a negative relationship was found between absorption and baseline blood concentration for alpha-pinene and beta-pinene in individuals visiting the forest.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND BIOMEDICAL ANALYSIS
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Maria Vivas, Jeronimo Hernandez, Tamara Corcobado, Elena Cubera, Alejandro Solla
Summary: This study explores the influence of maternal environment on the resistance of offspring in Quercus ilex trees to Phytophthora cinnamomi. The research indicates that offspring from infected trees showed higher survival rates and resistance to the pathogen compared to those from non-infected trees.
Article
Plant Sciences
Marko Bertic, Hilke Schroeder, Birgit Kersten, Matthias Fladung, Franziska Orgel, Franz Buegger, Joerg-Peter Schnitzler, Andrea Ghirardo
Summary: This study conducted in oak forests in Germany demonstrates that oak trees resistant to herbivory allocate resources towards constitutive chemical defense enriched with polyphenolic compounds, while susceptible oaks allocate resources towards growth-promoting substances. The discovery of metabolic biomarkers and developed predictive model sheds light on the susceptibility of Quercus robur to herbivore attack and contributes to forest management for the preservation of oak forests in Europe.
Article
Soil Science
Zhaobin Mu, Dolores Asensio, Joan Llusia, Iolanda Filella, Roma Ogaya, Zhigang Yi, Josep Penuelas
Summary: This study measured soil VOC concentrations in a Mediterranean shrubland and a holm oak forest, finding that soil temperature, water content, CO2 efflux, and enzyme activity were key factors influencing VOC concentrations. Different VOC compounds showed varying patterns in different ecosystems, influenced by soil type and plant activity.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Guillermo Gea-Izquierdo, Fabio Natalini, Enrique Cardillo
Summary: The study highlights the increased threat to forest ecosystems due to abiotic and biotic stress driven by global change, with factors like the presence of Phytophthora pathogens and drought contributing to tree mortality. Differences in sensitivity to climate conditions were observed between live and dead trees, with growth declines potentially indicating the beginning of tree death.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Forestry
M. Teresa Martnez, Isabel Arrillaga, Ester Sales, Maria Amparo Perez-Oliver, M. del Carmen Gonzalez-Mas, Elena Corredoira
Summary: The study investigated the use of axillary budding and somatic embryogenesis (SE) to propagate asymptomatic holm oak genotypes identified in disease hotspots in Spain. Both methods were successful in propagating tolerant genotypes, with axillary budding in particular suitable for medium-term conservation. The in vitro cloned progenies of the tolerant genotypes showed inhibitory effects on Phytophthora cinnamomi mycelia.
Article
Forestry
Marin Pompa-Garcia, J. Julio Camarero, Michele Colangelo
Summary: Seasonal patterns of wood formation were examined in mixed pine-oak forests in a semi-arid Mexican forest. The study found that different tree species exhibited distinct seasonal variations in wood formation. Temperature and evaporation were found to be the key factors affecting cambium activity and cell radial enlargement in pines. High temperature and vapor pressure deficit were associated with cell-wall thickening and the maturation of earlywood and latewood tracheids in pines. In oak, the onset of cambial activity was constrained by high minimum temperatures, and vessel radial enlargement and radial increment were influenced by temperature and evaporation. The study highlights the importance of water availability and temperature in shaping wood formation patterns in mixed pine-oak forests.
JOURNAL OF FORESTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biology
J. Julio Camarero
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Enrico Tonelli, Alessandro Vitali, Francesco Malandra, J. Julio Camarero, Michele Colangelo, Angelo Nole, Francesco Ripullone, Marco Carrer, Carlo Urbinati
Summary: Late spring frosts have a negative impact on the productivity and growth of temperate beech forests. This study investigated the effects of late spring frosts on forest cover and radial growth of European beech populations at different elevations. The results showed that the growth reduction caused by late spring frosts ranged from 36% to 84%, but recovery occurred within 1-2 years after the event. There was no clear relationship between beech forest elevation and occurrence of late spring frosts defoliations.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Forestry
Santain S. P. Italiano, Jesus Julio Camarero, Michele Colangelo, Marco Borghetti, Maria Castellaneta, Manuel Pizarro, Francesco Ripullone
Summary: Forests worldwide are becoming more vulnerable and prone to dieback and mortality due to increased drought stress and severe heat waves caused by climate change. However, assessing forest vulnerability is complex and uncertain, requiring further research and solutions.
Article
Forestry
Ya-Lei Wang, Ya-Feng Wang, Jesus Julio Camarero
Summary: There is growing evidence for the dendrochronological potential of the radial growth of high-elevation Rhododendron shrubs. However, it is unclear if the growth responses of alpine Rhododendron shrubs to climate are dependent on site conditions. This study investigated the climate-growth relationships of alpine Rhododendron przewalskii Maxim. shrubs at two sites on the eastern Tibetan Plateau.
Article
Forestry
Antonio Gazol, Ester Gonzalez de Andres, Michele Colangelo, Cristina Valeriano, Jesus Julio Camarero
Summary: Recent drought-induced dieback affects forest dynamics, which are also influenced by past management. In western Pyrenean silver fir stands, dieback coincides with past management legacies, but their impacts on forest growth, structure, and composition are unknown. This study examines how dieback interacts with past human use and modulates the dynamics of silver fir forests. Results show that silver fir growth declines in response to drought, and declining sites have lower density and higher dependence on water availability. Tree death increases the cover of dominant understory plants. Past management activities leave a mark on silver fir growth and affect tree density. Further monitoring is needed to fully understand the influences of past management legacies and current climate change on forest dynamics.
Article
Ecology
Jesus Julio Camarero, Mercedes Guijarro, Rafael Calama, Cristina Valeriano, Manuel Pizarro, Javier Madrigal
Summary: In seasonally dry forests, wildfires can reduce competition for soil water among trees and improve forest resilience to drought. A study in southwestern Spain found that high-intensity prescribed burning can enhance the drought resistance of pine trees, leading to better post-drought recovery.
Article
Forestry
Ester Gonzalez de Andres, Michele Colangelo, Reyes Luelmo-Lautenschlaeger, Jose Antonio Lopez-Saez, Jesus Julio Camarero
Summary: This study compared the radial growth patterns and responses to climate, river, or reservoir flows, and a drought index of southernmost populations of birch trees in Spain with populations located in northern Spain. The main climatic constraint on birch growth was a high summer water deficit, and local hydrological conditions were particularly important in southernmost populations. Additionally, the study found distinct growth patterns and climate-growth associations of birch populations across Europe, showing that populations further south and in warmer locations were more sensitive to drought stress. Protection of threatened birch populations at their southern distribution limit requires proper management of local water resources.
Article
Forestry
Marin Pompa-Garcia, Eduardo D. Vivar-Vivar, Ernesto A. Rubio-Camacho, Jesus Julio Camarero
Summary: Evapotranspiration demand has increased due to rising temperatures, impacting forest productivity and modifying carbon uptake by forests. This study investigates the relationships between climate and carbon capture in 15 conifer species in Mexico, analyzing dendroecological data. Precipitation and maximum temperature were the primary factors influencing changes in carbon capture, with minimum temperature and drought index playing secondary roles. Winter conditions had the greatest impact on carbon capture, particularly wet and cool conditions, but influences from fall and summer were also significant. Understanding seasonal climatic influences is important for carbon uptake and forest productivity in drought-prone regions.
Article
Ecology
J. Julio Camarero, Michele Colangelo, Angelo Rita, Andrea Hevia, Manuel Pizarro, Jordi Voltas
Summary: Assessing the impacts of defoliation caused by insect herbivores on tree growth, carbon budget and water use requires multi-proxy approaches. In this study, a methodological framework was presented to determine the impacts of the pine processionary moth on pine forests in northeastern Spain. The results showed significant reductions in tree cover, growth, wood density, and changes in wood features. Multi-proxy assessments combining several variables have the potential to improve our ability to understand and reconstruct insect outbreaks.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Isabel Aullo-Maestro, Cristina Gomez, Laura Hernandez, J. Julio Camarero, Mariola Sanchez-Gonzalez, Isabel Canellas, Antonio Vazquez de la Cueva, Fernando Montes
Summary: The study examines the dynamics of the Abies alba Mill.-Pinus uncinata Ramond. ecotone along altitudinal and protection level gradients. It is found that there has been an upward expansion of A. alba to the subalpine belt in the last decades as a result of stand maturation after logging cessation.
ANNALS OF FOREST SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Tong Zheng, Jordi Martinez-Vilalta, Raul Garcia-Valdes, Antonio Gazol, J. Julio Camarero, Changcheng Mu, Maurizio Mencuccini
Summary: This study used the International Tree-Ring Data Bank (ITRDB) to examine the growth responses of conifer trees to severe soil and atmospheric droughts during and after the 20th century. The results showed that the sensitivities of resilience to atmospheric vapor pressure deficit (VPD) and soil drought (SPEI) changed throughout the century and had important effects on tree growth. However, despite these adjustments, resilience was still lower at the end of the century compared to the beginning.
Article
Forestry
Marin Pompa-Garcia, Julio Camarero, Eduardo D. Vivar-Vivar
Summary: The study found that the radial growth of trees is influenced by hydroclimate, but the drivers of their spatial and population variability are not well understood. By sampling conifer populations at different locations in western and eastern Mexico, the study investigated how growth responses are related to climate variables, indices, and drought index. The results showed that the western species have lower growth rates and are more responsive to precipitation and temperature in spring compared to the eastern species. The study also found stronger correlations between radial growth and climate indices in the western region. Additionally, different species show varying responsiveness to spring drought in the two regions. These findings provide insights into future changes in Mexican conifer forests under climate change.
Article
Agronomy
Ziyi Wang, Xiaohong Liu, Josep Penuelas, J. Julio Camarero, Xiaomin Zeng, Xueyan Liu, Liangju Zhao, Guobao Xu, Lixin Wang
Summary: This study investigates the long-term growth response and driving factors of mature Qinghai spruce trees in northwest China. The results show that improved nitrogen availability and favorable climate conditions benefit tree growth, and the negative effects of low nitrogen availability on growth can be mitigated by high atmospheric CO2 concentration and warmer-wetter climate conditions.
AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST METEOROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Filipe Campelo, Alvaro Rubio-Cuadrado, Fernando Montes, Michele Colangelo, Cristina Valeriano, J. Julio Camarero
Summary: This study investigates the effects of different leaf and xylem traits on wood formation and tree-ring development in coexisting tree species in a Mediterranean forest. The simulations show that climate warming will result in reduced growth in both deciduous and evergreen oaks, with evergreen oaks being better able to recover after drought.