Life Sciences Commons^™

Can Trees Get Cancer?, Michael Kuhns

All Current Publications

This factsheet describes various cancer-like growths that are commonly found on trees.

Taxonomic Similarity Does Not Predict Necessary Sample Size For Ex Situ Conservation: A Comparison Among Five Genera, Sean Hoban, Taylor Callicrate, John Clark, Susan Deans, Michael Dosmann, Priyanka Dipak Kadav, Et Al.

Michigan Tech Publications

Effectively conserving biodiversity with limited resources requires scientifically informed and efficient strategies. Guidance is particularly needed on how many living plants are necessary to conserve a threshold level of genetic diversity in ex situ collections. We investigated this question for 11 taxa across five genera. In this first study analysing and optimizing ex situ genetic diversity across multiple genera, we found that the percentage of extant genetic diversity currently conserved varies among taxa from 40% to 95%. Most taxa are well below genetic conservation targets. Resampling datasets showed that ideal collection sizes vary widely even within a genus: one taxon …

Taking It To The Road: Utah Biochar Workshops Increase Knowledge And Lead To Behavior Change, Megan Dettenmaier, Lauren Dupey, Darren Mcavoy

All Current Publications

This fact sheet describes attitude and behavior changes that have resulted from attending the statewide biochar workshop program. By administering surveys 6 to 8 months following workshops, authors learned that attendees were making biochar and biochar kilns, and that attitudes about biochar remained positive.

Mule Deer Impede Pando’S Recovery: Implications For Aspen Resilience From A Single-Genotype Forest, Paul C. Rogers, Darren J. Mcavoy

Ecology Center Publications

Aspen ecosystems (upland Populus-dominated forests) support diverse species assemblages in many parts of the northern hemisphere, yet are imperiled by common stressors. Extended drought, fire suppression, human development, and chronic herbivory serve to limit the sustainability of this keystone species. Here we assess conditions at a renowned quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) grove—purportedly the largest living organism on earth—with ramifications for aspen biogeography globally. The “Pando” clone is 43 ha and estimated to contain 47,000 genetically identical aspen ramets. This iconic forest is threatened in particular by herbivory, and current management activities aim to reverse the potential for …

Infrared Heater System For Warming Tropical Forest Understory Plants And Soils, Bruce Kimball, Auro M. Alonso-Rodriguez, Molly A. Cavaleri, Sasha Reed, Grizelle Gonzalez, Tana E. Wood

Michigan Tech Publications

The response of tropical forests to global warming is one of the largest uncertainties in predicting the future carbon balance of Earth. To determine the likely effects of elevated temperatures on tropical forest understory plants and soils, as well as other ecosystems, an infrared (IR) heater system was developed to provide in situ warming for the Tropical Responses to Altered Climate Experiment (TRACE) in the Luquillo Experimental Forest in Puerto Rico. Three replicate heated 4‐m‐diameter plots were warmed to maintain a 4°C increase in understory vegetation compared to three unheated control plots, as sensed by IR thermometers. The equipment was …

Toward An Improved Conceptual Understanding Of North American Tree Species Distributions, Paige E. Copenhaver-Parry

Faculty Publications - Department of Biological & Molecular Science

Species distributions have often been assumed to represent climatic limitations, yet recent evidence has challenged these assumptions and emphasized the potential importance of biotic interactions, dispersal limitation, and disturbance. Despite significant investigation into these factors, an integrated understanding of where and when they may be important is lacking. Here, we review evidence for the factors underlying the historical and contemporary distributions of North American tree species and argue that a cohesive conceptual framework must be informed by an understanding of species ecological and evolutionary history. We further demonstrate that available evidence offers little indication of a significant, independent influence of …

Nonnative Forest Insects And Pathogens In The United States: Impacts And Policy Options, Gary M. Lovett, Marissa Weiss, Andrew M. Liebhold, Thomas P. Holmes, Brian Leung, Kathy F. Lambert, David A. Orwig, Faith T. Campbell, Jonathan Rosenthal, Deborah G. Mccullough, Radka Wildova, Matthew P. Ayres

Dartmouth Scholarship

We review and synthesize information on invasions of nonnative forest insects and diseases in the United States, including their ecological and economic impacts, pathways of arrival, distribution within the United States, and policy options for reducing future invasions. Nonnative insects have accumulated in United States forests at a rate of ~2.5 per yr over the last 150 yr. Currently the two major pathways of introduction are importation of live plants and wood packing material such as pallets and crates. Introduced insects and diseases occur in forests and cities throughout the United States, and the problem is particularly severe in the …

Application Of Infrared And Raman Spectroscopy For The Identification Of Disease Resistant Trees, Anna O. Conrad, Pierluigi Bonello

Forest Health Research and Education Center Faculty Publications

New approaches for identifying disease resistant trees are needed as the incidence of diseases caused by non-native and invasive pathogens increases. These approaches must be rapid, reliable, cost-effective, and should have the potential to be adapted for high-throughput screening or phenotyping. Within the context of trees and tree diseases, we summarize vibrational spectroscopic and chemometric methods that have been used to distinguish between groups of trees which vary in disease susceptibility or other important characteristics based on chemical fingerprint data. We also provide specific examples from the literature of where these approaches have been used successfully. Finally, we discuss future …

Temporal Fluctuation Scaling In Populations And Communities, Michael Kalyuzhny, Yishai Schreiber, Rachel Chocron, Curtis H. Flather, Ronen Kadmon, David A. Kessler, Nadav M. Shnerb

USDA Forest Service / UNL Faculty Publications

Taylor’s law, one of the most widely accepted generalizations in ecology, states that the variance of a population abundance time series scales as a power law of its mean. Here we reexamine this law and the empirical evidence presented in support of it. Specifically, we show that the exponent generally depends on the length of the time series, and its value reflects the combined effect of many underlying mechanisms. Moreover, sampling errors alone, when presented on a double logarithmic scale, are sufficient to produce an apparent power law. This raises questions regarding the usefulness of Taylor’s law for understanding ecological …

Effects Of Understory Vegetation And Litter On Plant Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), N∶P Ratio And Their Relationships With Growth Rate Of Indigenous Seedlings In Subtropical Plantations, Jun Wang, Dafeng Hui, Hai Ren, Zhanfeng Liu, Long Yang

Biology Faculty Research

Establishing seedlings in subtropical plantations is very important for forest health, succession and management. Information on seedling nutrient concentrations is essential for both the selection of suitable indigenous tree species to accelerate succession of the established plantation and sustainable forest management. In this study, we investigated the concentrations of nitrogen ([N]), phosphorus ([P]), and N∶P ratio in leaves, stems and roots of seedlings of three indigenous tree species (Castanopsis chinensis, Michelia chapensis and Psychotria rubra) transplanted with removing or retaining understory vegetation and litter at two typical subtropical forest plantations (Eucalyptus plantation and native species plantation). We also measured the …

Low Mortality In Tall Tropical Trees, R. Q. Thomas, J. R. Kellner, D. B. Clark, D. R. Peart

Dartmouth Scholarship

The dynamics of the tallest trees in tropical forests are of special interest due to their carbon content, canopy dominance, and the large canopy gaps created when they die. Known ecological mechanisms that may influence tall tree survival lead to conflicting predictions. Hydraulic stress and exposure to high winds and desiccation should increase death rates, yet the tallest trees have the greatest access to light and escape damage caused by falling boles and branches. The uncertainty in tall tree mortality rates has been difficult to address due to their low density, which makes mortality rates challenging to estimate accurately. Here, …

Evaluating Tree Height Using Pictometry® Hyperspatial Imagery, Daniel Unger, David Kulhavy, Matthew A. Wade

Faculty Publications

This study evaluated the use of Pictometry® hyperspatial 4-inch (10.2 centimeters) multispectral imagery to estimate height of baldcypress trees on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU), Nacogdoches, Texas. Actual tree heights of 60 baldcypress trees measured with a telescopic height pole were compared to Pictometry® estimated tree height. Linear correlation coefficients (r) and coefficient of determinations (R2) between actual tree height and Pictometry® estimated tree height for all 60 tress, and the shortest 30 and tallest 30 trees, were calculated. A paired t-test (alpha = 0.05) was calculated for all 60 tress, and the shortest 30 and …

Five Year Carbon Storage Analysis In The Gordon Natural Area, Joy Fritschle, Chad Hudson, Catherine Spahr, Andy Tamez

Forest Carbon Storage Study Documents

The Gordon Natural Area (GNA) serves as a natural laboratory for a range of class research projects. In a Geography Field Methods course led by Dr. Fritschle, students established five permanent carbon-study plots in 2008. Since then, students have returned to these plots to measure the carbon stock of standing trees in five plots located along a topographic gradient: floodplain, ridge-top, lower mid-slope, mid-slope and upper mid-slope. Using U.S. Forest Service established guidelines, all trees greater than 5 cm and up to 73 cm in diameter at breast height (DBH) were measured and identified within each 40 m circular plot. …

Sp748 Estimating Weight Of Logs And Standing Timber: A Guide For Foresters, The Forest Industry And Landowners, David Mercker, Adam Taylor

Forestry, Trees, and Timber

No abstract provided.

Res Rep 12-04 Standard Bioassessment Procedures For Evaluating Ecological Restoration In Southeastern Hardwood Bottomlands, Mattew J. Gray, Elizabeth A. Summers

Forestry, Trees, and Timber

No abstract provided.

Seeing The Forest For The Trees: Managing Social Conflict And Forest Restoration, Steven E. Daniels, Jens Emborg, Greg B. Walker

Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology Faculty Publications

This paper examines the role that social conflict is likely to play in forest restoration projects. A definition of conflict as “perceived goal interference among interdependent parties” serves as a point of departure for the discussion, and the nature of forest restoration conflict is systematically examined by focusing on each aspect of the definition: perceptions, goal interference, the parties, and their interdependence. Agencies undertaking restoration projects are encouraged to adopt a discourse orientation, wherein they recognize that 1) their public involvement efforts are creating a discourse that can incorporate a wide array of values and voices and 2) groups may …

Sp570 Drought-Tolerant Trees, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Forestry, Trees, and Timber

Late-season droughts are common in southeastern landscapes. Many trees are stressed by prolonged periods of hot, dry weather. Selecting trees that use water efficiently without the need for frequent watering or irrigation is one way to make your landscape more resistant to droughts. With impending water shortages in many urban areas leading to prohibitions of irrigation or watering, planting trees that are more tolerant to drought conditions is the best long-term solution to a healthier, low-maintenance landscape.

A Potential Plan Of Action For Emerald Ash Borer In Nebraska, Lee Wheeler

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Abstract Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) (EAB) is an invasive insect pest. It feeds on the cambium tissues of ash tree species. It was first discovered in the United States in 2002 in Detroit, Michigan. Their effects on ash trees are deadly, and it is quickly spreading across the Midwest. Nebraska has not yet been invaded, but confirmed findings continue getting closer and closer. The major problem facing Nebraskans, with regards to EAB, is how to begin preparations to prevent a dramatic economic loss when an infestation does occur. So, to address this problem, I have conducted street and park …

Comparison Of Carbon Stocks & Importance Values In Correlation With Past Land Use In The Gordon Natural Area, Timothy Hoffer, Steffen Lubbe

Forest Carbon Storage Study Documents

No abstract provided.

Changes In Producer Attitudes Towards Windbreaks In Eastern Nebraska, 1983 To 2009, Kim Tomczak

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Abstract Windbreaks are rows of trees or shrubs arranged on the landscape to reduce wind speed. In agricultural landscapes we find them as farmstead windbreaks, livestock windbreaks and field windbreaks. While farmstead and livestock windbreaks are well accepted by the agricultural community, field windbreaks are often viewed differently. A 1982 study of the attitudes of farmers in Eastern Nebraska indicated that many of the producers were around the age of 50 and that they used different types of windbreaks. This study repeated that survey in the same. When compared to data from 1982, farmers today are not educated about the …

Evaluating Hazelnut Cultivars For Yield, Quality And Disease Resistance, Sam Tobin

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

ABSTRACT This long term study focuses on testing various hazelnut cultivars for yield, nut quality and disease resistance. There are various cultivars that are being tested for these desired traits but only the Grand Traverse and Skinner will be applicable for the results of this localized study. The desired traits of commercial nut production are best matched by these two cultivars. Results from previous harvests will be used to draw trends to recommend commercially functional cultivars in Eastern Nebraska.

Forest Health Monitoring (Trees) In The Gordon Natural Area, Gerard Hertel

Forest Health Monitoring Study Documents

No abstract provided.

Variations In Stomatal Traits Of 14 Bornean Tree Species Growing On Soils With Different Moisture Contents In Lambir Hills National Park, Whitney Logan Cannon

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

The goal of this study was to look at variations in stomatal traits of tree species on soils with different moisture contents and fertility at Lambir Hills National Park. Stomates are important structures on the surface of leaves that mediate conduction of moisture and gassesin and out of the leaf. If stomatalt raits are important for regulation, then there should be variation in stomatal traits in regards to their soil specialization. The 14 Borneant ree speciess ampledi ncluded6 sandyl oam specialists6, clay specialistsa nd 2 generalistsfo und growing with equald istributionso n both sandyl oam and clay. Confocal microscopy was …

Toxicity Of Aspen Wood Leachate To Aquatic Life: Laboratory Studies, Barry R. Taylor, J. Stephen Goudey, N. Bruce Carmichael

Aspen Bibliography

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Trees In Sustainable Agriculture : A National Conference : Reprints Of Western Australian Papers, P R. Scott

Resource management technical reports

• The role of trees in land and stream salinity control in Western Australia (Conference paper: N.J. Schofield, M.A. Ban, D.T. Bell, W.J. Boddington, R.J. George, N.E. Pettit)
• The role of trees in providing shelter and controlling erosion in the dry temperate and semi-arid southern agricultural areas of Western Australia (Conference paper: D. Bicknell)
• Management of native woody vegetation on farms in Western Australia (Conference paper: J.P. Pigott)
• Producing timber from trees - options for farmers in Western Australia (Conference paper: R. Moore)
• Trees and shrubs as sources of fodder in Western Australia (Conference paper: E.C. Lefroy)
• Minor forest products in …

Aspen Sucker Damage And Defect In Colorado Clearcut Areas, Thomas E. Hinds, W.D. Shepperd

Aspen Bibliography

Substantial acreages of aspen in the Rocky Mountains are being regenerated by clearcutting; however, there is little information on the quality of the suckers that reestablish in these areas. Whether the new stands will be more or less defective than their predecessors is unknown.

Mapping The Distribution Of Aspen Defoliation Using Landsat Color Composites. (Mapping The Distribution Of Aspen Defoliation Using Landsat Color Composites [Malacosoma Disstria, Canada].), R.J. Hall, G.N. Still, P.H. Crown

Aspen Bibliography

No abstract provided.

Upper Limits Of Standing Crop Density For Woody Species In The Prairie Provinces, E.B. Peterson, V.M. Levson, R.D. Kabzems

Aspen Bibliography

No abstract provided.

The Response Of Aspen (Populus Tremuloides) To Artificial Defoliation, A.C. Hodson

Aspen Bibliography

No abstract provided.

Tree Biomass Estimates For Minnesota's Aspen-Birch Forest Survey Unit, G.K. Raile, P.J. Jakes

Aspen Bibliography

No abstract provided.