Forest Sciences Commons^™

Characterization Of Lignin Structural Variability And The Associated Application In Genome Wide Association Studies, Nathan D. Bryant

Doctoral Dissertations

Poplar (Populus sp.) is a promising biofuel feedstock due to advantageous features such as fast growth, the ability to grow on marginal land, and relatively low lignin content. However, there is tremendous variability associated with the composition of biomass. Understanding this variability, especially in lignin, is crucial to developing and implementing financially viable, integrated biorefineries. Although lignin is typically described as being comprised of three primary monolignols (syringyl, guaiacyl, p-hydroxyphenyl), it is a highly irregular biopolymer that can incorporate non-canonical monolignols. It is also connected by a variety of interunit linkages, adding to its complexity. Secondary cell wall …

The Impact Of Soil Disturbance On Soil Bacterial Community Composition, Marie A. Rodriguez, Mark Peach, Timothy D. Trott

Research in Biology

Soil bacterial communities are an important part of terrestrial ecosystems due to their roles in biogeochemical cycling processes. Consequently, understanding how soil disturbance affects the soil bacterial diversity is vital to understanding the entire ecosystem. In this study we examined the effects of soil disturbance (by mining) on the soil bacterial community composition from three sites on Bauxite Ridge in Southeast Tennessee compared to three undisturbed sites in a nearby location. The soil bacterial community was analyzed by 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing of total DNA extracted from the soil samples collected from each of the six sites. Characterization of the …

Sequencing Antisense Transcriptome Of Populus Through Antisense/Sense Transcript Pair Enrichment, Emma V. Burke

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Past transcriptome research on plants focused primarily on protein coding genes, and only recently researchers began looking into the non-protein coding regions that may play significant roles in gene regulation. Antisense RNA transcripts that are found naturally in the cell share complementary sequence with sense transcripts and have been shown to regulate expression of their sense counterparts. Since antisense RNA has been largely under-studied and difficult to sequence because of their low relative abundance, new methods are needed to target antisense RNA for efficient genome-wide profiling. To address this gap in methods to efficiently and cost effectively enrich antisense RNA …

Towards The Identification Of The Soil Fungal Microbiome Community Associated With Longleaf Pine, Joshua Inneh, Grace Krueger, Ian Thomasson, Fletcher Moon, Geoffrey Eger

Symposium of Student Scholars

This project is part of a larger study looking at the restoration of the Longleaf Pine (LLP) ecosystem in certain Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) in Northwest Georgia. Our long-term aim is to look for potential associations between the aboveground and belowground community structures as the complex system of feedback mechanisms between the soil microbiome, the rhizosphere, and the plant communities is not yet understood.

Soil samples were collected from a total of six plots in the Sheffield WMA located in Paulding County. The samples were collected from north or south facing hillside plots except for in the savanna sites (an …

Analysis Of Symptom Expressions And Transmission Rates Caused By The Plant Pathogen Phytophthora Ramorum On Native Chaparral Plants From The Genus Arctostaphylos, Bharati Gaonker

Natural Sciences and Mathematics | Biological Sciences Master's Theses

Phytophthora ramorum is the causal agent of Sudden Oak death (SOD), ramorum dieback and ramorum leaf blight which affect both forest environments and nurseries. This oomycete pathogen has had a huge economic impact on the nursery and lumber industry. Forests in California have experienced substantial mortality of oaks affecting the forest dynamics and diversity. Our research investigates four native species and two ornamental cultivars of plants, which belong to the genus Arctostaphylos (manzanita) and are considered to be new hosts for P. ramorum in the chaparral ecosystem of California. Symptom expression and transmission rates were analyzed on Arctostaphylos glauca, …

Effects Of Thinning Regimes On Genetic Variation Of White Oak (Quercus Alba L.) In Upland Oak Forests Of Eastern Kentucky, Rachel Gayle Thunder

Theses and Dissertations--Forestry and Natural Resources

This research assesses the effects of silvicultural thinnings, varying in residual basal area and number of thinnings, on genetic diversity and relatedness of white oak (Quercus alba L.). The objectives were to (1) develop microsatellite DNA markers (simple sequence repeats, SSRs) for assessing the genetic diversity of white oak and (2) determine if thinnings significantly change the degree of diversity and relatedness in white oak stands. For objective 1, 84 primer pairs from previously predicted genomic SSRs of white oak were evaluated for consistent PCR amplification and polymorphism. Twenty of the 84 primer pairs amplified consistently and were confirmed …

Population Viability And Connectivity Of The Federally Threatened Eastern Indigo Snake In Central Peninsular Florida, Javan Bauder

Doctoral Dissertations

Understanding the factors influencing the likelihood of persistence of real-world populations requires both an accurate understanding of the traits and behaviors of individuals within those populations (e.g., movement, habitat selection, survival, fecundity, dispersal) but also an understanding of how those traits and behaviors are influenced by landscape features. The federally threatened eastern indigo snake (EIS, Drymarchon couperi) has declined throughout its range primarily due to anthropogenically-induced habitat loss and fragmentation making spatially-explicit assessments of population viability and connectivity essential for understanding its current status and directing future conservation efforts. The primary goal of my dissertation was to understand how …

Application Of Short Tandem Target Mimic (Sttm) Technique For Functional Analysis Of Micro-Rna396 In Transgenic Poplar Trees, Surattana Boonsai

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Short Tandem Target Mimic (STTM) is a commonly technique used for functional studies of a number of genes in several plant model systems. However, very little is known about application of STTM technique in tree species. In this study, STTM was applied to knock down microRNA396 (miR396) in transgenic poplar trees for the first time. STTM396 expression resulted in dramatic decrease in miR396 expression levels leading to taller plants with larger leaves and larger leaf cell size. Additionally, an expression analysis of growth regulating factor genes (GRFs) that are members of miR396 target gene family showed up-regulation of GRF07 gene …

Natural And Anthropogenic Drivers Of Tree Evolutionary Dynamics, Brandon M. Lind

Theses and Dissertations

Species of trees inhabit diverse and heterogeneous environments, and often play important ecological roles in such communities. As a result of their vast ecological breadth, trees have become adapted to various environmental pressures. In this dissertation I examine various environmental factors that drive evolutionary dynamics in threePinusspecies in California and Nevada, USA. In chapter two, I assess the role of management influence of thinning, fire, and their interaction on fine-scale gene flow within fire-suppressed populations of Pinus lambertiana, a historically dominant and ecologically important member of mixed-conifer forests of the Sierra Nevada, California. Here, I find evidence …

Development Of Gene-Based Microsatellite Markers In Acer Saccharum Marsh., Monica Harmon

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh) is an important ecological and economic resource. Despite its significance, there are few molecular genetic resources available to date. This study used previously developed EST libraries generated for sugar maple and other hardwood species to develop and characterize EST-SSRs in sugar maple and test their transferability to other Acer species. Out of 58 markers tested, 22 showed amplification in the expected size range. From these, 16 polymorphic markers were selected to test transferability and 13 of these showed amplification in at least one other Acer species.

Improving And Elucidating Factors Regulating Black Walnut (Juglans Nigra L.) Clonal Propagation, Micah E. Stevens

Open Access Dissertations

Black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) is a fine hardwood tree species native to the central hardwood region of the United States. High-quality black walnut timber is highly desirable. Traded in both regional and global markets, it has been used for veneer, and the manufacture of high-end products such as cabinets, furniture, and gunstocks. As a result of its high economic value, black walnut has been commercially cultivated for many years, and breeding programs have generated superior timber genotypes with improved marketable traits. Once elite genotypes were developed, it was quickly recognized that black walnut was recalcitrant to clonal propagation …

Development Of Transgenic North American White Ash (Fraxinus Americana) Expressing A Bacillus Thuringiensis Protein For Management Of The Emerald Ash Borer, Eric A. Dean, Paula M. Pijut Phd., Micah E. Stevens

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium

White ash (WA), Fraxinus americana, is an integral part of the hardwood forest ecosystem. Economically, WA provides wood for important products such as baseball bats, tool handles, and hardwood flooring. Ecologically WA provides cover and mast to support wildlife. The emerald ash borer (EAB) is a significant threat to all ash species because of a lack of native resistance in North American ash trees, its rapid spread, and the ineffectiveness and expense of control measures. EAB is a non-native beetle that consumes tree vascular tissue while in the larval stage. The development of an Agrobacterium-mediated transformation protocol may …

Naturalized Offspring From An 85-Year-Old Chinese Chestnut (Castanea Mollissima) Planting: Stand Dynamics And Genetic Relationships, Amy Christel Miller

Open Access Theses

Chestnuts, members of the genus Castanea , family Fagaceae, are valuable worldwide, and all species have noteworthy ecological, economic, and cultural importance in their native ranges. Historically, American chestnut (Castanea dentata (Marshall) Borkh.) was an abundant tree species in eastern North America until its decimation in the early 20 th century by chestnut blight, caused by the fungus Cryphonectria parasitica . To regain the benefits of this prized species in North America, efforts are ongoing to produce and introduce blight-resistant hybrids of C. dentata and the blight-resistant Chinese chestnut ( C. mollissima Blume). It is important that the C. …

Genetic Variation, Local Adaptation And Population Structure In North American Red Oak Species, Quercus Rubra L. And Q. Ellipsoidalis E. J. Hill, Jennifer F. Lind-Riehl

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Forest trees, like oaks, rely on high levels of genetic variation to adapt to varying environmental conditions. Thus, genetic variation and its distribution are important for the long-term survival and adaptability of oak populations. Climate change is projected to lead to increased drought and fire events as well as a northward migration of tree species, including oaks. Additionally, decline in oak regeneration has become increasingly concerning since it may lead to decreased gene flow and increased inbreeding levels. This will in turn lead to lowered levels of genetic diversity, negatively affecting the growth and survival of populations. At the same …

Phylogenetics Of Morus (Moraceae) Inferred From Its And Trnl-Trnf Sequence Data., Madhav Nepal

Madhav Nepal

Steps Toward Butternut (Juglans Cinerea L.) Restoration, Sunshine L. Brosi

Doctoral Dissertations

Butternut (Juglans cinerea L.), a lesser-known relative of black walnut (Juglans nigra L.), is a native tree species beneficial for wildlife, valuable for timber, and part of the great diversity of species in the eastern forests of North America. Populations of butternut are being devastated by butternut canker disease, caused by the fungus Sirococcus clavigignenti-juglandacearum (V.M.G. Nair, Kostichka, & Kuntz), which is thought to be introduced to North America. The disease causes multiple branch and stem cankers that eventually girdle trees. Small population sizes, lack of sprouting, and shade intolerance exacerbates the disease and results in permanent losses of butternut …

Letter From The Dean, Lalit Verma

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Conservation And Restoration Of Pine Forest Genetic Resources In México, C. Sáenz-Romero, Amy E. Snively, R. Lindig-Cisneros

Student Published Works

Deforestation rates in México are about 670,000 ha/year. This threatens the richness of forest genetic resources in México, causing the disappearance of locally adapted populations and rare and endangered pine species. México is one of the six megadiverse countries in the world, with half of the world’s Pinus species. Pinus is one of the most economically and ecologically important forest genera in México. We suggest that delineation of seed zones and the establishment of a network of Forest Genetic Resource Conservation Units (FGRCUs), linked with forest management and ecological restoration programs will protect this valuable resource. We estimate that FGRCUs …

Trees Of Western Australia. 101. The Salt River Mallett (Eucalyptus Sargentii Maiden). 102. The Two-Winged Gimley (Eucalyptus Diptera C.). 103. Eucalyptus Burdettiana Blakely Et Steedman. 104. The Moort (Eucalyptus Platypus Hook), Charles Austin Gardner

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

WITH the ever-increasing spread of salt in certain poorly-drained soils in Western Australia, any plant which tends to restrict salt encroachment is of considerable economic importance.

In the genus Eucalyptus there are a few trees which will withstand a certain degree of soil salinity.

Trees Of Western Australia. No. 97. The River Gum (Eucalyptus Camaldulensis Dehn.). No. 98. Jutson's Mallee (Eucalyptus Jutsonii Maiden), Charles Austin Gardner

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

THIS tree, which has a wide range within the continent was for many years known as Eucalyptus rostrata, the Murray River Red Gum.

Trees Of Western Australia. 95. Carne's Blackbutt (Eucalyptus Carnei C.A. Gardn.). 96. Cleland's Blackbutt (Eucalyptus Clelandii Maiden), Charles Austin Gardner

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Named after the late Walter Mervyn Carne, a former Economic Botanist and Plant pathologist of the Department of Agriculture in Western Australia, this species was discovered at Sandstone by the writer in July, 1927, and subsequently collected in August 1961.

Trees Of Western Australia. 83. The Many Flowered Mallee (Eucalyptus Cooperiana F. Muell). 84. The Yate (E. Cornuta Labill.). 85. The Grey Gum (E. Griffithsii Maiden). 86. E. Albida (Maiden And Blakely), Charles Austin Gardner

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

THIS species was described by Mueller in February, 1880, from a fragment with buds and flowers without fruits, collected by George Maxwell in South-Western Australia, without any locality.

It remained imperfectly known until a few years ago when a specimen was collected, again without precise locality, but somewhere between Esperance and Eyre,

Trees Of Western Australia. 87. Eucalyptus Kruseana F. Muell. 88. Eucalyptus Macrandra F. Muell. Ex. Benth. 89. Mallalie. 90. The Rose Mallee (Eucalyptus Rhodantha Blakely And Steedman), Charles Austin Gardner

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

THIS very decorative shrub was described by Baron von Mueller in the Australian Journal of Pharmacy in 1895 from specimens collected in the Fraser Range.

Trees Of Western Australia. 55. Cabbage Gum (Eucalyptus Clavigera A. Cunn. Ex Schau.). 56. Large-Leaved Cabbage Gum (E. Grandifolia R. Br. Ex Benth.). 57. Ghost Gum (E. Papuana F. Muell. ). 58. Rough-Leaved Range Gum (E. Aspera F. Muell.). 59. Weeping Box (E. Patellaris F. Muell.). 60. Silver-Leaved Box (E. Pruinosa Schau.). 61. Kimberley White Gum (E. Houseana W.V. Fitz. Ex Maiden). 62. Poplar Gum (E. Bigalerita F. Muell.), Charles Austin Gardner

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

THIS tree is one of the common trees of Kimberley, inhabiting the sandy soils of the sandstone ranges, but is found less frequently on the sandy flat country.

It is most common in northern Kimberley extending as far south as the King Leopold Range, and is less frequently encountered on the plains of the Ord and Fitzroy Rivers.

Trees Of Western Australia. Eight Eucalyptus Trees From The Tropical North. 47. Long-Fruited Bloodwood (Eucalyptus Polycarpa, F. Muell.). 48. Mountain Bloodwood (E. Terminalis, F. Muell.). 49. Mount House Box (E. Argillacea, V.W. Fitzg. Ex Maiden). 50. Yellow Jacket (E. Lirata W.V. Fitzg. Ex Maiden). 51. Mountain White-Gum (E. Mooreana W.V. Fitzg. Ex Maiden). 52. (E. Oligantha Schau). 53. (E. Brachyandra, F. Muell.). 54. Variable-Barked Bloodwood (E. Dichromphloia, F. Muell.), Charles Austin Gardner

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

THIS tree which attains a height of 35 to 40 ft. is one of the common roughbarked trees of the open woodlands of the Kimberleys where the soil is sandy, and it is often associated with the woollybutt (E. miniata).

Trees Of Western Australia. 71. Coarse-Leaved Mallee (Eucalyptus Grossa F. Muell. Ex Benth.). 72. Desmond Mallee (Eucalyptus Desmondensis Maiden & Blakely). 73. Eucalyptus Falcata Turcz. 74. Jerdacattup Mallee (Eucalyptus Goniantha Turcz.). 75. Redheart (Eucalyptus Decipiens Endl.). 76. Eucalyptus Corrugata Luehmann. 77. Goldfields Blackbutt (Eucalyptus Le Souefii Maiden). 78. Strickland's Gum, Or Goldfields Yellow-Flowered Gum (Eucalyptus Stricklandii Maiden), Charles Austin Gardner

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

THIS mallee is unmistakable by reason of its peculiar habit and thick roughbarked stem and branches, both of which have longitudinally-fissured persistent bark right up to the distinctly reddish branchlets.

The leaves are broad and thick, a bright shining green in colour, with the mid-ribs usually a purplish-red. The heads of flowers are on thick red round-in-section foot-stalks which hang almost vertically, and the reddish bud-cap conceals the ultimately free, bright yellow filaments.

The widely-spreading thick branches, and in general the rough stout appearance of the shrub inspired the name "grossa" from the Latin grossus meaning thick.

Trees Of Western Australia. 79. Eucalyptus Foecunda (Schau.). 80. Fluted Horn Mallee (E. Stowardii Maiden). 81. Eastern Goldfields Horned Mallee (E. Eremophila Maiden). 82. Oldfield's Mallee (E. Oldfieldii F. Muell.), Charles Austin Gardner

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

THIS species is a mallee with an average stature of 5-15 feet, with several erect twiggy branches, the bark smooth except at the very base where unshed patches of a dark greyish-brown adhere to the stems, otherwise it sheds in small plates, leaving a smooth grey-brown bark.