0000000000386844
AUTHOR
Serena Sofia
High diversity of root endophytes in the pioneer endemic Betula aetnensis Raf. colonizing volcanic lavas
Introduction Betula aetnensis Raf. is an endemic tree species native to Sicily of particular conservation value, that establishes on nutrient-poor and water-limited lava of Etna volcano. In these harsh conditions plant-microbe interactions could play a crucial role in plant growth, resource uptake and resistance to abiotic stresses. The aim of this study is to investigate the root-associated microbial community of B. aetnensis growing in its natural habitat. The comparison between individuals from natural habitats and nursery-grown seedlings aims to assess the symbiotic status of plant material used for afforestation purposes. Materials and Methods Betula aetnensis individuals were collecte…
The efficiency of LiDAR HMLS scanning in monitoring forest structure parameters: implications for sustainable forest management
PurposeThis article aims to compare the LiDAR handheld mobile laser scanner (HMLS) scans with traditional survey methods, as the tree gauge and the hypsometer, to study the efficiency of the new technology in relation to the accuracy of structural forest attributes estimation useful to support a sustainable forest management.Design/methodology/approachA case study was carried out in a high forest located in Tuscany (Italy), by considering 5 forest types, in 20 different survey plots. A comparative analysis between two survey methods will be shown in order to verify the potential limits and the viability of the LiDAR HMLS in the forest field.FindingsThis research demonstrates that LiDAR HMLS…
Interazione fra funghi micorrizici e piante pioniere in ambienti aridi e degradati: il caso di Lampedusa
I microrganismi del suolo sono una componente dominante in diversi ecosistemi sia in termini di diversità che di funzioni. Le simbiosi microbiche radicali in particolare sono state studiate più in dettaglio negli ambienti forestali, dove si è accertato il loro ruolo nell’aumentare la capacità degli alberi di accedere ai nutrienti, sequestrare C dall’atmosfera e resistere agli effetti del cambiamento climatico. Ancora poche informazioni esistono riguardo a queste interazioni in ambienti più aridi e degradati e per le specie pioniere che innescano i processi di successione secondaria. Nell’ambito di un Progetto LIFE finalizzato a mettere a punto tecniche di adattamento al cambiamento climatic…