Genetic monitoring of forest trees are of the utmost importance for securing the maintenance of species adaptive potential. Genetic monitoring, the quantification of temporal changes in population genetic variation and structure, introduces prognosis and assists in defining tools for the management of genetic resources. Forest genetic monitoring (FGM) becomes imperative in biodiversity hotspots, such as Greece, one of the most species-rich European countries, where >7000 native plant taxa (~ 20% endemics) exist, and 28% of its land base is included in the Natura 2000 Special Areas of Conservation network. Moreover, (meta-)analyses of genetic data have shown that Greek forest tree populations present significantly higher values of polymorphism and differentiation when compared to average values reported in the international literature [2]. FGM studies in Greece involve Abies borissi regis, Castanea sativa, Fagus sylvatica, Quercus petraea, Quercus robur, Pinus nigra and Prunus avium. FGM uses the genecological approach and employs 11-26 SSR loci in different cohorts (mature and juvenile trees), while the average time internal between assessments is 12.9 years. Results so far for A. borissi regis and Fagus sylvatica indicate maintenance of genetic diversity over time, but a slight drop of Ne in the juvenile cohort of hybrid fir compared to the mature trees.

The strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) is well known for the use of its leaves, fruits, bark and roots in traditional medicine and more recently in the therapy of hypertension, diabetes, inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases. The plant contains several antioxidant compounds. The diversity of natural A. unedo populations from Greece is studied with leaf morphometrics and DNA markers. Five natural populations spanning from east (Lesvos island 39^o12΄N, 26^o05΄A) to west (Igoumenitsa 39^o30΄N, 20^o15΄E), and from north (Arnea, 40^o29΄N, 23^o38΄E) to south (Ancient Olympia 37^ο38΄Ν, 21^ο46΄Ε), were sampled. The fifth population was that of Kassandreia (40^o01΄N, 23^o26΄E), and the average sample size per population was N=20 trees. DNA extraction and isolation was a challenge due to high amounts of phenolics present in leaves (arbutin, catechin, ethyl gallate), and among many protocols studied the NucleoSpin® Plant II Mini Kit provided the best results for downstream applications. Morphometric population variation was studied by employing 11 leaf size and shape parameters recorded by image processing and analysing software. In contrasting north/south population comparisons it was found that regarding measurements of central tendency the northern population (Kassandreia) presented the highest values, while in contrast in the measures of spread the highest values were found in the southern population (Ancient Olympia). Furthermore, statistically significant population differences were found in leaf size, but not in leaf shape parameters. The combination of DNA markers and morphometric analyses provides a foundation for diversity studies and characterization of A. unedo populations for downstream applications in population genetics studies, genetic conservation, as well as in medicinal and natural products research.

Silver fir and European beech are keystone forest tree species that are under pressure in a large part of their distribution because of climate change. Their south-eastern limits are very important since they: (a) face immediate climatic change-related challenges as a combination of increased temperatures and drought are expected, (b) Species Distribution Models question their persistence in the long term, and (c) contain germplasm well adapted to conditions similar to those expected in central Europe by the end of the century. Their most south-eastern populations were sampled (30 trees per population; Mt. Pinovo and Mt. Oxia, Greece, respectively), and genetic variation was assessed using SSRs. Observed (Ho) and expected heterozygosity (He), as well as allelic richness (AR) were calculated and results were compared against populations throughout the species’ natural range. Results for silver fir (Ho=0.452, He=0.530), indicate values generally lower than those of populations from the rest of its distribution such as in Central Europe, the Balkans and the southwestern edge and eastern range limits. Only some populations from Spain and Italy were detected to have lower values than the population of this study. Allelic richness (AR=6.29), was found higher than Italian populations, but lower than central and northern Balkan populations. In European beech (Ho= 0.732, He=0.753), values were higher than those of German and Czech populations, comparable (or lower in some cases) than populations from France, Spain and Italy, but lower than populations from elsewhere in Central Europe (e.g. Poland). Allelic richness (AR=6.63), was higher than France and comparable to the values of populations from the rest of species European populations.

The functional activity of a tree is affected by various biotic and abiotic factors. The vitality and health status of a tree also affects the growth. Recent remote sensing technologies provide powerful means for monitoring forest health The aim of this study is to discriminate Tectona grandis L. healthy trees from non-healthy or infected trees using the Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM) algorithm. The present study site was located in a Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests, of Gujarat, western India. The forest was dominated by Tectona grandis L. The healthy plots and the unhealthy plots of T.grandis were chosen for the present research. Vitality of T. grandis was understood after detailed study on damage assessment in 45 different plots distributed in the study area. A mask for forest area from non-forest area was applied to extract forest area from the data. Pure endmembers of the masked dataset for healthy and non-healthy or infected tree were extracted. By utilizing the derived pure endmembers, spectral angle mapping was applied to differentiate between healthy and non-healthy or infected trees in the image.. The results show that SAM of Sentinel-2 data can provide T.grandis maps that compare favorably with ground truth. Suggesting that there is a great potential of discrimination of T.grandis healthy trees from the non-healthy or infected using Sentinel-2 data

Garcinia indica, commonly known as Kokum is a vulnerable species and endemic to Western Ghats. The fruits are commercially important and have multifarious uses. Genetic variation within the species is studied using DNA finger printing for its commercial exploitation. Extraction of DNA from Garcinia indica is challenging due to the presence of high level of secondary metabolites like polyphenols and flavonoids. The present study focuses on extraction and estimation of DNA from silica-gel dried leaves. Leaf samples were collected from two different regions of Western Ghats viz., Kukke Subramanya (n=4) and Karwar(n=6). The leaf samples were stored in silica-gel during transportation to laboratory, dried well in silica-gel and later stored at -20^ºC for long-term storage. The DNA was extracted with 4% Cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). The concentration of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and β–mercaptoethanol was modified in extraction buffer to reduce the interference of secondary metabolites. The determination of quality and quantity of DNA are essential for amplification of DNA in PCR. The DNA obtained showed absorbance ratio (A260/280) between 1.6-1.9 indicating the good quality of DNA and the quantity varied from 111.8 - 297.9 ng/μl in the silica-gel dried samples. In the present investigation, the modified method of extraction of DNA found to be best method for obtaining good quality and quantity of DNA from the silica-gel dried leaves of Garcinia indica.

The selection of taxa/genotypes that have a rainfall interception that suits the conditions of each region is key to maintaining water stability and minimizing the effects of drought. This study evaluated rainfall interception on a 7-year-old plantation with the eight genotypes (Eucalyptus globulus and E. nitens x globulus (high and low productivity), E. nitens, E. badjensis, E. smithii and E. camaldulensis x globulus) in Yumbel, Bio-Bio, Chile. In addition, diameter (DBH), total height (H) and Leaf Area Index (LAI) were considered and compared with stemflow (Sf), throughfall (Tf) and interception (Int). The results showed that DBH and H did not infer the rainfall interception parameters. In contrast, Tf and Int varied in each genotype; E. badjensis and E. smithii had a LAI >5.1 m²m^-2 had the minimum Tf and maximum Int; in contrast, E. globulus and E. nitens x globulus with a LAI< 4.0 m²m^-2 showed low Int and high Tf. With Sf did not show differences between genotypes. These suggest the opportunity to select genotypes considering canopy interception to balance productivity and water resources under climate change scenarios.

When the forest is clear-cut, there forms an ecotone complex (EC) made up of the forest, transition from forest to clear-cut under tree stand canopy and beyond the canopy, and the clear-cut per se. Our surveys were carried out in North Russian boreal forests (64.4° N, 41.8° E). We studied how the abundance of vascular plants in the forest – clear-cutting EC changed during the first ten years after logging.

The abundance of Vaccinium myrtillus and V. vitis-idaea declined immediately after tree stand removal both in the open clear-cut and in the EC transitional zones. The projective cover of bilberry declined gradually from the forest towards the clear-cut. The abundance of cowberry in the transitional zones was growing throughout the period of observations. As the tree layer was regenerating in the clear-cut, the abundance of the dwarf shrubs was also recovering.

The average projective cover of Deschampsia flexuosa remained stable in the forest part of the EC and it the transitional zones, not exceeding 2%. In the clear-cut, its abundance grew slightly already in the second year after tree stand removal and reached a maximum in 5-year-old clear-cuts. By the time of canopy closure 10 years after logging, its abundance declined notably.

Epilobium angustifolium in the forest part was very rare, its contribution to the ground cover not exceeding 1%. Its abundance in the forest edge impact area was also extremely low. Fireweed abundance in the clear-cut reached its maximum 3–5 years after logging and declined in 10-year-old clear-cuts.

Known as the only endemic plant for Benin, Ipomoea beninensis Akoègn., Lisowski & Sinsin population is threatened in natural habitats, stressing the urgent need for conservation measures for its long-term survival. This study aimed to assess the potential geography and conservation areas of Ipomoea beninensis in Benin. Occurrence data of the species was gathered mainly from the field and through available databases. Environmental layers comprised the current and two climatic futures under Representative Concentration Pathways scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) combined with soil layers. We transferred the present-day models into future climates under Maximum Entropy software. Findings showed that under current and future climate conditions, the highly suitable areas for I. beninensis will be mainly located in the phytodistrict of southern and northern Borgou. These areas were currently located in the protected areas network encompassing N’dali, Ouémé Supérieur, Mékrou, Kouandé, Béléfoungou and Tanéka protected areas. The results suggested that under future climates the species could lose 9% and 13.6% of its suitable habitats under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively, confirming the negative impact of climate change on I. beninensis. Urgent conservation measures are needed to save the remaining population of this declining species in Benin.

The use of biotechnological tools in particular somatic embryogenesis (SE) for mass propagation of conifers is relevant, since this method allows to quickly replicate plant material with desired features. However, there are still a number of difficulties in obtaining embryogenic cell culture for Pinus sylvestris. One of the important and unsolved problems is the search for SE-competent genotypes. 674 megagametophytes from 22 donor plants (16 genotypes) were cultured in vitro during 2021 summer period. As a result of the experiment, callus formation was not recorded for the studied genotypes, however, 9.4±1.0% of the explants formed plants. In addition to the genotype effect, unsuitable nutrient medium or late developmental stages of zygotic embryos could be the reasons for the lack of callus induction. To solve these problems, a number of studies were carried out: (1) the effect of the nutrient medium composition and density (MS, MSG, ½LV, DCR) on the callus initiation from mature seeds was analysed, (2) the effect of various growth regulators concentrations on the initiation of callus formation was studied, (3) the analysis of the reproductive competence of donor plants was perfomed by the method of vegetative buds cultivation. As a result, several genotypes were found to have the ability for embryogenic callus formation, and the conditions for explants cultivation were selected.

The small-scale forestry and sustainable forest operations represent a key interest in Europe. Although animal-powered logging could be in part considered less harmful to topsoil, wood stands, saplings, and natural values than heavy machines, this method is rarely covered by scientific studies. Our main aim was to explore the occurrences of horse logging in Hungarian state-owned forests, especially those that are close to nature areas. We contacted every Forest District in Hungary (n=116) by phone in 2013 and 2021. While 39 out of the total 116 Hungarian state forestries hired teams that apply animal logging (draft horse in every case) in 2013, their number fell to 24 for 2021. Within this data, the number of constantly hired horse-logging contractors fell by 53.3% (from 30 to 14). Only 3 Forest Districts owned a horse stock in 2013 (the others employed contractors), while 5 in 2021, however, none of them used horses for logging (but only for touristic and hunting activities). All teams operated at least partially on nature conservation areas in both studied years. Despite this negative tendency, 34 out of the 44 forestries that operate on hilly and mountainous areas still claim for horse logging in 2021, but they cannot find suitable people and horses. It is important to conserve animal logging and promote it among potential loggers with training and financial incentives.