Spontaneous hybrids between the native elms (genus Ulmus L.) have been observed in the forests of Europe. Gene conservation raises questions regarding the genetic background for the complex morphology and taxonomy of elms. Our objective was to dissect morphological and genetic variation in the natural swamps of Ulmus species groups in Lithuanian forests with the aid of leaf morphology and microsatellite (SSR) markers. We sampled leaves from 189 elms at 26 locations to grasp the phenotypic diversity in variable natural habitats in Lithuanian forests. We assigned the elms into six taxonomic and genetics groups based on 31 leaf morphology parameters and tested the genetic differentiation between these six groups at six nuclear SSR loci by using Bayesian and genetic distance-based clustering. The genetic and leaf morphometric analyses of putative elm hybrid swamps indicated a low genetic exchange between U. laevis Pall. and the other Ulmus groups. The genetic and morphometric data supported the differentiation of U. glabra Huds. and U. glabra (female) × U. minor Mill. (male) spontaneous hybrids. In addition, the results of the genetic analysis also confirmed the high level of genome sharing among U. minor and U. minor subsp. minor Richens., where leaf morphology failed to differentiate genetically discrete groups. For gene conservation, we would suggest considering separate gene conservation units selected based on leaf and stem morphology for U. laevis, U. glabra, U. glabra × minor, and the U. minor species complex.
Leaf litterfall decomposition of pedunculate (Quercus robur L.) and sessile (Q. petraea [Matt.] Liebl.) oaks and their hybrids and its impact on soil microbiota Received: 18 August 2016; Accepted: 31 March 2017 Abstract: Trakas Forest is the only natural habitat of sessile oak in Lithuania. Sessile oak stand here is growing about 60-70 km from the nearest natural sessile oak stands in Poland. The purpose of this study was to determine whether autumn leaf litterfall of pedunculate and sessile oaks and their hybrids have different biochemical composition and decomposition rate and, consequently, different impacts on microbial condition of rhizosphere. For this purpose in autumn leaf litterfall C, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, lignin, ash, fat, crude fibre and water-soluble carbohydrates contents and stocks, lignin/N, lignin/P, C/N, C/P, N/P ratios, the decomposition rate and CO 2 emissions were determined. In rhizosphere of studied oak species N, C concentration, pHH 2 O, C/N ratio, and dehydrogenase, urease, phosphatase, bacteria and micromycetes amount were estimated as well. The litterfall of pedunculate oak was distinguished by a higher content of lignin, higher lignin/N ratio, lower decay rate and lower carbon release, which determines decreased activity of micromycetes in the rhizosphere. Metabolic activity of microorganisms differed insignificantly among tree species rhizospheres. However, the potential for the use of carbon compound substrates and biodiversity index have a tendency to be higher in the soil under sessile oak. Lower decomposition rate of leaf litterfall and organic compounds in the rhizosphere under pedunculate oak allowed to suppose that the conditions for natural regeneration were more suitable in stands where sessile and hybrid oaks dominate.
Pedunculate and sessile oak species are sympatric. These oaks hybridize with one another, and this process influences the development of undergrowth. The purpose of this study was to determine how different oak species influence the forest regeneration process. For this purpose, the forest was divided into eight transects of 300 m and 100 m widths, distinguished into temporary plots of 10 m in diameter covering the whole territory of the forest. The distribution of oak undergrowth was calculated by four oak height groups, determining the composition of the first storey, covering of underbrush and herbaceous plant, and forest site. We determined that the spread of oak differed depending on the first storey tree species and underbrush. Grass cover was the biggest influence on the sessile oak. The impurity of sessile oak in oak stands had a positive impact on the development of undergrowth, since the entire undergrowth develops faster than separate components of the undergrowth.
Two alder species (Alnus glutinosa and A. incana) have overlapping distribution, naturally occur in Lithuania, and are considered ecologically and economically important forest tree species. The objective of our study was to estimate the likelihood of spontaneous hybridizations between native alders in natural stands of Lithuania based on leaf morphology and nuclear microsatellite markers. The sampled trees were assigned to the three taxonomic groups of A. glutinosa, A. incana, and potential hybrids based on the leaf and bark morphological traits. The genetic differentiation and potential hybridization between these three groups was tested based on 15 nSSR markers. We identified studied Alnus spp. individuals as pure species and hybrids. Two microsatellite loci were reported as discriminating well between these species. We concluded that our results showed the highest likelihood of two genetic group structures, a clear genetic differentiation between the morphology-based groups of A. glutinosa and A. incana, and rather variable likelihood values in the putative hybrid group. The results provide important implications for genetic conservation and management of Alnus spp.
The Curonian Spit (Lithuanian: Kursiu nerija) is a 98 km long, thin, curved sand-dune spit that separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea coast. The Curonian Spit is home to the highest moving (drifting) sand dunes in Europe. Coniferous woods are prevalent in the Kursiu Nerija National Park (80%). These woods consist mostly of native Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and alien mountain pine (Pinus mugo L.). With the planting of non-native species, there is a need for studies evaluating the effects of alien and native plant species on soil ecosystem properties. We measured soil microbial communities from nearby pairs of native and alien pine species. Forty-two sampling sites of close-growing P. sylvestris and P. mugo were selected. To measure the soil microbial activity in these sites, we used Biolog EcoPlates. We found that the functional diversity of microorganisms that use carbon sources was significantly greater in the mature pine stands. Microbial functional diversity was also greater in the soils of native pine stands. Differences between activity and functional diversity in newly established and old stands were also identified.
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