Articles
The Impact of Invasive Species: Managing Threats to Forest Ecosystems
The Impact of Invasive Species in forests with closed canopy is more resistant to invasion by alien plant species due to limited light in the understory. Invasives’ success depends on species-specific and site-specific factors. Competition for space, water, and nutrients also keeps invasives away. Natural forests are more resistant to invasives than planted or managed… Continue reading…
Additional reading
Drought Effects on Forest Productivity
The effects of increasingly frequent and severe droughts are reported globally. Forest productivity decreases due to reduced growth, canopy dieback, and tree mortality. Drought effects are not even and are influenced by internal and external factors. Some adaptation measures to drought-proof forests are suggested based on available information. Drought intensity, frequency, duration, and extent are… Continue reading…
What We Learned About Roots in 2023
Most studies in 2023 focused on root responses to agricultural practices to improve yield using fewer resources. Research into the basic science of roots and the influence of biotic and abiotic factors are the second significant areas of study. Fine roots are a particular area of focus, given their importance in nutrient and water uptake… Continue reading…
Measuring Heat Stress on Forest Trees
The impact of high temperatures directly and alone on trees is significant without the associated drought. Heat effects are recorded at cellular, leaf, and tree levels, inhibiting tree growth and productivity or even mortality. More research is necessary to fully understand the effects of heat stress, which must be supported by on-site, non-destructive data collection… Continue reading…
Minirhizotron Systems for Root Disease Detection
Root diseases are a significant issue in reducing crop yields globally. The damage and symptoms caused by root diseases change morphology and growth dynamics that images and scans can detect. Minirhizotron systems can detect a wide range of root changes reflecting various levels of root disease severity, providing a novel detection method. Root diseases are… Continue reading…
Five Major Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) Research Findings in 2023
Research focuses on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) use to alleviate climate change-driven abiotic stresses like drought and salinity. Efforts are also made to understand the factors that control AMF diversity and abundance, given the importance of mycorrhizae for natural and cultivated areas. Studies also investigate the effect of agricultural practices on AMF composition and diversity… Continue reading…
Microalgae and Artificial Photosynthesis for Renewable Energy
Microalgae’s natural photosynthesis, which uses carbon dioxide in the presence of sunlight, is harnessed to produce electricity and biofuels for renewable energy. Artificial photosynthesis, biomimics, and natural photosynthesis use semiconductors to capture light and fix ambient CO2. Artificial photosynthesis systems produce two types of fuels: hydrocarbons (methane, methanol, and formic acid) and pure hydrogen. Challenges… Continue reading…
