Browsing by Author "Ayan S."

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A major tool for afforestation of semi-aridand anthropogenic steppe areas in Turkey: Pinus nigra J.F. Arnold subsp. pallasiana (Lamb.) Holmboe
(2021-01-01) Ayan S.; Yücedaǧ C.; Simovski B.
In Turkey, almost half of which has semi-arid conditions, steppe areas have continuously been increasing. These areas need to be afforested to prevent desertification. For this purpose, this research presents specifically the Anatolian black pine (Pinus nigra J.F. Arnold subsp. pallasiana /Lamb./ Holmboe) as a suitable forest tree species for afforestation activities, due to wide distribution both in Turkey and the broader region. After a thorough investigation of past and recent literature, and onsite activities, the review focuses on the production of seeds and seedlings of the species, land preparation and planting technique, post-planting site maintenance, success in the afforestation areas and considerations on Anatolian black pine seed transfer regioning. In conclusion, local ecological conditions regarding the species should always be taken into consideration. Another important issue for the success of afforestation in semi-arid lands is that the preparation activities of the land for afforestation are carried out with appropriate techniques timely and painstakingly. Moreover, after the 2000s, Turkish forestry focused on afforestation in semi-arid and anthropogenic steppe areas. Anatolian black pine is the most widely used tree species in semi-arid lands and anthropogenic areas and plays the major role in successful afforestation.
A review on Turkish hazel (Corylus colurna L.): A promising tree species for future assisted migration attempts
(2019-06-01) Šeho M.; Ayan S.; Huber G.; Kahveci G.
Background and Purpose: Turkish hazel (Corylus colurna L.) has been overused because of its valuable wood. Recently, Turkish hazel has been found only in small isolated populations, and very small populations within its natural distribution area, so it has been protected under IUCN with the status "Least Concern (LC)". Therefore, the remaining Turkish hazel populations have a critical importance. Genetic conservation of this tree species plays a key role in sustainable forest development. There have been only a few studies of single populations, but an overview including all countries is still missing. The aim of this publication is to give an overview of ecological and economic importance of Turkish hazel, which is considered as a tolerant tree species to climate change, for dry and warm conditions in Central Europe. Materials and Methods: This review paper has been prepared based on the existing literature such as reports, theses, project documents and publications related to Turkish hazel. This paper applies a literature review of the concepts of: i) Distribution and threats of Turkish hazel, ii) Ecological and economic importance, iii) Regeneration, soil demand and shading tolerance, iv) Seed, seedling, plant production and planting, v) Competitiveness in forest communities, vi) Invasiveness and hybridization, and vii) Future stand mixtures. Results and Conclusions: This review paper should interest forest practitioners and scientists in all countries who work with this important and valuable tree species under climate change. At first, an inventory of all populations in each country is needed. For this purpose, research should focus on the cultivation of convenient provenances of Turkish hazel under climate change. Next, genetic differences should be determined in the laboratory using genetic markers. After the assessment of the phenotype and genotype of different provenances, it would be possible to recommend provenance for each ecological condition and assisted migration (AM). Main recommendations for each country are used for selecting and establishing gene conservation units (in-situ and ex-situ) and seed orchards that will ensure the survival of Turkish hazel, and for building the base for cultivation in the future. In addition, the results might be a basis for future provenance tests, plantations and possibilities of assisted migration attempts.
Accumulation of heavy metal pollution caused by traffic in forest trees in the park of Kerey and Janibek Khans of the city of Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
(2021-01-01) Ayan S.; Sarsekova D.; Kenesaryuly G.; Yilmaz E.; Gülseven O.; Şahin İ.
Air quality in Nur-Sultan, the fast-growing new capital city of Kazakhstan, has been poorly investigated. This research was carried in Kerey and Janibek Khans Park in Nur-Sultan, the capital city of Kazakhstan, which is affected by “different traffic density” on the roads. Three different categories of contamination (i) high pollution (distance from the main road 10–15 m), (ii) moderate pollution (distance from the side road 15–30 m), and (iii) low pollution (distance from the source of contamination 30–80 m) at different levels resulting from urban transportation were examined. The aim of the study is to determine the pollution accumulation amounts of Ni, Cd, Pb, Cr, Li, Co, Fe, and Zn in five different tree species: Norway spruce (Picea abies /L./ H. Karst.), blue spruce (Picea pungens Engelm.), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.,), Siberian larch (Larix sibirica Ledeb.), and silver birch (Betula pendula Roth). Significant differences in Ni, Cd, Pb, Cr, Li, Co, Fe, and Zn accumulation amounts were determined between three different parts of the park exposed to different levels of contamination. Approximately twice higher Ni, 2.3 times Cd, 3.3 times Pb, 2.7 times Co, 1.6 times Zn accumulation were determined in the area exposed to high pollution than in the parts of the park exposed to low pollution. Cd deposition in the area exposed to high contamination was higher in silver birch than in Scots pine and Norway spruce, while Cr and Co deposition values were higher in Norway spruce than in birch and Scots pine.
Age-related changes of some chemical components in the leaves of oriental beech (fagus orientalis lipsky.)
(2019-12-01) Turfan N.; Ayan S.; Yer E.N.; Özel H.B.
Background and Purpose: This study presents the analysis of photosynthetic pigments, proline, total soluble protein, total amino acids, glucose, sucrose, total soluble sugars, total amount of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration in the leaf samples collected from oriental beech trees, which are naturally spread in Kastamonu Province, Turkey, with differing ages, enzyme activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Material and Methods: The research was carried out on oriental beech trees (Fagus orientalis L.) of different ages located at 1300 m high elevation in Ahlat Village of Kastamonu Province, Turkey. Oriental beech trees of different ages (≥25, ≥50, ≥100, ≥200 and ≥600 years-old) constituted the material of this study. In leaf samples taken from trees of different ages, photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and carotenoid), proline, total soluble protein, total amino acid, glucose, sucrose, total soluble sugars, the amount of total phenolic compounds and flavonoids, MDA, H2O2 concentration, enzyme activities of APX, CAT and SOD, as well as the relationship between the total content of C, N and H elements and the tree ages were studied. Results: As a result of the research conducted, significant differences were determined in terms of chlorophyll, total phenolic compound, flavonoid, glucose, amounts of sucrose, nitrogenous compounds, proline, total soluble protein, MDA, H2O2 concentrations, and the activities of APX, CAT and SOD in the leaves of oriental beech trees with differing ages. The highest content of chlorophyll a was found to be in the youngest age group of ≥25 years. Total chlorophyll is low in young trees and high in middle-aged, old and very old trees. According to the results obtained, it was concluded that the MDA and H2O2 concentrations in the trees did not vary depending on the age of trees only, but also on the genotype, environmental conditions and metabolic activities. It was concluded that the fact that the total chlorophyll, phenolic compounds and sucrose content in oriental beech trees are high and that MDA content is low could have an influence on the long life of ≥600 years-old oriental beech trees. Conclusions: The activity of photosynthesis is related to leaf characteristics more than the age of trees.
Age-related changes of some chemical components in the leaves of sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.)
(2020-05-01) Turfan N.; Ayan S.; Celik E.N.Y.; Ozel H.B.; Onat S.M.
The aim of this study was to investigate the developmental physiology of sweet chestnut trees (Castanea sativa Mill.) of different age groups (≥ 25, ≥ 50, ≥ 100, ≥ 200, and ≥ 400) in the Catalzeytin district of Kastamonu, Turkey. For this purpose, photosynthetic pigments, proline, total soluble protein, glucose, sucrose, total soluble carbohydrate and starch values, malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration, and also ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were measured in leaf samples. Hence, significant differences were found in the amounts and concentrations of all types of chlorophyll, carotenoid, proline, total soluble protein, glucose, sucrose, total soluble carbohydrate, starches, MDA, H2O2, APX, CAT, and SOD among the trees of different age groups. While the chlorophyll a value was low in young trees, the chlorophyll b value was low in older trees. It was determined that the MDA content was high in old trees, whereas it was low in young trees. While the amounts of glucose, sucrose, total soluble carbohydrate, and starch were highest in ≥ 400-year-old trees, they were lowest in the young trees. Both APX and CAT activities were high in young trees, whereas SOD activity was lowest in ≥ 400-year-old trees.
Alternative tree species under climate warming in managed European forests
(2018-12-15) Thurm E.A.; Hernandez L.; Baltensweiler A.; Ayan S.; Rasztovits E.; Bielak K.; Zlatanov T.M.; Hladnik D.; Balic B.; Freudenschuss A.; Büchsenmeister R.; Falk W.
This study estimates the present and future distribution potential of 12 thermophilic and rare tree species for Europe based on climate-soil sensitive species distribution models (SDMs), and compares them to the two major temperate and boreal tree species (Fagus sylvatica and Picea abies). We used European national forest inventory data with 1.3 million plots to predict the distribution of the 12 + 2 tree species in Europe today and under future warming scenarios of +2.9 and +4.5 °C. The SDMs that were used to calculate the distributions were in a first step only given climate variables for explanation. In a second step, deviations which could not be explained by the climate models were tested in an additional soil variable-based model. Site-index models were applied to the found species distribution to estimate the growth performance (site index) under the given climate. We find a northward shift of 461 km and 697 km for the thermophilic species over the regarded time period from 2060 to 2080 under a warming scenario of 2.9 °C and 4.5 °C, respectively. Potential winners of climatic warming have their distribution centroid below 48°N. Fagus sylvatica and Picea abies will lose great parts of their potential distribution range (approx. 55 and 60%, respectively). An index of area gain and growth performance revealed Ulmus laevis, Quercus rubra, Quercus cerris and Robinia pseudoacacia as interesting alternatives in managed temperate forests currently dominated by F. sylvatica and P. abies. The 12 investigated species are already in focus in forestry and it has been shown that the changing climate creates conditions for a targeted promotion in European forests. Nevertheless, area winners exhibited lower growth performances. So, forest conversion with these warm-adapted species goes hand in hand with loss of overall growth performance compared to current species composition. So, the results are a premise for a further discussion on the ecological consequences and the consistency with forest socio-economic goals and conservation policies.
ANTIOXIDANT VARIABILITY OF THE SEEDS IN CORE AND MARGINAL POPULATIONS OF TAURUS CEDAR (Cedrus libani A. Rich.)
(2018-01-01) Ayan S.; Turfan N.; Yer E.N.; Šeho M.; Özel H.B.; Ducci F.
Genetic diversity is the basis for adaptation and survival of tree species under changing environmental conditions, representing the key issue of stability and productivity of forest ecosystems. In this study, core and marginal populations of Taurus cedar (Cedrus libani A. Rich.) were investigated due to their importance in gene conservation. Assessment of genetic diversity in isolated populations is of great importance for the conservation and improvement programs. Under global climate change conditions, they may possess genotypes of future adaptive potential. The aim of this study is to determine the amount of proline to understand water deficiency stress of the population, total soluble proteins, MDA, H 2 O 2 , α-amylase, the variability of antioxidant as CAT, SOD, APX and GuPX of Taurus Cedar seeds fromfive core populations (Kahramanmaraş-Andırın/Elmadağı (AND), Adana-Pozantı/ Pozantı (POZ), Mersin-Anamur/Abanoz (ANA), Antalya-Finike/Aykırıçay (FIN) and Antalya-Kaş/Karaçay (KAS)) and one marginal provenance (Amasya-Tokat-Niksar/Çatalan (NIK)) in Turkey. According to the results, a significant difference was detected between populations. Significantly higher amounts of proline were detected for ANA (7,46 µmol/g) and POZ (7,22 µmol/g) populations, whereas the lowest amounts of proline were detected in KAS (3,98 µmol/g) population, which represent the optimal distribution of Taurus cedar. This finding indicates that POZ and ANA populations, in the transition zone from Mediterranean region to steppe territory, are more resistant to the frost, than the other populations. The highest α-amilase enzyme amount was detected in POZ population, growing in the optimum range for Taurus cedar. Significantly higher levels of H 2 O 2 were detected in NIK (11,97 µmol/g) and ANA (11,60 µmol/g). This is an indication of higher levels of oxidative stress in the seed samples of these populations. With the present research it’s verified that, enzymes such as SOD, CAT, GuPX and APX, controlling reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in plant cells, are the elements of the antioxidant defence system functioning as protective mechanisms for plants against stress conditions. From the practical point of view, improvement in afforestation performance can be achieved on the steppe of Central Anatolia Region holding the potential afforestation areas of Turkey, through use of forest reproductive materials from POZ and ANA stands with their higher resistance against stress, and NIK as an isolated and marginal population.
Characteristics of Plantations on Disturbed Lands in Copper Smelting Zone in Urals, Russia
(2023-01-01) Bachurina A.V.; Zalesov S.V.; Ayan S.
In this research, it was aimed to investigate (i) the recultivation efficiency, (ii) to assess the plantation state via a complex estimated indicator, and (iii) to evaluate the environmental quality in disturbed lands in a zone under influence of copper smelting production. The research was carried out on Golden Mountain, located in the influenced zone of the Karabashed Joint Stock Company. In three plantations as reclamation sites established by sowing and planting, silver birch (Betula pendula Roth), aspen (Populus tremula L.), balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera L.), goat willow (Salix caprea L.) as broadleaves, and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Siberian spruce (Picea obovata Ledeb.) as conifers were selected. Moreover, environmental quality was rated based on the condition scores by collecting leaf samples in four different sites of silver birch forests. As a result, the fluctuating activity method of the silver birch leaf blade seems to be effectively used to assess the environmental quality. At a considerable distance of 8.0 and 13.0 km from the pollution source, the environmental quality has an average [condition score: III with .046 integral asymmetry index] and initial level (condition score: II with .041 integral asymmetry index) of deviation from the norm, respectively. In addition, silver birch can be recommended as the main species in forestry on disturbed lands in the South Ural forest steppe region.
Clonal variation in growth, flowering and cone production in a seed orchard of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in Turkey
(2009-09-01) Sivacioǧlu A.; Ayan S.; Çelik D.A.
In this study, observations and measurements were made on five grafts for each of 30 clones in three successive years (2006, 2007 and 2008) on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) seed orchard established in 1995 by using 2 years-old grafts in Turkey. The examined characters were total height, diameter at base, number of branches, length of terminal shoot, length of lateral shoot, length of longest branch, number of male whorls, number of male flowers in a whorl, number of male flowers, length of male whorl, number of female flowers, cone number and crown diameter. Variation, broad-sense heritability and correlations between characters were estimated. Variation among clones was lower than among grafts for all studied characters. The broad sense heritability varied in a range of 0.15-0.38 for growth related characters, while it varied in a range of 0.15-0.59 for flowering related characters. The genetic variation for female and male flowering number is 36.5% and 82.8%, respectively. The number of flowers increased with the graft size. Significant correlations between the growth and flowering related characters varied in a range of 0.20-0.59 and 0.17-0.26 for male and female flowering, respectively. © 2009 Academic Journals.
Correction: Sarsekova D, Ayan S, Talgat A, 2020. Ectomycorrhizal Flora Formed by Main Forest Trees in the Irtysh River Region of Central and Northeastern Kazakhstan
(2021-01-01) Sarsekova D.; Ayan S.; Abzhanov T.
Drought-Responsive Hsp70 Gene Analysis in Populus at Genome-Wide Level
(2016-04-01) Yer E.N.; Baloglu M.C.; Ziplar U.T.; Ayan S.; Unver T.
The heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) family members are known as molecular chaperones. They play a crucial role in protecting plant cells and tissues from thermal or abiotic stress through protein folding and in assembly, stabilization, activation, and degradation processes. Although many studies have been performed to identify molecular functions of individual family members, there is a limited study on genome-wide identification and characterizations of Hsps in the Populus model tree genus. We have identified 34 poplar Hsp70 genes, which were phylogenetically clustered into three major groups. Gene structure and motif composition are relatively conserved in each group. Mainly tandem and infrequently segmental duplications have a significant role in poplar Hsp70 gene expansion. The in silico microRNA (miRNA) and target transcript analyses identified that a total of 19 PtHsp70 genes were targeted by 27 plant miRNAs. PtHSP70-14 and PtHSP70-33 are the most targeted by miR390 and miR414 family members, respectively. For determination of drought response to Hsp70 genes, publicly available RNA-seq data were analyzed. Poplar Hsp70s are differentially expressed upon exposure to different drought stress conditions. Expression analysis of PtHsp70 genes was also examined under drought stress in drought-sensitive and drought-resistant Populus clones with quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). PtHsp70-16 and PtHsp70-26 genes might provide adaptation to drought stress for both clones. Because of high expression responses to drought in only resistant Populus clone, PtHsp70-25 and PtHsp70-33 genes might be used for determination of drought-tolerant clones for molecular breeding studies. This research provides a fundamental clue for contribution of PtHsp70s to drought tolerance in poplar.
Ectomycorrhizal flora formed by main forest trees in the Irtysh river region of central and northeastern Kazakhstan
(2020-01-01) Sarsekova D.; Ayan S.; Talgat A.
In this study, the aim was to determine and identify symbiotically living ectomycorrhizas of the main tree species forming forests in central and northeastern Kazakhstan. Surveys were conducted on the right bank of the Irtysh River in a mixed forest of Pinus sylvestris, Picea obovata and Betula pendula trees. The collection was formed and the primary identification of voucher samples of fruiting bodies of macromycetes collected as ectomycorrhiza forming fungi was completed. In the collection and species identification of fruiting bodies, standard methods were used. A total of 30 ectomycorrhizas belonging to Agaricomycetes were identified. The distribution of 30 species into families is as follows: Suillaceae (8), Russulaceae (7), Cortinariaceae (4), Boletaceae (3), Tricholomataceae (2), Amanitaceae (1), Cantharellaceae (1), Gomphaceae (1), Gomphidiaceae (1), Paxillaceae (1), and Bankeraceae (1). The richest genus on account of the number of species was Suillus (8). Concerning the woody host species, 17 mycorrhizas were determined to build symbiosis with P. sylvestris, 8 mycorrhizas with B. pendula, 6 mycorrhizas with Populus tremula, 1 mycorrhiza with P. obovata, 1 mycorrhiza with Quercus robur, 1 mycorrhiza with Salix sp., and 1 mycorrhiza with Pinus densiflora Siebold and Zuccarini. Ectomycorrhizas should be used as a major performance-enhancing tool in afforestation and restoration studies in the Irtysh River basin under extreme ecological conditions and under climate change effects.
Ectomycorrhizal Symbionts of Scots Pine and Silver Birch Forest Ecosystems in the Natural Reserve Ertis Ormany in Kazakhstan
(2023-01-01) Sarsekova D.; Vaishlya O.; Nurlabi A.; Ayan S.
Effect of climate change on potential distribution of Cedrus libani A. Rich in the twenty-first century: an Ecological Niche Modeling assessment
(2021-05-01) López-Tirado J.; Vessella F.; Stephan J.; Ayan S.; Schirone B.; Hidalgo P.J.
The present study is focused on the potential distribution of the Lebanese cedar (Cedrus libani) in the present and in the future throughout the twenty-first century. The location of this work encompasses Lebanon, Syria and Turkey. Twenty-four environmental variables are used and two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) scenarios for two different time periods are studied: RCP 4.5 2050, RCP 4.5 2070, RCP 8.5 2050 and RCP 8.5 2070. The most interesting novelty is the use of 13 General Circulation Models and 6 algorithms (Climate Space Model, Envelope Score, Environmental Distance, Genetic Algorithm for Rule-set Production, Maximum Entropy and Support Vector Machines) were considered for modelling. Area Under the Curve is used as goodness of fit and building the final consensus map. The global habitat suitability area would enlarge in the forecasted scenarios with respect to the present, although it would be more restricted in 2070 due to the altitudinal shift. This study also suggests an interesting approach to manage C. libani stands by means of afforestation programs aiming to face global warming in the late twenty-first century.
Effect of climate change on potential distribution of oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky.) in the twenty-first century in Turkey
(2022-04-01) Ayan S.; Bugday E.; Varol T.; Özel H.B.; Thurm E.A.
The rising temperatures and decreasing rainfall are expected to have negative effects on ecosystem services by causing significant shrinkage or shift of forest distribution particularly in Mediterranean basin. In this study, it was aimed to determine the distribution of oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky.) by modelling the current and future potential locations of the habitats. With Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) approach, we predicted its distribution under current and future conditions (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) in Turkey. Modelling was performed by using eight bioclimatic variables that show significant relationship to the current distribution of oriental beech and were widely used in the literature. The fitted model had high quality (93.5% AUC) and is biological meaningful. The prediction of warmer condition in future showed that the populations on the southern slopes of the North Anatolian Mountains were expected to shrink and that there would be reduction in the populations found in the main distribution area in the Istranca Mountains and the Northern Anatolia, especially in populations in the transition zone of Central Anatolia. Also, oriental beech would lose its isolated-marginal populations in the southeast of Turkey. The results highlight the importance of a genetic conservation programme for beech population in Turkey. Otherwise, the genetic pools seem to extinct under climate change. Furthermore, the paper is intended to provide a starting point for a monitoring of oriental beech at the edge of its distribution, to observe its climatic migration.
Effects of Melatonin Applications on Anatolian Black Pine (Pinus nigra J. F. Arnold. subsp. pallasiana (Lamb.) Holmboe) Afforestation Performance in Semi-Arid Areas
(2023-01-01) Çelik E.N.Y.; Ayan S.; Özel H.B.; Turfan N.; Yer B.M.; Abdaloğlu G.
Melatonin, a substantial hormone, is a natural antioxidant agent that functions as a protector against the harmful effects of free radicals. Studies have found that "exogenous melatonin" applications have a positive effect on the growth and development of plants. This study investigated the adaptation of the seedlings that were transported from the nursery to the afforestation site for the process of planting. In 2019 the 2+0 aged bare-rooted Kastamonu/Taşköprü Anatolian Black pine seedlings, which are suitable for planting in semi-arid areas, were selected as research materials. Four different doses of “exogenous melatonin" (250, 500, 1000, and 1500 μM) were administered through two different methods (root-dipping and needle-spraying). Morphological seedling characteristics and bioactive chemical variables were measured for the control group and the seedlings treated with different doses of melatonin. Antioxidant enzyme activities were identified. When both the needle-spraying and root-dipping methods for melatonin application were evaluated in terms of morphological and biochemical variables, the best results were determined in low doses (250 to 500 μM). The results suggest that melatonin provides support to the metabolic process for the resistance of seedlings to low temperatures and semi-arid climatic conditions.
Effects of Nanoparticle Applications on Seedling Survival and Morphological Characteristics in Scots Pine Afforestation
(North Carolina State University, 2023) Ayan S.; Çelik E.N.Y.; Gülseven O.; Yer B.M.; Eskiömer M.
This study was conducted in the afforestation area, using bare-root 2+0-year-old Scots pine seedlings from Kastamonu. The study aimed to determine the impact of nanoparticle (NP) applications on seedling morphological characteristics and seedling survival success. Three different concentrations (low, medium, high) and four different nanoparticle types [Fe₃O₄, CuO, ZnO, TiO2] were applied to the plant root-dipping method in the study. The effects of NP treatments on seedling height (SH), root collar diameter (RCD), stem fresh weight (SFW), root new weight (RFW), seedling fresh weight (SEFW), root dry weight (RDW), stem dry weight (SDW), seedling dry weight (SEDW), sturdiness quotient (SI), root: shoot ratio (R/S), and seedling survival in the field were evaluated. The study results revealed that NP types significantly affected all seedling variables except RFW, SDW, RDW, and SEDW, and NP doses significantly affected all seedling variables except RFW. The binary interaction effects of NP types and doses had a significant effect on all seedling variables, and higher values were obtained compared to the control treatment. Medium and high NP doses were more effective in seedling growth than low doses; the percentage of seedling survival was 61.4% in the control treatment and 95% in the TiO2-Medium NP treatment combination.
Effects of stand types on recreational preferences of society in the Sub-Alpine Zone, northern Turkey
(2022-11-01) Varol T.; Özel H.B.; Kara F.; Çavuş Kara İ.; Ayan S.
The main objective of this study was to examine how different stand types influenced the tendency of visitors for varying recreational activities (i.e., hiking, trekking, camping and hunting) from 1993 to 2018 in the surrounding areas of Uluyayla Natural Recreation Site in Bartin, northern Turkey. A total of 627 visitors were selected on a voluntary basis, and questioned in the form of questionnaire. Most of the participants were in the age of 21–40 years old, and they were mostly (62.4%) male. Most of the participants (82.7%) lived in cities, while 62.8% of them were tourists when visiting the site. In determining the preferences of the visitors regarding the stand types for different recreational activities, several images of each stand were shared with them, and they were asked which stand type they would prefer for a given recreation activity (i.e., hiking, tracking, camping and hunting). A range of options from 1 to 5 in Likert’s scale was used in evaluating the given responses. The degree of positive and negative effects was examined via trend analysis. It was found that stand type had influence on the preferences of visitors regarding the recreational activities. In general, unmanaged and moderately treated stands were more preferred by visitors for the recreational purposes, compared to the previously managed stands. On the other hand, visitors’ preference for the activities were different during two periods (i.e., 1993–2005 and 2006–2018). For each recreational activity, there was an increasing trend from 1993 to 2018. There had been a continuous increase for hunting since 1996, and for trekking and camping after 1999. The increases between 1993–1996 and 1996–1999 were likely due to the increasing awareness of the society as a result of the training and consciousness raising activities for nature conservation. The demand on the recreational activities continuously increased in unmanaged and moderately treated stands, while no significant changes were examined in the previously managed stands. The study points out that forest planning and management should consider different needs of visitors for recreational infrastructure.
Element mobility from the copper smelting slag recycling waste into forest soils of the taiga in Middle Urals
(2021-01-01) Zolotova E.S.; Ivanova N.S.; Ryabinin V.F.; Ayan S.; Kotelnikova A.L.
The article presents the results of assessing the element mobility (chemical elements and compounds) from the copper smelting slag recycling waste into brown forest soils (Haplic Cambisols) of the southern taiga district in Middle Urals, Russia. The copper smelting slag recycling waste was obtained by crushing the cast slag of the Sredneuralskiy Smelter (“technical sand”) followed by flotation extraction of copper concentrate. The investigations were carried out in two forest types, distinguished according to the principles of the genetic forest typology, cowberry shrub pine forest and berry pine forest with linden, and the corresponding clear-cuttings. We conducted the experiment in the autumn before the snow cover was established in two variants: (i) we evenly scattered 1 kg of waste on meter sample plots; (ii) we weighed the “technical sand” by 100 g, packed it in non-woven material and buried it in the soil to a depth of 7–10 cm. Two years later, we dug up the bags with waste and weighed them. The analyses were performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry using Elan-9000 ICP mass spectrometer. As a result of the research, it was found that waste loses 11% mass over 2 years of being in forest soils. The content of Zn, As, Cd, and Se changes most strongly. The difference in the degree of element migration from the “technical sand” to the brown forest soils of the two forest types and clear-cuttings was revealed. The study of the effect of technogenic waste on the dominant and diagnostic species of grassy vegetation in the selected forest ecosystems of the Middle Urals was carried out. There was no negative effect on the qualitative composition of the grassy layer of two forest types and their clear-cuttings after 1 year after a single surface application of mineral waste at a concentration of 1 kg/m2.
Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used for treating diabetes in Agadir Ida Outanane region, Southwestern Morocco
(2020-01-01) Ouhaddou H.; Alaoui A.; Laaribya S.; Ayan S.
In Morocco, diabetes affects 6.6% of men and women nation-wide and is higher in urban areas. Medicinal plants are used commonly by local people of Morocco for treating diabetes. The aim of this study was to identify plants species used for curing diabetes in the Agadir Ida Outanane region, Southwest Morocco. Data were collected by semi-structured and structured interviews. 400 interviews were conducted with knowledgeable villagers. The obtained data were analyzed through fidelity level (FL: 0-100%), use value (UV) and relative frequency of citation (RFC: 0-1). This ethnobotanical survey has identified 22 species belonging to 14 families distributed. The most represented families are Lamiaceae and Asteraceae. Three plants species, Cladanthus mixtus (L.) Chevall, Pulicaria mauritanica Batt., and Salvia aegyptiaca L., are mentioned for the first time for traditional treatment of diabetes. The most frequently cited plant species are Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels, Cistus creticus L., Globularia alypum L., Olea europaea L. This survey shows that traditional medicine is still used and constituted a very rich heritage in Agadir Ida Outanane region. The collected data may help for archiving and conservation of traditional knowledge on the use of medicinal plants in the study area. In addition, it forms a basis for preliminary information required for future phytochemical investigation on the most used plants.