Post by Andrei Tchentchik on Mar 12, 2020 19:03:09 GMT 2
(.#A.082).- The fir tree, king of Canada's endangered forests ?
THE KING OF EXTINGUISHING FORESTS ?
January 1, 2008.
Archives
Balsam fir
The fir is one of our most prolific conifers. It constitutes about a quarter of the volume of our exploitable wood. Its needles are much appreciated by the spruce budworm, this insect which ravages immense areas of coniferous forests.
Balsam fir prefers moderately drained sites, but it accommodates a wide variety of soils.
It forms pure stands, but it is often accompanied by spruce, white birch and trembling aspen. Its hardiness and great tolerance for shade allow it to grow in the undergrowth and quickly dominate a site, after a disturbance.
Almost white, the balsam fir wood is light, tender and not very resistant.
Widely used in the pulp and construction industries, it is also highly sought after as a Christmas tree.
Global warming is a disturbing threat that will weigh on the globe during the 21st century. But how threatening is it? What will be the main elements affected? In addition to our lakes, global warming affects the future of our forests, which particularly worries biologists, meteorologists and environmentalists who addressed this problem at the IUFRO congress.
What are the issues ?
The main issues discussed at this congress concern the effect of environmental changes on tree populations. In fact, trees that find themselves in an environment to which they are not adapted are in danger and their survival is threatened. The scientists present at this international meeting discussed the conservation of species and their genetic diversity. A large number of research teams are interested in large-scale genetic screening, the aim of which is to build databases and identify the role of certain genes in adaptive responses to climate change. As a result of global warming, some trees are able to migrate to track down their natural environment. "We have observed that in Mexico, certain tree species have migrated to the top of the mountains to find a cooler environment," explains Dr. Bousquet, researcher in the department of forestry and geomatics at Laval University and member of the organizing committee. of the congress. "The problem is that when the average temperature rises, these trees have nowhere to go," he adds.
How do trees work ?
Adult trees produce seeds which are peddled by the wind, insects, birds or even mammals. These seeds can travel greater or lesser distances and will end up in an environment to which they are genetically capable of adapting. Bingo! Trees can grow in these places. "The migration rate of certain tree species is estimated at around 7 km / year," says Dr. Sally Aitken, researcher in the Department of Forest Sciences at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver and director of the Center for Forest Conservation Genetics.
Endangered trees
But there is a problem of genetic diversity. Some trees will be able to migrate, others less and others will not. If they fail to migrate to find a more favorable environment, certain populations of trees risk extinction. It would therefore be crucial to be able to save the seeds of the populations of trees most vulnerable to extinction. “The concept of genetic conservation lies in understanding the genetic diversity between species. Trying to protect this diversity in the event of a risk, by taking measures such as the establishment of ecological parks or the conservation of seeds is a crucial step, "explains Dr Aitken.
Are there any solutions?
Assisted migration is one of the possible solutions. This is a process where seeds are planted in soil further north from the natural habitat in anticipation of limited migration capacity. However, this process is very controversial, since its long-term effects cannot be anticipated.
"A redistribution of populations can lead to changes in associations between species, since trees provide habitat and food for a large number of animals and insects," said Dr Aitken. She also puts her finger on the weakening of trees with regard to insects and diseases in the event of a warmer environment. In British Columbia, very large areas of woodland have been ravaged in recent years by an insect called the mountain pine beetle. It is a beetle that lives and feeds on pine bark and carries a lethal fungus for trees. Normally, the extremely cold winter temperatures considerably hamper the harmful effect of this insect, but as the winters have been particularly mild in recent years, a notable dispersion of the beetle has been observed and a very large number of trees have been ravages.
Allow Quebec to plan and move forward
"This conference will help to identify the problem in Quebec and understand the challenges," said Dr. Bousquet. "The progress made in the precautionary measures taken by other countries leads to reflection and possibly to taking initiatives," he added. “Beyond sharing scientific data, this congress has an educational scope. Graduate students have the opportunity to meet and chat with experienced researchers, pioneers in their field, "said Dr. Jean Bousquet.
F I N .
THE KING OF EXTINGUISHING FORESTS ?
January 1, 2008.
Archives
Balsam fir
The fir is one of our most prolific conifers. It constitutes about a quarter of the volume of our exploitable wood. Its needles are much appreciated by the spruce budworm, this insect which ravages immense areas of coniferous forests.
Balsam fir prefers moderately drained sites, but it accommodates a wide variety of soils.
It forms pure stands, but it is often accompanied by spruce, white birch and trembling aspen. Its hardiness and great tolerance for shade allow it to grow in the undergrowth and quickly dominate a site, after a disturbance.
Almost white, the balsam fir wood is light, tender and not very resistant.
Widely used in the pulp and construction industries, it is also highly sought after as a Christmas tree.
Global warming is a disturbing threat that will weigh on the globe during the 21st century. But how threatening is it? What will be the main elements affected? In addition to our lakes, global warming affects the future of our forests, which particularly worries biologists, meteorologists and environmentalists who addressed this problem at the IUFRO congress.
What are the issues ?
The main issues discussed at this congress concern the effect of environmental changes on tree populations. In fact, trees that find themselves in an environment to which they are not adapted are in danger and their survival is threatened. The scientists present at this international meeting discussed the conservation of species and their genetic diversity. A large number of research teams are interested in large-scale genetic screening, the aim of which is to build databases and identify the role of certain genes in adaptive responses to climate change. As a result of global warming, some trees are able to migrate to track down their natural environment. "We have observed that in Mexico, certain tree species have migrated to the top of the mountains to find a cooler environment," explains Dr. Bousquet, researcher in the department of forestry and geomatics at Laval University and member of the organizing committee. of the congress. "The problem is that when the average temperature rises, these trees have nowhere to go," he adds.
How do trees work ?
Adult trees produce seeds which are peddled by the wind, insects, birds or even mammals. These seeds can travel greater or lesser distances and will end up in an environment to which they are genetically capable of adapting. Bingo! Trees can grow in these places. "The migration rate of certain tree species is estimated at around 7 km / year," says Dr. Sally Aitken, researcher in the Department of Forest Sciences at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver and director of the Center for Forest Conservation Genetics.
Endangered trees
But there is a problem of genetic diversity. Some trees will be able to migrate, others less and others will not. If they fail to migrate to find a more favorable environment, certain populations of trees risk extinction. It would therefore be crucial to be able to save the seeds of the populations of trees most vulnerable to extinction. “The concept of genetic conservation lies in understanding the genetic diversity between species. Trying to protect this diversity in the event of a risk, by taking measures such as the establishment of ecological parks or the conservation of seeds is a crucial step, "explains Dr Aitken.
Are there any solutions?
Assisted migration is one of the possible solutions. This is a process where seeds are planted in soil further north from the natural habitat in anticipation of limited migration capacity. However, this process is very controversial, since its long-term effects cannot be anticipated.
"A redistribution of populations can lead to changes in associations between species, since trees provide habitat and food for a large number of animals and insects," said Dr Aitken. She also puts her finger on the weakening of trees with regard to insects and diseases in the event of a warmer environment. In British Columbia, very large areas of woodland have been ravaged in recent years by an insect called the mountain pine beetle. It is a beetle that lives and feeds on pine bark and carries a lethal fungus for trees. Normally, the extremely cold winter temperatures considerably hamper the harmful effect of this insect, but as the winters have been particularly mild in recent years, a notable dispersion of the beetle has been observed and a very large number of trees have been ravages.
Allow Quebec to plan and move forward
"This conference will help to identify the problem in Quebec and understand the challenges," said Dr. Bousquet. "The progress made in the precautionary measures taken by other countries leads to reflection and possibly to taking initiatives," he added. “Beyond sharing scientific data, this congress has an educational scope. Graduate students have the opportunity to meet and chat with experienced researchers, pioneers in their field, "said Dr. Jean Bousquet.
F I N .
