Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use and perceptions of urban green space: An international exploratory study.

Urban green space (UGS) is an essential element in the urban environment, providing multiple ecosystem services as well as beneficial effects on physical and mental health. In a time of societal crisis these effects may be amplified, but ensuring that they are maintained requires effective planning and management - which is a complex challenge given the rapid changes in modern society and the need for continual adaptation. This study aims to identify the drivers that normally attract visitors to UGS, and to assess the effects of social isolation on the usage and perception of UGS during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Identification of Entomopathogenic Fungi as Naturally Occurring Enemies of the Invasive Oak Lace Bug, (Say) (Hemiptera: Tingidae).

The oak lace bug (OLB), (Hemiptera: Tingidae), was first identified as an invasive pest in Europe in northern Italy in 2000 and since then it has spread rapidly, attacking large forested areas in European countries. The OLB is a cell sap-sucking insect that is native to North America, with spp. as its main host.

Candidate gene SNP variation in floodplain populations of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) near the species' southern range margin: Weak differentiation yet distinct associations with water availability.

Populations residing near species' low-latitude range margins (LLMs) often occur in warmer and drier environments than those in the core range. Thus, their genetic composition could be shaped by climatic drivers that differ from those occurring at higher latitudes, resulting in potentially adaptive variants of conservation value. Such variants could facilitate the adaptation of populations from other portions of the geographical range to similar future conditions anticipated under ongoing climate change.

Forest carbon allocation modelling under climate change.

Carbon allocation plays a key role in ecosystem dynamics and plant adaptation to changing environmental conditions. Hence, proper description of this process in vegetation models is crucial for the simulations of the impact of climate change on carbon cycling in forests. Here we review how carbon allocation modelling is currently implemented in 31 contrasting models to identify the main gaps compared with our theoretical and empirical understanding of carbon allocation.

Limited Genetic Structure of Gypsy Moth Populations Reflecting a Recent History in Europe.

The gypsy moth, , a prominent polyphagous species native to Eurasia, causes severe impacts in deciduous forests during irregular periodical outbreaks. This study aimed to describe the genetic structure and diversity among European gypsy moth populations. Analysis of about 500 individuals using a partial region of the mitochondrial COI gene, was characterized by low genetic diversity, limited population structure, and strong evidence that all extant haplogroups arose via a single Holocene population expansion event.

Poplar response to cadmium and lead soil contamination.

An outdoor pot experiment was designed to study the potential of poplar (Populus nigra 'Italica') in phytoremediation of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). Poplar was treated with a combination of different concentrations of Cd (w = 10, 25, 50mgkg soil) and Pb (400, 800, 1200mgkg soil) and several physiological and biochemical parameters were monitored including the accumulation and distribution of metals in different plant parts (leaf, stem, root). Simultaneously, the changes in the antioxidant system in roots and leaves were monitored to be able to follow synergistic effects of both heavy metals.

Imidiazolium based ionic liquids: effects of different anions and alkyl chains lengths on the barley seedlings.

We studied the effects of five imidiazolium based ionic liquids with different anions and length of alkyl chains linked to imidazolium ring on the early development of barley (Hordeum vulgare). The inhibitory effect depends on the ionic liquids concentration and chemical structure, whereby the most toxic one was [C10mim][Br], followed by [C7mim][Br], [C4mim][Br], [C4mim][CH3CO2] and [C4mim][BF4]. Both anion and cation structures affected the toxicity of ionic liquid indicating that selection of more biocompatible anions such as [CH3CO2] does not necessarily indicate lower toxicity.

Adaptive response of poplar (Populus nigra L.) after prolonged Cd exposure period.

An outdoor pot experiment was designed to study the changes of growth parameters, accumulation, and distribution of Cd in poplar (Populus nigra L.) during a prolonged exposure period (growing period of 17 months including three harvest points), allowing the consideration of time effects and prolonged adaptation to Cd stress. Simultaneously, changes to the antioxidant system in roots and leaves were monitored.

Balance of glucosinolates content under Cd stress in two Brassica species.

We designed a pot experiment to study the changes of growth parameters, accumulation of Cd in cabbage and kale, during a prolonged exposure period with two harvests (after 45 and 75 days of plant growth). Simultaneously, we monitored changes of total S and GSL contents in different plant organs. Both Brassica species showed tolerance to Cd, since no obvious symptoms of metal toxicity were displayed and no significantly reduced plant biomass were recorded.

How socio-economic conditions influence forest policy development in Central and South-east Europe.

In this article, several findings on socio-economic conditions derived from national reports and a web-based questionnaire are discussed and related to the changing role of forestry and the future forest policy development. A number of Central and South-eastern European countries taking part in a SEE-ERA-NET project ReForMan project (www.reforman.